TYFA Tackle
Football
Rulebook
2016
Tackle Football Rulebook
Table of Contents
Preface ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Terminology & Symbols ............................................................................................................................ 4
Rule 1. Clock Management ....................................................................................................................... 5
Rule 2. Scoring & Winning.......................................................................................................................11
Rule 3. Offense & Defense........................................................................................................................16
Rule 4. Special Teams ...............................................................................................................................25
Rule 5. Contact .............................................................................................................................................29
Rule 6. Conduct ...........................................................................................................................................39
Preface
TYFA’s “Tackle” football program uses the NCAA © Football Rules with modifications. The Tackle Football
Rulebook explains the unique rules to TYFA and the NCAA © rule modifications. If a policy, procedure or rule is
in both the NCAA © rulebook and TYFA’s rulebook, TYFA’s rules supersedes that of the NCAA ©.
Some NCAA © rules are reproduced in the Tackle Football Rulebook for easy access and readability. These rules
will be marked as such.
This rulebook is for coaches and coach trainees. TYFA makes the assumption that the coach has a good working
knowledge of the basics of tackle football and that this rulebook will fill in all the differences and special nuances of
TYFA Tackle Football.
Not being familiar with the contents of this rulebook will not be accepted as an excuse or a defense for
violations. TYFA expects its participants to comply with the letter, spirit and intent of each of its policies,
procedures and rules regardless of technicalities, loopholes and ambiguous language. TYFA’s
interpretation of any non-NCAA policy, procedure or rule is the official and final interpretation.
Terminology & Symbols
Used when the topic is important.
Used when we highly recommend something shouldn’t be done.
Real Important
Badged Athlete or Volunteer is defined as a person who is certified by TYFA.
Ejected (Level ?) is an ejection from the game and lists the level of disciplinary action that will be attached.
Eligible Coach is a volunteer who has been certified by TYFA and is not currently on any holds. Is both eligible and
legal.
Forfeits
Class A = Pre-Game and carries the most disciplinary action
Class B = Game Time and carries disciplinary action
Class C = Game Time with no disciplinary action
“ON-FIELD” minimum of eligible players is the minimum number of players who’ve been certified by TYFA and
are not currently on any holds that must be on the field to avoid a forfeit.
[9 for Midgets, Rookies and Juniors, 11 for Seniors].
TYFA Participants are Badged Volunteers, Badged Athletes, Referees and Black Shirts.
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Table of Contents
Section 1. Periods & Intermissions ....................................................................................................... 6
Article 1. Periods (Quarters) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Article 2. Intermissions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Article 3. Period Extension ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Article 4. Homecoming Delays ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Section 2. Clock Mechanics ....................................................................................................................... 7
Article 1. The Play Clock................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Article 2. Timing Adjustments...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Article 3. Two-Minute Warning ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Article 4. Game Clock Stops/Starts on Referee’s Signal .................................................................................................................... 7
Article 5. Game Clock Stops/Starts on the Snap of the Ball............................................................................................................. 7
Article 6. Game Clock Starts/Stops on Kickoffs .................................................................................................................................... 7
Article 7. Game Clock does not run ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Article 8. Game Clock Stops/Starts during Mercy Rule...................................................................................................................... 7
Article 9. Ten-Second Runoff ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Section 3. Timeout Mechanics ................................................................................................................. 9
Article 1. Standard Timeouts ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Article 2. Injury Timeouts .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Article 3. Equipment/Uniform Timeouts ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Article 4. Mercy Rule Timeouts.................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Article 5. Inadvertent Whistle ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Section 4. Spring Season Clock Adjustments ................................................................................... 10
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Section 1 – Periods & Intermissions
ARTICLE 1. PERIODS (QUARTERS)
Periods in a game
4
Midget/Rookie
10 Minutes
Period Length
Junior/Senior
12 Minutes
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ARTICLE 2. INTERMISSIONS
Between Halves
Between Periods (Quarters)
10 Minutes
1 Minute
A White Hat or Black Shirt has the authority to reduce
halftime or the time between games to a minimum of
2-minutes in order to try and avoid cancelling or
postponing a game due to oncoming darkness or bad
weather.
ARTICLE 3. PERIOD EXTENSION
If during a play where time expires ending a half the defense accepts a Live-Ball foul to avoid an offensive
score, there were offsetting Live-Ball fouls or a referee sounds his whistle inadvertently or otherwise
incorrectly signals the ball dead, an untimed down will be played until a down is free of any of the circumstances
listed.
Example: The offense scores a touchdown to take a 12-7 lead. During the play the offense commits a live-ball
foul and time expires ending the half. The defense accepts the penalty to avoid the touchdown. Result: The
penalty is marched off and the offense will be given an un-timed down.
***The period is not extended though if the statement of the penalty includes loss of down.
ARTICLE 4. HOMECOMING DELAYS
Homecoming events cannot delay the scheduled start of a game or half by more than 10 minutes (twenty
minutes maximum [10 minute intermission + 10 minute extension]).
If an organization needs more than a 10 minute extension, the start of the game or half may be extended to a
maximum of 30 minutes (10 minute intermission and 20 minutes of extension), but they will be required to pay
EACH referee an additional $10 per game.
The White Hat will attempt to start the game at the 20-minute mark (or 30 if paid) and if either team refuses to take
the field, the White Hat WILL declare a forfeit (Class A Forfeit if game had not started otherwise a Class B Forfeit
if it had.)
If a game cannot be finished due to light issues or bad weather because of Homecoming events, the responsible
organization will be charged with a (Level II Violation).
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Section 2 – Clock Mechanics
THE OFFICIAL GAME CLOCK IS ALWAYS KEPT ON THE FIELD BY THE
REFEREES UNLESS THERE IS A REFEREE CONROLLING THE
SCOREBOARD CLOCK. It should be announced to the public where the
official clock is being kept. If a referee is not controlling the scoreboard
clock it shouldn’t even be running to help avoid confusion.
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Rationale: Yes it looks professional to
have a running clock, and yes it keeps
the spectators informed, but a clock
operator that does not operate the clock
correctly will present more headaches
then if you didn’t have a clock.
ARTICLE 1. THE PLAY CLOCK
When a referee places the ball and signals “ready for play” the Play Clock will begin.
35 Seconds
25 Seconds
Midgets
Rookies, Juniors, Seniors
ARTICLE 2. TIMING ADJUSTMENTS
The White Hat has the authority to correct obvious errors in timing if discovered prior to the official end of a period.
Timing errors cannot be corrected in a different period from when they happened.
ARTICLE 3. TWO-MINUTE WARNING
The 2-minute warning is given when 2 minutes of game time remain on the game clock in each half. If the football
is in play when the clock reaches 2:00, the 2-minute warning is called immediately after the play concludes, when
the ball is declared dead. The 2-minute warning stops the game clock until the snap of the ball, but is NOT a timeout.
