Badgerland AYF Game Rules 2018 Edition 1. Except as specifically modified for American Youth Football, all games are to be played under the rules for varsity football as set forth by the WlAA with the following additions and/or exceptions. 2. Each game shall consist of (4:) 12-minute quarters with a continuously running clock except for the last 2 minutes of each half, unless the lopsided score rule is effect. a. 1st Quarter Continuously running clock except for standard stoppages. b. 2nd Quarter Continuously running clock except for the last 2 minutes of the quarter. At that point, the game timing shall revert to conventional WIAA high school football game timing rules with additional clock stoppages. c. 3rd Quarter Continuously running clock except for standard stoppages. d. 4th Quarter Continuously running clock except for the last 2 minutes of the quarter. At that point, the game timing will revert to conventional WIAA high school football game timing rules with additional clock stoppages. During the 1st and 3rd quarters and the first 10 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, the clock shall be a continuous clock and stopped only for injuries, time outs, penalties, or for any other reasons the game s officiating crew deems necessary. The clock will also stop for any change of possession including but not limited to turnovers, turnovers on downs, and scoring plays. For injuries, timeouts, and penalties the clock shall be restarted when the referee spots the ball and gives the ready for play signal. Following a time out and change of possession, the clock shall restart at the snap of the ball. These shall be considered our standard clock stoppages. During the last 2 minutes of each half, the game clock shall be stopped for any of the above reasons along with stoppages for the following in accordance with WIAA rules: a. Out of Bounds The clock shall stop when a player goes out of bounds. b. Incomplete Pass The clock shall stop following an incomplete pass. c. Time outs The clock shall stop for time outs. d. After a Score The clock shall stop as soon as someone scores either via a touchdown or field goal. e. Injury The clock shall stop when there is an injury on the field. Also during the last 2 minutes of each half the Phantom Injury Rule shall be observed. This rule states that in the event of an injury during the last 2 minutes of each half, the team with the injured player shall be assessed a time-out. In the event that the team no longer has any time-outs remaining, they will be assessed a 5 yard penalty. There will be a 2-minute intermission between the first and second, third, and fourth quarters and a 10 minute intermission for half time. NOTE: If it is in the best interest of all participants, the above game timing rules may be altered by way of a mutual agreement between representatives of the
two communities involved in the ongoing game. This may include a reduction in the length of the quarters. 3. Time-outs: (3) Time-outs may be charged to each team per half. Unused first half time-outs may not be used in the 2nd half or overtime. Unused 2nd half time-outs may be used in overtime with the addition of one additional one. Following a time out the clock shall restart at the snap of the ball. 4. Scoring: Scoring values shall be that of those set forth by American Youth Football. They will be as follows: Touchdown = 6 pts. Point after TO (kicking) = 2 pts. Point after TO (other) = 1 pt. Safety (awarded to opponent) = 2 pts. Field goal = 3 pts. 5. Lopsided or Intentionally Run-up Scores: (2015 Rules Revision) Any time TEAM -A- is ahead of TEAM -B- by 18 points or more, the following guidelines shall be observed. a. There shall be NO further kickoffs until the score is reduced to 14 points or less. b. Following TEAM -A-'S score to go ahead by 18 points or more, TEAM -B- shall be awarded the ball at the 20-yard line of TEAM -A- and play shall be resumed. The above rule, part (b), shall also apply after any subsequent time that TEAM -A- scores, unless the score has been reduced to 14 points or less. c. If TEAM -B- scores, TEAM -A- gets the ball on their own 20-yard line and play is resumed. The above rule, part (c), shall also apply after any subsequent time that TEAM-B scores, unless the score has been reduced to 14 points or less. d. If the score differential is reduced to 14 points or less "normal" play resumes. e. Team A will pull starters from all backfield offensive positions until lead is reduced to 14 points or less. Example being the starting quarterback may not move to running back, but, may play line. TEAM A may run their full offense once substitutions are made until TEAM A scores while still in lopsided score. f. If TEAM A scores while still in lopsided score, there shall be NO passing by the team that is ahead during lopsided play. There shall also be NO running plays outside the offensive tackles by the team that is ahead during lopsided play. Once the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, they can then bounce to the outside. h. Team A cannot advance the ball on turnovers. Team A will receive the ball at the point of turnover. Team B is allowed to play turnovers as usual. This rule will apply until the score difference is reduced to 14 points or less. i. The remaining portion of this rule shall be in accordance with that set forth by American Youth Football. 6. Mandatory Play Rule (MPR):
All players are required to have participated in a minimum of (10) plays in by the end of the 3 rd quarter. Those players who have not participated in their (10) plays at this time, must be put into the game at the start of the 4th quarter and remain in until the mandatory play requirement (MPR) has been fulfilled. The plays must be active" plays from the line of scrimmage. Kickoffs, extra point attempts, field goal attempts, punt, and free kicks shall not count. The league will no longer require opposing teams to verify mandatory play sheets. Any disputes regarding mandatory play rules should be dealt with at community level. If the situation requires the state board to step in there must be clear video documentation of the violation. If it is deemed that a coach deliberately and maliciously failed to uphold this rule it may result in a minimum of a 1 game suspension. 