2018-091 Denton All Star Youth Football LeagueDate: July 20, 2018 Report No. 2018-091
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Denton All Star Youth Football League (DAYFL)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On July 2, 2018, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) was notified by DAYFL that they would not be offering a football league this upcoming season and would be closing their operations permanently. Per the Facility Utilization Agreement for Youth Sports Associations, DAYFL organized and managed the tackle football
program for children ages 5-12 and operated the concession stand during league play. In exchange, PARD
provided and maintained the facilities for use. The partnership was mutually beneficial in creating cost saving efficiencies and program effectiveness while delivering a service to our community and the surrounding area. Due to timing and staffing limitations, PARD is unable to organize a tackle football program for the fall season. Staff is currently assessing the interest and resources needed for the program and will explore all options to resume
the league in the fall of 2019. In the interim, staff is in communications with a select league for the rental of the
fields this season.
BACKGROUND: The DAYFL notified PARD of the league’s intent to close operations effective July 2, 2018. PARD partnered
with DAYFL, a non-profit organization, to be the sole provider of the tackle football program. DAYFL also
offered flag football and cheerleading as part of their league programming. The league managed registrations, practices and games including tournaments. They also purchased and provided uniforms, equipment and other supplies related to league operations. In exchange, PARD provided scheduling assistance, allocated field time for the association’s sole use, and ensured proper maintenance of the facilities.
Field use allocation was based on enrollment. DAYFL utilized the three football fields located at North Lakes Park for their programs and operated the concession stand at the facility to sale concessions during league play. The league was assessed an Impact Fee of $15 per child per season for recreational players and $25 per child per season for select players. An additional $5 fee was assessed for nonresident participants. In FY 2016, DAYFL
remitted $7,360 to PARD and $5,275 in FY 2017.
DISCUSSION: PARD staff met with a board member from the DAYFL on July 10, 2018, to discuss the closure. The following information was shared as factors leading to the decision:
- Declining registration due to competition from select leagues in the area. - Challenge of achieving the Facility Utilization Agreement for Youth Sports Associations requirement that 50% of registrations came from City of Denton residents. - Growing concern over football related injuries.
The league reported that a minimum of 60 registrants are needed to form the league. At the time of closure, approximately 40 participants were registered for the 2018 season. PARD records show a steady decline in enrollment over the last four years from a high of 436 participants in the FY 13-14 to 117 participants in FY 16-17. DAYFL has a process in place to refund the registrants and is assisting them in finding another league by
Date: July 20, 2018 Report No. 2018-091
making referrals and offering to transfer the paid registration directly to another league. DAYFL also reported
looking into the creation of a scholarship fund using any remaining funds after all financial commitments are met.
CONCLUSION: DAYFL provided the appropriate notice of their closure per the Facility Utilization Agreement for Youth Sports Associations and is in compliance with all terms at this time. PARD staff has begun to explore options for
resuming the tackle football program next season. In the interim, staff is in communications with a select league for the rental of the fields this season.
ATTACHMENT(S): 2018 Facility Utilization Agreement for Youth Sports Associations
STAFF CONTACT: Jason Barrow Athletics Supervisor Jason.Barrow@cityofdenton.com