ARTICLE 4. GAME CLOCK STOPS/STARTS ON REFEREE’S SIGNAL
 When a team is awarded a first down
 For a measurement
 For a referee’s timeout or an injury time out
 To complete a penalty
 For an inadvertent whistle
 For a head coaches conference or challenge
ARTICLE 5. GAME CLOCK STOPS/STARTS ON THE SNAP OF THE BALL
 Timeout called by either team
 Change of possession
 Ball goes out of bounds or pass is incomplete within the last two minutes of each half
 Offense commits a delay-of-game foul while in a scrimmage-kick formation
 At the end of each period
 Two-minute warning
ARTICLE 6. GAME CLOCK STARTS/STOPS ON KICKOFFS
The Game Clock shall be started when the ball is free kicked and is legally touched in the field of play by someone
other than the kicker or crosses the goal line after being legally touched by the receiving team in its end zone. The
Game Clock will stopped when the ball is dead by rule.
ARTICLE 7. GAME CLOCK DOES NOT RUN
The game clock shall not run during an XP attempt, during a Period Extension or during Overtime.
ARTICLE 8. GAME CLOCK STOPS/STARTS DURING MERCY RULE
Once the Mercy Rule is in effect, the Game Clock becomes a “running clock” with only a few exceptions. This rule
supersedes previous clock mechanics. The only time the clock will stop:
1. Injury – until referee starts the clock
2. Two-Minute Warning or a Timeout by either team – until the snap of the ball
3. Referee’s time out (challenges, measurements, penalty consultations etc.) – until referee starts the clock
4. The clock will stop within the last 2-minutes of a half if the losing team spikes the ball, throws an
incomplete pass or gets the ball out of bounds.
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Section 2 – Clock Mechanics
ARTICLE 9. TEN-SECOND RUNOFF
A. Subtraction from the Game Clock on a Foul
If a player from either team, before a change of team
possession commits a foul that causes the clock to stop
when there is less than a minute left in either half, the
White Hat may subtract 10 seconds from the game clock
at the option of the offended team. The 10-second rule
does not apply if the game clock is NOT running when
the foul occurs or if the foul does not cause the game
clock to stop. The 10-second subtraction does not
apply when there are offsetting fouls.
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The 10-second runoff can be avoided by the
penalized team calling a timeout. In this case the
game clock starts on the snap.
With the Mercy Rule in effect, the winning
team may NOT use a timeout to avoid a 10second runoff.
The offended team may:
 Accept the yardage penalty and 10-second subtraction.
 Accept the yardage penalty and decline the 10-second subtraction.
 Decline the yardage penalty which by rule also declines the 10-second subtraction.
B. Subtraction from the Game Clock on an Injury
If an Injury Timeout is called with less than a minute in either half, the opponent has the option of a 10-second
runoff. There is no option for a 10-second runoff if both teams have players injured on the field.
C.
Subtraction from the Game Clock for Equipment Issues
If a Referee’s Timeout (for equipment issues) is called with less than a minute in either half, the opponent has
the option of a 10-second runoff. There is no option for a 10-second runoff if both teams have equipment issues.
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Section 3 – Timeout Mechanics
Tackle Football Rulebook
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ARTICLE 1. STANDARD TIMEOUTS
1st Half
2nd Half
3
3
A Timeout shall not exceed 1-minute and 30-seconds.
ARTICLE 2. INJURY TIMEOUTS
When a player is hurt on the field:
 All players on the field must take a knee. It is the White Hat’s discretion to keep the players on a knee on the
field, move them to the hash marks or release them to the sideline.
 All participants and spectators MUST lower their voice.
 All music and announcements (unless related to the injury) MUST stop.
If a player lies down, takes a knee or cannot take themselves off the field, a referee will call an Injury Timeout. That
player must leave the game for at least 1 play unless either team calls for and is charged with a timeout.
If the team does not have a timeout and the loss of the player will cause the team to fall
below the “ON-FIELD” minimum of eligible players, the White Hat will call a Referee’s
Timeout. If at the end of the timeout the player is CLEARLY OK, the team will be penalize:
Delay of Game (LOS/5) but the game will continue. If the player is CLEARLY NOT OK,
the White Hat will declare a Class C Forfeit.
Injury Timeout Coaching on the field is allowed for coaches
(from either team) as long as they speak with their players in
a low tone. If a coach is loud, the referee will warn them. If
they continue or are screaming the referee will remove them from the
field. If they don’t leave, they will be penalized: Unsportsmanlike
Conduct (LOS/15).
“If there is
any doubt, sit
them out!”
Rationale: This is youth football and
coaches need to make assignment
adjustments when players get
injured.
ARTICLE 3. EQUIPMENT/UNIFORM TIMEOUTS
A team shall NOT be permitted to delay a game while making equipment/uniform repairs or adjustments.
If the loss of the player will cause the team to fall below the “ON-FIELD” minimum of eligible players
the team must take their timeouts to avoid a forfeit. If they have no timeouts, the White Hat will call a
Referee’s Timeout giving the team the length of a standard timeout to fix the problem. If the problem is fixed the
team will be penalized: Delay of Game (LOS/5). If the team cannot fix the problem, the White Hat will declare a
forfeit (Class C Forfeit for accidental issues or a Class B Forfeit if there was illegal equipment).
ARTICLE 4. MERCY RULE TIMEOUTS
Once the Mercy Rule is in effect, the winning team may not call a timeout for anything except to give
water on hot days. If the White Hat allows the timeout, the winning team’s volunteers may only give
water; there can be no discussions with the players. There will be no warning! If caught, the winning
team’s head coach will be penalized: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (LOS/15). Two of these and the head coach will
be ejected.
An exception to the winning team being able to call a timeout could be: If the White Hat was willing and the winning
team was clearly swap out numerous players.
ARTICLE 5. INADVERTENT WHISTLE
In the case of an inadvertent whistle by a referee, the team with the ball has 2 options:
 Take the ball where it was when the whistle blew and the down is consumed or
 Replay the down from the original LOS (if time had expired, an untimed down is allowed)
Rule 1 – Clock Management
Section 4 – Spring Season Clock Adjustment
Tackle Football Rulebook
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With limited field resources during the spring season, more games have to be played at each site then can be played
with a normal fall game clock because of light issues. Therefore a third clock has been added to speed things.
25-Seconds for Rookies, Juniors and Seniors.
35-Seconds for Midgets.
Functions just like the Fall Play Clock.
10-Minute Quarters regardless of age bracket.
This functions just like the Fall Game Clock.
75 minutes of playing time + 10 minute half
At the start of the game the referees will place 85 minutes on the “Big” Clock; no extra time added for such things
as Homecoming.
Once the ball is kicked off the “Big” Clock will start and will continue to run non-stop (see exceptions below) until
it expires. Once the “Big” Clock expires the game is over regardless of the score.
In the LAST 2 minutes of the “Big” Clock (minutes 83 and 84), the “Big” Clock will stop and start like the last two
minutes of a half during the fall season. This includes incomplete passes, ball out of bounds and timeouts.
If a team scores on the last play of the game (“Big” Clock expired), they WILL be afforded an opportunity to score
an XP (ONLY IF IT HAS ANY RELEVANCE TO THE GAME).
The “Big” Clock and Game Clock will stop until the Referee signals:
 If a player is injured and a referee feels the need to call an Injury Timeout. 10-Second Runoff rule
applies.
 If there is a Rule or Personnel Challenge.
 If there is a stoppage in the game because of bad weather.
 The referees need to conference with each other over something.
 If a Black Shirt requests to handle a behavioral issue.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Remember that the 85-minute clock doesn’t stop often. When it expires, the game is done!
