Welcome to Westfield PAL’s Tackle Football Home Page

On this page you can learn more about the programs we offer, registration information, equipment needed, and key dates

Programs Offered

Westfield PAL sponsors tackle football teams for children in grades 3 - 8.

3rd Graders and first year 4th Graders play in our In-Town development program.

4th Graders with prior experience and all 5th - 8th Graders play on competitive grade-specific travel teams in the North Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL).

IMPORTANT: Our registration system does not recognize grade as a way to delineate teams.  When registering, you will see more than one option available based on your child’s age.  Please select the appropriate team based on your child’s rising grade for 2017-18.

NJSYFL A Team: 8th Grade

NJSYFL B Team: 7th Grade

NJSYFL C Team: 6th Grade

NJSYFL D Team: 5th Grade

NJSYFL E Team: 4th Grade

In-Town:  3 Grade & 1st year 4th Grade (note, based on evaluation, 4th graders may be moved up to E Team)

Uniforms & Equipment

The PAL will supply helmets, mouth guards and game pants.  Game jerseys will be purchased for each player and part of the registration fee.

Players are responsible for all pads, practice pants, practice jersey and cleats.

Players should always bring their own water for all practices and games.

Health & Safety

Concussion Baseline Testing: All rising 5th - 8th graders are required to have completed a baseline test.  Baseline exam is good for 24 months.  For more information and to complete the baseline test, navigate to the "concussion information" menu item on our homepage.

Physical Exam:  All tackle football players are required to complete a physical exam stating they are fit to play football.  This exam must be conducted after May 1, 2018 and prior to the start of the season.  If you have not yet completed a physical exam, you can still register, but will need to navigate back to your registration prior to the opening of Camp and confirm your physical has been completed.

SAFETY & TRAINING

The safety and proper training of your child is our # 1 priority. The Westfield PAL Football program has partnered with USA Football http://usafootball.com/ for proper training and safety protocols.

All coaches are required to be certified by completing both The USA Football Heads Up Tackling Course, and The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Training Course and have an annual background check.

Base line concussion testing is required for all players that are 5th grade and older. The test is good for a 2 year period. Test information is located on the Tackle Football Homepage.

Important Dates

HELMET FITTING AND HAND OUT

Riddell provides our helmets.  They support for fitting, along with training from USA Football. 

Location: Shed at Tamaques Park. 

       - Thursday, July 12th from 6–8pm

       - Monday, July 16th from 6-8pm

You must have a completed and paid registration to be fitted and receive a helmet.

You must also bring a $100 check made out to Westfield PAL, which is required as a deposit in order to receive the helmet. The check is destroyed at season end, when the helmet is returned.

In addition, helmets will be available for purchase.  More information to follow.

MANDATORY CAMP – All IN-TOWN and NJSYFL Players

Location: Tamaques Park

Week 1 –  Monday, August 13 through Thursday, August 16:  6 – 8pm, 4 Days Non-padded practices, helmets only.

Week 2 – Monday, August 20 through Thursday, August 23:  6 – 8pm, 4 Days Full Padded practices.

                League Wide Scrimmage (NJSYFL only) - Sunday, August 26 – locations TBD

Week 3 – Tuesday, August 28 through Thursday, August 30 - 6 - 8 pm

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE

No practice on Monday, September 3 – Labor Day.

IN-TOWN: Practice – Thursday, September 6 only: 6 – 8pm

NJSYFL: Practice – Tuesday, September 4, Wednesday, September 5, and Friday, September 7 (6 – 8pm)

REGULAR PRACTICE SCHEDULE

IN-TOWN & E Team Practice Days are Monday and Thursday

A, B. C & D Teams Practice Days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

GAME DATES SCHEDULED

Opening Day - IN-TOWN & NJSYFL – Sunday, September 9

NJSYFL Playoffs Begin – Sunday, November 4

NJSYFL Super Bowl – Sunday, November 18