WEIGH-IN INFORMATION

WEIGH-IN INFORMATION

WEIGHT CLASSES AND DEVELOPMENT LEVELS
Beyond the weight matrix, the NVYFL organizes most weight classes into three development levels or divisions. This unique approach aims to provide a tailored experience for players of varying skill levels, allowing them to thrive at their own pace. One exception to the three skill levels is the Anklebiters (AB) category, where all children are considered developmental. 

OFFICIALITY
NVYFL officially recognizes the Age and Weight Matrix outlined below. Until the Official Rules undergo updates, this matrix will continue to serve as the official guideline. It is imperative to note that players must meet the minimum weight requirements for participation—40lbs for Anklebiters and 56lbs for other weight classes—at or above the minimum weight during the official weigh-in, typically scheduled for mid-to-late August.

AGE CUTOFF DATES
Age determination is based on a cutoff date of July 1st to maintain fairness and consistency. 

Please be aware that this information is subject to change based on updates to the Official Rules. For the most current guidelines, refer to the NVYFL website.

IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION
Each player must obtain a Player Identification Card. The card will be required as an official player identification at all NVYFL Weigh-Ins and upon demand by the NVYFL Standards and Rules Committee pursuant to executing the Committee's official duties.

Player Identification Card shall be the sole allowable proof of age in determining a player's eligibility.

ACCEPTED PLAYER IDENTIFICATION

  • A current Virginia DMV-issued CHILD ID (NOT EXPIRED) IS REQUIRED for official league weigh-ins in August. This is a change from the 2022 tackle season
  • DMV offices are located in Manassas and Warrenton; for information regarding how and where to obtain a CHILD ID, please visit the DMV website at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/id-cards/child-id

WHAT IS DISPLAYED ON A CHILD ID CARD

The child ID card contains the following:

  • Customer number
  • Date of birth, height, and sex
  • Expiration date and issue date
  • Full legal name and address
  • Full-face photograph
  • Statement "Not a license to operate a motor vehicle"
  • Statement "Organ donor information"

No other Identification Cards/Proof of Age and Residence are acceptable.

All identification cards must be valid, current, and issued within the above-mentioned time frame.

MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY
All Player Identification Cards of eligible participants shall be maintained by the Player during football season. All Player Identification Cards shall be available from NVYFL Standards and Rules Committee members on demand.

Suppose at any time during the season, a protest is filed against a player. In that case, the Commissioner and Head Coach of the player against whom the protest has been lodged shall attend the NVYFL Standards and Rules Committee Meeting or Weigh-In, as specified, with the Player Identification Card.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND/OR RULES

  • A player will have only one chance to make his weight. Once he steps on an official scale and is found overweight, he must move up to the proper higher-weight class. A player who cannot move to a higher weight class, either because their league does not file a higher weight class team or because they fall outside the boundaries of the weigh-in requirements for any class, may be allowed a second weigh-in at a time and place designated by the Standards and Rules Committee Vice-Chairman.
  • There will be no waivers for weight.
  • All players must be officially weighed in to become eligible for NVYFL competition.
  • All youth registered with one organization become a member of that organization's team roster at the time of their official Weigh-In and cannot be transferred to another organization's team during the football season and post-season.
  • Youth shall wear gym shorts or bathing suits at a minimum. Youth shall wear only one pair of shorts (or bathing suit), a t-shirt, and socks as a maximum. No long pants, coats, shoes, football uniforms, or heavier garments will be allowed.
  • If deemed necessary by the NVYFL, late weigh-ins shall be conducted at a time and place to be announced, with a per-player late weigh-in fee paid to NVYFL.

See the official rulebook for additional information.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN 

  • Official league (NVYFL) weigh-ins will be conducted at Marshall High School on Saturday mornings in August.

    • ​Saturday, August 9th (1st Weigh-In) FREE

    • Saturday, August 16th (2nd Weigh-In) $30 Cash Only

    • Saturday, August 23rd (3rd Weigh-In) $40 Cash Only

  • Coaches will provide further instructive information to the parents and players.

  • Players are only allowed to weigh in once to determine their division.

  • NVYFL charges $30 Cash Only for the 2nd and $40 Cash Only for the 3rd weigh-in.

For the 2025 season,  NVYFL has adopted reforms to the age/weight matrix to further enhance the experience for all players. These adjustments include:

  • Limiting each division to three age groups instead of four to improve competition balance.
  • Providing more flexibility in weight limits to increase enrollment and participation.
  • Aligning players more closely with those of similar ages for safer and fairer matchups.
  • Adjusting the birth date eligibility from October 1st to July 1st to better match players with their grade level.
  • These updates reinforce NVYFL’s mission of developing young athletes in a structured, safe, and competitive football environment.

ANKLEBITER DIVISION

  • Age 7 is unlimited
  • Age 8 can weigh up to 95lbs
  • Age 9 can weigh up to 55lbs

RISING STARS DIVISION

  • Age 8 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 96lbs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 105lbs)
  • Age 9 can weigh 56lbs to 105lbs
  • Age 10 can weigh up to 90lbs

JUNIOR DIVISION

  • Age 9 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 106lbs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 115lbs)
  • Age 10 can weigh 91lbs to 115lbs
  • Age 11 can weigh up to 100lbs

JUNIOR VARSITY DIVISION

  • Age 10 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 116bs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 125lbs )
  • Age 11 can weigh 101lbs to 125lbs
  • Age 12 can weigh up to 110lbs

VARSITY DIVISION

  • Age 11 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 126lbs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 140lbs)
  • Age 12 can weigh 111lbs to 140lbs
  • Age 13 can weigh up to 125lbs

PREP DIVISION

  • Age 12 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 141lbs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 185lbs)
  • Age 13 is unlimited (Must weigh at least 126lbs, and the maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 175lbs)
  • Age 14 is unlimited (Maximum weight for a player to carry the ball is 165lbs)

* The maximum weight for a player to carry the ball in Anklebiters is 70 lbs. Anklebiter players over the 70lb limit and all other unlimited players at other weight classes are not eligible to play in a position that usually handles the ball unless they are at or below the listed maximum ball carrier weight (the weight limit listed next to "Unlimited/" on the chart above). Positions excluded for unlimited players exceeding the maximum ball carrier limit include all offensive backfield positions, all eligible receivers and tight end positions, and any position not on the first line of a special teams formation. Exceptions include the offensive positions of center, punter, and placekicker.

Only youth between the ages of 7 and 14 who weigh at least 40lbs may participate in NVYFL. All youth shall play in the Age/Weight Division they are eligible for above.