II. Rules for all Divisions

South Texas Youth Football League (STYFL) will follow the rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with the following additions, exceptions and clarifications as deemed appropriate for our League: AT ALL TIMES I. Code of Conduct ALL coaches, football players, cheerleaders, parents/guardians, spectators and volunteers shall abide by this Code of Conduct. If ANY of the rules are broken, the STYFL Board of Directors shall have the authority to impose a penalty, including, but not limited to immediate suspension from participation or attendance for a period to be determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. Coaches, players, cheerleaders, parents/guardians and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times. The use of profanity, obscene gestures, derogatory remarks or name-calling is prohibited and can be grounds for the violator s immediate removal from any STYFL II. not limited to off-site events. Coaches, Football Players, Cheerleaders, Parents/Guardians, Spectators and Volunteers shall: A. Not smoke or use smokeless tobacco products at any STYFL facility or STYFL event. B. Not criticize players, cheerleaders or other participants in front of spectators, but reserve constructive criticism for an appropriate time. C. Accept decisions of the game officials, judges, and STYFL Board of Directors while on the field, during tournaments, cheer competitions, All-Star games off-site and at STYFL Board/Committee meetings. D. Not criticize an opposing team s players, cheerleaders, participants, coaches, STYFL Board of Directors or other participating league s Board of Directors during a game, competition or event. Constructive criticism shall be reserved for an appropriate time and place and shall be made verbally and/or in writing to the STYFL Board of Directors within a 24 hour period via email. E. Emphasize that good athletes strive to be good students and that they are both physically and mentally alert. F. Strive to make every football and cheer leading activity serve as a training ground for life, and a basis for good mental and physical health. G. Emphasize that winning is the result of good teamwork not an individual sport. H. Together with game officials, be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team, fans and spectators. Any fan who becomes a nuisance and out of control will be asked to leave the premises. This code of conduct must be followed at all STYFL events. Failure to comply will result in sanctions as determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. I. Not use abusive or profane language at any time on the field or off the field. J. Not receive any payment, in cash or in-kind, for services as a participant in any STYFL event. This includes any coach, expert, consultant or choreographer, regardless of his/her roster status. K. Not permit or encourage sweating down tactics in order for a player to make the leagues weight limits. L. Not recommend or distribute any medication, controlled substance or over the counter

medications. Only the legal guardian may distribute medications of any kind. M. Not permit any ineligible football player, cheerleader, and coach, volunteer or fan to participate in a game. N. Not incite unsportsmanlike conduct. O. Abstain from the possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance at STYFL events and facilities. P. Remove from a game or practice any participant when there is a doubt about the participant s health until competent medical advice is available. Q. Head Coach is to control their players, Assistant Coaches, Team Moms, volunteers and fans AT ALL TIMES. R. Not allow pets at STYFL facilities or events per School rules. S. Not allow glass containers at STYFL facilities or events. T. Not allow firearms at STYFL facilities or events. U. Prevent children from climbing trees, fences, bleachers, or entering press boxes on STYFL facilities unless supervised by STYFL Board of Directors or other league Board of Directors. V. Not allow skateboards, bicycles, roller blades or skates in STYFL facilities or events. W. Uphold all rules and regulations provided by STYFL in conjunction with all UIL and NCAA rules. II. Rules for all Divisions A. Events 1. There shall not be any scheduled or non-scheduled pre-season conditioning or practicing prior to the designated 1st day of Scheduled League practice communicated by each Independent League President. 2. All players shall only participate in 4 STYFL events per week. An event is defined as a meeting with more than 3 players and a coach engaging in football related activities (including but not limited to practices, football games or viewing film). An official game counts as one event. B. Divisions/Age Groups 1. A player s eligibility shall be determined by his/her age as of August 1st of the current year. Parents may opt to have their child "play up" one year in play (for example, a 6-year-old playing with the 7 & 8 year-olds and player cannot play up two years). Under no circumstances will any player be allowed to "play down" or play in two (2) different divisions. 2. Proof of age: A copy of a certified certificate of birth bearing the seal of the issuing office of the state of the child s birth is required, state id, passport or military id. The STYFL Board of Directors shall have the authority to allow an alternate proof of age as long as the STYFL Board of Directors votes and approves the alternate proof. 3. Divisions: Freshman Division shall consist of 5 and 6 year olds. Sophomore Division shall consist of 7 and 8 year olds. Junior Division shall consist of 9 and 10 year olds.

