Field

1.     A No-run zone is in place to prevent teams from conducting run plays. While in the No-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion.

All plays must be pass plays, even with a handoff. K-1 may run inside the 5 yard line.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: THE NO-RUN ZONE MAY BE REMOVED FOR PLAYERS WHO ARE STILL LEARNING BASIC PASSING AND CATCHING SKILLS.

2. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.

1.     Home teams wear dark color jerseys. Visiting teams wear light color jerseys.

2.     Teams must consist of at least seven players with a recommended maximum of 15 players.

3.     Teams must start games with a minimum of seven players. In the event of an injury, a team with insufficient substitute players may play with six players on the field but no fewer than six.

1.      Games are played on a 40-minute continuous clock with two 20-minute halves unless one team gains a 30-point advantage at which point, the score is no longer kept. The clock stops for timeouts or injuries only, though officials can stop the clock at their discretion for injury, to stop a team from delaying or other unsportsmanlike conduct.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDS A RUNNING CLOCK AT THE YOUTH LEVEL (5-12 YEARS OLD), BUT IT IS UP TO THE LEAGUES DISCRETION TO USE A PRO-CLOCK INSTEAD. FOR JUNIOR ATHLETES (13-17 YEARS OLD) USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDS THE USE OF A RUNNING CLOCK IN THE FIRST HALF AND A PRO-CLOCK IN THE SECOND HALF.

2.      Halftime is five minutes.

3.      Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: OFFICIALS SHOULD USE DISCRETION WITH TEAMS WHO ARE STILL LEARNING BASIC FOOTBALL SKILLS AND MAY NEED MORE TIME TO LINE UP AND GET A PLAY OFF.

4.      Each team has two 30-second timeouts per half.

5.      In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play and both teams are lined up ready to restart the play.

1.     A coin flip will determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.

a.   If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime. This process continues with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on offense or defense to start out during every round of overtime.

b.   The referee will determine on which end of the field the overtime will take place.

c.   No charged team timeouts shall be granted.

2.     In the first extra period, each team will have one series starting at the mid-field. On the first series, if the defense intercepts the ball and scores, then the overtime period is over.

3.     Each team retains the ball during its series until it scores (including try downs for 1 or 2 points) or exhausts its series of downs. The ball remains alive after a change of team possession until it is declared dead. The series is then ended even if there is a second change of team possession during that down.

4.     If after the first period (with 2 series including tries) the score is still tied, the second and following periods consist of series with each team playing a 1-point try from the 5-yard line.

The overtime ends when the score after a period is no longer a tie or the defense scores during the first series of a period.

5.     The team scoring the greater number of points during overtime shall be declared the winner.

1.     Touchdown: Six 6 points

2.     PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line).

a.     Because of the No-run zone, a one point PAT is pass only; two point PAT can be run or pass.

i.   Defense touchdown on a try - 2 points.

ii.    Safety - 2 points

iii.    Safety on a try - 1 point.

NOTE: AT YOUNGER LEVELS, LEAGUES SHOULD CONSIDER WAIVING THE NO-RUN ZONE FOR TOUCHDOWNS AND POINT-AFTER TRIES.

b.     A team that scores a touchdown must declare prior to the snap whether it wishes to attempt a one- or two-point conversion. Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty. Interceptions can be returned for a safety (2 points) .

3.      Safety: 2 points

a.      A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in his or her own end zone. Runners can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, a flag falls out, they step out of bounds, a knee or arm touches the ground, a fumble occurs in the end zone or if a snapped ball lands in or beyond the end zone. A penalty in the end zone (i.e. flag guarding) can also be ruled a safety.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: SAFETIES CAN BE ELIMINATED FOR TEAMS WHO ARE STILL LEARNING BASIC FOOTBALL SKILLS. FOR FLAG PULLS IN THE END ZONE OR PLAYERS RUNNING OUT OF THE BACK OR SIDES OF THE END ZONE, THE BALL RETURNS TO THE ORIGINAL SPOT OR THE 5-YARD LINE AND A DOWN IS LOST.

