INDOOR FOOTBALL FAQ 

Why did the Columbia Ravens decide to start an Indoor program?Indoor football was developed to give children the opportunity to play tackle football in a fun and safe environment.  We wanted to provide a great outlet for children who are only interested in playing football and an opportunity for children who wanted to play a spring sport as well as football.  The practice and game schedules are less intense then the fall season.  Please keep in mind that the league and our teams are still in its infancy.   Operationally we are learning as we go so some patience and flexibility is needed.

What is the difference between the Indoor season and the Fall/Outdoor Season?  Indoor is less intense in terms of team size, number of practices, volunteers required etc. then outdoor.  The emphasis is more on playing then on learning.  This is supposed to be relaxed and fun. You do not need to play for the Columbia Ravens in the fall to participate on our indoor teams. You can be assured that your child’s safety and enjoyment are always our top priorities. The majority of our coaches are fall season Columbia Ravens coaches.  New to the Columbia Ravens coaches and new to tackle coaches (for example a Columbia Ravens Flag coach) have been interviewed by members of the Columbia Ravens Board of Directors.  All coaches have passed background checks.  

Is there going to be a parents meeting? Yes.  Tuesday, Febuary 23,  7 pm - 8 pm at the Howard County Sports Center .  6742 Dorsey Rd. Elkridge, MD 21075        410.796.2300                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         You do not need to be registered to attend the parent information meeting!  

When is registration?  Registration opens on-line Saturday January 15.Walk-up Registration

When does registration end? 4/01/10.  The number of teams fielded will depend on the number of participants and the number of coaches.  The popularity of Indoor football is exploding.  In the 2007 Indoor Season the Columbia Ravens had 40 players, in the 2008 season the Columbia Ravens had 130 players, 2009  175, and we expect even more this year.  It is highly suggested that you register early to insure your child’s spot.  Every year we have to close age groups early.How do I register? There are 3 ways to register.

• Online at www.columbiaravens.com please bring Consent and Waiver form and the signed medical form to one of the parent information meetings or you may mail them.  See parent information meeting question and address for the Columbia Ravens is below.
• Down load the registration form from www.columbiaravens.com, complete the form and mail with your check $75.00, your player’s medical form, and the signed consent and waivers form to

• In person at the Howard County Sports Center                                                                                                        6742 Dorsey Rd                                                                                                                                Elkridge, MD 21075                                                                                                       410.796.2300 
• You will need:
  • check for $75.00
  •  a Columbia Ravens medical form available for download under the forms section on the web site,  signed by a physician with a physical exam date occurring between 3/01/09 and 3/01/10, and the signed consent and waivers form.
• In per son the Howard County Sports Center  address above                

• The cost is $75.00.  You may pay by check or by credit card on-line at www.columbiaravens.com.
• All forms are available for download at www.columbiaravens.com.
• Columbia Ravens Indoor Football Medical Form 2010 signed and dated by a physician.  OR
• Columbia Ravens Tackle Football Medical Form 2009 signed and dated by a physician  if the physical examination (not the date the doctor signed it)took place between March 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009
• If you played for us in the fall, your medical form was returned to you when you turned in equipment, if it was not returned email Mary Adams at mary_adams@verizon.net prior to registration.  Questions concerning medical forms can be sent to registration@columbiaravens.com.
• A signed copy of the Indoor Consent and Waivers document.
• A MD MVA ID card.  Please see the forms section on the web site for more information.  This is the same card that is required for the fall season.
• An equipment deposit check of $150.00 that will be collected at equipment hand-out.  This check will not be cashed and will be returned if all equipment is returned in reasonable condition.

• Teams consist of 11 to 15 players.
• THERE IS NO WEIGHT RESTRICTION.   A 150lb 12 year old could be playing with a 75 lb 12 year old. There are no older but lighters.
•  All teams are divided by age as of SEPTEMBER 1, 2009.  The team breakdown is as follows: 16 U(nder),13U, 12U, 11U, 10U, 9U, and 8U.
• You must be 6 years old by 9/1/09 in order to play.
• The number of teams fielded will depend on the number of participants and coaches.  Register early to insure your spot!
• These are the Indoor league rules, we cannot make exceptions.

When and how long is practice? Practice time will be at coaches’ discretion, but it will not exceed 1 hour per week. This is a Mid Maryland Youth Football League rule governing “off-season” practices.

Where will practice be held?Practices will be held at the Soccerdome. 7330 Montevideo Road, Jessup, MD 20794 (443-755-0014) OR the Soccerdome II 7447 Shipley Ave. Harmans, MD 21077 (443)-891-2431Practices may also be held at the fields behind Harper’s Choice Middle School (the Ravens regular practice fields) depending on the weather, availability, and coaches discretion.

How long are the games? The game consists of two 24 minute halves with a running clock.  The game never exceeds more than an hour.  There are only one 30 second timeout per half and halftime consists of 5 minutes.

Where will the games be played? Games will be played at the Soccerdome. 7330 Montevideo Road, Jessup, MD 20794 (443-755-0014) OR the Soccerdome II 7447 Shipley Ave. Harmans, MD 21077 (443)-891-2431  

Are the games refereed?There are 2 refs per game.  They are the same group of officials that referee for outdoor games.   

I am interested in coaching but have never coached for the Ravens before.  How do I sign up? With the number of players interested this up coming season there is a need for coaches.  Any parent or coach who can give of themselves 2 hours per week (1 hour for practice and 1 hour for the game) please email Tony Ashley at ASHLEYREALTY@aol.com.  You will need an interview and to fill out a background check form.   

What is the difference in an indoor game vs. an outdoor game? The game is played 8-vs-8 with the line comprised of a minimum of 4 position with a center, two guards along with an eligible tight end.  The remaining four players are either backs, receivers or quarterback.  Rules are available under the forms section at www.columbiaravens.com. 

How long does the season last? The season starts in mid March with the first game scheduled for the beginning of April.  The season ends at the end of May/beginning of June.  A complete schedule will be available once the league knows how many teams are being fielded.   I have other questions.

Questions concerning fees, paperwork, and other registration matters may be forwarded to Mary Adams at  mary_adams@verizon.net.

Questions concerning coaching, placement, game rules, etc. may be forwarded to Tony Ashley at ASHLEYREALTY@aol.com.