2017 TXAAU FOOTBALL RULES OF PLAY

Transcription

1 2017 TXAAU FOOTBALL RULES OF PLAY pg. 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE GOVERNING COMPETITION RULES 3 AAU MEMBERSHIP 3 LIGHTNING POLICY 3 TIEBREAKERS 4 MERCY RULES-TXAAU Tackle Football 4 CODE OF CONDUCT RULES 5-8 BOOKCHECK 8 SIDELINE STAFF 9 COMMUNICTION DEVICES 9 ATHLETES TEAM SIZE 9 ATHLETE S IDENTIFICATION 10 NON-ATHLETES 10 FOOTBALLS 11 TXAAUYFL FOOTBALL DIVISIONS pg. 2

3 GOVERNING COMPETITION RULES **Please note that the rules included in this rulebook regulate only Texas AAU tackle football. If a team qualifies for a leagued based tournament those rules will supersede TXAAU tackle rules** The 2017 TXAAU Tackle Football will use the most current rules as published by the NCAA except where specifically amended in the sections to follow. It is strongly recommended that coaches have a copy, as it is the responsibility of the Head Coach to be knowledgeable of the rules. AAU MEMBERSHIP All athletes, coaches, board members, and sideline persons (i.e. team moms) must hold a current AAU membership. In addition, all teams must hold a current AAU club membership. All coaches listed on the roster will be credentialed by maintaining a current Positive Coaches Alliance Certificate. LIGHTNING POLICY When you first see lightning or hear thunder, suspend activities and go to shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming activities. Each incident will require the 30 minutes to be reinitiated (start over). This policy addresses the safety of the participants and spectators and leaves no room for interpretation or noncompliance. Failure to comply with this policy as an individual, team or organization will result in TXAAUYFL restrictions and/or fines up to and including expulsion from all league and organization sponsored events. Note: Facility policy may override TXAAUYFL policy. pg. 3

4 TIEBREAKERS NCAA Rules shall apply with the exception of the initial spot of the ball. Overtime play shall begin with the ball spotted on the 10-yard line with no possibility of a first down. MERCY RULES-TXAAU Tackle Football ** Please note Mercy rule will not be used during playoffs and State Championship games. ** The mercy rule will not go into effect before 3 rd quarter. There will be a running clock if a team is winning by 35 points or more. Once the deficit is reduced below 35 points the clock will go back to a regulation clock. For example: if Team A is ahead of Team B by 35 points or more, Team A shall be limited to running the ball between the tackles. Team A WILL NOT be allowed to pass the ball, run outside the tackles, or trick plays. a. As long as the 35+point differential is maintained, Team A must use the balance of its reserve layers in lieu of first -string players. b. Once Team B reduced the deficit to less than 35 points, normal play would resume until one team is leading by 35+ points. While the Mercy Rule is in effect, the clock shall run and stop only for the following: Time out injuries End of Quarters Immediately after a score which takes the scoring margin back below 35 points pg. 4

5 CODE OF CONDUCT RULES Playing music that is sexually explicit, has any racial overtones/words or contains inappropriate language will not be allowed. This is subject to action by the Exec. Committee if deemed to be deliberate in nature. Head coaches will be responsible for the conduct and sportsmanship of their players and sideline staff. Any misconduct during the game of play, immediately after, or in between games will be reviewed. The executive board, in accordance with ZERO TOLERANCE, may impose suspension, forfeiture, or expulsion where it sees applicable. All teams will line up on the 50-yard line and meet in the middle of the field to shake hands. TWO (2) EJECTIONS in a season by a player, coach or spectator will result in the suspension of that player, coach, or spectator for the remainder of the season. Further action may also be taken at the discretion of the TXAAUYFL Committee. The Club/Organization will also be issued a fine of $ per person and incident. SPORTSMANSHIP/EJECTION POLICY This policy applies to all persons involved in an athletic contest, including student-athletes, coaches, managers, and game administrators. The following examples include behavior or conduct which will result in an ejection from a contest: Fighting which includes and is not limited to combative acts such as: o An altercation between 2 or more parties that includes swinging, hitting, punching and/or kicking an attempt to strike an opponent with a fist, hand, arm, leg, feet, or equipment o An attempt to punch or kick an opponent regardless of whether or not contact is made o An attempt to instigate a fight by committing an unsportsmanlike act pg. 5

