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Dolphins Flag Football League

NFL Flag Official League

Elite Co-Ed League

The Elite League offers a unique opportunity for young athletes, boys and girls, from 1st to 8th grade (ages 6-14), to grow and compete at a higher level while enjoying the fun of flag football.

Program Overview:

  • Format: Non-contact, co-ed 5 vs. 5 games, emphasizing skill, strategy, and teamwork.

  • Season Structure: 
    • 7 Practices: Focused on skill development and team strategies.
    • 6 Games: Competitive matchups to put training into action.
    • All activities are held on Sundays, making it convenient for families and participants.
  • Team Size:
    • Teams are allowed up to 12 to 15 players, ensuring:
      •  Ample playing time for each participant.
      • Opportunities to contribute and develop skills in real game scenarios.

The league is divided into three divisions, allowing players to compete with others of similar age and skill level, ensuring an enjoyable and developmental experience for all participants:

**Lombardi Division**:
Ages 6U
(By Season End Date)  
**Shula Division**:
Ages 8U & 10U
(By Season End Date)  
 **Madden Division**:
Ages 10U & 12U & 14U
(By Season End Date)  
 • Usually, first grade and below  • Usually, second and third grade • Usually, fourth grade and above 
 • No Playoff / Championship Games   • No Playoff / Championship Games   • Playoff / Championship Games
 • 6 Game Season • 6 Game Season • 6 Game Season
 • 1 Coach is allowed to assist on the field • 1 Coach is allowed to assist but must be off the field prior to snap • Coaches must coach from the sideline 
 • No Rushing the Passer  • No Rushing the Passer  • Rushing the Passer
 • Run Zones are Eliminated  • Run Zones are Eliminated • Run Zones are Incorporated
 • Certificate of Participation / Award • Certificate of Participation / Award • Top 2 teams receive awards 
• Competitive Level - Recreational • Competitive Level - Recreational  • Competitive Level – Recreational

Why Choose the Elite League?

  1. For Dedicated Players and Coaches: 

    1. This program is designed for those passionate about taking their game to the next level. 
    2. Coaches and players serious about development will find a structured and supportive environment. 
    3. Coaches manage practice schedules.
  2. Designed for Higher Skill Levels: 
    1. No tryouts are required—everyone is welcome to join and grow.
    2. Players of all experience levels can improve their game in a competitive yet welcoming atmosphere. 
    3. Results from the Miami Dolphins Youth Combine will be shared with coaches.
  3. Skill-Focused Training: 
    1. Practices emphasize advanced techniques, game strategies, and teamwork.
    2. Players gain valuable experience in a fun, non-contact format.
  4. Convenient and Family-Friendly:
    1.  A Sunday-only schedule allows families to plan around other commitments while still participating in a full season of elite flag football. 
  5. Open or Closed Teams: 
    1. Team fee applied if player minimum is not met (10 player minimum).
  6. Playoffs for all Divisions:
    1. Top for 3 teams compete in a playoff tournament, with the top seed receiving a bye.
    2. Top 2 teams received awards.
    3. Championship teams have the potential to be sponsored by the Junior Dolphins for a local NFL Flag Regional Tournament.

It's an excellent opportunity for young athletes to build their confidence and develop their football abilities in a supportive and fun environment.

How are teams formed?

1. Age Groups:

  • Players are divided into age brackets (e.g., 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U) to ensure fair competition and safety.
  • 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.
  • 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. Open or Closed Rosters:

  • Closed Rosters - Coach submits roster list and the roster is locked from further outside additions.
  • Open Rosters - Coach submits roster list, and other players can be assigned up to the 15 player limit.

By considering these elements collectively, the league ensures teams are both competitive and inclusive, creating a rewarding experience for players, coaches, and families.  

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. 

Volunteers / Coaches

Our Elite League relies on volunteer parents to coach our teams! Each team can be assigned up to 3 volunteers. We encourage all parents who are interested in volunteering to sign up during the registration process. Available positions include Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager. No prior experience is necessary. We will provide various resources, along with a comprehensive meeting for coaches, to ensure that all volunteers have a fun and successful season! Please note that all volunteers may not be assigned to their child's roster and must pass a background check before being assigned to a team. 

Coaches are assigned to teams by prioritizing on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon the fulfillment of all requirements. 

Communication

Once you have registered, you will receive your confirmation. After that you should expect three more emails before Team Formation (Registration deadline is approaching, registration is closed (waitlist opens), team formation will be starting this week). Following Team Formation, expect 5 more emails (Team Roster First Attempt, Team Roster Second Attempt, Team Roster Third Attempt, Meet & Greet with your coach, Team Schedule). Once the season starts, expect an email each week with updates. 

 
Communication Recap:

  • Registration Confirmation
  • Registration Deadline approaching, Registration is Closed, Team Formation about to begin
  • Team Roster First, Second, Third Attempt, Meet & Greet with Coach, Team Schedule
  • Weekly Update Email

Why be a part of the Dolphins Flag Football League?

If you research the NFL Flag website you will see a lot of options to play but the Dolphins Flag Football League is the only league that is directly connected with the Miami Dolphins.

Why is that important, participants will gain access to:

  • Discounts for Junior Dolphin Summer Camps and Clinics 
  • Access to Miami Dolphin Training Camp experiences
  • Access to Miami Dolphins Pre Game on the field experience 
  • Discount on Pre-Season Miami Dolphins Tickets* 
  • Access to Miami Dolphins Player Clinics 
  • Discount for the largest Youth Combine at the Miami Dolphins players practice facility  
  • Miami Dolphins Giveaways (sign merchandise and more) 
  • Competitive Pricing (Official NFL Flag Reversible Performance Jerseys included, avg $20 a day) 
  • Certified Referees 
  • Invitation to Miami Dolphins Coaches Clinic 
  • Fun and Safe Environment 
  • Convenient scheduling, only a 2 hour commitment (1 hour practice / 1 hour game, same day) 
    *when available

Dolphins Flag Football League

 
South Florida, Florida 33009