Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
2015 SOUTH CENTRAL YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
LEAGUE MISSION STATEMENT
To promote a fun and positive environment in competitive youth tackle football, fostering character, athleticism,
teamwork and sportsmanship.
1st practice is August 3rd Jamboree August 15th at Maple River.
GENERAL
TEAMS:
Each participating town/school will field 3 teams. The make-up of the teams will be:
A-Team – roster will be mainly 6th graders. If there are not enough players to field a full 6 th grade team, players
from 5th grade or 4th grade, if necessary can be moved up. Use common sense when moving players up; most teams
will have physically larger 6th grade players, so to move an underdeveloped 4th or 5th grader, may pose a safety
concern.
B-Team – roster will be mainly 5th graders. If there are not enough players to field a full 5 th grade team, players
from 4th grade can be moved up. You will be allowed to move no more than (4) 6th grade players down to also
complete a roster. 5th grade weight requirements will apply to the 6 th graders.
C-Team – roster will be mainly 4th graders. If there are not enough players to field a full 4 th grade team, 3rd graders
can be utilized. Keep in mind, underdeveloped 3rd graders can pose a safety risk. You will be allowed to move no
more than (3) 5th grade players down to also complete a roster. 4 th grade weight requirements will apply to the 5 th
graders. 6th grade players will not be allowed to be moved down to fill a roster spot on the C-Team.
Note: Prior to the game, if any players are going to be moved down a level in order to fill a roster spot, the opposing
coach must be made aware of the move and reason for the move. The opposing coach may challenge a move, based
on the skill of player’s moved down. All challenges must be resolved prior to the commencement of the game. The
th
th
coaches of the 6 & 5 grade teams are too highlight / make a list of who they can’t move down like there top 5
– 10 players depends on the number players on the team. If you know who you will be moving down all year
give me a list and I will share it with all the teams. Before the game starts have the players that will be moving
down stand together on the sideline so the other teams coach can see who’s being moved down.
PLAYER WEIGHT RULES:
Note: Allowances will be given to the weight limits listed below. See the section on Weigh-Ins, immediately
following.
Offense:
QB, RB, WR, SE, TE, FLK, WG – any other position that would typically advance the ball.

A-Team – 129 lbs or less (Weight allowance given no exclusions to the rule.)

B-Team – 124 lbs or less (Weight allowance given no exclusions to the rule.)

C-Team – 114 lbs or less (Weight allowance given no exclusions to the rule.)
Page 1
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
Defense:



Players over 139 lbs can only play the Nose Guard or Tackle position.
Players 139 lbs or less can play any position on defense.
C- Team 130 lbs or less can play any position on defense.
WEIGH-INS:
Weigh-ins are at the Jamboree. The player MUST be weigh – in before they can play. If they are not able to make
the weigh-ins at the jamboree they have to weigh-in before they play in a game Ask the home team if they have one
if not you will have to bring a scale to the game to weigh the player. Those weights must be giving to Dave so I can
update the weights to all the teams in the league. Players will weigh-in with their uniforms and equipment, minus
their helmet.
EQUIPMENT:
All players must wear regulation helmets, shoulder pads, pants with pads, mouthpiece and rubber-cleated shoes or
tennis shoes. Metal-cleated shoes will not be allowed. Pads for forearms, hands, elbows, neckbraces, rib pads, etc.
will be allowed. Clear face shields are allowed; smoked or mirrored face shields are not allowed.
PRACTICE:
A maximum of 3 practices may be held in one week. The practice start date will August 4th
SCHEDULE:

Games shall be played in accordance with the schedule set. If a game cannot be played due to inclement
weather or other circumstances, reasonable efforts should be made to reschedule the missed games. If a game
cannot be rescheduled both teams will be recorded with a lost.

1.
2.
3.
The starting times for the regular season Saturday games will be:
A-Team – 10:00 AM
B-Team – 11:00 AM; or at the conclusion of the game prior.
C-Team – 12:00 PM; or at the conclusion of the game prior.
Both coaches must agree upon any changes to these starting times.

