Aurora Youth League Football Playing Rules

Aurora Youth League 2010 Football Playing Rules

Aurora Youth League Football Rule Book This AYL Football Rule Book is a supplement to the High School Federation Rule Book and should be studied in conjunction with the High School Rules on a regular basis. This book has been published to assist coaches and officials to better understand the AYL rules and how they apply to the different divisions. Problems occur most of the time because the coach, the official or neither has studied the rules. These rules are to be used with the High School Federation Rules. If there is a conflict, AYL rules take precedence. This book is divided in sections, with an index in the front. Administrative rules will not be enforced by officials, but are for League enforcement. The playing rules and preliminary rules should be studied closely. Football Preliminary Rules These rules will apply to all divisions and must be complied with in order to be eligible to participate in the AYL. Any violation of these rules will be enforced by the Commissioner and the AYL Board. The Divisions are as follows: Division I = Division II = Division III = Division IV = Flag Football Associate B, Associate A & Junior B Junior A & Intermediate Senior B & Senior A *Flag players must turn 4 years of age by August 16 th of that year. *No play downs in the Associate Division. *High School students may not play on any team in the AYL. Section 1 PARTICIPATION All Club members who indicate by their attendance at practices and games and by their general attitude towards the Club that they are doing their best for the Club shall play in every League game, irrespective of their athletic ability. Failure to comply with this rule shall cause the game to be forfeited by the offending Club. This rule is hereby declared to be on the fundamental principles of the AURORA YOUTH LEAGUE. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prevent the management from keeping any player out of a game as a disciplinary measure, provided, in the opinion of the coach, the player is not complying with the provisions of the rules as stated above. If a player is to be kept out of a game, that player should not be allowed to be in uniform that day. Section 2 HIGH SCHOOL RULES Football rules shall consist of the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, except as amended by the AYL rules. In conflict, AYL rules take precedence. All coaches shall have copies of the AYL rules in their possession. High School Federation Rule Books will be given to each club manager. Section 3 AGE REQUIREMENTS The age and weight chart shall be used to determine the participant s appropriate playing level. At the Flag Football/Pee Wee division, if a player, parent or head coach wishes, the player may move up the Associate Division. However, the player must be a second year flag football player. **NO PLAY DOWNS FROM ASSOCIATE A TO ASSOCIATE B** 2

Section 4 ROSTERS Prior to the first league game, a complete list, known as the roster of the membership of each club, designating specific team and age group and showing the name, address, telephone number, date of birth, players number and weight must be made out alphabetically and attested to by each Manager. This should also designate those members playing up or down in an age group. A max of three (3) Play Downs is allowed on each team roster. Each clubs roster shall be certified by the League Commissioner and League Secretary. No football team shall exceed 25 players on their roster. Any team that starts or falls below 16 players prior to the 3 rd game week may increase their roster to a total of 16 players if the AYL Commissioner or Secretary is notified. An additional roster must be submitted. Clubs should assist other Clubs by notifying them of extra players if their own rosters are full. The roster will be filed with the League Secretary prior to the first game, in accordance with the published AYL schedule. A second copy is to be retained by the Club for their records and a third copy will be provided for the Commissioner. Acceptable proof of age for each player must accompany all rosters in the order listed on the roster. A youth cannot be included on this roster without accompanying proof of age. This Club roster, submitted to the AYL Secretary, shall determine a youths standing. PENALTY: Failure to comply with any rule in Sections 1, 3, or 4 will cause a player to be ineligible. If a player in any game in which he/she is ineligible, the game shall be forfeited by the offending team. Use of any ineligible player must be reported, in writing, to the League Commissioner by the offending Club within 7 days. If a coach intentionally allows an ineligible player to participate, the head coach shall be suspended for the remainder of that season and must come before the entire AYL Board in order to be reinstated for the next season. Section 5 RECRUITMENT AND TRANSFERS Players may not transfer Clubs during the season. Players may not be listed on more than one roster, including