Senior Division shall consist of 11 and 12 year olds. 4. Players in 7th grade shall not be allowed to participate. 5. Players who are eligible to play middle school football shall not be allowed to participate. 6. Each team must make available all eligibility documentation for each player at each game and at the request of the STYFL Board of Directors. Team Binder shall have the following documentation for each individual player: Original Team Roster, Player Registration Form, proof of age, Current year physical, a copy of the players report card (only Senior Division), and a Photo of Player with Jersey# (prefer with uniform). C. Weight Limits for players who can run the ball and lineup as a tight end: Freshmen: Ball carrier 75 lbs. Tight end 95 lbs. Sophomores: Ball carrier 100 lbs. Tight end 120 lbs. Juniors: Ball carrier 125 lbs. Tight end 145 lbs. Seniors: Ball carrier 145 lbs. Tight end 165 lbs. 1. All players may be weighed without helmet, shoes or pads at time of weigh which is at half (½) time of the game or 30 minutes prior to the first game. 2. A scale approved by STYFL Board of Directors shall be used to weigh every player who intends to run the ball. 3. Coaches shall provide a team roster for review by STYFL Board of Directors and the opposing coach. Both coaches and/or a member of the coaching staff must be present during weigh-ins. Each team shall have the players who intend on running the ball and line up as tight end weighed prior to the start of each game. Game day weigh-ins are mandatory and cannot be waived or modified. Weight check challenges shall not be permitted. Any team that allows a player over the weight limit to carry the ball or line up as tight end shall forfeit that game and the coach shall be suspended from participation and attendance for the next scheduled game. The offending player as well shall be suspended from playing in the next scheduled game. Late arrivals will be allowed to participate; however, the player needs to weigh-in at half-time of the players game and may not be eligible to run the ball and line up as tight end. All eligible ball carriers will be identify with a pink sticker and tight ends will be identify with yellow stickers. Both stickers will have the date and initials of the person who weight the players in. 4. Players weighing over the applicable weight limit shall not line up in the backfield for any reason (i.e. they may not line up anywhere other than on the line of scrimmage). Tight end shall not line up no more than the 3 yard from the offensive tackle. Players weighing over the applicable weight limits may advance the ball on a fumble, kickoff, punt, blocked punt or interception that they recover or that falls into their hands. Players who weigh over the applicable weight limits may not line up deep in kickoff or punt formations to accept the ball. D. Game Lengths 1. Freshmen: Four (4) 6 minute quarters with no play clock up until the 3 rd week. Play clock will be enforce start of the 4 th week. 40 second play clock Sophomores: Four (4) 8 minute quarters with a 40 second play clock Junior: Four (4) 9 minute quarters with a 40 second play clock Senior: Four (4) 10 minute quarters with a 40 second play clock 2. Clock is not continuous during play. E. Regular Games 1. A regulation game is the completion of play of a game played in its entirety. 2. Games halted for inclement weather may be rescheduled by STYFL. Resumed games shall be started where play was suspended. STYFL Board of Directors shall be

responsible for suspending games due to weather and for game time changes. Game times may be changed in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances and are subject to same day or alternate day postponement. Example: A thunderstorm forces the postponement of the first game of the day. The storm passes and the first game of the day is rescheduled to the last game of the day. In the case of Rain Outs games will be made up on the Sunday following the rained out game. 3. If at the end of regulation play a tie exists, both teams will return to their sidelines and the team captains will meet with the referees for the overtime coin toss. The visiting team will call the coin toss. The winner of the coin toss may choose to accept the ball (start on offense) or refuse the ball (start on defense). The loser of the coin toss will decide which end zone overtime will be played in. Each team will receive the ball on the 25-yard line. First downs can be made in this scenario. If a tie still exists after the first overtime possessions then the ball will be placed on the 10-yard line of the same end zone, change of possession will take place and play will resume. Each team will receive the ball for four (4) offensive plays, and there is no chance of a first down being made at this point. If a tie still exists after the second overtime possessions then the ball will be placed on the (5) yard line and remain there until a winner is determined. A turnover by fumble, interception, failed kick attempt, or loss of possession (loss on downs, penalty, etc.) concludes a team's possession of the ball in all situations. The defensive team cannot score after recovering a turnover. Each team receives one timeout per tiebreaker attempt. A tied game will be played until a winner is declared. There will be no changing of end zones unless field conditions dictate a need for change as determined by the referees. F. Minimum Playing Time All teams must field at least 10 players except for freshmen division teams. 1. Every player must play at least five (5) downs per game. Exceptions will be made only for a verified injury, disciplinary action or player absence. A coach who plays a participant less than five (5) downs a game shall be suspended for the next game. A second infraction will result in more severe punishment for the coach and team as determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. 2. A player who does not participate in regularly scheduled practices with no notice to Coach and/or needs to be disciplined for his/her conduct can be suspended for in part or in whole during a game. The coach must notify to the League President and the opposing coach prior to game day. 3. Parents may voluntarily withhold their children from participating in the game. G. Uniforms and Equipment 1. Only league issued uniforms are allowed during games. 2. All players shall wear attached mouthpieces during all games and all practices when contact will occur. 3. All players shall wear a properly fitting helmet with face mask that meets safety standards. Only clear visors. 4. All players shall wear shoulder pads and hip/knee/thigh/tail bone pads during all games and all practices when contact will occur. 5. All players shall wear the appropriate football cleats but with no metal cleats. Tennis shoes are not allowed. 6. Football Size: Freshman Division: Wilson K2, Nike Peewee, and UA peewee. Sophomore Division: Wilson K2, Nike Peewee, and UA peewee. Junior Division: Wilson TDJ, Nike Junior, and UA Junior. Senior Division: Wilson TDY, Nike youth, and UA youth