6 toward an opponent that causes an opponent to retaliate o Leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact) Flagrant contact which includes and is not limited to combative acts only, for instance: o No excessive contact out-of-bounds or away from playing action that is unwarranted and extreme in nature o No tackling/taking down a player dangerously in a malicious manner o No baiting observed or determined by an official Taunting, baiting, or spitting toward an opponent or official Profanity directed toward an official or opponent Obscene gestures, including gesturing in such a manner as to intimidate or instigate Disrespectfully addressing (physical contact with an official is subject to automatic expulsion and can result in ineligibility for remainder of career) DISQUALIFICATION Any player or sideline staff that is disqualified from a game will serve an automatic suspension for the remainder of the game and will not be available to play the following weeks game. If an athlete is disqualified, the athlete will be identified to the head official and shall immediately remove his/her equipment and remain on the bench. pg. 6

7 EJECTIONS Any player or sideline staff that is ejected from a game will serve an automatic one game suspension of the next available game played by his/her team. If an athlete is ejected, the athlete will be identified by the head official and shall be in plain street clothes and not in uniform other than jersey. League Rep or Official will get the name of the player and provided it to the opposing team for the following week of play. The executive board may impose additional penalties if it sees applicable. Any fan or spectator that is asked to leave the premises for misconduct will not be allowed to return to the next TXAAU Tackle Football event. No exceptions. CODE OF CONDUCT RULES FOR PARENT/GUARDIANS AND SPECTATORS 1. I will not force my child or any child to participate in Youth Football. 2. I will assist the Association in teaching my child and others in the league that rules are important, and should be followed. 3. I understand that children learn best by example and that I will always attempt to set a good example for my child and any other participating children. 4. I will teach and demonstrate by example the importance of good sportsmanship in victory and in defeat. 5. I will not publicly question the honesty, integrity, or judgment of the coaches or game officials. 6. I understand that verbal and physical abuse is not to be tolerated. Verbal abuse includes swearing, profanity, and foul or demeaning language. 7. I understand that abusive or violent conduct with any child, parent, staff member, fan, referee, or any participating person is prohibited and shall not be tolerated. pg. 7

8 8. I understand that sexual and vulgar language/conduct is prohibited and shall not be tolerated. 9. I understand that language that is considered offensive from a racial, ethnic, religious, or gender perspective is prohibited and will not be tolerated. 10. I understand that sexual harassment of any nature is prohibited and will not be tolerated. 11. I understand that drinking alcoholic beverages, using illegal substances or being under the influence of either alcohol or illegal substances at any AAU activity or sanctioned event is prohibited and will not be tolerated. 12. I understand smoking is prohibited at all AAU games, competitions, and practices. 13. I shall responsibly handle disagreements and shall not engage in divisive or destructive activities such as verbal and physical confrontations; gossip and/or the spreading of rumors. 14. I further accept responsibility for my family members, friends, guests and/or anyone who accompanies me to any AAU games, practice, or other activity, and shall ensure they exhibit good sportsmanship and comply with this Code of Conduct. 15. I agree to not bring my pet to practices or to games. BOOK CHECK Book check will be completed each game. Head coaches will conduct book check prior to each regular season game. TXAAU Executive committee will conduct book check during playoffs and State Championship. Book check will occur 30 minutes prior to start of game. Please note that if a player arrives during their team s book check, that player will be able to check in and play at the start of the game. If a player arrives after their team s book check the player may be checked at half time and opposing head coach will be notified of player being checked in. The team also has the option of using a time out to check in a late arriving player, but they must first notify the opposing team. pg. 8

9 SIDELINE STAFF The sideline staff may consist of 8 non-athlete members including junior coaches. Junior coaches should be of high school age, hold a current AAU Athlete Membership, and be in proper coaching attire. All members of the sideline staff shall hold a current AAU Non-Athlete Membership and have proper credentials for the sideline. This staff may include any combination of coaches, trainers, team mom, etc. All must be in proper coaching attire and match the team colors. Please note chain crew is not required to have an AAU membership however, they will not be allowed to use cell phones or make hand signals to the opposing team. If caught with a cell phone or making hand signals an official or a board member will remove them. COMMUNICTION DEVICES No communication devices will be used to communicate with a player during. Communication devices including, but not limited to audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions, shall not be used to communicate. No persons on the side line to include chain crew will be allowed to use any communication device during the game. ATHLETES A team shall consist of a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 40 players. Any exceptions must be in writing to a designated representative for each conference. All athletes must be in compliance with the AAU Membership section of this packet. Any athlete found to be ineligible prior to the start of the game would be expelled from the game. Once the game has begun, any athlete found to be ineligible would be expelled along with the Head Coach. The team will forfeit all games in which an athlete participated illegally and will be seeded accordingly. pg. 9

