Team Formation
Please review the policies and information below outlining how the RCX Sports Foundation team manages and completes the team formation process for each league.
Team formation refers to the process by which players and coaches are organized into teams using the information provided during registration. This information may include grade level, school affiliation, coach and buddy requests, prior seasons of flag football experience, and general athletic ability. The RCX Sports Foundation uses these criteria collectively to create balanced teams that align with our commitment to maintaining a fair and recreational environment for all participants.
The RCX Sports Foundation discourages Participants from registering only on condition of specific team placement or coach assignment. In the event Participants are not assigned to a specific team, coach or partnered with specific other participants, even if requested, refunds or future credits will not be issued.
By registering a player, each parent or guardian acknowledges and agrees to abide by the RCX Sports Foundation’s Falsifying Information Policy Click Here. We encourage all participants to review this policy carefully to ensure full compliance.
Please review the Refund Policy Click Here carefully. By completing a player registration, each parent or guardian acknowledges and agrees to the terms outlined in this policy.
Division Structure and Team Placement
The RCX Sports Foundation organizes divisions primarily by grade level to promote fair play, safety, and age-appropriate competition. Our standard division structure is as follows:
· Lombardi Division – Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade
· If registration numbers allow, 1st graders may have a separate division.
· Shula Division – 2nd and 3rd Grade
· If registration numbers allow, 2nd and 3rd graders may each have their own division.
· Madden Division (Lower) – 4th and 5th Grade
· If registration numbers allow, 4th and 5th graders may each have their own division.
· Madden Division (Upper) – 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade (available at select locations)
· If there are not enough 7th and 8th grade participants, those players will be combined with 6th graders.
· If there are sufficient 6th graders, they may form their own division, and 7th and 8th graders will be combined and/or refunded/transferred.
· The RCX Sports Foundation will operate a division of no less than four teams.
Division Adjustments Based on Registration
Divisions may vary by league location depending on the number of registered participants at each grade level.
For example, if we receive a high volume of registrations (e.g., 100 second-grade players and 100 third-grade players), separate Shula divisions will be created so that teams compete exclusively against others in their same grade.
Conversely, if registration numbers are lower—most commonly within the 6th through 8th grade range—divisions may be combined or, in rare cases, cancelled with registrants offered a refund or transfer option. Final division structures are determined following the registration deadline of that season.
Following the finalization of division structures, players representing the higher grade level within a combined-grade division, who have all requested the same coach or same buddies, may be assigned to one or more teams at the discretion of the RCX Sports Foundation. This process is implemented to preserve competitive balance and uphold parity within the division.
For example, if a group of players—all in 5th grade—request the same coach and teammates within a combined 4th/5th grade division, the RCX Sports Foundation may divide those players among multiple teams to maintain competitive balance and ensure parity within the division.
Other Adjustments
RCX Sports Foundation is committed to providing a positive and accessible experience for all participants. Families who require special accommodations for their child are asked to contact us directly so we can discuss available options and support.
Playing Up Policy
Players are permitted to “play up” two grade levels with parent and coach approval. Players are unable to play down a grade level.
For instance:
· A 1st grader may play in the 2nd/3rd grade (Shula) division.
· However, a 2nd grader may not play up into the 4th/5th grade (Madden) division, as this exceeds one grade level and presents a potential safety risk.
· Playing up is contingent upon division availability and final approval by the RCX Sports Foundation.
Roster Size
Team rosters are generally limited to 8–10 players to maximize playing time and ensure meaningful participation for all athletes.
Exceptions may be made in circumstances where divisions are formed after the registration deadline or when registration numbers do not divide evenly into standard team sizes.
For example, if a division receives 82 player registrations and eight teams are formed, one or more teams may carry 11 players. This approach prevents the need to create additional teams that would disrupt established coach or buddy requests and ensures overall roster balance across the division.
Waitlist Process
If a division within a league reaches capacity, additional players will be placed on a waitlist. Placement from the waitlist will occur on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the date and time of registration, to ensure fairness and consistency for all participants. Players are required to register in the division that corresponds with their current academic grade level.
Participants may register for waitlists in multiple league locations. ****However, if a player is offered and accepts a roster position in one league, the parent or guardian must notify the RCX Sports F
oundation immediately to cancel any secondary waitlist registrations.
When a player is activated from the waitlist, the parent or guardian will receive both an email and a phone call notifying them that a roster spot is available. The offer must be accepted and payment completed within the designated timeframe; the player will not be officially placed on a team until payment has been received in full.
The RCX Sports Foundation reserves the right to prioritize a player further down the waitlist if that player is associated with a registered volunteer coach, in order to fulfill coaching needs within the division.
Coaches and Parent Code of Conduct
The RCX Sports Foundation is dedicated to fostering confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship through recreational team sports, while promoting the physical and moral character development of all participants. To uphold this mission and ensure a positive, respectful environment for every player, coach, and family, the Foundation has adopted a comprehensive Code of Conduct for Parents and a Code of Conduct for Coaches supported by a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
These code of conducts applies to both parents and coaches, emphasizing our shared responsibility to model integrity, respect, and positivity. RCX Sports Foundation is firmly committed to the principles of Positive Coaching and rejects a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. While striving for success on the field is encouraged, our ultimate goal is to use the sports experience to teach valuable life lessons and develop strong character traits that prepare young athletes for success both in sports and in life.
We strongly encourage all parents and coaches to review their respective Code of Conduct in full. By registering a player or volunteering to coach, each parent or coach acknowledges, accepts, and agrees to abide by the standards and expectations outlined therein. Violations of the Parent Code of Conduct or Coaches Code of Conduct may result in removal from the facility, suspension from future games, or dismissal from the program without refund.
Parent Code of Conduct Click Here
Coach Code of Conduct Click Here
Weather Cancellations and Delays
In the event of a weather or league cancellation, families will be notified via email, MOJO, and the weather page on our website. If a league is cancelled for any reason, you will be notified the day of, and not any earlier.
All leagues (Spring/Fall/Summer) will offer one make up date per season. Should multiple cancellation occur within the season, we have the option to create double headers and modify the season schedule to accommodate make-up games. Since there are certain situations beyond our control, RCX Sports Foundation will do its very best but is not obligated to make up games that are canceled, due to several factors that are out of our control the reschedules are not always possible. We will not reschedule if a coach decides to cancel your child's practice and/or game on their own.
Please review a few weather guidelines below that the RCX Sports Foundation will follow:
Heat Index Guidelines
· 95-99°F: Mandatory water breaks, cooling towels, and close athlete monitoring.
· 100-104°F: Shorten events; follow all 95-99°F measures.
· 104°F+: Reschedule all games to cooler times.
Rain/Wind/Cold
· Thunder/Lightning: 30-minute delay; cancel if conditions persist.
· Excessive Rain/Wind: Games may be canceled.
· Below 40°F with Rain: Games may be canceled.
Mercy Precaution Policy
As a recreational program, mercy situations are strongly discouraged. By registering to volunteer, each coach agrees—under the Coaches Code of Conduct—to take all reasonable steps to prevent one-sided or noncompetitive games. Coaches are expected to make weekly adjustments, such as rotating players, modifying play strategies, or balancing lineups, to maintain fairness and sportsmanship. Failure to make reasonable accommodations to avoid mercy situations may result in disciplinary action by the RCX Sports Foundation.
Mercy One: Will receive an email and a phone call from the RCX Sports Foundation as a warning.
Mercy Two: May result in a suspension for the next following game day.
Additional mercy after suspension may result in a possible ban from any RCX Sports Foundation activity, league or event.