 Except in minutes 83 and 84, timeouts, incompletes and out of bound plays DO NOT stop the “Big”
Clock. So if you are on a drive late in the game and you have not reached minutes 83 and 84, the spike,
out of bounds and timeouts will not help you with clock management.
Rule 2 – Scoring & Winning
Table of Contents
Section 1. Scoring ......................................................................................................................................12
Article 1. Scoring Values ................................................................................................................................................................................12
Article 2. Defensive Scores ............................................................................................................................................................................12
Article 3. Safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Article 4. Quitting ..............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Article 5. Forfeit Scores ..................................................................................................................................................................................12
Article 6. Scores for the Game Center ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Section 2. Mercy Rule ................................................................................................................................14
Section 3. Overtime (OT) .........................................................................................................................15
Rule 2 – Scoring & Winning
Section 1 – Scoring
Tackle Football Rulebook
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ARTICLE 1. SCORING VALUES
Offensive Scoring Values
Touchdown 6-points
Field Goal
3-points
Extra Point Values
Run or Backward Pass
Forward Pass* or Kick for the XP
Defensive Scoring Values
Touchdown 6-points
Safety
2-points
1-point
2-points
*A pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage in a forward direction, toward the opponent’s goal.
ARTICLE 2. DEFENSIVE SCORES
A. Interceptions, fumbles recovered by the defense or a blocked field goal (not XP attempt) recovered by either
team may be advanced for a touchdown during regulation play.
B. A defensive score on an XP can be accomplished by an interception, fumble recovery or blocked kick. The value
of that score is based on the attempt by the offense.
C.
Situation: Team B is winning 12-7. Team A scores taking the lead 13-12 with seconds left in the game. On
the untimed XP attempt, Team A (a) throws for the XP but is intercepted, (b) fumbles, (c) has their kick
blocked and Team B returns all 3 for a score. Result: Team B is awarded (a) 2 points for the interception
because Team A attempted a pass; Team B leads 14-13, (b) 1 point because Team A was running and the
game is now tie 13-13, (c) 2 points because Team A attempted to kick and Team B now leads 14-13.
If defense commits a penalty while returning an intercepted ball, recovered fumble or a blocked kick for a score,
no points are award and the play is called dead; no do over.
Situation: Team A scores taking a 13-12 lead with seconds left in the game. On the untimed XP attempt,
Team A throws for the XP but is intercepted. Team B returns the interception for a score but commits a
“Block in the Back” during the play. Result: Team B is not awarded any points and Team A maintains their
13-12 lead.
ARTICLE 3. SAFETY
The team scoring the Safety will receive 2-points and possession of the ball. Refer to Kickoffs for the placement of
the ball. There are three (3) ways a Safety can be scored:
1.
When a team loses possession of the ball out of their own end zone.
3.
The offense commits one of the following penalties in their end zone: Illegal Use of Hands, Holding, Illegal
Block, Personal Foul or an Illegal Forward Pass.
2.
When the ball carrier touches the ground with his body, other than hands or feet while in his own end zone.
ARTICLE 4. QUITTING
Quitting is defined as abandoning an activity out of frustration or despair; giving up. If a team quits and walks
off the field or refuses to take the field after the game has started but at any time before the official end of the game,
the White Hat will declare a forfeit (Class B Forfeit).
ARTICLE 5. FORFEIT SCORES
1. If the game has not started or there is no score, the offended team will be award a 1-point victory.
2. If the game is tie the offended team will be awarded 1-point to break the tie.
3. If the offended team is losing, they will be awarded enough points to win the game by 1-point.
4. If the offended team is winning, the score will stand as is.
Rule 2 – Scoring & Winning
Section 1 – Scoring
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 13
ARTICLE 6. SCORES FOR THE GAME CENTER
All scores for games need to be sent into [email protected] no later than noon, Monday after the game.
Scores are entered into the Game Center based on what we receive from the first team to send the scores in. There
should be no reason scores are different if the coaches ask the referees for the “Official Score”.
It needs to be remembered… That a WIN is a WIN and a LOSS is a LOSS.
The exact points MEANS NOTHING FOR PLAYOFF SEEDING. NOTHING!!!!!!
I.e. a 7-6 win is no different than a 50-0 win. There is no benefit to shut out a team or run up the score.
Rule 2 – Scoring & Winning
Section 2 – Mercy Rule
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 14
A. When a team has a 30+ point margin, regardless at what point in the game it is, the Mercy Rule is invoked.
Once the Mercy Rule is invoked it cannot be turned off unless the losing team
decreases the point margin to 14 or less by the end of the 3rd quarter. Once the
Mercy Rule is turned off, it cannot be invoked again.
Example: Team A is winning 34 to 7 in the 3rd quarter and scores a touchdown
and extra point making the score 41 to 7. The Mercy Rule is invoked because
of the 30-point+ margin.
B. If a team reaches 50+ points WHILE THE MERCY RULE IS IN EFFECT (NOT 50point margin), the game is over REGARDLESS when in the game it is.
C.
Example: Team A is winning 45 to 7 in the 3rd quarter and scores a touchdown and extra point making the
score 52 to 7. The Mercy Rule was already in effect because of the 30-point+ margin and now a team has
reached 50+ points. The game is over.
A team can score giving them the 30-point margin and 50+ points simultaneously. I.e. Team A is winning 42-20
and scores a TD+2-point conversion. That is both a 30 point margin and 50 points. Game Over!
Rule 2 – Scoring & Winning
Section 3 – Overtime (OT)
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 15
All games will be played to a conclusion through the Overtime Procedure provided. Overtime is not resolved by
yardage and it is not “sudden death”, rather it continues until one team scores more than the other.
A. Immediately after the conclusion of the 4th quarter the White Hat will call for a
captain and a coach from each team to come to mid-field for a coin toss.
 The coin toss winner has the choice of 1) taking the ball first or 2) going on
defense first.
 The team who goes on defense first chooses which goal to defend.
 After the initial OT period, there will not be another coin flip.
Each team receives (1)
timeout per OT period
(cannot be carried
forward). No timeouts
left from regulation play
may be carried into OT.
B. The referee places the ball on the twenty-five (25) yard line in the 1st OT, fifteen (15) yard line in the 2nd and
the five (5) yard line in the 3rd and any subsequent OT periods (unless relocated by penalty). The offense takes
over from there 1st down. Depending on the spot of the ball additional 1st downs may be earned. During the
3rd and subsequent OT periods, teams must THROW for the XP.
C.
Regardless if the offense scores or not, the team who was on defense first, now becomes the offense, and the
team that was on offense, is now on defense and the procedure is repeated. The team scoring more points than
the other wins. If neither team scores, or both score the same amount of points, the whole process is repeated.
Fumbles recovered or interceptions made by the defense CANNOT BE ADVANCED
BUT do END the offensive series.
Situation: On first down in overtime B3 intercepts a pass but then fumbles and A1 recovers. Result:
The ball became dead immediately when B3 intercepted as it cannot be advanced. A1 recovered a dead
ball. Team A’s offensive series is over.
D. If the offense scores they will also attempt an XP only if it will make a difference in the game.
E.
F.
Situation: During the 2nd OT period Team A scores and a) gets a 1-pt XP, b) does not score the XP. In either
case Team B scores also. Result: Team B a) is trailing and gets an opportunity for the XP, b) is tied and gets
the opportunity for the XP to win.
