Henderson Flag Football League

General

What is HFFL?

HFFL stands for Henderson Flag Football League. HFFL is a youth flag football league serving Henderson-area families with organized practices, league games, trained officials, quality uniforms, and a positive game-day environment.

Is HFFL an NFL FLAG league?

Yes. HFFL is associated with NFL FLAG.

How long has HFFL been around?

HFFL has been serving Henderson families for over 30 years.

When does the Fall 2026 season start?

The first game of the season starts on September 12, 2026. Practices will begin in late August.

How long is the season?

The regular season is 10 weeks long, with a two-week playoff system to close. Only the top half of the division is eligible for the playoffs.

What days are games played?

Games are primarily played on Saturdays, with occasional weekday games depending on the season schedule, field availability, and division needs.

How many games are guaranteed?

10.

How much does registration cost?

$170.00 early bird, $195.00 thereafter.

What's included in registration?

Registration typically includes league participation, team uniform, regular-season games, officials, field use, and access to playoffs when applicable.

Are uniforms included?

Yes. Uniforms are included with registration.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes.

Can I register late?

Late registration may be available if space remains in the division.

Can I get a refund?

No.

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Scholarships are available through RCX Sports. You will need to reach out to them for the details.

Age Divisions

What are the age divisions?

Pee Wee: 5-6 · Bandits: 7-8 · Gremlins: 9-10 · Juniors: 11-12 · Seniors: 13-14.

How is age determined?

Age is determined by the league's official age cutoff date.

Can my child play up?

Not without a coach's request.

Can my child play down?

Never.

Can four-year-olds play?

Four-year-olds may be allowed in Pee Wee only if a parent is coaching, subject to league approval.

What about high school players?

High school divisions may be offered depending on the season, field space, and registration numbers.

Boys & Girls

Can girls play in HFFL?

Yes. Girls are welcome in HFFL.

Are there girls-only divisions?

Girls-only divisions may be offered depending on the season and registration numbers.

Can boys and girls play together?

Yes. HFFL offers coed play in its youth divisions.

Is there a girls' high school league?

Yes. We will begin offering a High School girls division in the Fall of 2026.

Competition Format

What's the difference between Rec and Elite divisions?

Rec divisions are designed for balanced league play, development, and players of all experience levels. Elite divisions are intended for more competitive teams and players looking for a higher level of play.

How competitive is HFFL?

HFFL is competitive, but still built around development, sportsmanship, and a positive youth sports experience.

Is HFFL beginner-friendly?

Yes. First-time players are welcome.

Will there be playoffs?

Yes, playoffs are typically part of the season when division size and scheduling allow.

Teams

Can I request a coach or friend?

Coach and friend requests may be submitted, but they are not guaranteed.

Can I bring my own team?

Yes, in the HFFL Elite division. You will be scheduled to play another team that has rostered its whole team. No teams with 8 or more keepers will be scheduled to play in the rec division.

What are keepers?

Keepers are returning players a coach may protect or bring back to the same team before rosters are finalized.

How many players can coaches protect?

Keeper limits vary by division and season rules. In HFFL, coaches can bring their entire team.

Are teams drafted?

The 14U Rec division may use a draft or roster-balancing process depending on registration numbers and league format.

Can players be moved for competitive balance?

Yes. HFFL may adjust rosters when needed to support fair and balanced competition.

Will siblings play at the same time?

HFFL will try to help families when possible, but sibling game times cannot be guaranteed.

Coaching

Can I coach?

Yes. HFFL relies on volunteer coaches.

Do coaches need background checks?

Yes. Coaches must complete required background checks.

Can assistant coaches help?

Yes. Assistant coaches may help once approved by the league.

Are coaches volunteers?

Yes. HFFL coaches are volunteers.

How do I become a coach?

You can indicate interest during registration or contact HFFL directly.

What if I don't know football?

You can still coach, especially at younger levels. HFFL values organization, communication, patience, and a positive attitude as much as football knowledge.

Playing Time

Will every player play?

