SIYFL
Southern Indiana
Youth Football League
2016 League Rules
(Revised 08.10.2016 • Revisions are marked in red)
League Members
Charlestown • Clarksville
Clark County Catholic • Scott County
Silver Creek • Southern Indiana Catholic
Introduction
Welcome to the Southern Indiana Youth Football League. This league was formed with the intent to
build a strong foundation for our youth football programs. This development will hold the opportunity
for all members and players alike to participate in a league that is built on integrity, sportsmanship and
the safety of all its members.
Vision Statement
To promote an organization that will support the development of each member in all facets of a youth
football program. Create a competitive environment while adhering to the safety and values of each of
its members.
Leadership
This league will have a governing body that will be called a committee and consist of two (2) positions
for each community league represented. These members are to be chosen by their own executive
boards and must be approved by such. They will represent their team and community's interests as
addressed in a formal meeting setting. Meetings of this nature should have at least one of its members
present to be an official meeting.
Participants and Membership
Participants of our league shall be named as any player who is a resident of one of the communities
involved in our program. Recruiting from outside the area (in another league member’s area) is
prohibited and may lead to the immediate discharge of the player up to and including the entire team
from the league.
Any players involved in another football organization may not participate in the SIYFL.
Membership will be recognized as the community leagues that make up the SIYFL. These teams will
become members only by a majority vote from current membership. Membership maybe revoked at
any time for league misconduct, violation of rules and campaigning against league direction.
Code of Conduct
Each community league will be responsible for their own code of conduct policy to include coaches,
players and fans. There will be a zero tolerance for any unsportsmanlike conduct on and off the playing
field. The interest and focus shall remain on the safety of all league participants and the perception of its
actions. Each league shall disclose any violation and all occurrences will be reviewed by the SIYFL
committee members and addressed on an individual bases. All actions taken will be nonprecedence setting and each offense may result in a warning to the participants up to displacement
from the league.
Responsibilities
Coaches and Assistants
It will be the responsibility of each coach and assistant to provide a program that encompasses the
values of the SIYFL. Each coach and assistant must provide a safe and professional environment for all of
its members and guest.
League Committee Members
All participants in the SIYFL are to have two (2) league representatives to participate in the functions of
the committee. All league committee members should actively participate in the development of our
program. At least one (1) representative should attend each committee meeting. If issues are to be
voted on notice shall be given at the prior meeting and if the league fails to send a representative a vote
may occur without such league being representative. The committee will act as a single governing body
with no members having more authority, influence or input than the remaining members. Any new
individual league voted into the league will be on a one year probationary trial period. After the one year
the committee will vote them in as full members with voting privileges.
Fans and Spectators
Family members, spectators and team personnel will act in accordance with the league rules and values.
Any occurrences that deviate from the leagues expectations are to be resolved immediately. Each
individual league will have the responsibility to control their fan base at each event.
Sportsmanship is and should continue to be one of our main priorities. The referees are responsible for
the conduct of the players and coaches once the game has begun. If something occurs on the sidelines
that spectators do not like or think is unsportsmanlike, that should be taken up with a board member of
that league. In turn that board member should get with a board member from the other league and the
issue be addressed and a resolution rendered. Direct confrontation should be avoided.
Scheduling
Schedules will be made to ensure that all teams in the SIYFL have as many equal games as possible.
Games will be scheduled on Saturday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sundays after 1:00 PM unless
otherwise agreed on by the committee or leagues. Games at home will include all divisions when the
schedule allows. Divisions may play at different locations on different days as scheduled. Lightning, poor
field conditions, time of day or heat index over 103 degrees will be factors for rescheduling of a game.
League members must be notified if a game has been canceled. Only a referee can call a game after it
has started.
Age & Weight Limits
Division cutoffs are determined by grade level. However there will be a maximum age limit, verified by birth
