34's & 56ers Faq's

Q. Can I request a specific coach, team, practice schedule, or game time?
We’re unable to accept requests for specific coaches, teams, schedules, or game times. Our priority is to create balanced teams by evenly distributing talent. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate carpooling requests when possible and will also try to keep siblings and cousins on the same team. Thank you for your understanding.

Q. What will my child’s game schedule look like?
The season includes six Saturday games, beginning the first Saturday after Labor Day and continuing for six weeks.

Game details—including opponent, location, and time—are set by the West Michigan Junior Football League. The first four games follow a preset schedule and are typically released in late August. The final two games are determined by team records after the first four weeks (strength of schedule) and are announced prior to Game 5.

Game times generally fall at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 1:30 p.m.

Games may be played at South Christian or at other league locations.  Normally the high school field for most.

Q. How many games are played at South Christian?
Each team will have three home games and three away games.

Q. Where are home games held?
Home games are played behind the high school on the varsity practice field.
Address: 7979 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Byron Center, MI 49315.

Q. Where are practices held?
Practices take place at South Christian High School.

Q. Is the South Christian Youth Program affiliated with the high school?
The program operates in cooperation with South Christian but is not directly affiliated with the high school. It is part of the West Michigan Junior Football League and is run entirely by volunteers.

Q. How are teams formed?
Teams are created through a controlled draft process. Each head coach may reserve five players, including their own child and the children of assistant coaches. The remaining players are evaluated based on skill level, weight, and experience, with the goal of distributing talent as evenly as possible.

Q. What is the practice schedule?
Practices begin August 10.

• Week 1: Monday–Wednesday (non-contact)
   
• Week 2: Monday–Thursday
   
• Week 3: Monday–Wednesday
   
• After Labor Day: Typically, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m., for six weeks
   

Teams will be in full pads after the first week. Each level has eight practices before its first scrimmage.

Q. Isn’t 11 practices in three weeks too much for this age group?
We understand the concern. However, many 4th graders are new to tackle football and must learn foundational skills such as snapping the ball, proper stance, and positioning. In addition to teaching fundamentals, coaches must evaluate players, assign positions, and install plays before the first scrimmage.

At the 5th/6th grade level, many players are either new or returning after months away from the game. Coaches also introduce special teams (kickoffs and punts) and transition to sideline play-calling without a coach on the field. These adjustments require focused preparation, and players consistently handle the workload well.

Q. Are there weight limits?
Yes. The following are maximum ball-carrier weights:

• 4th Grade: 115 pounds
   
• 5th/6th Grade: 140 pounds
   

Players who exceed the ball-carrier weight limit may not carry the ball and are limited to offensive or defensive line positions.

Q. What equipment is required?
Each player must provide:

• White helmet
   
• Game and practice pants with pads
   
• Game and practice jerseys
   
• Shoulder pads
   
• Football cleats (metal or screw-in cleats are not allowed)
   
• Mouth guard
   

Jerseys and pants can be purchased through Sporting U.

Q. Are there minimum playing-time rules?
Yes. League rules state that every player must participate in at least six plays per half in every game. 

Failure to comply results in a one-game suspension for the head coach. The only exception is if a player does not consistently attend practices.

We expect our coaches to follow both the letter and spirit of this rule. If you have concerns about playing time, please speak with your coach first. If concerns remain, contact a program director.

Q. How are positions assigned?
Determining positions can be challenging, as not every player can be a quarterback or running back. Each position plays an important role on the team.

Coaches typically use the first week or two of practice to evaluate players and assign positions based on individual skills and overall team needs. We encourage parents to support both their child and the coaching staff, regardless of the position assigned.