Herndon Optimist Youth Flag Football (HOYFF) is a sports program organized under the Optimist Club of Herndon, Virginia. We are a recreational, developmental youth flag football program run entirely by volunteers. The HOYFF management team are people in your community who share a commitment to giving back to their community and improving the lives of children in our community. Skills development, equitable player participation, teamwork, and good sportsmanship are our priorities. 

Player Eligibility

All boys and girls in grades K thru 12 are eligible to play in the program; there are no geographic or school attendance boundaries.

Players are grouped into divisions based on their grade (e.g., K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12). Grade K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 Divisions are coed; The Grade 9-12 Division is separated into girls and boys teams provided there are a sufficient number of registrations for separate teams. The final decision on divisions will be based on the number of players in each grade and gender that register.

NEW THIS SEASON:

The Grade K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 Division teams will play 5v5 games on Saturdays and players will be assigned to a team based on the elementary school they attend. Depending on the number of registrations per school, some school teams may be combined into one team or split into two teams. 

The Grade 7-8 and 9-12 Division teams will play 7v7 games on Sundays and training will align with the Herndon High School (HHS) football program player development objectives.

Coach and Team Assistant Eligibility

Coaching and assisting a team are volunteer positions. For Grade K-8 teams, Head Coaches must be at least 19 years old and Assistant Coaches and Team Assistants must be at least 14 years old. For Grade 9-12 teams, Head Coaches must be at least 25 years old and Assistant Coaches and Team Assistants must be at least 19 years old.

The team Head Coach receives one free registration for his child on the team (game shirt/jersey fee is still required), coaching supplies, team training materials, and game plays.

All adult team staff members/volunteers must complete a background check and a youth abuse prevention online training course and exam before leading or assisting in any youth sports program activity. 

Coaches will be required to attend a coaches clinic at the beginning of the season to ensure they are knowledgeable of the HOYFF rules and procedures for the current season. 

Referee Eligibility

Players are eligible to also be a referee which is a paid position.  Youth referees must be at least 12 years of age and in grade 7 or higher. 

Referees are expected to provide their availability information weekly by the deadline specified by the Commissioner.

Referees are expected to know the game rules, be on time for their assigned games, and dress appropriately. Referees are provided one game official shirt and whistle. Referees must provide their own black shorts/sweatpants and athletic shoes, all of which must be in good condition. 

Both new and returning referees must complete the mandatory training and pass an evaluation before they will be paid to referee a game. The training is held before the first games and varies from 1-3 sessions depending on whether you are a new or returning referee. The evaluation will be held during a team scrimmage or game and will be used to set your pay grade based on referee skill rating level: Candidate $15/game; Junior $25/game; Senior $35/game; Director $45/game.

Season Schedule

Player Skills Clinic: This is an opportunity for new players to learn basic skills of throwing and catching and experienced players to refresh their skills before the Player Skills Evaluation. 

Player Skills Evaluation (Combine): Players perform throwing, catching, and speed drills to evaluate their skill level. All players who attend the combine and complete payment of registration and jersey fees are placed on a team. Players who do not attend the combine will be wait-listed and may be evaluated and assigned to a team by the Commissioner if there is room on a team.

Team Practices: Practices for the Grade K-2 Division are held on Saturday mornings for 30 minutes before their game; Practices for the Grade 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12 Divisions are held one night a week for 1.5 hours (specify available practice nights during the registration process). Coaches contact families with team practice information after the team draft completes. 

Games: Regular season games for Grade K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 Divisions are held on Saturday mornings-afternoon at the HMS grass field. Grade 7-8 and 9-12 Division games are held on Sunday evenings at the Herndon High School (HHS) community turf field. The game schedule is posted after the team draft completes and consists of seven to nine games per season, depending on how many teams are in a division and weather conditions. Makeup games for Grade K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 Divisions may be held on Sundays. 

Fees

• Registration Fee: $100; Includes flag belt and one mouthguard (additional mouthguards available for $1 each)
• Grade K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 Division Game Shirt Fee: $15
• Grade 7-8 and 9-12 Division Game Jersey Fee: $35

Equipment Needed

Player must provide own shorts, socks, athletic shoes (cleats are recommended but not required), and water bottle.

Game shirts/jerseys will be distributed prior to the first game to players who have fully paid their fees.

Payment Options

• Credit/Debit Card
• Electronic Check/Funds Transfer (ACH)

Discounts / Financial Aid

• Family Multi-Participant Discount: Each additional family member receives a $10 discount.
• Athletic Scholarship: Fairfax County residents only; Request financial aid and provide supporting documentation during the registration process; Payment for game shirt/jersey is still required.
• Head Coach Discount: Registration fee waived for one child per Head Coach; Request head coach discount during the registration process; Payment for game shirt/jersey is still required.

Refunds

• If a participant withdraws and notifies the Commissioner at least 5 days before the first game day of the season, Registration Fee will be refunded. Game Shirt/Jersey Fee will be refunded if shirt/jersey is promptly returned and is clean and in good condition.
• If a participant is waitlisted and not placed on a team prior to the first game day of the season, Registration and Game Shirt/Jersey Fees will be refunded.
• If a participant or family is removed from the program for refusing to follow HOYFF Code of Conduct Rules or Fairfax County/HOYFF health and safety rules/protocols, no fees will be refunded.
• If Fairfax County or Town of Herndon cancels our access to field space, the amount of fees refunded, if any, will depend on the costs already incurred by the program.