Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have an association?

  • To provide a higher level of resources to players, parents and coaches involved in football from 4th through 8th grade. 
  • Fully Operational Website 
  • On-line registration 
  •  Active representation within the TCNFL League for 7th and 8th grade. 
  •  Partnership and mentorship from Forest Lake High School players and coaches. 
  •  Grow and provide an improved pipeline of players that are prepared to excel at the High School level.

What League do we play in? 

  • 4th-6th grade play in our Forest Lake Youth Association league comprised of teams from the following cities:  Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes, Forest Lake, North Branch and Princeton.
  • 7th and 8th grade Forest Lake Youth Players participate in the TCNFL League

Will there be tryouts?

  • There are no try outs for 4th-8th grade. 
  • 6th - 8th grade players will have a skill level evaluation camp.  No player cuts are made.  See more information in How Are Teams Formed.

How are 4th - 6th Grade teams formed?

  • Rostering is completed by the Board Appointed Grade Coordinator.   
  •  4th grade registrants are rostered using the following criteria and is listed in no particular order of importance. *The criteria below is subject to change on Board Approval.*
    • Which elementary school the player attends, this information is captured at online registration.  
      • *Official school enrollment verification may be required.   
    • By home address (this eases the burden of drive time to practice for parents). 
    • Based on team numbers (ie one team has 19 and the other 20, the late registrant will go to the team with 19 players).  
    • Children of coaches will be placed with their parent. 
    • There is no skill-level evaluation for 4th & 5th graders – we are happy to have all players who register participate in our league.  
  •  5th grade registrants will be placed on the same team they were on the prior year.  This is done to continue the team structure they learned the previous year and build on the fundamentals established in the FLYFB League Grade Level Rule Book that is created together with city league participants.  5th grade late registrants will be rostered by the criteria outlined above for 4th Grade.   
  • 6th grade registrants will have a skill evaluation and be rostered to a team. 
  • The criteria above is subject to change on Board Approval. 
  • YOU MAY NOT REQUEST TO BE ON A SPECIFIC TEAM.  TEAM ROSTERS ARE FINAL.

How are 6th - 8th Grade teams formed?  "Evaluations"

  • This is not a "try-out", no player cuts are made. 
  • We begin skill-level evaluations in 6th grade to create balanced teams for middle schoolers.
  • Player evaluations are done by the FLHS Varsity coaching staff. Youth Coaches are not active participants on player evaluation day.  
  • Helmet, shoulder pads, padded pants, cleats, a tethered mouth guard attached to the face mask and plenty of water are required for Evaluation Day.
  • Parents are not allowed to watch Evaluations.  This allows players to focus on the task at hand, rather than being distracted by a parent or guardians watchful eye.  There will be plenty of time to watch your player on game days. 
  • The goal of balanced teams is player retention. Having a super team and a team that struggles has not proven to retain players moving into high school.  Having a balanced team allows players to succeed and grow in their positions.  
  • All players who have paid the registration fee and completed the necessary registration forms will be rostered onto a team; no player cuts are made.  
  • If players are not present on evaluation day, they will be rostered onto a team at random.
  • Teams will be formed by Saturday, Aug 9th. and posted to the TeamSideline app.  Link to download the TeamSideline app is at the bottom of the page.
  •  YOU MAY NOT REQUEST TO BE ON A SPECIFIC TEAM. TEAM ROSTERS ARE FINAL.

What equipment does my player need?

  • Parents will need to provide:  
    • Mouthguard, it must be attached/tethered to the helmet. 
    • Black Padded Football Pants (Black is mandatory)
    • Football Cleats  (no metal spikes).  
  • Forest Lake youth players will be provided with a helmet, shoulder pads & jersey.
    • Helmet and shoulder pads are to be returned to your coach at the end of the season.
    • Jersey is yours to keep.
  • Places to check for pants/cleats/mouthguard:  Amazon.com, Play It Again Sports, www.epicsports.com, Dicks.com, Scheels.com, Facebook Marketplace etc.  *Please note FLYFB does not receive any commission for any of the suggested places mentioned.

