1. WHY PLAY FOR THE NEW BRAUNFELS JR COUGARS?
a. Because we teach, sound fundamental football! This includes learning how to perform blocking and tackling safely, accelerating through contact, proper footwork and stances, steps, and finishing. We use very sophisticated blocking schemes that include down blocks, double teams, chips, pulling, trapping, wedge blocking, crab blocking and pass protection. Most players usually don’t even see this at the youth level until they get to High School.
b. We have a "CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM" that teaches Character Traits each week. These are the Foundation character traits we try to impart into the lives of our youth football players. Perseverance, Goal Setting, 100% Effort, Selflessness, Teamwork, Positive Attitude, Finishing, Depth, Coachability, Compassion, Honesty, Emotional Control, Consistency, Humility, Grace, Sportsmanship, and Thankfulness.
c. We are the only Organization in New Braunfels who has a "REAL ACADEMIC PROGRAM" where if your child makes ALL STRAIGHT A's while playing Football or Cheerleading with us, we will go to your child's school (if the school allows us), and present an Academic Trophy for Academic Success in front of their piers!!
d. There will be no favoritism. Every athlete will get evaluated fairly and gets the opportunity to play at any position. We do this by doing Fun Team Building and Evaluation Drills the first two weeks before putting on pads.
e. We are part of TYFA (Texas Youth Football Association), the most competitive league in Texas. TYFA is the Premier Football League in Texas. It is the largest and longest running youth football League in the state of Texas with member organization in San Antonio, Austin, RGV, El Paso and West Texas.
f. We are VERY ORGANIZED and STRUCTURED!
g. We practice and play on a turf field!
h. We provide Speedflex Helmets, Guardian Caps and Shoulder Pads to all our players who need them so you don't have to purchase!
2. WHEN DOES THE SEASON START?
In TYFA there are 2 Season’s. SPRING and FALL.
Spring practice begins toward the end of February with 1st game in April.
Fall practice will begin after the 4th of July with 1st game in September.
3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
SPRING and FALL FLAG FOOTBALL - $150 (Includes $25 Snack Fee, TYFA Registration Fee, Uniform, Trophy and loaned Soft Shelled Helmet).
SPRING TACKLE FOOTBALL - $250 - (Includes Snack Fee, TYFA Registration Fee, Uniform, Duffle Bag, Trophy and loaned Speedflex Helmet, Guardian Cap, and Shoulder Pads if needed). Returning Fall Players $225.
FALL TACKLE FOOTBALL - $250 - (Includes Snack Fee, TYFA Registration Fee, Uniform, Duffle Bag, Trophy and loaned Speedflex Helmet, Guardian Cap, and Shoulder Pads if needed). Returning Spring Players $175.
CHEERLEADING - $350 - (Includes Snack Fee, TYFA Registration Fee, BOW TO TOE Uniform and Trophy at Season's End).
There is a $50 non-refundable fee due upon registration to secure your athlete's spot.
Payments can be paid though this site with small fee or you can pay to our Venmo or Cash App.
4. HOW CAN I PAY?
We take Cash, Check, (made out to NB JR Cougars), VENMO, you will see our LOGO (@ william-Thomas-256), Cash APP (William Thomas $NBJrCougars1) or you can pay here on our website when registering along with a small fee.
Unless prior communication has been negoitated, we WILL NOT issue any equipment to athletes until the Registration Fee is PAID IN FULL.
VENMO - @William-Thomas-256
CASH APP: $NBJrCougars1
LAST 4 OF PHONE: 3123
5. CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS?
YES, as long as completely paid prior to 1st day of practice (unless prior arrangements have been made)!
FULL PAYMENT is due prior to and no later than 1st day of practice.
If paid after 1st day of practice, there could be a $20 Late Fee added.
We have to pay for and order Uniforms so that they are back in time before the season starts!
Player's Game Jersey's and Cheerleader Uniforms "WILL NOT" be given out/ordered until FULL PAYMENT has been received unless you have spoken with us and arranged a payment plan that you stick to.
If something DOES NOT FIT, BROKE OR MISSING, please get with one of your Team Moms so they can let me know so we can exchange or repair said item.
6. WHAT IF I SIGN UP LATE?
If you sign up late, there could be a possibility that your Athletes Cheer uniform/Player Uniform may not be in on time and that your athlete may miss a game or two until their uniform(s) comes in. Please understand that it takes about 3 to 5 weeks to get uniforms in.
7. DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS?
NO!!
A slot was held for your athlete(s) and we have allocated funds that cover cost such as fields, uniforms, equipment etc..that has already been paid out.
However, the "ONLY EXCEPTION" is if you signed up with us and we do not have enough players to make a team or TYFA doesn't have enough teams for that age group. Then and only then would you receive a refund. Otherwise, THERE ARE NO REFUNDS!!
NBJC is a Non-Profit Organization and relies on Registration Fees, Donations, Sponsors, Gate Fees, Concessions and Fundraisers to provide the best and safest environment for all the players and cheerleaders.
8. WHEN WILL PRACTICES BEGIN?
Training Camp/Conditioning for Spring 2026 will begin Monday, February 16th. Depending on school schedule, practices will be 3 days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 6pm to 8pm.
Please be aware, since we use the school fields to practice and play on, these days can change and we will try and get alternate days if possible so that we still get three days of practices in. School activities always come first.
Training Camp/Conditioning for Fall 2025 will begin Monday, July 14th. First three weeks will be conditioning. Practices will be Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 6pm to 8pm for about 6 weeks. Once school starts, practices will drop to 3 days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (depending on school schedule) for the remainder of the season.
Parent/Guardians are encouraged to watch practices; however it is important that Parent/Guardians leave the coaching to the coaches and keep from sideline coaching.
Just because you may have played in High School or beyond does not mean that you know our schemes and or how to teach them.
Parent/Guardians do not have to stay for the entire practice. However, we ask that you please be back 30 mins prior to practice ends to pick up your athlete.
9. WHEN DOES THE SEASON START?
In TYFA there are 2 Seasons, one Spring and one Fall. In Spring, we will start in February of each year. In Fall, we start in July of each year.
SPRING SEASON STRUCTURE
TYFA Spring Football is played in the months of March thru May. The purpose of spring football is to give the player and teams more game experience and for them to hone their skills to better compete in the Fall season.
TYFA believes that the stress of not competing for a State Championships and the rigors of 8 game season and 5 rounds of playoffs lets the organizations/teams focus more on the X’s and O’s of the game and give those players who may need more work get the work they need to succeed.
TYFA Spring is still competitive and there is a Bowl Game at the end to reward the players for their efforts during the season.
GAME PLAY for Spring
1. (6) Game regular Season with an end of season Bowl Game.
2. Game Clock: Four (8) minute Quarters
3. There are no playoffs but there is a Spring Bowl Tournament at end of season.
4. Only Teams with a .501 Record will play in the Spring Bowl.
Teams do not participate as Division 1 or 2 but rather play together.
There may be travel between a major city and the surrounding towns. Gate fees may be charged. And games may be played on Sundays!
FALL SEASON STRUCTURE
- The Fall Season is "Organization Based meaning the first 4 age brackets must particapate. (Flag - Juniors)
- Seniors - There will no longer be a Senior Team in Fall. It's just too hard to get the kids for practice because of school ball.
- In the Fall, Organizations MUST be a TYFA member to participate.
GAMES
- In the Fall there are 8 regular season games and 6 weeks of post-season playoffs.
- Flag, Tykes and Rookies and now Juniors all have 10-minute quarters.
- Whistle Stops the clock and starts it again when blown.
- Organization is split into Division 1 and Division 2.
- During the regular season there may be travel between a major city and the surrounding towns. Gate fees may be charged, and games may be played on Sundays!
- During the playoffs there will be travel across the state, gate fees will be charged, and games may be played on Sundays!
Regular Season will start around the middle of July with 1st game in September and runs through the end of October.
Playoffs will begin right after and run through the middle of December. 5 wins is a guarantee into the playoffs with 4 wins being on the bubble.
JR Cougars Home Games are played on Saturdays but could be played on Sundays depending on Mother Nature and scheduling situations with other teams at their venues.
10. WHERE ARE THE PRACTICES HELD?
At this time all our practices are held at OAK RUN MIDDLE SCHOOL, 415 OAK RUN PT. NEW BRAUNFELS.
It is very important for every athlete to make every practice as much as possible.
Football and Cheerleading are team sports.
If an athlete misses a practice, the whole team misses an opportunity to further their skills and team concept since they must function as a unit.
If the athlete must miss practice due to illness or an emergency please contact the Team Manager and Head Coach as soon as possible.
