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YFL USA RULES

YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE/USA, INC. (YFL/USA)
OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
11-Man Tackle Football
YFL/USA, Inc.
Established 2005
Copyright © 2011 Youth Football League/USA, Inc. (YFL/USA). All Rights Reserved.
This document and the information contained herein remain the sole property of the Youth Football League/USA, Inc. (YFL/USA) and shall not be transmitted or communicated by any means to parties not associated with the YFL/USA and its purposes. Any unauthorized use, copying, distribution, etc. will be addressed through all legal means necessary to remedy such misuse. Explicit permission for any use must be obtained from Tony Walter, Executive Director
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Table of Contents
Article I: General ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
SECTION 1: PLAYING RULES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
SECTION 2: GAME/PRACTICE FIELD CONTROL ………………………………………………………………………………………3
SECTION 3: REGISTRATION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
SECTION 4: PROTEST RULING & PENALTIES ………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
SECTION 5: MANDATORY PLAYER CHECK-IN ………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
SECTION 6: GAME FORFEITURE PENALTY ………………………………………………………………………………………………4
ARTICLE II DIVISIONS AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ……………………………………………………………..4
SECTION 1: FRESHMEN (FR) (6U) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
SECTION 2: SOPHOMORE (SO) (8U) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
SECTION 3: JUNIOR VARSITY (JV) (10U) ………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
SECTION 4: VARSITY (V) (12U) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
SECTION 5: WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
SECTION 6: PLAYERS MOVING UP ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
ARTICLE III: EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS …………………………………………………………………………..6
SECTION 1: MANDATORY EQUIPMENT ………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
SECTION 2: TEAM UNIFORMS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
SECTION 3: OFFICIAL GAME BALLS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
ARTICLE IV: PRACTICE SESSIONS ………………………………………………………………………………………….7
SECTION 1: PRE-SEASON PRACTICE ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
SECTION 2: REGULAR PRACTICE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
SECTION 3: PRACTICE DETAILS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
ARTICLE V: PRE-SEASON GAMES/EXHIBITIONS ……………………………………………………………………7
SECTION 1: OPENING DAY / JAMBOREE GAMES …………………………………………………………………………………. 7
SECTION 2: EXHIBITIONS GAMES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
SECTION 3: NON-LEAGUE COMPETITION ………………………………………………………………………………………………7
ARTICLE VI: GAMES ……………………………………………………………………………………………….……………8
SECTION 1: SCHEDULING & LENGTH……………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
SECTION 2: CONFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
SECTION 3: GAME OFFICIALS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
SECTION 4: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
SECTION 5: YFL-SPECIFIC PLAYING RULES ……………………………………………………………………………………………….9
SECTION 6: RECORDS & REPORTING …………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
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ARTICLE VII: POST SEASON ……………………………………………………………………………………………………12
SECTION 1: STANDINGS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
SECTION 2: PLAYOFFS / SUPER BOWL ………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
SECTION 3: ALL – STAR GAMES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
SECTION 4: AAU DISTRICT, REGIONAL, & NATIONAL COMPETITION……………………………………………………….. 13
ARTICLE VIII: CONDEUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP ………………………………………………………………………..14
SECTION 1: USE OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL ……………………………………………………………………………………………14
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL ALTERCATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
SECTION 3: ABUSIVE LANGUAGE & GESTURES ………………………………………………………………………………………….14
SECTION 4: THREATS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
SECTION 5: USE OF ENHANCEMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
ARTICLE IX: RULES/ DOCUMENT AMENDMENTS …………………………………………………………………….14
SECTION 1: REVIEWS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
SECTION 2: AMENDMENTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
SECTION 3: APPENDIXES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15
ARTICLE X: SAVORS CLAUSE ……………………………………………………………………………………………………15
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Article I: General
Section 1: Playing Rules
Playing rules are to be the same as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with the exceptions of those items specifically noted within this document, as ratified by the YFL/USA Presidents Council. During AAU regional and national competitions the playing rules as set forth by the National Federation of High School (NFHS) shall prevail. All competition within the YFL (including preseason, regular season, and the YFL/YUSA playoffs) shall use the NCAA rules.
All football coaches, parent representatives, athletic directors, cheerleader coaches/ coordinators shall be familiar with and abide by all rules, regulations, and interpretations of the League and its leadership. Organization Presidents must meet with their coaching staffs to ensure they are aware of all League rules.
