Website Manager

National Flag Football - Michigan

NFL Flag Official League

Mandatory Testing Information For 13 - 19 Year Olds

We are navigating unprecedented times regarding the pandemic and the new orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that require weekly testing for ALL athletes between the ages of 13-19, beginning the week of April 2, 2021. 

NFF has been working diligently to provide realistic and convenient solutions for our families directly impacted by these orders. While we understand that this order is questionable to some of our families, it is our goal to provide access to the best possible flag football experience for our players while also prioritizing their physical and mental health. Therefore, we are providing this testing program in accordance with the MDHHS Interim Guidance on Athletics dated March 20, 2021.
 
As we are moving forward with this initiative, we want to make sure our families are aware that the established COVID-19 Guidelines, with regards to positive COVID-19 test reporting for players/ household members, will remain the same. 

  • Every player 13+ must test every week to play or practice. The only exception is if they have had Covid-19 in the last 90 days and can produce a medical note confirming that. 
  • Vaccinated players are still required to test. 
  • Weekly testing for 13+ players will be required through the end of the season. 
  • Players must take the test within the week of play before the end of Sunday. 
  • You can take this test wherever you choose.
  • Players 12 and younger do not need to test. 

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT NFF WAIVER IN REGARDS TO MANDATORY COVID 19 TESTING FOR ATHLETES 13+

STEP 1 - Complete the CONSENT TO TESTING form through MDHHS and upload it to the NFF Waiver
STEP 2 - Sign off on the NFF Indemnification waiver
STEP 3 - Upload the CONTEST TO TESTING Form


Does this testing requirement apply to athletic activities that are not affiliated with schools?
Yes. This testing requirement applies to individuals participating in athletic activities that are school-sponsored as well as those which are not, such as club sports or leagues. 

What if I do not want my child to be tested? Can my child still play?
Athletes ages 13 -19 who do not follow the new testing requirements will be unable to participate in team sports activities where testing is required.

Should participants who have already had and recovered from COVID-19 still participate in testing?
Athletes who have recovered from a symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the past three months and remain symptom-free may participate in team sports activities without testing if they can provide a letter from their doctor attesting that they fall into this category (the individual must have had a positive diagnostic test within three months and must have displayed symptoms. An antibody test is not sufficient). 

If an individual is under the age of 13 but plays on a team with 13-year-olds, should they be tested?
MDHHS recommends that all members of the team obtain testing, but the testing requirement only applies to athletes ages 13 -19. 

If my child is already tested from another sport, do I have to test him again for flag football?
No. If you already have been tested for that week, a second test is not necessary. 
Are there free testing sites across the state?
Yes. You can find options for free COVID-19 testing in the community via our website: https://www.solvhealth.com/search?cobrandedSrpLocation=MI.

Other helpful links include: 
Macomb County Testing Locations
Oakland County Testing Locations
Wayne County Testing Locations
Livingston County Testing Locations
Washtenaw County Testing Locations
Kent County Testing Locations

Walgreens is hosting free drive through testing at the pharmacy window (pre-scheduled appointments made online) -https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing?ban=covid_vanity_testing

RiteAid is also hosting free drive through testing (pre-schedules appointments made online)
https://www.projectbaseline.com/studies/covid-19/

Can I get a refund if I don't want to take these tests?
Unfortunately, refunds will not be given because of families not being interested in testing. This is a state requirement and must be abided. Please feel free to review our REFUND POLICY Here. 

What if I refuse to sign the waiver?
You will not be able to participate until the waiver is signed. 

Please note the following: 

  • You will need to alert the testing facility that all results must be reported to the MDHHS Safer Sport Testing Program. 
  • Any cost incurred by the families with this option is the responsibility of the family. 
We thank you again for your understanding and patience as we move through these new requirements together. If you have any questions regarding the plan or COVID-19 in general, please email us at:  [email protected] 

National Headquarters

2240 Greer Blvd 
Keego Harbor, Michigan 48320