Frequently Asked Questions

Tackle Program

Q: My child has not played organized football in past years, will my child play with others who are new ?
A: For each age and weight group (Divisions), Tackle players are evaluated by coaches to separate the advanced and experienced players from the developmental players. Unless highly skilled, most new players will be placed with other players at the developmental level.

Q: My child is small. Will my child play with other the same size ?
A: Divisions are organized considering by age and weight. Typically, a Division will span about 20 lbs for a given age. A younger child may weigh more, and an older child is required to weigh considerably less to play in a lower age/weight division.

Q: Can I request that my child play for a specific coach ?
A: The Cowboys cannot accommodate requests for a specific coach. The teams are determined by a draft system which does not allow for this type of exception. These requests are also complicated by the various Division and Levels of play. There is no assurance that a player is in the same Division or Level as a specific coach.

Q: Can I request that my child be on the same team as a friend ?
A: The Cowboys cannot accommodate requests to play on the same team as a friend. The teams are determined by a draft system which does not allow for this type of exception. These requests are also complicated by the various Division and Levels of play. There is no assurance that players are in the same Division or Level.

Q: Can I request that child be on the same team as a sibling ?
A: Yes. If siblings are playing in the same Division and at the same Level, the coaches will make every attempt to place the siblings on the same team if requested..

Q: What is a Division ?
A: Players are placed in a Division based upon Age and Weight. The Divisions (from youngest to oldest) are Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Junior Varsity (JV), and Varsity. There are age and weight criteria for each Division. Please see the chart for specific Division criteria --> Age/Weight Chart.

Q: What is a Level ?
A: There are two competitive Levels within each Division – Big 10 and Pac 10. The Big 10 Level is for the more experienced and skilled players. The Pac 10 level is the developmental level. Each Division (Blue, Green, etc.) has one or more Big 10 Teams of experienced players. Approximately 80% of Cowboy players are placed on Pac-10 teams (developmental level).

Q: What is the purpose of the “Weight” provided on registration form ?
A: The “weight” provided is for planning purposes only – to provide the Cowboys program a rough idea of the equipment and coaching requirement for the upcoming season. The child is not placed into a Division based upon the weight provided on the registration form. An actual weight will be recorded at the time equipment is distributed and again at the start of practice in early August. This actual “weight” will determine the Division for each child. Inaccurate “weights” provided by parents on the registration form only hinder the Cowboys ability to properly plan for the upcoming season. There is no benefit to the child (Division placement or other) when a parent provides an inaccurate weight on the form.

Q: Where do teams practice and play games ?
A: Most teams practice at Pioneer Park, South Middle School, or Sunset Meadows. The practice field is assigned by the program. Home games are played at Pioneer Park and Sunset Meadows. Other Arlington Heights fields may be required depending upon the number of participants in the Cowboys program. Games hosted by a non-Arlington Heights programs will be announced at the time the schedule is issued. Maps to these fields can be found by going to our Maps link

Q: Can someone other than my child pick-up Tackle equipment ?
A: No, it is necessary for the player to be present to be properly fit for a helmet and shoulder pads. This is absolutely essential to ensure the safety of the player.

Q: Can someone other than a parent or guardian accompany my child to pick-up equipment ?
A: A parent or guardian is required to sign the “waiver” before the equipment is released to the player. (See Agreement/Waiver). Neighbors or other player’s parents who sign the “waiver” on behalf of the parent or guardian are taking responsibility for the return of the equipment and any action resulting from the use or misuse of the equipment provided to the player. No player is allowed to sign the equipment release and “waiver” on their own behalf.

Q: Can non-residents play in the Arlington Cowboys program ?
A: Yes, non-residents can register, however, there are some League restrictions and limitation. The child must reside within the NWYFL boundaries, and there are limits set for the total number of players allowed in the Cowboys program from other towns. There is an additional fee for non-resident players (outside of the 60004 and 60005 zip codes).

Q: Can I still register my son or daughter if I missed the May deadline ?
A: After the May deadline you may register your son or daughter, but a $50 non-refundable late-fee is required and the child will be wait- listed.

Q: How does the “Wait- list” work ?
A: The earlier the child is registered after the May deadline, the sooner you will be notified if your child has cleared the wait- list. Available equipment and coaches at certain Division and Levels will determine which children will clear the wait- list. Thus, the wait-list will not be cleared on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and it is possible that some wait- listed children will not clear the wait-list by the start of the practices.

Q: What should I do in the event of lost or damaged equipment ?
A: Equipment damaged during practice or a game will be replaced. Equipment lost will also be replaced at the cost listed on the equipment release/waiver document. Please contact your coach for replacement equipment. The Cowboys require a check for the lost equipment before replacement equipment is released.

Q: What should I do if equipment seems to be mis-sized or there is a specific problem with the issued equipment ?
A: Please see the Division Lead during the first week of practice, or your child’s head coach once teams are established. The coach will arrange to resolve the specific problem.

Q: Will a coach contact my son or daughter prior to opening night ?
A: Coaches will not contact players prior to the first practice. Players meet as a large group by Division and are evaluated by coaches until teams are drafted after the first week of practice. The player will be notified of his/her Division at the beginning of that practice.

Q: What if we can’t pick up equipment on the day that we are scheduled ?
A: There most likely will be two scheduled equipment pick-up dates (in June and/or early July), and by the end of the second day, approximately 90% of equipment will have been distributed. In the event you cannot make either one, contact us at cowboys.information@gmail.com.

Q: Our family will be on vacation during August. What impact will this have and what should we do ?
A. Please note your vacation plans on the registration form.  A player missing during the first week will be evaluated upon their return.

Q: I am interested in being a coach ? Who do I contact and how to I apply ?
A: On your child’s registration form there is a box to fill-in for “Job code.” Please fill-in either “1” or “2” for either head coach or assistant coach, respectively. You should be contacted by Cowboys leadership to attend a coaches meeting either in May or June.  An email to (cowboys.information@gmail.com) is also recommended to confirm your interest as a coach.

Q: Can I have more information about the Walkathon/Jamboree ?
A: The Cowboys’ major fund-raiser each year is the Walkathon/Jamboree. It occurs in lieu of a practice one evening in mid-August. Funds raised from the Walkathon are used to replace and upgrade equipment used by all coaches and players. We ask that each player raise a minimum of $50 to support ongoing needs of the Arlington Cowboys program. Checks should be made payable to either the AHYAA or Arlington Cowboys.

Q: What is the practice schedule ?
A: Each head coach will determine the team’s practice schedule and location. The first three weeks in August normally include practices each evening and perhaps on Saturday morning. Once school begins, the practices are limited to 2 to 3 evenings (or approximately 6 hours) per week.

Q: What is the length of the season, and how many games will be played ?
A: The regular season ends in late October. The first three weeks in August are dedicated to preparing players to play their first game late in August. The season is typically 8 or 9 games depending upon certain factors and League decision. The Big 10, more competitive Level teams are eligible for playoff games at the end of the season. A number of Pac 10 team are also eligible for “Bowl” games. The season, including post season games will end by early November for all teams.