Section 2: Game/Practice Field Control
Organization Presidents and/or CEOs are responsible for maintaining control at their game fields including coaches, staff, parents, and other spectators.
Section 3: Registration
All football players and cheerleaders must officially register with the League. Football players and cheerleaders will register with their teams/organizations at the designated date, time, and location.
Registration Documentation should include the following items:
1. YFL/USA Registration Form (must be signed by parent or legal guardian)
2. Original Birth Certificate (certified with state-issued logo)
3. A copy of the Birth Certificate (to be retained by the League)
4. YFL/USA Rules & Regulation Form
5. Applicable Registration Fees
6. Waivers if applicable
7. AAU Membership Card
8. Recent Photo (no copies)
*A United States Passport may be used in lieu of an Original Birth Certificate
Official weigh-ins will be taken at the time of registration. Partial registrations and/or payments will not be accepted. Participant may need to plan to register at a later make-up registration session.
Copies of the aforementioned documents must be retained in “Team Books” and presented upon request to an opponent who wants to verify participants’ eligibility. Refusal to present the team books or failure to produce the
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team books upon request may result in game forfeiture and such will be determined by the Executive League Commissioner.
*Registration Rules are subject to change if the YFL/USA partners with a 3rd party to facilitate the weigh-in, and validation process.
Section 4: Protest Rulings & Penalties
In the event of a protest regarding the violation of any provisions of the YFL/USA Official Playing Rules, the Office of the League Commissioner may consider all facts associated with the alleged violation to determine the validity of said violation and the resultant penalty to be imposed. The penalty may range from an official sanction form the league, which may include fines, up to and including game forfeiture. In rare occasions, immediate membership termination may also be considered.
Use of an illegal player, including players not officially registered with the League and/or players participating in an inappropriate age division will result in substantial penalties including the following:
Game Forfeiture
Fine to the applicable organization ($500) fine payable to the League immediately
Suspension of the Head Coach of the affected team for the remainder of the season, with the possibility of permanent expulsion.
The affected team will be disqualified from playoff competition.
Section 5: Mandatory Player Check-In
All eligible football players are required to check in prior to participating in every regular and post season game. The following provision should be followed by each participating member and player:
A. Mandatory Player check-in must be held at the top of the 4th quarter of the prior game
B. After the 1st quarter of the game, late arriving football players will be allowed to check-in during the half-time only.
C. In the event that a legitimately registered player participates in a game without checking in, the applicable organization/team will be assessed a $100 fine payable to the League prior to the next week’s game. If an illegal player plays at any time, it will result in a game forfeiture.
Section 6: Game Forfeiture Penalty
In the event of any game forfeiture (if a game is not played) the forfeiting team must pay the costs of the referees and security as a penalty to the League prior to the next week’s game. The approximate penalty shall be $250+.
Article II: Divisions and Weight Restrictions (Division I)
Under no circumstance can a single player participate in more than one (1) age division in a single season, including all post-season play. Violations of any age/weight/participation restrictions are subject to forfeiture of all games in which the player participates and substantial fines to be determined by the Executive Board of Directors along with the League Executive Football Commissioner, and his staff.
Section 1: Freshmen/Developmental (FR) (6U)
1. This division is for players age 5 & 6 years old.
2. Players must be 6 years old or less on August 1st of the current year of competition.
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3. There may be exceptions for 4 year olds with a waiver signed by the responsible parent or legal guardian.
Section 2: Sophomore (SO) (8U)
1. This division is for players age 7 & 8 years old.
2. Players must be 8 years old or less on August 1st of the current year of competition.
Section 3: Junior Varsity (JV) (10U)
1. This division is for players age 9 & 10 years old.
2. Players must be 10 years old or less on August 1st of the current year of competition.
Section 4: Varsity (V) (12U)
1. This division is for players age 11 & 12 years old.
2. Players must be 12 years old or less on August 1st of the current year of competition.
3. All 12 year olds are required to indicate whether he/she will be competing in tackle football for their school.
Section 5: Weight Restrictions
Definitions
1. Ball Carrier- Players who may through normal play, catch carry, and/or advance the ball while in play. Only eligible offensive ball carriers may lineup in a position that could potentially carry the ball. Defensive players of any size may recover turnovers and advance the ball, regardless of weight.
