Frequently Asked Questions
When does the League operate?What nights are the games played on?
How many games does each team play?
What are the rules of play used in the ONTFL?
What is the competition level like in the ONTFL?
Are there any restrictions on who can play in the ONTFL?
If I want to start a new team who do I contact and by when?
What is the cost to enter a new team?
If I am by myself, what can I do to join an existing team?
Are there other things I can do to enjoy and contribute to this League?
When does the ONTFL operate?
The ONTFL operates year-round. See the registration page for dates for each of our seasons (spring, summer, winter/indoor)
What nights are ONTFL games played on?
Games are played on weeknights (Monday through Thursday) at various fields throughout the city. The winter/indoor season also has games on Sunday nights. Occasionally games will be held in the mornings on weekends.
How many games does each team play?
A typical summer season for a team, consists of twelve games within your division, plus at least one playoff game. The winter/indoor season consists of 10 games within your division, plus at least one playoff game. The spring season consists of 6-8 games within your division, plus at least one playoff game. All teams qualify for the playoffs.
What are the rules of play used in the ONTFL?
This League uses rules based on the Canadian Football League and those used by Touch Football Ontario.
It is 7-on-7 (6-on-6 for indoor), one-hand touch, 3-down football. The offence must gain 10 yards on three downs to earn a fresh set of downs, allowing them to continue their drive.
There are no steamboats. Immediately after the snap, on defence rushers can rush, and on offence the quarterback can run.
Field Goals and Extra Points are not a part of the game, instead we incorporate conversions after the touchdown. Touchdown conversions are attempted from 5 yds for 1-point or 10 yds 2-points.
The game is played in two 36-minute halves and game officials are provided as part of the Annual League Fees.
Lead blocking and picks are illegal and penalized. The League promotes competitive, safe fun!
For more information, you can review the Touch Football Canada rule book.
What is the competition level like in the ONTFL?
Many players have played high school and/or college football. That being said, many other players have had only limited recreational touch (or flag) football exposure before joining the League. For example, the level of competition various from high performance athletes/teams competing for national titles to every day guys staying in shape and having organized/competitive games. League organizers will interview you/your team in order to assess an appropriate level/division of play for you.
Are there any restrictions on who can play in the ONTFL?
Yes, Each team must have their own unique roster. We do allow a player from a higher division to also play on a division below them. However, they are ineligible for awards. Quarterbacks from higher divisions cannot throw a forward pass in a lower division. We have and will bend the one drop down player rule when it benefits the league and doesn’t affect divisions negatively. Parity is paramount, especially when it applies to playoffs. We want every team to have a chance to win in the end. Minors (under 18) who wish to play must have their legal guardian sign the consent form.
If I want to start a new team who do I contact and by when?
New teams should contact Gordie Laverty at gthemvp@hotmail.com in order to get registered and placed in the appropriate division. For more information please see our registration page.
What is the cost to enter a new team?
League fees are displayed on our registration page although they are revised and subject to change prior to each season. The League Fee includes the cost of field permits, League Insurance, game officials, prizes for the Division Champions and finalists, and other associated administrative costs such as meeting and web site maintenance.
If I am by myself, what can I do to join an existing team?
New players should contact Gordie Laverty at gthemvp@hotmail.com in order to get registered and placed in the appropriate division. The League maintains a list of all such players and their profiles in order to facilitate matching them with teams trying to grow/replace other players who may have "retired" for various reasons. Individual fees will vary by team, for example you may need to purchase a team jersey/shirt to be a member of a particular team.
Are there other things I can do to enjoy and contribute to the ONTFL?
Yes, the League is always looking for volunteers for the Executive Committee to assist in administering League activities & events. Furthermore, you could also become a game official which is a paid position. Contact Gordie Laverty at gthemvp@hotmail.com for further information on either of these topics.