but not limited to AYL Clubs and High School rosters. Section 6 GAME STARTING TIME, FORFEITURE CLAUSE AND TIES All games are to be started within 15 minutes of the scheduled game time. PENALTY: Forfeiture by the team causing the delay or not showing up. A forfeit shall never terminate a game once it begins, except when deemed necessary by an official due to conduct. All forfeits will be determined by the League Commissioner. Games must be played until a winner is determined. In the case of any football game ending in a tie score, High School overtime rules shall apply. Canceled games, due to poor field conditions, are to be decided by the commissioner, with the game being rescheduled. The Commissioner should be notified as soon as possible whenever there is a forfeit. Section 7 UNIFORMS All players must be in complete uniform by the first scheduled game. For specific uniform and equipment information see separate Football section. Section 8 PLAY PERIODS AND PRACTICES LIMITATION of PLAY PERIODS and PRACTICES, Sunday games and end of season play shall be determined by the League Board of Directors, remaining within the CITY GUIDELINES and POLICIES. As each season is affected differently due to the weather, water and field conditions, it is the responsibility of the BOARD to determine the specific amount of practice and game times, while remaining within the City of Aurora s policies and guidelines on city permitted fields. A committee of League Officers and the League Commissioner shall give approval before any League game may be played on Sunday. Scheduling of games may be necessary due to poor weather and/or for games to be rescheduled. The season will officially end after the AYL Super-Bowl games. There will be no All-Star game. 3

Section 9 TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL No alcoholic beverages will be allowed at any AYL games, practices or functions. Tobacco, in any form, will not be allowed on the playing field. (Playing field defined as the area where spectators are not allowed.) One warning will be given prior to the enforcement of penalty for a tobacco offense. PENALTY: First offense will be a warning and second offense will be ejection from the game. Section 10 ROSTER EXCHANGE Prior to the start of each game, the coach shall hand a copy of their official roster, for that particular team, to the opposing coach in the presence of the official. The official roster shall include the player s complete name, birth date, jersey number, weight, play-up or play-down, if applicable. PENALTY: The game will be forfeited if a roster is not provided before the beginning of the game or if the athletes playing do not match the names on the roster. Section 11 FIRST AID KITS All head coaches must have a first aid kit with sufficient supplies to administer first aid when required on the side lines. Section 12 INJURY REPORTING Any injury believed to be attributed to field conditions or rules must be reported to the League Commissioner immediately by coaches and/or managers. Section 13 POLICING RANKS AND KEEPING ORDER Each club has the responsibility to police its own ranks and to properly discharge those adult participants and/or supporters deemed incapable of properly handling youths of the AYL. This includes those adults who do not, by their personal example, exhibit the attitudes, ideals and principles of sportsmanship and fair play that the League is endeavoring to develop in its youth participants. The AYL Board may take disciplinary action in all formal protests brought before the AYL Board. Officials and coaches will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the High School Code of Conduct by players and coaches. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the game by the offending team. Each Club is responsible for trash disposal of sidelines, playing field, parking areas and spectator areas. Section 14 SPORTSMANSHIP If any coach uses profane, obscene, threatening language or any other unsportsmanlike conduct, they may be permanently removed from the game and not be allowed to return to the game. If any player uses such language, they shall be warned by the official that a second offense will result in their permanent removal from the game and a major penalty will be given. Such offenses shall be reported by the coach to the Club Manager who needs to turn them in to the Commissioner for follow-up. Any player or coach ejected from the game will not be allowed to participate in the following scheduled game unless a written appeal submitted by the Club is approved by the Commissioner and the opposing Manager is notified. Any coach or his staff ejected from a game will be disciplined by the parent Club and the parent Club shall, in turn, advise the AYL Board within 7 days of the infraction of what action has been taken. PENALTY: The ejection of any player or coach from a game shall result in that person not participating in their next regularly scheduled game. The first offense is a minor penalty and the second offense is a major penalty and