2018 PLAY Football In-House Rules 3 rd,4 th,5 th Grade

Transcription

1 2018 PLAY Football In-House Rules 3 rd,4 th,5 th Grade General Rules Outline INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE RULES AND STRUCTURE: The intent and spirit of PLAY in-house football is to simulate and to teach the fundamentals needed to play the game of football and to promote sportsmanship. It is our hope that our coaches and parents will not only teach this to the children but also practice it during the games. The intent of this league is to provide an environment to expose all players to all aspects of the game. Throughout these rules, you may find that certain situations are not spelled out at that point we refer to the National Federation of High School Rules. With that said, this is not high school where an expected level of knowledge and expertise are assumed. Please attempt to simulate game situations however keeping in mind the level of player that you are coaching and abide by the rules, goals, intent and spirit of the program. If an issue arises during a game, the referee has the final say on ANY rule interpretation. PLEASE do not argue the point. Please remember that as coaches and adults we are to teach and facilitate, not dictate and manipulate a game that is intended to be a fun and learning experience for ALL players. Although we make an attempt to instruct the officials in our rules, they cannot be expected to understand all of the differences between our rules and high school rules. The only way it can work is that we all understand and follow the rules. 1

2 Registration, Eligibility, and Rosters Team Balance Player Eligibility No Outside Recruits Trades/ Exchanges Player ejection from a game Coach ejection from a game The Grade coordinator and coaches will strive to create balanced teams across grades by Draft or similar means (e.g., no All-Star or A, B or C teams). Each player must be a student enrolled in the applicable grade and not be under suspension from school. Players must be residents of Prior Lake/Savage or surrounding area or go to a school in that school district. The exchange of players between teams is prohibited except for very unusual circumstances and with the approval of the grade coordinator. There shall be automatic ejection from the game for any fighting or serious offense as deemed by the game officials. If a player is ejected from a game, then that player may not play in the next game in which they are eligible to participate. The ejected player s Coach must inform the grade coordinator of the suspension the day of the suspension. The grade coordinator will notify the PLAY VP of football within 24 hours. Failure to report suspensions by the Coach to the grade coordinator will result in an additional game suspension for the Player and the Coach. If a Coach is ejected from a game, then the Coach may not resume his duties until he appears before the PLAY football Board and the circumstances of the ejection are explored. Reinstatement shall rest solely with the PLAY football board and the football Board shall have the right to ban that Coach from involvement in any PLAY football program in the future. Scheduling Season Inclement Weather Rescheduling Practices & Games: Check the PLAY schedule Lightning If you see it and hear it CLEAR IT! Games and practices are to be postponed IMMEDIATELY and all players/spectators and officials are to seek appropriate shelter. Games and practices are to resume no sooner than 30 minutes after the last sight and sound of a thunder or lightning. Other weather Games will be called at the field by the referees after a discussion with both Head Coaches. Please do not assume a game will be cancelled and not show up it will result in a forfeit. In-house games will not be rescheduled due to weather cancellations. It is considered an official game if 3 quarters have been completed. 2

3 Weight Limitations Weight rules are in place for no other reason than safety issues. Players will be weighed at a predetermined time and place and the player s official weight will be identified on the official team roster. The official weight is the weight of a player in t-shirt, shorts, and without shoes. The player s official weight is their designated weight for the entire season. The official weight must only be done by a person on the PLAY football association board and cannot be submitted by any other means. Head Coaches are fully responsible for playing players in certain positions and adhering to the weight restriction rules. Any teams found not adhering to a strict weight, will be reviewed by the PLAY Board. Players qualifying for helmet stripes based on the chart below must be identified by the single stripe being placed horizontally above the ear holes on the helmet. Stripes must be a minimum of 3 inches in length and clearly visible from the sidelines. Use a contrasting color tape to what the helmet color is (i.e. dark on light or light on dark). Grade Non-Stripe Players Single Stripe Players 3 rd Grade Up to lbs 81 lbs & up 4 th Grade Up to lbs 91 lbs & up 5 th Grade Up to lbs 101 lbs & up Single Stripe Players Offense: Can line up at Center, Guard, Tackle, TE or QB. As QB, the Single Stripe Player CANNOT run the ball. As QB, the Single Stripe Player can only pass the ball or hand the ball off. A Single Stripe QB CANNOT advance the ball past the line of scrimmage, even on a broken play. If the play is broken, the Single Stripe QB will be deemed down at the line of scrimmage and/or the location where they are tackled or deemed in the grasp. This will be a judgement call by the official. As a TE, the Single Stripe Player CANNOT split out wide at any time and must be no more than one yard from the nearest tackle. A Single Stripe Player may advance the ball on offense ONLY by a legal forward pass caught BEYOND the line of scrimmage. A Designated player CANNOT receive the pitch on a hook and ladder play; they can catch and pitch. Defense: Defensive Tackle, Defensive End, or LB only A Single Stripe Player may advance a fumble or interception Special Teams: A Single Stripe Player can be used as a kicker or punter and is subject to the same limitations as a Restricted Player in this position. They cannot return a punt at any time during the game. If they catch a short punt, the ball is dead at that spot. If a Single Stripe Player receives an onside kick, they can advance the ball as long as they are on the front line, if they are behind the front line, the ball is dead at the spot once they control the ball. Non-Stripe Players Non-stripe players can line up at any position, and can carry or receive the football (running backs, quarterbacks, flankers and ends). They can also play ANY position on defense. A Single stripe player in an eligible position shall result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. 3