11. WILL THERE BE TRAVEL INVOLVED WITH GAME DAYS?
YES! As mentioned above, we teach and play just like your child will see in both Middle School and High School as we do travel.
In all 4 divisions in the Fall, we will play 4 home games in New Braunfels and 4 away games to be determine in San Antonio and or Austin, by the "Texas Youth Football Association" our League. All 4 teams will play at the same location but at different times throughout the day.
In the Spring, there are only (6) regular season games with a Post Season Spring Tournament Championship.
If we are hosting, all 6 of our games could be played at our field and or sometimes away. Where we play is determined by the "Texas Youth Football Association" our League.
12. WHAT ARE THE AGES & WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS?
FOR FOOTBALL.....There are NO WEIGHT LIMITS for any of our teams.
5U Flag Division: Ages 4- & 5-year old's. (Can be 6 if they turn 6 AFTER 1 Aug.)
7U Tykes Division: Ages 6- & 7-year old's. (Can be 8 if they turn 8 AFTER 1 Aug.)
9U Rookies Division: Ages 8- & 9-year old's. (Can be 10 if they turn 10 AFTER 1 Aug.)
11U Juniors Division: Ages 10- & 11-year old's. (Can be 12 if they turn 12 AFTER 1 Aug.)
13U Seniors Division: Ages 12- & 13-year old's. (Can be 14 if they turn 14 AFTER 1 Aug.) SPRING SEASON ONLY.
An athlete 5, 7, 9 or 11 can play up 1 age bracket. However, it is up to the discretion of the President and Athletic Director.
FOR CHEER.......
Mascot: Ages 3 & 4 years old.
Flag: Ages 4 & 5 years old.
Tykes: Ages 6 & 7 years old.
Rookies: Ages 8 & 9 years old.
Juniors: Ages 10 & 11.
Seniors: Ages 12 & 13.
SPECIAL NOTE: A player is placed on a team by age only. The age cutoff is August 1st of each year.
Whatever age they are on that day or before is the age bracket they play with in the Spring and Fall seasons.
TYFA has no ‘Older Lighters’ and no child may play down.
Players may play up 1 year, not 1 age bracket.
13. WHAT DO I NEED TO BUY?
For Cheer...practice attire. We will provide remaining items.
For Flag Football...Mouth Guard and a good pair of cleats.
Tackle Football...Mouth Guard, Practice Pants, Practice Jersey, and good pair of Cleats. Helmet, Shoulder Pads and Guardian Cap will be provided and due back at the end of season, upon quitting or being removed from team.
14. CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN HELMET AND SHOULDER PADS?
HELMETS – YES, but in the Spring "ONLY" because some players come from different teams, players helmets DO NOT have to be the same color.
For the FALL SEASON by rule, all helmets and facemask have to be the same color. Our Helmets are Scarlett Red and facemask are black.
SHOULDER PADS - Owned Shoulder Pads may be worn Spring or Fall as long as they fit properly.
15. DOES MY ATHLETE NEED A PHYSICAL TO PLAY?
NO! It is not necessary, but we highly recommend that each Student Athlete have one before the start of each season.
Once your Student Athlete(s) reach Middle School and High School they will be required a physical each year to play so you might as well get used to doing it now.
16. What League do you play in?
TYFA which stands for Texas Youth Football Association
17. Why TYFA?
TYFA is also the 2nd largest Youth Football League in the United States and the BIGGEST Youth Football League in Texas!
· Guaranteed Games and Schedule
· Stability and Governance
· True State Championship Series
· Verified – Certified Players
· Unified rules across the State
· Offering Fall and Spring Seasons
· Offering Football and Cheerleading
· Plays by NCAA Rules
18. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE JR COUGARS AND TYFA YOUTH FOOTBALL PROGRAM?
We have an Excused and Unexcused practice policy that is very strict. If you don't practice, you don't play! It is not fair to start someone in front of another player who has not been absent and practicing hard at their position. We will never concentrate on one player versus the team ever.
- There is NO FAVORTISM on our teams! Kids earn their spot. We do this by evaluating players making them fun and competitive.
- Our program is designed to prepare the kids for Middle and High School and is exactly what they will see once they get there.
- We have an Character Development Program that instills Unity, Grace, Loyalty, Teamwork, Honesty to name just a few.
- We are NOT SELECT, meaning there are NO TRYOUTS and NO CUTS.
