Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION
Boundaries are listed on the Wildcat website - Wildcats Geographical Boundaries – Calgary Wildcats Football
I do not live in the Wildcats boundaries. Can my player still register with the Wildcats?
All players must live within the Wildcat boundaries. Boundaries are defined by each league and may change or be updated at any time. Please note: Atom/PeeWee, U16/U19 Female, Bantam and Spring leagues all have differing boundaries. It is the responsibility of the family registering to check if they are within the Wildcat boundaries.
Should your player obtain a release from the team where you reside, and you wish to join the Wildcats, you much first contact your local team. That team has sole decision rights on whether a release is granted. In order to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, the Wildcats are unable to facilitate the release process on your behalf.
Once you are released from a team, there are grandfathering provisions that continue your eligibility with the team that you register with.
Fall Divisions – August to November
Atom – Ages 8,9 and some 10 year olds.
Pee Wee – 11 & 12 year olds but must not be in grade 8.
Bantam –Generally Grades 8 & 9, however if you are 13 years old prior to and including December 31 of the calendar year of participation AND in Grade 7, you are eligible to play Bantam. In this case, the player would have three seasons of Bantam eligibility.
As a matter of good policy, the Wildcats generally do not support athletes playing outside of their assigned division. There are many issues to consider beyond the physical maturity of a player, including a player’s emotional maturity and the advantages of playing within their peer group.
Spring Divisions – March to June
Spring League – Grades 9, 10 & 11 only
Female U16 – Must be no older than 15 years old as of December 31 of the calendar year of participation.
Female U19 - Must be no older than 18 years old as of December 31 of the calendar year of participation.
When does registration open?
Spring League, Female U19, Female U16 – Registration typically opens mid-December to early January.
Atom, Pee Wee, Bantam - Registration typically opens mid-May.
The date when registration opens depends heavily on when the respective league has finalized the documentation necessary for registration. As such, the date of opening can vary.
Many athletes have never played football at a beginner level. Our coaches are well acquainted with teaching fundamental skills to players new to football, regardless of the level they start at. We are also careful in matching up players in practice with other players of similar levels of experience and ability.
Special payment arrangements should be sent to registration@calgarywildcatsfootball.com. The request will be sent to our board treasurer for review.
There are a number of options to obtain alternative sources of funds to pay the registration fees. These include Kidsport and So all Kids can play. The Wildcat Football Association of Association is proud that it has never refused to register a child due to not being able to pay the registration fee. Please contact registration@calgarywildcatsfootball.com should you be in a position where the registration fees are not affordable and alternative arrangements have been unsuccessful.
All releases come from the division head coach in consultation with the Wildcat Head of Football Operations. Initial contact should be made with the Head Coach of the division your player is registering for. The Head of Football Operations may contact you if a broader perspective / discussion is required.
SEASON SCHEDULE
Schedule – Calgary Wildcats Football
Each teams respective calendars are also on the individual team pages in the menu.
The Atom / PeeWee / Bantam Levels have an introductory skills and drills workout and BBQ in late May of each season.
In addition, the PeeWee and Bantam Levels hold a four day mini-camp in the Middle of June and an introduction to and preparation for our August Training Camp.
Atom – Mid-August to end of October
Pee Wee – Beginning of August to mid-November (at the latest)
Bantam - Beginning of August to mid-November (at the latest)
Spring League – Beginning of March to the beginning of June (at the latest)
U16 Female - Beginning of April to the middle of June (at the latest)
U19 Female - Beginning of April to the middle of June (at the latest)
Fall divisions – August to November
Atom – August practices are 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Once school begins practices are reduced to Tuesday and Thursdays with games on Sundays.
Pee Wee – August practices are 4 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Once school begins practices are reduced to 3 days per week – Tuesday through Thursday with games on Saturdays.
Bantam – August practices are 4 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Once school begins practices are reduced to 3 days per week – Tuesday through Thursday with games on Saturdays.
Spring Divisions – March to June
Spring League – Depending when indoor field time is arranged, times, dates and locations change. Most indoor practices for the month of March are twice per week. Outdoor practices are weather dependent. Fields must not have any ice coverage. Practice days are typically Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The games are either Thursday or Friday evenings.
Female U16 – Similar to Spring League, except game are played on Sunday.
Female U19 – Similar to Spring League, except game are played on Sunday.
*Note, the above represents the typical practice schedule. Individual teams may schedule practices for different times depending on the circumstances and on a limited basis.
Absolutely. One of the unique things about football, as opposed to most sports, is that there are roles for every size of player.
Many players are multi-sport or have multiple activities. Depending on the level of football (based on age), on-field playtime is usually dependent on whether the player is prepared for the game, and attending practice is the key activity for game preparation. As such, missing practice may result in reduced on-field playtime. Any missed practices or games need to be communicated in advance to the team’s head coach.