When and where do we return our helmet and shoulder pads?

  • 4th - 6th Grade your head coach will collect your helmet and shoulder pads after your last game or at a time predetermined by your coach. Team managers will assist in keeping track of player equipment turn in.  
    • All stickers must be removed from the white helmets, including the Forest Lake Logo Sticker.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25th, *ALL 4th-6th grade Forest Lake and Chisago teams*
    • After the last Championship Game has been played, the Head Coach or their designee will return their teams equipment to Hallberg Storage Forest Lake. 
      • Coaches make sure you have your entire team collected & all helmet stickers are removed.
      • Head Coach or their designee will also turn in their team FLYFB coaches bag, FLYFB footballs and any other FLYFB issued equipment when you return your teams helmets and pads.
  • 7th & 8th Grade if your last game is on Sunday, Oct. 26th you will turn in your helmet and shoulder pads to your coach after your game is finished.
    • Head Coach or their designee will also turn in their team FLYFB coaches bag, FLYFB footballs and any other FLYFB issued equipment when you return your teams helmets and pads.
  • Additional questions can be sent to equipment@flyfb.org

How do I add another parent or guardian to my account?

  • Login to your account at www.flyfb.org. Select Members. Click Add Parent.

Are visors allowed?

  • Clear visors are allowed.  Smoked, mirrored, or any color enhanced visors are NOT allowed, not even with a Dr's note. Rule 1-5-3-C MSHSL 
    • Tinted visors are not allowed for safety reasons because they can make it hard for medical personnel to see a player's eyes. This can be especially dangerous if the player has a head or neck injury. 

Are drones allowed at games?

  • We are following MNSHSL rules, NO DRONES AT GAMES, only practices and scrimmages.

Can my daughter play football?

  • Yes. FLYFB tackle is open to anyone in the Forest Lake District from 3rd - 8th grade.

Can my 3rd grader play football?

  • Yes. If you feel your 3rd grader is ready to play tackle football and is capable of learning football plays they may register for tackle football and play on a 4th grade team.  Once your child is in 4th grade they will play with their classmates on a 4th grade team again. 

Where and when are practices?   

  • Practices will vary by team.  It will be up to the coach to determine the dates and locations of practices.  The first week of practice will begin mid August. 

Heat Index Guidelines: 

  • Heat Index 95° to 100° Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action. Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact. Consider postponing practice to later in the day.
  • Heat index 101° to 103° Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration. Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action. No equipment. Postpone practice to later in day if possible  
  • Heat index 104°+ Cancel practice 

Where and when are 4th - 6th grade games played?

  • Game locations will vary per grade level.  Youth football games can be played any day of the week/weekends starting in September and ending by late October / early November.  The exact times will be determined by the league scheduling system.  Expect to travel to all cities who participate in the FLYFB League. ie Chisago, North Branch, Cambridge-Isanti & Princeton.  Forest Lake Home games will be played at Forest Lake High School fields. (Ranger Stadium, Fieldhouse Turf & Grass Field)
  • Ranger Stadium Policy (full policy attached) II. 
  • GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY 
    • A. Use or possession of alcohol, toxic substances, medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids (including edible cannabinoid products), and controlled substances, before, during, or after school hours, at school or in any other school location, is prohibited as general policy. Paraphernalia associated with control substances is prohibited. Possession and use of nonintoxicating cannabinoid products that are intended for use and actually used by application to an individual’s skin is permitted by staff members, secondary students, and adult members of the public. 
    •  B. A violation of this policy occurs when any student, teacher, administrator, other school district personnel, or member of the public uses or possesses alcohol, toxic substances, medical cannabis, nonintoxicating cannabinoids (including edible cannabinoid products except as permitted in Paragraph A) or controlled substances in any school location. 
    •  C. The school district will act to enforce this policy and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school personnel, or member of the public who violates this policy.

Where and when are 7th and 8th grade games played?