At the end of the season, play-offs will be held. Teams will be seeded based on their regular season record,
specifically their winning percentage. The higher winning percentage will have the higher seed; the next highest
winning percentage will have the next highest seed, etc. The following criteria (in order) will be used to break any
ties in winning percentage:
1.
Results of head to head competition of the teams in question if only 2 teams are tied.
2.
Least amount of points given up by the defense during the regular season.
3.
Most points scored during the regular season.
4.
Coin flip.
LENGTH OF GAMES:
1) All games will consist of 4 quarters, 10 minutes each or 2 twenty minutes half's. The quarters will be running
time, with the clock stopping for the following:

Change of possession: The clock stops until the ball is set and the offense is in the huddle. The officials
will say “Ball in play” so both teams know the clock has started.

At the 2 minute warning, just before halftime and the end of the game. The clock will stop until to ball is
snapped then within the last 2 minutes of each half, the clock will stop for:
o
Incomplete passes.
Page 2
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
o
Out of bounds.
o
If the play results in a first down, the clock will temporarily stop to set the chains. Once the ball has been
placed, and the chains have been set, the clock will start running again.

Player injury (if a player is injured within the last 2 minutes of each half, on a running clock, the team will
be charged with a time-out; if the team is out of time-outs, a five-yard penalty will be assessed and 10 seconds run
off the clock).

At the discretion of the referee. Under the 2 minute warning if a penalty occurs after the penalty is marked
off & ball is set they clock will start.

