Welcome to Westfield PAL’s Tackle Football Home Page
PROGRAMS OFFERED -
The Westfield PAL sponsors competitive tackle football travel teams for 3rd - 8th graders and the teams participate in the North Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL). Although most games will be played on Sundays at the times indicated below, the schedule is subject to change on short notice and may include games on Saturdays. All registrants will be placed according to their grade in September 2023 (there are no tryouts). Team placement will be dependent upon the number of registrants per grade and the teams are typically constructed as follows -
NJSYFL "A" Team: 8th Grade - Sundays at 1:30pm
NJSYFL "B" Team: 7th Grade - Sundays at noon
NJSYFL "C" Team: 6th Grade - Sundays at 10:30am
NJSYFL "D" Team: 5th Grade - Sundays at 9:00am
NJSYFL "E" Team: 3rd & 4th Grade - Sundays at 3:00pm
NOTE: 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 grade in September 2023.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT -
The Westfield PAL will supply a helmet and a game jersey for every player. Players are responsible for all other equipment - shoulder pads, practice/game pants, practice jersey, jock strap/cup, mouth guard and youth football cleats. Players should always bring their own water for all practices and games.
HEALTH AND SAFETY -
Safety for all players is our #1 priority. The NJSYFL has partnered with USA Football (http://usafootball.com) and all coaches are required to be certified by completing both the USA Football Heads Up Tackling and the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. training courses. Additionally, the Westfield PAL conducts background checks for all coaches in the program.
Concussion Baseline Testing: All 5th - 8th graders (as of Sept 2023) are required to complete a concussion baseline test, which will be in effect for 24 months (for more information, please refer to the "concussion information" menu item on our homepage).
Physical Exam: All players are required to complete a physical exam to indicate that they are fit to play tackle football for the 2023 season. A player may register prior to completing the physical exam; however, the exam must be completed prior to the start of training camp in order for the player to participate.
The season will commence with a mandatory training camp, to be held at Tamaques Park, 6:00 - 8:00pm Monday through Thursday, which will likely be during the week of August 14, 2023.
LEAGUE DIRECTOR -
Luis Zaldua: [email protected]