The questions that are asked the most frequently in Houseleague Division - SOFAL
Why does TCMTFA not have rep Predator level teams in the Myte, Tyke and Atom divisions?
Research has shown that young athletes develop at varying rates and that exposing them to too intense a level of competition before they are ready to handle it, is not in their best interests. The NCCP level 2 theory and Coaching Association of Canada both support this philosophy and instruct our coaches to instead ensure that skill development and fun and integral to any program. To read a recently published article on this discussion go to attached article.
Where will we be practicing?
We practice in various locations throughout Kitchener-Waterloo, depending on field availability. Once we receive permits for locations we will post the locations to this website.
How long is a typical season?
We start practicing within the first week of July with our first game near the end of August. We play one game per week ending the last weekend in October or early November. Each team is guaranteed one playoff game.
Why is football so expensive?
TCMTFA supplies the majority of the equipment for every player. This cost is approximately $500/player. At each game we pay for certified referees, medical personnel and of course the rental of the fields. Each year we purchase additional field equipment as well as player equipment. Helmets are recertified each year and shoulder pads are cleaned and restrapped.
To give you an idea of the equipment costs, our league spend over $90K in capital and expenditure equipment costs (combined) in 2007.
Why do we recertify our helmets each year?
Safety is #1 - it's that simple. The recertifications of helmets are done each year to make sure that we put the safest product on our players.
Are Board Members paid?
No. All board member are volunteers.
Are coaches and their staff paid?
No. All coaches and their personnel are volunteers.
Can I attend board meetings if I wish?
All members are welcome to come to board meetings. They are held the second Monday of each month. If you wish to attend, you should contact us to verify location and time.
If I have concerns, can I approach a Board Member at a practice?
Certainly, talk to a board member whenever you have a question or a concern. If the board member cannot answer your question, they will get back to you.
I have heard people talking about SOFAL, what is it?
Southern Ontario Football Association of Leagues (SOFAL) is the regional body that TCMTFA belongs to. There are six entres that belong to SOFAL - Brampton, Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, TCMTFA and Wentworth. We play games against teams from all these centres. SOFAL holds meetings once a month, at which there are two representatives from each centre, and they set the Rules and Regulations, Schedules, Championship Day, etc.
Why are some games played on Saturday and some on Sundays?
We book our field for Saturday's games. Some of the other centres are only able to get fields on Sundays and have no other option. Fields are very limited in some of the centres and therefore they take the fields when the city offers it to them.
Are there many injuries? If so, what type?
We do not get many injuries, though some years are worse than others are. Most of the injuries are twisted ankles, bumps and bruises. .
What are the additional costs to registration?
The additional costs to registration will be for equipment such as a girdle, mouth guard and possibly a hard chinstrap and cleats.
Do you play in all weather conditions?
Practices and games are played in all types of weather unless it is lightning out - then the players will be pulled off the field. The cities also have the option of cancelling the fields in bad weather (heavy rains or snow).
What if my child knows little about the game?
At the houseleague level there's a number of players that have never played the game. So, no worries ;)...
Will my child receive fair play time?
Each player in the house league format is guaranteed fair play time. Teams with large rosters will have players rotating but the same players should not be rotating at every game.
Do I sign my child for a position?
No. The player may express a position he wishes to play to the coach and the coach can try him/her out at that position, but ultimately the coach will have the final say on where he thinks the player should be playing.
What qualifications do the coaches have?
We encourage all our coaches to attend football clinics and work toward getting their NCCP certification. At the SOFAL their requirement is that once a coach is entering their fourth year of coaching they should be fully qualified Level 1 coach.
The questions that are asked the most frequently in the Rep Program
Why are the fees higher than the house league?
The cost to run the Predators are higher. Some of the additional expenses we pay are for chartered coach bussing to all our away games; 10 referees (included stick crew); cost of the stadium; cost of equipment is more; home and away jersey's.
How much traveling is there and how far?
The team could travel as far east as Ottawa and as far west as Essex.
Why can't we get better practice fields?
We apply for fields with both the City of Kitchener and Waterloo but usually our practice fields are in Waterloo because of availability.
Who do we address our concerns to?
If you have a concern with regard to your son on the playing field you should first approach the Head Coach. If you have concerns about the organization you may contact any board member.