FAQ

What age range is Atom? 8-10 year old players Click here for more information! 

What age range is Peewee? 11-12 year old players Click here for more information!

If the player turns 13 this calendar year then he / she must register for Bantam football through one of Red Deer's three high schools, see our website for more information 

When does the season start? Registration typically opens in April and closes July 31. Late registration fees apply (if space is available) but early registration is preferred. Equipment and assessments occur early to mid August. Season runs from mid-August to October. 

Why can't I click the "Continue" button when trying to register? Some Android phones are not compatible with the registration and you need to switch to "Request Desktop Site" or try using a computer. 

What if I get the error: CAPTCHA Failed. Please try again.”Our registrations page has a hidden time-based CAPTCHA, this means that if the page has been open for too long, the CAPTCHA will trigger. We have a few suggestions for fixing this issue.

What is involved with registration? Please see the Registration Policy which indicates that a player will be considered registered with the Red Deer Minor Football Society when the following has been fulfilled:

1. An undated equipment bond cheque in the amount of $500.00 has been submitted to Red Deer Minor Football (usually on equipment pickup night);
2. An undated fundraising bond cheque in the amount of $200.00 has been submitted to Red Deer Minor Football (usually on equipment pickup night);
3. An undated volunteering bond cheque in the amount of $200.00 has been submitted to Red Deer Minor Football (usually on equipment pickup night);
4. Registration fees have been paid to RDMFS in full (available online through Registration link);
5. Peewee Player has provided a copy of birth certificate or passport that verifies the player's age and date of birth to their team manager at least 7 days prior to the first exhibition game (usually on equipment pickup night);
6. A signed liability waiver by the player's parent/guardian (usually on equipment pickup night);
7. Each parent / guardian must sign off that they have read, understand and agree to abide by the rules, regulations and policies of the Red Deer Minor Football Society (usually on equipment pickup night);
   
   A player is not permitted to participate in any activities of the RDMF until the above conditions of registration have been met. It is the sole responsibility of the player/parent to supply the above information to their respective team manager no later than one week before the first pre-season or jamboree game (usually on equipment pickup night).
   
   The Red Deer Minor Football Society does NOT accept installment payments for registration fees.

What is Spring Training Camp? This is a new initiative that invites all kids to try football. Kids are invited to attend one or all three days of Spring Training to sample the game of football.

What is the cost for equipment? RDMF provides all the football protective equipment that is required. Parents are required to provide an equipment bond in the form of an undated cheque. Each player must provide their own athletic footwear (cleats); gloves are optional but recommended.

How does the weather affect games or practices? Football Alberta has standards for when the air quality is poor and games/practices must be cancelled. The City of Red Deer may close the Rosedale football fields due to rain. Great Chief Park/Setters Place is turf it doesn’t get closed down by the city the way grass fields do as the turf can not get same damage as grass. 

What can I do to make my child more comfortable, when it is:

a. Hot weather - bring lots of water, wear layers so they can be removed BEFORE THE HELMET is put on. (Once the helmet is on you are committed for the practice/game as it is not easy to get it on and off.) Make sure your athlete drinks lots of water before and after practice to be ready for the heat. Water can be poured over the helmet to cool athletes as well. 

b. Cold weather - it's best to create layers. For the neck, we recommend a neck warmer to go around their neck and keep the wind out. Make sure it is tight and close fitting as we don't want it grabbed when playing. For the hands, use little gloves with fingers (cheap little mitts), then put on a surgical/plastic gloves overtop to keep the players warmth in and the wet/cold out, and then consider purchasing football gloves to go over top which give the players grip for the football. You can also buy heat packs that can be held by the players at breaks to warm their hands. For the body, an under armor sweater with warm fuzzy inside and water repellent-like outside is best. We play Rain or shine! For the legs, girdles and pants must always be worn but you can add layers as long as they are close fitting. Make sure your athlete drinks water before and after practice to be ready. 

Are parents allowed to utilize the Rosedale Shelter? Not at this time. We appreciate your understanding as Board members have worked for a long time to create the shelter and we recommend that parents join the Board Meetings.

Are kids allowed to play in the caged bathroom area? No, please speak up if you see someone playing in the bathroom area. There are two beautiful playgrounds for younger children to play at and we appreciate it when all Red Deer Minor Families help educate new guests about the expectations to not play in the washroom cage area. 

Are parents required to stay on site for ATOM practices? Yes, we require one parent or guardian to remain at the practice location. Bring a chair, a blanket, an umbrella, what ever you need to be comfortable! Come out and enjoy watching these athletes perform.

Are parents required to stay on site for PeeWee practices? We recommend that a guardian is available for your child for each practice or game. 

What is the trick to getting the helmet off after a player tries it on? The helmets are designed to fit tight and when a player sweats it makes it easier to remove the helmet. The use of a water bottle to spray water down the helmet and onto the head helps. Also, wetting the players hair before putting the helmet on will make it easier to remove if wearing for short duration. 

What App does Red Deer Minor Football use for coaches to communicate with parents/players? Currently RDMF uses RAMP Team App as it is connected to the registration system through this website. This is new in 2021! PRAMP Team App allows parents to view important event dates, times, and locations as well as indicate the player availability for such events. It also allows parents to confirm attendance or absence for each player at each event (please use the RSVP feature not the chat). Usually after equipment pick up night parents will be notified to join RAMP Team app. Team chat can be used to message coaches/team managers with any questions. 

Public space reminders about pets and e-cigarettes 

We encourage all parents to follow city bylaws and be a responsible pet owner to reduce the distractions at games and practices. 

Dogs are safest on a leash. When they are on the end of your leash, dogs run less risk of: 

• being hit by a car; 
• getting in a fight with another dog or wildlife; or 
• biting someone. 

Outside of your private property or at one of our?off leash dog parks, dogs must be on a leash. 

An e-cigarette (electronic cigarette or personal vaporizer) uses a battery to heat a liquid solution, producing a visible, vapour emission that may produce an odour. The e-cigarette may or may not contain nicotine. 

Vaping is prohibited in the following places: 

• Grandstands 
• Outdoor public events 
• Private clubs 
• Public buildings 
• Vaping is also prohibited within 10 metres of playgrounds, seasonal skating rinks, skate parks, sports fields, water spray parks, or toboggan hills. 

1. Shelter: Are parents or athletes allowed to use the Rosedale Shelter? Not at this time. Athletes are permitted under the guidance of their coaches/team managers/board members to enter and use the shelter for game replays and when bringing out equipment (athletes need to be monitored to ensure equipment is returned to the correct locations). If you are unsure where something goes, please ask a coach, team manager, or Board member. 
2. Shelter: Can we leave the big garage door open after getting equipment? Not at this time. We understand these doors will be opened at the beginning and the end of practices and games for equipment but the big door needs to be closed during practices. We appreciate your understanding as Board members have worked for a long time to create the shelter and relocate from the shipping container.  
3. Outdoor storage: Are kids allowed to play in the caged bathroom area? No, please speak up if you see someone playing in the bathroom area. There are two beautiful playgrounds for younger children to play at and we appreciate it when all Red Deer Minor Families help educate new guests about the expectations to not play in the washroom cage area. 
4. Washrooms: Where are the cleaning supplies for the washrooms? The cleaning supplies are located on the top shelf just inside the North door. If supplies are out or run low, please ask your Team Manager or a Board Member for assistance.