4 Equipment Field The HOME team will be responsible for the down marker and chains. The Visiting coach may request to have one attendant be on Chain Gang. The home team is the team listed first or on top. Football Size 3 rd : Peewee 4 th / 5 th : Junior or Youth (old 100) Game Balls Each offense may use its own football as long as it is an official size and inflated to standard high school rules. If multiple balls are being used in a game, the kicking team must kickoff with opposition s football. Fields Field Size Team Location Field Inspection & Maintenance Coach s Box 3 rd / 4 th / 5 th : 80x40 yards It is recommended that the team benches will be on opposite sides of the field where feasible. Pre-game field inspection: The Home team coach is to do a brief overview of the field and equipment. If anything is considered to unsafe, they must correct or contact the field coordinator prior to game play. 30-yard line to 30-yard line. Coaches and Fans On-Field Coaches Coaches Requirements and Conduct. General - Coaches, Players and Fans Referees 3 rd & 4 th One coach for the offense and one coach for the defense can be in the huddle and on the field during the plays. Coaches on field must stay 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. On-field coaches must remain silent once offensive line is set and until the play is completed. (5-yard penalty). One coach can be on the field for the first two games, then no coaches 5th on the field during the game. Plays must be signaled in or use a player to run the play in. No more than four (4) coaches may be on the sidelines during a game. Disciplinary - If a Coach or a member of a Coaching team is ejected from any game, regardless of the situation, they are prohibited from being on the same side line as their team for a minimum of one game (the next game). Cheering and positive encouragement of players, coaches and fans embodies the spirit of athletics. Any conduct that is in direct conflict of good sportsmanship, by players, coaches and fans can result in ejection from the game and sporting area. No coach, player or fan will disrespectfully argue a decision of a referee. Discussing and trying to understand a referee s decision is allowed as long as it is done in a respectful, calm and civil manner by coaches only. No coach, player or fan will yell obscenities at or denigrate any player, coach, referee or fan. Physical or verbal abuse by any coach, player or fan is cause for dismissal from current and future practice/games. Players, coaches and fans are not to chastise, give hints, help or instruct referees. 3rd: (1) coach from each team will act as an official for all games and scrimmages. 4

5 Number of Officials Referee Authority Referees and Rules Rules 'Review' If Referees are a "No- Show" 4 th : Two (2) league-assigned officials assigned to each game. 5 th : Two (2) league-assigned officials assigned to each game. Referees will only be communicating with the Head Coach; Head Coach designate or coach on the field to eliminate confusion and other potential issues. In a situation where any player, coach, or spectator is displaying Unsportsmanlike conduct, the referees shall have the right to request that the HEAD Coach or any coach designee remove the offender(s) from the playing and viewing area, and can suspend play until this is done. If a suitable resolution is not resolved in a reasonable amount of time (as determined by the referee), the referee has the right to call a forfeit. Referees will officiate each game in accordance with League rules. If league rules do not specifically address a specific situation, National Federation of High School Rules will apply. Referees have final decision-making authority during the course of a game. (Also see Cancellations) Please note that the referees also referee at various levels. Certain rules have been modified to accommodate the goals of our league. At times there may be confusion as to specific rules and rules modification. Also consider that due to the number of referees vs. the number of players and various actions on the field, it is nearly impossible to see everything that happens on the field. We are also asking referees to understand the level and ability of the kids though it is optional, we give them the authority to offer warnings to teach and make kids aware of potential infractions (i.e.: lining up offsides, holding etc ). We ask that the referees try when possible to communicate the warning to the Head Coach as well. We as coaches must remember that the Referees do not have any stake in the outcome of the game. We ask that regardless of the situation that the adults involved show a mutual respect towards each other and set a positive example of sportsmanship for the players. If during a game, a coach believes that a ruling by a referee is not correct in accordance with the rules, a coach may call a timeout. At that time BOTH Head Coaches and the referees are to come together to calmly and professionally discuss & review the rule. It is the responsibility of the Coach who called the timeout to have the proper documentation to address the rule. If the ruling is overturned due to the timeout and discussion, the timeout is not charged. If the ruling on the field stands, the timeout will be charged to the team who called the timeout. Referees have final decision-making authority during the course of a game. If Referees do not show up for your game, we ask that a coach notify the PLAY grade coordinator soon after your game. Please do not hold up your game, especially if there is another game scheduled after your game. We want to limit the number of avoidable late starts. **Recommended Solutions**: If there is another game nearby that has 2 referees, please contact them and notify them that you do not have a referee and ask for their assistance. If an official referee is not an option, coaches should get together. We ask that they mutually agree to each select one coach from each side to referee the contest. Rules General National Federation of High School League ( NFHS ) rules will be followed except as noted below. The NFHS rules apply to all players, coaches, parents and referees. 5

