MAPLEWOOD FOOTBALL F.A.Q. SHEET

Q: WHAT IS MAPLEWOOD FOOTBALL?

A: The Maplewood Athletic Association is an all-volunteer, IRS Section 501(c) (3) nonprofit youth  tackle football organization, based in Bethesda, Maryland. Started in 1961 by Ken Hobson and Hank Fricke, Maplewood has been serving the youth of our community for 60 years. Originally a charter member of the Capital Beltway League, we are now a proud member of the Mid Maryland Youth Football & Cheer League (MMYFCL). (https://midmarylandfootball.com)

The Maplewood Athletic Association is comprised totally of volunteers providing competent leadership and positive adult mentors to any child who wants to learn the game of football. Our volunteer coaches teach the fundamentals of football to players between the ages of 7 and 14. There is an emphasis on team play, “esprit de corps”, pride, sportsmanship and competition. 

Q: HOW LONG DOES THE SEASON LAST?

A: Our regular season runs from the start of practice the first week of August through the 3rd week of November each year. There is also a possibility of post season play through the middle of December.

*****CONDITIONING CAMP (NO PADS) FOR 2023 TO BEGIN WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

PADDED PRACTICE IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN MONDAY, AUGUST 7TH *****

***** Please note that there is a significant time commitment by both player and parents to participate in Maplewood Football, so please take this into account when you sign up to play.***** 

Q: HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE?

A: The normal practice routine is as follows:

• From August 2nd  until the start of the season (September 4) we practice Monday through Friday, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. We will practice at Georgetown Prep (10900 Rockville Pike, N. Bethesda, MD 20852) from August 2, 2023 through August 11, 2023 and at Maplewood-Alta Vista Park (5209 Alta Vista Road, Bethesda, MD 20814) beginning on Monday, August 14.

Practice times and Locations are subject to change.

***** WE PLAY MONDAY OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND *****

• Once the regular season begins, practices are held three (3) times per week onTuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, at Maplewood-Alta Vista Park  or various other locations in the Bethesda area. Please note that we will adjust the practice times earlier to coincide with the loss of light in the fall evenings.

Q: WHEN ARE GAMES NORMALLY PLAYED AND AT WHAT TIMES?

A: Regular season games are normally played on Saturdays throughout the season at various times although some teams will occasionally play on Friday evenings. Approximately half (1/2) of the games are played at our home field (normally Maplewood-Alta Vista Park or a local high school field) and half (1/2) at various locations throughout Montgomery, Prince Georges and Howard counties. Games are typically scheduled consecutively starting with the youngest teams and are scheduled 1 ½ hours apart. All of our core teams normally travel together and our developmental teams normally travel together, so arranging for rides to games is usually not a problem if necessary.

Q: WHAT ARE THE AGE AND WEIGHT DIVISIONS FOR THE TEAMS

A: The age of our players ranges from 6 to 14 years and are divided by age and weight as follows:

·         8U Div:  Ages: 6-8, Max Unrestricted Weight: 108.9lbs, Red Stripe Weight: Unlimited

·         9U Div: Age: 8-9, Max Unrestricted Weight: 123.9lbs, Red Stripe Weight: Unlimited

·         10U Div: Age: 9-10, Max Unrestricted Weight: 133.9lbs, Red Stripe Weight: Unlimited

·         11U Div: Age: 10-11, Unlimited Weight

·         12U Div: Age: 11-12, Unlimited Weight

·         13U Div: Ages: 13-14, Unlimited Weight

 Age determined as of August 1 of each year

All weights listed are without equipment.

No player may participate in MMYFCL if he is on a High School football roster

MMYFCL “Red Stripe” rule is in affect for division classes shown. Please see below for the “Red Stripe” Rule

MMYFCL RED STRIPE RULE (8U thru 11U Divisions):

A. The Red Stripe concept allows heavier players to play football with children their own age, but in a restricted role. These players may weigh over the maximum weight for an unrestricted player as specified in the chart above. Each Red Stripe player will be designated as such during weigh-in before each game based on his weight relative to the unrestricted weigh limit for that week. Players falling between the max unrestricted weight and the Red Stripe weight limit for that week must be marked with a red stripe (or contrasting color to helmet/pants) of tape on the front and back of their helmets, and with tape around their legs crossing their thigh pads. They must play between the tackles. There is no set roster limit on red stripe players; however, to avoid a forfeit, there must be four players below the red stripe weight on the roster to fill out the team on the field to begin a game, and three players thereafter (see Article VIII. B.), and as long as the maximum roster size is not exceeded.

