United Rocket Football

United Rocket Football

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Lining up Flag

2026 Program Verse

Mighty Warrior

“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”

Judges 6:12 (NIV)

  • Purpose

    Have fun. Get better. Be a good teammate.

  • What do you control?

    Attitude and Effort.

  • What are you focused on?

    Next Play.

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Season at a Glance

When things happen

Key dates, from registration in May to the all-star game in November. Boys flag (K–2 and 3rd–4th) plays every game at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School (KCMS). Girls flag, Rocket Tackle (3rd–6th) and 7th–8th grade tackle play home games at KCMS. Kalamazoo United varsity and junior varsity play home games at Mayors’ Riverfront Park. Away games are at the opponent’s field or a neutral site.

2026 Season

Regular season complete
Season finaleBowl Games and All-Star GamesBowl games played Sat, Oct 17. The 3rd–4th All-Star Classic is Sun, Nov 8 at Waldo Stadium.

  1. Phase 1

    Registration

    May 4 – Jun 30

    Complete
    1. Mon, May 4Registration opens (done)K–4 flag: $90 early, $95 late, jersey included
    2. Mon, Jun 1Early registration deadline (done)
    3. Tue, Jun 30Final registration cut-off (done)
    4. Thu, Jul 16Season kickoff email to families (done)

  2. Phase 2

    Preseason

    OTAs, combine, draft

    Complete
    1. Aug 4, 5, 11, 12OTAs for 3rd–4th grade (done)
    2. Fri, Aug 14Coach compliance deadline (done)
    3. Aug 17–27Team webstore open (done)
    4. Aug 19–20First practices and player evaluations (combine) (done)
    5. Sun, Aug 23Coaches meeting and player draft (done)
    6. Mon, Aug 24Team rosters to coaches (done)
    7. Aug 25 + 27First practices with new teams (done)
    8. Fri, Aug 28GameChanger goes live (done)

  3. Phase 3

    Regular season

    Sep 12 – Oct 17

    Complete
    1. Sat, Sep 12Opening day (done)Six Saturdays of boys flag games at KCMS
    2. Sep 13 – Oct 18Girls flag game days (done)Six Sundays. United hosted Week 1 at KCMS, then games rotated to host clubs.
    3. Sep 26 + Oct 3Team photo days (done)
    4. Sat, Oct 17Championship week bowl games (done)

  4. Phase 4

    Postseason

    Oct 19 – Nov 8

    All-Star Classic up next
    1. Mon, Oct 19Season survey and all-star invites (done)
    2. Sun, Oct 25Coaches closing dinner (done)

2027 Season (Draft)

Estimated

Estimated dates based on the 2026 season. Final dates will be announced. In-season dates are confirmed once the school calendar is set.

  1. Phase 1

    Registration

    May – June

    1. est. Mon, May 3Registration opens
    2. est. Fri, May 28Early registration deadline
    3. est. Tue, Jun 29Final registration cut-off
    4. est. Thu, Jul 15Season kickoff email to families

  2. Phase 2

    Preseason

    August

    1. est. Aug 3, 4, 10, 11OTAs for 3rd–4th grade
    2. est. By Fri, Aug 13Coaches training and compliance
    3. est. Aug 16–26Team webstore open
    4. est. Aug 18–19Combine and player evaluations
    5. est. Sat, Aug 21Division practices (K–2 and 3rd–4th)Players practice with their division, not a specific team, so coaches can see every player before the draft and keep teams as even as possible.
    6. est. Sun, Aug 22Coaches meeting and player draft
    7. est. Mon, Aug 23Team rosters to coaches
    8. est. Aug 24 + 26First practices with new teams
    9. est. Fri, Aug 27GameChanger goes live

  3. Phase 3

    Regular season

    Around the first week of school

    1. est. Late Aug – mid SepPractices and Saturday games begin around the first week of school
    2. est. Sat, Sep 11Boys opening daySix Saturdays of games
    3. est. Sun, Sep 12Girls flag first game daySix Sundays, home games at KCMS and away games at host clubs
    4. est. Sat, Oct 16Championship week bowl games

  4. Phase 4

    Postseason

    Mid Oct – early Nov

    1. est. Mon, Oct 18Season survey and all-star invites
    2. est. Oct 20 – Nov 33rd–4th all-star practices
    3. est. Sun, Oct 24Coaches closing dinner
    4. est. Sun, Nov 73rd–4th All-Star Classic
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Divisions

Every level. One United.

