New to Lake Country Chiefs Tackle Football

If your child is new to tackle football—or this is your family’s first experience with the Lake Country Chiefs—this guide is designed to clearly outline what to expect throughout the season. Our goal is to make the transition to tackle football positive, well-structured, and enjoyable for both players and parents.

This is no longer flag football. Most athletes will be assigned an offensive position that they will maintain and grow in throughout the season, and the same applies on the defensive side of the ball.

Player safety is a top priority for the Lake Country Chiefs and is taken seriously at every level of the program.

Equipment & Resources

• We invest in top-of-the-line, properly fitted equipment for all athletes
• All helmets and protective gear meet or exceed current safety standards
• Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the season

Coaching Education & Protocols

• All Chiefs coaches are required to participate in a background check and concussion awareness and safety protocol training
• Coaches are trained to recognize signs of injury and understand proper response procedures
• Player health always takes precedence over competition or playing time

Tackle football is a physical sport, but through proper equipment, education, and a strong safety-first culture, we work to create an environment where athletes can learn, grow, and compete as safely as possible.

At the start of the season, all registered athletes practice together during the first week of practice. This initial week serves two important purposes:

• Conditioning and acclimation to tackle football
• An opportunity for coaches to evaluate all athletes

During this first week, practices focus on fundamentals, effort, coachability, and safe technique. This allows the coaching staff to get to know each athlete beyond prior experience or reputation.

At the conclusion of the first week, the head coaches and a board representative meet to evenly divide athletes into teams. Depending on total registration numbers, this may result in two or three teams at the 5th-grade level.

The goal of this process is to create balanced, competitive teams that support development and provide a positive experience for all athletes.

Teams are not formed based on requests, friendships, or prior team placement.

Practice Times

• August through September: 5:30–7:30 PM
• October: 5:30–7:00 PM

Coaches communicate practice schedules and any adjustments through Crossbar and may vary slightly by team.

Game Days

• All games are played on Saturdays.
• The regular season consists of 6 initially scheduled games
• 2 additional games will be scheduled (season will include 8 games)
• The first game takes place the week after Labor Day.
• The final game is played on the second-to-last Saturday of October.

Game Times

5th-grade teams generally play the final game of the day, meaning late afternoon start times. Exact game times may vary due to earlier games running long, injuries, or league scheduling adjustments. (8th-grade plays first, followed by 7th-grade, and so on)

Families should plan for some flexibility on Saturdays. Game schedules and updates are communicated through Crossbar.

Equipment Pickup

Equipment pickup will take place the weekend before the first practices (typically late July or early August). A detailed schedule will be sent out in advance and will include assigned arrival times and step-by-step instructions.

Equipment Return

Equipment return will take place in November on designated weekdays. A detailed schedule will be sent out in advance and will include specific dates, assigned time windows, and step-by-step instructions. Families will not need to exit their vehicle, as all equipment will be collected through a simple drive-through process.

The Lake Country Chiefs are proud to be closely affiliated with Arrowhead High School (AHS) Football, one of the premier high school football programs in the state.

Arrowhead High School Football has a long-standing tradition of excellence, most recently highlighted by winning the WIAA State Championship in 2025. That success reflects years of strong coaching, player development, and a commitment to doing things the right way—values that are shared throughout the Chiefs program.

What the Affiliation Means

• Alignment in football fundamentals, terminology, and expectations
• A shared emphasis on player development, discipline, and teamwork
• Consistency in teaching the game as players progress from youth football to high school

Many Lake Country Chiefs athletes go on to play football at Arrowhead High School. Our program is intentionally designed to prepare players not just for the upcoming season, but for long-term growth within the Arrowhead football system.

• Most communication is handled through Crossbar
• Parents can expect updates on schedules, practices, games, and announcements
• Coaches are volunteers and appreciate clear, respectful communication

Parents play a key role in supporting a positive team environment by reinforcing effort, sportsmanship, and commitment.

Starting tackle football for the first time can feel overwhelming, but families are not alone in the process. The Lake Country Chiefs community is built on support, development, and shared experiences.

If you ever have questions throughout the season, please reach out to your coaching staff or program leadership. We’re excited to welcome your family to Chiefs Football.