Situation: During the 2nd OT period Team A does not score but Team B does.
Result: Team B does not get the opportunity for the XP because it is not needed. Game over. Team B wins.
If a team is forced to forfeit in OT, the opposing team is granted 1-point to break the tie.
During the regular season, if the teams are still tie after 3 OT periods the game will remain tie.
G. During the regular season, if a game in OT is tie and lack of lights or bad weather forces the game to be
postponed, the game will remain tied. If one team had an opportunity in an OT period but not the other, the
game will remain tied as TYFA OT is not “sudden death”.
H. During the playoffs TYFA will handle light and bad weather issues on a case by case basis because in the playoffs
there are numerous variables that need to be taken into account because there can be no ties.
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Table of Contents
Section 1. Passing Information .............................................................................................................17
Article 1. Passing ...............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Article 2. Eligibility to Touch Legal Forward Pass .............................................................................................................................17
Article 3. Declaring Eligibility ......................................................................................................................................................................17
Section 2. Offensive Plays ........................................................................................................................18
Article 1. Sneaks ................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Article 2. Offensive Lineman Handoff ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Article 3. Snapping the Football ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Article 4. Unfair Tactics ................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Section 3. Formations .............................................................................................................................. 19
Article 1. Offensive Formations ................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Article 2. Midget Offensive Formation Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 19
Article 3. Defensive Formations ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Article 4. Midget Defensive Formation Requirements .................................................................................................................... 19
Section 4. Coaches on the Field (Midgets only)................................................................................20
Section 5. Pass Interference ...................................................................................................................21
Article 1. Offensive Pass Interference ......................................................................................................................................................21
Article 2. Defensive Pass Interference .....................................................................................................................................................21
Section 6. More than 11 Players on the Field ...................................................................................22
Section 7. Ball Placement ........................................................................................................................23
Section 8. Referee Conference ...............................................................................................................24
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 1 – Passing Information
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 17
ARTICLE 1. PASSING
A pass is either forward or backward. There is no such thing as a “lateral” or a “forward lateral.” A forward pass is
a pass thrown with its initial direction toward the opponent’s end line. A backward pass is a pass thrown with
its initial direction parallel with or toward the runner’s end line. A backward pass not caught is considered a
fumble.
ARTICLE 2. ELIGIBILITY TO TOUCH LEGAL FORWARD PASS
When the ball is snapped all defensive players are eligible to touch or catch a pass. Each offensive lineman who is
on the end of his scrimmage line and who is wearing a number OTHER THAN 50 through 79 is eligible. Each back
wearing a number OTHER THAN 50 through 79 is eligible.
ARTICLE 3. DECLARING ELIGIBILITY
If a player does not have a number in the (0-49, 80-99 or 00) range they must “DECLARE THEMSELVES
ELIGIBLE” to the referee EVERY time they are in a position to either catch a pass or run the ball.
Exception: If a player declares at the beginning of a game at a specific position and plays that position the whole
game, they only have to declare once. Whenever a player ineligible by number declares, the referee will inform the
opposing team’s head coach. If a player who is ineligible by number does not declare and either receives a pass or
runs the ball, they will be penalized: Illegally Touching (LOS/5+ Loss of Down).
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 2 – Offensive Plays
ARTICLE 1. SNEAKS
Quarterback
Quarterback Sneaks are completely legal in ALL tackle
age brackets (including Midgets) and does not
require the quarterback to take any steps backward
before moving forward.
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 18
Center
Center Sneaks are NOT allowed in TYFA as it is too hard
for the referees to determine if there was a full
exchange of the ball.
ARTICLE 2. OFFENSIVE LINEMAN HANDOFF
An offensive back behind his scrimmage line may hand the ball forward to a teammate who is on his scrimmage
line at the snap, provided that teammate leaves his line position by a movement of both feet that faces him toward
his own end line and is at least two yards behind his scrimmage line when he receives the ball.
ARTICLE 3. SNAPPING THE FOOTBALL
At all levels of tackle the football does not have to be snapped from between the Center’s legs; it may be side
snapped. But, the Center must be in a normal center stance facing the LOS.
ARTICLE 4. UNFAIR TACTICS
Football has always been a game of deception and trickery involving multiple shifts, unusual formations and
creative plays. However, actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and
a snap ISN’T imminent (i.e. “wrong ball play”), or planned loose ball plays, are beyond the scope of sportsmanship
and are ILLEGAL. Any team caught doing anything within the description above will be penalized:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (LOS/15).
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 3 – Formations
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 19
ARTICLE 1. OFFENSIVE FORMATIONS
The offensive team may have NO MORE than 4 players in the backfield or they will be penalized: Illegal Formation
(LOS/5) for not enough players on the Line Of Scrimmage (LOS). The Rookie, Junior and Senior teams DO NOT have
to have men lined up on both sides of the center.
ARTICLE 2. MIDGET OFFENSIVE FORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Midgets ARE REQUIRED to have at least 1 man on either side of the center to provide an “A” gap to assist in lining
up the defense. Because of the limitations of the Midget defense in Article 4 below, the offensive “A” gap
cannot be any wider than 1 foot. Formations that do not comply will be penalized: Illegal Formation (LOS/5).
ARTICLE 3. DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS
Except for the Center (Deep Snapper) Protection rule, the Rookie, Junior and Senior defenses can line up in any
formation.
ARTICLE 4. MIDGET DEFENSIVE FORMATION REQUIREMENTS (
Two years of testing before Midgets became a mandatory age bracket determined that a 6-7 year old offensive line
could not consistently execute a play if the defense lined up 9 players in the “Box”.
y)
A. To help the offensive line out, the defense is limited to a max of 5 players in the “BOX” at the snap of the ball.
B. The defense CANNOT be lined up directly over Center in the “BOX” at the snap of the ball, but can be lined up
over Center outside the “BOX”.
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 3 – Formations
C.
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 20
Center/Guard “A” Gap: The defense CANNOT be lined up in the Center/Guard “A” gap in the “BOX” at the snap
of the ball, but can be lined up in the “A” gap outside the “BOX”. Since the offense cannot make their “A” gap
wider than 1 foot as stated in Article 2 above, lining up over the offensive Guards helps avoid being accidently
caught in the “A” gap before the snap of the ball. Defensive Tackles may crash the “A” gaps at the snap of
the ball.
D. Defensive players outside the “BOX” may be lined up on the LOS (i.e. covering TE or WR).
E.
F.
Defensive players lined up in the “BOX” may drop back out of the “BOX” at any time. Vice Versa, if the defense
has less than 5 players in the “BOX”, players may walk up into the “BOX” as long as the 5-player limit and where
they are lined up at the snap of the ball is not violated.
If at the snap of the ball a team’s defensive players are violating the rules above, they will be penalized: Illegal
Formation (LOS/5).
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 4 – Coaches on the Field (Midgets only)
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 20
“Outside a team’s formation” = there are no players behind or (next to) left or right of the coach
A. One Eligible Coach from each team may be permitted on the field. The coach will instruct the players and line
them up. Once the QB starts his cadence both coaches must back away “outside their team’s formation”. This
includes an excited coach running down the field getting caught up in a formation while the play is live.
B. Any coach not “outside of their team’s formation” or in the referee’s opinion, is not back far enough, will be
penalized: Interference. This especially includes players running behind their coach to use them as a shield.
