Frequently Terps Youth Sports Asked Questions

All children between 5-13 years are eligible to participate.

The season starts the first week of August and could go into the third or fourth week of November. 

Football is a BIG time commitment on the part of both players and parents. It will be much different than other recreational sports (soccer, basketball, baseball). August is considered “Camp” and practices will be 4-5 times per week plus a weekend scrimmage. The younger ages will practice less during “camp”. Once we are in season practice are 3 times a week with 1 game per week. 

Practices are typically 2 hours - and commonly run from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with some variance depending on the coach’s schedule.

It sure is! It is imperative that your child drink plenty of water during the football season. This includes the night before practice and during the day before practice. We cannot stress this enough. DRINK WATER!

NO. They are volunteers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, in fact, is run by volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make this program available to your children. Also, all of our volunteers receive backgrounds check to ensure the safety of our children. 

Registration fees take care of administrative costs and help in offsetting equipment costs as well as other additional expenses. Some of the additional expenses are:

1. Field costs - we do not get the use of the facilities for free.
2. Insurance 
3. League Fees 
4. Equipment
5. Year-round storage rental fees for equipment. This includes not only the thousands of pieces of football and cheer equipment but all field equipment as well.
6. And, of course, re-certification of equipment and replacement of equipment due to loss, theft, and non-return of equipment from players and parents, and normal wear and tear costs. 
7. General Operating Expenses 

NO. We provide helmets, shoulder pads, practice/game pants, practice jerseys, and game jerseys. All equipment must be returned at the end of each season.

Your child will need to get a pair of football cleats, mouthpiece, and a cup/athletic supporter.

The ultimate authority rests with the Football Board. Within the Terps Youth Sports Organization we have established a Football Committee tasks with operating the football program.  

All children will play. Coaches will determine what positions each child is best suited for and as a result some will play more plays than others. Every division has a minimum number of plays that each child must play. This is frequently referenced as "the MPR rule". (MPR = Minimum Play Rule)

August 1st

NO! There are no try-outs and no specific skill requirements. Just bring your willingness to learn and work hard!

Cheerleaders will practice 2-3 days a week prior to the season. In season they will practice 1-2 times a week based on their age group. They will have games to cheer for on the weekends.

Cheer teams are ages 4-14. 

Registration fees take care of administrative costs as well as other additional expenses.  Some of the additional expenses are:

1. Field costs - we do not get the use of the facilities for free.
2. Insurance 
3. League Fees 
4. Equipment
5. Uniforms 
6. Year round storage rental fees for equipment. This includes not only the thousands of pieces of football and cheer equipment, but all field equipment as well.
7. General Operating Expenses 

All cheerleaders will receive a cheer uniform (top and skirt) to be returned in good condition at the end of the season. They will also receive a jump suit to keep! 

You will be required to purchase team shoes and bows on your own. A link will be provided to you for that purchase.  

Terps Youth Sports Organization is a NON-PROFIT program providing a fantastic sports program for the youth in our area at a very reasonable cost. At times we will have teams do individuals fundraising. Additional fundraising including a business sponsor program and events will take place throughout the year.