Q: What is the Jr Bison Football Program?
A: The Buffalo Grove Jr Bison Youth Football Association is a full contact youth football program for children in the 4th through 8th grades. The Jr Bison coaching staff maintains a close relationship with the Buffalo Grove High School program regarding training techniques and football strategy. Rival teams include: Lake Forest, Glenview, Deerfield, Niles West, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Norridge and Kenilworth. All teams are members of the Central Suburban Youth Football League, CSYFL.
Q: How do I register my child for the Jr Bison program?
A: All registration is done online. You can go online immediately to establish a login and prepare for registration. Your login will remain active and you can come back at any time to complete the process. Your final registration will not be activated until you have filled your checkout cart and paid your fee. Fees may be paid with cash, check or credit card.
Q: What if I miss the April registration deadline, can I still register?
A: After the early registration deadline, based on availability, you may register your son or daughter. But you will not get the early registration discount.
Q: I would like to assist the Jr Bison program as a coach or other volunteer. Who do I notify?
A: It is important to the success of the program and your enjoyment of the season to lend a hand. During the online account registration process you will be prompted for volunteer activities. After completing the online volunteer section, the Jr Bison staff will contact you with specifics requirements for the season.
Q: The football experience level of my child is limited; will my child play with similar athletes?
A: The program has both new and experienced players at every level. The coaches are dedicated to work with the newer players to ensure their success. Key areas of development such as safety, fitness and football fundamentals are stressed.
Q: Will my child play with athletes of similar size?
A: Divisions are based on age and weight, with more credence being given to age. A larger kid will not be asked to play on a team 2 or 3 years older than him, simply because he is “big.” However, there are rules around weight, age, and who can play certain positions. There are striper rules for each team – as laid out below – larger players may be limited to line play for safety reasons.
Here is a quick guide to the weight levels for our football league, the CSYFL:
Heavyweights: 7th and 8th grade:
7th graders: 141 pounds or higher.
8th graders: 131 pounds or higher.
HW stripers: 151 pounds or higher.
Lightweights: 7th and 8th grade:
7th graders: 140 pounds or less.
8th graders: 130 pounds or less.
LW stripers: 116 pounds or higher.
Middleweights: 5th and 6th graders:
5th graders: 101 pounds or higher.
6th graders: 91 pounds or higher.
MW stripers: 116 pounds or higher.
Flyweights: 5th and 6th graders:
5th graders: 100 pounds or less.
6th graders: 90 pounds or less.
4th graders: 4th grade stripers:
85 pounds or higher.
Q: Can we specify a particular coach for our child?
A: The Jr Bison cannot accommodate requests for a specific coach.
Q: Can our child play football with his friends?A: Given the structure of the age/weight levels, chances are high that your child will be playing with children their same age. The Jr Bison cannot guarantee your child will play with specific friends. However, the teammates will be a set of athletes they will know all through their entire Buffalo Grove High School experience!
Q: Can siblings be on the same team?
A: Yes. If requested, siblings of the same age level will be placed on the same team.
Q: Where are my child’s practice games fields?
A: Teams will practice at the Buffalo Grove High School practice fields. Practice schedules will be determined as the season gets closer, but anticipate 3 days a week starting in mid-August and ending by late October/early November. Home games will be played at BGHS as well – either on the practice fields or varsity field. Away games will be played against one of the other members of the CSYFL. They are Deerfield, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Niles West, Norridge, Northbrook, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka.
Q: Is it necessary for my child to be present on equipment pick up day?
A: Yes, it is essential your child receive the proper size helmet, shoulder pads and other equipment. During equipment pick up day, athletes are measured and properly fit to ensure player safety.
Q: What if we miss the scheduled equipment pick up day?
A: It is important to make every attempt to attend the scheduled equipment pick up day. In the event you simply cannot make it, alternate pick up times can be arranged through the Jr Bison staff.
Q: Can my child pick up equipment without a parent or guardian?
A: No. The parent or guardian must be present to sign a waiver and equipment return guarantee. Players and/or other third parties are not permitted to sign the equipment guarantee and “waiver”.
Q: In the event my child’s equipment gets damaged or lost, is there a fee?
A: There is no fee for replacing equipment damaged during a practice or a game. Lost equipment will be replaced and charged. Equipment replacement costs can be found on the equipment guarantee form. The Jr Bison require payment prior to issuing replacement equipment.
Q: What do I do if my child’s equipment doesn’t fit properly or has a different problem?
A: Your child’s Head Coach is your first source for information. He will work with you to make sure your equipment issues are addressed.
Q: Will we hear from the Jr Bison coaching staff prior to the beginning of the season?
A: No. Your first contact with the team will be at the first scheduled practice. Players will be evaluated and divided into specific teams during the initial practice sessions.
Q: What if we miss the first scheduled day of practice due to vacation, illness or other family events.
A. Contact the Jr Bison staff via the email address on the website and the coaches will arrange alternate player evaluations.
Q: What kind of practice schedule can we expect?
A: The Head Coach is responsible for preparing his team for the season. He will establish the practice schedule. Once school begins, practices are usually limited to 2 or 3 evenings a week. The duration of each practice session is approximately 2 hours. But, the amount of practice can vary depending upon weekly conditions.
Q: How long is the football season?
A: The season ends in late October, per the CSYFL league guidelines. There will be 6 regular season games and one “bowl” game for each team.
Q: How much game time will my child play?
A: The coaches try their best to involve all of the player in weekly games. However, the games are competitive and the players must earn their way onto the field. Some players will play more than others based on their skill level and their participation at practice sessions. There is no guarantee of a certain level of playing time during games. However, the coaches do guarantee all players will receive a consistent and equitable level of coaching during practices sessions.