FAQ's 7th & 8th grade

 Q. How many teams will there be for 7th and 8th grade?
Beginning in 7th grade, teams are no longer split. There is one combined 7th grade team and one combined 8th grade team.

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

• 7th Grade: Practices are typically held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Games are usually on Wednesday evenings.
   
• 8th Grade: Games are typically on Wednesday evenings, so practices are generally Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
   

Q. What does the game schedule look like?
The season consists of seven games.

• 7th grade typically begins play on Wednesday, September 9, with most games held on Tuesday nights.
   
• 8th grade typically begins on Wednesday, September 9, with most games held on Wednesday nights.
   

Opponents, locations, and game times are set by the Big Ten Middle School Football League and are usually released in August. Game times are generally 5:00pm (7th) and 6:30 pm (8th).

Q. How many games will be played at South Christian?
Each team typically plays 3-4 home and 3-4 away games. 

Q. Where are home games played?
Home games are usually played at South Christian High School or Davenport University. 

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

Q. Is the South Christian Youth Program affiliated with or run by the high school?
While the program operates in cooperation with South Christian, it is not affiliated with the high school. It is part of the Big Ten Middle School Football League and is fully run by volunteers.

Q. Are there weight limits?
There are no weight restrictions at the 7th and 8th grade levels.

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

• A white helmet
   
• Game and practice pants with pads
   
• Practice jersey
   
• Shoulder pads
   
• Football cleats (no metal or screw-in cleats)
   
• Mouth guard
   

Game pants are the responsibility of each player. Game jerseys are supplied by the program through the generosity of sponsors. Pants and practice jerseys may be purchased through Sporting U.

Q. Are there rules regarding playing time?
There are no minimum playing-time rules at this level. Playing time is largely determined by each player’s effort, focus, and commitment during the week. Coaches strive to ensure every athlete participates in each game, with special teams contributing to overall playing opportunities.

Q. How are positions assigned?
There are no set rules governing position assignments. Coaches evaluate each player’s individual abilities and place them in roles where they can best contribute to the team. Football requires all 11 players on the field to execute their responsibilities, making every position essential to the team’s success.