1. AGE GROUPS:
• Players are divided into age brackets (e.g., 5U, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U) to ensure fair competition and safety. Please see the Age Division Chart below.
• Age groupings also help align the physical and developmental capabilities of the players, making games more enjoyable for everyone.
• Players can play up but never below their age level.
2. SKILL LEVEL:
• Skill levels are assessed using one or more of the following methods:
• Player evaluations (e.g., drills or scrimmages at the start of the season).
• Performance from previous seasons.
• Feedback from coaches or league administrators.
• Balancing skill levels ensures that each team has a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. This avoids one-sided games and promotes development for all participants.
3. BUDDY OR COACH REQUESTS:
• Players can request to be paired with specific friends or placed under certain coaches.
• While the league strives to honor these requests, they are NOT GUARANTEED and must align with the goal of creating balanced teams. Participants are discouraged from registering only on condition of a specific team placement or coach assignment. If participants are not assigned to a specific team, coach, or partnered with specific other participants, even if requested, refunds or future credits will not be issued.
• Allowing buddy or coach requests encourages social connection and boosts player morale, especially for newcomers.
4. NO SPECIFIC ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
• All factors (age, skill level, and requests) are weighed equally and holistically.
• The league does not prioritize any single factor, as the primary goal is to balance competition with player enjoyment and development.
5. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• New vs. Returning Players: Efforts are made to integrate new players seamlessly while respecting the dynamics of returning teams.
• Team Size: Rosters are kept manageable to ensure sufficient playing time for all players. (average team size to be no larger than 11 to 12)
By considering these elements collectively, the league ensures teams are both competitive and inclusive, creating a rewarding experience for players, coaches, and families.
For our Spring 2025 season, our age divisions are aligned with the NFL FLAG Regionals' age divisions and cut-off date.
Here are the age divisions for players in the Developmental League based on the August 1st cutoff date:
**TIMELINE FOR TEAM FORMATION**:
Team formation occurs 1 week after the registration deadline. No refunds are awarded once team formation occurs. Wait list will open after the registration is closed and will fill in the available openings on teams.
Age Cutoff:
• The age cutoff date for all players is August 1. Example: A child who turns 9 on July 31 must play in the 10U division (9 and 10 years old). A child who turns 9 on August 2 may qualify for the 8U division as they were 8 years old at the time of the cutoff.
Age Verification:
• All players' ages are verified through the DOLPHINS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE registration system, which confirms their birthdate. At any time, a player's birth certificate may be requested for validation. If a team is found to have a player over the age limit, that team will forfeit all games that the player participated in.
Team Rules:
• No changes to rosters are allowed once they are set unless approved by the league commissioner. Unauthorized changes may lead to player disqualification.
• If a player is found playing illegally, both the player and the coach may face suspension or removal from the league.
• Parents/guardians or coaches must communicate any roster changes to league officials if a player is a "no show" or unable to commit to the season after rosters have been distributed.