Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACFFL?
The ACFFL is San Antonio's premier 7-on-7 LGBTQIA+ flag football league. We are a non-profit athletic and philanthropic organization that thrives to promote diversity, not only in sports nationally, but in our local San Antonio community. We aim to provide an arena for competitive flag football where we develop, hone, and coach fundamental football skills, unwavering sportsmanship, and camaraderie. We welcome any individuals seeking to join us on our mission who want to begin, expand upon, and teach their football and community skills.
Do I need to have football knowledge or have played football before?
No. We pride ourselves on our coaches' abilities to teach the game of football, from sound fundamentals to strong sportsmanship. Prior football experience or knowledge is always helpful, but not a requirement.
When are the games held?
Fall season games are held at Olmos Soccer Fields in San Antonio on most Saturdays from early-October through mid-November, and spring season is early-March through late-April/early-May. There are two time slots, with games taking place at 10am and 11:30am. You will usually only play one game per week, but if we have to make up games your team may end up playing two games in one day, but you will know what days those are in advance. Please follow the ACFFL on social media or check this website for the calendar of game days as it gets closer to each season, or the actual game schedule itself which will be posted once the draft is conducted and the teams are determined.
Do I have to be LBGTQIA+ or identify as such to participate in the league?
No! While our league was founded on the fundamental goal of breaking down stereotypes associated with LBGTQIA+ community and though the majority of our participants identify as LBGTQIA+ individuals, we welcome any and all people who want to participate. The ACFFL provides a welcoming community for anyone regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or other personal traits. The ACFFL does require that all persons abide by our strict zero tolerance policy as it relates to sportsmanship and respecting our diverse group of individual members. Anyone who fails to do so will be promptly removed from participation. As a member of the ACFFL, you are voluntarily participating in a league that may and likely will subject you to publicity, especially in social media, whether wanted or unwanted, and moreover such publicity will likely relate to the LBGTQIA+ community. This in no way implies that you will be labeled, outed, etc. however the ACFFL cannot guarantee your anonymity nor the perception that may be associated with such participation.
Do I need football equipment to participate?
The ACFFL does not require, nor does it provide, any football equipment for individual use, however we strongly suggest that you purchase non-metal football or soccer cleats (softball, baseball, or any cleats with metal spikes are prohibited) as well as other equipment you may find necessary such as football gloves, athletic tape, a mouth guard, etc. You are responsible for your own health and safety, therefore; if you feel you need a knee brace for example, then you should obtain one. Football pads, helmets and other such equipment usually associated with tackle football, may not be allowed as they may hinder the health and safety of the other participants.
Can I play in the ACFFL if I do not live in San Antonio?
Anyone can register and pay to participate in the ACFFL; however, we strongly encourage that members live in or around Bexar County. The primary reason for this is that most teams hold at least one practice throughout the week and will depend on the participation of their players in those practices as well as the games. Further, a large part of our league's purpose includes social and community involvement by giving back to those that support us. Members will be asked to participate in fundraising and volunteer events that support the San Antonio LBGTQIA+ community. Those persons traveling from out of the San Antonio area are held to the same participation standards as local players and therefore your potential inability to participate adequately may affect how much a coach might play you during a game or your eligibility in the Gay Bowl tournament. While you are always guaranteed a spot on a team if you pay, register, and participate in at least one clinic; it is always up to the individual coaches to get each player involved in the games.
How do I become a team captain?
Any person who has participated in at least one season in the ACFFL is eligible to be a team captain; however, coaching is a long and involved commitment that one should take very seriously. Captains typically attend every practice and game, as well as all of the extracurricular activities the league provides, including post-game social events, philanthropic events, captain's meetings, field set-up and take down, as well the player draft. The ACFFL will ultimately determine who will be selected as a captain from a pool of potential and qualified candidates. The board takes into consideration past experience in coaching, football knowledge, sportsmanship, league involvement and history, among other factors. If you wish to be a team captain, please contact Commissioner Erryca Robicheaux at [email protected].