United Rocket Football brings flag, tackle and school football together under one name, one look and one way to play.

  • Level 1

    Flag

    • Boys K–2 league
    • Boys 3rd–4th grade league
    • Girls 3rd–8th grade league

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  • Level 2

    Rocket Tackle

    • 3rd–6th grade
    • Boys tackle

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  • Level 3

    Kalamazoo United

    • School program
    • 7th–12th grade tackle

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Flag to Tackle to Kalamazoo United

Who plays with whom

Every United player plays with and against kids in their own division. A kindergartener plays in the K–2 league, never against 4th graders.

Boys Flag K–4th grade

  • K–2nd grade league: kindergarteners, 1st graders and 2nd graders play on the same teams, so a kindergartener may be teammates with a 2nd grader. The league balances the teams to keep them as even as possible, and games are on Saturday mornings.
  • 3rd–4th grade league: 3rd and 4th graders play in their own league at their own game time.
  • How matchups work: teams play each weekend, and matchups rotate through the division. Week 6 is placement weekend for boys. Teams are seeded by record and play for final standing.

Girls Flag 3rd–8th grade

  • Divisions: 3rd–4th, 5th–6th and 7th–8th grade.
  • Teams: each division has a United Purple and a United Green team.
  • How matchups work: teams play each weekend, and matchups rotate through the division against girls teams from nearby clubs in the same grade division.

Rocket Tackle 3rd–6th grade boys

  • Teams: 3rd–4th grade and 5th–6th grade.
  • How matchups work: 3rd–4th and 5th–6th each play their own schedule against teams from other area programs.

Kalamazoo United 7th–12th grade tackle

  • Teams: 7th–8th grade tackle, junior varsity and varsity.
  • How matchups work: each team plays its own schedule.

Where teams play

  • Boys flag (K–2 and 3rd–4th): every game at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School (KCMS).
  • Girls flag, Rocket Tackle (3rd–6th) and 7th–8th grade tackle: home games at KCMS.
  • Kalamazoo United varsity and junior varsity: home games at Mayors’ Riverfront Park.
  • Away games: at the opponent’s field or a neutral site.

Questions? Email hello@unitedrocketfootball.com.

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What to Expect

A first-season guide for families

Same colors. Same fields. Same Friday-night goal, and it starts on Saturday mornings.

How the season works

  1. RegistrationOpens in early May. In 2026 the early deadline was Jun 1 and the final cut-off was Jun 30.
  2. Kickoff emailIn July, families get an email with key dates, leadership and policies.
  3. PreseasonIn August: optional OTAs for 3rd–4th grade, first practices and player evaluations (the combine) by division, then the coaches meeting and player draft.
  4. Rosters and team practicesRosters go to coaches after the draft, and teams hold their first practices in late August. GameChanger goes live with schedules, reminders and weather calls.
  5. Six weekends of gamesSeptember to mid-October. Teams play each weekend, and matchups rotate through the division.
  6. Bowl gamesWeek 6 is placement weekend for boys. Teams are seeded by record and play for final standing.
  7. All-stars3rd–4th grade all-star invites go out after the season, followed by all-star practices and the All-Star Classic in November.

See the dates on Schedule at a Glance

Game day

  • Boys flag games are played over six weekends at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School.
  • Kickoff times vary week to week. Check GameChanger for your team’s field.
  • Arrive 20 minutes early so coaches can warm players up and take attendance.
  • Games run about an hour. Plan for players to stay through the team huddle.
  • Fields are set up sideline to sideline, with open sideline seating. Families can set up chairs and blankets in the middle of the main field.
  • The concession stand is open on game days. Proceeds go toward future capital needs and help keep registration costs down.