2. Tackle to Tackle- Players are restricted to playing on the offensive and/or defensive line between where the offensive tackles would normally line up.
Division I
Ball Carrier
Tackle to Tackle
Freshmen (FR) (6U)
65.0 lbs.
95.0+ lbs.
Sophomore (SO) (8U)
95.0 lbs.
125.0+ lbs.
Jr. Varsity (JV) (10U)
125.0 lbs.
145.0+ lbs.
Varsity (V) (12U)
145.0 lbs.
190.0+ lbs.
NOTE: Ball Carrier weights DO NOT apply to any defensive player positions.
Division II
Ball Carrier
Tackle to Tackle
Freshmen (FR) (7U)
Sophomore (SO) (9U)
Jr. Varsity (JV) (11U)
Varsity (V) (13U)
NOTE: Ball Carrier weights DO Not apply to any defensive player positions.
Section 6: Players Moving Up
1. Players are allowed to move up to the next higher age division under the following provisions:
A. This provision only applies to players that are in the upper age range of their eligible division (for example, a player must be 10 yrs. Old to move from the 10U division to the 12U division).
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B. A player will be able to play up on the next level if granted permission by the Parent and supported by organization’s/team’s leadership. A waiver must be signed by a Parent & the applicable organization’s President.
C. Once a player has been registered to play on the next higher level he/she will be unable to move down to a lower level for his/her remaining tenure in YFL.
Article III: Equipment and Uniforms
Section 1: Mandatory Equipment
Each player must have the following minimum equipment:
1. National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) approved helmet and shoulder pads.
2. Football pants with thigh, hip, tail (butt), and knee pads
3. Game Jersey issued by Team/Organization (no duplicate jersey numbers or switching is allowed).
Helmets must include a proper facemask, chin strap, and mouth piece with strap. Face masks must be made of molded plastic with rounded edges. Players must use rubber cleats or Screw-in cleats (as long as they are NOT metal), steel spikes are strictly prohibited. Violations of this rule can result in a 15-yard personal foul penalty and/or suspension from game play for each occurrence noted.
The use of “stickum”, grease, oils, or other slippery substance is strictly prohibited from use on any part of the uniform or person of a player. Violations of this rule can result in a 15-yard personal foul penalty and/or suspension from game play for each occurrence noted.
Prescription eyewear of protective eye gear shall only be worn if constructed with a non-shattering material or contact lenses. Only clear visors may be worn by players. Dark visors require a prescription from a duly licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Section 2: Team Uniforms
Teams should choose colored jerseys (non –white) that will appropriately distinguish them from any other teams’ jersey color. Teams may have white jerseys if two jerseys (one white, one colored) are available for the team. Resolutions should be made by the League Executive Board. Commercial logos and/or signs are allowed on team jerseys.
All team staff (Presidents, Coaches, Team Moms, etc.), who need to be on the sidelines, must wear an appropriate team uniform (including a team shirt and league badge) that is distinguishable from all other attendees. No street clothes shall be permitted. [Exception: Team members also serving as League Officials]
Section 3: Official Game Balls
All balls must be made of leather or composite leather. Rubber balls are not permitted. The usage of an illegal ball may result in game forfeiture and /or fines.
Freshmen and Sophomore teams will use the Wilson K-2 or equivalent sized ball. Jr. Varsity and Varsity Teams will use the Wilson TDJ or equivalent sized-ball. NO other footballs are authorized for play in the League. All game balls must be presented to the referees prior to the start of the game play.
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Article IV: Practice Sessions
Section 1: Pre-Season Practice
Practice sessions and/or conditioning drills shall not begin prior to the first full week of June. Each player should have participated in a minimum of five (5) practice sessions and /or conditioning drills prior, beginning any full contact activity. UP to the period within two (2) weeks of the first regular season game, teams are restricted to five (5) practice sessions and /or condition sessions per week. Practice sessions in full pads may not commence until four (4) weeks prior to the first scheduled game or until determined differently by the Executive Board.
Section 2: Regular Practice
Within two (2) weeks of the first regular season league game, teams shall be permitted only there (3) practice sessions per week. Any team with an open date or bye shall be permitted to the same number of practice sessions that they would have normally had, in addition, the team may have one additional practice in lieu of the game not played. This rule applies to all regular season games and post-season games.
