Click below to view team assignments and general information for players of any specific age.

Pee Wee Flag League

5,6 & 7 year-olds

Bantam Flag League

8, 9 & 10 year-olds

 8-year-olds

 9-year-olds

 10-year-olds

This is our Parent Information Page.  We receive many questions from parents - we have have tried to answer as many of those as possible here.  Please contact us at 847-636-1912, or e-mail us at MPFootball if you have any questions.  (Throughout this document we will refer to your son or daughter as your "player" -- it just makes it easier to be both politically correct and type faster.)

In what league do MPFA players participate?

MPPD & Mt. Prospect Football Association (MPFA)

5 & 6 year-olds participate in the Pee Wee Flag Football league
7 & 8 year-olds participate in the Jr Bantam Flag Football league                                                                                                 9 & 10 year-olds participate in the Bantam Flag Football league       

Team divisions are based on player age and weight. Player age is determined by the player’s age on September 1st of the current year. Players are assigned to teams based on the following criteria:

• 5 & 6 year old players of all weights play in our Pee Wee Flag football division
     (see the 5, 6 & 7 year-old page)

• 8 year old players under 83 lbs. play in the NWYFL Blue division, no restrictions
• 8 year old players up to 93 lbs. play in the NWYFL Blue division as single stripers
• 8 year old players up to 110 Lbs play in the NWYFL Green division as double stripers

What equipment will I need for the season?  What do I need to purchase?
While the league provides some equipment, parents will be responsible for the purchase of several items that are required for participation.

Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Rib Pads, and Game Pants:
You will receive a helmet, shoulder pads, rib pads, and game pants at equipment distribution.  Please take good care of these items as you would if they were your own.  There is generally no need to clean this equipment after each use, but it should be kept in good shape.  I the helmet becomes muddy you may wipe it off with a damp cloth.  If any of the equipment becomes wet, make sure you store it in an area where it can air dry before the next practice or game.

Helmet decals:
Please leave any helmet decals on your helmet;  the coach will provide a new helmet decal (if necessary).   If your player's helmet has a decal and stripes when you get it - leave them on.  If you remove them the remaining glue will attract dirt and grass from miles away.  Your coach will provide new helmet decals and stripes (if necessary) before the first game and at that time old decals may be removed.

Practice Pants:
You will need to supply your own football pants with pads for practice.  These pants are generally available at local sporting goods stores (Sportmart, etc.) and can usually be purchased with knee pads, thigh pads, and hip pads as a set.

Note: Thigh pads, knee pads and hip pads will not be supplied with the game pants you purchased.  You should plan to use the pads you purchase with your practice pants for your game pants.

Mouthpiece:
Each MPFA player is required to have an “in-mouth” mouthpiece to participate in any game or practice.  Mouthpieces must be the kind that attach to the facemask of the helmet and generally cost $1.00 to $2.00 each.  We suggest that you purchase 2 or 3 mouthpieces for safety.  We do not have any specific statistics but it is our belief that no mouthpiece has ever survived a full season without being lost, chewed beyond recognition, or dropped somewhere where placing it in your mouth again is not ever a consideration.  It is always a good idea for parents to carry an extra in the glove compartment of their car in case of a “game time” lost mouthpiece.  Please note: Coaches cannot be expected to supply "emergency" mouthpieces and will not allow players to practice or play without a mouthpiece.

Athletic supporter and protective cup:
All MPFA players are required to wear an athletic supporter and hard protective cup.

Practice jerseys:
The MPFA does not supply practice jerseys.  Some coaches may have a special requirement for practice jerseys (i.e. requires a white mesh practice jersey for each player)  so it is best to ask your coach if he has any special requirements when he calls about the first practice.

Undergarments:
Even when the temperature is hot, we recommend that all players wear a t-shirt under their shoulder pads.  This will keep the shoulder pad straps from rubbing directly against the skin and causing discomfort.

We also recommend that players wear shorts (compression shorts or similar) under their football pants and wear their athletic supporter over the shorts to keep from creating discomfort for the player.  There are special football undergarments now available for these purposes.  (UnderArmor, etc)

Shoes:
MPFA players under 12 years of age must wear football shoes with molded soles.  This means that they cannot wear shoes that contain "screw in" cleats.  These types of shoes may be purchased at local sporting goods stores (Sportmart, The Sports Authority, Galayans, etc.) and there are usually several styles on sale at any given time.

For players 12 years old and older, who are competing in our Featherweight, JV and Varsity programs we also recommend molded sole cleats.  However, players at these levels are allowed to wear shoes with "screw-in" style cleats but may not use steel tipped cleats.  Please see your coach for additional details and their specific recommendations.

Hand pads & arm pads:
Players may wear arm, elbow and hand pads per their coach's guidelines.  Please see your team's head coach regarding his thoughts on which pads may be helpful or harmful for your player.

What is the difference between Mt. Prospect Lions “Big 10” and “Pac 10” teams?
At each of the 5 levels in the Mt. Prospect Lions program we will field one (1) "Big 10" team and one (1) or more " Pac 10" teams.

Per the NWYFL League structure - "Big 10" teams are designed to be the most competitive teams and in most cases are made up of the best 30 to 40 football players at that particular level.   While all head coaches are entitled to make their own decision regarding team rosters - and we would not discourage a coach from following the NWYFL roster structure if he felt it was correct to do so - we will generally make roster decisions based on what is best for the player - not what wins the most games.

In many cases players who would be considered in the "Big 10" group may be placed on "Pac 10" teams.  For example: if a team has 3 very good quarterbacks it may be to the benefit of one of the quarterbacks to play on a "Pac 10" team where he can get more game time than to stay on a "Big 10" team roster and play less.  Additionally some new players who have the skills to compete at the "Big 10" level may be placed on a "Pac 10" roster to allow them to learn a new position, carry the ball more frequently, etc.  WE WILL NOT "STACK" PAC 10 TEAMS IN AN EFFORT TO WIN GAMES! 