- We are an non‐weight limit league and players are placed on teams by age only. There is no weight limit at any position. This gets the fear factor out of the players and prepares them to face the larger players sooner than leagues with weight limits.
- We also do not mandate mandatory play; players earn their playing time. Meaning it is the coaches call rather your child plays or not. Safety is and always will be our first concern!
19. WHAT ABOUT PLAYING TIME AND POSITIONS?
The Head Coach makes all playing time decisions. He distributes a depth chart to the assistant coaches with the positions and playing time scenarios set for each player. The position coach then subs in based on those parameters. We do not care who you are, where you are from, or what your name is, the player performing best that comes to practice at that position starts.
We determine positions based on your child’s ability, the team needs, and lastly the players preference. The Best 11 athletes will be on the field and every player has to earn that position. IT'S NOT JUST GIVEN!
20. DO YOU HAVE MANDATORY PLAY RULE AND HOW MUCH PLAYING TIME WILL MY ATHLETE GET?
NO! There is no mandatory playing time set by the league or NBJC!
NBJC coaches will attempt to play as many athletes as possible each game dependent upon Opportunity, position, and given that your athlete has attended and actively participated in practices during the week.
We define a play as being any opportunity for advancement of the football offensively or defensively to include Special Teams.
Playing time is earned during weekly practices prior to each game.
We "DO NOT" negotiate playing time with parents or change positions based on a parent’s recommendation.
We do what is best for the team and the player, based on the team’s needs and the player’s legitimate ability.
If your athlete wants to play more they have to earn it. NOTHING will be given.
SPECIAL NOTE: Usually, 1st year players do not get a lot of playing time due to them NOT KNOWING playing positions, holes, gaps or our Offensive and Defensive Schemes. That doesn't mean that they won't get to play some!
By the time the 2nd Season rolls around, and your athlete is picking up our offensive and Defensive Schemes, they will get more playing time. YOU HAVE TO TRUST THE PROCESS!!
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches to ensure that skills are constantly evaluated and depth charts created.
At any time during the season, Parent/Guardians can inquire where their child needs to improve to get more playing time.
· Coaches are instructed that if an athlete is not on the starting offense or defense then every effort should be made to incorporate these athletes into special teams (i.e. kick off and kick return teams).
· All age Team Coaches are instructed that at any time a team is winning or losing by 21 points in the 3rd quarter, then the second/third string athletes should be substituted in regularly. They will do this by removing all starters except maybe 2 or 3 starters.
· All age Team Coaches are also instructed that at any time a team is winning or losing by 30 points in the 3rd quarter, then all starters will be removed completely to allow second/third string athletes to get more playing time. This is the perfect opportunity to use more advanced athletes to support the other kids in achieving a positive experience and contribute at their highest level. (i.e. Starting QB, RBs, & LB’s as linemen to block)
· Two Key TYFA Rules that can affect playing time.
1) TYFA has a mandatory 30 Point Lead Rule, which means the clock runs continuously when a team is up by 30 Points and the winning team cannot call timeouts except for injuries.
2) TYFA also has a 50 Point Rule, if a team reaches 50 Points after the 30 Point Rule has been in effect, the game is over.
21. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AS A VOLUNTEER?
This organization needs every family to volunteer in order to be successful. In the SPRING (only if we host), Volunteers will be needed for every game we host.
In the FALL, (and possibly hosting playoffs), we will need volunteers for each game as well.
In the "SPRING" we ask that you volunteer more than once when we host and in the FALL, you only have to volunteer once unless we are hosting playoffs.
As parent(s) in our organization, you will be required to help work one or more of the below listed areas during our home games or when hosting.
If you're a spouse of a volunteer ie. Your husband or wife is a Coach or Team Manager, this does not get you out of volunteering. You will still be required to volunteer at least once during the Spring and Fall season. EVERYONE IS ASKED TO VOLUNTEER.
If you chose NOT TO VOLUNTEER, your athlete WILL NOT receive a trophy at Season's End, and WILL NOT play in the playoffs if the team makes it into the playoffs.
As mentioned above, we need EVERY family to Volunteer at least once during the seasons.
Shift times will be either before or after your child's game. If your child plays on the Rookie team, for example, then we ask that you volunteer for a Tykes or Junior game shift.
You won't miss your child's game this way and your help is greatly appreciated. If you have a player on more than 1 team, then just volunteer before or after their game.
Here are just a few positions that are needed for each home game.