Section 3: Practice Details
All practice and conditioning sessions shall not exceed two (2) hours in duration. This period shall include any and all supervised group or individual instruction or activity. NO more than one (1) session shall be permitted per day. NO sessions are allowed on Sundays.
Article V: Pre-Season Games/ Exhibitions
Section 1: Opening Day/ Jamboree Games
All teams/organization must participate in the League’s scheduled Opening Day activities that may/may not include a Jamboree game. All Jamboree games are exhibitions only, and will be controlled via official game referees. All Jamboree games shall be played in two (2) halves of five (5) minutes for the Freshmen/Developmental and Jr. Varsity divisions, and two (2) halves of eight (8) minutes for the Varsity and Sr. Varsity divisions.
Section 2: Exhibition Games
All teams are permitted one (1) and only one exhibition game against another league team as agreed to by the presidents of participating teams. This applies to each division, exhibition games shall be controlled by the head coaches of the respective teams or other designated authority.
Section 3: Non-League Competition
It is strictly prohibited for a team/organization or player or player to participate in any game or scrimmage outside the Youth Football League/USA without prior approval of the League’s Executive Board. Violation of this rule may result in significant fines, forfeiture of regular season and/or playoff games, forfeiture of funds distribution from the League, and/or expulsion form the League.
Written request for an exception to this rule must be submitted in writing to the League, and approved by the Executive Board. Written request must include the date, time, and anticipated location of any exhibition against a
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non-YFL/USA team/organization. It shall also include any significant reason why such a contest is being requested and/or necessary.
Competition in AAU District, Regional, or National Championship events are to be considered sanctioned by the YFL/USA if the competing team is the official representative of the YFL/USA to said events.
Article VI: Games
Section 1: Scheduling & Length
All regular season and playoff games shall be played on a Saturday, unless otherwise required to make up games. The Super Bowl shall be played on a Saturday or Sunday. All schedules will be developed by the League Football Commissioner(s).
The regular season schedule shall be a minimum of 6 games, and a maximum of 10 games for all divisions. The Opening Day/Jamboree Game, if played shall not count as a regular season game. Games postponed due to inclement weather or emergency situation such as an approaching hurricane, tropical storm, or terrorist alert conditions shall be rescheduled or cancelled by the League Football Commissioner(s).
All regular season and playoff games will consist of four equal quarters. Game length for each division shall be as follows:
Division I
Quarter Length
Freshmen (FR) (6U)
8 Minutes
Sophomore (SO) (8U)
8 Minutes
Jr. Varsity (JV) (10U)
10 Minutes
Varsity (V) (12)
10 Minutes
*Halftime breaks shall be equal to the quarter length for each division.
Division II
Quarter Length
Freshmen (FR) (7U)
Sophomore (SO) (9U)
Jr. Varsity (JV) (11U)
Varsity (V) (13)
*Halftime breaks shall be equal to the quarter length for each division.
Section 2: Conferences
The YFL/USA shall be separated into two (2) conferences, the American Conference and the National Conference. Teams will be assigned to a conference by pulling names. Based on the number of participating teams within the League, the League Commissioner may determine if the conference alignments shall be used for determining playoff eligibility and standings.
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Section 3: Game Officials
Licensed adult officials will be provided by the League to officiate all League games. During all games, the Referee or Head Official will have the authority over all actions on the playing field, including the sidelines. Their decisions will be binding to all concerned and they will have final authority. The officials may take required actin, including ejection of persons from the game or stadium area. A YFL/USA League representative and/or secretary shall carry out the removal decision of the officials.
Section 4: Authorized Personnel
The following personnel will be allowed on the sidelines during games:
1. Coaches and Staff: Each team is allotted one (1) head coach, ten (10) assistants, three (3) water persons, (3) team moms or designees, and one (1) team Medic.
2. Cheerleaders and Staff: All cheerleaders and staff are permitted on the sidelines, however should take all reasonable steps and precautions against interfering with game play and avoiding potential injury.
3. Chain Crew: Chain crew members are required to be 15+ years old. The visiting team must furnish two (2) people, and the home team must provide one (1) person to operate the chains and down markers along the sidelines. Chain crew members are not permitted to use a mobile phone, Bluetooth earpieces, or other communication devices or send any type of hand gestures while working the chains. Any unsportsmanlike conduct by any member of the chin crew will result in a penalty of fifteen (15) yards against the offending team. Payments to chain crew members are optional and at the discretion of the affected organization Presidents.
