skip navigation

FAQ's

If you do not find the information you are seeking in the Questions below, additional information, specific to the tackle and flag programs, can be found under the tackle and flag program tabs.  You may also call 605-334-3140 for additional information.

 

Who/What is South Dakota Junior Football (SDJRFB)In 2024, SDJRFB will enter its 55th year.  SDJRFB is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteer board members and coaches.  

Participation
Tackle Program:  In our tackle program, all children entering  2nd through 8th grade may participate. 2nd graders participate in our Rookie Division. 3rd and 4th graders participate in our Pee Wee Division. 5th and 6th graders participate in our Junior Division. 7th and 8th graders participate in our Senior Division.  All regular season games are played at the South Dakota Junior Football Complex on the Sanford Sports Complex.  All regular season games for teams in the Yankton area are played at the Yankton High School in Yankton.  Playoff games may be played in Sioux Falls and Yankon, depending on year-end seedings.  

Flag Program: In our flag programs, all boys entering kindergarten through 8th grade and all girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade may participate.  Each grade level competes in their own division, depending on participant numbers.  Flag games are played in the Sanford Field House and may be played on our fields at the South Dakota Junior Football Complex.  

Practice/Games  
How many participants are there: In a typical season, approximately 2,450 players participate in the tackle and flag programs.   

How are teams assigned: (Tackle) All new players and players moving up a division are placed on teams.  Each player is assigned a random number and these numbers are plotted on maps.  The appropriate number of players is then drawn on the maps to form teams.  No consideration is given to school attended, player size or skill level.  (Flag) All players are assigned by grade and school attended.

How many games are played  In the tackle program, with the exception of the Rookie Division, each player is guaranteed 6 regular-season games and 2 post-season playoff games.  In the flag programs, each player is guaranteed 7 regular-season games and will participate in a single-elimination tournament at the end of the season.   

What equipment is needed: (Tackle) SDJRFB provides all needed equipment except football shoes, practice shirt/jersey, and a t-shirt to wear under the player's shoulder pads.  (Flag) SDJRFB provides all needed equipment except football shoes.

Where are practices held:   Practices are held in a park or grass area that is convenient for the players on the team.  Since teams are formed geographically or by school attended, the practice site should be close to all players.  Practices dates and times are scheduled by the volunteer coach, within the parameters set by SDJRFB.   

How do you register to playOn-line player registration is available at www.sdjuniorfootball.com.  

How much does it cost to participate: For our tackle program, the early player registration fee is $155 if paid by March 31, 2024.  From April 1, 2024, until June 2, 2024, the fee is $195.  Registration closes on June 2, 2024, at 10pm..  

For our flag programs, the early player registration fee is $140 if paid by March 31, 2024.  From April 1, 2024, until June 2, 2024, the fee is $180.   Registration closes on June 2, 2024, at 10pm.

Can we get a refund if we decide not to play: Due to the significant amount of work involved in processing player registrations, assigning players to teams, and assuring we have sufficient equipment for all who register, refunds are not granted if a player decides not to play.   No refunds will be issued after June 2, 2024.   Any refunds issued will be reduced by $25 for administrative fees.      

Coaching  
How much time is involved:   Practices usually begin at the end of July.  During the first three weeks of practice (preseason), teams will generally practice 4 or 5 times per week (tackle) or up to 3 times per week (flag).  After regular season games begin in August (typically the 3rd weekend), teams are allowed to practice up to 2 times per week.  Teams will also play 1 game per week.   

Location and Facilities  
Where are games played:   All tackle games are played on the South Dakota Junior Football fields at the Sanford Youth Sports Complex in northwest Sioux Falls and at the Yankton High School.  All flag games are played inside the Sanford Field House at the Sanford Youth Sports Complex and may be played  on the South Dakota Junior Football fields.