ejection of the person who committed the offense. Section 15 POINTS OF INTEREST Any issues are to be submitted to the League Commissioner. Section 16 PROTESTS Protests involving rule interpretations or the eligibility of a player will be considered by the Commissioner. Judgment calls on the part of the game officials do not constitute grounds for protests. Any protest must first be filed with the official at the time of protest. The coach must notify the official that the game is being played under protest and have the officials sign the exact point of protest on the home teams book or scoring sheet. Club Manager or President must officially file the protest within 24 hours of game day. (If the game is on Saturday, notice of filing must be done at the beginning of the manager s meeting on the following Tuesday.) This initial notice may be done by telephone to the Commissioner as long as all evidence, in typewritten form, is delivered to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the telephone call. Photocopies of all evidence must also be delivered to the other involved Club at that time. The other Club will have 7 days from the delivery day to respond. An official protest form, to be filled out by the head official, must be submitted also. The above policy must be followed, as any deviation will cause the protest to be disallowed. 4

Any Protest filed MUST be accompanied by a $50.00 check to the AYL If the protest is granted the check will be returned If not, the check will be deposited in the AYL operating fund The managers of each club will be meeting weekly to turn in and review all paperwork. Section 17 TIES Teams tied at the end of regular season play will use the following criteria: 1. Head to Head competition 2. Record versus common opponent 3. Points against versus common opponents 4. Coin Toss Section 18 FINES There will be fines to each organization and passed on to the coaches by their organization for the following items: 1. Late game day paperwork 2. Late payments made to the League- 10% fine will be assessed on balance 3. ANY ejection of a Coach and/or Parent 4. Fields being set incorrectly and/or not at all 5. Multiple Code of Conduct violations by a team s participants (parents/coaches/athletes) 6. Having more than one roster laminated (after official roster check) Prior roster needs to be returned before a new laminated roster will be issued. 7. Not having your laminated roster on game day 8. All Scores MUST be turned in on official AYL score sheets 9. All head coaches MUST have a copy of the AYL rules in their possession on game day 10. All coaches and team moms must have their coach s shirts, with number of left sleeve, by the 1 st game.. (No duplicate numbers) 11. ALL Athletes MUST be in complete matching uniforms by the 1 st game. Football Uniform must include: Helmet Pants Shoulder Pads Mouthpiece Jersey Protective cup AYL Patch Penalty: Athlete will sit out game. 5

FOOTBALL Playing Rules RULE 1 FIELD DIMENSIONS and MARKINGS, PLAYERS and EQUIPMENT Section 1 Field sizes and Markings The football field shall be: Division I - See Flag Football playing rules. Division II - 60 yards long and 40 yards wide. End zones shall extend 10 yards beyond each goal line, making the total area inside the chalk lines 80 yards. Division III - 80 yards long and 40 yards wide. End zones shall extend 10 yards beyond each goal line, making the total area inside the chalk lines 100 yards. Division IV - 100 yards long and 54 yards wide. End zones shall extend 10 yards beyond each goal line, making the total area inside the chalk lines 120 yards. The field shall be marked in 10 yard increments from goal line to goal line, with extra point lines 2 yards from the goal lines in the center of the field. Signs with the AYL Code of Conduct, NO alcohol, NO smoking, trash clean up etc need to be posted on each field at opposite sides. (One on the North end and one of the South end, outside of the restraining rope.) There shall be a spectator restraining rope parallel to and 15 yards back from each side line, extending 10 yards past the end zone, where field conditions permit. Posts that support restraining ropes shall be such that they are not metal and are collapsible upon contact. If field set is not properly set a $100 fine will be assessed to the club. The game officials shall inspect each field prior to the start of the game to insure proper marking and reduce possible hazards to participants. Clubs responsible for setting up football fields must make sure sprinkler heads are covered with soft material. If the official determines a field is not properly marked, it shall be reported to the Assigner, who will, in turn, report the violation to the Commissioner. Goal posts may be used in the Senior Divisions ONLY. This will be determined by the league. Flags or cones will be used to designate the goal lines. All fields will be groove cut. Side lines, yardage lines and end zones must be clearly marked. If field or part of fields cannot be groove cut then this field or field areas