III. Coaches A. All head coaches must be approved by the League President or the STFYL Board of Directors, Pass Background Check and be able to participate in affiliated USA Football Certification Curriculum. B. The STYFL Board of Directors or participating league s Board of Directors shall conduct interviews, check references and pass criminal back ground check to determine the suitability of each prospective head coach, assistant coach and any volunteer that will interact with a player/cheerleader. C. Each Independent League President shall select head coaches and make assignments for all teams. D. Head coaches may appoint assistant coaches and team moms. Prior to participation, assistant coaches and team moms must undergo a criminal background check as well as be able to participate in affiliated USA Football Certification Curriculum. E. There is a limit of six (6) coaches that may be on the sideline during any given game; this includes head coaches, assistant coaches and team moms. The head coach is responsible for appointing sideline coaches, water-boys and any other sideline help as needed. Water-boys and other sideline help may not include any document coaches from the league. The head coach is responsible for the behavior and demeanor of all members of the sideline, to include players, assistant coaches, water-boys, medics, team mom at all time. F. Coaches will make every attempt to teach fundamental blocking, tackling and basic offensive and defensive plays. G. Coaches must instruct players to initiate contact while their heads are up. The STYFL will not tolerate deliberate initial contact by the top of the helmet (spearing) or leading with crown of the helmet in a practice or game. Such infraction occurring a maximum of two (2) times in a game shall result in immediate ejection of the player from the game. The referee on the field has full authority in this matter. H. Coaches are responsible for player hydration. Practices shall have no less than three (3) water breaks in a one (1) hour period. Water must be made available at all times during games. I. Coaches are required to attend a pre-season coach s meeting/clinic sponsored by the Independent Leagues President. Failure to comply will result in revocation of sideline privileges. J. Violation of rules may result in a minimum one (1) game suspension. K. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of all players, coaches, sideline personnel and team fans. Behavior in violation of rules by any players, coaches, sideline personnel and team fans can cause the team to be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, if deemed necessary by game officials. L. The Hosting League President will make sure an announcer and scorekeeper are provided. The visiting team coach will ensure that a chain crew is provided. Volunteers for these positions shall be at least thirteen (13) years old. The chain crew may not be any documented coaches of the visiting team league. Failure to comply will result in a fifteen (15) yard penalty on the team s first offensive possession. A second offense will result in forfeiture of the game. M. Coaches will ensure that the following time limits are followed during a daily practices: Freshmen Division-1 hour and 30 minutes Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Division- 2 hours IV. Tryouts and Draft

A. Tryouts 1. Each Independent League is responsible for conducting tryouts and drafts. They will conduct these tryouts and drafts in accordance with their own by-laws and regulations. V. Field Dimensions and Restrictions A. Division Dimensions 1. Freshmen: 100 yards, can be 80 yards if agreed upon by all teams prior to start of season. 2. Sophomore: 100 yards. 3. Junior: 100 yards. 4. Senior: 100 yards. B. Restrictions 1. One person from each playing team is allowed in the press box for the purpose of filming the game. The hosting League President shall provide an announcer and clock operator. No coaches or parents of the playing teams are allowed in the press box while games are being played. 2. All STYFL Staff to include Coaches, Team Moms, Board/Committee members shall have STYFL issued photo identification badges at each game for the purpose of entering events and identification to other leagues. It will include League Logo, Picture, Year of Season and Team/Division. STYFL Board of Directors will provide badges for the leagues. 3. All hosting site will have a sign-in sheet for Coaches, Team Moms, Board/Committee members at the gate entry for each game. This will control entry fee waiver. VI. Freshman Division Rules A. Two (2) coaches are allowed on the field of play to call plays and assist in alignment of players. After such assistance, coaches shall back away and maintain a 10-yard distance from the line of scrimmage. Once the quarterback is under center, no further instruction is to be given by either coach of either side until the play is whistled dead. Should such assistance take place, the coach shall receive a warning from the referee; the second offense shall result in a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a third offense shall result in removal of the offending coach from the game. Encouraging or motivational comments are not considered instructional. B. There is no kick offs at the start of both halves and after a touchdown. The ball will be place on your own 45 yard line. ONLY AFTER THE TWO MINUTE WARNING KICKOFFS WILL BE INFORCE. C. All punts are free kicks that must be declared in advance of the kick. The ball will be advance 20 yards. D. Each team shall play with eleven (11) players. Deviation from this rule must be approved prior to start of game by hosting League President and both head coaches. E. No team, while on defense, shall allow a player to line up over the center (i.e. nose guard). This rule prohibits any player from lining up in the A gaps to the right or left of the center. Linebackers shall be 3 yards off the line of scrimmage. Violation of this rule is an automatic first down. F. Ball carrier weight limit is 75 lbs. G. Points After Touchdown:

