YMCA Youth Tackle Football League Tackle Football Rules 10U Updated: 5/4/17

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1 YMCA Youth Tackle Football League Tackle Football Rules 10U Updated: 5/4/17 Basis: The YMCA Youth Tackle Football League Rules are adopted by the Youth Sports Committee. The 10 and under division will follow UIL rules with the following exceptions: Team Compositions: Age Level Max # on Field Max # on Team Min # OL on the L.O.S. Football Size 10U (Ages 9-10) Junior Size Maximum Age (Birthdate as of September 1 st, 2017) 10 and under 10 Minimum Team Age All teams in tackle football must be at league age. Team Participant Requirements If for any reason a team has less than 17 players on July 31 st, 2017, the entire team will be given refunds and not be included in the schedule. If a team drops below 17 players after July 31 st, the YMCA will add players from open registration to a team until August 25 th, Team rosters will be capped at 17 coach requested players. Rosters will consist of 22 total players, meaning only 17 players can request a particular coach and 5 players will be added to the team from individual registrations. Returning player/returning coach exception: Teams that played in the 2016 Fall tackle football season will be allowed to carry more than 17 coach requested players if each player was registered for that specific team and coach in the 2016 season. If a team has 15 or fewer players at game time, it will be at the YMCA site director s discretion to allow them to play players for four periods. Weight Limits Weight*** Maximum Weight Maximum Ball Carrier Weight 10 and under 138 lbs. 110 lbs.

2 I. Weigh In Procedures A. Team weigh in date Saturday, July 29 th B. A YMCA representatives will witness each child being weighed in. C. If a child does not make weight or misses weigh in date, they will need to be weighed by Monday 8/7/17. If the child does not make weight by then the player can continue to practice in HELMET ONLY, until they reach the acceptable weight. D. Any coach who knowingly allows a player who is over the weight limit to practice in pads will be suspended for two games. The Coaches 2 nd offense will entail a season long suspension and 1 year probation. E. Participants will be allowed a ½ pound of weight increase after the first week of the season on a weekly basis. F. There will be two random weigh-ins conducted throughout the season. If a player misses a random weigh-in date, they will have the following week to come to the YMCA to weigh-in. If the child does not weigh-in prior to close of business Friday, they will not be eligible to participate in the game that following Saturday. II. Team Formation Rules A. Recruiting in any YMCA program is illegal. Any recruiting from another team before, during and after a season is strictly prohibited and faces the possibility of expulsion. B. Head coaches may submit a team roster to the Sports Director. C. Any player found to be participating in a Fall Middle School football program will not be allowed to play in our football league. The player will be removed from the current YMCA league without refund. III. Participation: A. Coaches Option/Choice of how you want your team to participate in each game. [Intent of the rule: to balance playtime so that all players get a fair opportunity to participate in the game.] 1. Option 1: Play the entire quarter (Ironman). This is where the coach elects one group of players to play (both ways) the entire 1 st and 3 rd quarters and the other group plays (both ways) the entire 2 nd and 4 th quarters. This is to include offense, defense and special teams. (See Illustration 1) 2. Option 2: Half by Half(Offense/Defense). This is where the coach chooses one group of players to play offense the entire first half and the other group to play defense the entire first half. At half time the groups change roles. The group that played offense the entire first half will play defense the entire second half and the group that played defense the entire first half will now play offense the entire second half. (See Illustration 2) Please note when using either option, you must stick with the option you chose at the start of the game throughout the duration of the game. Note: All other participation rules apply for both options. a. A player CANNOT be substituted except for injury. Any child that becomes injured during the course of the game is encouraged to return to the game IF ABLE (the Site Director will monitor the child). The injured player must sit out at least one play. The new player will NOT be charged with a quarter and must come out if the original player is able to return. However, if the player that comes in for the injured player carries the ball on a designed play, then that quarter will be counted as one of the two quarters in which that player may carry the ball in that game. Any team violating this rule will be charged with a fifteen-yard penalty. In the case of an injury, the official will notify the opposing team of the substitution. A substitution made for an injured player will be made by the team s Head coach. The Coach must check player in with site director. b. In the event a team has less than 22 players:

