Lead the deaf football revolution with DRFL
I started DRFL after serving for two years as Commissioner for the East Deaf Football League.
During that time, I worked alongside Cody Meadows (who lived in California) and a few friends (who lived in different states), who helped build the Cougars and helped the East Deaf Football League grow.
We had a lot of problems, but we worked together and got through it.
Those two years were significant lessons for me in leadership, football organization, working with coaches and players, problem-solving, and growing a league.
The difficult experiences also helped me understand what I wanted to improve and how I could become a stronger and more successful leader. I am willing to invest my time volunteering to support the East Deaf Football League.
That experience inspired me to create Deaf Regional Football League LLC.
I wanted to take what I learned and build an organized, affordable, and long-term football opportunity for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing athletes.
DRFL was created to bring teams from different regions together through men's tackle football, men's flag football, and women's flag football, while focusing on unity, respect, development, leadership, competition, and opportunity.
DRFL represents the next chapter of what I learned through East Deaf Football League—a chance to continue growing Deaf football and build something strong for future athletes, coaches, teams, and communities.
One League. One Community. One Purpose.
— Tranese Lache' Hall, Founder & Commissioner, Deaf Regional Football League
DRFL Football Divisions
Deaf Regional Football League LLC provides organized adult football opportunities that promote competition, safety, leadership, sportsmanship, and community connection. DRFL currently offers men’s flag football, women’s flag football, and men’s tackle football.
Each division may use a 7v7 or 8v8 format depending on the number of registered teams, event structure, field availability, and official season schedule
MEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL
DRFL Men’s Flag Football offers competitive 7v7 and 8v8 play. Flag football emphasizes speed, teamwork, communication, strategy, and athletic ability without traditional tackling.
A play ends when a defender legally removes the ball carrier’s flag according to DRFL rules. Players must wear approved uniforms, flag belts, and any other equipment required by the league.
Teams must follow all official gameplay, roster, safety, and conduct requirements. The final format for each season or event will be announced before competition begins.
WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL
DRFL Women’s Flag Football offers 7v7 competition for adult women. This division creates opportunities for women to compete, develop their skills, build strong teams, and take leadership roles within the Deaf football community.
Games focus on speed, discipline, communication, strategy, and sportsmanship. Traditional tackling is not permitted. Players stop the ball carrier by legally removing her flag according to DRFL rules.
Participating teams must follow all registration, roster, uniform, equipment, safety, and conduct requirements established by DRFL.
MEN'S TACKLE FOOTBALL
DRFL Men’s Tackle Football offers 7v7 and 8v8 competition. This is a modified football format and is not traditional 11-player tackle football.
Tackle football includes physical contact and requires players to follow all DRFL safety standards. Players must use approved protective equipment and follow the directions of coaches, officials, and authorized league representatives.
Teams are expected to prepare responsibly, practice safely, and maintain professional conduct during practices, games, events, and other DRFL activities. The league may use a 7v7 or 8v8 format depending on team participation and the official schedule.
HOW TEAMS PARTICIPATE
A team owner or head coach must complete the official team registration and select the correct football division.
The owner or coach is responsible for:
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Registering the team with DRFL.
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Completing the applicable team payment through the Home page.
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Submitting the official team roster.
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Confirming that every player completes all required forms.
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Communicating schedules, rules, deadlines, and league updates.
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Ensuring that players follow safety and equipment requirements.
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Maintaining professional conduct throughout the season.
Submitting a registration does not automatically confirm a team’s position. DRFL must receive and approve all required information and payments before the team is officially confirmed.
Learn about DRFL team leadership, owner and coach responsibilities, meetings, resources, and league communication. Some tools and dashboard areas are available only to approved Owners and Coaches.
Owner of Diva Pumas & Coach
Krishawn K.
Araceli Liz
Assistant Coach (Women)
Alvin Williams
Second Head Coach (Women)
Troy Harris
Owner of Strombreakers & Coach
Michael N.
Assistant Coach
Tackle
Owner of Lethal
Pumas & Coach
Tuiva Hall
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Mikey Singleton Jr.
Head Coach
Flag
Shawn German
Owner of Bama Blitz and 2.0 & Coach
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Steve Salmon
Assistant Coach
Flag/Tackle (Men)
Dwan Rachal
Owner of Indian & Lady Wolverines & Coach
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Ruby Diamond
Assistant Coach (Women)
COMMISSIONER
Commissioner of Deaf Regional Football League - Tranese Lache Hall
Commissioner of Deaf Regional Football League - Chanel Hardy
If you are interested in becoming a DRFL Commissioner, please complete the Commissioner Application.
FAQS
WHAT DIVISIONS DOES DRFL OFFER?
Men's Flag Football, Women's Flag Football, and Men's Tackle Football
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
DRFL is open to eligible adult athletes age 18 and older. Players must complete registration, sign required waivers, follow DRFL rules, and meet the requirements for their division.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A DIVISION?
Choose your division - Women's Flag Football, Men's Flag Football, or Men's Tackle Football - and complete the online player or team registration form.
ARE COACHES REQUIRED TO BE DEAF?
No, DRFL welcomes qualified Deaf, hard-of-hearing, CODAs, and hearing coaches who know sign language and support an accessible and respectful environment for our athletes.
WHAT ARE THE GAME SCHEDULES?
Game schedules will be posted on the DRFL website and shared with registered teams before the season and whenever updates are made.
IS THERE A COST TO JOIN DRFL?
Yes. DRFL fees vary by division and may include team fees, player/game participation fees, insurance contributions, and other properly announced league charges. Current fees will be shown before registration.
DO I NEED TO ALREADY HAVE A TEAM TO JOIN?
No. Players can review team owners/coaches and use the contact or assignment option to connect with a team.
WHAT FORMS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE PARTICIPATING?
Registration, waiver, and any other required DRFL player/team documents.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE OFFICIAL RULES?
DRFL football rules are available in the League info/Rules section.
HOW DO I BECOME AN OFFICIAL, VOLUNTEER, COACH, OR TEAM OWNER?
Use the YOUR DRFL Journey Starts Here section to select the correct application.
WHERE DO I CHECK WEATHER DELAYS OR SCHEDULE CHANGES?
Check the DRFL website for weather & problem Notices, News & Events, and Game Schedule updates.
CAN DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, AND CODA PEOPLE PARTICIPATE?
DRFL is built to support the Deaf, Hard-of-hearing, and CODA community, with division-specific eligibility and league requirements.
WHERE CAN I FIND SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS?
In the Safety & Equipment section.
