FAQs
Overview Of Fiya
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about FIYA Athletic Events, updated for the 2026-27 school year. If you are new to FIYA, this is a good overview of who we are and how we operate.
For more in depth information about our organization, please refer to our Regulations Manual.
FIYA (pronounced FÍ-yuh) is the acronym for FOUNDATION FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC YOUTH ATHLETICS. Established in August 2011, FIYA is a nonprofit entity serving as a governing body for interscholastic youth sports offered to elementary schools (with a strong emphasis on middle schools) in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
FIYA maintains a Regulations Manual (found on our About page on our website) that sets forth the guidelines for schools interested in participating in FIYA. Section 2 of the Regulations Manual details the simple process of a school becoming a member of FIYA.
FIYA offers three divisions for competition based on grade level:
- Division 1 (D1): 7th and 8th grades
- Division 2 (D2): 5th and 6th grades
- Division 3 (D3): 3rd and 4th grades
Players may compete in a higher division ("play up") in Divisions 1 and 2, but may not compete in a lower division ("play down").
Examples:
- A 6th-grade student may play on a Division 1 team, but a 7th-grade student may not play on a Division 2 team.
- A 4th-grade student may play on a Division 2 team, but a 5th-grade student may not play on a Division 3 team.
High school students are not eligible to participate in any FIYA athletic event, regardless of age. Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade are also not eligible to participate.
In addition to grade-level requirements, all elementary and middle school students must meet the age eligibility requirements set forth in Article 5.2 of the FIYA Regulation Manual.
FIYA offers athletic events in two forms: League Events and Tournament Events
League Events occur over an 8 to 10-week period involving a regular season league schedule and playoffs (for qualifying Division 1 teams only). See Question 4 for the listing of FIYA league events.
Tournament Events can be designated as tournaments, meets or competitions and are generally one day or multiple day events that typically offer an individual competition as well as a team competition. See Question 6 for the listing of FIYA tournament events.
- WHAT LEAGUE EVENTS DOES FIYA OFFER?
League Events by Season:
Early Fall
- Girls Volleyball for D1, D2 and D3
- Boys Flag Football for D1 and D2 (7v7)
- Girls Flag Football for D1 and D2 (7v7)
Late Fall
- Girls Futsal, Boys Futsal, Coed Futsal for D1 only (5v5 indoor)
Winter
- Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball for D1, D2 and D3
- eSports (Fortnite) for D1 only
Spring
- Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer for D1 and D2 (11v11)
- Girls/Boys/Coed Futsal for D2 and D3 only (5v5 indoor)
- Boys/Coed Volleyball for D1 and D2
League Events by Season:
Early Fall
- Girls Volleyball for D1, D2 and D3
- Boys Flag Football for D1 and D2 (7v7)
- Girls Flag Football for D1 and D2 (7v7)
Late Fall
- Girls Futsal, Boys Futsal, Coed Futsal for D1 only (5v5 indoor)
Winter
- Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball for D1, D2 and D3
- eSports (Fortnite) for D1 only
Spring
- Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer for D1 and D2 (11v11)
- Girls/Boys/Coed Futsal for D2 and D3 only (5v5 indoor)
- Boys/Coed Volleyball for D1 and D2
For each League Event, there are six key dates of which every school should be aware. These dates are posted on our Calendar page.
(i) Registration Deadline Date
The final day to register a school team for a League Event. Registration requests submitted after this date will be placed on a waitlist, and admission is not guaranteed.
(ii) Preseason Coaches Video Meeting Date
Held during the week following the Registration Deadline Date, this meeting is conducted via Google Meet (typically at 4:30 p.m.). Coaches from each team are required to attend to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming season.
(iii) Drop Date
The day after the Preseason Coaches Video Meeting. If your school will not be fielding a team for a League Event that it registered for, FIYA must be notified in writing by this date. Schools that withdraw after the Drop Date remain responsible for the registration fee.
(iv) Draft Schedule Date
Draft schedules are generally distributed by email approximately one week after the Preseason Coaches Video Meeting. Because schools provide scheduling requests during registration, only minimal changes should be necessary. Schools should review their draft schedules promptly and report any conflicts immediately.
(v) Regular Season Start and End Dates
The start and end dates of the regular season are posted on the Calendar page.