· 3 individuals for Concession Stand
· 2 individuals for Gate
· 2 individuals for Chains: To work the chains during the game
· 1 individual for Down Marker
· 1 individual for Video Recorder.
· Volunteers for Setup and End of game cleanup.
We do offer a one-time only at registration OPT OUT FEE of $200 if you and your family wish NOT TO VOLUNTEER and pull any duties.
Please see OPT OUT FEE when registering your Student Athlete.
22. IS THERE ANY FUNDRAISER'S?
YES!! There is an operational cost to keep an organization of this capacity functioning.
Our fundraisers offset the significant cost of providing the best experience possible to all of our athletes.
Fundraising money along with Registration fees goes towards the items listed under how we determine fees. See Item #9 above.
NBJC will have ONE MANDATORY FUNDRAISER each season. One in the Spring and One in the Fall.
Each athlete will be given a minimum sales goal of $200. If you do not meet the minimum sales goal, it is up to the parent(s) to pay the remaining balance.
We also have the option of a $200 Buy Out at the beginning of the season for those who do not wish to participate in our fundraiser.
Our fundraising is designed to make it as easy as possible for you. You DO NOT have to knock on doors, deliver anything or even collect money. All of this is taken care of for you. All you have to do is download an app, open up a Pop-Up Store and share on social media.
Parent/Guardians with multiple siblings participating in NBJC will only be required to participate for one athlete.
Each age group in NBJC may possibly conduct other voluntary fundraisers throughout the season that participants are encouraged to participate in but are not mandatory.
23. EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED POLICY
As stated in the player contract that everyone signs when registering, an unexcused and excused absence will result in loss of playing time.
Excused Absences - School Functions that count towards grades, Church Function, Illness and missed school, Funeral, Mom or dad back from deployment.
For any Illness or missed school, you must contact Team Mom and if sickness is longer than a week, you MUST have a doctor's note before returning.
Unexcused Absences - Athletic Contests (other than Junior High or High School Football), Injury, Fatigue, Social Functions, Going out of Town (Birthday parties etc.)
Since we practice different sides of the ball on different days of the week except for Friday’s when we practice offense defense and special teams, it is imperative that each player attends so they do not miss anything we have gone over.
Every week we must prepare for a different opponent and things can and will change.
1. If a player misses an offensive practice with an unexcused absence they cannot start (but not limited to) the first two series on offense in the game on Saturday.
2. If a player misses a defensive practice with an unexcused absence they cannot start (but not limited to) the first two series on defense in the game on Saturday.
3. If a player misses Thursday with an unexcused absence, they cannot play special teams and they cannot start the game on either offense or defense.
a) If a player has 1 unexcused absence, they cannot play the first two series of the game on Saturday.
b) If a player has 2 unexcused absences, they cannot play the first half of the game on Saturday.
c) If a player has 3 unexcused absences, they cannot play in the game at all on Saturday.
d) If a player has 4 unexcused absences, it will result in expulsion from the team! Head Coach will collect the player’s gear.
e) If a player has 1 excused absences, they cannot play the first Series in the game on Saturday.
f) If a player has 2 excused absences they cannot play the first quarter in the game on Saturday.
g) If a player has 3 excused absences they cannot play the first half of the game on Saturday.
(If a player has an injury, we expect them to be at practice to listen and continue to learn so when they come back, they won't be lost).
24. TRAINING
If you are serious about making your athlete better, YOU NEED TO GO SEE A TRAINER! Because of so many kids and the short time that Volunteer Coaches have with your athlete, theres no way that they can take it to a personnel level with your athlete and train them only. Therefore, we HIGHLY recommend to find a Certified Trainer and use them to get your athlete better. Here are a few that we recommend.
For O-Line and D-Line Training - Coach Mike with Texaselitefootballtraining (210) 286-9421 or email: Texaselitefootballtraining@gmail.com
For Speed and Agility go see Coach Cody with Everyday Phenom (210) 982-7818 or email: cj_94_2012@yahoo.com
For all around Athletic Performance, see Coach Jefferies with "CMSTraining" (210) 302-2887 or email: CMSTrainingglobal.com
For all around Athletic Performance, there is also, Willie Nelson with "THE PROGRAM" (210) 687-6009 or email: theprogramsatx@gmail.com
Don't wait until the season starts. The season starts now for your athlete and they should continue seeing a trainer even in the offseason to become better!