6 Game Length Play Clock Time Outs Halftime Kickoff Punt Penalties 3 rd : Games will consist of two 30 minute running-time halves with a 5 or 10 minute half time (officials decision). The clock will only stop for injuries and called time outs (2 per team per half). Overtime is not permitted in 3 rd grade. Games should be played as controlled scrimmages. Refer to USA Football Rookie Tackle Rulebook for more information. 4 th : Games will consist of two 30 minute halves with a 5 or 10 minute half time (official s decision). (see below for additional info) 5 th : Games will consist four (4) 15-minute running quarters with stop time rules applied during the last two minutes of each half. 3 rd : 45 seconds between plays (see above) 4 th & 5 th : 30 seconds between plays The clock will be stopped for injuries and immediately after a score. Extra points will not be run against the game clock. The 30 second clock will be started by the officials for extra points, with delay of game receiving the usual 5-yard penalty. During the final 2 minutes of each half, the clock will be stopped for: o Incomplete pass o Out of bounds o Following a touchdown 3 rd & 4th: Each team is allowed 2 timeouts per half 5 th : Each team is allowed 3 timeouts per half 5 or 10 minutes for half-time. (shortened if agreed to by both coaches or by referee due to 1st half running long) 3 rd / 4 th / 5 th : No Kickoffs, place the ball at the 24-yard line 3 rd / 4 th / 5 th : No punting. Punts will consist of a 24-yard walk-off by the official. If the ball is inside the 30-yard line, the ball will be advanced half the distance to the goal. 3 rd / 4 th / 5 th : High School Rules 3 rd : No Overtime Overtime 4 th & 5 th Ties are decided by each team trying to score from the 10-yard line. A coin flip determines who gets the ball first. Each team gets one possession to score. This would typically be up to 4 plays from the 10-yard line, however this could be extended with defensive penalties. The second team gets one possession to score. If a team scores, they also try an extra point from the 3-yard line. If a team loses possession of the ball, they cannot run any further plays. The team with the highest score wins the tiebreaker. If both teams are tied after one overtime, the game ends in a tie. Scoring Touchdown = 6 POINTS Safety = 2 POINTS Point After Touchdown (PAT) o No Kicking PAT o A run play will be awarded 1 point. 6

