The Gold Coast Youth Football League has smartly developed new age and weight divisions to take effect with the 2010 season. The new structure further improves the safety environment for all players and provides the opportunity for more youth to participate in tackle football.
The GCYFL formed an Age/Weight Committee to engage in a thorough examination of player registration data from the past two seasons. The Committee analyzed factual data to determine trends in participation and division placement based on a player’s age & weight. The Committee identified specific areas where players were being underserved and/or were at a disadvantage due their placement in the former structure.
Based on their findings, the Committee presented options to the league that would effectively group players into more appropriate age/weight divisions to provide a safer and more equitable playing environment. The new division structure also creates a more balanced distribution of teams & players across all divisions.
The GCYFL will also introduce the “X” Player Rule for all divisions, providing opportunity for more players to participate in youth tackle football. The “X” Player Rule has been utilized effectively at the Senior (12-14) level since 2008.
For the coming season, the youngest players in each age group will now have the opportunity to participate regardless of their weight. Prior to this adjustment, these players would be unable to play football as no league made an allowance for younger, heavier players. With this allowance, the GCYFL hopes to attract the many disenfranchised players who were previously unable to participate in youth football.
Overall, the GCYFL remains committed to maximizing safety for its participants as well as providing an opportunity for more children to enjoy the game of football. As it enters its’ sixth season, the GCYFL continues to grow in number of players and teams which is a direct reflection of the open mindedness and forward thinking of its’ member Chapters and Board of Directors.
Stay Connected