What to bring

  • Cleats (no metal spikes), a water bottle and layers for the weather.
  • Flag players: team jersey, flag belt and a mouthguard. No pads.
  • Tackle players: a mouthguard and all issued gear.
  • Folding chairs or blankets.
  • Sunscreen early in the season, and gloves and blankets by mid-October.

How you’ll hear from us

  • Kickoff email: key dates, leadership and policies before the season.
  • GameChanger: schedules, fields, reminders and weather calls. Coach contact information is in your division’s GameChanger app.
  • Your head coach: sets practices and shares any in-season changes.
  • Questions: start with your team’s head coach, or email hello@unitedrocketfootball.com.

How families help

  • Cheer for both sidelines. Officials are often high schoolers learning the game.
  • Let coaches coach from the sideline and let players play.
  • Volunteer for chains, scorekeeping and team snacks. See how to help.
  • Support the sponsors in this program. They keep registration costs down.
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Bowl Games

Bowl Games and All-Star Games

The season finale. Each bowl game will get its own page later.

  1. Sat, Oct 17, 2026 · KCMS

    Championship week bowl games

    Week 6 is placement weekend for boys flag. Teams are seeded by record and play for final standing. 3rd–4th grade played at 9 AM and K–2 at 12 PM.

    • 3rd–4th gradeTeam Weiandt
    • K–2nd gradeTeam Zuiderveen

  2. Sat, Oct 17, 2026 · Waldo Stadium

    6th grade game at Waldo Stadium

    Our 6th graders played at Waldo Stadium, home of the Western Michigan Broncos. With a smaller 6th grade group, several 5th graders played alongside them. United partnered with Western Michigan University to make it possible, and families helped by buying tickets to the WMU game on Oct 31.

Bowl game pages

  • 3rd–4th Boys Flag Bowl GamesPage coming soon
  • K–2 Boys Flag Bowl GamesPage coming soon
  • 6th Grade Game at Waldo StadiumPage coming soon
  • 3rd–4th All-Star ClassicPage coming soon
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Flag Football Rules

How we play

These are the 2026 United flag football rules for the boys K–2 and 3rd–4th grade leagues. Our game is based on NFL Flag Football.

The first rule: no contact

  • There is no contact. No tackling, no diving at players, no blocking and no screening.
  • Players wear flags on a belt at their sides. Pulling one or both flags ends the play.

Game format

  • Two 26-minute halves with a running clock. Halftime is 8 minutes.
  • A scoreboard volunteer runs the clock. Teams must be ready to start each half on time.
  • A coin toss decides first possession. The winner chooses offense, defense or end.
  • Teams switch sides at halftime. The team that started on defense gets the ball.

Downs and drives

  • Every drive starts at the offense’s own 5-yard line.
  • The offense has 4 downs to cross midfield. Once across, it has 4 more downs to score.
  • Short of midfield on 4th down, the offense can punt (the other team starts at its own 5) or go for it. If it goes for it and fails, the other team takes over at the spot.
  • If the offense crosses midfield but does not score, the other team starts at its own 5.

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 points.
  • Extra point: after a touchdown, the team declares its try. 1 point from the 5-yard line (pass only) or 2 points from the 10-yard line (run or pass).
  • Safety: 2 points.
  • Interception returned for a touchdown: 6 points. An interception returned during an extra point try is worth 2 points.

Interceptions and fumbles

  • A defender may intercept a pass and try to return it for a touchdown. If the defender’s flag is pulled, the ball is spotted there and possession changes.
  • An interception caught and flagged in the defender’s own end zone is a touchback. The ball goes to the 5-yard line.
  • No fumbles. When the ball hits the ground the play is dead, and the ball is spotted where it landed.

