Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Play?
Jr. Spartan Football is open to residents, including those who attend private schools, in the Brookfield East High School attendance area. We field one team at each of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels, allowing 4th graders to "play up" on our 5th grade team. All players who register before the due date will be accepted (no tryouts or cuts).
Game Information
How many games do we play?
Each team will play approximately 2 scrimmages in the month of August, and 8 games. Games typically start in late August, and run through the last Saturday of October.
When do we play?
Games are played on Saturday's, typically at the following times (though subject to change):
- 8th Grade: 9:00 am
- 7th Grade: 10:45 am
- 6th Grade: 12:15 pm
- 5th Grade: 1:45 pm
What are the rules about playing time?
It's about energy, effort, hard work and commitment. There are a lot of variables that also come into play: number of players, ability, and safety.
Are there Weight Restrictions for carrying the Football?
There are weight restrictions for offensive players that would potentially carry the football. They are as follows:
- 8th Grade - Max of 160 lbs.
- 7th Grade - Max of 140 lbs.
- 6th Grade - Max of 120 lbs.
- 5th Grade - Max of 100 lbs.
All players will have an official "weigh in" before the first game for an official weight.
Ball carrying players who are close to the weight limit will be asked to weigh in weekly, to ensure they do not exceed the limit.
If a player is over the weight limit at the time of the weigh in, and subsequently loses weight after the weigh in, they will still not be able to carry the ball in an offensive position. If the player is over the weight limit at the time of weigh in, they are disqualified from offensive ball carrying all season, no exceptions.
Practice Information
When do practices start?
Practice starts the first week of August, typically 5:00-7:00, at Burleigh Elementary School.
August Practices are Monday - Friday.
Starting in September, practices typically are 6:00 - 8:00, and will move to Brookfield East High School.
Once school starts, practices are typically 3 nights a week.
We have vacation in August, can we miss practice?
Practice is a very important part of football safety and knowledge. Ideally, a child would not miss practice to ensure they are up to speed on plays and safety. If a child does miss practice, please work with the Head Coach to see if there are steps to help the child catch up with what was missed.
If a player misses practice during the first week, they will need to make up the hours missed during the next week of practice, while other players are practicing in pads.
Is there a practice requirement before "contact" can begin?
We follow the WIAA Acclimation Policy. All players must fulfill 10 hours of "no-pad / non-contact" practice before they can participate in full contact practice. For those players who miss any days, they will have to "make up" their non-contact days. It is very important that players get their non-contact requirement fulfilled so they don't fall behind.
What if my child misses practice during the school year?
Ideally, players would not miss practice. If your child is sick, please do not send them.
If they are able to make it to practice, please send them.
If they are recovering from an injury and cannot physically participate in practice, but are able to sit on the sidelines and listen to and learn the plays/direction, please send them. Coaches and players discuss and work on strategy for the upcoming game during practice.
Safety Information
What safety precautions are taken at games?
An athletic trainer will be on site during all games, provided by the Home Team. All coaches have gone through extensive recertification from USA Football every year before the season starts in order to help athletes play safe during games.
Does my child need a physical to play?
Yes, as part of the "Certification of Health, Participation, and Waiver of Liability" form, parents of children playing football are asked to confirm that the child has had a physical examination by a licensed physician within the last twelve months, and has received permission by the physician to participate in the Jr. Spartans Football competitive athletic program.
Can children play with medical conditions?
Yes, if cleared by a licenses physician. We ask that parents alert coaches of any medical conditions and treatments, so that everyone can work together to ensure a safe and healthy season.
Does Jr Spartans perform concussion testing?
All players are asked to participate in a baseline concussion test at the beginning of the season. These baseline tests are used when there is concern that a player may have incurred a concussion. Players are not able to return to practice or competitions unless cleared.
Program Information
Do I have to volunteer?
All families are required to provide a minimum of 6 credit hours of volunteer time during the season, unless a $250 Opt-Out Fee is paid during the registration process. Visit our Volunteerism page under the "About" Section to learn about opportunities that are available.
Please note that "credit hours" often times represent the length of one game, which may or may not be more than one hour of elapsed time.
I want to volunteer, but I don't want to miss my child's game. What options do I have?
There are a number of volunteer positions outside of gamedays. Additionally, families are allowed and encouraged to volunteer for certain positions during the other grade level games.
If I want to help coach, who do I talk to?
Please reach out to the Board President, Cory Silseth, to inquire about coaching opportunities.
Is there a "multi child discount" available?
Yes! Proceed with registering your first child. You will receive a registration confirmation email, and the multi child discount code will be included for additional registrations.
Is there financial assistance available?
For questions regarding financial assistance, please contact the Board President or Board Treasurer, and they will review your request.
Is there a program wide fundraiser?
Our athletes will participate in one fundraiser during the season, selling cookie dough to neighbors, family, friends and program supporters.
Meaningful participation is expected, or a monetary contribution to the program as your form of participation (opt-out fee).
Is there a Cancellation Policy?
You will receive a full refund, minus a $25.00 processing fee if registration is cancelled or withdrawn on or before April 19th.
You will receive a 75% refund after April 19th but before June 1st.
There will be no refunds after June 1st.
If you have further questions regarding the program, please reach out to one of our Board Members!
For questions regarding registration, please reach out to Suzanne Kofroth.
For questions regarding financial assistance, please contact the Board President or Board Treasurer, and we will review your request.