There is no exception to the rule for this as it is the coaches’ responsibility to get back out of the way.
C.
Coaches may not physically assist a player while the play is in motion. If a coach is caught doing this, he will be
penalized: Interference.
D. Offensive and defensive coaches are allowed to give verbal guidance to their players at any time as long as in
the referee’s opinion a coach is not yelling out instructions at the opposing players to try and confuse them. If
this is the case, the coach will be penalized: Interference.
E.
If a coach on the field gets into a verbal or physical altercation with another coach (opposing or their own),
verbally attacks a player or physical touches a player (hit, push or shove) (opposing team, own team or own
child), they will be EJECTED (LEVEL IV).
Interference (against Defense – LOS/5/automatic first down) / (against Offense – LOS/5/loss of down).
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 5 – Pass Interference
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 21
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone, illegal contact by players is prohibited from
either team from the time the ball is snapped until it is touched by any player or a referee.
ARTICLE 1. OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE
Offensive pass interference by an offensive player beyond the neutral zone during a legal forward pass play in which
a forward pass crosses the neutral zone is contact that interferes with a defensive eligible player. It is the
responsibility of the offensive player to avoid the opponents.
It is not offensive pass interference:
A. When, after the snap, an offensive ineligible player immediately charges and contacts an opponent at a point
not more than one yard beyond the neutral zone and does not continue the contact more than three yards
beyond the neutral zone.
B. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the
pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball.
C.
When the pass is in flight and two or more eligible players are in the area where they might receive or intercept
the pass and an offensive player in that area impedes an opponent, and the pass is not catchable.
PENALTY— (LOS/15).
ARTICLE 2. DEFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE
Defensive pass interference is contact beyond the neutral zone by a defensive player whose intent to impede an
eligible opponent is obvious and it could prevent the opponent the opportunity of receiving a catchable forward
pass. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable. Defensive pass interference occurs only after a legal
forward pass is thrown.
It is not defensive pass interference:
1. When, after the snap, opposing players immediately charge and establish contact with opponents at a point
that is within one yard beyond the neutral zone.
2.
3.
4.
When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the
pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball.
When a defensive player legally contacts an opponent before the pass is thrown.
When an offensive potential kicker, from scrimmage kick formation, simulates a scrimmage kick by throwing
the ball high and deep, and contact by a defensive player occurs.
PENALTY—
A-# means the offenses’ field location and B-# means the defenses’ field location.
The offenses’ ball at the spot of the foul, first down, if the foul occurs fewer than 15 yards beyond the
previous spot.
Example: The offense snaps the ball at the B-35 and a defensive player commits pass interference at B-30. The
offense is given a 1st down at the B-30.
If the foul occurs 15+ yards beyond the previous spot, the offenses’ ball, first down, 15 yards from the
previous spot.
Example: The offense snaps the ball at the B-35 and a defensive player commits pass interference at B-10. The
offense is given a 1st down at the B-20.
When the ball is snapped on or inside the defenses’ 17-yard line and outside the defenses’ 2-yard line, and
the spot of the foul is on or inside the 2-yard line, the penalty from the previous spot shall place the ball at
the 2-yard line, first down.
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 5 – Pass Interference
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 22
Example: The offense snaps the ball at the B-15 and a defensive player commits pass interference in their own
end zone. The offense is given a 1st down at the B-2.
No penalty enforced from outside the 2-yard line may place the ball inside the 2-yard line (Exception: On
the XP Try when the snap is at the three-yard line, first down halfway between the previous spot and the
goal line.)
Example: The offense snaps the ball at the B-3 and a defensive player commits pass interference in their own
end zone. The offense is given a 1st down at the B-1½.
If the previous spot was on or inside the 2-yard line, first down halfway between the previous spot and the
goal line.
Example: The offense snaps the ball at the B-2 and a defensive player commits pass interference in their own
end zone. The offense is given a 1st down at the B-1.
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 6 – More than 11 Players on the Field
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 22
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
A. The offense may not break the huddle with more than 11 players nor keep more than 11 players in the huddle
or in a formation for more than 3 seconds. Referees shall stop the action whether or not the ball has been
snapped.
Penalty: Dead-ball foul. (LOS/5)
B. The defense is allowed to briefly retain more than 11 players on the field to anticipate the offensive formation,
but it may not have more than 11 players in its formation if the snap is imminent. Whether the snap is imminent
or has just occurred, the referee shall stop the action.
Penalty: Dead-ball foul. (LOS/5)
C.
If the referees do not detect the excessive number of players until during the down or after the down is over,
or if the defensive players have entered the field just before the snap but have not been in the formation, the
infraction is treated as a live-ball foul.
Penalty: Live-ball foul. (LOS/5)
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 7 – Ball Placement
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 23
The Rule: If the previous play ends between the hash marks, the ball is placed at the spot the play ended. If the
previous play ends out of bounds or outside of the hash marks, the ball is spotted at the nearest hash marks.
Common issue: If there are no HASH MARKS on the field and a ball is required to be placed on a hash,
the referees should take 10 steps left or right from mid-field. This will suffice for the requirement.
Rule 3 – Offense & Defense
Section 8 – Referee Conference
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 24
Because all games of a TYFA season have a profound effect on teams for such things as making the playoffs, their
seeding and winning or losing a state championship, it is REQUIRED by TYFA rule that a referee crew must hold a
conference of all the referees on the field to discuss and collectively make, in their opinion, the best call on any play
that:
 has a penalty affect a score or a turn over
 has a turn over
The conference doesn’t have to be long, but all opinions must be considered and any referee, White Hat or not, can
be overturned for the benefit of the players.
Rule 4 – Special Teams
Table of Contents
Section 1. Kickoffs .....................................................................................................................................26
Article 1. TYFA Adopted Restraining Lines ...........................................................................................................................................26
Article 2. Coaches on the Field ....................................................................................................................................................................26
Article 3. Ball Kicked Out of Bounds .........................................................................................................................................................26
Article 4. Onside Kick ......................................................................................................................................................................................26
Section 2. Punts ...........................................................................................................................................28
Article 1. Rookie thru Senior Punt .............................................................................................................................................................28
Article 2. Midget Punt......................................................................................................................................................................................28
Article 3. Quick Kick .........................................................................................................................................................................................28
Rule 4 – Special Teams
Section 1 - Kickoffs
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 26
The NCAA © rules are followed for kickoffs with the modification listed in this Rule.
Just
For
Info
Free Kick
(Standard Kickoff)
Safety
Drop Kick
Place Kick
Punt
Drop Kick
Place Kick
ARTICLE 1. TYFA ADOPTED RESTRAINING LINES`
Midgets
Standard Kickoffs will be done from
the 50-yard line unless there was a
penalty that modifies the placement of
the ball.
Safety Kickoffs will be done from the
35-yard line unless there was a penalty
that modifies the placement of the ball.
50
35
Dropping the ball and then kicking it when it bounces
off the ground
Using a Tee
Dropping and kicking the ball without letting it hit the
ground first
Dropping the ball and then kicking it when it bounces
off the ground
Using a Tee
40
25
Rookie thru Seniors
Standard Kickoffs will be done from the
40-yard line unless there was a penalty that
modifies the placement of the ball.
Safety Kickoffs will be done from the 25yard line unless there was a penalty that
modifies the placement of the ball.