must be chalked, weather permitting. Section 2 Footballs PeeWee and Associates will use a Pee Wee Ball. Junior B shall use a similar ball such as a Rawlings PeeWee. Junior A and Intermediate shall use a larger ball equivalent to the junior) size ball. Home team must supply a game ball in good shape. Division IV shall use a youth ball. Offensive team is allowed to use its own football, as long as it is in good condition and meets AYL specifications. Balls must meet AYL and CHASSA specification. Section 3- Uniforms Jerseys reasonably similar in coloring and material are acceptable if properly and clearly numbered. Last name of youths are not essential to the jersey. If a player elects to have his/her last name on the jersey it must match the last name as listed on the official roster. In the case of two or more players having the same last name, the first initial of the player s first name will be allowed to precede the player s last name. Under NO circumstances will nicknames be allowed. No duplication of numbers will be allowed. PENALTY: Any player who s jersey contains any name other than that found on the official AYL roster will be deemed to be not properly equipped, and will not be allowed to participate in that game. All players must use head gear that meets all safety specifications as defined by the High School rule book. 6

A player is permitted to use detachable cleats if the screw is on the cleat. Shoes may have rubber cleats which are part of the original rubber sole of the shoe. The wearing of mouth guards is mandatory at the Set position. PENALTY: Minor penalty, dead ball foul. All players must wear the full protective uniform when engaged in contact drills, scrimmages or games. This is to include a hard cup for Associates through Senior A. Girls may wear a soft cup. Failure to do so during a game will result in removal of the player from the game. Failure to do so during drills or scrimmages will result in League review. Players wearing a cast on his/her person may not participate in the game. PENALTY: Violation of any item, unless stated otherwise, will result in disqualification if the player does not comply with proper equipment. No jewelry of any kind may be worn during a game. Section 4 Patch System Any youth exceeding the weight listed for his/her age division must wear a CONTRASTING color football shaped patch on each shoulder. The player will be limited to playing ineligible receiving position only (center, guard or tackle) on the offensive line. On the defensive line the patched player must play on the interior line no wider than the outside shoulder of offensive tackle and in a down position. The patched player may not participate in the kick-off or return. If a patch player recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass, the ball is dead at that spot. The player has the option of playing up to the next oldest division and would be patched if he exceeded that division s maximum weight. INTERMEDIATE ONLY A patch player may not play in the offensive backfield, accept a hand off or backwards lateral. The patch player may be an eligible receiver as long as he/she lines up on the line of scrimmage in an eligible receivers position. The patch player may play anywhere on defense and may advance the ball on fumbles and interceptions. A patch player may play on kick-offs and kick-off returns. All patches must be contrasting football shape patches. Each player must have a patch on each shoulder and it must be sewn on. THE PATCHES MUST BE ON BEFORE THE FIRST GAME. PLAYERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE WITHOUT THE PATCHES SEWN ON!!! NOTE Numbers on jerseys must contrast with the jersey! RULE 2 PRACTICES, SUBSTITUTIONS and MINIMUM PLAY RULES Section 1 Mandatory 3-day No-pad Practice Each player must participate in 3-days of no-contact, no pads, helmets only practice sessions before participating in contact drills or scheduled game. Failure to do so will cause forfeiture of the game(s) the player participates in, and possible disciplinary action against the Club and Club members involved. This rule does not apply to players who participated in high school football and were cut from their team. Three (3) day MANDATORY No-Pad practices begin upon noted league opening day! This may vary depending on the discretion of the Board during any season. Amount of practices will be determined each season by the League Board of Directors in conjunction with City policies and guidelines. It may be possible to have limited practices or unlimited practices. This will vary each season with weather and field conditions. Section 2 Substitutions Unlimited substitutions shall be permitted at any time except when the ball is in play. Section 3 Number of Players Unless 11 eligible players can be put on the field to start a game, the game is automatically forfeited. Teams causing forfeit will be charged for the expense of the officials. Section 4 Player Counters Two counters, one for each club, are to remain together with the chain crew during the game and keep track of the number of plays per quarter. The Kick-off, the try for point after touchdown, or both sides being penalized shall not be counted as 7