The 2 minute warning is a remind to everyone the 2 minutes rules are in affect its not a time out for water
breaks.
2) Halftime will be 5 minutes long.
3) Three time-outs will be allowed per half. Time-outs will be 2-3 minutes long.
4) If a game ends in a tie, overtime will be played. The following procedure will used to decide a winner:
a) A coin flip will determine which team will obtain possession of the ball first. The team that wins the coin flip
can choose to start on offense or defense. This order will remain if more than one overtime is played.
b) Each team has 4 downs to score from the 10-yard line. If at any point there is a turnover to the defense, the play
is dead at that point and cannot be advanced by the defensive team. However, it will result in a loss of the remaining
downs, if any exist.
c) If either team scores, they will have an opportunity for an extra point conversion.
d) If the score is tied after the first overtime, a second overtime will be played with the same rules.
e) If the score is tied after the second overtime, the ball will be placed at the 5-yard line, and each team will be
allotted 4 downs to score. Each team will have an opportunity for an extra point conversion, if they score a
touchdown. These rules will be in effect for all subsequent overtime periods.
f) A winner will be declared if the score is no longer tied, after each team has had an opportunity for possession of
the ball and an extra point conversion (if a touchdown is scored) in an overtime period.
5) Mercy Rule – If a team is down by 18 points the clock will stay running. However if the team down by more
than scores to bring the score under a 18 point lead then the clock would go back to normal stop & starting.
If Mercy rule is effect in the 2nd half of the game the clock will not stop for the 2 minute warning and the
2 minute rules aren’t in effect.
RULES
GENERAL RULES:
1) There will be no kickoffs. The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line at the start of the game, the start of the
second half, and after a score.
2) There will be no punting. If a team wishes to punt, the ball will be placed 30 yards from the Line of
Scrimmage. The ball may not be placed inside the 10-yard line.
3) There will be no field goal attempts.
4) Touchdowns will be worth 6 points.
5) After a touchdown, the scoring team will be allowed to attempt an extra point conversion. All conversions will
be worth 1 point. Extra point conversions can be:
 Kicked. The ball will be placed at the 10-yard line and can rest on a flat kicking block, or the ground. A player
from the team attempting the extra point conversion must hold the ball in place. The defensive team may line up on
the goal line and can wave their hands in the air and make noise, if so desired.
 Passed or ran. The ball will be placed at the 3-yard line.
Page 3
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
6) A safety will be worth 2 points, and the team earning the safety will be awarded the possession of the ball, at the
30-yard line.
7) A player will be ruled down if any part of their body, except for feet or hands, touches the ground, regardless of
whether contact from a player on the other team occurs. A player will also be considered down if their forward
momentum is stopped (the official’s judgment will be respected on this call – a player’s safety is critical in
making this decision).
8) A fumbled ball can be picked up and advanced, only if the player is not ruled down.
9) One coach from each team will be allowed on the field during play. Once the huddle is broke, the coach may
help line up or position the players if necessary. No communication from the coach on the field can occur, once
the players reach the line of scrimmage. Coaches on the sidelines can yell out instructions or advice at any
time. The coaches on the field must stand 5 yards behind the running back on offense and the safety on defense.
10) The SCYFL rules will be used 1st any other rules not listed will follow the NFHS Football Rules.
OFFENSIVE SETS:
1) All offensive sets must have at least 2 running backs in the backfield at all times, and must line up between left
offensive tackle and the right offensive tackle.
2) The quarterback can be lined up under center, or in the shotgun formation.
3) Trip formations are not allowed; this would include 2 receivers and a wing, to one side of the ball (tackle to
sideline).
4) All lineman (C, G, T) must be in a 3 or 4-point stance (officials need to be flexible if the player cannot get into
one of these stances – player may squat and place elbows on knees). The coach needs to confer with the
officials and opposing coach prior to the game.
5) Motion is not allowed. Once the cadence starts, the players must be set.
6) No unbalance line can be ran you must have a TE or WR on each side of the line of scrimmage.
7) No swing gate formation allowed.
DEFENSIVE SETS:
1) Only a 5-3 or 5-2-2 defensive alignment can be used.
a)
A 5-3 is:
a. NG – head up on center head & body
b. DT – head up on offensive tackle. Head & body
c. DE – with in the frame of TE or Wing.
d. MLB – directly behind NG, 5 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage.
e. OLB – directly behind DT or directly over the TE, 5 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage.
f. CB – lined up outside TE or over WR, 5 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage.
g. S – lined up between OLB’s, 10 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage. A Safety my move out of the safety
position if a team lines up with 2 WR on the same side of the field. The safety then would have to line up as a corner
back 5 yards off the ball.
b) A 5-2-2 is the same formation as a 5-3, with the exception of:
a. One LB will move back to a safety position, and both safeties will line up between the ends of the offensive line
(TE to TE or TE to OT).
Page 4
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
b.
The remaining 2 linebackers must line up directly in front of the OG, 5 yards off of the ball.
