Listed below are some common questions we get at the beginning of the season and throughout the year:

  • When do spring and summer practices start?
  • Is football a “cut” or “no cut” sport?
    • This is to be determined by the DVHS football coaching staff and depends on the numbers of players that tryout for football.
  • Which team will my player be on?
    • Typically, all Freshman play on the Freshman team, all Sophomores play on the JV team, and all Juniors & Seniors play on the Varsity team.  However, the coaching staff will make the final decisions on the team makeup.
  • How much does football cost?
    • There is a $50 Football Activity Fee that you pay when your child picks up their books.  In addition, there is a Program Support Fee that pays for items noted below.  Football program support fees are $350, however, if you pay by May 31, fees are reduced to $300.  There is an optional weight training program that runs pre-season that costs $100.  Your fees cover the following:
      • DV player practice gear
      • Pre-game meals throughout the season
      • Porch meals for Varsity
      • Post-season banquet and awards
      • 7-on-7 passing leagues and Big Man competition 
      • Special Coaching needs – special practice equipment
      • Supplemental field equipment
      • Supplemental sideline equipment including technical support (Headphones, cameras, etc.)
      • Coach’s gear
      • Programs 
      • Thunder Cards
      • Summer Camp BBQ
      • Thunder Dome events
      • Special Events
  • Why are there two Freshman teams?
    • Typically, there are more players that want to play freshman football than one team can accommodate.  To ensure that players maximize their amount of game playing time, DVHS has two freshman teams: Thunder and Lightning.  Although there are two teams, the DV coaching staff treats all the players as one unified team, and the players practice together and attend all games to support each other.
  • Can players use their own helmets?
    • It is recommended that you use the approved and certified helmet provided by the District.  Use of personal helmets must be approved by the DVHS Athletics Director.  The helmet must be a certain type, and it must be recommended by the student’s personal physician, via a letter that is addressed to the athletics department.  The helmet and the letter must come to the athletics office, and then be verified.  After initial certification, the helmet will remain the property of DVHS for the duration of the athlete’s football career, and only that player will use the helmet.  The helmet must be checked out and certified annually by Sunvalco with a sticker for that year that it will be used in, and it must be painted to meet DV colors.  You would be responsible for all costs associated with the initial helmet certification and painting costs.  Also, please note that DVHS will remain in compliance with the TUHSD #213, as well as the AIA at all times.  Therefore, it needs to be understood that all of the above may change at any time.  Please contact Susan Slavin in the DV Athletic Department if you still want to pursue it.
  • What do players need to bring to Summer Camp of Champions?
  • Who do I contact for specific questions?  Can I contact the coaches directly?
    • If you have any questions on team-related items such as locker room issues, team management, policy, or administrative issues, please contact the coaches or the DV Athletic Department.  If you have any questions for the Booster Club, please feel free to contact any of the booster officers or chairpersons.  You can email us directly at dvfootball.boosters@gmail.com.  You can also view a list of booster leadership and volunteers by clicking here.  
  • How can I get on the email distribution list?
  • How can I get removed from the email distribution list?
  • Are fees refundable?
    • The school district is in charge of football camp this year.  All questions regarding camp fees including refunds should be directed to them.  Please contact the boosters for any other questions regarding camp.  Please note, if a player leaves the Thunder football program prior to August 1, the booster fees minus expenses already incurred (such as team practice gear) may be refunded.  After August 1, the fees are non-refundable.  All monies paid via AZ Tax credit are non-refundable.