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The Columbia Ravens is a volunteer organization striving to be the premier organization in Howard County, Maryland and the surrounding communities for developing youth to compete at the highest level in football, basketball and cheer.
Founded in 2003 as a nonprofit corporation, the Ravens have promoted the exclusive purpose of teaching the youth of our community the sport of football. Programs in basketball and cheer were later added to address growing demands and interest within the community.
The goals and objectives of the organization include:
The organization is treated as a public charity and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, all donations are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Before your child can participate in the Columbia Ravens Football program, the following items are required:
The organization will provide helmets and shoulder pads to be used during the season to those who don't wish to buy them.
Each player must acquire the following personal items:
Yes, the registration fee includes the cost of one game jersey from the Columbia Ravens. The jersey is yours to keep at the end of the season.
All players must have a valid MVA ID.
Every Player is required to have a physician-signed, current Columbia Ravens Medical form.
Fall 2023
Practices for our fall season begins on July 17, 2023.
Practice schedule is Monday - Friday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (weather permitting). Sign up for Rain Out
Scrimmages are usually held on Saturdays beginning in August. Some teams may hold Saturday practices in lieu of a scrimmage.
Football is a sport that requires a significant amount of practice time to understand game strategy and basic techniques and build the concept of team, therefore it is extremely important that each player attend all practices regularly. Preseason practices are a crucial time for evaluating player fundamentals and skill levels. These evaluations are important for player placement on teams and may ultimately affect the amount of playing time a player has during the regular season.
We understand that practice may begin during previously scheduled vacations and that your player may consequently miss some practice. If this occurs, let the coaches in your age group know as soon as possible.
Our practice fields are located behind Harper's Choice Middle School.
Once school starts, practice will take place three times per week for a maximum of 6 hours per week.
The coach will determine which three days per week practice will be held. Weekday practice is usually scheduled from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Coaches may modify the time as needed.
Should your team have a bye during a specific week, the coach may elect to have an additional practice or scrimmage that week.
Although our league has policies requiring minimum plays for all players, repeated and/or unexcused absence from practice can result in a reduction in playing time. The head coach will determine the amount of playing time the player will receive during that week's game, based on the circumstances. All players are expected to be present and on time ready to participate. This means the player has his/her helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, pants, cleats, cup and mouth piece on and ready start practice.
The Columbia Ravens are members of the Mid Maryland Youth Football and Cheer League (MMYFCL) and compete against teams from Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties. The MMYFCL is divided into several divisions for tackle football based on experience and skill level. Players are better served when they are placed in the appropriate competition level. This ensures maximum player development and playing time. For more information on the MMYFCL please visit the MMYFCL web site. During the season, game schedules, scores and standings, and field directions can be found on the MMYFCL site.
Regular season games will begin in late August or early September and will take place on Saturdays. Generally, our younger age teams will play earlier in the day and our older teams will play in the afternoon and early evening. Our primary home field is Field #6 in the Cedar Lane West complex in Columbia. Away games will take place in Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties. We will likely have an equal number of home and away games this season.
The Ravens aim to field two teams in each of the following age groups: 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U and 13/14U based on the number of player registrations and coaching availability. In addition, we plan to field at least one 5/6 year old Flag Football team this fall. It is recommended that you register early. Teams fill quickly! Registration closes on August 1st.
There is an evaluation process that takes place during the first week of practice. At that time, all players will be evaluated by age group and placed on teams based on where the coaches think they will best perform and have the best opportunity for growth.
Prior to the start of the season, the Columbia Ravens will send out notices for football camps and conditioning sessions that can help your player enhance their skills. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT MANDATORY, but highly recommended to help improve player confidence and skills.
Although car-pooling and other scheduling constraints may make it easier on families to have friends or neighbors play on the same team, the organization can not make special accommodations solely for team requests. It is important for both developmental and safety reason that players are placed on teams based on experience and skill level.
The Columbia Ravens organization takes coaching very seriously. Each coach is required to interview with the Board of Directors, submit an application and background check and complete several hours of training before taking the field.
The age and weight guidelines are determined by the MMYFCL.
MMYFCL has designated divisions of play based on age for football. The age determination date for the season is August 1 of each year. All players may have any birth date between August 2 of the current season and August 1 of the following year.
The MMYFCL has a mandatory play rule. Each player must participate in the game, as noted below.
ALL DEAD BALL PLAYS ARE NOT INCLUDED AS A PLAY ON THE MANDATORY PLAY COUNT.
If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, please contact the Director of Football for more details. The success of our program is based on the hard work and dedication of our coaching staff. The organization takes the selection and training of our coaches seriously and all of our head coaches and their respective staffs are required to participate in coaching clinics throughout the off-season.
Financial Aid is not available. However, families can take advantage of early bird pricing March 1st - May 1st. Families have the option to pay the full early bird amount or pay a $50 non-refundable deposit that will lock them in to the early bird price. On May 2 , the regular prices will apply.
There is no multi-child discount during Early Bird Registration (March 1st - May 1st). All players pay the Early Bird rate.
As of May 2 and beyond, the first child would pay the Regular Rate. The 2nd, 3rd, etc. child(ren) would pay the Early Bird rate.
There are similar discounts applied across the football and cheerleading program. If one child plays in the football program and another participates in cheer, the Early Bird Rate would apply to the cheer registration.
This policy is strictly enforced.
Registration refund requests must be submitted in writing to registration@columbiaravens.com, by August 1 and will incur a $55.00 administrative fee. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Equipment rental refunds will incur a $10.00 administrative fee. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Please email your specific question to registration@columbiaravens.com.
It is important that you include your child’s name, age, birthdate, and as much detail as possible.