whatis

Backyard Flag Football was established in the North Hills in 2003. The sole purpose was to give each and every child an opportunity to play a supervised sport. We emphasize good sportsmanship, safety and team play. That first season was extremely successful, with more than 230 kids participating in the cold and snow. Backyard Flag Football is now celebrating its first anniversary and has had 4 seasons of Flag Football. We are the largest youth Flag Football Organization in the Pittsburgh area and are continuing to improve the league for the benefit of the kids who play.

Thanks to the large participation and success of Backyard Flag Football we have evolved into Backyard Sports! Backyard Sports is now offering Ultimate Dodgeball, Kickball and soon Wacky Wiffle Ball.

Backyard Sports is owned and operated by Sandra Pilardi. She has the support of Coach Rich (Rich Pilardi) who volunteers his time to referee all of the sporting events hosted by Backyard Sports. Coach Rich brings many years of refereeing experience to his volunteer work and also assists in teaching the participants the rules of the game and good sportsmanship. Sandra also has the support of several other volunteers to assist with the Concession Stand and Raffle Ticket Sales. Backyard Sports is an all around “Team Organization”!

Our goal at Backyard Sports is to give every child an opportunity to develop, learn the rules and be a participant. In our league you don’t have to be the best athlete. Everyone plays an equal amount of time. We don’t ask the kids or the parents to commit to practices 5 days a week, instead we practice once a week. If the kids, parents and coaches agree to have an additional practice then they will work together to find a time that’s convenient for all. Our practices are different from practices you have seen in other leagues and organizations, they consist of teaching and explaining the rules and the concept behind playing a particular sport to each and every child. We will never ask your child to run laps, to lose weight or make weight; instead we will teach your child the game of flag football, kickball or dodgeball. He or she will learn the rules of the games along with how to play offense and defense.

Each team in flag football will have 10 players and 7 will play at one time; Dodgeball teams will have 7 players with 5 on the field at all times and Kickball teams will have each member of the team play at some point during each game. Each and every team uses a rotation system that insures that your son or daughter will get equal playing time.

The league is fully insured and all coaches and referees are screened prior to being associated with the organization.

No child who signs up to play will sit on the sidelines or not participate. He or she will be treated special and will enjoy meeting new friends and learning the game.

The league recognizes as many children as possible throughout the season by awarding Player of the Week medallions and by acknowledging outstanding achievements in our weekly newsletter, i.e., players who demonstrated good sportsmanship and who played well. Individuals who exemplify good sportsmanship are also rewarded with Backyard Bucks, which is equivalent to $1.00. This can used to purchase snacks at the concession stand.

At the end of the regular season the team in each division that finishes in first place will be awarded a team trophy. This is to recognize the “team concept”!

Every team will participate in the playoffs. The team that finishes in first place will receive individual trophies, along with the second place team. The remaining teams will also receive individual awards.

Finally, at the end of the season a Most Valuable Player will be awarded in each division to the player or players who show team leadership, good sportsmanship and overall athletic ability.

Backyard Sports has zero tolerance for parents, teammates or fans who feel the need to scream, insult or use profanity towards anyone. Anyone exhibiting this type of behavior will be asked to leave the field and not return.

We hope if you have participated in the one of our sports you have enjoyed the fun and camaraderie extended on the playing field. If you plan on participating in one of the upcoming registrations, I know you will enjoy the experience.