4. Press: Any person(s) with press credential may enter the sideline area. All press must be in an area that will not interfere with the coaches, players, or game officials.
Section 5: YFL-Specific Playing Rules
1. Play Clock: Each division will be granted a 30-second play clock. Any extension of this for placement of the ball is at the discretion of the game officials.
2. Kickoffs: All divisions will kick off from the 40-yard line, with the receiving team lined up on or on the opposite side of the 50-yard line.
3. Punting: Punting is not mandatory for any division under any circumstances.
A. Freshmen and Sophomore divisions must announce their intentions to punt before the play begins. Fake punts are allowed in the Jr. Varsity and Varsity divisions. If a team line up in a punt formation, rushing the punter is allowed.
B. Jr. Varsity and Varsity divisions are not required to announce their intentions to punt before the play begins. Fake punts are allowed in the Jr. Varsity and Varsity divisions. If a team lines up in a punt formation, rushing the punter is allowed.
C. No defensive player is allowed to line up directly over the long snapper. Players may line up in the gaps around the center and may engage the center.
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4. Extra Points: The ball will be placed on the 3-yard line.
A. Extra points will be awarded as follows:
Kick through the uprights – 2 points
Run beyond the goal line -1 point (includes a pass in the field of play and run into the end zone)
Pass into the end zone – 2 points
B. Freshmen and sophomore divisions may not rush the kicker in the event a kick attempt is made. No fake kicks are allowed.
C. Jr. Varsity and Varsity divisions may rush the kicker in the event a kick attempt is made. Fake kicks are allowed.
D. No defensive player is allowed to line up directly over the long snapper. Players may line up in the gaps around the center and may engage the center.
5. Overtime: Overtime is not allowed during any type of pre-season/exhibition game. Overtime is required during any type of regular season or post-season game, and will be conducted as follows:
A. Each overtime period will provide an offensive opportunity for each team. There are no provisions for sudden-death overtime.
B. The ball will be placed at the 15-yard line.
C. Each team will have four (4) downs to score. No first downs can be earned.
D. The team with the most points at the conclusion of any overtime period will be the winner of the game.
6. On-Field Coaches: Only the Freshmen divisions may have coaches on the field during game play. Each team is allowed two (2) coaches on the field. The coaches on the field are restricted from interfering with or physically maneuvering any player after the offensive huddle is broken. In the event an official determines that a coach interferes with the normal play of the game, that team will be subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of fifteen (15) yards. If any team receives three such infractions during the course of one game, the Head Coach will be removed from the field of play and assessed another penalty. There are no provisions to replace the Head Coach on the field of play during the applicable game.
All on-field coaches must remain behind the active play to avoid confusing or causing an intimidating situation for players. Coaches on the offensive side of the ball must stand at least 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage and may not run behind or with players as play progresses. If a long-gaining play is in process, the offensive coaches may only proceed down the field at least 20 yards behind the ball, AND not between or next to any defensive player and the ball. Coaches on the defensive side of the ball must stand at least 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Defensive coaches are responsible for staying out of the path of play and must remain at least 20 yards behind the ball on all long- gaining play
7. Fields: Games will be played on a regulation football field. The only provision for non-use of a regulation football field depends on availability, and the field must be a minimum of 80 yards long x 40 yards wide.
8. Team Introductions: Team introductions are only permitted by a team at the beginning of their Homecoming game or the beginning of each post-season game.
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9. Minimum Play Rule: The League will NOT enforce any minimum play rule or standard. It is, however, desirable that each and every child plays during each game. As a guideline, each player should play a minimum number of plays base on the total number of players on the team roster. Special teams) Kickoff & Kick Return plays count toward this guideline. Non-compliance will not result in fines, game forfeitures, or any other sanctions form the League. The only exceptions to this rule will be recognized hazards to the player by the coach, game official, or parent.
Players on Roster
Minimum Plays
11-15
10
16-25
8
26-30
6
31+
5
10. Other General Playing Rules:
A. The game clock shall operate as a normal football game clock in accordance with NCAA regulations regarding clock operations.