7. Minimum Roster Size: Official Roster: The team s official roster shall include at least 14 eligible players. Game Time Rule: A team with less than (11) official rosters players eligible after weigh-in will forfeit the game. There will be NO GRACE PERIODS extended to any team found in violation of this rule at the official game time as set by the master schedule. a. Any team failing to show up for a scheduled game at the time set forth by the master schedule shall be subject to forfeit, suspension, fine or expulsion. The Board of Directors will take extenuating circumstances precluding the appearance of a team for a scheduled league game under advisement upon receipt of a written explanation within (72) hours of the date the infraction occurred. b. If by referee decision, after consultation with officials of the home community, weather or ground conditions prohibit a game from being played, the home team must immediately contact the President of Badgerland AYF to reschedule the contest. The Badgerland AYF Board of Directors reserve the right to cancel the game in the event that it does not affect the standings in the league or championship play. 8. Punting: (2000 Rules Revision) Punting at each of the levels of play shall be as follows: a. Punting at the Jr. Pee Wee and Pee Wee level shall be a dead ball play with no forward rush by the defensive team and No Movement in any direction by either the offensive or defensive team until the ball is kicked. The defensive team shall also maintain their normal defensive alignment with a (4) man total defensive line and a minimum of (8) total defensive players within (10) yards of the line of scrimmage. At these two levels, the offensive team must declare their intent to punt prior to the next down. The actual punting of the ball shall be within a reasonable amount of time. In the event that the ball is snapped over the punter's head, the ball shall be punted from the point where the punter picks up the ball. Any team found in violation of the above Jr. Pee Wee or Pee Wee Punting Rule shall be penalized (5) yards for Illegal Procedure. 9. Extra Points & Field Goals: (New 2008 Rule) The kicking of extra points and field goals at each level of play shall be as follows:
a. The kicking of extra points and field goals at the Jr. Pee Wee and Pee Wee level shall be a dead ball" play with no forward rush by the defensive team and No Movement in any direction by either the offensive or defensive team until the ball is kicked. Both teams can come out of their stance and stand up. There will be no arm waving or making noise by either team on the field or on the sideline until the ball is kicked. The defensive team shall also maintain their normal defensive alignment with a (4) man total defensive line and a minimum of (8) total defensive players within (10) yards of the line of scrimmage. The actual kicking of the ball shall be within a reasonable amount of time. At these two levels, the offensive team must declare their intent to attempt a field goal or extra point via the kick prior to the next down/play. Any team found in violation of the above Kicking Rule shall be penalized (5) yards for Illegal Procedure. b. The snap of the ball between the center and the holder shall be a smooth transition if the snap is not smooth in transition and the ball touches the ground before the holder places the ball prior and for the kick. The holder's must recover the ball and place it for kick in a reasonable amount of time. No penalty or dead ball decision will be placed against the kicking team. The snap of the ball shall also be "conventional" (between the center's legs). c. Scoring values shall be that of those set forth by Badgerland AYF Football. They will be as follows: Point after TO (kicking) = 2 pts. Field goal = 3 pts. d. All other rules concerning the kicking of extra points and field goals, including the size and type of kicking block, shall be in accordance with those set forth by the WIAA. The defensive/ field goal return team "just like a punt" may return any missed field goal attempt that fails to reach the end zone. If the ball lands in or reaches the end zone, the result shall be a "touchback" and the ball comes out to the 20-yard line. 10. Offense: No basic offensive formations are mandated by the league with the exception of the practice known as The Belcher Big Hole where offensive guards are spread out to take advantage of the Defensive Tackle s mandatory positioning rule (see rule #11). Offensive Guards and Tackles may not be further spread than the outstretched arms to finger tips of each other. This rule will not affect positions on the spread offense such as setting out wide receivers or tight ends. It shall be up to each coach's level of creativity and the capabilities of their players as to the type of offense that is taught and run. 11. Defense: :(2004 Revision) The basic defensive formation that is mandated by the league shall include a (4) man total defensive line. Their positioning on the line of scrimmage shall be as follows: a. NOSE TACKLE --eliminated b. DEFENSIVE TACKLES -- Lined head up of the Offensive Guards. c. DEFENSIVE ENDS Lined head up of the Offensive Tackles or anywhere outside the Offensive Tackles in a position to maintain outside containment. d. The Offensive center is to remain uncovered by any defensive player on the
line of scrimmage. e. The remaining (7) defensive players shall be positioned off of the line of scrimmage at their coaches' discretion while remaining in accordance to the One Yard Rule. f. Illegal Defense Rule: Each team is allowed a maximum of (1) Warning for violating the basic defensive formation rules that are mandated by the league. For any subsequent violation, the offending team shall be penalized (5) yards for Illegal Procedure. g. One-yard rule: Defensive linebackers and defensive backs must be one yard behind the defensive lineman s feet. The first violation to this rule would be a warning. The next would be a 5-yard penalty. h. Movement: NO movement towards the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the ball may be made by any defensive player whose intent is to gain an unfair advantage (i.e.: Linebackers and/or Defensive Backs getting a running start and trying to time the snap of the ball). There must be discernible pause to a defensive player's forward movement prior to the snap of the ball. Linebackers and/or Defensive Backs that step forward on a 2-count must stop and try to get back into position. It is not a penalty unless the Linebackers and/or Defensive Backs keep moving forward to time the second count. 12.Equipment: (2003 Rules Revision) Only the required equipment as specified by American Youth Football shall be worn by players in all divisions of play. Detachable Cleats cannot exceed ½ inch in length. Eyewear: ASTM certified frames and polycarbinate lenses should be worn unless the parents sign a waiver form. 13. Face Mask Penalty: (New 2000 Rule) It shall be illegal to grasp an opponent's facemask or any edge of an opponent's helmet opening. The resulting penalty shall be 15-yards. 14. Game Tie Breaker Rule (Overtime): (2003 Rules Revision) a. In the event after regulation time the game ends in tie score, the following shall apply to break the tie and determine a winner. b. A referee coin flip with the opposing captains c. Winner will have choice between offense and defense. The loser may choose which end zone they wish to defend. d. WlAA rules will be used, until a winner is possibly determined. 1. On each team s attempt to score, the ball will be placed at the 10- yard line and each team will have (4) downs to score either a touchdown or a field goal. 2. If a winner has not been determined after (1) attempt the game shall be considered a tie. e. One additional time-out shall be granted to each team in addition to those that remain from the 2nd half of regulation time.