3 i. No player may play 4 quarters until every other player has played 3 or is playing in their 3 rd quarter. [Intent of the rule: to not allow a player, usually the best, to play more than other players.] (See illustration 3, 4) ii. The coach will choose 2 players to fill in for the 1 missing player. Each substitute player will play one quarter for every quarter the missing player would have participated in the game. iii. All players must play in a full quarter in the first and/or second half of the game, depending on which option coach has selected (except for players that are injured during the game). A player is charged for one quarter once they have reported in at the beginning of the quarter. iv. The coach must choose players to play in an extra period prior to the start of any game and designate on the participation chart, which needs to be noted in the substitute column. v. Coaches must submit YMCA approved Player Participation logs during pre game meeting to the site director, complete with player s full names (first and last), player s numbers and the quarter in which they are participating. Player participation logs will need to be turned in to the site director thirty minutes before opening kickoff and the start of the 2 nd half if any changes; due to player not returning because of injury. Any coach who fails to have these complete at that time will be charged with a fifteenyard penalty. vi. It will be the responsibility of each team s coach to check participation logs before and during games. Discrepancies will be handled on the sideline with the site director. vii. Any coach who knowingly plays and unregistered player will be kicked out of the YMCA fall league. viii. Due to the nature of assignment aspect and the subsequent risk of injury in tackle football, coaches may report players who do not regularly attend practice. The Y sports staff will address concerns with parents and issue a warning. Continued regular absence may result in loss of playing time. The YMCA Sports Director(s) will make this decision in writing. Coaches are not at liberty to bench players due to failing to attend practice. Coaches must act ethically in communicating practice time and location to all parents on their roster. **Substitution/Player violations are dead ball fouls. B. Ball Carrier: [Intent of the rule: to create a fair opportunity for more players to carry the ball.] 1. Non Ball carriers will be designated with a black X, which is determined by weight. 2. Ball carriers: No player may carry the ball on a designed play (run or pass) in more than 2 quarters of each game. 3. By definition, a designed play is to include quarterback play; handoff, forward or backward pass, or pass reception. 4. In the event of an absentee or injury, should a player filling in carry the ball on a designed play, they forfeit their ball carrying privileges for a quarter later in the game. 5. Coaches/YMCA sports staff are responsible to track ball carriers. Contesting ball carrier rule can be brought to the attention of the official and site director by the head coach throwing a red challenge flag. If staff recognize that the ball carrier rule is violated, play will be stopped and will be brought to the officials attention. 6. Should a ball carrier rule violation occur, the play is overturned, the ball will be marked with a 15-yard penalty from the original line of scrimmage. The offensive team in violation will result a loss of down. That player must be substituted from the next play and replaced with a player who eligible to carry the ball on a designed play.

4 IV. Length of Fields: 7. In the event of absent or injured player(s), the player(s) chosen to fill in cannot run the ball on any designed play in their extra quarter. Replacement players may line up in skilled positions that handle the ball. They just can t carry the ball on a designed play, run or pass. 8. The offense will handle the duties of the kickoff return, punt, and the point after touchdown. The defense will handle the duties of kickoff; punt return and defending the point after touchdown. If a player carries the ball on special teams, it will not be counted against their quarter carrying the ball. Players MAY NOT be substituted in, to strictly carry (or return) the ball on special teams. In the event of an injury, where the player has not returned, the designated substituted player must enter for the injured player. A. Kick-offs will be from the 50-yard line for all age levels B. Free kicks shall be taken from the 30-yard line. V. Time: A. 4 Quarters 12 minutes clock each quarter with no 2-minute warning stoppage. Officials will keep official time. In the event of no visual time clock, the official will call out 2 minute, 1 minute and 30 second time remaining. THERE WILL BE NO OVERTIME. (EXCEPT DURING POSTSEASON) B. The clock will stop after touchdowns, safeties, time-outs and injuries. The clock will restart in accordance with UIL rules. C. In the last two minutes of the 2 nd and 4 th quarter, the clock will stop for out-of-bounds, incomplete passes, time-outs, etc. 3 time-outs per team; per half. Except when Game out of reach rule is in effect. D. Game out of reach Running Clock: Running clock will go into effect when an opponent is 4 touchdowns (24 points) ahead. Clock will stop during injuries and timeouts while in Running Clock period. Losing team will have to get under 2 touchdowns or less (12 points) to return to regular clock rules. E. Post-season Overtime rules: Post season overtime rules follow NCAA guidelines. VI. Scoring: Touchdown Safety Point After Defensive Point after Touchdown 6 points 2 points 2 points for a pass beyond the line of scrimmage 1 point for run 2 points VII. *10U Defensive Formation Rules*: Only 4 down linemen consisting of 2 Defensive Tackles and 2 Defensive Ends. Exemption: VII.A.3. [Intent of the rule: to create the opportunity for plays to develop.] Defensive alignment violations are live ball fouls resulting is a 5-yard penalty. A. 10u Nose guards are not allowed. 1. Defensive Tackles (Linemen): Must use the nose of the ball as the line of scrimmage (LOS), and head up with the Offensive Guard. For any defensive player to be on the LOS, there MUST be an offensive player on the line besides the CENTER that they can line-up head-up with. All defensive linemen between tackles MUST be in a three or four point stance.

