1.  Coaches - Coaches are an extension of this ministry, not the head of a separate identity.  The greater good is the building up of young people and the evangelization of the lost.  The league is trying to keep everyone as level as possible, both in competition and focus.  We would like each team find four coaches who are of good standing in a local bible believing/teaching church

2. Team Chaplain - The league requires a team chaplain, someone ordained and serving in a local church.  The role of the chaplain is to come alongside coaches and help them to stay the course and to keep focus on the ministry to young people and the public witness of the league.  The commitment of the Chaplain is not the every day commitment of the coaching staff, but should be around weekly.

The chaplain should not be considered part of the coaching staff, per se, but as a minister of God, looks to lead the program to continue in putting Christ first and football second.  The danger facing our league is an intoxication with winning.  It will infect coaches, players, parents and be a plague to our witness.   The team Chaplain must defend against this and make sure coaches and players keep their feet on the ground and accept responsibility for behavior that 

Practice field - Teams must find a practice facility by June 1. 

Priority will be given to teams who have 4 coaches in place and the ability to recruit multiple teams.  Preference will be given to those who have enough coaches to host a middle school and/or JV team (9/10^th grade)  We will only select high school teams where it is not possible for commuting to take place, for junior and seniors under consideration.  Example:  If there are players nearby, under 1 hr drive, to an existing team, we will want to send them to these team sites before we allow another team to be formed.

Priority will also be given to three teams on the west side of the state.  We desire to see teams on that side of the state to balance out travel for the Muskegon program.

Game field - We play at multiple sites.  Do not expect new teams, though still possible, to play a "home" game, this season.  It may be possible, as stated, but cannot be a condition for joining.  There may be an opportunity to play one game nearby, but depends on number of teams at that site, and costs for fields.

Officials - Each team must provide two Christian men to be trained to assist with officiating games

Deadline for registration

(re registration March 1, new players April 1)

Playing fees will be a COMBINATION of registration and fundraising.  Anyone who does not fundraise, will be paying $400 for a second year player and $450 for a first year player.  FUNDRAISING will bring these down to approximately $150-200 out of pocket expense.  Returning player registration fee is $150, and registration for new players is $200.  These fees will be due by April 1.  There is also a $50 refundable deposit due on August 1 prior to fall practice.  This deposit is to ensure equipment is returned and that parents fulfill their obligation to participate as a volunteer to handle team duties such as helping with chains, running concessions, announcing games, etc. (2-3 assignments for season).  This deposit will be refunded upon fulfillment of duties and returning of all equipment. 

Players will be able to fundraise $40 per season ticket with a goal of selling 5 of these to parents, family, friends, neighbors, etc.  This fundraiser is to be completed the first week of practice in mid-August.  

In addition, each team will write letters and execute at least one team fundraiser prior to the season.   All players must be fully paid by the first game or they will not be able to participate. 

Some funds may be available to assist those with financial hardship.  Our goal is to minister to as many as possible, within the means that the Lord provides.  In other words, we cannot go into debt in order to allow more participation.  Teams are encouraged to fundraise above and beyond what has been mentioned to allow for more funds to be devoted to at-need families who has a boy wanting to play with the CFL-MI.

Each team needs a secretary to keep track of all necessary forms.  There should be a book put together with all necessary forms, as well as a form that must be sent into the league.

Each team needs a point person in charge of all parent volunteer duties (concessions, Tickets, chain crew, etc)

Each team needs to take on a duty assigned by the league.  Example - plan game day event including securing location, scheduling announcers for each game, etc.  It is not rocket science and difficult and we will provide direction.  It just helps to have each team involved with some of this process in their town.

These are just some broad things to consider.  We have found that the Christian Football League truly is the Lord's and that he has, and will continue to, provide everything we need to give boys this game and minister in His name.  Contact us with any questions that you may have.