1. When does the season start?
Practice starts the first of August, the season starts the first of September. The season ends the second week of November with the championship games.

2. In which league does Cahaba Valley/Briarwood teams participate?
The league is called Jefferson Shelby Youth Football League. Other participating members are Oak Mountain, Pelham, Helena, Thompson, Homewood, Vestavia, Hoover, Spain Park and Chelsea.

3. Where and when are the games played?
The schedule is arranged by the league and is released about one month prior to the first game. Games will be held at participating parks. Generally, about half of the games will be home and played at Briarwood High School, and the other half away. Games will be played weekly, either on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday nights at the other parks. The game night may vary from week to week.

4. What times are the games?
Junior division (80,90,105#) games begin at 6:00 and senior division (120,130) begin at 7:15 and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The game schedule is arranged by the league. The league has made every effort to expedite these games, however, they must provide a schedule that satisfies many considerations.

5. When will we practice?
The practice schedule is a reflection of the game schedule. Generally, teams practice 2 to 3 times a week, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours per practice. You may practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If, for example you have a Monday game, you may practice Saturday. A team may practice in the pre-season on Fridays, but generally do not practice on Fridays during the season. Practices cannot start before 6:00 due to Jr. High and High School teams practice schedules. Please be at all practices, your commitment to the team is important.

6. Where will we practice?
All our teams will practice at Briarwood High School on the field behind the Varsity game field press box. It is commonly called the "shelf". The coaches are assigned practice times prior to the season.

7. How much will my son play?
This program is a competitive program, and includes all desiring participants who compete for positions and playing time. Playing time will depend on a persons experience, ability, skills, understanding of the game, needs of the team, and game situation. The position and playing time are determined by the coaches on each team, based on the above criteria. It is our desire to see every child play in every game. Playing time can be an issue with some parents. All kids in our park have an equal opportunity to practice and develop skills and fundamentals, however, there is no way to ensure that all play equally.

8. What equipment does our program provide?
Cahaba Valley Football provides HELMETS, GAME PANTS, and a GAME JERSEY (You will keep the jersey)

9. What equipment must I provide?
You must provide a CHIN STRAP, MOUTHPIECE, SHOULDER PADS, EXTRA PRACTICE JERSEY, PRACTICE PANTS, PANT PADS, ANY ARM PADDING, WHITE MID-CALF SOCKS and SHOES. We will provide you with the best source for these items.

10. What division can or will my son participate?
There are 4 age/weight divisions. A player may play up in age and weight but may not play down a division. The first criteria is age, followed by weight. Eligibility requirements for age and weight apply equally to all parks in the JSYFL. Divisions and age/weight requirements are below:

Jr.3 (90 lbs.) - Teams for players who are 7 & 8. Players cannot be 9 years old before May 1 of the current year. Players who turn 9 between May 1 and August 31 must be in 3rd Grade. Players must weigh-in at 90.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing between 91 and 100.9 lbs. will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules).  The 90 lbs Division Team will be formed only if registration volume allows.  Players for this division can only play in the 105 lbs division for age/weight reasons.

Jr.4 (105 lbs.) - Teams for players who are 8 & 9. Players cannot be 10 years old before May 1 of the current year. Players who turn 10 between May 1 and August 31 must be in 4th Grade. Players must weigh-in at 105.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing between 106 and 115.9 lbs. will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules).

Sr.1 (120 lbs.) - Teams for players who are 9 & 10. Players cannot be 11 years old before May 1 of the current year. Players who turn 11 between May 1 and August 31 must be in 5th Grade. Players must weigh-in at 120.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing between 121 and 135.9 lbs. will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules).

Sr.2 (130 lbs.) - Teams for players who are 10, 11, and 6th Grade 12 year olds. Players cannot be 12 years old before May 1 of the current year. Players that turn 12 after December 31 and before May 1 of the current year will be allowed to play proved the player was on a Certified JSYFL roster for the previous season.  Players must weigh-in at 130.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing between 131 and 150.9 lbs. will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules).

11. What is the refund policy if my son quits?
Once you register, the Cahaba Valley Football Board makes an expendure for equipment, supplies, and insurance for the player. If the player quits before the first practice, you will receive all but $50 of your $300 registration fee, provided you return the already distributed equipment. Once your child signs up, we buy insurance and pay a field fee before the season begins. After the first practice, you will receive 50% of your total fee ($150.00) regardless of your reasons for not finishing.

12. How are teams chosen?
If a particular age group has enough players for two teams, then the director, asst. director and the head coaches of the age group determine the division of the teams.

13. If I homeschool, can my child participate?
Maybe, if you have another child currently in Briarwood School, or you are pre-enrolled in Briarwood Christian School. You will have to be released by the closest park in the Jefferson Shelby Youth Football League based on your residence. There is no guarantee the league will approve a non Briarwood student.

14. Are there any alternative youth football leagues which may be less competitive in nature?
Yes. Although there are several other youth football leagues in this area, most are equally or more competitive in nature. However, as an alternative to a competitive youth football league, CVYF recommends that you consider the Over-the-Mountain Recreational Youth Football League which offers participation for players in grades 3rd through 6th that live in the Over-the-Mountain areas (Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Pelham, Shelby County and others). CVYF is not affiliated or associated with the Over-the-Mountain Recreational Youth Football League. The Over-the-Mountain Recreational Youth Football League offers unique features which include restricted team sizes and mandatory play guidelines. For more information, please visit this league's web site at www.otmyf.org.