Attending pre-season practice (usually the month before the first games) is extremely important for preparation for the football season. It is during pre-season practice that critical skills and learning about football strategy is imparted to the athlete. Missing pre-season practice will usually result in a delay in these skill/strategies being learned to a proficient level, and as a consequence on-field playtime may be impacted. At earlier levels of football (Atom and Pee Wee), there are less consequences associated with missing pre-season practices, with a greater impact at more senior levels.
Females are welcome to join any division. Should you have questions or concerns it is best to speak to your team’s head coach.
U16 and U19 female teams are only for females.
Practices and games will go forward rain or shine, or snowy weather. However, in circumstances of lightning and air index with a level at or above 7 AQHI (Government of Canada Air Quality Health Index), practices and games will be canceled. In the event of potential impact on practice or game schedules, messages will be sent by your team manager through Teamsnap.
All parents and players should always refer to teamsnap to confirm the location of each practice. Depending on the division and time of year, some practices may be held in a gym or an indoor dome. However, fall leagues practices are generally held at either:
- Roberta Bondar School - Roberta Bondar School
- Glenbrook School - Glenbrook School
COACHING & PLAYER SAFETY
All wildcat coaches are cleared and certified with Football Alberta, with appropriate training for the level they coach and safe contact. Every coach is subject to a police check for the vulnerable sector. Finally, every coach is in good standing within the league they coach.
The Wildcats hire Nationally Certified Athletic Therapists who are present at virtually all practices and games throughout the season. Our Athletic Therapists manage and direct all aspects of Player Safety including injury assessment, day to day management and recovery, concussion assessment and management, general wellness, etc.
Athlete Safety is conducted through Standard Processes developed and supported by the Alberta Athletic Therapist Association (AATA) in coordination with Sports Medical Professionals and Physicians experienced in this area.
The manner in which football is regulated (rules), coached, played and officiated has evolved over the years since concussions were recognized as a significant concern. Players are now taught to keep their head out of the play as much as possible, whether it be tackling, blocking or other activity. That being the case, while we can work to minimize the instances of concussions, we cannot remove the risk entirely.
All coaches with the Wildcats are trained for Safe Contact and these courses must be renewed every 5 years. These clinics are provided by Football Alberta and mandated by Football Canada. Safe Contact teaches safe tackling techniques that emphasizes making contact with the chest and front shoulder and not the head (ie: keeping the head out of the initial point of contact).
Safe contact and tackling circuit drills are practiced weekly by all Wildcat leagues.
More information on Safe Contact - SAFE CONTACT NOW MANDATORY FOR FOOTBALL CANADA COACHES - Football Canada
If a player is suspected of having been concussed, a very specific protocol is enacted, as detailed below:
- An on-field standard assessment of the player is made and documented by the Athletic Therapist to confirm the suspicion of a concussion.
- Once confirmed, the player is directed to a Sports Medical practitioner for a thorough assessment and direction of a recovery plan for the athlete.
- Once recovered and “symptom free”, the Athlete is approved by a Physician to enter into the Return to Play Protocol (RTP).
- The RTP is completed as a 3 Step Process at the practice field by our Athletic Therapist who will reinstate the Athlete to full activity upon successful completion of the RTP.
EQUIPMENT
Parents will need to provide football cleats. The Wildcats do have a supply of previously used cleats that can be provided upon request (supply/sizes not guaranteed). In some leagues players may be required to supply their own girdles. All other equipment including a basic mouth guard is supplied by the Wildcats. Some players like to have football gloves and special mouth guards. These are not provided by the Wildcats.
- Helmet
- Shoulder pads
- Practice pants & jersey
- Game pants & jersey
- Pant belts
- Basic mouthguards
Players either male or female do not use jock or Jill straps for football.
TEAM, TRAINING & PLAYTIME
The Wildcats recognize that tryouts can be emotionally difficult on athletes and parents, and we make all efforts to avoid such processes. We recognize that when players are released to another team, many of them do not continue their amateur football career. Each league has different requirements on how many players they allow on a team roster. Some leagues allow us to maintain a development squad of the team, with some movement between the two rosters being possible. Others require a definitive roster with no additions/substitutions being allowed. In circumstances where more players register than we are allowed on a roster, the Wildcats address each league as follows
Atom – Wildcats typically fields two teams and players are not released to another team unless special circumstances arise. Atom never has tryouts for either team, and teams are balanced in terms of ability/experience.
Pee Wee – The Pee Wee league (Calgary PeeWee Football Association (CPFA)) has strict rules that all teams must not have a Game Day Roster larger than 40 players. The CPFA allows an initial total 12 a-side roster of 45 players. Where registration numbers permit, the Wildcats intend to field two teams (one team playing 9 vs 9 football games and the other 12 vs 12 football games). Movement between rosters is not allowed by the league. The playing of 9 vs 9 games is dependent on our being able to schedule such games with other teams in similar circumstances. Where that is not possible, the players on the 9 v 9 teams will actively practice with the 12 v 12 team while they learn the game of football, their role and gain experience. Some players may choose to ask for a release to play on another team for 12 vs 12 games.
