3. Game time length will be two 25-minute halves with a 10-minute
halftime. Both games will use the one field scoreboard clock. A continuous
clock will be kept and will start at the break of the first offense huddle on
either field. If time runs out at the end of a game as the offense is breaking
a huddle, the defense will allow 1 final play – not a series!
4. Unless otherwise specified, games will begin promptly at the scheduled
times (no exceptions).
5. No kickoffs to start halves or after touchdown. Ball is put on the
offenses own 10-yard line.
6. To start game, flip coin for defense and offense, offense gets ball on
their own 10-yard line the first half. Opposing team gets ball on offense to
start second half.
7. This is an instructional league. The score should not be kept by
anyone. No extra points are attempted. No official scores will be recorded.
8. There will be four teams – Blue, Green, Maroon and Red. All teams will
try to have same amount of 5, 6 and 7 year olds, so that each team can be
evenly matched.
Example: 5-5 yr. olds
6-6 yr. olds
5-7 yr. olds
9. No punting – 4 downs to get 10 yards for a 1st down.
10. Only 11 players on the field at a time. 11 on offense, 11 on defense.
*Subject to change depending on how many players show up to that particular
game. If one team only has 10 players, then the other team can only play 10
players on offense and defense also.
11. Defensive linemen must line up man-to-man with no one lining up over
the center.
12. All linebackers and defensive backs cannot cross or blitz across the
line of scrimmage. Only Defensive lineman may cross the line of scrimmage to
make the play.
13. Tackling will not be tolerated. Any player making a tackle will have
to sit out 1 play and his team will be assessed a 10 yd. Penalty. If same
player tackles again 10 yd penalty and he sits out an entire series.
14. No blocking in the back. No pushing of a ball carrier in the back,
this will be considered a tackle.
15. It is not a tackle as long as the player is going for the flag or
attempting to go for the flag – even if the defender leaves his feet.
16. Any mishandling of a quarterback/center exchange or offside will
result in a do-over. Only 2 per half, after results in loss of down.
17. Only 2 timeouts per game.
18. All shirts must be tucked in and flags must be on correctly (meaning
on right and left hips). Any excess belt must be tucked into pants.
19. Only 2 coaches on the field from each team at one time – offense and
defense.
20. Fumbles can be recovered by the defense and either be downed where it
was recovered or can be advanced if the player scoops-and-goes until someone
from the opposing team pulls that defensive players flag.
21. Interceptions will be allowed. If the defensemen intercepts, then it
is off to the races until that player gets his flag pulled.
22. Only 2 referees per game. Hopefully one honest parent from each team.
23. Absolutely no touching of the helmet or facemask – even by stiff-arm
or tackling of player. If this happens, the ball will be dead right there and
a 5 yd. Penalty will be assessed and the player will have to go to the
sideline and sit out for one play.
24. A protective cup, helmet with chinstrap and mouthpiece must be worn at
all times during all games and practices.
25. Remember, we are all trying to teach basic football fundamentals and
have fun!