4.      At youth levels, after one team is leading by 30 points or more, score is no longer kept. Once a 30 or more point advantage is gained, no PATs are attempted. The game continues in scrimmage mode: running clock, no additional score kept and strongly encouraged player rotations and position sampling.

a.      Final score for books is the score at the time of 30 point difference. (i.e. 42-8).

Coaches

At the Youth level, one coach is allowed on the field to call plays and direct players according to need. Once the quarterback begins his or her cadence, however, coaches can no longer speak and must be behind the deepest offensive and defensive players and out of the action.

At the Youth level, Coaches can assist in the alignment of their players to facilitate a fast-paced game,.

USA Football recommends 2-3 coaches per team.

Live Ball / Dead Ball

1.      The ball is live at the snap and remains live until an official’s whistle blows the ball dead.

2.       The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage by spotting the ball before each play and signaling ready for play with a short whistle.

a.     It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. In regard to the neutral zone, an official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification prior to the snap to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.

3.      The defense may not mimic the offensive team’s signals by trying to confuse the offensive players while the quarterback is calling signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

4.     A player who gains possession of the ball is considered inbounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play.

5.     Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.

6.     Any official can whistle the play dead.

7.     Play is ruled “dead” when:

a.     The ball hits the ground

i.   If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is then placed where the ball hit the ground

b.     The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled

c.     The ball-carrier steps out of bounds

d.     A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored

e.     Any part of the body other than feet or hands touches the ground

f.      The ball-carrier’s flag falls out

g.     The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s)

h.     An inadvertent whistle

8.     In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options:

a.     Take the ball where it was when the whistle blew, and the down is consumed.

b.     Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.

9.     A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the official’s ruling is correct, the team is charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the timeout is not charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call.

10.   A team with no timeout remaining cannot challenge a rule interpretation, though officials can come together independently and reverse a call by unanimous decision.

Running

1.     The ball is spotted where the runner’s front foot is when the flag is pulled, not the position of the ball.

2.     The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball unless blitzed

3.     Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind or to the side of the offensive player but must take place behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs.

a.     The “center sneak” play is not allowed as centers are ineligible to receive handoffs.

4.      No-run zone are located five yards before the end zone in the direction the offense is headed. They are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in this zone.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: THE NO-RUN ZONE MAY BE REMOVED FOR PLAYERS WHO ARE STILL LEARNING BASIC PASSING AND CATCHING SKILLS.

5.      Any player who receives a handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

6.      Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

7.      Spinning is allowed,

8.     Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player

9.      No blocking is allowed at any time. Offensive players may screen but may not extend their arms or use their hands

10.   Offensive players without the ball must stop their motion once the ball has passed them in the field of play. There is no running with the ball-carrier.

11.   Flag obstruction – All jerseys must be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.

12.   Stiff arming is allowed but only to the defenders chest, if the stiff arm goes to the face unsportsmanlike conduct will be called. 15 yards

Passing

1.      A pass is considered a forward pass if the ball first touches anything beyond the spot where the ball is released. All other passes are backward passes, even if it is lateral (parallel to the scrimmage line).

a.     The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. The pass must go beyond the line of scrimmage and be in the vicinity of a receiver.

b.     Quarterbacks cannot spike the ball dead unless the ball travels beyond the line of scrimmage and is in the vicinity of a teammate.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: FOR TEAMS THAT ARE STILL LEARNING BASIC FOOTBALL SKILLS, OFFICIALS SHOULD USE THEIR DISCRETION FOR BALLS THAT DO NOT REACH THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AS LONG AS THE PLAYER MADE AN HONEST EFFORT TO MAKE IT THERE.

2.      A six-second pass clock begins upon the snap and continues until there is a handoff or pass. If the six-second clock expires while the quarterback still has the ball, the play is blown dead, a down is lost and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage as if an incomplete pass occurred.

