FAQ's
Q: When does registration open and close?
A: Registration opens June 1st. It will remain open until August 19th UNLESS we reach the maximum number of team registrations--178--by an earlier date. Please do not wait to register!
A: Registration opens June 1st. It will remain open until August 19th UNLESS we reach the maximum number of team registrations--178--by an earlier date. Please do not wait to register!
Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: The fee is $350 per team.
NOTE: There will be no refunds:
-- if your team cancels after registration closes.
-- for bad weather. (Every effort will be made to re-schedule games during Festival weekend only.)
-- opponent no-shows.
A partial refund will be made if we must schedule you for fewer than 3 games.
A: The fee is $350 per team.
NOTE: There will be no refunds:
-- if your team cancels after registration closes.
-- for bad weather. (Every effort will be made to re-schedule games during Festival weekend only.)
-- opponent no-shows.
A partial refund will be made if we must schedule you for fewer than 3 games.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of participating teams?
A: Yes. We are capping the number at 178, because that number will enable each team to play 3 games.
A: Yes. We are capping the number at 178, because that number will enable each team to play 3 games.
Q: How many games will each team play?
A: All teams will play 3 games on two successive days. That means on Saturday or on Sunday, you will have a double-header.
A: All teams will play 3 games on two successive days. That means on Saturday or on Sunday, you will have a double-header.
Q: Will there be trophies or other awards?
A: No. This is a festival, not a tournament. Specifically, it is a charity fundraiser for the Jeremy Patrick Falkner Scholarship Program, which was established in memory of the sportsmanship exhibited by Jeremy Falkner, who was killed in an auto accident in 2001 at the age of 19. The Falkner Festival is a celebration of the virtues we endeavor to instill in young people when they play youth football. It provides teams with an opportunity to compete in game-like situations in order to prepare for their upcoming regular seasons.
A: No. This is a festival, not a tournament. Specifically, it is a charity fundraiser for the Jeremy Patrick Falkner Scholarship Program, which was established in memory of the sportsmanship exhibited by Jeremy Falkner, who was killed in an auto accident in 2001 at the age of 19. The Falkner Festival is a celebration of the virtues we endeavor to instill in young people when they play youth football. It provides teams with an opportunity to compete in game-like situations in order to prepare for their upcoming regular seasons.
Q: What will the age-group designations be?
A: There will be age-groups for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13/14-year olds. Both age/grade level will be displayed on registration. Age as of July 31st.
-- 13-14 year old/8th grade
-- 12 year old/7th grade
-- etc
Teams should register for the age-group they will play in during their upcoming fall season.
A: There will be age-groups for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13/14-year olds. Both age/grade level will be displayed on registration. Age as of July 31st.
-- 13-14 year old/8th grade
-- 12 year old/7th grade
-- etc
Teams should register for the age-group they will play in during their upcoming fall season.
Q: Will there be different levels for size, experience, skill, etc.?
A: Yes. . Below are the JPF division notation. There are three divisions per age/grade group.
NOTE: Patches designating players whose weight dictates what positions they may play are not required but are strongly recommended.
NOTE: All teams are on the "honor system" to participate at the level that is genuinely most appropriate for them. Coaches: Please do not register for the Silver Division if your team is good enough to compete reasonably well against the best teams in your age group. Register as a Gold Division team instead. Teams that violate the spirit of this unofficial rule may have their games terminated or cancelled. Remember: The overriding value the Festival promotes is good sportsmanship.
A: Yes. . Below are the JPF division notation. There are three divisions per age/grade group.
| JPF | AYL | JMFA | Notes | |
| Gold | NFC | Div I | Experienced top teams | |
| Silver | AFC | Div II | Average teams | |
| Bronze | CFC | Div III | Newer teams |
NOTE: Patches designating players whose weight dictates what positions they may play are not required but are strongly recommended.
NOTE: All teams are on the "honor system" to participate at the level that is genuinely most appropriate for them. Coaches: Please do not register for the Silver Division if your team is good enough to compete reasonably well against the best teams in your age group. Register as a Gold Division team instead. Teams that violate the spirit of this unofficial rule may have their games terminated or cancelled. Remember: The overriding value the Festival promotes is good sportsmanship.
