Age / Grade Divisions

Our program follows Red Dirt Youth Football Association (RDYFA) age and eligibility standards to ensure fair competition and player safety.

Grade-based divisions:

  • Pre-K – 1st Grade (Flag Football) – Introduction to football fundamentals in a non-contact setting with a strong emphasis on coordination, teamwork, confidence-building, and learning the basic structure of the game in a fun and encouraging environment.

  • 2nd Grade – Introduction to tackle football with a strong focus on fundamentals, safety, and confidence-building.

  • 3rd Grade – Continued skill development, safe tackling techniques, and learning how the game flows as a team sport.

  • 4th Grade – Expanded position skills, improved football IQ, and greater emphasis on teamwork and game awareness.

  • 5th Grade – Advanced fundamentals, situational football, and preparing players for the pace and expectations of upper-level youth play.

  • 6th Grade – High-level youth competition focused on discipline, execution, and readiness for middle school football.

Eligibility is determined by current school grade and age cutoff dates, with players generally participating at their enrolled grade level. In limited circumstances, a player may be approved to play up one grade in accordance with league rules. Playing down a grade is not permitted for safety reasons.

What Players Learn

Our focus is long-term development—on and off the field.

Players are taught:

  • Football fundamentals appropriate to their age and experience

  • Safe tackling and blocking techniques

  • Position awareness and teamwork

  • Sportsmanship, discipline, and respect

  • How to compete hard while playing within the rules

Younger divisions emphasize learning, participation, and confidence-building.

Older divisions gradually introduce more advanced concepts and game strategy in a structured, age-appropriate way.

Coaching & Safety

Safety is not optional—it is built into every layer of the program.

Coach requirements include:

  • Background checks (renewed every two years)

  • Completion of Concussion Awareness and Heat Illness Prevention training

  • Signed Codes of Conduct

  • Compliance with RDYFA coaching eligibility standards

Player safety standards include:

  • Mandatory use of certified helmets, shoulder pads, and mouthguards

  • Strict enforcement of equipment and jewelry rules

  • Weight-based safety rules, including special helmet markings for players above weight limits

  • On-site weigh-ins and roster verification before games.

RDYFA also maintains clear behavior and conduct expectations for coaches, players, and parents to ensure a respectful, positive environment at all games and practices.

Season Overview

While specific dates may vary year to year, a typical season follows this structure:

  • Practices begin: Early July

    • Helmets and shoulder pads are phased in gradually

    • Full-pad practices begin later in July to reduce injury risk

  • Regular season games: Late August through October

  • Playoffs: Late October into November

  • Game days: Saturdays, with staggered start times by grade

Each team typically plays up to 8 regular-season games, with playoff opportunities determined by league standings and eligibility.

League Governance & Policies

Meeker Youth Football is a proud member of the Red Dirt Youth Football Association. All families are expected to review and follow RDYFA policies, including eligibility rules, safety standards, and the Parent Code of Conduct.

👉Review official RDYFA Rules, Bylaws, and Parent Code of Conduct (for families who want the full details): RDYFA

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this program feels like the right fit for your family, registration is simple and handled online.

Register Player