15. League Standings Tie-Breaker Rule: (2000 Rules Revision) a. In the event of tie in the standings at the end of the season, the following shall apply to break the tie and determine the order of finish. b. Head to head competition (wins & loses only). c. Head to head competition with the next best team record in your division. d. Head to head competition with the second best team record in your division. e. Fewest defensive points allowed. f. Coin flip. 16. Late Arrival Rule: In the event that a player should arrive late for a game, every reasonable effort shall be made so he/she is allowed to participate in the remainder of the game. They must first pass the mandatory weigh-in and warm up a minimum of 10 minutes before they can be inserted into the game. The (MPR) rule may be waived pending how late the individual is. 17. Coaches, Player, and Spirit Leader Code of Conduct: Coaches, players, and spirit leaders must abide by the Code of Conduct as listed on the American Youth Football and Cheer Rule Book. Coaches should be sure their behavior at all times sets a good example for the individuals in their charge. Any misconduct by a coach, player, or spirit leader that is disrespectful of, or detrimental to, the welfare of the players, cheerleaders, officials, spectators or league shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors. An ejection of a coach or player for any reason will be subject to a Badgerland AYF Board of Directors review and the appropriate disciplinary action will be administered (including suspension and/or expulsion from the league). 18. Introduction of Emergency Medical Personnel: The Commissioners present for the home teams will introduce the Emergency Medical Personnel present to the guest team(s) to be sure that everyone knows who that person is in case of emergency. 19. Chain Gang: (2003 Rules Revision) The chain gang is to be placed on the home team side during the games. 20. Practice Hours: (2007 Rule) Practices shall not start before July 30th. See AYF sanctioned rules Equipment handout can not be considered practice time. The first week of practice (10 Hours) shall be devoted entirely and exclusively to conditioning, not wearing pads; however, helmets shall be permitted. The second week of practice (10 Hours) can occur in full pads and must be completed before participating in any games or scrimmages. After the first 20 hours of practices, participants must attend adequate practice time set forth by communities by-laws, which should be no less than 1 scheduled practice to participate in the next game. 21. Spirit Performance: (2009 rule) Any Spirit Squad that has interest in performing at halftime during an away game must contact the Spirit Coordinator of the home community and share these
intentions. All communities will make appropriate accommodations to insure visiting teams that wish to perform at halftime are given the opportunity to. Performances can not interfere and delay the start of the second half. 22. Spirit Rules and Participation: (2009 Rule) American Youth Cheer regulations have been adapted with regards to Spirit Stunts to insure the safety of the Spirit members. Community Spirit coaches will be responsible for adhering to these sets of standards. See myayf.com for list of regulations. 23. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: (2009) Unsportsmanlike conduct from Coaches, Players, Spirit Members or Fans will NOT be tolerated. Any person ejected from a game for Unsportsmanlike conduct will serve an immediate one game (week) suspension. This suspension means the person will not be allowed to participate, or allowed access to any practice or admission to the next scheduled competition. Second violations of this rule may result in permanent expulsion from the league. 24. Blocking Below the Waist: (2013) There shall be no blocking below the waist by any player on the field including the defensive team in the event of a turnover. Infraction shall result in 15 yard personal foul penalty. 25. Pulling Blockers: (2015) At the JPW level there shall be no pulling of lineman. At the PW level, lineman may pull but only inside the tackles. There may be no pulling of lineman outside the tackle box. 26. Coaching on the field: (2018) At the JPW level only, one coach per team is allowed to be on the field for the first official game to assist in instructing the kids. REMEMBER THIS IS FOR THE KIDS!!!