5 IX a. Head up alignment is defined by the location of the defensive players helmet in comparison to the offensive lineman directly across from him. This ruling is at the official s discretion. Illustration 5 2. Defensive Ends (Linemen): If a Tight End is present, the DE must line up head up with the Tight End. If there is no Tight End present the defensive end must line up head up with the offensive tackle. DE must be in a 3 or 4-point stance. a. If the TE shifts outside the TE box and takes on the role of WR, the DE can shift down to cover the DT or remain in his established position. LB or defensive secondary players can move wide or up to cover the player and all linebacker or safety rules are then implied. [Intent of the rule: Offense has shifted out of a set position, changing the formation to which the defense was required by rule to align themselves.] Illustration 6 No Gap or Shade Formation on Defensive Line 3. Linebackers: Must be at least 3 yards of LOS. a. If the offense chooses to line up or shift to a formation that consists of four interior linemen on one side of the center, the defense has the option to bring a LB to the defensive LOS in a 3 or 4-point stance. Illustration 7. An interior lineman is defined by up to a 1 yard split from the next lineman. Any player on the LOS greater than 1 yard from the tackle or last interior lineman on the LOS will be considered a split end (pass eligible or not) with applicable cornerback and/or safety alignment rules based on the formation. [Intent of the rule: Overloading the interior LOS with an extra lineman on one side of the ball creates an advantage to the offense. The defense has the option to add a down lineman, balancing play.] 4. Safeties: Must be at least 3 yards off LOS. No other restrictions. 5. Cornerback s: CB must cover the furthest pass eligible offensive player from the tackle box. Illustration 5-8. They must be at least 1 yard off LOS when defending a wide out or split receiver. If there is no wide out or split receiver (TE is the last player on LOS), CB must be 3 yards off LOS. Illustration 8. There can only be 1 cornerback within the 1-yard alignment guarding a split or wide receiver, hence no direct double-teaming. [Intent of the rule: to define the cornerback position alignment] Any split larger than 1 yard from the tackle, will be considered the end of the line. Violation of these rules will be a live ball foul resulting in a 5-yard penalty (Each team will be allowed one warning per half). *Offensive Rules*: A. Quarterback sneaks are not allowed from under center. Violation of this rule will result in a 5-yard penalty (No warnings given). The Quarterback in shotgun formation can advance the ball between the guard and guard. [Intent of the rule: to keep the offense from gaining advantage of not having a nose guard over center.] B. Offensive linemen may line up in a two-point stance, three-point stance, or four-point stance. C. An eligible receiver is determined for players on the line of scrimmage; only the ones on each end are eligible to catch a pass, hence the terms tight end and split end. Other players must be off the line of scrimmage by one yard to be eligible receivers. These other receivers may be between the tackle and the end, between the end and the sideline, or in the backfield. D. Positions are not restricted by number ranges, therefore, players do not have to report their number as an eligible receiver.

6 X. Punts: A. Punts for 10U will be a FREE KICK. a. Defense alignment rules apply during the free kick. Defense may drop into punt return formation once the ball has been snapped. Defensive formation violations will be dead ball foul resulting in a 5-yard penalty. b. THE DEFENSE MAY NOT RUSH THE PUNTER. Rushing is defined as crossing the line of scrimmage and engaging in physical contact. Defensive rushing is a dead ball foul resulting in a 5-yard penalty. The official reserves the right to judge action as a personal foul based on the degree of contact made with offensive player. c. Defense may engage in contact once the punt team player has left his position into punt coverage. XI. Coaches: A. Heads Up Football Requirements: 1. At least one coach is REQUIRED to attend coaches meeting, participate in and complete Heads Up Football Player Safety Coach training. 2. All coaches that will be on the sideline must complete the online Heads Up Football training. Cost is $10 per coach. 3. All coaches will be required to complete concussion-training portion of Heads Up Football training and turn in a certificate of completion. 4. Coaches will get a badge they will need to wear, if they do not have it, they will not be allowed on the sideline. B. Coach s Code of Conduct I understand that the goal of the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program is to help the child grow to his/her fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body: activity helps the body grow; thinking advances the mind; and belief makes our spirit grow. I additionally understand that the key that holds the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program in line is the coaches and parents keeping winning in perspective and focusing on the development of the child. Based on this understanding I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, instruction and encouragement for the children participating in the YMCA youth sports league by following this Coach s Code of Conduct. 1. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. 2. I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group. 3. I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players 4. I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players. 5. I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. 6. I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all Mays Family YMCA youth sports events. 7. I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to players. 8. I will be knowledgeable in YMCA youth sports policies and guidelines and agree to follow them at all times. 9. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults. C. There will be a maximum of 5 coaches (1 head coach and 4 assistant Coaches) on the sidelines during the game.

