FAQ

FNL is a recreational 6-on-6 co-ed or all-girls game: fast, high-scoring, and built for fun. The offense plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Running and passing are both allowed, with "no-running zones" at midfield and near each goal line. The defense covers receivers, rushes the passer, and pulls flags. It is a non-contact sport. Teams carry 9 players, with a coach's option to roster 10.

Cleats and a mouth guard. FNL shorts and a jersey are included in the registration fee.

No. For everyone's safety, casts are not permitted in games.

For the safety of players and families, dogs are strictly prohibited at the fields.

Fall: registration opens in April/May, practices begin in July/August, opening night is in August, and the season wraps in late October/November.
Spring: registration opens in October, practices begin in February, opening night is in February, and the season wraps in May/June.

Games are played at Rancho Bernardo Community Park. The majority are on Friday nights, with occasional other days for conflicts or weather. In general, younger divisions play earlier and older divisions play later. Fall 2026 kickoffs run 5:10, 6:00, 6:50, 7:40 and 8:30 PM. Games run about 45–50 minutes. Coaches can submit requests before the schedule is released.

FNL teams practice roughly once per week for about an hour. The day, time, and location are set by your assigned coach.

Eight regular-season games, and every team qualifies for the single-elimination playoffs after the regular season.

The FNL registration fee is $325.

FNL shorts and a jersey for every player, flags and balls provided to each coach, and a set of team and individual pictures (you must be present on picture night to receive them). Registration also covers eight regular-season games plus single-elimination playoffs for every team.

Refunds are available up until one week before the first game of the season. After that point no refunds are issued. Requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected].

Kindergarten and 1st/2nd grade players all receive participation awards. The rest of the divisions compete for 1st and 2nd place awards in the regular season, and championship rings in the playoffs.

Yes. Youth sports would not exist without volunteer coaches. Email [email protected] with "FNL Head Coach" in the subject line. You can also volunteer while registering your child online.

We do our best to accommodate buddy requests, but they can't be guaranteed. Groups of three or more friends must have a parent willing to be the head coach. Enter requests in the "Buddy Request" box during online registration.

We do our best to accommodate coach requests, but they can't be guaranteed.

Camps and clinics run throughout the year. Stay in touch with Spanky Michaelis at [email protected] for the current schedule.

Instead of raising registration costs, local business sponsors offset the expense of running the league. FNL never asks parents to sell raffle tickets or candy, referee a game, donate to a silent auction, or set up a field. FNL hires people to do that work and pays every referee. Every team secures a team sponsor; coaches ask each family to reach out to at least one local business. FNL is a nonprofit and provides sponsors with a Tax ID for a 100% tax deduction. If no one on the team secures a sponsor, families can split the $275 together, roughly $30–$35 per family depending on roster size.

Sponsors are recognized on the league website and receive a plaque at the end of the season.