plays. No penalty shall count as a play unless refused. These counters are responsible for keeping track of the number of plays played per quarter and not for keeping up with the number of plays played by individuals. At no time shall taunting and/or coaching be permitted on opposing sideline from the player or play counters. Player and Play counters must be at least 18 years of age. Section 5 Minimum Play Rules and Player Counters If a player is eligible and desires to play and is physically able to play, he must play in a number of plays equal to the number of plays in a quarter in each game for which he is present. For the purpose of this rule, a kick-off or extra point without a penalty shall be considered a play towards satisfying this requirement. If the ball is snapped and the play is run and a penalty flag is thrown it will count as a play for the players. If the penalty flag is thrown before the play starts, and play is not begun, it will not count as a play. It is mandatory that each team provide two (2) player counters to count the number of plays played per player for the opposing team. The player counter shall be positioned on the opposing team s sidelines. The player counter form shall be in numerical order. Procedures and forms to be used will be established and presented to each Club prior to the season s first game. Each Division has a minimum number of plays in which a player must participate: Division I 10 plays Divisions II & III 18 plays Division IV 10 plays Penalty: Forfeiture of game Section 6 Weather Called Games Games terminated prior to their conclusion due to inclement weather may be continued at a later date from the point the game was called. Such continuation shall be arranged by the League Scheduler. RULE 3 LENGTH OF GAMES AND TIME FACTORS Section 1 Number of Plays in each Game Division I See Flag Football Rules Divisions II and III shall consist of 18 plays per quarter, or 72 plays per game. Division IV shall consist of 10 play minimum with 12 minute quarters. The clock will be governed according to high school rules with this exception: the clock will start when the ball has been set for play. The final two minutes of the half will be governed by high school rules. Penalty: Violation of this section could be protestable. Section 2 Warnings and Rest Periods Each team shall be notified by the officials when there are 4 plays left in the second and fourth periods in all Divisions. One minute will be allowed at the end of the first and third periods for changing field positions and chains. The coach will be allowed to talk to the team without a time-out, this applies to all Divisions. A 10-minute rest period shall be taken after the second quarter. Teams are to rest on opposite sides of the field. Penalty: Violating this section could cause a delay penalty. Section 3 Time Outs (All Divisions) Each team will be allowed three time-outs per half. Official will not permit additional time-outs. Officials are responsible for keeping track of time-outs. Penalty: Violating this section causes a minor penalty. RULE 4 GAME FUNDAMENTALS Section 1 Kicking The ball shall be placed on the 20 yard line in Division II and on the 30 yard line in Divisions III and on the 40 Division IV for the kick-off. 8

On a kick-off out-of-bounds, the receiving team shall have the option of taking the ball at the out-of-bounds spot or on their 24 yard line for Division II, the 30 yard line for Divisions III and the 40 yard line Division IV. A re-kick will only take place if there is a penalty. Section 2 Blocking Blocking below the waist on kicks or kick-offs is not allowed. Penalty: Major Penalty Section 3 Tackling Head tackles in the open field are not allowed. Open field is defined as in an area outside a 3-yard are either side of the line of scrimmage, from tackle to tackle. Penalty: Major Penalty Section 4 Change of Possession A ball may not be run out of the end zone when change of possession occurs. Touchbacks are put in play at the 12 yard line for Division II and 20 yard line for Divisions III and IV. Section 5 Free Punt (Associates Only) Associate teams who declare to the official that they intend to punt the ball, shall do so without being rushed by the opposition and they must punt. Punt coverage must not leave the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted. The ball must be punted from at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage. The defensive team must have at least 8 men on the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is punted. The ball may be centered any way the team desires. Penalty: Failure to observe any of the above rules is a Major Penalty. Section 6 Associate Division: Lining Up on the Center No defensive players may line up directly over the center. Defensive players may shade the outside shoulders of the center. Players lined up in either gap between the center and guard must