Q: What are the age requirements for participation?
A: Age determination is based on cutoff dates to maintain fairness and consistency. For ages 7-14, the age is considered as of October 1. For ages 15-16, 15-year-olds turning 16 on or before December 31st must play in the 155lbs weight class. Notably, players turning 17 on or before December 31st are not eligible to participate.

Q: Why is there an age & weight matrix for weight classes?
A: NVYFL understands that kids grow at different rates and that as they get older their coordination, muscle structure, and awareness mature. As such, the matrix balances kids that might be larger for their age with older kids that might have the maturity but not size. This creates an equitable playing field that drives fair competition and player safety.

Q: How safe is youth tackle football?
A: As with any sport (or life in general), there are potential injury risks; however, the past decade has seen significant enhancements in football player safety. First, the collective community (USA Football, NVYFL, BRYC, and others) have evolved the way football is being coached. Coaches must be certified on safe techniques, safe techniques must be taught at every practices, and dangerous drills have been banned. Additionally, helmet and equipment designs have drastically improved and are factored into our BRYC selections (e.g., we use Virginia Tech's helmet safety ratings).

Q: How do we register our child(ren) for Tackle Football?
A: Navigate to the 'Registration' section on the Braddock Road websites. Online registrations with payment via MasterCard or Visa are required for secure transactions.

Q: What do registration fees cover?
A: Registration fees contribute to county field usage, game officials' payment, uniforms (reversible jerseys), league insurance, and equipment.

Q: When does the season start, and how long does it last?
A: Visit the website's Tackle Football section for season start and duration details. Typically the last week in July is when football begins and runs until the playoffs finish if teams qualify which is typically the end of October. 

Q: What equipment does my child need to provide?
A: Rubber-spiked cleats,5-pad or 7-pad girdle (must have thigh, hip, and tailbone pads), and a colored mouth guard (with facemask connector). This player-supplied equipment can be purchased at major sporting goods stores such as Dicks Sporting Goods or online at Amazon.com, etc. (please engage your coach if you have any questions).

Q: What equipment is supplied by the team?
A: BRYC will provide players with a certified safe helmet (e.g., Riddell Speed family), shoulder pads, practice pants with knee pads, game jerseys (jersey and pants), and game socks. 

Q: Can my child be assigned to the same team as a neighbor?
A: Players are assigned to teams in accordance with the NVYFL rules - based on age and weight matrix, so as long as those metrics are similar, yes they can be. 

Q: Where will the games be played?
A: Home Games will occur at the Robinson High School and Away games other locations around Northern Virginia.

Q: Where will practices take place?
A: Practices will occur at Howrey Field Park (5100 Glen Park Rd, Annandale, VA) and/or Wakefield Park Turf Field (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA).

Q: How many nights each week will our child’s team practice?
A: Teams can practice up to five nights a week before Labor Day and three nights per week after that.

Q: Can practice and/or games be canceled due to weather conditions?
A: Weather conditions may lead to cancelations, but only for extreme conditions especially lightning or high winds but most locations proceed even in the rain.

Q: Can children play outside of their weight division?
A: All youth shall play in the Age/Weight Division they are eligible for and in accordance with NVYFL rules.

Q: What is Braddock Roads refund policy?
A: BRYC has a no-refund policy once players commit. Exceptions can be considered; contact the league commissioner. If a refund is granted, a $50 processing fee applies.

Q: How is Braddock Road Organized and Operated?

A: Braddock Road Youth Club was created in 1966. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit Virginia corporation. A staff of volunteer officers sets policy and administers the program. The officers serve in key positions such as commissioner, deputy commissioner, league director, referee director, etc. Club operating costs for equipment, referees, insurance, and administrative expenses are covered by registration fees.