certificate for each division.
•
Might Mites: 1st & 2nd Grade - No player may turn 9 on or before August 1st of that season
•
Pee Wee: 3rd & 4th Grade - No player may turn 11on or before August 1st of that season
•
Juniors: 5th & 6th Grade - No player may turn 13 on or before August 1st of that season
To ensure the safety of all players there is a maximum weight limit for offensive back, ends and all eligible
receivers. All maximum weight limits include pads.
•
Mighty Mites: 75 lbs.
•
Pee Wee: 105 lbs.
•
Juniors: 130 lbs.
All players in each division will be held to a maximum weight limit to participate in that division. If a player is
over the maximum weight limit {including pads) they will be required to play one division up. If a player is over
the maximum weight limit in the junior division, that player will only be allowed to play on the offensive line.
•
Mighty Mites: 140 lbs.
•
Pee Wee: 185 lbs.
•
Juniors: 240 lbs.
All individual teams are required to have a “player book". The book should be a binder with a birth
certificate and updated photo of each player. This book should be presented to an opposing coach or league
official at weigh-in. Players who do not have proper documentation will not be allowed to participate in the
game.
Weigh-Ins
All players must weigh-in dressed in full gear every time. Switching, exchanging, or adding equipment a fter
we igh-in is NOT allowed. Only one weigh-in attempt per player is allowed, regardless of outcome. Example:
if a Junior level player weighs in at 131lbs, he is not allowed to ‘shed equipment’, use restroom, etc., and
return for additional weigh-ins to attempt to make weight.
Weigh-ins are to occur before every game at the start of the 4th Quarter of the preceding game, or 10
minutes before the first game of the day. Coaches from opposing team are allowed to determine which
players they wish to have weighed or excluded from weigh-in. Once the game has begun a weigh in
request cannot be made.
General Rules
•
Each parent as part of the registration documentation for their league must sign a release form. This
will absolve the team, league, and sites of any liability for physical injury incurred by participants.
•
All individual leagues shall carry their own insurance and agree that the SIYFL is not a business; it is
strictly a committee that governs play and is not responsible for any injury.
•
No metal spikes allowed
•
All home teams will keep gate and concession money collected. Each home team is expected to pay
for officials. If a team does not show up for a scheduled game, or does not show up on time, they will
automatically forfeit that game and be expected to pay for that game’s officials.
Rules of the Game
IHSAA/NFHS football rules will apply unless otherwise modified below.
All Divisions:
•
•
•
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Kick Off: 40 yard line
PAT: 2 points for kick, 1point for run or pass from the 3 yard line, 2 points if ball spotted at the 5 yard line.
Tie Game: In the event of a tie at the end of regulation there will be a limited overtime. Each offense will have 4
downs to score from the 10 yard line. If the game is still tied after each offense has possession the game will end
as a tie. For tournament only each offense will have 2 attempts to score from the 10. Starting in the 3rd overtime
period the ball is then moved to the 5 yard line.
Kicking Team: Any formation is legal
•
Receiving/Kick Off/Punt: Teams that have overweight players cannot use these players to advance the
ball. Once the ball is caught or recovered, it will be a dead ball from that spot. (See Revised rules for Junior
Division)
•
Per 2016 IHSAA/NFHS Rules revisions (Rule 2-17-3), clipping is now illegal inside the free block zone
(defined as the rectangular area extending laterally four yards either side of the spot of the snap and three
yards behind each line of scrimmage.) Clipping is now illegal on any part of the field at any time.
Coaches: Each team is allowed 7 coaches on the side lines. This includes medical and equipment coaches
Mercy Rule: Once a team is a head by 21 points or more in the 2"d half the clock will run continuously until the
deficit falls below 21 points. Also, at the losing team's discretion this may occur in the first half.
•
•
•
Auto Punt: 30 Yards; a ball may not be positioned inside of the 20 yard line on an auto punt. (See Revised
rules for Junior Division)
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Players exceeding weight limits:
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Must have an "X" clearly marked on their helmet in an easily visible color
•
May not play any end, back or receiver position (aka ‘skill position’) on offense. These are typically defined
as QB, RB/HB, WR, and Return specialist.
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May not advance the ball on special teams or offense
•
May advance the ball on an interception or fumble if the player is on defense only
•
May kick (punt or field goals) but may not run, catch or pass the ball on any fake kicking plays. They
may only kick the ball.
• Coaches: Each team is allowed 7 coaches on the side lines. * * This includes medical and equipment staff and
league representatives.* *
Division Specific Rules:
Mighty Mites