3.      Shovel passes are allowed

4.      Any player who has received a legal handoff can throw the ball forward as long as they are still behind the line of scrimmage.

1.      All players – are eligible to receive passes.

2.      A player must have at least one foot inbounds to make a legal reception.

3.      In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.

4.      Interceptions are returnable and are the only changes of possession that do not result with starting on the 20-yard line.

1.      All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards behind the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped . Players not rushing the quarterback can defend on the line of scrimmage.

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: FOR TEAMS STILL LEARNING BASIC FOOTBALL SKILLS, ELIMINATE PASS RUSHERS TO ALLOW PLAYERS THE FULL SEVEN SECONDS TO THROW THE BALL WITHOUT PRESSURE.

2.      Once the ball is handed off, the 7-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.

3.      A marker, or the official, will designate a rush line seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position before every play.

a.     A legal rush is:

i.   Any rush from a point 7 yards from the defensive line of scrimmage.

ii.    If a rusher leaves the rush line early (breaks the 7-yard area), they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback.

iii.    If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before he/she crosses the line of scrimmage, he/she may legally rush the second receiver.

b.    A penalty may be called if:

i.   The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – illegal rush (5 yards from the line of scrimmage and first down).

ii.    Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – offsides (5 yards from line of scrimmage and first down).

iii.    Any defensive player not lined up at the rush line or declared crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed or handed off – illegal rush (5 yards from the line of scrimmage and first down).

c.     Special circumstances:

i.   Teams are not required to rush the quarterback with the six second clock in effect.

ii.  Teams are required to identify their rusher before the play.

4.      Players rushing the quarterback may attempt to block a pass; however, NO contact can be made with the quarterback in any way. Blocking the pass or attempting to block the pass and then making contact with the passer will result in a roughing the passer penalty.

5.      The offense cannot impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has the right to a clear path to the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap. If the “path or line” is occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility to avoid the rusher. Any disruption to the rusher’s path and/or contact will result in an impeding the rusher penalty. If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the rusher’s responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.

6.      A sack occurs if the quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed where the quarterback’s feet are when flag is pulled.

a.     A safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.

1.      Holding is grasping an opponent or their equipment, not releasing immediately and impacting the opponent.

2.      Contact is touching an opponent with impact. Touching with no impact is not a foul.

3.      Aiming is to target and initiate contact with an opponent or to run into an opponent on purpose, even with right of way. Aiming is any deliberate or avoidable contact with excessive force, even in an attempted flag pull or while playing the ball during a pass. Aiming is to attack a ball in possession or take away the ball from the runner.

1.     A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.

2.     Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags. If the defender does not make an obvious effort to pull the flag they will be given an unsportsmanlike penalty and if done more than once the player will be ejected from the game.

3.     It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.

4.     If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.

5.     A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.

a.     If a defender makes a good-faith flag pull while a receiver bobbles or juggles what will be a completed catch, the ball is down where possession is made.

Formations

1.     Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and any number of players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.

a.    One player at a time may go in motion behind and parallel to the line of scrimmage.

b.    No motion is allowed toward the line of scrimmage.

2.     Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.

3.     The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.

1.      If the field monitor or official witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

USA FOOTBALL RECOMMENDATION: FOR TEAMS STILL LEARNING BASIC FOOTBALL SKILLS, REMOVE ANY PLAYER WHO COMMITS AN UNSPORTSMANLIKE OR DANGEROUS ACT FROM THE FIELD TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION FROM A COACH AND A COOLING OFF PERIODS. OFFICIALS CAN EJECT THE PLAYER AT THEIR DISCRETION IF THERE ARE CONTINUED INFRACTIONS THAT ARE DEEMED INTENTIONAL.

2.     Offensive or confrontational language is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

3.     Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.

4.     Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.

5.     Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.

6.     Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:

a.     Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.

b.    Keep comments clean and profanity free.

c.     Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.