a. Run-1 point. b. Pass-2 points. If caught in the end zone, 1 point caught and run into the end zone. c. Kick-3 points. H. All extra point attempts are live contact. I. Any team leading at by 28 points must remove their starting backfield (QB and RB s who started the game and played the first series offense of series). Head coaches need to agree that there will be a continuous running clock in these instances and that only the losing team will be allowed to call a timeout. a. The starting backfield may not return to the backfield unless the margin is less than 28 points. b. A team that goes ahead by 28 points may leave their starting backfield in to attempt the extra point conversion. J. All other rules will be in accordance with UIL and NCAA guidelines. VII. Sophomore Division Rules All rules are the same as the Freshmen Division with the following exceptions: A. No coaches are allowed on the field at any time. Coaches must stay between the 20 yard lines. B. All punts are live with the exception of a team declaring a free kick within its own 20 yd. line. Such kicks must be declared to the referee and neither side may advance until the ball is kicked. Fakes are not allowed on free kicks. C. Ball carrier weight limit is 100 lbs. D. Teams are allowed to have a nose guard lineup on the center. E. No onside kicks are allow until after the two minute warning of the first half. VIII. Junior and Senior Division Rules All rules are the same as the Freshmen Division with the following exceptions: A. No coaches are allowed on the field at any time. Coaches must stay between the 20 yard lines. B. All punts and kicks are live. C. Ball carrier weight limit is 125 lbs. for Juniors and 145 lbs. for Seniors. D. Teams are allowed to have a nose guard lineup on the center. E. No onside kicks are allow until after the two minute warning of the first half. IX. Additional Rules and Policies A. Contact with Officials - If a coach, player, volunteer or spectator strikes a game official the offending individual will be immediately suspended from participation. The length suspension will be determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. Only the Head Coaches have the ability to question the Officials.

B. Radios and Communication Devices - No communication devices shall be used during a game to relay information to coaches or players. C. Blocking and Tackling Restrictions - Nose guards (except in the Freshmen Division) may blitz or use slants. However, leg whipping, chop blocking (offensive player engages defensive player above the waist and a second offensive player blocks the player below the waist); face tackling or spearing techniques shall not be permitted. Blocking by diving at the knees or lower is prohibited. If a coach teaches a player these prohibited techniques, the coach shall be suspended from participation for a period of time to be determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. D. Formal Protests - Head Coaches may protest a game before the start of the game or immediately after the conclusion of the game. These protests must be addressed to the Hosting League President and will be brought before the STYFL Board of Directors at their next scheduled meeting. The protest shall be in writing. The STYFL Board of Directors shall address each protest and have final authority on rulings. E. Offenses such as endangerment of players or cheerleaders, fighting, cheating, threats, lack of cooperation or obstruction shall require punishment that may include suspension for one game, one calendar year or permanent suspension. Punishment will be determined by the STYFL Board of Directors. X. Offseason A. No team(s) can represent STYFL after the last STYFL event of the year. You must get approval. B. If participating in STYFL upcoming season, teams are allow to condition in helmets ONLY at any time. A vote will be taken to set a specific date to start of full pad practice. C. If participating in STYFL upcoming season and looking to play in tournament prior to the approved date for full pad practice. You must show payment or bracket with your team name and show outcome of the game or tournament. All complaints, comments, suggestions may be addressed to the designated Hosting League President prior to escalating it to STYFL Board of Directors and shall be answered in a timely manner however it MUST be initiated in writing first via email. An attempt of contacting that Independent/Hosting League President first is necessary. Phone calls to the members of the STYFL Board of Directors may not be answered if the proper Chain of Command is not followed with the appropriate parties in an attempt to resolve the problems or issues at hand. **** COACHES shall have a COPY of the RULES in there Team Book at ALL TIMES**************