B. Red stripe players must play as linemen. While on defense red stripe players must remain in the free blocking zone while it exists, or must penetrate the offensive line before leaving the free blocking zone. They may not drop back into a linebacker role or a defensive back role on defense. While on offense, red stripe players may pull, cross-block or perform any other task that an offensive lineman typically performs. C. The red stripe player may NOT advance the ball at ANY time (e.g. a fumble, interception, kickoff or punt return – the play will be blown dead when the red stripe player is in possession of the ball – the ball will be spotted at that point). A red stripe player may intercept passes and recover fumbles. Red stripe players must play from a two-, three- or four-point stance in the tackle, guard or center positions on offense and from a three- or four-point stance either head-up on or inside of the offensive tackles on defense as defined as follows:

1. On offense, a red stripe player may play the Center position (the Center being defined as the player snapping the ball), the Offensive Guard position (defined as 1 player to the right or left of the Center on the line of scrimmage), or the Offensive Tackle position (defined as 1 player to the right or left of the Guard on the line of scrimmage); under no circumstance shall the red stripe player ever be an eligible receiver, even if he would be considered “eligible” under normal football rules. Because he is ineligible, that player will be considered an ineligible lineman under normal football rules for all intent and purposes and be subject to any resulting penalty (e.g. ineligible receiver down field).

2. On defense, a red stripe player must lineup head-up on OR between the Offensive tackles (the Offensive Tackle as defined in the preceding paragraph) no more than 1 yard off of the Line of Scrimmage. However, if the offense elects to employ an unbalanced formation, that is to place no player or only one player to the right or left of the ball (i.e. the Center position as defined above), the defensive red stripers may choose to line up anywhere along the line of scrimmage that they wish with no restrictions whatsoever (but still in a three- or four-point stance and no more than 1 yard off of the Line of Scrimmage).

D. Red Stripe players shall never play on kickoff or kick return teams unless their absence would place less than nine players on the field at the beginning of a game, or eight players on the field thereafter (to avoid a forfeit). If a team recognizes that a Red Stripe player is participating on a kickoff or kick return team when another eligible non-Red Stripe is available, play shall be stopped and the Red Stripe player will be replaced by an eligible nonRed Stripe player prior to the kick. In the event that they must participate on kickoff or kick return teams, they will be positioned on the interior front line of each team; they will not be permitted to kick or to advance the ball. Specifically, and as a Special Teams “exception”, the red stripe player may serve as the Punter (when the offensive team is in a traditional punt formation – i.e. the red stripe player is set 7-15 yards behind the Center to receive the snap) or Place Kicker (in the case of a PAT or Field Goal attempt); however, in either case, if the football (after leaving the center’s hands) hits the ground at any point in time prior to the punt/kick, the play will be immediately blown dead and the ball is downed at the spot where it hit the ground. After the ball is kicked, the red stripe player may operate as any other red stripe player in accordance with these rules.

E. Any violation of the above rules as they pertain to red stripe players will result in the following: 1. The assessment of a 15-yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty against the offending team after completion of the play. Penalty will be assessed from the previous spot and will result in a loss of down if the penalty is committed by the offensive team. The only exception would be if the opposing team elects to take the result of the play over the enforcement of the penalty. 2. The offending team’s Head Coach will be reported to the MMYFCL rules committee and will be subject to discipline up to and including a 1 game suspension. Any subsequent violation within the same season may lead to the Head Coach’s expulsion from the MMYFCL.

Q: WHAT EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED TO THE PLAYERS?

A: Maplewood Football will provide each player with the following:

• Certified  Riddell Speed helmet issued by Maplewood
• Shoulder and knee pads issued by Maplewood
• One (1) set of practice gear (pants and jersey) issued by Maplewood
• One (1) set of game gear (pants and jersey) issued by Maplewood
• One (1) mouth guard issued by Maplewood

Games socks issued by Maplewood

Cleats, socks, pants pad girdle (may be purchased at any Sporting Goods store) and athletic supporter with protective cup to be provided by the player. Please note that all players must have a pants pad girdle, athletic supporter, cup and mouth guard to practice or play.

***** It is strongly recommended that you purchase your cleats and girdle prior to the start of practice and to buy extra mouth guards (We provide the first one) *****

***** All Maplewood players must wear the certified helmet issued to them by Maplewood for compliance with our liability insurance. *****

This gear will be issued at the beginning of the season and will require an Equipment Deposit check of $250.00, which will be held until all the equipment is returned at the end of the season. Failure to return all equipment at the end of the season will result in the forfeiture of the $250.00 check.

Q: WHAT ARE THE FEES INVOLVED TO PLAY MAPLEWOOD FOOTBALL?

A: The fees are as follows:

Registration Fee: $275.00 during “Early Bird” signup and $350.00 after “Early Bird” signup, collectable prior to player participation. The “Early Bird” period for 2023 runs from May 1 thru May 31st.