7 D. 10U Coaches will be allowed on the field. There is no coaching on the field what so ever once the center has touched the ball. There will be a 5-yard penalty assessed for violation of this rule after one warning per team, per game. Defensive coaches should be no less than 15 yards from the line of scrimmage or 5 yards from the deepest player. E. Teams will be on opposite sides of the fields F. There will be no Video Recording for scouting purposes. Only videotaping of your own team s game is allowed. There will be no listening devices allowed between players and coaches. G. Any coach that comes onto the field to argue or protest an official s call is subject to: 1. 1 st Offense: a warning 2. 2 nd Offense: a 15-yard un-sportsmanlike conduct penalty 3. 3 rd Offense: ejection. **Note: Officials will report warnings and violations to YMCA Sports Directors, which are accumulated through the course of the season. The Y will track related warnings and violations and reserves the right to administer disciplinary action throughout the season. In the event of a player injury, only the head coach will be allowed on the field with site director. Parents of players will be called out if the injury warrants. Spectators or parents that are medical professionals that offer their assistance will be permitted onto the field. XII. Parent Code of Conduct: I understand that the goal of the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program is to help the child grow to his/her fullest potential in spirit, mind and body: activity helps the body grow; thinking advances the mind, and belief makes our spirit grow. I additionally understand that the key that holds the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program in line is the coaches and parents keeping winning in perspective and focusing on the development of the child. Based on this understanding I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, instruction and encouragement for the children participating in the Mays Family YMCA youth sports league by following this Team Parent Code of Conduct. a. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. b. I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group. c. I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for the players d. I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players. e. I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. f. I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all Mays Family YMCA youth sports events. g. I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to players. h. I will be knowledgeable in YMCA youth sports policies and guidelines and agree to follow them at all times. i. I will remember that I am a youth sports parent, and that the game is for children and not adults. Parents will not be allowed on sidelines, track or beyond the field gate during games at Alamo Heights: Parents will be given designated areas to view the game while cheering their favorite team(s) at other locations. Includes Parents taking pictures. Exception: Parents would be allowed on field near team; if their child has a significant injury or illness.

8 XIII. Blood Rule/Concussions: A. If an injured or bleeding player is discovered by the official while the ball is dead, the clock is stopped. The player shall be replaced for at least one down, unless the half time or an overtime intermission occurs. This is an official s time-out. B. If the official discovers a player who is bleeding, has an open wound, or has an excessive amount of blood on his uniform, play will be stopped after the play in progress has ended. After play has stopped, Rule A applies. C. Players Wearing Cast In order to protect the safety of all players in the football program, any participant wearing a cast will be prohibited from participating in YMCA games or practices. D. Concussions 1. If a player is diagnosed with a concussion by a licensed medical professional, they are not allowed to return to play without consent of their physician. 2. In the event of a Head injury, the YMCA advocates the Heads Up football program of Signs and Symptoms and the 5 Step Progressive Return to Activity Program. (ONLY AFTER BEING CLEARED BY A LICENSED MEDICAL PHYSICIAN) Signs and Symptoms: 5 Steps: 1. Begin light aerobic exercise 2. Continue with activities to increase an athlete s heart rate with body and head movement 3. Add Heavy non-contact physical activity. Such as sprinting/running. 4. Athlete may return to practice and full contact in controlled practice 5. Athlete may return to football competition. The YMCA reserves the right to keep a player from returning to play without being observed by a medical professional. XIV. Safety A. The YMCA will provide a common shaded area with water, icepacks and first aid appliances. Coaches are encouraged to provide proper hydration and heat prevention for their team. B. No player should be refused water or a break for any reason.