Q: When will we receive our schedules and the rules for the games?
A: You can download schedules once they are posted on schedule tab. They should be posted by Monday August 22nd.
A: You can download schedules once they are posted on schedule tab. They should be posted by Monday August 22nd.
Q: Will there be a mandatory coaches' meeting?
A: No, but there will be a meeting in order to distribute schedules and maps/directions and to go over rules. The coaches meeting is on Thursday, August 25th at 7:00pm at DCFG (Douglas County Fair Grounds building). This location might change.
A: No, but there will be a meeting in order to distribute schedules and maps/directions and to go over rules. The coaches meeting is on Thursday, August 25th at 7:00pm at DCFG (Douglas County Fair Grounds building). This location might change.
Q: What kinds of surfaces will games be played on?
A: Most will be played on (synthetic) turf fields. Some (especially for the youngest kids) will be played on grass.
A: Most will be played on (synthetic) turf fields. Some (especially for the youngest kids) will be played on grass.
Q: Is the length of games determined by a set number of plays or by a clock?
A: Games will run for 1 hour and 15 minutes with no stoppage except during the last two minutes before the half and before the end of the game. During those two 2-minute periods, Colorado state high school rules for stopping and starting the clock will apply.
NOTE: Games will finish precisely 1 hour and 15 minutes after their scheduled start time. Each team should be ready to play at the exact time their game is scheduled to begin.
A: Games will run for 1 hour and 15 minutes with no stoppage except during the last two minutes before the half and before the end of the game. During those two 2-minute periods, Colorado state high school rules for stopping and starting the clock will apply.
NOTE: Games will finish precisely 1 hour and 15 minutes after their scheduled start time. Each team should be ready to play at the exact time their game is scheduled to begin.
Q: How many trips to Castle Rock will teams have to make?
A: Two. Teams will play either one game Saturday and two Sunday, or two on Saturday and one on Sunday. On days teams must play a double-header, plenty of time--but not too much--will be allowed between games for players to recover their energy.
A: Two. Teams will play either one game Saturday and two Sunday, or two on Saturday and one on Sunday. On days teams must play a double-header, plenty of time--but not too much--will be allowed between games for players to recover their energy.
Q: Will there be adequate directions to fields?
A: Detailed maps will be e-mailed and posted on this site. Signs and maps will be available at all fields and at key locations in the Castle Rock area. If coming to Castle Rock from the north, use the first of three CR exists (Founders Pkwy/ Meadows Pkwy.) If coming from the south, use the Plum Creek Pkwy exit.
A: Detailed maps will be e-mailed and posted on this site. Signs and maps will be available at all fields and at key locations in the Castle Rock area. If coming to Castle Rock from the north, use the first of three CR exists (Founders Pkwy/ Meadows Pkwy.) If coming from the south, use the Plum Creek Pkwy exit.
Q: What can parents and kids do between or after games?
A: There will be a variety of activities, food, beverages, and opportunities to purchase souvenirs, customized football gear, and other items either at the fields or a short drive away. Details will be available at a later date. Teams are encouraged to make games a family outing. Castle Rock is a great place to visit.
A: There will be a variety of activities, food, beverages, and opportunities to purchase souvenirs, customized football gear, and other items either at the fields or a short drive away. Details will be available at a later date. Teams are encouraged to make games a family outing. Castle Rock is a great place to visit.
Q: What happens if there's bad weather?
A: Weather conditions can change rapidly late in August. As a general matter, only lightning in the vicinity will cause a delay or cancellation. Teams must report to their scheduled field for a game-time decision about the safety of proceeding, which will be made by Festival officials. All games must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes. Games canceled after multiple or extended delays will not be made up. A system will be in place to detect lightning and to suspend games temporarily as a precaution.
A: Weather conditions can change rapidly late in August. As a general matter, only lightning in the vicinity will cause a delay or cancellation. Teams must report to their scheduled field for a game-time decision about the safety of proceeding, which will be made by Festival officials. All games must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes. Games canceled after multiple or extended delays will not be made up. A system will be in place to detect lightning and to suspend games temporarily as a precaution.