Braves Football 2018 Season FAQs

What is the BMYA?

The Bellmore-Merrick Youth Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization that sponsors the Braves Football and Cheerleading clubs for the Bellmore, East Meadow and Merrick area.

Braves football season begins August 1 and runs through November; and will be completed before Thanksgiving.

How are the teams organized?

The Braves play in the Nassau County Youth Football League (NCYFL). Players are assigned to divisions based on age and weight per NCYFL rules.

Division/Age

Age as on November 30, 2018

Weight Limit (lbs) (subject to change by NCYFL)

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the above weight or age criteria. 

Do you offer multi-player discounts?

Yes, a $50 discount.

What is the refund policy?

Registration fees are not refundable.

What if my child has never played football before?

We welcome new players at all age levels. Our coaches will help all players learn the game.

When does the season begin?

Practices will officially begin August 1. League games begin in September and run through mid November.

Where and when are practices?

Before the school year begins, practices will be held at the Jerusalem Avenue BOCES school. After school resumes, practices will be at Newbridge Road Park.

Practice schedules are determined by coaches, and typically are 3 nights per week starting at 6:00pm and lasting 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Where and when are games played?

The league season is 8 games -- 4 home and 4 away. Our home field is Newbridge Road Park. Games are mostly played on Sundays, but some Friday night and Saturday night games may also be scheduled. Competitive age divisions have playoffs for teams that qualify.

The other towns in the NCYFL are Baldwin, East Rockaway, Elmont, Farmingdale, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Garden City, Hempstead, Hicksville, Inwood, Island Trees, Long Beach, Mineola, Syosset, and Uniondale.

Do I need to buy equipment?

The BMYA furnishes all football equipment with the exception of football pants, socks, cleats, athletic supporter and cup. Each player will be issued a helmet, chinstrap, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, football girdle, thigh, knee, hip, and tail pads. Additionally each player will receive practice and game Jersey. All equipment and Jersey must be returned at the end of the season.

How is playing time determined?

All players in the instructional divisions (5/6 , 7 and 8 year olds) will receive equal practice instruction and game playing time. In the competitive divisions (9 through 12), all players will receive equal practice instruction. Game playing time will be at the discretion of the coaching staff. We do not guarantee playing time at the competitive age levels

Can my child be placed on a team with his friends?

We will try to accommodate requests in the instructional age groups, but we will not guarantee placement. In the competitive age groups players will be placed on teams by the organization. Roster sizes will be determined by registration turn out.

What else will we need to do before the season?

All football players and cheerleaders (new and returning) are required to submit a physician signed and stamped medical form before participating in any BMYA activities. This form and instructions for completion are available on the website.

New football players will be required to furnish a birth certificate and two passport photos.

All parents/guardians will be required to sign a code of conduct acknowledgement form.

All football players must participate in the official league weigh-in prior to the season (late August). Any player not weighed in at this session will not be able to play football. The weigh-in is typically one weeknight in late August. Once we learn the date, we will inform everyone so schedules can be arranged.

I am interested in coaching, who should I contact?

We are always looking for volunteers to coach. Please indicate your interest to coach on the website (top right).

I can’t be a coach, but I’d like to be involved in the program. What can I do?

There’s plenty to do and we really need your help! We’re looking for:

◦    Team parents,

◦    Team secretaries for paperwork, etc.

◦    Photographers and videographers,

◦    Help at the field on game days,

◦    Public address announcers at games,

◦    Scoreboard operators,

◦    Concession stand helpers,

◦    Fundraisers,

◦    and more!

We’re a volunteer organization and we need all the help we can get. So thanks in advance!