Please remember that our most important criteria for making a decision on team rosters and player position is the safety of the player.  To put it simply, MPFA coaches are prohibited from placing players in a situation where the coach believes that safety will be compromised.  MPFA head coaches are 100% in charge or their rosters and playing time for each player.  No refunds will be considered for players who do not agree with their team assignment.

All players on the Mt. Prospect Lions teams will practice together (at least at the beginning of the year) and "Pac 10" and "Big 10"  rosters will be determined after coaches have had enough time to see players in all situations.

When will I know about team assignment and the first practice?
Your player will be assigned to a team after the first two weeks of practice.  The head coach for that team will determine the timing of the initial practices and evaluations.  Practice will begin no earlier than the Monday of the week in which August 1^st falls.

Can parents help coach?
Yes.  We are always looking of parents who have played football, have knowledge of the game or just want to learn to help out with teams.  It is a great way to interact with your child and learn the MPFA way of doing things.  Just contact your head coach and let him know that your are interested and he will let you know how to get involved.  Experienced coaches and parents are encouraged to attend the MPFA meetings and learn about our certification program for head coaches.

Are Head Coaches certified?
All of our head/supervising coaches are encouraged to be IHSA and ASEP certified.  The courses are available on-line and coaches recieve reimbursment for the cost of the class.

What is Homecoming and why is my son’s hair painted blue?
Homecoming is a game day during the season selected by the head coach and parents.  The teams get together before and after the game and celebrate the team, players, cheerleaders and their chance to participate in MPFA football.  Coaches will generally be in charge of planning or in most cases delegating a parent to be responsible for planning homecoming events.  Newcomers should just follow the more experienced parents and enjoy the day.  Many of our players choose to celebrate this day by painting their hair to match their team's colors.  We at the MPFA have no idea where that tradition started - but it's a runaway train now so just go with the flow.

 All MPFA players must travel to their homecoming game in a vehicle where they are properly restrained according to Illinois driving laws.

What is the Parent Code of Conduct?
Your team coach will discuss the Parent Code of Conduct with you and you must sign it.  It is the list of rules by which we expect parents to conduct themselves during the season.  Please make sure you read it, understand it, and sign it.  If you have any questions please contact one of the MPFA board members.  This Code of Conduct is based on the "Character Counts" program instituted in many of our local schools.

Do the MPFA Coaches and League Representatives have a code of conduct?
Yes.  All MPFA coaches sign a Coaches Code of Conduct, which is based on the "Character Counts" program in our local schools.  A copy of the Coaches Code of Conduct will be provided to all those who request it.

When do I return my equipment?
You will turn in equipment at the Lions Park Roundhouse sometime during the two weeks after the last game.  Your coach will notify you of the exact date and time.  The dates will also be listed on the website.

What do I do if I have a question?
First, ask your coach.  If your coach is unavailable or you choose not to ask him you should contact your level's Big ten coach. You also can always contact a board member by e-mail or phone.  Because all of our administrators are volunteers and have full time jobs - it is best to forward all of your questions to our email address at MPFootball  You may also leave a voice message for us at 847-636-1912.  Our preferred form of communication is e-mail.

If you have an issue of a sensitive nature, you may contact our MPFA President, Commissioner or any other MPFA Board Member directly.  Just indicate that you need to talk to a league official via email or voice mail and we will respond as soon as possible.

What do I do if I have a complaint about my player’s coach?
Talk to your coach directly before or after a practice or game.  If you are uncomfortable contacting him directly, you may contact the MPFA President, Commissioner or any MPFA Board Member.

When are the games?
All games are played on Saturday or Sunday with starting times beginning at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  A game schedule for each team is posted on our web site as soon as it is available.

How many practices per week?
Most teams practice 3 or 4 times per week - Flag teams will practice 1 or 2 times per week.  After school starts teams are limited to 6 hours of practice per week - most will practice 3 times per week.  Practice schedules are developed at the discretion of the team's head coach.

Can my son be the quarterback?
Yes.  However, he may also not be the quarterback.  Head coaches assign all positions and coaches are instructed to make the season enjoyable for every player.  While all players may not get to be the quarterback - our coaches will do their best to help them learn the game from many positions.  The position of quarterback is overrated anyway.  It becomes apparent quickly to each first-time quarterback that everyone on the other team wants to hit you - hard!

One of the advantages of our Mt. Prospect Lions program is that it allows players to play for different coaches and try different positions than those they have played before.

Do we practice when it rains?
Yes - this is football.  Head coaches are in charge of practice cancellations - but remember we play games in the rain so sometimes we need to practice in the rain.  Most of the time we only cancel practice when lightning or other dangerous weather endangers our players and coaches or in the case of unplayable conditions (flooded fields, etc.).

Do we play games when it rains?
Yes - we just told you -- this is football.  We only cancel games when lightning or other dangerous weather endangers our players and coaches or in the case of unplayable conditions (flooded fields, etc.)

What is expected of parents regarding picking up players from practices and games?
Parents are expected to provide timely transportation to and from practice and games for their player.  Team coaches donate their time to the MPFA program, please don't make them baby sit your player while you are "finishing one more thing" at home. 

MPFA coaches are prohibited from transporting players to and from practice.  We also ask coaches not to be alone with any one player without another adult present.  You can see that your late arrival to a practice to pick up you player puts your coach in a difficult position.

Football is a game of discipline.  Being on time and in the correct place is part of that discipline.  If you are late getting your player to practice you may be making it difficult for that player to fit in with his coach's team rules.