Yes. HFFL is a pay-to-play youth league, and every player is expected to play.

Is playing time guaranteed?

Yes. Players will receive equal playing time, except in the elite division. Players in the rec division will all receive equal playing time.

Do coaches have to follow rotation rules?

Yes. Coaches are expected to follow league playing time and rotation expectations.

Equipment

What equipment do players need?

Players should have athletic clothing, cleats, a mouthpiece, and water.

Are cleats required?

Cleats are recommended.

Can players wear metal cleats?

No. Metal cleats are not allowed.

Do players need mouthpieces?

Yes. Mouthpieces are required.

Does HFFL provide flags and footballs?

HFFL provides game equipment, including flags and footballs.

Are soft-shell helmets allowed?

Yes, and recommended.

Game Day

What time are the games?

Game times vary by division and schedule, but we schedule between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

How long are games?

Two 18-minute halves, about 45 minutes total.

How early should we arrive?

Players should arrive early enough to check in, warm up, and be ready before kickoff. A good general target is 20-30 minutes before game time.

What happens if it rains?

HFFL will communicate weather-related delays, field closures, or cancellations as needed.

Can parents sit anywhere?

No. Parents must stay in designated spectator areas and follow field rules.

Can I bring chairs and tents?

Yes.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed, and you will have to leave with your pet.

Rules

What rules are used?

HFFL follows NFL FLAG rules, with local league modifications when needed.

Is there contact?

No. Flag football is a non-contact sport.

Are there kickoffs?

No. NFL FLAG-style play does not use traditional kickoffs.

Are there running zones?

Yes. NFL FLAG rules include no-run zones.

How many players are on the field?

HFFL generally plays 5v5 flag football unless a specific division or event format states otherwise.

Can quarterbacks run?

No.

Is there rushing?

Yes, rushing is allowed under NFL FLAG rules.

How many coaches are allowed on the field?

Two.

Playoffs & Championships

Does everyone make the playoffs?

Only the top half of the division makes the playoffs. For example, in an 8-team division, the top 4 move on to the playoffs.

Are there championship games?

Yes. Championship games are typically held for playoff divisions.

Are trophies awarded?

Yes.

NFL FLAG

Does HFFL qualify teams for NFL FLAG events?

Yes. HFFL players and teams have opportunities to participate in NFL FLAG regional tournaments.

Can players advance to regionals or nationals?

Players and teams may compete in NFL FLAG regional events, where teams can work toward national championship opportunities.

Is HFFL officially sanctioned by NFL FLAG?

Yes. HFFL is an NFL FLAG league.

Parents

Can parents coach from the sidelines?

No. Parents should encourage players positively from the spectator area and allow coaches to coach.

What is expected of parents?

Parents are expected to support the players, respect coaches and officials, follow league rules, and help maintain a positive game-day environment.

How does HFFL handle poor sportsmanship?

Poor sportsmanship from players, coaches, or spectators may result in warnings, removal from the field, suspension, or further league action.

Are there spectator rules?

Yes. Spectators must remain in approved areas, respect officials and coaches, and follow HFFL's sportsmanship standards.

Volunteers & Sponsors

Can I volunteer?

Yes. HFFL welcomes volunteers.

Can businesses sponsor HFFL?

Yes. Local business sponsorship opportunities are available.

Are team sponsorships available?

Yes. Team sponsorships may be available depending on the season.

Weather & Safety

What happens during extreme heat?

HFFL may adjust schedules, add water breaks, shorten activities, or delay games as needed to ensure player safety.

What happens if games are canceled?

HFFL will communicate cancellations and any possible makeup information to families.

What safety precautions are in place?

HFFL uses a non-contact format, background-checked coaches, officials, age divisions, sportsmanship standards, and weather-related precautions to support player safety.

Miscellaneous

Can my child play another sport and still participate?

Yes, but families should review the schedule and understand that attendance matters for team development.

Can players miss games?

Yes, but families should notify their coach of any absences as early as possible.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Garrison Fries, 702.296.5113.