  • 7th and 8th grade will participate in the TCNFL League.  Youth football games can be played any day of the week or weekends starting in September and ending by late October / early November. The exact times will be determined by the league scheduling system. Expect to travel to all cities who participate in the TCNFL League.  Forest Lake Home games will be played at Forest Lake High School Ranger Stadium.

How many games will there be?

  • Each team can expect between 8-10 games during their season.

What are the rules for each grade?

  • Please click here to view the Grade Level Rule Books
  • 7th & 8th Grade TCNFL Rulebook will be added to our website once we receive it.

What are DIBS?

  • DIBS are required volunteer opportunities that allow our youth program to run smoothly during the season. This could be things like volunteering at equipment hand out, setting up and taking down the field equipment, working at the concession stand on Youth or High School game days, running the time clock at Ranger Stadium, the possibilities are endless!  Without parent involvement we couldn't make the season happen for our youth.  We thank you for your time and effort!  For each player that is registered your parental DIBS obligation is 3 Credits. Please review the DIBS description as some DIBS shifts vary in credit and time commitment, please make note of where the DIBS location is so you arrive on time.
  • Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers: your Dibs are waived.  Your dedication to your team and the betterment of FLYFB is greatly appreciated, thank you.
  •  How do I sign up for DIBS? See DIBS page.
  • If your 3 DIBS credit obligation is not fulfilled you will be charged a $300.00 DIBS nonfulfillment fee.  If you've received a scholarship and have not fulfilled your DIBS obligation you will not be eligible for a scholarship the following year.
  • Chains Crew is not a DIBS opportunity. 
  • If you decide to opt out of DIBS and did not pay the opt out fee at the time of registration you may do so on the Donations page:  Donations

Where can I file a grievance?

Where is the coaching application?

  • Click here
  • Head Coaches will select their assistant coaches and team manager.

Where is the board member application?

Where is the player, parent and coaches code of conduct?

FLYFB Refund Policy is as follows:

  • Before August 10th - a 50% refund will be granted for the registration fee less the $75.00 jersey cost.  Please note: If you paid the DIBS and Fundraising Opt Out Fee at the time of registration it is not refundable.
  • On or after August 11th - no refund will be granted. 
  • 50% refund if a player sustains a season ending injury before the season’s first game, less the jersey cost.  A doctor's note is required.
  • No refunds after the season's first game.
  • DIBS and fundraising opt out / buy out fee is not refundable, no exceptions.

Jersey Information: What size do I order?  I ordered the wrong size, now what?

  • Please make sure you double check the correct jersey size when you register. Rule of thumb is to order one size larger than your players everyday shirt size.
    • Available size key: YS=Youth Small, YM=Youth Medium, YL=Youth Large, YXL=Youth Extra Large, AS=Adult Small, AM=Adult Medium, AL=Adult Large, AXL= Adult Extra Large, AXXL=Adult 2XL, AXXXL=Adult 3XL
  • If the jersey size you selected at registration does not fit, you can order a replacement jersey for $75.00. Payment can be made on our Donations Page
    • Replacement jerseys will not have a last name on it and it may not be the same number.  *subject to availability*
  • Additional questions can be sent to secretary@flyfb.org

Will there be Team Pictures?

  • Yes. 2025 DATES ARE TBD, please refer picture questions to your team manager.
  • Your team will be notified what day and time slot you've been assigned, please refer questions to your team manager. 
  • Location: Forest Lake High School
  • What to Expect Flyer Link COMING SOON
  • Pricing Sheet Link COMING SOON
  • https://meghanelizabethphotographymn.com/  
  • You are under no obligation to purchase.

Apparel Store

Ranger Youth Football Camp Sunday, August 3rd-5th.

  • Hosted by Forest Lake High School Varsity Coaches and Players
  • Ranger Camp will be held at Forest Lake High School Ranger Stadium.  
    •       In the event of rain, camp will be inside the FLHS Field House, enter door 33 (NO CLEATS INSIDE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL).
  • More info and registration link: COMING SOON!  www.flfootball.com

Team Manager Duties

  • Coming Soon!

Fundraising