Q. How do I register my child for tackle football?
A. All registrations are online only. Visit the JCFA homepage, which will direct you to Sportabase to start the registration process. If you do not have access to the internet you may register at the Fitting to complete the online registration.
Q. Why does registration start so early?
A. Spring registration, allows us to better determine how many teams we will have for each grade and to make sure we have enough coaches and assistants. It also requires lead time to order and receive uniforms, and this is more easily accomplished in the spring, than in the summer.
Q. My child has never participated before. Once I register, what do I need to do next?
A. Once your child is registered, they will need to be fitted for their equipment and uniform. Equipment and uniform fittings are on the SCHEDULE page on this site.
Q. What is the fee to participate in tackle football?
A. Early registration is $145.00 if you register by May 31st. On June 1st and thereafter, the regular season fee of $180.00 will apply. The INFC states all clubs must register every child until July 20th. Registrations taken after July 20th will be done so on a grade and needs basis.
Q. Can I pay by check?
A. Yes, all registrations are online only, but you can pay by check. If paying by check, make checks payable to JCFA in the appropriate amount and bring to the Fittings, Camp or mail to:
Junior Comet Football
5819 E. 57th St.
Tulsa, OK 74135
**Please note your child's name in the memo section of the check.
Q. Do you have scholarship opportunities?
A. JCFA provides scholarships for those who qualify for financial assistance. Contact Todd Adams for more information. JCFA has a limited number of scholarships available and are provided based on true hardship needs. Inquiries will remain confidential.
Q. Does the JCFA give refunds?
A. Generally speaking, the JCFA will only issue refunds prior to the Camp/Combine. In the event there are extenuating circumstances, please contact Todd Adams to discuss the specifics.
Q. What items should I purchase for my child to play football?
A. Certified helmet (white), shoulder pads, practice and game uniform, mouthpiece, cleats and optional athletic support.
Q. Where do I purchase practice pants, practice jerseys and football cleats?
A. You may purchase these items at any sporting goods store.
Q. Am I responsible for purchasing my child's uniform?
A. Yes, JCFA has contracted the 2017 uniforms with Gorfam Althletics. Football uniforms will be ordered through Gorfam at a group discount, jerseys and pants and will include a home and away jersey.
Q. Why does JCFA not provide equipment?
A. There is a wide variety in price, comfort, technology and safety ratings for both shoulder pads and helmets. The JCFA believes this is a personal decision that should be made by parents to best reflect your budget and values.
Q. Does my child need to have a physical?
A. Yes, each year your child will need to have a sports physical on file before they participate in practices or games. Physicals are good for one year from the date of examination. Bring a copy of the physical to the Camp/Combine.
Q. Besides a sports physical, are there any other documents that I will need to provide?
A. Yes, a copy of your child's birth certificate must be on file before they participate in practice or games. Please bring to the Camp/Combine.
Q. What is a Camp/Combine?
A. The combine is an opportunity for coaches to view all the players which will be participating in the upcoming season.
Q. Who needs to participate in the Camp/Combine?
A. All football players are required to attend. There is no cost for the Camp/Combine.
Q. Where and when is the Camp/Combine?
A. The 2017 Camp/Combine for 1st - 7th Grades will be held July 19th and 20st from 7-9:00pm at Bishop Kelley football field.
Q. Is there a JCFA Camp?
A. Yes, a Camp with Coach Tapanna will be held. Dates and times will be announced on the SCHEDULE and CAMP PAGES.
Q. How does the draft work?*
A. Each year, teams will have returning and non-returning players. The open spots on the teams are filled from the draft; a pool that consists of new players or players who chose to be in the draft. First year teams may recruit and protect 4 players from the draft. Each year thereafter, the team will be allowed to recruit and protect 2 new players. Before leaving the draft table, Coaches will be allowed to trade players, but only those players that were selected from the draft. Existing or protected players are not eligible for trade.
Q. How can my child get protected on a team?*
A. Parents must complete a Player Protect Form from the requesting coach. These must be submitted to a commissioner or director prior to the INFC draft. Only 3 players can be protected by one team.
Q. My child participated last year, will they automatically return to the same team?
A. Yes, unless you, or the coach, want to place your child into the draft.
Q. What do I need to do if I don't want my child to return to the same team?
A. When you register your child, please indicate that you wish to return to the draft in the special request/comments section of the form. Your child will also need to participate in the combine.
Q. How can I have my child placed on a specific team?*
A. Our draft rules are governed by INFC and are very specific. Please see the rules/regulations section of the INFC website.
