Tackle Football

Mission Statement & 2026 Season Schedule

Our mission is to safely teach the fundamentals of tackle football for grades 4–8 in an atmosphere that promotes teamwork, dedication, commitment, and fair play. Our goal at each level is to have 100% of our players continue to play at the next level.

Preseason practices begin Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (6:00–8:00 PM) at Lum Field, Lum Ave, Chatham, NJ 07928. Regular-season practices meet Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00–8:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00–11:00 AM, at Lum Field. Sunday NJSYFL games and November league playoffs take place at Cougar Field (2026 practice schedule).

Tackle football players block and run during a play

Grade-Level Objectives (Grades 4–8)

  • 4th/5th Grade: Teach basic football fundamentals of stance, blocking, tackling, running, throwing, and catching. Formations and plays remain simple so practice time focuses on proper technique and avoiding mismatches during contact drills. Sunday playing time is as equal as possible based on practice attendance.
  • 6th Grade: Introduces punting and extra-point kicking. It is much better to run 4 or 5 plays to each side well than 20 plays poorly. Playing time is fair and based on preparedness (attendance, effort, and knowing assignments).
  • 7th Grade: Introduces live punting, PAT/FG, and more advanced formations. Coaches avoid mismatches in contact drills and use “quick whistles” when scrimmaging. All players who attend practice play on Sunday based on preparedness and safe execution.
  • 8th Grade: Focuses on technique, “quick whistles” during scrimmaging, and monitoring weekly contact volume so players stay healthy and ready for Sunday NJSYFL games.

NJSYFL Divisions & Ball-Handler Weight Limits

Chatham competes in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL), founded in 1972. Travel to neighboring communities is required for away games, while home games are played at Cougar Field at Chatham High School (255 Lafayette Ave / 314 Shunpike Rd, Chatham, NJ 07928).

  • 8th Grade (A Level): 160 lbs ball-handler limit (max age 14 yrs 6 mos as of Sept 1)
  • 7th Grade (B Level): 135 lbs ball-handler limit (max age 13 yrs 6 mos as of Sept 1)
  • 6th Grade (C Level): 120 lbs ball-handler limit (max age 12 yrs 6 mos as of Sept 1)
  • 5th Grade (D Level): 105 lbs ball-handler limit (max age 11 yrs 6 mos as of Sept 1)
  • 4th Grade (E Level): 95 lbs ball-handler limit (max age 10 yrs 6 mos as of Sept 1)

There is no overall weight limit to play on the offensive or defensive line; players above the ball-handler limit wear a helmet stripe (Waiver) and play tackle-to-tackle line positions.

Coaches & Safety Standards

  • Coaches are approved by the Football Committee with input from Chatham Recreation.
  • Previous playing and coaching experience are required.
  • Coaches must attend 5 hours of approved coaching clinics per year to be eligible to coach.
  • Coaches must be Rutgers SAFETY certified and in good standing with Chatham Recreation.
  • All coaches complete a fingerprint background check and CPR/Defib training.
  • Anyone not designated a coach by the Recreation Department is not permitted on the field during practice or games — no exceptions!

Equipment Distribution & Clinics

Helmet, helmet cover, and shoulder pad fitting takes place Monday, August 17, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM by grade at Lum Field House, Lum Ave, Chatham, NJ 07928. Players must attend to be fitted, and families should bring an equipment deposit check. See the equipment distribution notice and Tip of the Spear tackling clinic details.

Tackle Contacts & Registration

Email [email protected] for tackle program or equipment questions. Review our registration page and sign up via TeamSnap registration (existing members can use TeamSnap sign in). For confidential financial aid or fee waivers, email President Lou Astolfi at [email protected].