The field

  • 25 yards wide by 64 yards long, with two 7-yard end zones. Midfield is the line to gain.
  • No-run zones: the 5 yards before midfield and the 5 yards before the end zone. Inside them every play must be a pass, even after a handoff. Each drive faces two no-run zones.
  • Stepping on the boundary line is out of bounds.
  • The referee places the ball in the middle of the field before the ready-to-play signal.
  • Three fields run crossways on the main field at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School. Your field is listed in GameChanger.

Offense

  • The ball is live at the snap until the whistle or until it hits the ground.
  • The quarterback cannot run with the ball. If they do, it is a loss of down and the ball goes back to the original spot.
  • Handoffs, pitches and laterals are allowed behind the line of scrimmage only.
  • One forward pass per play, thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
  • Every player is an eligible receiver, including the quarterback after a handoff, pitch or lateral behind the line.
  • Runners may not jump, leap or hurdle. No hands-on blocking.
  • Jerseys tucked in, with flags on the hips and in clear view.
  • The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
  • If an offensive and a defensive player catch the ball at the same time, the offense keeps it.

Defense

  • One rusher is allowed. The rusher starts nine paces off the line of scrimmage, next to the official in the middle of the field.
  • Everyone else waits for a handoff or pass before crossing the line. After a handoff, pitch or lateral, all defenders may cross.
  • Sack: the quarterback’s flag is pulled behind the line. The ball is spotted where the quarterback was.
  • No stripping or pulling the ball from the ball carrier.
  • Defenders may dive to pull flags, but may not tackle, hold or run through the ball carrier.
  • If a ball carrier’s flag falls off on its own, the player is down right away. The ball is placed where the flag lands.

Formations and motion

  • At least one player on the line of scrimmage (the center), and up to four.
  • The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
  • Teams may shift before the snap if they are set for at least one second.
  • One player in motion at a time, at least 1 yard behind the line, moving sideways only. No motion toward the line at the snap.

Players on the field

  • Team size and players on the field will be posted here.

Penalties: all divisions

  • Tackling: 5 yards from the end of the play. Tackling is any on-purpose or excessive contact with the ball carrier instead of pulling the flag.
  • Blocking: 5 yards from the end of the play.
  • Flag guarding: spot foul (the ball is placed where the foul happened). This includes stiff-arming, swiping hands near the flags, or covering the flag with hands, the ball or a jersey.

Penalties: 3rd–4th grade only

  • Delay of game: loss of down. The offense has 30 seconds to snap once the ball is ready, and the referee calls out 10 seconds left.
  • Pass interference: 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay the down. On defense, this is grabbing, holding or contact that stops a catch. On offense, it is pushing off or using hands to get open.

Who officiates

  • K–2: coaches officiate their own games.
  • 3rd–4th: officials are provided. If none are available, teams officiate their own games.
  • Commissioners move between fields to help keep time and settle questions.

Required gear

  • Every player needs flags, a mouthguard and shoes. Bring your team jersey.
  • Cleats are allowed, but no metal cleats.

Sportsmanship

  • Keep all cheering positive and supportive for players, coaches and referees.
  • Cheer for both sidelines. Officials are often high schoolers learning the game.
  • Let coaches coach from the sideline and let players play.

Weather (K–2 and 3rd–4th flag)

  • Weather calls are made 1 hour before the first kickoff and sent through GameChanger. The league leans toward playing the game, with more caution for K–2 players.
  • Cold: games are canceled or postponed at 35°F or below, including wind chill. Sustained wind over 20 mph (or gusts over 30 mph) with temperatures under 45°F also cancels games.
  • Rain: games are called for steady rain for 60+ minutes before game time, a heavy storm cell over the fields, or standing water on the field.
  • Heat: extra water breaks from a heat index of 90°F, shorter quarters from 95°F, and games are canceled or moved to the evening at 100°F or above.
  • Lightning: play stops right away and everyone moves to a building or car. Play resumes 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder. Tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings cancel games.
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FAQs

Questions from parents

What divisions are there?

