The mission of ZYFL is to help its players learn and enjoy the game of football, develop their athletic skills, and build character through hard work, fair competition, sportsmanship, and teamwork. In addition, ZYFL is dedicated to providing eligible players an equal opportunity to play football in a fair and competitive environment. ZYFL encourages tolerance and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Flag, Modified Tackle and Recreation (Rec) Programs are designed to fulfill the mission without extensive travel to games and with a 25% less time commitment than other programs.

Quality Coaching – All Football (Rec, All-Stars and Travel) Coaches are required to complete the USA Football Training Course (formerly certification). This course serves as USA Football's base-level course for all youth coaches and is set up to provide ZYFL coaches with the education to develop a coaching philosophy, understand the game and the positions on the field and teach the proper fundamentals and techniques. It is broken down into three elements, Blocking and Tackling Skills or Flag Skills & Drills, Health & Safety, and Fundamentals of Coaching. ZYFL believes a quality youth sports experience begins with quality coaching.

Safety – Many elements go into planning a safer sports program. ZYFL's use of USA Football training courses supports (but is not limited to) the following areas: coach education, proper equipment fitting, concussion recognition & response, heat & hydration preparedness, Blocking and Defeating Blocks, and Tackling.

Competition and Preparation - ZYFL strives to achieve talent parity amongst its Flag, Modfied Tackle and Rec teams. To facilitate this goal, all players must attend one of the Player Evaluation Sessions. Attendance to Coach Turnquist's Eagle Football camp will count as an evaluation. If you are unable to attend, there will be a non-camp evaluation scheduled in early July. More details will be made available through league emails and website at the start of the season.

To prepare players for Middle School and High School football, ZYFL coordinates its activities with the Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) program. A common playbook based on ZCS offensive formations and plays is used throughout the Modified Tackle and Rec programs.

Playing Time - Every player on each team will have a starting position for no less than the first 12 plays per half (either offense or defense) of each game. A player may play fewer plays at the coach’s discretion if it is in the best interest of the athlete.

The Season - The Flag, Modified Tackle and Rec league seasons will run from a date to be posted (typically last week of July) through October (prior to ZCS Fall Break). Teams will practice twice per week and will play most of their games on Saturdays, with an occasional weekday game depending on scheduling needs. No games/practices on Labor Day weekend.

The Fields - Games will be played at Zionsville West Middle School (Z-West) and Zionsville Middle School. Practices should only take place at Zionsville West Middle School, Mulberry Fields or Jennings Fields.

Summer Camp - ZYFL camp is directed and run by our High School coaching staff. The focus of the camp is to instill a love for one of the greatest team sports in the world and to teach players the proper and safest techniques they will need for all positions. This camp will also be used as an evaluation method in the drafting process for the youth coaches in the upcoming ZYFL season. See our homepage for key dates and information on our camp schedule.