Football - Tackle

Tackle Football FAQs

Following are frequently asked questions about tackle football. For more information, please contact the VP of Football.

Q - Can anyone sign-up to play on a Panther team?
A - Panther tackle football is open to children between 7 - 14 years old (must be 7 by August 1, 2020).

Q - What about practices?
A - Practice starts Auguest 3, 2020. During the weeks before school is in session, all teams practice Monday through Friday at O'Neill Middle School (635 59th Street) in Downers Grove. Practices run from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Once school begins, teams will practice either three or four days per week, depending on age, generally from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. These practices are held at various parks in Downers Grove, including Doerhofer, McCollum, Gilbert Park, and others. Each team will be assigned regular practice locations.

Click HERE for a document that outlines the first two weeks of football practice.

Q - What equipment do I have to purchase?
A - You are responsible for providing football cleats and an athletic supporter. All other football equipment is provided by the Panthers.

Q - If I loose my football equipment, what should I do?
A - Please contact your head coach or the Football Equipment Director.

Q - What level will my child play?
A - Levels for football are primarily based on age as of August 1, 2020, and include weight factors as well. Players are weighed at registration and again at equipment pickup. During the regular season, players weigh-in each week. During the regular season, each player is allowed one additional pound per week for growth allowance.

Click HERE for the 2019 Age & Weight Chart.

Q - How far do teams travel?
A - The Panthers play regular season games against teams in the Bill George Youth Football League. Towns who participate in the BGYFL are listed on their website.

Q - How many games are played during the season?
A - The tackle football season runs from August through November. BGYFL schedules either eight or nine regular season games for each team. Four or five home games are played at Doerhoefer Park in Downers Grove, and four or five away games are hosted by other BGYFL teams.

For all weight classes except for 8U, there are three weeks of playoff games, including the Super Bowl Championship. Additionally, the Panthers participate in pre-season practice games (also known as bowl games) the weekends immediately before the regular season starts.

Q - If my child does not like playing football, can I get a refund?
A - Refunds requested before football equipment has been issued will be refunded the paid registration fee, minus $25, and minus any discounts given at the time of registration. For refunds requested after football equipment has been issued, 50% of the paid registration fee will be refunded upon return of all equipment.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR FUNDRAISING RAFFLE TICKET FEES AT ANY TIME.
No requests for registration fee refunds will be accepted after August 10, 2020, for any reason.
There are no refunds for the Panthers pre-season camp.

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