follow these rules: Defensive linemen must have their shoulders substantially parallel to the line of scrimmage. Linebackers must line up a minimum of four yards from the line of scrimmage. RULE 5 SCORING AND PENALTIES Section 1 Extra Points A team may pass or run for extra points. A completed legal forward pass which is caught in the end zone is two points, a run is one point. The ball shall be placed on the 2 yard line for extra point attempts in all Divisions. Division IV Only: Field Goals will be permitted at field with Field Goal post. If the ball is kicked for a PAT, the team will be awarded one (1) point. Any run or pass into the end zone will result in 2 points. The ball shall be placed on the 3 yard line for extra points on fields with Field Goal posts. Section 2 Mercy Rule If any team gains a lead of 45 points or more, each play will count. Mercy rule will apply when there is a 45 point difference. The opposing team that is down receives the ball at 10 yards for Divisions I, II & III and 20 yards for Division IV. Further Definition: The team that is losing shall receive the ball on their side of the field. They should have to drive the length of the field to score. For Division II and III, Associate B through Intermediate, the team losing by 45 or more receives the ball at their own 10 yard line. For Division IV, Senior B & Senior A, the teams losing by 45 or more receives the ball at their own 20 yard line. On a 60 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 50 yards to score. On an 80 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 70 yards to score. On a 100 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 80 yards to score. For Division II and III, all plays will count at this time. This includes special teams and point after attempts. For Division IV, the clock will run continually, except for Referee and Coach's time outs. 9

The team that is winning can still score a defensive touchdown, i.e. fumble or interception return. In the event the winning team scores, they will have the ability to convert their point after attempt. After a score, the losing team has a choice of either receiving a kickoff or taking the ball on offense at starting point for their division. In the event there is a turnover on the kickoff, the losing team will receive the ball on offense at the starting point for their division. If the losing team cuts the score differential below 45 points, the mercy rule is no longer in effect. However, if the score differential reaches 45 or more, the mercy rule shall go back into affect. Section 3 Safeties A Free Kick following a safety for Division II will be from the 12 yard line and Divisions III & IV from the 20 yard line. If the defense has to kick because of Rule 5, Section 2, the kick will be from the spot determined in Rule 4, Section I. Section 4 Penalties Defined One a 100 yard field, penalties that are assessed at 5 to 10 yards will be three (3) yards on a 60 yard field (Division II) and five (5) yards on an 80 yard field (Division III). Those assessed at 15 yards will be six (6) yards on a 60 yard field (Division II) and ten (10) on an 80 yard field (Division III). RULE 6 OFFICIALS, REPORT AND CHAIN CREWS Section 1 Officials Associate B thru Junior A shall have 2 officials assigned per game. Intermediate thru Senior A shall have 3 officials assigned per game, but must play if only 2 officials are present. If only one (1) official is present in any division, both coaches must agree to play, otherwise the game will be rescheduled. In case of a dispute between play recorder, the official shall make the official decision. The official shall check the players for legal equipment, such as mouthpieces, shoes, pads and cups. Section 2 Chain Crew The Home team must supply an adult (must be at least 18 years old) chain crew and the proper equipment. The chain crew may not be a youth participating in the AYL. RULE 7 CONDUCT AND COACHING Section 1 Coaching Side-line coaching: One coach per team is allowed on the field in the Pee-Wee & Associate games at any one time. However, he/she must be at least 10 yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball and not interfere with the play or be subject to an illegal procedure penalty option to offended team. In all age groups, one coach may go into the huddle during time outs. All coaches and players not in the ball game must remain between the 20-yard line stripes. For Division II, coaches and players are allowed to the 10 yard line. Second infraction will constitute a Major Penalty against the offending team. Section 2 Keeping Order Coaches must set the example of sportsmanship for both their players and supporters. Both Clubs are to be responsible for keeping order and keeping spectators off the playing field at all times. All spectators shall be required to remain in back of the restraining rope and no closer than 15 yards from the end line. Restraining rope is to be 15 yards from the playing field and no restraining rope is required at the end line. Neither spectators nor