MODIFIED TACKLE FOOTBALL -MTF (Rookie)-GRADES 3 & 4:
Travel Program (Fairfield County Football League)
Important Dates (All Divisions)
- Early Bird Registration: Friday, May 1 - Monday June 15th. (Pricing listed on registration page DOES NOT INCLUDE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT. Early bird rate applied at checkout)
- Regular Registration: June 16th-August 1st
- Mandatory Preseason: Begins Monday, August 17th, 2026. Preseason Schedule: Monday–Friday, ~2 hours each evening, times TBD (Aug 18 – Aug 28).
- 2026 Jamboree: TBD (likely August 29th-August 30th). Teams play Sat OR Sun, not both. Eligibility: Players MUST have 16 hours of mandatory practice (6 hours of conditioning (helmet only) & 10 hours in full pads. Players can't practice in full pads until they complete 6 hours of conditioning. Please schedule vacations accordingly.
- Regular Season begins: Monday, August 31st.
- Practices typically 3x weekly, pending HC's schedule & field availability)
- Practice schedules are not finalized until late August.
- FCFL Playoffs typically late October/early November through late November.
- FCFL Championships: late November, (following the pattern of previous years
MTF DETAILS: - 3rd Grade Team
- 4th Grade Team
- Players wear full pads (helmet, shoulder pads, padded football pants).
Guardian caps worn at practice at all times
Tackle and Flag Football Hybrid program. Unlike traditional flag football where any form of contact is a penalty, modified versions are designed as a "bridge" to teach proper blocking techniques while wearing full protective equipment.
9v9 format
A "tackle" is not a physical hit; instead, the play ends when a defender removes one of the flags from the ball carrier's belt.
Contact level is limited and controlled. Blocking contact is allowed (above the waist only).
While the "tackle" itself is still made by pulling a flag, the line of scrimmage operates much like traditional tackle football, with linemen physically engaging to open running lanes or protect the quarterback.
Focus is on the following: In-depth skill development in fundamental areas of blocking, football IQ and sportsmanship. Tackle principles, strategies, positions, formations and plays are introduced.
All player's must be verified to be eligible to play* (see below)
FCFL has age & weight restrictions for skill positions for each grade
Mandatory Play Rule: Every player on the roster must play a minimum number of plays per game. MTF: 14 plays.
2-3 practices per week; 1 game on Saturday OR Sunday.
Must be primary fall sport. Full attendance at all practices and games expected for optimal team/player experience and development
PLAYER VERIFICATION PROCESS:
Parents must upload their Parent Consent & Waiver Form and Player Medical & Doctor Consent Form to their player's profile in SportsConnect to complete the Registration process.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT MODIFIED TACKLE FOOTBALL - MTF (ROOKIE), EMAIL: [email protected]