The CDFL is a hybrid camp-league. Players register and pay $550 for the one week training camp/combine. Stats and player information from this camp are posted on the CDFL website where college recruiters can view them. At the conclusion of the one week camp/combine, the coaches draft players to their teams. There is no guarantee you will be drafted, it's purely based on your performance. These drafted players make up the league and go on to play games during the season. Additional information and detailed stats, strengths and highlights for these drafted players will be posted online for all to see. CDFL season champions are announced at the conclusion of each season.
The league program is multi phased, with two initial components existing for the players. First is player recruitment and registration. All who register become league members eligible for initial player draft to be held on July 9, 2009. Upon registration players will be issued a league mandated pre-season condition program, and a league authorized game day playbook. These manuals will provide an outline for the players self regulated, pre-season preparation, prior to reporting to the camp and skills combine to be held July 6-10, 2009. Second, all skills testing results, draft selection information, player rankings and assessments, will be posted for college recruiters on the CDFL website. This includes all players who register (drafted or non-drafted).
The CDFL will conduct a draft of players, conducted by the CDFL coaching staff. The draft will consist of 25 rounds to complete the 25 man roster for each of the league teams. All players will be guaranteed playing time as per league rules to allow for adequate video file footage for college placement assessment. Drafted Players are guaranteed by league rules, a minimum of 5 games, which will be inclusive with a playoff format and championship game. Upon completion of the games, all players in the league will be ranked by position based upon their graded performances. This information will be made available to college recruiters via a subscription service and follow-up contacts by CDFL staff. The CDFL will select an All-star team which will be announced and posted on website. In addition all league stats and standings will be posted weekly, throughout the season.
Games will be played Wednesday evenings and Sunday evenings beginning mid July 2009 and continue to mid August. Practices will take place on designated off days and briefly prior to games. All practices will be helmet, shoulder pads only (by league rules no live scrimmage will be permitted during practices) Reason? Live scrimmage is a poor excuse for practice...Skill development, technique knowledge, and football concepts will be taught in practice sessions, the time for live play will be the games. All players will be expected to participate in all practices and games. All games and practices are scheduled for the Joseph T. St. Lawrence Sports Center in Ramapo, New York (New York Franchise and CDFL league headquarters)
The CDFL is open to all 18-24 year old males who are 18 years of age prior to July 6, 2009 and who are not 25 years old prior to September 1, 2009. Prior football experience is recommended, however it is not required. All players must be amateurs and have no expectation for monetary rewards. This is collegiate development football, not semi-pro football. The CDFL offers the opportunity to play football in a well designed, organized league format. Players, who are already enrolled in a college, but not playing football, are eligible and encouraged to participate. All Junior college students are encouraged to participate, thus gaining a second chance to play at a four year school program In addition the player, who has not yet attended college, can aspire to the “second chance league motto” and benefit from participation in the CDFL experience. This is not limited to a one-year opportunity, for example, an 18 year-old may participate in the league every year for a maximum of 6 years.
All Interested players will be mailed an information packet. All players must submit a completed CDFL registration form, pay a registration fee, sign a player agreement form, and submit a photo (for website publication). In addition to the registration packet ,forms for documentation of age (copy of birth certificate, driver license, passport, etc) Health form/ physical form (a doctor authorized sports physical must be submitted. The physical date must be within one year of July 6, 2009} and a liability release form, All required forms are available on the CDFL website (www.playcdfl.com) be reminded that registration is limited so register early to get posted on the website and be part of the CDFL.
Once all CDFL registration information is received ,reviewed and authorized, a league packet will be mailed to all players containing the following; Introductory letter of acceptance, the CDFL pre season training manual, the CDFL playbook, Itinerary of mini-camp/combine drills, Draft day schedule and procedures, Game dates/schedule Equipment needs list, directions to league headquarters game fields and practice fields, a list of area hotels, CDFL promotional information, CDFL community service incentive, local junior college information ( Rockland Community College , Orange Community College).
The introductory league registration fee is $550 and is held at this rate until December 1, 2008. The fee may be paid in two installments: one of $250 and one of $300. A deposit payment of $250 will hold a spot for 3 months from time of payment. All registrations and payments must be completed by the close of phase 1 registration on January 15, 2009 (note: registration fee is refundable only if the target league membership is not met and the season is cancelled, no other reasons (injury, work, family, etc) will be acceptable. Be committed or be left out, this is a serious league, with a serious mission, for serious players!
Aside from the membership information mentioned above. This fee provides the player with the following; A Second chance to make a first impression! League issued and league logo training gear (Top and shorts) issued at the mini-camp, website posting of pre-camp player profile. Website posting of mini -camp /combine player skills assessment. Eligibility for the CDFL Draft on July 10, 2009. Expert football skill development training from an experienced staff (see website for coaching bios). Experienced guidance in academic preparation and recruiting insights, to assist a player in attaining collegiate level football placement. All players will receive an unbiased, fair, true, and honest, ability level assessment. On-site, First-Aid/ CPR certified staff with be at all CDFL activities. Players will gain direct networking to college coaches through participation. All drafted players are assured, a minimum of 5 game opportunities with video taping available (for purchase in DVD format) to assist in the college recruitment process.