10 ATHLETE S IDENTIFICATION All athletes will be required to complete age certification prior to the start of the season. Verification may be accomplished with the following: 1. TXDMV ID to verify identity and date of birth. Receipts from TXDMV will be accepted up to expiration date printed on TXDMV receipt. 2. Passport and US Military ID will be the ONLY alternative form of ID to be accepted. Please note actual original copy of TXDMV ID, US Military ID, or Passport must be present at time of certification no photocopy will be accepted. 3. Following will be accepted in place of TXDMV ID, Passport or US Military ID Current year report card, Original certified birth certificate and Current year shot records. Current year School ID can be substituted for report card or shot record only. NON-ATHLETES A team may carry up to 8 persons on the sideline that are allowed inside the coaches box. This may consist of any combination of Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer, Team Mom, or Jr. Coach. All Coaches shall be listed on the current team playing on the field roster and must have provided sideline credentials. All AAU membership rules regarding non-athletes apply and any violation will result in removal from the sidelines up to and including team forfeiting the game. (NO EXCEPTIONS) All sideline staff must have their league credentials visible at all times. pg. 10

11 FOOTBALLS Sizes: All game balls will be leather and of the appropriate size for each division, as referenced in the USA Football Rule Book. All game balls must be manufactured by Wilson or Equal full leather construction no composite. TXAAUYFL FOOTBALL DIVISIONS Flag or Tackle Mighty Might s Division ages 4-6 (6U) (One coach on the field) Freshman Division ages 7-8 (8U) JV Division ages 9-10 (10U) Varsity Division ages (12U) DIVISIONS AAU Football shall consist of four age divisions: 6U (Flag), 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U with the age requirement being the age that the athlete is at 11:59pm on August 1, An athlete may not play in a higher division prior to AAU Tackle Football approval. Due to safety concerns, no athlete will be allowed to play up more than one age group. The athlete requesting to play up and parent must sign waiver form with their respective team. Once an athlete plays up, they will not be allowed to play down and must play in the elected division throughout the season. An athlete may not play in a lower division for any reason. All rosters will be locked on September 15 th, 2017 pg. 11

12 DIVISIONAL RULES: 6 AND UNDER DIVISION Number of players that will be on the field during a scrimmage will be 11. The minimum to play will be 9. There will be 8 minute quarters w/a running clock (8-minute Halftime). The clock will start on the ready. Clock will stop for ONLY the following: The expectable flag equipment - (3) Three flags permanently sewn onto a web belt. Entire belt comes off so there are no pieces to lose or attach during the game. Belt attaches with break-resistant polyethylene clip. Three flags, each made of vinyl-coated polyester, will not tear and are permanently sewed onto web belt. Entire belt comes off when pulled. It is the responsibility of the Home and Visiting coach to verify equipment prior to the start of each game. Note: The Regulation Clock runs in accordance with TXAAU rules. Regulation Clocks will stop for the following: time outs, penalties, end of quarters, out of bounds, incomplete passes, fair catches, inadvertent whistles, scores & touchdowns GAME BALL official game ball will be Pee Wee size SCORING Touchdown - 6 points Kicked PAT - 2 points Run/Pass PAT - 1 point Run/Pass PAT - 2 points (must be declared with white hat going for 2 and ball placed at 5-yard line) Safety - 2 Points Field Goal - 3 Points pg. 12

13 MERCY RULE: See PAGE #4 Overtime will be handled in accordance with the TXAAU 10-Yard Line Overtime Procedure Mouthpieces must be worn and/or attached to the face mask No lining up directly over the Center o 6 Defensive players are permitted on the line of scrimmage and must not be in a 3-point or 4-point stance o No Kick-Off. The ball will be spotted at the offense s 20-yard line o Punting will be an option of a through or kick o A PAT is worth 2 points if kicked and 1 point if run or passed; ball will be placed at the 2-yard line o Play clock is 35 seconds o In 6U, one coach from each team will be allowed in his/ her respective backfield during the game. Coaches on the field should be at least 10 yards behind their last player at start of cadence. Coaches must also make every effort to not interfere with plays (physically or verbally) once they are in progress In games where coaches can be on the field (6U) on the 2 nd warning the on-field coach(s) will be replaced and not allowed back on the field during that game Sideline Warning being outside the team box, but not on field 1st Sideline Warning First time Warning 2nd Sideline Interference 5-yard penalty 3rd Sideline Interference 15 yard -Unsportsmanlike Conduct pg. 13

14 8 AND UNDER DIVISION TIMING 10 Minute Quarters w/a Regulation Clock (8-minute Halftime) A Varsity clock will be used for all games. Clock will stop for only the following: Note: The Regulation Clock runs in accordance with TXAAU rules. Regulation Clocks will stop for the following Time Outs Penalties End of Quarters Out of Bounds Incomplete Passes Scores & Touchbacks Fair Catches Inadvertent Whistles GAME BALL - official game ball will be Pee Wee size SCORING Touchdown 6 points Kicked PAT 2 points Run/Pass PAT 1 point Safety 2 Points Field Goal 3 Points pg. 14

