REGISTRATION FAQs
Columbia Football & Cheer has proudly participated in the National American Junior Independent Football Federation (NAJIFF) for over 50 years.
Spring Registration FAQs
Q: If I'm new to NAJIFF and want my athlete to participate with Columbia Football & Cheer, what must I have for NAJIFF Certification?
A: NAJIFF mandates that all athletes show proof of age with a State-Issued ID, Military ID, or Passport ID. If neither is in possession, the parent or guardian must show proof of appointment with the State DPS office or passport Authority and the original Birth Certificate. No photocopied or xeroxed copies will be accepted at NAJIFF Certification.
Q: What if my athlete participated in a NAJIFF League in the fall, and we want to try another NAJIFF League?
A: NAJIFF mandates that all athletes who have participated in a NAJIFF league obtain a release signed by the commissioner. The release is reviewed by the NAJIFF board, which will approve it if the requesters are in good standing from the departing league. If the release is not approved, terms will be cited in writing as to why the release was not approved. Please note that if the NAJIFF league you are trying to be released to is under probation, the release will be denied. This rule is in effect to protect all leagues from recruiting each other's athletes.
Q: How many games are played in the spring season?
A: The spring season has six games. Each game lasts about an hour, with a 5-10 minute halftime. No score is kept, and there are no playoffs or championship games. The spring season is an opportunity for athletes new to organized football, specifically tackle football, to try out and for those familiar with it to continue working on the fundamentals.
Q: What are the ages for flag football and tackle football?
A: Flag football ages are 5 & 6 years old, Tackle - Freshmen Division ages 7 & 8, JV Division ages 9 & 10, and Varsity ages 11 & 12.
Q: What is the cut-off date for an athlete's birthday?
A: NAJIFF mandates that the student-athlete's age for the current calendar year is determined by the student-athlete's age on August 1st of that same year. For example, Joe Tuff registered with his league in May of 2025 and is 8 years old at the time of registration. Joe turns 9 years old on or before August 1st, 2025. In the eyes of NAJIFF, Joe is considered 9 years old for the entire 2025 calendar year.
Fall Registration FAQs
Q: If I'm new to NAJIFF and want my athlete to participate with Columbia Football & Cheer, what must I have for NAJIFF Certification?
A: NAJIFF mandates that all athletes show proof of age with a State-Issued ID, Military ID, or Passport ID. If neither is in possession, the parent or guardian must show proof of appointment with the State DPS office or passport Authority and the original Birth Certificate. No photocopied or xeroxed copies will be accepted at NAJIFF Certification.
Q: What if my athlete participated in a NAJIFF League in the fall, and we want to try another NAJIFF League?
A: NAJIFF mandates that all athletes who have participated in a NAJIFF league obtain a release signed by the commissioner. The release is reviewed by the NAJIFF board, which will approve it if the requesters are in good standing from the departing league. If the release is not approved, terms will be cited in writing as to why the release was not approved. Please note that if the NAJIFF league you are trying to be released to is under probation, the release will be denied. This rule is in effect to protect all leagues from recruiting each other's athletes.
Q: What are the ages for flag football and tackle football?
A: Flag football ages are 5 & 6 years old, Tackle - Freshmen Division ages 7 & 8, JV Division ages 9 & 10, and Varsity ages 11 & 12.
Q: What is the cut-off date for an athlete's birthday?
A: NAJIFF mandates that the student-athlete's age for the current calendar year is determined by the student-athlete's age on August 1st of that same year. For example, Joe Tuff registered with his league in May of 2025 and is 8 years old at the time of registration. Joe turns 9 years old on or before August 1st, 2025. In the eyes of NAJIFF, Joe is considered 9 years old for the entire 2025 calendar year.