9 C. Teams are encouraged to have regular hydration breaks during practices. D. Teams are recommended to bring an ice chest with ice and cold towels for the players. E. Teams are recommended to modify and/or lessen the amount of contact in practice as the season progresses. (These rules are Heads Up Football Requirements) XV. XVI. Practices: A. During the preseason, teams are allowed three practices per week. During the season, teams are allowed to practice twice a week. No team will be allowed to practice prior to the specified preseason starting date. There will be a two game suspension for the head coach of a team that practices in pads before the specified starting date. B. Teams will be allowed to have one team meeting prior to the practice start date. The purpose of the meeting will only be to disperse general information to parents. C. Scrimmages: There will be 1 scrimmage permitted to all coaches who wish to do so prior to the season. Coaches must coordinate their own scrimmage. *YMCA Staff will visit practices to ensure Heads Up and Safety Rules are being followed* Uniforms A. All team uniforms must be ordered by YMCA Sports Director and Have a YMCA Logo visible on the left sleeve of jerseys. Coaches are not at liberty to place their own jerseys orders. B. Player Numbers: Offensive positions are not required to follow player-numbering system. The jersey number does NOT determine an eligible receiver. C. Players are not allowed to change jerseys with other players actively playing on the same roster during the game. Violation results in a 15-yard penalty. If a jersey is torn creating a dangerous condition, the coach or official must make site director aware so that a decision may be carried out to replace the jersey. D. Sponsorships are available- Level 1, 2, and 3. Form is separate and you can get one at the welcome desk or the Sports Director. E. All sponsorship orders are due by July 15th. XVII. Player s equipment rules A. Mouthpieces: All players must wear a mouthpiece (NO EXCEPTIONS). Violation of this rule will result in a five-yard penalty. B. Shoes: All cleats must be made of rubber or molded. Absolutely no steel cleats are allowed. The YMCA Site Director or Officials will perform a cleat check before every game. C. Visors: Only clear visors will be allowed. No tinted or dark visors will be allowed. D. Tinted Glasses: If any player has a medical need that requires tinted eye glasses, then that player must submit a doctor s note to the Sports Director prior to the first game of the season. A letter of exception will be written for the parent and the coach of the team and must be brought to each game and given to the head referee (white hat), prior to kick-off. XVIII. Scorekeeping / Standings: A. The YMCA Site Director will have a game-day form that will need to be signed by both coaches and lead official immediately following the game, making the score official. If either coach fails to sign, the score will be assumed as correct and will be then made official by the site director. ***The head official and YMCA Sports Program Directors will govern rule. Exceptions to the above are to the discretion of the site coordinator*** B. YMCA Sports Directors will keep scores and standings. They will not be posted on Playerspace. End of season playoffs will be broken into pool play teams paired according to best record. Ex: Top 4 teams with best record will play in Pool A; Next 4 teams will be paired in Pool B; and so on. C. Coaches are expected to show good sportsmanship and respect for the other team by not running up the score. Sound judgment by coach is expected. (Examples: Base runs, down the

10 ball, punting on 3 rd down and NO Blitzing). If coaches do not adhere to this rule, they will be issued a warning and if they continue, the YMCA can take further punishment, including 1 game suspension. D. Playoffs - The playoff brackets shall be set by Sports Directors. The rankings of the brackets will be based off of team records only. There will be a bracket for the top teams, middle teams and bottom teams with a winner in each group. E. Tie breaker 1. Head to Head 2. Victory against like opponent with the best record 3. Coin Toss with Head Coaches and YMCA Sports Director. The Y will randomly select which coach calls the coin. XIX. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: There will be a 15-yard penalty assessed against the offending team for any unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches and /or spectators. This includes any unnecessary actions as indicated: Defenseless players, leading with the crown of helmet, and blind side hits away from the ball. No one but coaches may address the officials at any time. Any player, coach, or spectator who is asked to leave the game field will be subject to the YMCA Youth Sports Committee s decision on the matter. ANY PLAYER, COACH OR PARENT EJECTED FROM A GAME WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR AT LEAST ON GAME (NEXT GAME) AND PLACED ON A ONE-YEAR PROBATION. IF SUSPENSION HAPPENS IN THE LAST GAME OF THE SEASON, SUSPENSION WILL CARRY OVER TO NEXT YEAR. XX. Sidelines A. Players and coaches are the only individuals allowed on the sidelines at high school venues or sites with stadium seating. B. Parent and siblings are not allowed on the sideline, track, end zone or beyond the gate at games held at venues with stadium seating or at local high schools. This includes trainers and team photographers. Violation of the sideline rule can result in a 15-yard penalty. C. Parent photography is only permitted from the stands or bleachers. Team photographers must request access to field level in writing 48 hours to Sports Director prior to date of game. Request is per game, not season. XXI. Contesting or Protesting Calls: A. THERE WILL BE NO PROTESTS ON ANY OFFICIALS DECISIONS (JUDGEMENT CALLS). B. Any protest of rules must be submitted in writing to Sports Director. Coaches must use timeouts to dispute any concerns about players log or to the site directors on hand. C. See ball carrier challenge rule in section III.B.4-7

11 Illustration 5 CB CB T G G T X Z Illustration 6 CB CB TE T G G T X Z Illustration 7 CB LB CB TE TE T G G T Z Z

12 Illustration 8 CB CB TE T G G T X Z