All About the NYGFL
What is the New York Gay Football League?
The NYGFL is a 7-on-7 flag football league inclusive to all but catering primarily to the LGBT community in and around New York City. The league is currently the largest gay flag football league in the country with approximately 250 participants and 20 teams each season.
Football!!?? No way! Won’t I get hurt?
The NYGFL is a flag football league with no tackling whatsoever. Every player wears a belt with 3 flags; to ‘tackle’ another player one simply pulls on a flag to remove the belt. While there is definitely contact inherent to this format of play, since there is no actual tackling injuries are normally minor. Any injuries you do suffer as the result of playing in the league are covered by league insurance. Please contact a member of the board for more information about insurance or find the form under the 'Contact Us' drop down.
I’ve never played football before. What if I’m really bad?
The NYGFL is open to players at all levels of ability—and we mean ALL LEVELS. Never played competitive football before? No problem! Most members of the league begin with little or no competitive football experience. Also, the system that the NYGFL uses to put together teams ensures that less experienced players are always placed on a team with more experienced players.
Do I have to be really athletic/fast/strong/tall/big/in shape?
Again, the league is open to players at all ability levels. In a 7-on-7 flag football game there are MANY positions of importance beyond quarterback and star receiver. Your captain will find a position for you that is well-suited to your physical capabilities.
When and where are the games?
Registration for new players begins each year in the middle of February for the spring season and in the middle of August for the fall season. The spring season runs approximately from early March through late May. The fall season runs approximately from mid-September through mid-December. All games are on Saturday or Sunday in or near Manhattan. Unfortunately because of the complex process of obtaining fields from the city, we cannot tell you exactly when and where your games will be until shortly before the season begins. We do our best to ensure that games are not too early, too late or too far out of your way. We have historically had the majority of games on Saturday nights with game times that can start at 5pm or later. Past field locations include Pier 40, East River Park, DeWitt Clinton Park, Chelsea Park, Chelsea Waterside Park, and Riverbank State Park.
What about practices?
Most team captains limit practices to game day an hour or two before the game starts; however, a handful of captains may ask you to attend an occasional practice on a non-game day. These practices are not mandatory and inability to attend will not affect your playing time or standing in the league.
I frequently work or travel on weekends. Is it worth it to join?
Many members of the league miss 1 or 2 games per season and still have a rewarding experience. However, if it is likely that you will miss 3 or more games during the season because of work or travel, this may not be the right organization for you. The regular season is approximately 8 games long and missing a third or more of these games will adversely affect not only your experience but that of your teammates as well.
But I’m straight! Would it be weird for me to play in a gay football league?
Absolutely not! Some of our most talented and dedicated league members are straight. Many straight folks love the inclusive, laid-back yet competitive atmosphere that the NYGFL provides and continue to come back every season for this reason.
I’m a girl! Which division should I join?
The NYGFL has two divisions: the Open Division and the Women’s Division. Girls are free to choose whichever division they would like to play in. For more details on the Women’s division, please contact the Women’s Division representatives.
Will I make new friends?
Yes! Aside from the rewarding experience that you are sure to have on the field with your own team, the league sponsors weekly social events that will allow you the opportunity to get to know other league members in fun, social settings.We also have a bachelor auction, theme parties, karaoke nights, and many other fun activities planned to ensure that your football experience is much more than action on the field!
What if I can’t throw a football?
No problem. Each team only needs 1 quarterback (and possibly a backup), so if you can’t throw, you’re off the hook.
Am I guaranteed a spot on a team if I sign up, or do I have to try out?
If you register for the league and submit payment on time, you are guaranteed a spot on a team. However, if it is your first season playing in the NYGFL, you are required to attend the Rookie Training Camp. The Rookie Training Camp is a 2-hour practice session where we coach you in the game of football based on your previous experience and current skill level. The team captains will also get to meet you and see you play so they can find the best place for you on their team.
My friend plays gay softball and competes in tournaments in different cities every year. Can I do this?
Tournaments are an excellent way to meet new people and test your skills on the road. There are currently a few different national tournaments, and members of the league have gone to each of them to participate and represent the NYGFL. If you’re interested in competing in the Pridebowl Chicago Tournament, the Gay Superbowl, the Fort Lauderdale tournament, or any others that you know of, ask your team captain or a board member how to get involved.
I want to be my team’s quarterback. Will I get to do this?
Possibly. Most quarterbacks are returning players, but a few newbies work their way into the mix every year. If you are interested in quarterbacking you should plan on trying out at the Rookie Training Camp. This will allow captains the opportunity to see you throw prior to the draft. During the draft you may or may not be selected as your teams’ quarterback. If you are not, your best bet is to volunteer to serve as your team’s backup and work with Player Development to be considered for future seasons.
Will I have to buy any expensive equipment?
No. Jerseys and flags are provided for all players, and shorts are provided for new players. Invest in a good pair of cleats and gloves and you will be set.
Can I serve as my team’s captain?
Not in your first season. If you are coming into your first season with extensive experience and would like to help out, make sure that your captain knows this.
I am joining the league with my significant other/best friend. Can we be on the same team?
The draft system is designed to create parity between teams. Because of this it is not possible to ensure players who wish to play together a spot on the same team. But join anyway! The NYGFL is about meeting new people and stepping outside of your personal boundaries. Your friend/significant other can come to your games to support you and meet you at a social event afterward. You might even face them head-to-head in a game.
How much does it cost to join?
$140 per season.
What if I REALLY want to play but can't afford it?
Check under "Contact Us' for information on the Pinelli Grant. The Pinelli Grant is a special fund that covers dues for dedicated members of the NYGFL that are facing financial hardship. Please contact a member of the Board for more information.
I’m not out at work. Does my name have to be listed on the NYGFL website?
No. Just make a special request to the Communications Director before the season starts; he will make sure that your full name does not appear on the website.
I’m sold! Where do I sign up?
Look for the registration link our our homepage for updated registration info. Make note of the day and time that registration opens for new players and plan to register IMMEDIATELY when it opens. Returning players are given the first opportunity to sign up; registration for new players is limited and fills up very quickly—sometimes within hours. We're not kidding. To guarantee yourself a spot and avoid being placed on the waitlist, you must register quickly as soon as registration opens. If you'd like a reminder simply join our Facebook page and we'll send you registration updates.
I have another question. Who can I contact?
Please contact the league at [email protected] for any other questions.