JFL Re-Organization of 2008
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the recent JFL Re-Organization of 2008: (Click Here) for a printed copy
What was the previous set up or system for JFL and SYF?
Prior to this reorganization, the Springfield JFL was comprised of four 6th through 8th grade teams called the NW Cardinals, NE Cowboys, SW Bears and SE Packers. The Springfield Youth Football League had multiple teams ranging from the playing ages of Kindergarten through 8th grade, and two of the those SYF teams were the Rams and Colts. The JFL and SYF were two separate leagues, with the 6th through 8th grade teams of each league competing against each other throughout the season.
What changes are taking place with this reorganization?
The immediate changes taking place are that two 6th, 7th, and 8th grade SYF teams named the Rams and the Colts will now be a part of the JFL, in lieu of the former JFL teams named the NW Cardinals and the NE Cowboys. With this transition, the coaching staff that was in charge of the Rams (Mike Hoyle) and the Colts (Dan Howard) with SYF will cross over and remain the coaching staff for these two teams, which are now coming together with the JFL for one common goal and purpose.
In addition to merging all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams under JFL, we have also decided to go to school boundaries as the method of deciding what team a player is on, in an effort to keep the recruiting of players as even and fair as possible (Please see the “Teams” page of the website for additional information). Previously, JFL utilized geographical boundaries as the deciding factor of what team a youth played on, although this method was hard to enforce and many exceptions were made on a regular basis.
There are going to be meetings taking place with members of the Springfield School District to see how the JFL and SYF can better serve its players by working with the district in various ways.
The end goal of this reorganization is that all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade junior football teams are housed under one entity (the JFL) with all leadership and coaches working together and being on one accord with continuing to build and promote a phenomenal junior football program in Springfield. Completing this endeavor will also require reorganization of the JFL Board to incorporate members of the SYF Leadership Team and revamping and improvement of JFL rules and procedures as the revised board members see fit.
What remains the same?
First and foremost, all the commitment, hard work, dedication and sacrifice of all of the JFL board members and coaches, as well as the SYF Leadership Team, that we have previously put forth in an effort to produce quality and life enhancing football programs remains the same.
The structure, procedures and flow for the Kindergarten through 5th grade teams of the Springfield Youth Football League are not at all affected by this change. They remain under the purview of the SYF, with no interaction or interference of the JFL.
And finally, the Springfield JFL will remain and continue on to be the oldest not-for-profit youth football league in the Springfield area as we will be enduring our 48th year this fall.