General FAQ
(1) What do the kids need to bring or wear?
A: Cleats are highly recommended and mouthpieces are always a good idea but nothing is required. We’ve got the flags and footballs. Come as you are! We also suggest your own water bottle and clothes that fit in a way that does not encumber the flag belt.
(2) Where will the games or session be played or occur at?
A: We are dependent upon the availability and generosity of area facilities and fields. Final determination on the location of our sessions may be affected by the number of registrants per age for any given NFL Flag season. One of our coaches or staff members will call or e-mail you prior to the first session to let you know where to report and when. All Shawnee NFL Flag games will be at Shawnee Sports Complex (1 Salango Way, Dunbar, WV 25064). We have played at a variety of different fields and locations in Beckley.
(3) Do you offer sibling discounts?
A: Yes, we will have discount options in most of our offerings. They will usually be applied automatically or prompted to you during the registration process. Some of our shorter camps or events or special events run in conjunction with third parties will not have discounts available. Feel free to ask anytime.
NFL Flag Football Regular Season
(1) What day(s) will practice be?
A: Games will generally be on Sundays or Wednesday. Coaches will have discretion on their individual practice schedules but know we support all youth sports and activities and don't anticipate heavy schedules that make you choose.
(2) How many games are there? How long is the season?
A: We will issue a schedule based on the number of players registered in the league per season. For example, we typically have 10 weeks of play with 2 weeks of preseason, 6 weeks of regular season games and a 2 week playoff. Participants can expect any season to be of similar duration.
(3)How do I know what size of jersey to order for my child?
A: Here is the jersey guide provided by NFL Flag:
(4) Can my child participate in the Fall NFL Flag season if they don’t participate in the Spring Launch Academy?
A: Launch Academy participation is definitely not a prerequisite to Fall NFL Flag participation. We simply think our Launch Academy sessions are enjoyable training and competition on their own but also believe they offer the best preparation for full season and game events.
(5) Where will the NFL Flag games be held?
A: We are dependent upon the availability and generosity of area facilities and fields. Final determination on the location of our sessions may be affected by the number of registrants per age for any given NFL Flag season. One of our coaches or staff members will call or email you prior to the first session to let you know where to report and when. All Shawnee NFL Flag games will be at Shawnee Sports Complex (1 Salango Way, Dunbar, WV 25064). Last year we held our Beckley games at Wooton Park (356 Fernandez Drive, Beckley, WV 25801).
(6) What is the age range for the NFL Flag seasons?
A: NFL Flag registration is open to ages 4-17.
(7) What is the date range for the NFL Flag seasons?
A: Our NFL Flag Season typically runs from August to October. Some locations or season may shift to September through November each fall.
(8) Do Beckley/Shawnee participants have to travel to Shawnee/Beckley?
A: Depending on age divisions, Beckley teams may travel to Dunbar and vice versa, but it is not required. They are two separate leagues who may play each other when feasible.
Launch Academy
(1) What days are the Launch Academy sessions? / Are the sessions always on Sunday?
A: No. However, we have found Sunday late afternoons to be a preferred time and a time in which we can readily access field space. The Beckley Launch Academy will be mostly on Sundays and the Shawnee Launch Academy will be mostly on Wednesdays. Final determination on the full schedule of dates and times is based on the number of registrants per age for any given Launch Academy.
(2) What equipment is needed for the Launch Academy?
A: None. Cleats are highly recommended and mouthpieces are always a good idea but nothing is required. We’ve got the flags and footballs. Come as you are!
(3) Where will the Launch Academy be held?
A: We are dependent upon the availability and generosity of area facilities and fields. Final determination on the location of our sessions may be affected by the number of registrants per age for any given Launch Academy. One of our coaches or staff members will call or e-mail you prior to the first session to let you know where to report and when.
(4) What is the age range for the Launch Academy?
A: The Launch Academy is open to ages 4-17.