Indoor football was developed to give children the opportunity to play tackle football in a fun and safe environment.  Our goal is to provide a place for children who only like to play football and a place 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. than outdoor. This is supposed to be relaxed and fun. The emphasis is on playing. 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.

 When does registration end?

 4/01/09.  The number of teams fielded will depend on the number of participants and the number of coaches.  The popularity of Indoor football is exploding.  Last year we tripled the number of participants. It is highly suggested that you register early to insure your child’s spot. As we did in the fall, we will close age groups early if the teams become full.

A refund in given minus a 15% administrative fee if a refund is requested prior to your players team’s second practice.  After the second practice there is no refund.

• 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.
• A signed copy of the Indoor Consent and Waivers document.
• Columbia Ravens Indoor Football Medical Form 2009 signed and dated by a physician with the physical examination date (not the date the doctor signed it) occurring between March 1, 2008 and March 1, 2009..  OR
• Columbia Ravens Tackle Football Medical Form 2008 signed and dated by a physician  if the physical examination (not the date the doctor signed it)took place after March 1, 2008. Questions concerning medical forms can be sent to registration@columbiaravens.com.
• Medical forms must be signed by the parent or guardian.  We will need the form with the original signatures however we do recommend that you make a copy for yourself.
• A copy of your child’s birth certificate or a copy of your child’s MD ID.  Please do not give us originals.
• 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.

What equipment do I need?

The olumbia Ravens provide helmet, shoulder pads, game pants, hip knee thigh and tail bone pads and jersey.  Player provides mouth guard and athletic supporter. For practice the player will need a practice jersey or a large t-shirt that covers the shoulder pads completely.

• Teams consist of 10 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, 2008.  The team breakdown is as follows: 13U(nder), 12U, 11U, 10U, 9U, and 8U.
• You must be 6 years old by 9/1/08 in order to play.
• These are the Indoor league rules, we cannot make exceptions.
• The number of teams fielded will depend on the number of participants and coaches.  Register early to insure your spot!

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.

Practices 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 coached for the Columbia Ravens in the fall and would like to coach indoor.Contact Tony Ashley at ASHLEYREALTY@aol.com.  

  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. 

I have other questions.

Questions concerning fees, paperwork, and other registration matters may be forwarded to registration@columbiaravens.com.

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