coaches shall enter the field of play. Violations of the rule shall be cause for forfeiture of the game. This rule in no way intends to restrict a coach or parent from entering the field of play to attend to an injured player. Section 3 Sportsmanship If any coach uses profane, obscene or threatening language, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct, they may be permanently removed from the game and not allowed to return to the game. If any player uses such language, they will be given a minor penalty and warned by the official that a second offense will result in their permanent removal from the game and a major penalty. Such offenses shall be reported by the coach to the Club Manager who should turn them in to the Commissioner for follow up. Any players or coach ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in the following scheduled game unless a written appeal, submitted the club, is approved by the Commissioner and the opposing manager is 10

notified. Any coach or his staff ejected from a game will be disciplined by the parent club and the parent club shall in turn, advise the AYL Board within 7 days of the infraction of what action has been taken. PENALTY: The ejection of any player or coach from a game shall result in that person not participating in their next regularly scheduled game, if upheld. The first offense is a minor penalty and the second offense is a major penalty and ejection of the person who committed the offense. Section 4 Cheerleaders Cheerleaders will be positioned on the sidelines, inside the ropes, between the goal line and 10 yard lines, but NEVER on the field of play. Half-time routines and introductions will be permitted; the Home Team shall perform first. Cheerleaders will be courteous to the opposing team s cheerleaders, spectators, players, coaches and the officials at all times. The Cheerleaders must also follow the Code of Conduct. RULE 8 UPPER AND LOWER DIVISIONS Division IV shall be split into two divisions. The Upper division shall consist of teams that are more accomplished and higher skilled. In order to split the division, there must be a minimum of 12 teams. The first season the split will occur, the upper division shall comprise of the team that made the playoffs the previous season. Non-playoff teams with the best records will be placed in the upper division in order to balance upper and lower divisions. Any teams that had a.500 winning percentage in the previous season will have the choice to play in either division if both divisions are balanced. After the first season, upper division teams, who made the playoffs, will stay in the upper division. The bottom two teams in the upper division, record wise, will move to the lower division. The two lower division teams which made it to the championship game will move up to the upper division. If there is no division break and there is a minimum of 10 teams the top 6 will be able to go to the play offs. The commissioner has the final discretion of team placement per division. RULE 9 - AYL SUPER BOWL GAME THE AURORA BOWL All AYL rules apply to the AYL Bowl games. AYL Bowl games will play under the High School tie-breaker rules. 11

Flag Football Rules The AYL is sponsoring youth flag football with the intent of providing an athletic environment. It will stress fun, sportsmanship, participation and safety. We believe that everyone should be given an opportunity to gain a self-understanding of the rewards and achievements that will improve with good coaching, practice and hard work. The objective of this game is for the coaches to give all children equal playing time. Section 1 Penalties Due to the size of the field, penalties have been scaled down as follows: Regulation 5 yard penalties shall be 3 yards, 10 yard penalties shall be 6 yards. Section 2 Teams Each team must field a minimum of eight players per play. A minimum of five players must be on the line of scrimmage for the offense. The defense must have a minimum of three players on the line of scrimmage. PENALTY: 3 yards from the line of scrimmage. Section 3 Playing Time A. To start a game there will be coin toss to determine who has the ball first. B. 10 plays each quarter. This is both teams combined. Since there are no punts or kick-offs, play starts at the 15 yard line. Offensive team retains possession of the ball until it scores or runs 5 plays or losses possession due to fumble. In case of interception the ball is spotted at the point where play is blown dead. If offensive team fails to score in its allotted 5 plays the defense gets the ball on its 15 yard line. C. In the event of a penalty, there will be not loss of down. D. The one minute rule is in force throughout the game. Action or inaction which prevents promptness in putting the ball in play is delay of game. PENALTY: 3 yards Section 4 Time Outs Each team shall be allowed a total of 6 time outs, 3 per half. Official will not permit additional time-outs. Officials are responsible for keeping track of time-outs. Exception: Only one time out during any dead