ARTICLE 2. COACHES ON THE FIELD
For the Kickoff only, the teams may have two coaches on the field lining up their players. Once
Midgets
the coaches have placed all their players they need to leave the field of play. If a coach is caught on
ONLY
the field, the coach will be penalized: Interference (EOP/5) assessed after the kickoff.
ARTICLE 3. BALL KICKED OUT OF BOUNDS
If the kicking team kicks the ball out of bounds without it being touched by an inbounds receiving player.
K-# is the kicking team’s field location and R-# is the receiving team’s field location.
Option 1 – Receiving team may put the ball into play 5-yards from the spot of the violation.
Example: The ball is kicked out of bounds at the R-35. The receiving team chooses to put the ball into play
at the R-40 gaining themselves 5 yards.
Option 2 – The receiving team may put the ball into play 30-yards from the kicking team’s Restraining Line.
Example: The ball is kicked out of bounds at the R-15. The receiving team chooses to put the ball into play
at the R-30 saving themselves 15 yards.
Option 3 – The receiving team may accept the 5-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked.
Example: The offense just scored to take the lead 24-23 with 30 seconds left in the game. They kick the ball
out of bounds at the R-25. The receiving team chooses to take the 5-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked
from the K-35 because they need to try and return the ball farther up the field.
ARTICLE 4. ONSIDE KICKS
K-# is the kicking team’s field location and R-# is the receiving team’s field location.
A. If a kicking player comes into contact with the ball prior to it being touched by a receiving player or traveling
10 yards, the kicking team will be penalized: Illegal Touching (5).
Option 1 – Receiving team may put the ball into play at the spot of the violation + 5 yards.
Example: A kicking team player makes contact with the ball at the K-48 causing an Illegal Touching
penalty. Receiving team chooses to accept the 5-yard penalty and put the ball into play at the K-43.
Option 2 – Receiving team may accept the 5-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked.
Rule 4 – Special Teams
Section 1 - Kickoffs
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 27
Example: A kicking team player makes contact with the ball at the K-48 causing an Illegal Touching
penalty. The receiving team chooses to accept the 5-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked from the
K-35.
B. Once the mercy rule is in effect the WINNING team can no longer do an Onside Kick or they will be penalized:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15). The Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty supersedes the Illegal Touch by
rule. It will be a judgment call for the White Hat to determine if a kick was an attempt at an Onside or just a bad
kick.
Option 1 – Receiving team may put the ball into play 15-yards from the spot of the violation.
Example: Kicking team does an onside kick during the mercy rule and the receiving team recovers at
the R-45. The receiving team accepts the 15-yard penalty and puts the ball into play at the K-40.
Example: Kicking team does an onside kick during the mercy rule and recovers the ball at the R-48.
Because the kicking team is not allowed to attempt an Onside Kick, the ball turns over to the receiving
team at the point the kicking team recovered it. The receiving team also accepts the penalty and puts the
ball into play at the K-37.
Option 2 – Receiving team may accept the 15-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked.
Example: Kicking team does an onside kick during the mercy rule and the receiving team recovers at
the R-45. The receiving team choose to accept the 15-yard penalty and have the ball re-kicked from the
K-25.
Rule 4 – Special Teams
Section 2 - Punts
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 28
ARTICLE 1. ROOKIE THRU SENIOR PUNT
1. NCAA © Rules are followed.
2. Just for Info – A punt recovered in or behind the neutral zone may be advanced by either team.
ARTICLE 2. MIDGET PUNT
A. On 4th down the offense MUST declare they are either “going to punt” or “are going for it”. Once the offense
declares their intent they cannot change their mind unless EITHER team calls for and is charged a time out.
B. The offense must be in a legal formation and the players in proper stances. Movement by the offense is still
penalized as normal. The punt is a timed down and the offense must deal with a 35-second play clock just as if
it was a normal non-punting play or they will be penalized: Delay of Game (LOS/5). A Midgets punt is a thrown
ball and therefore there are no “Fake” punts allowed.
C.
Once the coach has placed all their players they need to leave the field of play. If the coach is caught on the field,
the coach will be penalized: Interference (EOP/5) assessed after the punt.
D. The referee will pick up the ball and hold it out in front of the Punter. The Punter will call a cadence (any signal
the offense uses to snap the ball) and the Punter will then take possession of the ball from the referee. Once
the Punter has possession of the ball, the play becomes “live”. Live in this case means that the defense
can rush, the ‘gunners’ can go down field and the team receiving the Punt can return it (run it back).
E.
If the ball is muffed it may be picked up and kicked (thrown). If the
punter takes off running executing a ‘Fake’ Punt, they will penalize:
Unsportsmanlike (LOS/15).
If they throw the ball as their punt, they are
protected like any Quarterback as it pertains to
“Roughing the Passer”.
ARTICLE 3. “QUICK KICK”
Rookies, Juniors and Seniors may “Quick Kick” on any down including 4th down.
MIDGETS CANNOT “Quick Kick”.
Rule 5 – Contact
Table of Contents
Section 1. Blocking .....................................................................................................................................30
Article 1. Chop Block (High/Low) .............................................................................................................................................................30
Article 2. Cut Block (Block below the Waist) ........................................................................................................................................30
Article 3. Clip (Block in the Back at or below the Waist).................................................................................................................31
Article 4. Block in the Back (above the Waist) .....................................................................................................................................32
Section 2. Contact against the Snapper...............................................................................................33
Section 3. Roughing or Running Into ...................................................................................................34
Article 1. The Kicker or Holder ...................................................................................................................................................................34
Article 2. Roughing the Passer ....................................................................................................................................................................34
Section 4. Helmet Off .................................................................................................................................36
Section 5. Targeting & Defenseless ......................................................................................................37
Article 1. “Defenseless Player” ....................................................................................................................................................................37
Article 2. Targeting/Initiate Contact with Crown of Helmet .........................................................................................................37
Article 3. Targeting/Initiate Contact to Head/Neck area of a Defenseless Player ...............................................................37
Section 6. Tackling .....................................................................................................................................38
Article 1. Horse Collar Tackle ......................................................................................................................................................................38
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 1 - Blocking
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 30
ARTICLE 1. CHOP BLOCK (HIGH/LOW)
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
A Chop Block is a high-low or low-high combination block by any two players against an opponent (not the runner)
anywhere on the field, with or without a delay between contacts; the “low” component is at the opponent’s thigh or
below. This is illegal and will be penalized: (EOP/15) + automatic 1st Down (if committed by the defense).
ARTICLE 2. CUT BLOCK (BLOCK BELOW THE WAIST)
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
A. The offense prior to a change of team possession: Consider a low-blocking zone as a rectangle that extends
seven yards laterally in each direction
from the snapper, five yards beyond
the neutral zone and back to the
offense’s end line.
1.
The following offensive
players may legally block
below the waist inside the
tackle box until they leave
the tackle box or until the ball
has left the tackle box:
a) Players on the line
of scrimmage completely within this zone and
2.
3.
4.
b) Stationary backs who are at least partially inside the tackle box and at least partially inside
the frame of the body of the second lineman from the snapper.
Players not covered in paragraph 1 (above) while the ball is still in the tackle box, and all players after
the ball has left the tackle box, are allowed to block below the waist only if the force of the initial contact
is from the front, but they may not block below the waist if the force of the initial contact is from the
side or back. “From the front” is understood to mean within the clock-face region between “10 o’clock
and 2 o’clock” forward of the player being blocked.
