Ridgewood Junior Football Association: FAQs
The NJJFL requires each team to maintain a roster “book” that can be used to individually identify each player on the team. One picture and the birth certificate are included in the roster book for each player. That book is presented to opposing teams before each game so they can immediately challenge any player they feel does not meet NJJFL standards for participation. The roster book is returned to the RJFA coach for use in future games.
Additionally, on “weigh-in day” (see below) an NJJFL official compares each player’s photo to the player presented to establish identity. The NJJFL keeps that second photo in a master file for future reference should a dispute over a player’s identity arise during the season.
Q When does the season start?
The NJJFL allows members to begin practice on the second Saturday in August. Actual start dates for the RJFA are determined on a team by team basis. Please check the Schedule page for information about when and where games will be played.
Q What equipment does the RJFA supply?
Each player is fitted with a protective helmet that includes a facemask, chin strap and mouth guard. Shoulder pads, rib pads, and a “girdle” that contains hip and tailbone pads are also supplied. In addition, each player is supplied with a pair of game and practice pants that include removable knee and thigh pads and an adjustable belt. Finally, each player is supplied both a game and practice jersey with numbers designated by the coaching staff. All equipment is tested and inspected annually to ensure it meets the protective needs of our players. Defective equipment is promptly discarded and replaced. All helmets and pads are fitted to the player’s size by the RJFA staff.
A deposit is collected at registration and is refunded when all RJFA issued equipment is returned at the end of the season. Players may NOT keep their game or practice jerseys or any other equipment. The amount of the deposit can vary each year, refer to the current registration form for the current amount.
In addition to RJFA issued equipment each player must purchase and wear a protective cup and athletic supporter (jock strap). Rubber cleats are allowed and many players wear multi-sport cleated shoes. Baseball spikes are NOT allowed.
It is the individual player’s responsibility to keep his equipment clean and in proper working order. Individual players must replace mouth guards that are chewed beyond effective use. All equipment problems should be reported promptly to a player’s coach. Many players opt to purchase their own white practice pants and an additional belt to help ease laundry chores during a particularly muddy practice season. If your child is a Missile or Jet player, consider buying pants that will last at least two seasons.
Q How often will practice be held?
In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, teams will typically practice four nights per week (Monday - Thursday) for approximately two hours each evening. After school begins practice will be scaled back to a three night a week schedule. The coach of each team will determine the team’s actual practice schedule.
Q Is practice ever cancelled?
Football is an all-weather sport, so we practice and play in the rain, snow, etc. Occasionally your team’s coach may need to reschedule a practice and you will be informed in advance.
Q Where are games played?
RJFA home games are played at Veterans Field on Friday nights and/or Saturday and Sunday. Away games are played at similar times at facilities provided by NJJFL opponents. There are no busses or RJFA supplied vehicles for transportation to away games. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to away games or practice scrimmages for players.
Q How are the games played?
Missile and Jet games consist of four-8 minute quarters. Rocket games consist of four-10 minute quarters. The clock runs continuously without stoppages for out of bounds plays or incomplete passes. With timeouts, halftime, etc. you can expect the game itself to last approximately one hour.
The NJJFL assigns three paid officials for each game (two officials for Missile games). Each team is required to dress at least 15 players. Many, including Ridgewood, also supply cheerleading squads who add immensely to the atmosphere of the game.
At the Missile level, a coach (two coaches in a B game) is allowed to be on the field with his team, but must not have physical contact with the players once the offense breaks its huddle.
Q Who is my teams coach?
A complete list of head coaches at each level can be found on the Schedules page. All coaches are volunteers assigned by the RJFA. The typical RJFA coach devotes between 15-20 hours per week to his team. Most have played at the college level and regularly attend off-season clinics to improve their football knowledge and coaching skills. Comments and suggestions regarding coaching assignments along with any interest in volunteering can be directed to the RJFA Director of Coaching.
Q - What are the age limits for each player group?
Rockets - Must not reach the age of 15 prior to September 1 and may not be entering a grade higher than eighth grade.
Jets - Must not reach the age of 12 prior to June 1 and may not be entering a grade higher than seventh grade.
Missiles - Must not reach the age of 10 prior to June 1 and may not be entering a grade higher than fifth grade.
Q Are RJFA players restricted to maximum weight limits?
All teams in the NJJFL must adhere to weight limits at each competition level.
Missile (3rd and 4th grade) players must be 107 pounds or less
Jets (5th and 6th grade) have a weight limit of 130 pounds and the
Rockets (7th and 8th grade) have a maximum weight of 160 pounds.
There is an additional maximum weight limit placed on players who play in the offensive backfield as ball carriers. Those limits are 95, 117 and 140 pounds, respectively.
Q When are the players weighed?
On the Saturday prior to the start of the season, all players are officially weighed at a facility designated by the governing board of the NJJFL. RJFA players car pool to the site at the designated time and are weighed by team assignment. Each player is required to wear his game jersey at the weigh in and is further identified to league officials by the photos and birth certificate supplied to the RJFA at registration.
Q What happens if a player fails to meet the weight limit?
The NJJFL conducts two more weigh-in sessions during the season. They are scheduled for the weeks following the third and sixth games of the season. Players who exceed the weight limit by no more than 5 pounds (Missiles), 10 pounds (Jets) and 15 pounds (Rockets) are eligible to be re-weighed at those sessions.
A player who exceeds the weight limit is ineligible for participation in NJJFL games, but may continue to practice at the discretion of his RJFA coach. In some cases an over weight player may be promoted to the roster of a higher level team (example – Missile to Jets) at the discretion of the RJFA.
Q Is there a post season?
The NJJFL sponsors a post season “Super Bowl” tournament. The winner of each Conference Championship Game play against each other to determine the NJJFL Champion at each competition level. In addition, the league sponsors a single elimination ‘B’ Tournament, which is open to all ‘B’ teams in the league.
The RJFA season concludes with an annual awards banquet where each team is recognized for its accomplishments during the season.
