I love the Flag Football Clinic! It's a great introduction to the sport without the pressure of a full season. We will sign up for additional clinics as he figures out what sports he likes and wants to pursue further.
The coaches are really great. Their coaching style for my daughter’s team really coincides with her learning type. They take time and show techniques that will carry on throughout her volleyball experiences.
We love the format of a practice followed by a game. Also love that there are refs so the coaches can focus on instructing and teaching the kids rather than also trying to officiate a game.
We enjoy I9! My son has played many seasons with soccer and football. Caleb has been great to work with after a challenged we faced this winter and the age range of the players.
We have had a great time playing flag football with i9. It has been fun and informational. Our coaches on Cardinals are patient and so wonderful with the kids
Practice and games back-to-back, on Saturday.
What I don't like--I can't sign him up for anything else because I don't know the times of the games ahead of time. I realize the challenge in scheduling but if it was a set time each week, e.g., 10 to 12, 11 to1, etc., that would be preferred.
Love the program! We've played many seasons and continue to recruit my son's friends to i9. We love it!
One bit of feedback about officiating. I know it's tough to find good referees so that's not lost on me. I find the biggest issue is calling games too tightly - these are kids, let them play. Anything related to safety should be called of course but some of the more minor infractions slow things down and make the games less fun. I would say the 'normal' refs are usually great but sometimes refs that sub from other leagues have the biggest issues.
Good example. Game on 2/3/24, Eagles vs Browns. I had never seen these 2 officials before, they might be from another location. During this game, they threw *22 flags* !!!! We started counting because it as so extreme. They were basically calling NFL rules - things like illegal shifts and false starts at even the slightest movement on the line. For lots of these kids on both teams, this is their first time playing football so they are just learning. When 22 flags are thrown, it's discouraging for both teams and you end up just throwing your hands up and hoping for the game to end. This has only happened once and I can't stress that your normal officials for the Chapel Hill location (blond guy and guy with beard) are great. I think it's an issue for substitute refs that you might need to check on.
Long story but I wanted to take the opportunity to give some feedback. That said, we love i9 and can't wait to keep playing this season and next!