XTREME FLAG | FAQ | Airdrie Football Group

XTREME FLAG FAQ

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What age groups and divisions will be offered?

AIRDRIE XTREME FLAG is offering flag football for both girls and boys aged 7-13 years old. All teams will be co-ed teams. *Coed can consist of all boys, all girls or a mix of both depending on registration numbers.

Divisions will be setup by age and they will be as follows:
9U: ages 7-9
11U: ages 10-11
13U: ages 12-13

Your division eligibility is based on your age as of APRIL 1st, 2024.

AIRDRIE XTREME FLAG reserves the right to move a player up or down 1 division, depending on number of registrants in each. This would only be done in circumstances where there wasn’t enough registrants to properly form teams in an age group.

Registration & Costs

SEASON FEES: $300 (Players who play in the NFL Flag get a $20 discount.)

Final registration ends on April 1st, 2024 or when spots are fully filled.

Can players participate in both leagues?

Yes! The schedules are coordinated: NFL Flag plays Sundays, Xtreme Flag plays Mon-Wed.

What does the registration fee include?

Xtreme Flag: Equipment rental, field costs, officials, insurance, awards, coaching, footballs, team pictures.

REFUND POLICY: Refunds that are requested before the end of the registration time period, will be returned, less a $25 administration fee. If a refund is requested after registration has ended, fees will be returned, less a $75 fee as jerseys and other equipment specific to each child, will have already been ordered. Refunds can be granted up to 7 days before the start of the regular season. Refunds after the season begins will be pro rated

Are there financial aid options?

Yes! We offer sponsor-funded scholarships and angel sponsor donations to help families in need. Kidsport & Canadian Tire Jump Start also accepted

Skill Development, Coaching & Referees

Which league offers more training opportunities?

Xtreme Flag: Players receive 5 hours per week, including 80 minutes of dedicated skill training.
NFL Flag: Players receive just under 2 hours per week, with 20-30 minutes of skill training

Does Xtreme Flag help players transition to tackle football?

Yes! Xtreme Flag is one of the biggest factors behind Airdrie’s championship success, as it teaches blocking, resilience through competition, and in-game strategy.

What coaching certifications are required?

NFL Flag: No formal certification required (training is provided by the Airdrie Football Field Director). NFL Flag Canada provides additional tools and resources.
Xtreme Flag: Coaches must complete NCCP Safe Contact and NCCP Making Headway in Football Training.

How are referees chosen & trained?

Referees are vetted by the Director and trained through the CFOA (Calgary Football Officials Association) and NFL Flag webinars.

General League Differences between NFL Flag & Xtreme Flag

What is the main difference between Xtreme Flag and NFL Flag?

Xtreme Flag is a modified-contact version of flag football, using full equipment (helmets, shoulder pads, and padded pants) with blocking allowed.

Who should play Xtreme Flag instead of NFL Flag?

Xtreme Flag is ideal for players who want to develop blocking skills, gain confidence in contact situations, and prepare for tackle football. It is recommended for linemen or heavier-set players who benefit from the structured physicality of the game.

Can players join if they have no experience?

Yes! Both leagues welcome new players. Xtreme Flag and NFL Flag focus on skill development, and our coaches are trained to teach fundamentals to all experience levels.

How do the leagues compare in terms of competition and pace?

Both leagues are fast-paced, but Xtreme Flag is more structured, with longer games and higher competition levels. NFL Flag is more recreational, with shorter games that emphasize quick play and agility.

Why does Xtreme Flag require full equipment if there is no tackling?

Most contact in football comes from blocking, not tackling. The equipment in Xtreme Flag provides protection from incidental contact and ground impact, lowering injury risks.

Safety & Equipment

Is Xtreme Flag safer than NFL Flag?

Both leagues are equally safe but have different risks. Xtreme Flag uses equipment to reduce injury risk from falls and contact, while NFL Flag does not allow contact.

Why does the NFL Flag have injury risks if it is non-contact?

The NFL Flag does not use helmets or pads, meaning players can still collide, fall, or hit the ground hard when competing at full speed.

How does equipment in Xtreme Flag reduce injury risks?

Helmets, shoulder pads, and padded pants protect against head impact, falls, and incidental collisions, significantly lowering the risk of serious injuries.

Can players still suffer a concussion in either league?

Yes, but the risk is much lower in the Xtreme Flag League. Players in the Xtreme Flag wear Xenith and Riddell Axiom Helmets, and has had only one concussion in nine seasons.

What is the concussion protocol for both leagues?

If a player suffers a concussion, they must be cleared by Team Alberta’s doctor and the Airdrie Football Doctor (Darren Presley at Vidar Medical) before returning to play.

Are mouthguards required?

Yes, mouthguards are mandatory in both leagues and must be provided by families.

When & Where does the XTREME Flag season take place?

The AIRDRIE XTREME FLAG season will run from the end of April until the first week of June. Practices and games will take place on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evening at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park at Genesis Place in Airdrie, Alberta

All Divisons: 6:00pm-8:30pm

What if I get Waitlisted??

You get added to the waitlist by divisions. Players are placed on a team who loses a player from its original roster. If you refuse to join that team you will be dropped to the bottom of the waitlist for that division. NO EXCEPTIONS! The waitlist is dropped after week 3 of the season.

How many players will be on on a team and on the field at one time during game play?

Teams will consist of 14 or 15 players. All XTREME Flag games will consist of 9 players on offense vs. 9 players on defense, on the field at one time.

Will there be any opportunity for same team requests for friend/family members?

What are the weather/cancelation policies of the league?

There will be an option during registration to place specific friend and/or family member requests to be on the same team, however, there are no guarantees of player placement. Evaluations of the players will be the main deciding factor for what teams players get placed on.

All weather and cancelation decisions will be made by league representatives, and be communicated with as much notice as possible to coaches, players and families. The sport of flag football can be played in cold temperatures, light rain and snowy conditions. However, practices and games will not be played in any extreme weather or conditions considered dangerous or harmful in any way to all participants involved. All efforts will be made to make up any cancelled games, depending on field availability.