Frequently Asked Questions

Can girls play football? Can Boys be Cheerleaders?
Yes - there are no "BOYS ONLY" or "GIRLS ONLY" rules with the Bears. Girls can play Football - and Boys can be Cheerleaders.

Are there tryouts?
No, not with the Bears- But other teams in the Cen-Cal league do have tryouts and cuts, but here its first come first served. As long as you meet the age and weight requirements/restrictions - once you have signed up and paid your registration fees, and complete the fundraising requirements- you are a member of the Bear team!

Is the Bears part of Rec League?
No, there are 14 teams in the Cen-Cal league that are all competing to go and win the Super bowl trophy.

Will each child play equally?
No, each player is at a different skill level. As the season goes on, a child will improve and may go from 5 plays a game to playing 50. So encourage your child to always give 100%. The coaches are always watching to see who is improving and giving it their all.

Season:
How long is the Bear football season?
Our football season runs from our first official practice - usually the beginning of August - until the Cen-Cal Super Bowl - which is usually the end of November or beginning of December

How many games will we play?
We start off the season at a round robin scrimmage with a few other teams in our league (usually near the end of August). Games are played each Saturday after that until the start of playoffs. Each year is subject to change and we will have more definite answers closer to the season starting.

Practices:
When does football practice begin?
Official practices usually start the first Monday of August. We are looking into doing some scrimmages in July, but we will inform you if so.

Where will practices be held?
Practice will be held at Merced High School practice field. This is for BOTH Football players AND Cheerleaders. We practice at the same time, at the same place.

What days - times do we practice?
For the first 4 weeks - we practice Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. Until 7:30 p.m. After our first game - our practices cut down to 3 days a week (Tues, Wed, Thurs) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday’s is only one hour, with helmet only, no pads from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Are practices mandatory?
Practices are mandatory. Missed practices may result in less playing time or cheerleaders not participating in the halftime performance. It is also required by the Cen-Cal league that all football players have 10 hours of conditioning practice before they are allowed to put on pads and have contact with other players.

Equipment:
What football equipment do I have to buy?
We supply pants, game jersey, girdle, socks, helmet, 1 mouth guard (1st one is free - you can purchase additional ones from the equipment manager for $1. You can also purchase your own from a sports store). You will need to provide yourself with a good pair of football cleats (non-metal cleats) and any other protective gear you feel necessary.

Do I get to keep my game jersey?
We let you keep your game jersey.

Fundraising:
Do we have to participate in Team Fundraising?
Short answer: Yes... please!
Long answer: This is what TEAM and TEAMWORK is all about. We have to raise money throughout the year to offset our team costs so that we can keep our registration price down.

Information regarding the fundraiser will be announced at a later time.

Age/Weight Requirements
Rookies 7 & 8 year olds up to 110 pounds
Pee-Wee 9 &10 year olds up to 115 pounds (raised 5 lbs from 2006)
Junior Varsity 11 &12 year olds up to 135 pounds
Varsity 12,13 & 14 year olds up to 190 pounds (raised 10 lbs from 2006)

*all 8th graders must play varsity regardless of age or weight (weight requirements apply to football players only)
*all 14 year olds must be in the 8th grade. NO FRESHMEN ALLOWED.
If your football player is above the weight limit, talk to your coach about your options.

Age cut off date is August 1st.

The Cen-Cal League nor Merced Bears will not allow any exceptions to these rules. If anyone misrepresents their child age or grade, penalties will be applied the the player and the team. These rules are here for our children's safety!