Once the ball has left the tackle box a player may not block below the waist toward his own end line.
Players not covered in paragraph 1 (above) may not block below the waist toward the line through the
original position of the ball at the snap until the ball carrier is clearly beyond the neutral zone.
B. The defense prior to a change of team possession:
1.
2.
3.
Other than in paragraphs 2 and 3 (below), players of the defense may block below the waist only within
the area defined by lines parallel to the goal line five yards beyond and behind the neutral zone
extended to the sidelines. Blocking below the waist by players of the defense outside this zone is illegal
except against the ball carrier.
Players of the defense may not block below the waist against an opponent who is in position to receive
a backward pass.
Players of the defense may not block below the waist against an eligible offensive pass receiver beyond
the neutral zone unless attempting to get to the ball or ball carrier. This prohibition ends when a legal
forward pass is no longer possible by rule.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 1 - Blocking
C.
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 31
Kicks
During a down in which there is a free kick or scrimmage kick, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal
except against a ball carrier.
D. After change of team possession:
After any change of team possession, blocking below the waist by any player is illegal except against the ball
carrier.
ARTICLE 3. CLIP (BLOCK IN THE BACK AT OR BELOW THE WAIST)
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
There shall be no clipping. Penalized: (LOS/15) + automatic 1st Down (if committed by the defense).
Exceptions:
The blocking zone is a rectangle centered
on the middle lineman of the offensive
formation and extending five yards
laterally and three yards longitudinally in
each direction. The blocking zone
disintegrates when the ball leaves the
zone.
A. Offensive players who are on the line
of scrimmage at the snap within the
blocking zone legally may clip in the
blocking zone, subject to the
following restrictions:
1. A player in the blocking zone may not block an opponent with the force of the initial contact from
behind and at or below the knee.
2. A player on the line of scrimmage within the blocking zone may not leave the zone and return and
legally clip.
3. The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone.
B. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed himself in intent and direction or
movement.
C.
When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a
kick or a touched forward pass, he may push an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks.
D. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent below the waist at or to the buttocks to
get to a forward pass.
E.
Clipping is allowed against the runner
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 1 - Blocking
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 32
ARTICLE 4. BLOCK IN THE BACK (ABOVE THE WAIST)
Reproduced here from the NCAA rulebook for easier reference.
A block in the back (other than against the ball carrier) is illegal. Penalized: (LOS/10). Safety if against the
offense in their own end zone.
Exceptions:
The blocking zone is a rectangle centered on
the middle lineman of the offensive formation
and extending five yards laterally and three
yards longitudinally in each direction. The
blocking zone disintegrates when the ball
leaves the zone.
A. Offensive players who are on the line of
scrimmage at the snap within the
blocking zone may legally block in the
back, subject to the following restrictions:
1.
2.
A player on the line of scrimmage within the blocking zone may not leave the zone and return and
legally clip.
The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone.
B. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed himself in intent and direction or
movement.
C.
When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to recover or catch a fumble, a backward pass, a
kick or a touched forward pass, he may push an opponent above the waist.
D. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent above the waist to get to a forward pass.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 2 – Contact against the Snapper
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 33
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
When a team is in scrimmage kick formation, a defensive player may not initiate contact with the snapper until one
second has elapsed after the snap.
Situation 1
A10 is in a shotgun- type formation 7-1/2 yards behind the snapper, who has his head down and is looking
backward through his legs. Immediately after the snap, nose guard B55 charges directly at the snapper and contacts
him by pushing him backwards. RULING: Legal. The snapper is not afforded any special protection because it was
not reasonably obvious that a kick might be attempted. The snapper does have the usual protection against any
personal foul for unnecessary roughness.
Situation 2
Team A is in an obvious scrimmage kick formation. Immediately after the snap, nose guard B55 charges directly at
the snapper, contacts him, and drives him backward. The ball is snapped to an upback three yards behind the
scrimmage line or to the potential kicker, who instead runs with or passes the ball. RULING: Foul. Penalty – 15
yards and automatic first down. The snapper may not be contacted until one second has elapsed after the snap
when Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation and it is reasonably obvious that a kick might be attempted.
Situation 3
Immediately after the snap, with Team A in an obvious scrimmage kick formation, nose guard B71 attempts to
“shoot the gap” between the snapper and the adjacent lineman. B71’s initial legal contact is with the lineman next
to the snapper. RULING: Legal. Incidental contact with the snapper after this initial legal contact is not a foul.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 3 – Roughing or Running into
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 34
ARTICLE 1. THE KICKER OR HOLDER
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier reference.
A. When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the
holder of a place kick.
1.
Roughing is a live-ball personal foul that endangers the kicker or holder. This is penalized: (LOS/15)
+ automatic 1st Down.
2.
Running into the kicker or holder is a live-ball foul that occurs when the kicker or holder is displaced
from his kicking or holding position but is not roughed. This is penalized: (LOS/5).
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
The kicker’s protection under this rule ends:
a) When he has had a reasonable time to
regain his balance
b) When he carries the ball outside the
tackle box (a rectangular area
enclosed by the neutral zone, the two
lines parallel to the sidelines five
yards from the snapper, and Team A’s
end line) before kicking.
When a defensive player’s contact against the kicker or holder is caused by an opponent’s block
(legal or illegal), there is no foul for running into or roughing.
A player who makes contact with the kicker or holder after touching the kick is not charged with
running into or roughing the kicker.
When a player other than one who blocks a scrimmage kick runs into or roughs the kicker or holder,
it is a foul.
When in question whether the foul is running into or roughing, the foul is roughing.
B. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive player commits an unsportsmanlike
act penalized: Unsportsmanlike (LOS/15).
ARTICLE 2. ROUGHING THE PASSER
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier
reference.
A. No defensive player shall charge into a passer or throw
him to the ground when it is obvious the ball has been
thrown. (Exception: A defensive player who is blocked
by a Team A player[s] with a force so that he has no
opportunity to avoid contact with the passer. However,
this does not relieve the defensive player of
responsibility for personal fouls as described in
elsewhere in this section.)
B. When an offensive player is in a passing posture with one or both feet on the ground, no defensive player
rushing unabated shall hit him forcibly at the knee area or below. The defensive player also may not initiate a
roll or lunge and forcibly hit this opponent in the knee area or below. [Exceptions. (1) It is not a foul if the
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 3 – Roughing or Running into
C.
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 35
offensive player is a runner not in a passing posture, either inside or outside the tackle box (a rectangular area
enclosed by the neutral zone, the two lines parallel to the sidelines five yards from the snapper, and Team A’s
end line). (2) It is not a foul if the defender grabs or wraps this opponent in an attempt to make a conventional
tackle. (3) It is not a foul if the Defender is not rushing unabated or is blocked or fouled into this opponent.]
Penalized: (LOS/15) + automatic 1st Down. If the pass was completed, penalty is enforced from EOP
instead.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 4 – Helmet Off
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 36
TYFA's Helmet Off rule supersedes the NCAA © rule.
