Registration

• Tackle Football Registration fees: Jr. Freshman, Freshman, JV $350; Varsity $375 (includes keepsake custom jersey)
• $50 discount for 2nd sibling, $100 discount for 3rd sibling
  
• Football Registration fees include the use of helmet with chin strap, shoulder pads, practice jerseys and game uniforms. Does not include padded practice pants, colored mouth guards, cup (required), or padded undershirt (optional).
  
• Cheer Registration fees include rental of uniforms and any required accessories. Does not include required cheer shoes & accessories.
• $50 non refundable deposit to hold your spot. Full payment due by May 1, 2026.. Deposit is non-refundable. No refunds given after equipment/uniform pickup.
• Off season training & conditioning fees may apply, is optional to attend, and will be announced via email or team BAND.

Additional Requirements

*2026 Sports Physical dated on or after April 15, 2026
*Concussion Waiver 
*Volunteer Deposit: every family will have a min volunteer requirement. A deposit is taken and will be returned at end of season if volunteer hours are met.
*All participants will need a government age verification (State ID, Passport, Birth Certificate accepted)
*NEW JV and Varsity must have proof of grade on file (most recent report card or school ID acceptable)

Season Schedule:

Team camp will be held last week of July. Pre Season practices mandatory begins first week of August. Regular season practices and games are August through November. Exact dates TBD and will be updated.

Player/Parent Conduct

• Coaches, parents, and athletes are to treat each other respectfully and communicate with mutual esteem. Obscene language and profanity is prohibited. 
• I understand it is my responsibility to check emails and BAND team chats to stay engaged and informed.
• I agree, along with my child, to uplift and encourage teammates on and off the field, including social media and chats. Any down talking or bullying will be met with consequences. 
• During games, parents are prohibited from loitering on the sidelines. Field personnel are exclusive to coaches and official volunteer roles. 
• Regular season attendance is required.  I agree to work with my child to communicate any tardiness or absences to the coach. Repeated absences will result in decreased plays or no play at all. This is for the overall integrity and safety of the team. 
• If my child develops a behavior-related problem that repeatedly disrupts practice and/or games, I promise to work with my child’s coach to resolve the problem.
• I will do my very best to make football fun for my child and his teammates.
• I promise to treat other fans, coaches, players, and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, or ability, and I will expect to be treated the same in return.
• I will remember that as a fan, I represent the Orchard Lake Cardinals Football & Cheer team.  I understand that any concerns about officiating and/or coaching during a game must be directed to the President or Athletic Director.  I also understand that poor behavior during practices/games may result in expulsion from the football complex, where I must wait next to my car in the parking area for my child.  If this occurs, it may result in expulsion from the club.

Attendance Policy

• Practice is MANDATORY!
•  Be at practice on time and ready to practice by 5:45 pm.
•  We practice in all weather: heat, cold, rain, snow!  The only exception is if lightening is near in which case we can wait 30 minutes to resume if no additional lightning appears. 
•  The Head Coach may call a Saturday practice, or a Monday film review meeting, at their discretion.
•  Excused absences are: Educational functions, Religious activities or Illness (with a doctor's note).
•  Unexcused absences are not tolerated (come to practice and check in).
•  Injured players are expected to attend practice in Street Clothes.
•  One missed practice (excused or unexcused) – Coach has discretion regarding next game playing.
•  Two or more missed practices, player will not play in the following weekend game (subject to review by the Head Coach and Athletic Director).
•  Coaches will take attendance at each practice. 

Player Position Assignments: Player Position Assignments are determined solely by the Coaching Staff.

Playing Time

The minimum playing time for each player is determined by the number of players officially weighed in and ready to play.  Playing Time Rule:

 1. Four (4) plays per half if a team has 30 or more players.

 2. Five (5) plays per half if a team has 20-29 players.

 3. Six (6) plays per half if a team has 19 or less players.


Weight Restrictions (a player may move up a level due to weight restrictions but cannot move down):

JR. FRESHMAN
•6, 7 & 8 yr olds. Max weight 110 lbs

FRESHMAN
•9 & 10 yr olds. Max weight 130 lbs. X-man rule, up to 4 players weighing no more than 140 lbs playing between the tackles. * see MYFCC Rulebook for details

JUNIOR VARSITY
•11 & 12 yr olds. Max weight 150 lbs. X-man rule, up to 4 players weighing no more than 165 lbs playing between the tackles. Only 6th graders are allowed to be X-men on JV  *see MYFCC Rulebook for details

VARSITY
•13 & 14 yr old 8th graders. Cannot turn 15 before Dec. 31st. Max weight 190 lbs. X-man rule, up to 3 players weighing no more than 260  lbs playing between the tackles. *see MYFCC Rulebook for details

8th grade athletes MUST play varsity level regardless of age.
Ages of the participants shall be their age before September 1st of the playing year.