Helmet Fee: $100.00, for players who are new to the Maplewood program. This is a onetime fee to help cover the cost of helmet purchasing and refurbishing, which we must do after each season. Following their first year, players will be issued a certified helmet every year they are in the program.

Opt Out Fee: $200.00. All parents are expected to sign up and be a working volunteer on one of our many volunteer committees in addition to working a shift at our snack bar at home games. This is a great way to become a part of the Maplewood Tradition and to meet other parents. If you decide to not volunteer for any committees, you are required to pay this fee each season.

***** THIS OPT OUT FEE DOES NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM WORKING AT THE CONCESSION STAND AT HOME GAMES AS ASSIGNED BY THE TEAM PARENT.*****

PLEASE NOTE OUR REFUND POLICY:

There will be no refund of any amount for withdrawal from Maplewood for any reason except as noted below.  Refunds will only be paid under the following circumstances:

• Upon written request, any player may request a refund of their registration fee minus the administrative amount in the schedule below for any reason. The administrative fee withheld will be determined by the date of receipt of the request for withdrawal, NOT the date the player could no longer participate.

Service Fee Withheld From Refund When

The Withdrawal Request Is Received By:

Prior to Start of Practice:     $25.00

Start of Practice to 8/15:      $25.00

8/15 to 9/1:                    $150.00

After 9/1:                      ALL OF YOUR FEE

Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Maplewood at 9904 Holmhurst Road, Bethesda MD. 20817 or by email entitled "Maplewood Refund Request" to hailmaplewood@gmail.com. The postmarked date or e-mailed date will determine which administrative fee is withheld.  No refunds will be made if the refund request is by any other means.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON FOR ANY REQUEST RECEIVED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

 Q: DO I NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE TO PLAY AT MAPLEWOOD?

A: No. Anyone within the age and weight limits who wants to play football and is willing to make the commitment is welcome at Maplewood. In our 62 years, we have never cut a player.  Our "Core" teams consist of the most experienced/skilled players. Think of it as the equivalent of “select” leagues in other sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball and lacrosse. It provides the highest level of competition in the state and requires a greater level of commitment than some of the recreational programs available in the area. If registration numbers allow, we will also field developmental teams primarily comprised of players with slightly less skill or experience (including 1st year players) which will complete with similarly situated MMYFCL clubs that are also fielding teams in that Division. The players in this division are able to compete with similarly situated teams in a highly organized and competitive environment. All teams travel together, play at the same facilities, compete for a league championship and, if invited and the team chooses to do so, are eligible to participate in a state or national tournament at the end of the season.

Q: HOW ARE TEAMS AND PLAYERS SELECTED?

A: Each team is selected   solely by the coaching staffs   at the various age and weight classes. Every effort is made to place the players in the most appropriate environment for their skill and experience level in order to create a positive experience for all players. If registration numbers allow, the players in the same age and weight class will all practice together for 1-2 weeks to be evaluated and then the coaching staffs will divide the players into a Core team and a Developmental team. Selections are based upon needs of the teams and the skill, effort and commitment of the players. We do not cut any player that comes out for Maplewood Football.  In the circumstance where we only have one (1) team competing at a particular weight class, all age eligible players will compete on that team.

Q: WE WILL BE AWAY FOR PART OF THE MONTH OF AUGUST. CAN MY CHILD STILL PLAY?

A: Yes. Family and faith always comes first at Maplewood, then schoolwork, then football. While the coaches would prefer that everyone be present for all practices, we understand that August is a popular month for families to go on vacation and we work around this as best as we are able. A player will be evaluated and placed upon the most appropriate team when they come out.

***** While it is obviously difficult to make an impression when you are not present and others are, we welcome all players.*****

Q: DOES MAPLEWOOD OFFER CHEERLEADING ALSO?

A: Yes. We had an established cheerleading squad to cheer our teams on to victory for many years and are hoping to revive this tradition for 2023. Please email hailmaplewood@gmail.com if you are interested.

Q: HOW DO WE REGISTER AND SIGN UP TO PLAY MAPLEWOOD FOOTBALL?

A: Online registration begins April 1st of each year, on our website, www.leaguelineup.com/hailmaplewood.  and your registration fee of $275.00 (Early Bird), $350.00 (post Early Bird) and must be paid online using your credit/debit card. For the 2023 season, you will receive a PayPal invoice to your preferred email address after you have completed online registration. Check each year to see when online registration begins. Just follow the instructions online. You sign up your player and your email address will be added to our list and you will be contacted via email about any information about the program.

Q: WHAT IF THIS F.A.Q. HAS NOT ANSWERED QUESTIONS THAT I STILL HAVE ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

A: You may always submit any questions that you have to our email address at hailmaplewood@gmail.com and we will try to answer them to the best of our abilities.