Skokie Bashers Youth Tackle Football Program Overview Motto:
The motto for the Skokie Bashers Youth Tackle Football season is: “Team First… Last… Always…” While it may sound cliché, it is our desire to help all the players on the team to start transitioning from childhood to young adulthood. Kids this age are growing in their awareness of the world around them, and looking to see where they fit in. By emphasizing the team first concept, we believe we can help every player on the team to grow in confidence, develop compassion for others , and take pride in their achievements.
Season Objectives:
The goal or objective of an athletic competition is typically to achieve victory. For the Skokie Bashers Youth Tackle Football Team, however, winning is not a goal. Rather, it is an expected by product. If we appropriately focus upon the five objectives below, we will win more than our share of games.
Our Team Objectives are:
1. Have Fun!
2. Develop each player as a person first, and an athlete second.
3. Learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
4. Give positive reinforcement based on effort rather than results.
5. Learn the fundamentals of tackle football, and play it safely.
Division |
School Grade |
Max Weight |
Striper |
Football Size |
---|---|---|---|---|
Juniors | 3rd & 4th | No weight limit | N/A | K2 |
Jr. Varsity | 5th & 6th | No weight limit | 110+ | TDJ |
Varsity | 7th & 8th | No weight limit | 130+ | TDY |
Grade-format expects a player will be within a 3 year age range, similar to how all Middle School and High Schools play football across the country. Exceptions to this range will need League Director approval.
For 5th thru 8th Grade, after weight certification a non-striped player will have a one (1) lb per week weight allowance after the 1st regular season game.
The minimum weight to participate in tackle football is 50 pounds.
Regarding our no weight limit approach and player safety, if a player is deemed to be either too dominant or unable to protect themselves in their age appropriate league, they can be placed in a lower or higher House league - or Travel Tackle - as appropriate with the approval of the President, League Director, and parent.
* PRFB may convert 3rd & 4th grade (Junior League) to a USA Football Rookie Tackle format in 2018.
The Skokie Bashers are part of the Park Ridge (Junior Falcons) Youth Tackle Football League in which communities consist of Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook, Kenilworth, Deerfield, Vernon Hills, and Park Ridge, which will host most of the games in their league.
Fees
Cost for the season is $300/player
Discount: $475 maximum for families that sign up multiple children.
Pay online or make checks payable to: Skokie Park District
Mail/drop fees/forms to:
Bob DeLeonardis
Weber Leisure Center 9300 Weber Park Pl. Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 929-7183 RDeLeonardis@SkokieParks.orgTwo of the Nation’s most storied Youth Football Leagues have announced their intent to form a Co-op which is believed to be the first ever in the Midwest. For more information, please click the PDF document below.
Helmets only practice begins Wednesday August 14th at TBD, 5:30p - 7:30pm, through Friday August 16th.
Equipment distribution will occur during practices on August 15, 16, & 17. Athlete must be present with registration form and medical information signed by physician (see registration form).
Pre-Season practices will go from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, tentatively, Monday - Saturday, starting 8/19 to 8/30/19.
Once the sunset sooner, practice will be from 5pm- 7pm.
Regular season practices start September 3rd.
Games will be on Friday/Saturday nights in Park Ridge or Sunday afternoons at surrounding communities, beginning September 6th - through end of October, first week of November.