(vi) Division 1 Playoff Dates
For Division 1 teams only, the playoff start and end dates are posted on the Calendar page.
Tournament Events by Season:
Fall
- 4–6 Cross Country Meets
Winter
- 1 Cheer & Dance Competition
Spring
- 4–6 Track & Field Meets
For each Tournament Event, there are four key dates of which every school should be aware. These dates are posted on our Calendar page.
(i) Recorded Coaches Video Meeting Date
A recorded coaches meeting is made available on our website prior to the tournament. Coaches should review the recording well before the Registration Deadline Date. The information provided will help ensure a smooth and successful tournament experience.
(ii) Team Registration Deadline Date
The Team Registration Deadline Date is the final day to register a school team for a Tournament Event and also serves as the deadline to cancel an existing registration without penalty. It typically is at least one week prior to the date of the Tournament Event.
(iii) Athlete Entry Deadline Date
Because most Tournament Events include individual competitions, schools must also enter their athletes into specific events by this date. For example, Cross Country and Track & Field require coaches to place individual athletes into specific races or events. The Athlete Entry Deadline is generally 48 hours before the Tournament Event.
(iv) Tournament Date and Time
The date and time of each Tournament Event are posted on our website. Schools should ensure that all registered athletes are available to attend. Registration fees are based on the number of athletes registered, not the number of athletes who ultimately participate.
- Contact FIYA at Info@OnFiya.org and ensure your school is on the email distribution list.
- Designate an athletic director or coordinator as the school's primary FIYA contact.
- Visit the Registration section of the FIYA website.
- Register teams through the LeagueApps registration system.
- Use LeagueApps team-management features to stay updated on schedules and announcements.
FIYA organizes League Events using the following priorities:
- Grade Division – Teams are grouped by division based on grade level eligibility.
- Geographic Location – Teams are grouped geographically whenever possible to minimize travel.
- Competitive Balance – Based on the number of participating schools in a region, FIYA seeks to place teams of similar competitive ability together. League placement is determined using historical team performance and any relevant information provided by schools.
League Events are conducted in a centralized format, meaning games are played at a regional site that hosts multiple games on the same day.
Most League Event games are scheduled on weekdays, with start times typically between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Yes. During registration for League Events, schools can submit scheduling and venue requests.
- Schools that provide their own field or gym will generally have their requests accommodated.
- Schools without a home facility may still submit requests, and FIYA will make reasonable efforts to honor them.
- If scheduling constraints or facility availability prevent a request from being accommodated, FIYA will notify the school before schedules are finalized.
The Registration Fee for League Events is $795 per team. However, please note for eSports, the Registration Fee is $150 per team per eSports league.
The Registration fee covers the entire expense for referees, game operators, facility and administrative fees for a 7 to 9 game regular season plus playoffs for Division 1 qualifiers.
The Registration Fee for Tournament Events is based per individual and is $20 per athlete unless otherwise stated.
Payment for League Events or Tournament Events can be by credit card or check. Unless a school is notified otherwise, payment is due as follows:
League Events: Payment due by the season start date. Please note on your LeagueApps dashboard, you are able to print your invoice which will provide an invoice number and FIYA’s name and address.
Tournament Events: Payment due upon receipt of invoice, which is typically sent at the conclusion of the entire tournament season. For example, one invoice will be sent after all cross country meets have been completed for the total amount due for all cross country meets that your school participated in.
League Events
- If a school withdraws a team on or before the Drop Date, no registration fee is owed.
- If a team withdraws after the Drop Date, the school remains responsible for the full registration fee, even if the team does not participate.
Tournament Events
- Schools are charged based on the number of athletes registered by the registration deadline.
- Fees are owed regardless of whether registered athletes ultimately attend or compete on the event day.
Discounts
FIYA seeks to keep participation affordable and works with schools to ensure financial circumstances do not prevent student participation.
Schools that provide facilities for FIYA competitions may qualify for substantial registration fee discounts, including:
- Providing a gymnasium
- Providing a field
- Hosting league games
Yes, if your gym or field meets our playing standards, we can schedule games so that your school team has home games. Keep in mind that we need to schedule at least two games (back to back) at your school’s gym/field. Each FIYA game is no more than 1 hour in length.