7.     Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid-friendly:

a.    Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area.

b.    Stay in the end zone area, not between fields. The Administrative Zone is reserved for league administration, game officials, medical personnel, coaches and players only.

c.     Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.

8.     Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:

a.     Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down

b.    Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down

1.     Jurisdiction of Officials - The officials’ jurisdiction begins with the coin toss and ends when the Referee declares the score final.

2.     Number of Officials - The game shall be played under the supervision of 2 (R and FJ), 3 (R, DJ and FJ) or 4 (R, DJ, FJ and SJ) officials.

a.     If officiating crews contain 2 or 3 officials, the other job responsibilities are to be split accordingly.

1.     Position - The initial position of the Referee is behind and to the side of the FJ in the offensive backfield. On a 2-man crew, the Referee is positioned and working like Down Judge.

2.     Basic Responsibilities:

a.     The Referee has general oversight and control of the game, has final authority for the score and their decisions upon rules and other matters pertaining to the game are final.

b.    The Referee shall inspect the field and report any irregularities to game management, coaches and other officials.

c.     The Referee has jurisdiction over player equipment.

d.    The Referee shall indicate that the ball is ready for play, award new series of downs and administer penalties.

e.     The Referee shall notify both head coaches of any disqualifications.

f.      After the snap, the Referee shall be responsible for ruling on the play behind the scrimmage line around the ball.

g.    The Referee is responsible for coverage of the quarterback.

1.     Position - The initial position of the Down Judge is on the scrimmage line at the side line with the down indicator.

2.     Basic Responsibilities:

a.     The Down Judge is responsible for the operation of the down indicator.

b.    The Down Judge shall keep count of the downs.

c.     The Down Judge has jurisdiction over the scrimmage line and their side line.

d.    Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Down Judge shall be responsible for ruling on the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.

1.     Position - The initial position of the Field Judge is 7 yards deep at the side line opposite to the down indicator.

2.     Basic Responsibilities:

a.     On a 2 or 3-man crew the Field Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game clock operator.

b.    The Field Judge has jurisdiction over their side line.

c.     Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Field Judge shall be responsible for ruling on the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.

1.     Position - The initial position of the Side Judge is 7 or more yards deep at the side line with the down indicator.

2.     Basic Responsibilities:

a.     The Side Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game clock operator.

b.    The Side Judge shall be responsible for observing receivers on deep routes for ruling on long passes and the status of the ball and forward progress in their area.

i.  General

ii.  Defensive Spot Fouls

iii.  Offensive Spot Fouls

iv.  Defensive Penalties

v. Offensive Penalties

FALL CHEER PROGRAM (K to 6th Grade)

Grade Levels: K through 6th Grade

Squads: K through 2nd Grade - Junior Division
3rd through 6th Grade - Senior Division   

**Teams may be further broken up depending on number of registered**

Equipment Provided (with registration fee): Top, Skirt, Bow, Socks, Pom Poms, and Briefs

Equipment Needed: Cheer Shoes

Practice Days: Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and will last no later than 8:00 p.m. until the first game. This is a range of days and times.  Coaches will decide which days and for how long practices will be.  

After the first game, no more than 3 practice days per week are allowed and coaches will announce days and times.

Games: Sundays

Games Played: Cosmo Park or other approved location.

SPRING CHEER PROGRAM (K to 8th Grade)

Grade Levels: K through 8th Grade

Squads: K through 3rd Grade - Junior Division
4th through 8th Grade - Senior Division   

**Teams may be further broken up depending on number of registered**

Equipment Provided (with registration fee): Cheer Shirt and Bow

Equipment Needed: Cheer Shoes

Practice Days: Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and will last no later than 8:00 p.m. until the first game. This is a range of days and times.  Coaches will decide which days and for how long practices will be.  

After the first game, no more than 2 practice days per week are allowed and coaches will announce days and times.

Games: Sundays

Games Played: Cosmo Park or other approved location.

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