A. If a player's helmet comes off during a play they are allowed to put it back on and stay in the game. The Referee
will not stop the clock to allow the player extra time. Either the player gets it on, his team calls a time out or he
leaves the field. If the player is forced to leave the field and this forces a team to fall below the “ON-FIELD”
minimum of eligible players, the player may stay in. The referee will penalize the team: Delay of Game
(LOS/5) but will allow the game to continue.
B. If a player removes their helmet other than during the situations listed below they will be penalized:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (LOS/15).
• In team area
• Team, media or injury timeouts
• Equipment adjustment
• Through play
• Between periods or at half time
• During a measurement for a first down
C. If the Ball Carrier’s helmet comes off the play is blown dead for safety reasons.
D. If the player is not the Ball Carrier the ball remains alive, but the player losing their helmet MUST NOT continue
to participate in the play beyond the immediate action in which he is engaged even if he gets his helmet back
on. By definition such a player is obviously out of the play (considered defenseless).
E.
Rational: The player probably did not get their helmet back
on properly in their eagerness to get back into the play and
therefore they are not safely equipped to engage in the play.
Prolonged participation is a personal foul which will cause the player to sit out a play. If this forces a team to
fall below the “ON-FIELD” minimum of eligible players, the player may stay in. The referee will penalize the
team: Delay of Game (LOS/5) but will allow the game to continue.
Situation: During a down B55’s helmet comes off without a helmet foul by Team A. B55 immediately picks
up his helmet, puts it on and continues to chase the ball carrier. Result: Personal foul will be called on B55
for continuing to participate after losing his helmet. The clock stops at the end of the down and B55 must
leave the game for the next down.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 5 – Targeting & Defenseless
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 37
TYFA's Targeting rule supersedes the NCAA © rule.
ARTICLE 1. “DEFENSELESS PLAYER”
Defined as one who because his physical position and focus of concentration is especially vulnerable to injury.
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A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass.
A receiver attempting to catch a pass, or one who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect
themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.
A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the return.
A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick.
A player on the ground.
A player obviously out of the play.
A player who receives a blind-side block.
A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped.
A quarterback any time after a change of possession.
ARTICLE 2. TARGETING/INITIATE CONTACT WITH CROWN OF HELMET
No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question,
it is a foul. This is penalized: Personal Foul (LOS/15). If the same player commits this infraction again they will
be EJECTED (LEVEL IV). If multiple players commit this infraction from the same team, the Referees will report
this to TYFA for review.
Situation: Passer A12 inside the tackle box is looking for an open receiver. Before or just as he releases the ball,
A12 is hit from the side at the ribs, thigh or knee by B79, who dives forward and leads with the crown (top) of
his helmet. Result: Foul by B79 for targeting his opponent and initiating contact with the top of his helmet.
Personal Foul +15 yards.
ARTICLE 3. TARGETING/INITIATE CONTACT TO HEAD/NECK AREA OF DEFENSELESS PLAYER
No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet,
forearm, fist, elbow and/or shoulder. When in question, it is a foul. This is penalized: Personal Foul (LOS/15). If
the same player commits this infraction again they will be EJECTED (Level IV). If multiple players commit this
infraction from the same team, the Referees will report this to TYFA for review.
Situation: Receiver A83 has just leaped and received a forward pass. As A83 is about to regain his balance, B45
launches and drives into A83 above the shoulder area with his helmet or shoulder. Result: Foul by B45 for
targeting and initiating contact with a defenseless opponent above the shoulders. Personal Foul +15 yards.
Situation: As ball carrier A20 sweeps around the end and heads up field, he lowers his head and contacts
defensive end B89 who is trying to tackle him. The players meet helmet to helmet. Result: No foul. Neither A20
nor B89 is a defenseless player and neither has targeted his opponent.
Situation: A44 is covering the kickoff that opens the second half. As A44 is running at the B-45, B66 targets and
launches into A44 from the side, a blind-side block. B66 first makes contact with his forearm at A44’s (a) neck;
(b) upper arm or shoulder. Result: (a) Foul by B66 for targeting a defenseless player and initiating contact at the
head or neck area. Personal Foul +15 yards. (b) No foul. Although A44 is a defenseless player and B66 targets
him, the contact by B66 is not to the head or neck area.
Rule 5 – Contact
Section 6 – Tackling
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 38
ARTICLE 1. HORSE COLLAR TACKLE
Reproduced here from the NCAA © rulebook for easier
reference.
All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back
collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of
the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately
pulling the ball carrier down.
Exception: This does not apply to a ball carrier, including a
potential passer, who is inside the tackle box. Note that the
tackle box disintegrates when the ball leaves it.
** The above exception does not apply to Midgets. A Horse Collar can be called anywhere on the field for
Midgets.
Rule 6 – Conduct
Table of Contents
Section 1. Conduct .....................................................................................................................................40
Article 1. Physical Conduct ...........................................................................................................................................................................40
Article 2. Verbal & Visual Conduct ............................................................................................................................................................40
Article 3. Head Hunting ..................................................................................................................................................................................40
Rule 6 – Conduct
Section 1 – Conduct
Tackle Football Rulebook
Page | 40
Personal Foul vs Unsportsmanlike Penalty =
• A Personal Foul is defined as a conduct or safety-related infraction. Includes unnecessary roughness, such
as hitting a ball carrier after he is already out of bounds, “piling on” a ball carrier who is already down, or
violent contact with an opponent who is away from and out of the play.
• An Unsportsmanlike Penalty is defined as any person acting or speaking in a manner deemed to be
intentionally harmful or especially objectionable by the referees, or by rule. Unsportsmanlike conduct is a
non-contact foul; if contact is involved it becomes a Personal Foul. Examples include verbal abuse of referees,
taunting and excessive celebration.
This rule applies to Field Level (sideline and playing area) and covers physical, verbal or visual aggression against
TYFA Participants or spectators.
ARTICLE 1. PHYSICAL CONDUCT
A. If a Badged Athlete uses their cast as a weapon they will be EJECTED (Level IV) WITHOUT prior warning and
the team will be penalized: Personal Foul (LOS/15).
B. TYFA Participants that attempt and/or actually come to blows (touching in any way) with another TYFA
Participant2 or spectator (opponent or same organization) will be EJECTED (Level IV) WITHOUT prior
warning and the team will be penalized: Personal Foul (LOS/15).
C.
TYFA Participants who touch TYFA Participants in anger (same organization, regardless if they are relatives)
will be EJECTED (Level IV) WITHOUT prior warning and the team will be penalized: Personal Foul (LOS/15).
ARTICLE 2. VERBAL OR VISUAL CONDUCT
A. TYFA Participants making unsportsmanlike comments, using abusive, threatening or obscene language or
severely criticizing or berating another TYFA Participant (regardless if they are relatives) are in violation of
this rule.
B. TYFA Participants with threatening or obscene gestures, or engages in an act such that it could provoke ill will
or is demeaning is in violation of this rule.
C.
The following is a list of possible violations. It is not all inclusive.
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Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat
Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally
Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon
Excessive profanity or gratuitous use of racial slurs
D. Any violation of this rule during a game the violator will be penalized: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (LOS/15).
If after the game, the violator will be charged with a (Level IV Violation).
ARTICLE 3. HEAD HUNTING
If a Badged Volunteer is discovered telling a Badged Athlete to hurt, target or hit another in an inappropriate
place (such as the head), (paid bounty or not), they will be charged with a (Level IV or V Violation).