c) 4-4 will be used for the c - team. The 2 interior lineman must line up head up across from the OG The other 2
dl can either line up as a DT or DE if lined up at DT you must line head up on the OT if you line up at DE you can
line up any where from the OT to the frame of the WB or TE. The MLB are directly behind the 2 interior lineman.
The OLB are directly over the DT or lined up across from either the TE or WB. The LBer's are 3 yards off the ball.
2) In a Goal Line situation (when the ball is spotted inside the 5-yard line):
a)
b)
c)
d)
All LB’s may line up on the Line of Scrimmage.
DB’s may line up 3 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage.
S may line up 5 yards off of the Line of Scrimmage.
No one over the center on the C- team even in goal line.
OFFENSIVE PENALTIES: You can decline penalties.
All offensive penalties will be enforced from the Line of Scrimmage, and the down will be repeated.
1) Holding – 10 yards
 When an offensive player wraps both arms around or tackles the defensive player, or when he grabs the
defensive player’s jersey.
2) False Start – 5 yards
 Movement before the ball is snapped. Turning head, leaning forward, or flinching will not be penalized.
3) Low Block – 10 yards
 When a player dives for the defensive players knees or ankles, without making contact about the waist.
4) Face Mask – 15 yards
 When a player grabs the facemask of the defensive player and either pulls or twists his head. A stiff arm is
allowed as long as the person running with the ball doesn’t grab, pull or twist the defensive player’s head.
5) Flagrant Clip – 10 yards
 When a player pushes the defensive player from behind. If engaged in a block, the defensive player turns
around, this is not considered a penalty. If the offensive player continues to block and pushes the defensive player to
the ground, this is a penalty. If the defensive player cannot possibly make the play (on the other side of the field
from the ball carrier) the official’s judgment should be considered.
6) Pass Interference – 10 yards
 When an offensive player pushes the defensive player away or to the ground to make the catch. Feet getting
tangled is not considered pass interference.
7) Off Sides – 5 yards
 When any part of the offensive player is across the Line of Scrimmage.
8) Delay of Game
 The official spotting the ball will keep this clock. For all penalties assessed, the official will stop the play clock.
The play clock will not start again, until the snap of the ball.
a)
a.
b.
c.
All Teams – will have a 45 second play clock. Penalties will be assessed per the following:
1st time – the official will give a warning to the offending team.
2nd time – 5 yard penalty.
3rd time – 10 yard penalty and loss of down (unless it is 4 th down).
Page 5
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
Note: If the play clock expires when the offense is on the line and the cadence has started, the officials
should allow the play to continue, without penalty, unless it is obvious that the offense is attempting to run
time off the clock (e.g. – longer than a 5-second cadence).
9) Unsportsmanlike Conduct – 15 yard Penalty from the End of the Play
 A dead-ball foul in which a player or coach, in the judgment of the official, taunts or in otherwise acts in an
unsportsmanlike manner, including spiking of the football and profane language. If a player gets a 2 nd
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty they will be ejected from the game.
 If a coach is assessed a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the course of the game, he or she will be ejected
from the game and the sideline. If that same coach gets a unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty be his banded from
coaching for the year. If a coach is ejected from a game let Dave know I will keep a record of it and let them know if
it happens a second time he is done coaching for the year.
10) Illegal motion – 5 yards and Repeat down.
If a offensive lineman(C,G, T)are not down in a 3 / 4 point stance when the ball is snapped. If you
have
players that cant get in a 3 / 4 point stance that must be confer before the game between the coaches
& officials.
11.)Verbal Communication – 5 yard and Repeat down
You can help line up the players but you cant say anything period after that.
12 Player playing out of the weight requirement position - a 15 yard penalty.
If it happens again in the game the COACH will be flagged with a unsportsmanlike conduct 15 yard
penalty. If a coach is assessed a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the course of the game, he or she will
be ejected from the game and the sideline. If that same coach gets a unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty be
his banded from coaching for the year. If a coach is ejected from a game let Dave know I will keep a record
of it and let them know if it happens a second time he is done coaching for the year.
If a team is short a player from injury or substitution and they rush to send a player just before the.
play happens it’s the official’s judgment call.
13. Only have 7 players on the line of scrimmage 5 yard penalty.
14. Helmet to helmet contact act of initiating contact with helmet a 15 yard penalty
Types of helmet contact
Butt Blocking - against an opponent who is not the a runner using the front of his helmet.
Spearing - player who initiating contact against any opponent with the top of his helmet.
This will be a judgment call by the officials on who was leading with their helmet.
DEFENSIVE PENALTIES: You can decline penalties.
1)
Off Sides – 5 yards and Repeat Down
 When the defensive player lines up over the Line of Scrimmage, or when he jumps over the Line of Scrimmage.
No contact against the offensive player needs to be made.
2) Facemask – 15 yards from the Spot and an Automatic First Down
 When the player grabs the facemask of the offensive player and either pulls or twists his head.
3) Horse Collaring - 15 yards from the Spot and an Automatic First Down
