Registration begins Monday for the 2008 Austin Youth Football League season.

The registration period closes August 16.

The fees are $25 per family with a late registration fee of $35 per player.

Anyone registering after August 16 will be charged a late fee and will not be guaranteed on the team from the player’s area.

Walt Hall, now celebrating 30 years with the AYFL, is in charge of registration and a member of the AYFL board of directors.

According to Hall, the AYFL stresses participation, fundamentals, sportsmanship and team effort.

Registration forms are available at the Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department or South Central Athlete.

There will be no registration at the equipment distribution night August 18 at Riverside Arena.

Fifth and sixth graders will receive their equipment, beginning 6 p.m. August 18.

There will be a shoulder pad exchange area at the Arena and practice jerseys will be sold that night, according to Hall.

Football players should wear shorts and not sweat suits. Also, they are advised to have haircuts for the better fit of helmets.

Monday, Aug. 25, will be the last day for rosters and a full equipment day for the players.

Saturday, Aug. 30, will be the first day for scrimmages, when teams may scrimmage only teams within their league.

Another round of scrimmages will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, at Wescott Field.

The first game will be Saturday, Sept. 13. Games will continue Saturdays through Oct. 18.

All youths who will be in the fifth and sixth grades in September 2008 and have a completed registration form are eligible to play.

The AYFL will provide each player with helmet, hip pads, pants and game jersey.

The players must provide their own shoulder pads, teeth protector, athletic supporter, sneakers or football shoes with nondetachable rubber cleats.

The AYFL’s policy is each team of 22 players or less will provide a starting position either offensively or defensively for each player.

Players who consistently miss practice will not be expected to start, according to the policy.

Last year’s team sponsors included Southland Boosters, Carney’s, Sterling Drug, American Legion, Eagles, Knights of Columbus, George’s Pizza and McDonald’s.

This year’s team sponsors have not yet been confirmed.

Dan Ball is president of the AYFL board of directors and Dave Dammen is vice president and treasurer.

Carmel Taylor is in charge of publicity and secretary of the board.

Bob Wilson is in charge of referees.

Mike Pratt is equipment director and Dennis Harmer coordinates the 5th and 6th graders participation.

Joel Schieck and Tim Herrmann are advisors.