1.      This league is new to me. Can you tell me more about it?

Michael Curran has been involved in indoor/arena football leagues all the way to the pro level since the 1990’s, with Sherry joining him the past 2 years. Michael is founder and CEO of the UIFL which begins its 10th season November 1, 2008, and he is co-founder and Executive V.P. of the UYIFL. Sherry is co-founder and President of the UYIFL. Please click on "board" on the menu to read more about Michael and Sherry.

You can also check out the men’s league. the website is www.eteamz.com/uifl. The youth league was simply a spin off from the adult league, because we wanted our boys, who love football, to have more than one opportunity a year to play, and having all the contacts with the men’s league made it a fairly easy transition. This is not new to either of us, just a little different spin. Our first season had some growing pains, but each year things will continue to improve! Our 5 year goal is to build our own facility…and then more! 

Our mission in the UYIFL is to allow youth an opportunity to participate in the game of football on an indoor field, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and further developing their skills with an emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, self-confidence, respect and interaction with youth their age while being coached/mentored by adults who emulate these standards. Every youth who has the wish and desire to play, regardless of experience, skill or ethnicity, will be afforded that opportunity in the UYIFL. Winning does not make a winner, and losing does not make a loser...its how you play the game, on and off the field!  

2.      What are registration fees, and what do they cover? Registration is $240 per player and includes rental of helmet, shoulder pads, pants and pads, and a jersey and socks for the player to keep. It also includes rental of the fields. The players will need to supply mouth guard, athletic supporter with cup and football shoes. It includes awards for championship teams at the end of the season, and certificates for every player. 

3.      Is there a discount if we have our own equipment?

Yes. If you have full equipment, there is a $50 discount. All uniforms (helmets, jerseys, pants) need to match for your team. If you have your own jerseys, deduct another $10. Deductions cannot be taken online; registration will need to be in person.  

4.      When and where is registration?

Online registration is going on now! It is very easy. Go to the website, www.uyifl.com, and click on the registration tab. Again, any discounts need to be handled in person. All needed documentation is also listed on the website.

In-person registration will be in January. Check back for dates, times, and location.

5.      Is there a discount if an entire team registers?

No. Our operating costs are the same no matter how many players are on a team.    

6.  How are teams divided/chosen?

Many coaches and/or players are bringing some of their team into the league. If you have a coach that will be coaching in the UYIFL, you may stay with that coach, provided his team is not full. If you are not coming in with a team, you will placed in one nearest to you geographically. Also, if you/your child has friends who want to play and stay together, encourage them to register!

7.  What do I have to do to become a coach?

We are still looking for other coaches. If you are interested in coaching, please email Michael at curran5556@msn.com.  

There is an application, screening process, and interview. Once selected, there will be mandatory coaches training provided by the UYIFL. 

9.  As a coach, can I move my team up a division from what they played outdoors?

No. In order to comply with the Ute Conference bylaws, coaches cannot coach the same age division as outdoors in the same calendar year. By keeping the teams in the younger division, when they move up in the fall, the coaches will not be coaching the same age group. Also, it becomes a safety issue with younger players against older and larger ones. 

10.  Where are games and what about practices?

The games will be played at the Spence Eccles Fieldhouse at the UofU. Practices will be in your team's area, and travel to Salt Lake would only be for games on Saturday. It really is a great opportunity to be able to play in this facility!

Practices will be up to the coaches, and indoor facilities have limited hours available for rent at each teams’ expense.  Otherwise, weather permitting, practices will take place outside at a place of your choosing, or if you have access to a community rec center, etc., that is another possibility. 

Official practices will begin four weeks prior to the first game. You may practice with full equipment 4 x per week for 2 hours. Once games begin, you may practice 3 x per week for 2 hours. There will be no rule against or penalty for teams who wish to begin earlier. If it becomes excessive, we will take a look again. 

11.  How many games will we play, and how do playoffs work?

Our “Indoor War Bowl” games will top off our season and will be played in Salt Lake City in May. The winning teams will receive a great team trophy! 

12.  What are X-weights and age divisions?  

These are listed on the home page.

13.  Can a player play up?

Only if it allows him to remove an X in the older division.

14.  What are the minimum and maximum numbers for team?

Minimum is 18, maximum 24. If you have more on the team you are bringing in, it needs review and approval by the league. We have a minimum 10 plays rule. 

15.  What rules are we playing? How many men on the field?

This is full contact football. We are playing Utah State High School rules with a few modifications for the smaller indoor field. We play on approx. 50 yd x 30 yd field. It is close to the same size field as arena football. There will be 11 players on the field. We want to keep it as consistent with outdoor football as possible. Our purpose is to enhance and further their outdoor skills, not take away from it. The bylaws have been revised and will be posted on the website soon.

16.  What about fundraisers for the kids who want to earn their registration?

We are providing fundraisers for those who would like to participate. Information will be on the website shortly. Check back often for more info. 

17.  Where can I go for more information?

We try and update the website as new information is available. Check it often. If a question is not answered there, you can send an email to curran5556@msn.com