 When the defensive player grabs the back inside of the ball carrier’s shoulder pads or the back of the jersey
collar, and pulls him down.
4) Pass Interference – Spot Foul (no more than 15 yards) and an Automatic First Down
 When the defensive player pushes, pulls or tackles the offensive player, preventing him from making the catch.
Feet getting tangled is not considered pass interference.
5) Unsportsmanlike Conduct – 15 yard Penalty from the End of the Play
Page 6
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
 A dead-ball foul in which a player or coach, in the judgment of the official, taunts or in otherwise acts in an
unsportsmanlike manner, including spiking of the football and profane language. If a player gets a 2 nd
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty they will be ejected from the game.
 If a coach is assessed a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the course of the game, he or she will be ejected
from the game and the sideline. If that same coach gets a unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty be his banded from
coaching for the year. If a coach is ejected from a game let Dave know I will keep a record of it and let them know if
it happens a second time he is done coaching for the year.
6.) Verbal Communication – 5 yard and Repeat down
You can help line them up but once there on the line you can’t talk period.
7.) Player playing out of the weight requirement position - a 15 yard penalty.
If it happens again in the game the COACH will be flagged with a unsportsmanlike conduct 15 yard
penalty. If a coach is assessed a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the course of the game, he or she will
be ejected from the game and the sideline. If that same coach gets a unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty be
his banded from coaching for the year. If a coach is ejected from a game let Dave know I will keep a record
of it and let them know if it happens a second time he is done coaching for the year.
If a team is short a player from injury or substitution and they rush to send a player just before the
Play happens it’s the official’s judgment call.
8. Helmet to helmet contact act of initiating contact with helmet a 15 yard penalty.
Types of helmet contact
Butt Blocking - against an opponent who is not a runner using the front of his helmet.
Spearing - player who initiating contact against any opponent with the top of his helmet.
Face Tackling player who initiating contact with a runner with front of helmet.
This will be a judgment call by the officials on who was leading with there helmet.
9. Chewing – The chewing policy will be a personal conduct penalty no 15 yard penalty but the coach will be
ejected from the game. If a coach gets either a personal or a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty they will have to
nd
leave the field and if they were to get a 2 personal conduct or unsportsmanlike conduct during the year they
are done coaching for the year. So you get 2 chances before you’re done coaching from the year. Report this to
Dave so I can keep track of these occurrences.
OFFICIALS:
1) Each home team must provide a minimum of two knowledgeable officials to call the game would like 3.If the
home team only provides 2 the visiting team then can add one of their own if they would like to.
2) Officials should be adults who understand the game of football, and be willing to be impartial toward the
outcome of the game.
3)
a)
b)
c)
Official’s attire should include:
A black and white official’s shirt.
A whistle.
A yellow flag.
4) The home team should provide the officials with a copy of the league rules. Prior to the game, both coaches
should meet with the officials, to ensure that they fully understand the rules, and how the game will be called.
5) Coaches may question an official’s ruling, but must do so in a manner that sets a good example for the players,
fans and coaches. If a coach conducts himself in an unprofessional manner, the official has the right to flag him
for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Page 7
Adapted for the Youth Football Season 2015
GAME DAY PROVISIONS:
1) Home teams must provide a regulation (11-man or 9-man) field for the day’s games. The field should be
marked off with the appropriate yard markings.
2) Home teams must provide a “chain gang”, including a down marker. They should be on home side of field.
3) Home teams must provide an electronic scoreboard, which tracks at a minimum, score and time.
4) Each team must provide their own football to use while on offense. One person on the sideline should be
designated to throw one in to the official at the change of possession. The football must be a youth or junior size
Pee Wee not acceptable.
5) Each team must provide their own water, Gatorade or other hydrating beverages for their players
6) It is recommended that home teams provide an announcer to call the games.
7) A league scoreboard operator list will be used. Dave will send them out each team must follow the start & stop
of the clock.
END OF THE YEAR TOURNAMENT:
1) The host school for 2015 LCWM 2016 USC
2) Officials for the tournament will be coaches from all of the schools. Your school will be assigned 3 games to
officiate it will not be your own schools games that you will be officiating if possible.
3) The league fee is $150 that money goes to the host school for the tournament for team trophies and medal
for the players. GAC fee is $412.50 total due $562.50
4) The host school must be able to provide a 2nd field of at least 80 yards.
5) All medal games will be played on big field.
It is the responsibility of each school that there coaches know the rules and obey them. It’s the home team responsibility to make sure the officials are enforcing the rules of the SCYFL. The rules are in black in white.
Ethics of the game no need to run the score up if mercy rule in effect sub down or just basic plays.
If ever any questions or concerns contact me.
Page 8