7 o If a ball is thrown into the end zone and caught by an eligible receiver, it's a 2-point conversion. o If the ball is thrown to the flat and maintains the rules for a legal forward pass and caught by a RB, even behind the line of scrimmage, and run in, it would still be counted as pass receiving yardage and is therefore a 2-point conversion. o If a ball is thrown to a WR and lateraled to a RB (as in a hook and ladder play), it would be tabulated as rushing yardage by HS, college and pros, and is therefore a 1 point conversion. This is a Youth developmental league. It is to give players the opportunity to learn and play the game of football regardless of skills and ability. It is not a "Win at all costs" league; our league's philosophy is to give all players opportunities. Playing Time Rules 3 rd & 4 th : o Every player must start as well as play a full half on offense and a full half on defense. This does not mean all players will play an equal number of plays. o Backfield positions are numbered as 1, 2, 3, and 4. o The entire backfield MUST BE changed at half time. If a player runs even one play as a back in the first half, they will be ineligible to carry the ball in the second half. o During a given series in a half, you cannot move players to different positions in the backfield. If a player starts that series at the 1 back, they must stay at the 1 back or to any other non-backfield position for that series. Moving one player to different backfield positions within one series is strictly prohibited. Each player should play at least a minimum of 50% of the game; which is defined as each player: Starts and plays on defense throughout one entire half (e.g., first half). Starts and plays on offense throughout the opposite half (e.g., second half). No player will be allowed to play more than 75%, which is defined as more than 3 quarters on offense and 3 quarters on defense. No player is to play 4 quarters on either offense or defense. Rules Offense Balanced Offense Balanced O-Lines Split Formation One side of the formation can only have at most one more player on that side of the ball than exists on the other side of the ball. QB, center, and I formation backs do not count as they are already centered. No unbalanced lines are allowed on offense, i.e. must have a center and one guard and one tackle on each side of center (TGCGT) Only 1 player can be split wide The player split wide must be a WB; he may not be an end. Shotgun No shotgun formation is allowed. Players in Motion No Huddle Offense Quarterback Sneaks 3 rd & 4 th No motion is allowed. 5 th Motion is allowed however, the motion cannot result in an unbalanced formation at the point the ball is snapped 3 rd & 4 th A no-huddle offense is not allowed. 5 th A no-huddle offense is only allowed in the last 2 minutes of either half There is NO QB sneak when the distance to a first down or goal line is 3 yards or less. 7

8 Rules Defense Legal Defense Defensive Line Movement Defensive Gap Lineup Stunting Linebacker/ Safety depth Short yardage 3 rd Refer to USA Football Rookie Tackle Rulebook for more information. 4 th & 5 th 3 rd & 4 th 5 th 3 rd & 4 th 5 th Only a 4-3 defense is allowed, defensive lineman will NOT cover the center. Defensive linemen may not move after they are set in their stance. The official may allow movement if the player who was originally lined up incorrectly moves to be in compliance with the head up rule. Lineman must line up directly in front of the offensive lineman. They may not line up in the gap. Defensive ends may not line up inside of the head of the furthest outside offensive lineman that is not split out wide. Defensive ends can be on the outside shoulder of the tight end. Defensive players must not make any attempts, either verbally or physically, to draw offensive players off-sides. Stunting is not allowed. Defensive lineman must engage the offensive lineman first with two hands before moving through the line. Stunting is allowed. Stunting is defined as a defensive lineman shooting the gap or crossing two defensive linemen. Linebackers must be 5 yards off the line and defensive backs 8 yards off the line. If the first down to go is 3 yards or less, the linebackers can step off 3 yards instead of 5 yards. The safeties may reduce their 8-yard distance to 5 yards when on or inside the 10-yard line. Players must remain stationary until the snap of the ball. Linebackers must be a minimum of 3 yards off the line and defensive backs 8 yards off the line. Players must remain stationary until the snap of the ball, although they may move laterally to react to a man in motion. If the first down to go is 3 yards or less, linebackers can step off 3 yards and safeties can step off 5 yards Blitzing 3 rd & 4 th No Blitzing is allowed 5 th No Blitzing or forward movement by linebackers is allowed prior to the snap of the ball. DE s and linebackers may rush in after the snap. Stacked LB s No stacking of linebackers, i.e. cannot line up behind a defensive lineman. Tackling 3 rd & 4 th No tackling by the head/helmet. No horsecollar tackles allowed. Both constitute a personal foul. Rules Special Teams Special teams do not apply to 3 rd, 4 th, or 5th grade. No kickoffs, punts, or (kicked) extra points. 8

9 Valid Offensive Alignments See Offensive Rules section above Consult individual playbooks for more information on approved formations and alignments. Adherence to the Offensive playbook - created by the Laker Varsity Staff and distributed by P.L.A.Y. - is mandatory. Offensive playbooks have been individually modified to adjust to respective grade level rules. Valid Defensive Alignments 4-3 Defense 4 players on the line of scrimmage: 2 defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends. o DE s must be lined up over the widest offensive lineman. o DT s will be lined up over guards o No nose guard allowed 3 linebackers: 2 outside linebackers and 1 middle linebacker. o Linebackers cannot be stacked (lined up behind a lineman). o Outside linebackers must be on the outside shoulder of the defensive end or wider. o You cannot move them inside any further. o Linebackers may not be used to play press coverage on wide receivers (they are linebackers, not defensive backs). 2 Defensive backs can line up a maximum of 5 yards wider than the outside offensive player. o They must be at least 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. 2 Safeties must be lined up at least 10 yards from the line of scrimmage (exception is goal line) 9