Bantam – The bantam league (Calgary Bantam Football Association (CBFA)) also has strict rules that all teams that all teams must not have a Game Day Roster larger than 36 players. The CBFA allows an initial total 12 a-side roster of 40 players. The Wildcats have fielded two teams in the past (one team playing 9 vs 9 football games and the other 12 vs 12 football games). The Bantam league does not prohibit movement between rosters. The 9 v 9 league is more developed than in the case of Pee Wee, and players on this roster will play game against other teams in scheduled games. Some players may choose to ask for a release to play on another team for the 12 vs 12 schedule.
Spring – The Spring League does not have a restriction with the number of players on a team. Wildcats have fielded two teams in the past both playing 12 vs 12.
Provided that sufficient athletes are registered, the Wildcats will form two teams for Spring League. One team, playing in the Durante Division, comprises the most experienced and physically mature players. The other division, Hopkins, will comprise those players that are not as experienced, are earlier in their development cycle and/or are earlier in their physical development. Through this structure we can develop all players registered with the Wildcats. Some limited movement is allowable from the Hopkins to the Durante Division during the season where circumstances permit.
Female U16 – While number allowed on the women’s U16 team are capped at 20, this league is still in development and having more players than roster spots has not been an issue to date. As this league develops, alternative plans will be examined in cases where registrations exceed roster size.
Female U19 - While number allowed on the women’s U19 team are capped at 20, this league is still in development and having more players than roster spots has not been an issue to date. As this league develops, alternative plans will be examined in cases where registrations exceed roster size.
It would be fair to say that playing time (on-field gametime) is an issue close to the heart of every athlete, parent and coach. This issue comes up more than any issue and is under constant review by every coaching staff.
There are two main issues involved in determining playing time:
- The League – The Wildcats strive to balance development vs. competition at each level of football. Atom level (our youngest athletes) is a pure development league. Player development is more important than winning in all cases. At the other end of the spectrum is our Spring League team. While all players are developed, this league is designed as a much more purely competitive league. Where a sufficient number of athletes register, the Wildcats will field two teams (Durante for the players most advanced in development, and Hopkins for players who are earlier in their development cycle).
- The Player – Football is a sport that is both complicated and physical. It is unique in that all types of athletes have a role on a football roster. Having said that, players need to be both physically and mentally ready in order that they have an encouraging experience and injuries are minimized. Putting a player in a game for which they are not prepared is not only a safety concern, but rarely does anything for a child’s self-confidence. Having said that, we do understand that players rarely meet their potential by not getting game-time experience, and we strive to get players on-field experience. Depending on the level of football, that experience might be as starting position on an offensive or defensive unit, or on special teams, or both, or as a backup player. Regardless, we always keep the best interests of the player at the forefront of playtime decisions. Attending practice and being attentive are often the most influential aspects considered when determining playtime.
As to how the Wildcats approach the issue of playtime for each league:
Atom Division – Playing time is managed in a manner where play time is equitable amongst all dressed players (ie: playing time is as equal as is practicably possible). Some variation may occur for some positions where specialty skills/physical maturity is necessary.
Pee Wee/U16 Divisions - Playing time is managed in a fashion where all dressed players (ie: those who are on the roster for the game) are on the field for a meaningful period of time. Please note that this does not mean “equal” but means that all dressed players should see time on the field for every game in meaningful circumstances (ie. not just when the score is lopsided). Players on the 9 v 9 team would expect generally equal playing time.
Bantam/U19 Divisions - Playing time is managed in a way where all dressed players are given play time during each game. However, that playtime need not be equal or material (ie. a player may see the field only where the result is not in doubt). This is a recognition that this level of football is more competitive than developmental, the players are older and thus stronger, and as such decisions are made by the coaching staff considering both the best interests of the team and the player. Players on the 9 v 9 team would expect generally equal playing time.
Spring League - As this level of football is prioritized towards having on-field success, there are no mandatory expectations regarding playing time. Notwithstanding, consideration is given to obtaining playing time for all dressed players where circumstances warrant.
Where registration numbers permit, the Wildcats will form two teams. One team will be in the more competitive Durante Division, while players earlier in their development will play in the Hopkins division. Playing time in the Durante Division will be generally based on fielding the most competitive team, while in Hopkins the players will receive a more even playing time experience commensurate with the development goals of the division.
Any concerns or issues should be discussed with the team’s head coach and / or the board appointed parent liaison for the team.
There are numerous off-season training options run by third-parties within the City of Calgary. In order to avoid endorsing any one program over another, please conduct your own research into what options are available.
Further, the Wildcats offer off-season training programs from time to time. These will communicated to you through Teamsnap.
Note: These are additional events and are not compulsory to be eligible to play Wildcats Football. We do, however, encourage all players to do as much extra work as possible, during off season to refine their football readiness.
FUNDRAISING & VOLUNTEERING
Please refer to the Fundraising webpage.
Yes. There is an option in the registration form for you to buyout these requirements vs participating.