ball. Time outs are for one minute each. Penalty: Violating this section causes a major penalty. Section 5 Substitution A. Each player in good standing must participate in ten plays during the game. B. Players may go in and out of the game any time the ball is dead. Section 6 Playing Field 40 yards by 20 yards, with the 15 yard line marked at both ends. Section 7 Officials The AYL will provide one official for all flag football games. Section 8 Equipment A player s equipment may NOT include headgear except for a soft stocking cap, being of wool or some material like it. The cap may NOT have a bill of any kind. All clothing must be tucked in so that the flags and belts are visible. Only tennis shoes and soft rubber cleats are permitted as footwear. The molded type of soccer shoe will be permitted. No metal or nylon cleated football shoes, golf shoes, track shoes, work boots, or cowboy boots and especially NO bare feet allowed. Footballs are to be provided by each team for their own use on offense. It must be PeeWee size football issued by each club. All players are required to wear a mouth piece. Section 9 Coaches Only one coach for the offense and defense is allowed on the field and in the huddle. Only that coach may talk to the official and to make decisions. Coach s first choice of any option shall be final. 12

Section 10 Uniform Same colored jersey or t-shirts. No padding under any part of uniform. Players cannot play without uniforms. Name and number must match the roster. Last name is not required on the jersey or t-shirt. Flag teams may have 15 players per team. Section 11 End of play Each play ends when a tackler has removed the flag of the ball carrier. The tackler should stop at the point where he removes the flag and extend his arm upward with the flag or when the ball carriers knee touches the ground. Referee will then spot the ball at that point for the start of the next play. Section 12 Flags All offensive players are required to wear a set of flags (12 and one half inches in length). In case of an inadvertent detached flag: A. On all running plays the ball will be spotted at the point where the flag fell off. B. On a pass play, a potential receiver who drops his flag catches a pass; the ball will be dead at the point of completion. (Recommend Velcro rip type flag, 2 per belt) Flags MUST come off of the belt. Section 13 Eligible Receivers All players are eligible to receive passes. Section 14 Legal Forward Pass A. One foot must be inbounds for a legal catch. B. When one offensive player deflects a ball in either direction and another offensive player catches the ball, the catch is legal and the ball may be advanced. Section 15 Lateral Any pass that is thrown overhand or underhand behind or parallel to the passer. Section 16 Lateral Pass Same as above but must take place behind the line of scrimmage. Section 17 Fumble Any ball that hits the ground is ruled dead, including: fumble, hand off, muff, touch, center snap, and backward pass. In these situations, put the ball in play where the ball hit the ground. Exceptions: Forward fumbles, put in play where the possession was lost. Section 18 Safeties The other team gets the all at the 15 yard line. If centered ball lands in the end zone, it is an automatic safety. Section 19 Rules Colorado High School Football Rules will apply to all situations not covered by the special flag football rules as stated herein. Section 20 Misconduct On an ejection from a game, a player, coach or parent may be asked to leave the park. If he/she does not comply, the game may be called. If a player from the side lines should enter the game and pull the flag or hinder the ball carrier, the ball will become dead at that point. PENALTY: A 6 yard penalty will be assessed from the point of infraction. 13

PENALTIES Section 1 Blocking Blocking shall be done by use of arms and body without the use of hands, butting or the use of forearm shivers. PENALTY: Suspension from the game and a 6 yard penalty will be assessed. A. Blockers may not leave their feet while attempting to block PENALTY: 6 Yards B. Defensive players are restricted in the use of their hands to the body and shoulders of an offensive player. PENALTY: 6 Yard penalty and suspension from the game for any hand or arm contact to the head. C. Down field blocking is legal. You cannot leave your feet or block below the waist. PENALTY: 6 Yards Section 2 Charging The ball carrier may not run through or over a defensive player, but he must attempt to evade the tackler. PENALTY: 6 yards from point of infraction There will be NO score kept in Pee/Wee (Flag Football). Coaches, parents and supporters should encourage sportsmanship and fundamentals assuring that each player learns and most importantly has fun. There are NO winners and NO losers in Flag Football. AYL Super Bowl (The Aurora Bowl) All Flag teams are encouraged to participate in a flag tournament at the end of the season. Each team will be scheduled by the League Board a playing time during the tournament. It will be a double elimination. 14