Q. I have twins who would like to play football, can they be on the same team?
A. It is JCFA's policy to allow siblings, in the same grade, to participate on the same team.
Q. I have two children who are two years apart; can both be on the same team?*
A. According to INFC rules, a child in the 3rd - 7th grade levels will be allowed to play up one grade level. A player will not be allowed to play down a grade level. We do not allow a child to play up on non-INFC teams (8th grade).
Q. How do I know what team my child is on?
A. Once the teams are formed, in late July, the head coach will contact you with team information including practice times and location. 2017 football practices cannot begin before July 31st.
Q. How are coaches chosen?
A. Coaches are interviewed by the Coach Selection Committee and other JCFA officers. We want coaches who not only have knowledge of football, but who also have the aptitude and passion to coach young players. If you are interested in coaching, contact an officer on the Coach Selection Committee.
Q. Where and when will my child practice?
A. Every team practices at different times and locations at Bishop Kelley. Your head coach will contact you and let you know the specifics of where and when practice will be held.
Q. How many times a week will my child have practice?*
A. Practices will be limited to a maximum of four per week (pads or otherwise), lasting a maximum of two hours from the scheduled start time per practice. 3rd and 4th grade teams are permitted to practice four (4) days a week for the first 3 weeks, after which only three (3) practices per week is allowed. Mighty Mites are allowed 3 practices a week for a duration of 1½ hours.
Q. In the hot months how often will my child be allowed to get water?
A. Coaches are required to supply players water breaks every 15 minutes, or as needed. It’s easy to lose track of time on the field, so feel free to give your coach a friendly reminder.
Q. Who do I contact if I am having issues with the Coach or team?
A. First, always go to your Coach if you have any concerns and try to resolve them with him. If you feel that the problems continue, or cannot be resolved, you are can contact any of the JCFA Board Members. A complete list can be found in the Contacts on this website.
Q. When will I get my child's game schedule?
A. All games schedules will be available the week of the first regular season game and are available online at www.inyouthsports.com. Your coach or team mom/dad will distribute the schedules. We do our best to post the team schedules under TEAMS and GRADE.
Q. When are the games?
A. All INFC games are held on Saturday. The first regular season game is in late August, check the SCHEDULE. 8th Grade games are held during the week.
Q. How long are the games?
A. Mighty Mites games are scheduled every hour, all other games are scheduled every hour and a half.
Q. Are all the games played at Bishop Kelley?
A. No, not all. Roughly half of the scheduled games are played at Bishop Kelley, while the remainder of the games will be played at away fields.
Q. How far will we travel for away games?
A. The INFC encompasses most of NE Oklahoma, including Bartlesville to Okmulgee and Stillwater to Grove. For a full listing and directions to stadiums, refer to www.inyouthsports.com/clubs/
Q. What time do I need to have my child at the football field on game days?
A. Usually, you will need to have your child at the game field 1 hour before the scheduled game to weigh-in and properly warm up.
Q. Does it cost to attend my child's games?*
A. Yes, per INFC rules there is a gate fee. Adults are $3.00, Students (6-18) are $1.00, Seniors 65> $1.00, and children 5< are free. Players and cheerleaders, in uniform, do not pay to attend any INFC game. Coaches pay unless they are wear a current years INFC badge.
Q. Why do parents and siblings have to pay to get into the games?
A. The money you pay at the gate goes into field maintenance, clean-up crews, electricity, trash and sewage, payment to referees, trainers, announcers, concession stand maintenance, insurance, and so much more.
Q. I have two children in the program and I have one home and one away game, will I have to pay a gate fee twice?
A. Yes, gate fees are collected at each clubs home location.
Q. I have two children in the program and both have games at the same location but different times, will I be required to pay gate fee twice?
A. You will be able to obtain a stamp at the gate before you leave the first game to allow you to re-enter the second game at no charge.
Q. Are pets allowed at the games?
A. No, pets are not usually allowed at football facilities.
Q. What is the INFC?
A. INFC stands for Indian Nations Football Conference. This is the league in which Bishop Kelley Junior Comets participates for 1st through 7th Grade. They schedule all pre-season, post-season and league games. The INFC also handles all scheduling of league officials. The JCFA is an INFC league sanctioned club and is governed by the rules set forth by the Conference. For a copy of the INFC rulebook and information about the INFC, you can visit their website at: www.inyouthsports.com.
* INFC Rules are subject to change, so please consult the most current rulebook for the most up-to-date information, or talk with your head coach.