15 MERCY RULE- See PAGE #4 Overtime will be handled in accordance with the TXAAU 10 Yard Line Overtime Procedure. Mouthpieces must be worn and attached to the face mask No lining up directly over the Center. Facemask must be in the A Gap. 6 Defensive players are permitted on the line of scrimmage and must be in either a 3-point or 4-point stance. Any player in a 2-point stance must be 6 feet (2 yards) off the line of scrimmage. Kick-Off. The ball will be kicked from the 50-yard line. Declaration of a Punt. The offense and defense will leave the playing field. One player shall remain on the field for the purpose of punting the ball. The player punting the ball will line up 5 yards behind the spot of the ball. Upon lining up the player will be given the ball by the head referee and shall have no more than 5 seconds to punt the ball. The ball will be considered down where it stops or the point in which it rolls out of bounds. No rushing when kicking a PAT or punting A PAT is worth 2 points if kicked and 1 point if run or passed ball will be placed at the 2-yard line. Play clock is 25 seconds pg. 15

16 Sideline Warning - Being Outside the team box, but not on field 1st Sideline Warning First time Warning 2nd Sideline Interference 5-yard penalty 3rd Sideline Interference 15 yard -Unsportsmanlike Conduct pg. 16

17 10 AND UNDER DIVISION TIMING 10 Minute Quarters w/a Regulation Clock (8-minute Halftime) A Varsity clock will be used for all games. Clock will stop for only the following: Note: The Regulation Clock runs in accordance with TXAAU rules. Regulation Clocks will stop for the following: Time Outs Penalties End of Quarters Out of Bounds Incomplete Passes Scores & Touchbacks Fair Catches Inadvertent Whistles Overtime will be handled in accordance with the TXAAUYFL 10- Yard Line Overtime Procedure. Mouthpieces must be worn and attached to the face mask No lining up directly over the Center. Facemask must be in the A Gap. Kick-Off will be from the 40-yard line. No lining up directly over the Center. Facemask must be in the A pg. 17

18 Gap. 6 Defensive players are permitted on the line of scrimmage and must be in either a 3-point or 4-point stance. Any player in a 2- point stance must be 6 feet (2 yards) off the line of scrimmage. No rushing when kicking a PAT or punting A PAT is worth 2 points if kicked and 1 point if run or passed ball will be placed at the 2-yard line. Play clock is 25 seconds Out of Bounds Incomplete Passes Scores & Touchbacks Fair Catches Inadvertent Whistles GAME BALL - official game ball will be a Junior Size SCORING Touchdown 6 points Kicked PAT 2 points Run/Pass PAT 1 point Safety 2 Points Field Goal 3 Points MERCY RULE- See PAGE #4 pg. 18

19 Sideline Warning - Being Outside the team box, but not on field 1st Sideline Warning First time Warning 2nd Sideline Interference 5-yard penalty 3rd Sideline Interference 15 yard -Unsportsmanlike Conduct pg. 19

20 12 AND UNDER DIVISION TIMING 12 Minute Quarters w/a Regulation Clock (8-minute Halftime) A Varsity clock will be used for all games. Clock will stop for only the following: Note: The Regulation Clock runs in accordance with TXAAUYFL rules. Regulation Clocks will stop for the following GAME BALL - official game ball will be a Junior Size SCORING Touchdown 6 points Kicked PAT 2 points Run/Pass PAT 1 point Safety 2 Points Field Goal 3 Points MERCY RULE- SEE PAGE #4 OTHER Overtime will be handled in accordance with the TXAAU 10-Yard Line Overtime Procedure. pg. 20

21 Mouthpieces must be worn and attached to the face mask No lining up directly over the Center. Facemask must be in the A Gap. 6 Defensive players are permitted on the line of scrimmage and must be in either a 3 point or 4-point stance. Any player in a 2-point stance must be 6 feet (2 yards) off the line of scrimmage. Kick-Off will be from the 40-yard line. During kicking and punting situations, players are ALLOWED to rush the kicker/punter. A PAT is worth 2 points if kicked and 1 point if run or passed ball will be placed at the 2-yard line. Play clock is 25 seconds a. Sideline Warning Sideline Warning - Being Outside the team box, but not on field 1st Sideline Warning First time Warning 2nd Sideline Interference 5-yard penalty 3rd Sideline Interference 15 yard -Unsportsmanlike Conduct pg. 21