Our tackle program competes in a highly competitive travel league, and consistent attendance is essential to our success as a team.
Every player is expected to attend every practice. If a player misses practice without good cause, it will impact their playing time in games. If attendance issues continue, the player may forfeit their season.
Participation in another sport is not considered a good cause for missing practice.
We want to be clear about these expectations upfront, as this topic comes up every season. Each practice builds on the last. Our players learn something new every day, and we progress as a team at the next practice. When a player is absent, it affects not only their individual development but also the entire team.
We appreciate your commitment to the program and your support in helping our players grow, improve, and compete at a high level.
Rule Changes for 2024
Mount Prospect Lions TACKLE:
We compete in The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) - www.tcyfl.net
How we assign / divide teams:
We assign teams based on age using a player age as of 9/1/2026.
Flag Football:
Flag players are divided by age, school, and neighborhood. Age levels are be combined depending on registration numbers.
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 year olds,
2026 levels (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11, 12,13)
Tackle Football:
TCYFL 2019 Age/Weight Parameters
MP Youth Football - Proactive to Make Football Safer
MP Tackle:
Our tackle program competes in the TCYFL League. Teams are divided by age/weight. MP Football is committed to making the game safer. We have some major proactive safety purchases including the Shadowman and Tetra Tackling Trainers we also just purchased all new helmets in 2025
MP Flag:
Our flag program is a house league that has competes on Sundays at Melas park. In addition, we try and schedule for at least one night game under the lights. It is important to know that our commitment to safety in the sport is not only reserved for tackle, but extends to our flag program. Flag players much purchase soft shell helmets (Link on PowerPoint) to minimize potential for injuries from incidental contact.
MP Youth Football - Proactive to Make Football Safer
What equipment will I need for the season? What do I need to purchase?
While the league provides some equipment, parents will be responsible for the purchase of several items that are required for participation.
League Provides:
Flag: Jersey and shorts
League Provides for Tackle: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Rib Pads, and Game Pants:
You will receive a helmet, shoulder pads, and game pants at equipment distribution. Please take good care of these items as you would if they were your own. There is generally no need to clean this equipment after each use, but it should be kept in good shape. If the helmet becomes muddy you may wipe it off with a damp cloth. If any of the equipment becomes wet, make sure you store it in an area where it can air dry before the next practice or game.
Parents Provides:
FLAG:
Each player is required to wear a soft helmet. The only approved helmet can be purchased at mtprospect.gamebreaker.com
Tackle:
Practice Pants:
You will need to supply your own PADDED FOOTBALL GIRDLE. Girdles are generally available at local sporting goods stores and are cheap on Champ Pro's website, GIRDLE should include knee pads, thigh pads, and hip pads as a set.
Mouthpiece:
Each MPFA player is required to have an “in-mouth” mouthpiece to participate in any game or practice. We suggest that you purchase 2 or 3 mouthpieces for safety. It is always a good idea for parents to carry an extra in the glove compartment of their car in case of a “game time” lost mouthpiece. Please note: Coaches cannot be expected to supply "emergency" mouthpieces and will not allow players to practice or play without a mouthpiece. Soft helmets usually come with a mouth piece.
Practice jerseys:
The MPFA does not supply practice jerseys. Some coaches may have a special requirement for practice jerseys (i.e. requires a white mesh practice jersey for each player) so it is best to ask your coach if he has any special requirements when he calls about the first practice.
Tackle - When will I know about team assignment and the first practice?
Your player will be assigned to a team after the first two weeks of camp which start July 21st. The head coach for that team will determine the timing of the initial practices and evaluations.
Can parents help coach?
Yes. We are always looking of parents who have played football, have knowledge of the game or just want to learn to help out with teams. It is a great way to interact with your child and learn the MPFA way of doing things. Just contact your level coordinator or head coach and let him know that your are interested and they will let you know how to get involved. Experienced coaches and parents are encouraged to attend the MPFA meetings.
Are Head Coaches certified?
Yes, all Coaches are required to take - USA Head-Up certification, Positive Coaching Alliance, and Advanced Concussion Testing.
Tackle - When do I return my equipment?
You will turn in equipment at Melas Park sometime during the two weeks after the last game. Your coach will notify you of the exact date and time. The dates will also be listed on the website.
What do I do if I have a question?
First, ask your coach
If you have an issue of a sensitive nature, you may contact our MPFA President, President or any other MPFA Board Member directly. Contact Us
How many practices per week?
Most teams practice 3 or 4 times per week - Flag teams will practice 1 or 2 times per week. After school starts teams are limited to 6 hours of practice per week - most will practice 3 times per week. Practice schedules are developed at the discretion of the team's head coach.
Q: Do we practice when it rains?
Yes. Head coaches are in charge of practice cancellations - but remember we play games in the rain so sometimes we need to practice in the rain. Most of the time we only cancel practice when lightning or other dangerous weather endangers our players and coaches or in the case of unplayable conditions (flooded fields, etc.).
Q: What is expected of parents regarding picking up players from practices and games?
Parents are expected to provide timely transportation to and from practice and games for their player.
Q: When are the games?
Flag:
Sunday (maybe One Saturday Game and One Weekday Night Game)
Tackle:
Our preference is to play games on Saturday. However, we can only control our Home games (4 to 5 games) and they will be played on Saturday. Away games (4 to 5 games) are controlled by the away team and may be on Saturday or Sunday.
Additional Tackle Questions:
Q: What teams will we play ?
A: The TCYFL is made of (50) franchises/towns. The franchises/towns are separated each year by the number of players (helmet count) and you play franchises/towns that are similar in size (helmet count).
Q: How far will we need to travel ?
A: All Home games (4 to 5 games) will be played at Melas Park or Prospect High School. The remaining away games (4 to 5 games) will be played at other locations.
Q: Will players receive Concussion Testing ?
A: Yes, all players 9 years old or older will have a Baseline Sway Testing (concussion testing).
Q: Is there any professional medical personnel at games ?
A: Yes, a Certified Athletic Trainer will be at almost all locations for games.
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