In addition, a host facility agrees to assist in setting up its gym or field to be able to host a FIYA athletic match which may include securing a scorekeeper. FIYA discounts a hosting school’s registration fee based on the number of hours the school hosts FIYA games.
Playoffs
FIYA offers county-wide playoffs for qualifying Division 1 teams only. Depending on the number and skill level of qualifying teams, FIYA may create multiple playoff brackets:
- Division 1 – Typically includes first-place teams and the highest-skilled teams.
- Division 1A – The next tier of qualifying teams.
- Division 1AA – Remaining playoff qualifiers not placed in Division 1 or Division 1A.
Awards
- League Championship plaques are awarded to first-place teams in all divisions.
- FIYA Championship trophy for the playoff winner.
- FIYA Finalist trophy for the runner-up.
- Individual medals for members of both championship game teams.
- Awards to teams and individuals are presented to winners of various tournament competitions, including events such as Cross Country, Cheer & Dance, and Track & Field.
Annual Awards Assembly
FIYA hosts an annual Awards Assembly in early June to recognize outstanding participants across its programs.
Honorees include:
- All FIYA Athletic Teams
- All FIYA Academic Teams
- All FIYA Sportsmanship Teams
- Shanese Washington Memorial Scholarship Winners (3 each win $500)
With a few exceptions, FIYA generally does NOT supply any of these items. However, FIYA can and has provided referrals to obtain balls, practice equipment and uniforms at a discounted rate as well as aid with schools looking for individuals to coach their teams.
With respect to coaches, schools generally find their own coaches. However, if you need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We also recommend that you refer your coaches to the information in the Regulation Manual, specifically in Article V which sets forth coaching requirements and guidelines.
FIYA strongly recommends that schools finalize their rosters before the Registration Deadline Date. Schools should also review the roster eligibility and participation requirements outlined in Section 5 of the FIYA Regulations Manual when determining roster size and composition.
Roster Size
- There is no maximum roster size for most sports.
- The exception is Cross Country, which may have specific roster limitations.
- Schools should carry a reasonable number of players based on the sport.
Recommended Roster Size
FIYA recommends maintaining a roster that is approximately twice the number of players required on the field or court.
Examples:
| Sport | Players Required | Recommended Roster |
|
Volleyball |
6 | About 12 players |
|
Soccer |
11 |
About 22 players |
|
Basketball |
5 | About 10 players |
| Flag Football |
7 |
About 14 players |
| Futsal | 5 |
About 10 players |
Having additional players helps ensure adequate substitutions, coverage for absences, and a more successful season.
FIYA generally offers:
- Girls divisions
- Boys divisions
- Coed divisions (for selected sports)
Female Participation on Boys Teams
Yes. Female athletes may participate on a boys team, even if the school also fields a girls team in the same sport during the same season, provided the school determines there are no safety concerns.
However:
- A female athlete cannot play on both the girls team and the boys team in the same sport during the same season.
- The athlete must be rostered on one team only.
Male Participation on Girls Teams
No. Male athletes are not permitted to participate on girls teams.
It depends on the sport and season timing. A student-athlete may participate on multiple FIYA teams if:
- The teams are in different sports, or
- The same sport occurs in different seasons/time periods
- For example, A student can play girls volleyball (fall) and also run cross country (fall). Or a student can play girls volleyball (fall) and then play coed volleyball (spring).
Not Allowed Situations
- A player cannot play on two teams in the same sport during the same season type, when both are active in the same term (e.g., spring volleyball divisions). For example, a player cannot be on both boys and coed volleyball teams in the spring.
- If a school has multiple teams in the same sport (e.g., two boys basketball teams in Division 1), a player must be assigned to only one team for the entire season.
First, it is crucially important to communicate with FIYA first and foremost about any subsequent schedule issues for your team. Do NOT communicate with the opponent, the host facility or the referees.
Second, the timing of your communication is very important. In general, any communication occurring one week in advance, we will endeavor to work with the scheduling issue. If the communication occurs with less than a week’s notice, then it is less likely that your schedule issue can be resolved. In addition, your school team may receive a forfeit for last minute notice. Forfeits are frowned upon because it impacts many aspects outside of your school team. Consequently, school teams that forfeit will receive a minus 3 points in the standings and multiple infractions could jeopardize a school’s ability to participate in FIYA.