Region A Flag Football

COVID Procedures

Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines.  Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols. 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

What Is Flag Football?

One of the newest and most exciting sports Special Olympics Illinois offers is Flag Football. In Illinois, Flag Football provides competition for teams of five in Junior and Senior (Coed) age groups.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition, compete locally at a Regional Qualifying event. Teams who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Flag Football Championships hosted in November.

Flag Football Events Offered in Illinois

• 5-on-5 Team Competition – Junior and Senior Age Groups

Competition Information

Region A Flag Football is a football qualifier for Regions A, B, C, and E

There will not be room for warmups in the stadium, but there is a large grass area outside of the stadium on the east side that teams can warm up at.  We are planning to introduce teams into the stadium prior to each of their game times.  We will make announcements, but plan to have your team line up by tournament central 20 minutes prior to your game time.  There will be volunteers helping to get teams in order. 

A few reminders on uniform requirements and equipment that will be checked prior to each game :

• No advertising or sponsorship is allowed to be worn on competition uniforms or warm-ups. Athletes will not be allowed to wear jewelry or awards during competition. No jeans, jean shorts or street shoes will be allowed to be worn during the competition. No metal spikes, hiking boots, or other equipment deemed dangerous by officials will be allowed. Athletes will be expected to dress appropriately for the weather and competition. Athletes not in the proper attire will be disqualified.
• All participants must have a playing uniform consisting of matching shirts, shorts or pants, and matching numbers on the back which can be tucked in at the waist to avoid obstruction of flag pulling. Shorts and pants must have no pockets.
• A protective mouthpiece must be worn at all times.
• A one-piece, three-flag Triple Threat belt will be worn during the games at all times.

Facility Information

Football will take place inside Huskie Stadium. Entrance off the east side of the Stadium with parking in the lot off of Stadium Drive.

Facility and Parking Map.

We are utilizing the parking lot K which is highlighted on the map.  We will only have access to the east side stands of the stadium.  Tournament central will be by the southeast entrance. 

Event Details

Games will take place throughout the day with awards presented after divisions complete play.

Teams should plan to sign in prior to their first game to receive their wristbands for field access.  Only registered coaches and athletes will be allowed on the field.  Team registration will begin at 8:30 AM. Remember to have coaches bring a photo ID in order to register your team.

We will have an opening ceremony at 9:15 AM.

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Athletes should bring their own PPE’s and water.

Awards

Awards will be presented when each division is finished.  The awards area will be on the field in front of the east side stands. 

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to all registered athletes and coaches.  This will consist of a sandwich, chips, fruit and water.  Lunch will be available from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Lunch can be picked up near tournament central, under the stands in the southeast side of the stadium. 

A concession stand will be available for spectators.  No food or drinks are allowed on the field other than water.  Lunch will need to be eaten in the stands or outside of the stadium.

Supporting Documents

2022 Region A Flag Football Divisions

2022 Region A Flag Football Schedule

2022 Region A Flag Football Final Roster

2022 Flag Football Map of Stadium and Parking

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Results

2022 Flag Football Brackets – Final

2022 Flag Football Divisions – Final Results

2022 Flag Football Results Alpha by Athlete

All teams that received a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Competition on November 5^th and 6^th in Peoria. .  All Region A Entries are due to me by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 4^th.  Regions, B, C, E, and F – Please check with your Region Staff for Entry Deadlines.  Entries will need to include the Registration form, Roster, and Game Summaries for all games played, including the games played this last Saturday at the Regional Competition. 

Please see the State Flag Football Championship Fact Sheet for more information.

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.