Millard Athletic Association

1. Is my child ready for tackle football?
Only you as parents can determine whether your son is ready. Some of the things to consider include the time commitment (usually three practices a week and a game), and attentiveness of your son. Can he stay focused for a one and half or two hour practice? In our opinion, it is not advisable to play tackle football and another fall sport (fall baseball, soccer, martial arts).

2. What is the risk my son will get hurt?
Although there is no guarantee that someone won't get hurt, the number of injuries in MAA has been very limited in tackle football. Many parents are concerned about the heavier kids playing against the lighter kids. Although there is some fear factor by the smaller kids, we have seen very few kids hurt because of a size difference. A more significant concern is the age disparity parents will find in some of the other organizations and leagues where older but lighter kids are allowed to play with younger kids. In some cases, as many as three ages are combined (for example 8, 9 and 10 year olds). In our experience, there is a much greater risk of injury with having a light 10 year old play against a kid who may have just turned 8 or 9 than there is with having a light 10 year old play against a heavier 10 year old. Kids who exceed the weight limits in each division are deemed "stripers" and must play a line position between the tackles. They cannot play on kickoff teams and cannot carry the ball under any circumstance.

3.  Are physicals required for participation?

MAA is concerned about player safety.  For this reason, we have partnered with Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital and they will provide player physicals AND Impact Testing for all tackle players at a low cost to you.  Impact testing is being used at many levels of football and it provides a baseline of brain activity.  This baseline is used to evalutate a player when he or she sustains a hit that could result in a concussion.  MAA is the ONLY youth organization in the state to use this testing, and NOH will be providing the physical and Impact Testing for a low fee to you.  All players are required to complete the physical (you can choose to use your own physican if you prefer) and Impact Testing prior to the first practices.  Schedules for these physicals and Impact Testing will be announced soon.

4.  What is the difference between MAA Football and the other tackle organizations in Omaha?
MAA plays in the most competitive league in Omaha. The Nebraska Midget Football League (NMFL) is comprised of teams from Papillion, Ralston, LaVista, Omaha Benson, North Omaha, and Lincoln with a pending inquiry from Grand Island. This league exposes kids to the type of competition and diversity they will experience when entering high school. The NMFL allows all kids to play, even if heavier, although they are restricted to line positions. MAA does not require fundraising and does not permit tryouts. Teaching fundamentals, playing with friends and having fun are emphasized!

5. Can my child play with his or her classmates?
It depends. The NMFL is set up by age divisions. The player's age is determined on August 1st. The age divisions are 8 and under, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13/14. Younger kids can play up a division but kids CANNOT play down a division. The NMFL requires birth certificates and strictly adheres to the age on August 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE ALLOWED.

• EXAMPLE 1: Your son turns 8 on August 2nd. Since he is 7 as of August 1st, he would play in the 8 and under division.
• EXAMPLE 2: Your son turns 9 on August 1st. He must play in the 9 year old division even if his classmates are eligible to play in the 8 and under divison.
• EXAMPLE 3: Your son does not turn 8 until October 1. Since he is 7 (under age 8) on August 1st, he can play in the 8 and under division. Most of our 8 and under teams include kids who don't turn 8 until after August 1st.

6. Is there a difference between the MAA teams in each age division?
There is no difference. We use the Millard High School names and colors. The Patriots has traditionally been reserved for our senior 13/14U team. In the other divisions, we randomly assign the Wildcats, Red Storm and Mustangs names.

7. When does the 2012 season start and what is its length?
Most teams play between 8 and 9 games depending on the number of teams in the division. The first games will begin early September and the final games will be early November.

8. When does practice start?
The NMFL follows Nebraska High School football rules. Practice may begin on August 1st.  Time, days and location of practices are left to the coach's discretion.

9. What size field and rules are followed?
All ages play on a standard high school size football field. With limited exceptions, the NMFL follows Nebraska High School Football Rules. One exception is that a coach is allowed on the field during the game in the 8 and Under Division.

10. Can I make a special request for my child? (Particular coach, friends, etc)
Yes! When you are registering your child there is a space reserved for special requests. MAA will attempt to fulfill all requests, however, there are instance where some requests cannot be honored if a coach turns in a roster that is full.

11. What will I need to supply my child?
MAA supplies each player with all protective pads, a game jersey, practice and game pants. In addition coaches are provided with an equipment bag with footballs, practice dummies, scrimmage vests, repair kit and medical kit. Parents need to purchase a helmet, mouth guard and cleats. Although many parents ask to purchase the game jersey, because of the expensive cost to replace the jersey, it is not available for sale.