Flag (boys K–2 and 3rd–4th leagues, girls 3rd–8th grade), Rocket Tackle (3rd–6th grade boys) and Kalamazoo United (7th–12th grade tackle). See Divisions.

Will my kindergartener play against older kids?

No. Kindergarteners play in the K–2 league, never against 4th graders. K–2 teams mix kindergarteners, 1st graders and 2nd graders, and the league balances the teams to keep them as even as possible.

How are teams formed?

Before the draft, players practice and are evaluated with their division (the combine), so coaches can see every player. Coaches then draft teams at the coaches meeting, and rosters go out the next day.

How much does it cost?

In 2026, K–4 flag was $90 early and $95 late, with a jersey included. 2027 pricing has not been posted yet.

When does registration open?

In 2026, registration opened Mon, May 4, with an early deadline of Jun 1 and a final cut-off of Jun 30. For 2027, expect early May. See Schedule at a Glance.

When and where are games?

In 2026, boys flag played six Saturdays, Sep 12 – Oct 17, at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School (KCMS). Girls flag played six Sundays, Sep 13 – Oct 18. Kickoff times vary week to week, so check GameChanger. See where each team plays.

What happens on Week 6?

Week 6 is placement weekend for boys. Teams are seeded by record and play for final standing in the bowl games. See Bowl Games.

What should my player bring?

Flag players need their team jersey, flag belt and a mouthguard. Bring cleats (no metal spikes), water and layers. See What to Expect.

What if the weather is bad?

Weather calls are made 1 hour before the first kickoff and sent through GameChanger. See the weather rules.

How will I hear from the league?

Through the season kickoff email, GameChanger and your head coach.

How can I help?

Volunteer on game days or as a coach, or give to the program. Volunteer? · Donations

Who do I contact?

Start with your team’s head coach, or email hello@unitedrocketfootball.com.

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Volunteer?

United runs on parent volunteers

In 2026, 45+ volunteer coaches were on the field teaching skills, instilling values and building memories.

Coach a team

  • Each team has a head coach and assistant coaches.
  • Coaches complete a concussion course and background check by mid-August.
  • Coaches help run player evaluations, join the coaches meeting and draft in late August, and lead practices and games through the season.

Help on game day

  • Run the scoreboard or announce games.
  • Work the concession stand.
  • Join the chain gang, keep score or bring team snacks.
  • We ask each family to volunteer at least once a season. A sign-up goes out by email before games start.

More ways to help are coming. Email hello@unitedrocketfootball.com if you want to get involved.

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League History

Faith, fun and how United grew

United Rocket Football Association is a 501(c)(3) organization. Each season we choose a Bible verse as our program verse.

2026 Program Verse

Mighty Warrior

“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”

Judges 6:12 (NIV)

  • Purpose

    Have fun. Get better. Be a good teammate.

  • What do you control?

    Attitude and Effort.

  • What are you focused on?

    Next Play.

Team verses by year

  1. 2026
    Judges 6:12 (NIV) · Mighty Warrior

    “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”

  2. 2025
    Proverbs 27:17

    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

  3. 2024
    1 Corinthians 12:12

    “Just as a Body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

  4. 2023
    Joshua 1:9

    “Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

  5. 2022
    Romans 8:37

    “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

  6. 2021
    Judges 6:12

    “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”

2026 milestones

  • 205 athletes: 160 in tackle and flag, plus 45 girls.
  • First girls flag season: 3rd–8th grade, with United Purple and United Green teams at 3rd–4th, 5th–6th and 7th–8th grade.
  • 45+ volunteer coaches on the field.
  • 5 full hardship scholarships awarded.
  • Scoreboard: families and local businesses raised $4,625 toward a $3,000 scoreboard improvement, which came in under budget at $2,842.
  • Oct 17: 6th grade game at Waldo Stadium.
  • Nov 8: 3rd–4th All-Star Classic at Waldo Stadium.