Editors Rating for Mt. Airy Bulldogs:  Recent downgrade ="O.K. at best" Read all information below to understand the cause for the recent downgrade....

What you need to know about the Mt. Airy Bulldogs Youth Football Program:

First: The Basics  The mascot is a Bulldog and the colors are blue and gold.  The program is part of the MVYFL which stands for the Mountain Valley Youth Football League.  There are 10 organizations/members in the MVYFL.  They include area teams like Walkersville, Boonesboro, Brunswick, Catoctin,  and Middletown.  I would put link to the leagues official website for more information but believe it or not in 2008 they don't have one. 

Second: The Age Groups  The Mt. Airy youth football program has 4 tiers of age grouping for play.  Varsity - which is basically 8th graders and under, Junior Varsity- age 12 and under, Pony or age 10 and under and finally 8 and under which is mini-poni.  The bulldogs field a Division 1 team or competitive team as they call it at each level first.  If there are extra kids left over they form a Division 2 team or B team that is designed to be a developmental more instructional level of play.  In addition to full contact play they have a flag program for kids age 4-6.

Third: Rules  Mt. Airy youth football has some rules you really need to understand and pay attention to before you show up for practice expecting one thing and being suprised by another.  Keep in mind these rules are league rules not specific to MAYAA youth football but rather MVYFL rules for which all participating organizations must comply.  At the varsity level this year there will be no weight limits for player participation.  That's right the rule changes for the first time in league history to no limit.  I'm not opposed to an organization having an unlimited weight team but I'm not sure I agree with it if all kids in the age group are forced to play together. 

Fourth: Current Events: 

Recent Developments in the League Mt. Airy Bulldogs participates in have caused downgrade in the editors opinion of the program.  The MVYFL is the league the bulldogs participate in and they have lost 3 longstanding members to the MMYFCL.  Damascus "the most recent", TJ and Poolesville have all opted for greener pastures.  That leaves the bulldogs as the lone Mt. Airy region member of the MVYFL.  Every other organization in the area has joined the MMYFCL for various good reasons.

Most organizations like Damascus, Winfield, Linganore,TJ, Middletown, Walkersville, and Urbana work closely with the High School programs and coaches to help prepare the players for the kind of football they will be playing when the graduate from youth football.  It's a tremendous disadvantage to have to re-learn everthing b/c some youth coach was teaching all the basics the wrong way or in a fashion not well suited for upper levels of play.Mt. Airy Bulldogs will only have 3 teams eligible for superbowl participation that keep score out of all registrants unlike nearby LUYAA where as many as 22 teams within the LUYAA organization alone have a chance to go on to a superbowl game and achieve something memorable.  The higher tiers get a chance to play in Ravens Stadium for the MD State Championship, a goal MVYFL members are not eligible to participate in this event at all.  Even if they win a superbowl or 2 or heck 3 this year they will be shallow accomplishments since everyone knows the competition left the league.  Mt. Airy has not participated in a Varsity Superbowl this century so this could be an opportunity for them to rise to the top of thin competition.  I don't know about you but if my kid is at the varsity level and plans to go on to play in High School I'd want him playing the top teams around to challenge his abilities and reach full potential.  You are only as good as your competition.

In MAYAA all the Div. 1 and Div 2 kids practice together and are divided on game day into 2 teams.  Some kids actually get to play football on both Div. 1 and Div. 2.  This is because the league allows flexibility between divisions on a week to week player by player basis or at least that is the theory.  Unfortunately, on more than one occasion I witnessed the B coach stack his team w/ A players to gain an advantage to win.  This was not Mt. Airy but an opposing team. 

Other factors to consider....  The other 3 lower age tiers have added 20 lbs to their weight limit as well.  Example... an experienced 145lb. 11 year old boy can play against other beginning 60lb. 11 year olds.  This isn't necessarily a problem for some kids but I'm sure for the newer kids going against experienced monsters can be a little intimidating.  There is no instructional league w/ must play rules in place for beginners w/ size limits as part of the Bulldog football program. 

Let's face it.  Every parent pays the same fee for registration so each one of us wants a fair opportunity for our children to be taught the fundamentals in a safe environment and get the needed attention from coaches they all deserve.  I always favor leagues where every child gets some opportunity to play b/c the coaches know if little Johnny is going to be in the game then little Johnny better know how to play.  They have the rest of their lives to be fiercely competitive and after all most of them... 80% will not go on to be stars in high school.  Do the math... it's easy.  Why not make sure they learn the fundamentals needed to enjoy the game, have fun and still compete.   I'm not saying you shouldn't have a very advanced level of play to get the kids who are destined for high school stardom ready but if that's the way you run the program say so and send the rest of the kids who sit the bench and don't get to try multiple positions elsewhere.  They will have more fun and the program has less headaches.

O.K. the 8 and under group doesn't keep score?  I understand this concept w/ 5 and 6 year olds but by the time they are 8 years old they can count pretty well and everyone knows the score.  The game is more like a controlled scrimmage.  Mt. Airy has flag for the 5 and 6 year olds ... meanwhile neighboring programs offer full contact pads, helmets, everything for their 5-6 year olds.  Granted it may be too soon for your 6 yr. old but many could use a little structure and discipline that comes w/ football.  All coaches at the younger ages are more patient and make practice fun and cut things shorter time wise but the point is if your kid is ready for some contact he doesn't have the option.  It's so fun to watch the little guys try to see through the helmet while acting like bumper cars.  Most of them really enjoy it but the patience of the coach for the younger groups is a must to consider regardless of whether it is flag football or full contact.  If they don't have fun they won't come back.  If flag football meets your comfort level then go ahead and sign up it's sure to be a healthy choice either way.
Where the heck is my  refund?? BEE Careful... read the fine print.  They don't offer refunds.  BEE Thoughtful and most of all Bee kind to your child by choosing the right league to play in!  Spend the time your child deserves and you both will be happier.