Football Program

 When do practices begin?

• Practice officially begins on August 1st
• Each team will practice 3 days a week throughout the season. 
• Practices will last 1.5 hours
• If player misses 2 or more practices, they will not qualify to play that weeks game.
• Practices will be held at Valwood: 4380 Old U.S. 41 N, Hahira, GA 31632 

How long is the season?

• Most teams will play a 10 game season
• Scrimmages begin in mid August
• League games begin late August
• Teams may qualify for playoffs and championships, which would extend the season into early December

Where and when are the games played?

• All home games are played at Lowndes Middle School: 2379 Copeland Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601 
• A tentative game schedule is prepared by American Youth Football and provided to us in mid August with game times and locations.
• AYF has the authority to alter a game schedule at any given time due to unforeseen circumstances. Please be patient and understanding with your coaches and team moms when AYF makes changes to the schedule. 

What is my child’s scholastic obligation?

• Scholastic responsibility is the most important component of our program
• Your child must turn in a final report card for the upcoming season
• The required overall grade point average required is 2.0 (C average)
• Scholastic waivers are available for those participants who do not meet the scholastic eligibility standards
• ALL participants (football and cheer) who play under a scholastic waiver must abide by the specific criteria required by American Youth Football 

What is the expected behavior of players, parents, and guests when attending practice, games, or other team events?

• All are expected to be on their best behavior and follow the American Youth Football Code of Conduct for participants and spectators at all practices, games, events, etc. 
• No violence, threats of violence, weapons, drugs, alcohol, or any other inappropriate language or behavior will be tolerated at any practices, games, events, etc.
• If unable to abide by the AYF Code of Conduct, the player, parent, or guest will be escorted off of the property with the possibility of expulsion from The Raiders Organization
• Additional legal repercussions may result depending on the infraction