Ball: K2

Game Ball: One game ball to be used for entire game. Host/Home team provides.

Coaches: TWO coaches allowed on field (may rotate)

Quarter Length: 10 minute Running Clock (Clock will stop on time outs, injuries, and last one minute of each
half on incompletions and out of bounds)

Play Clock: 45 Seconds

Kickoffs: Only 1 kickoff per half (start of game and start of 3rd quarter). Each team kicks off and receives once
per game. All other times, ball will be placed at the receiving team’s 40 yard line. At end of game, in last ONE
minute, there will be a kickoff on any score.

Defensive Alignment: No lining up over or shading the center, must play heads up or outside of guard.
** Point of Emphasis: No Defensive player may be within 3yds head up or in "A" gap over offensive center at snap
of the ball. Blitzes in "A" gap are legal but players must maintain the 3yd gap at snap. "Walking up" into the "A" gap
blitzes are NOT allowed. Failure to maintain proper gap space shall result in a 15yd unsportsmanlike conduct
penalty. The “A” gap shall be defined as the space between the center and the left or right guard.

Punt/PAT Special Teams: No Rush, No Return, ball to be spotted where first touched
Division Specific Rules (cont.):
Pee Wee
•
Ball: K2
•
Game Ball: One game ball to be used for entire game. Host/Home team provides.
•
Coaches: ONE coach allowed on field (may rotate)
•
Quarter Length: 10 minute Running Clock (Clock will stop on time outs, injuries and last two minutes of each
half on incompletions and out of bounds)
•
•
Play Clock: 35 seconds
Defensive Alignment: No lining up over or shading the center, must play heads up or outside of guard
** Point of Emphasis: No Defensive player may be within 3yds head up or in "A" gap over offensive center at snap
of the ball. Blitzes in "A" gap are legal but players must maintain the 3yd gap at snap. "Walking up" into the "A" gap
blitzes are NOT allowed. Failure to maintain proper gap space shall result in a 15yd unsportsmanlike conduct
penalty. The “A” gap shall be defined as the space between the center and the left or right guard.
Punt/PAT Special Teams: No Rush, No Return, ball to be spotted where first touched
•
Juniors

Ball: TDJ

Game Ball: Each team may provide their own ball

Coaches: NO coaches are allowed on field during play (timeouts excluded).

Quarter Length: 8 Minute Normal Clock

Play Clock: 35 Seconds

Defensive Alignment: No rules (excepting PAT adjustment noted below)

Punt/PAT Special Teams: All kicks are live plays. After a team’s first touchdown in each game, regardless of the
game clock (including overtime) or game score, the team must attempt a PAT KICK from the 3yd line. TWO points
will be awarded for a successful conversion. Rushers on this first/required PAT KICK are limited to 6 (3 each side).
Rushers on any subsequent PAT KICKS are not limited.
REVISED PUNT RULES (MODIFIED 2015 – JUNOR DIVISION ONLY):
1) Punting is allowed on 4th down (or any other down where a team may elect to punt)
2) Punting intentions MUST be announced to the referee before the play may occur
3) Fake punts or punting without notification is not allowed. If a team fake punts or punts without notifying the referee, it
will result in 15yd unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a loss of down.
4) OFFENSE:
a) The Center must hike the ball between the legs on all punts.
b) Teams are allowed to long snap the ball to the punter. If the snap is muffed or dropped, the ball is NOT dead. The
ball may be picked up and punted from the punter’s original position.
c) The punt must come from at least 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
d) The punter must kick the ball within 5 seconds after receiving the snap from center. Failure to kick within 5
seconds will result in a delay of game penalty.
e) Offensive Gunners are allowed. ONE offensive player on the punting team may be lined up close to the sideline on
each side for a total of two gunners.
f) Nine players must be within the tackle box on Offense. All players on the line must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.
g) After the snap, no player may move across the line of scrimmage until the kick has been made. Gunners must wait
for ball to be kicked to release from line of scrimmage.
h) Once the ball is punted the punting team may release for coverage.
5) DEFENSE:
a) Rushing or blitzing the punter is prohibited!
b) A maximum of four defensive Gunners are allowed (two on each side), lined up across from the Offensive gunners.
c) The defensive team must have a minimum of six players on the Line of Scrimmage (LOS). All players on the line
must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.
d) All players must face the line of scrimmage.
e) After the snap, no player may move across the line of scrimmage until the kick has been made.
f) Live returns are allowed
g) A fair/free catch of a punt is allowed. The receiver shall signify his intentions for a free catch by waving his hand
clearly over his head. Alternatively, the receiving team (receiver or coach) may declare to the referee before snap that
they intend to fair catch.
h) Faking a fair catch, or notifying a referee of a fair catch followed by a return, will result in 15yd unsportsmanlike
conduct penalty and loss of down.
6) Ball punted into end zones:
a) Ball cannot be run out of the end zone but will be brought out to the 20-yard line.
b) If ball is dropped in end zone, it is a touchback and will be placed on the 20-yard line.
Protest Conditions:
Any protest of rules or outcome should be brought to the SIYFL committee. The committee holds the right to
govern an outcome based upon a full review of the facts.
These revised rules are agreed up and voted into effect this day of ____________________, 2016
by the SIYFL Committee.