B. The clock will be stopped for timeouts, penalties, and injuries. The clock will also be stopped for positioning the ball and player lineup for a kickoff or free kick after a score. The game officials may call an officials timeout at their discretion.
C. Players must enter and exit the field between the 20-yard lines.
D. Coaches and Staff are required to stay between the 20-yard lines during game play.
E. All coaches and other personnel are prohibited from entering the field of play beyond the numbers on the field or beyond 10 yards of the sideline during timeouts or injury breaks. The only exceptions shall be coaches caring for an injured player [after notified by officials] and the Freshmen (6U) on field coaches.
F. League Board Members, Football Commissioners, or game officials may call a game if severe weather conditions exist. The general guideline is that games will proceed on schedule in the event of rain, however, if lightning is seen in the area, all on –field activities will be halted (temporally until any dangerous conditions pass or for the remainder of the game/event).
G. All teams must have at least 11 players on the filed to play a scheduled game. If the required number of players is not available within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the offending team will forfeit the game.
H. Team rosters should be available from the League website. Teams are not required to provide a roster prior to the game, however, teams may want to provide an updated roster if a player is not active for the game due to injury or other personal issues that may prevent him/her form participating on a given game day.
I. In the Freshmen division, it is not allowed to line up a nose guard directly over the offensive center. Any defensive formations with a nose guard in the Freshmen division must line up the nose guard to either side of the offensive center with a minimum of 1-2 feet in distance. A linebacker of defensive back may line up directly over the center position, but must be a minimum of 3 yards off the line of scrimmage.
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Section 6: Records & Reporting
Game scores should be reported by the President of the home team (or designate) to the Football Commissioner or other designated YFL official. Scores should be reported via text message or email immediately after the conclusion of each game.
Article VII: Post Season
Section 1: Standings
All league standings (all divisions) will be maintained by the League office and posted on the League’s website. Standings will be maintained for each conference separately.
Section 2: Playoffs / Super Bowl
The following will apply for each division regarding the playoffs:
1. League (Super Bowl) Championships will be determined by a playoff of the top there (3) or four (4) teams in each conference form each age division. The number of playoff teams will be determined by the League Commissioner, based on the number of teams in the league and the annual budgets.
2. Playoff seeds will be determined at the end of the regular season play in the following precedence:
Best Divisional Record (Conference Record if no Divisions ) (as determined by winning percentage)
Head-to-Head regular season match-up
Best overall record (as determined by winning percentage)
Tie-Breaker-Coin Flip
3. Playoff brackets for each conference will be in the following order: (3 Teams each Conferences)
1st Round – 2nd Place Team vs. 3rd Place Team (1st Place Team receives bye)
Conference Championship – Winners of 1st Round Playoff Games vs. 1st Place Teams
Super Bowl Championship- National Conference Champion vs. American Conference Champion
4. Playoff brackets for each conference will be in the following order: (4 Teams each Conference, 2 each Division)
1st Round – East 1st Place Team vs. West 2nd Place Team and East 2nd Place Team vs. West 1st Place Team
Conference Championship- Winners of 1st Round Playoff Games
Super Bowl Championship – National Conference Champion vs. American Conference Champion
Section 3: All-Star Games
1. All-Star Games shall be played as determined by the YFL /USA Presidents’ Council during the annual budgeting process.
2. Playing rules for the All-Star Game are the same as YFL/USA regular season games. The All-Star Game shall be scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday after the League Championships are decided during Super Bowl Sunday at a location to be determined. Game times shall be approximately as follows, unless otherwise indicted by the League Commissioner:
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Youth Football League/ USA, Inc. (YFL/USA)
Official Playing Rules
3. Each conference of the YFL/USA will field a team to compete against the other conference.
4. Each team will be allotted a specified number of players based on their final conference regular season standing within the division based on the following:
Conference Standing
Total Player Allotment
Offensive/Defensive Linemen Minimum
1st Place
8
3
2nd Place
4
2
3rd Place
4
2
4th Place
3
1
Others
2
0
5. Each team within the divisions will determine their All-Star representative by consensus among the applicable coaching staff and Team Presidents. If a player is not able to participate, the applicable team may select another player from their active roster. If no alternate is provided in a reasonable amount of time, the Head Coach of the All-Star team may select any other player from his/her respective team to ensure a complete roster for the game.
6. The YFL/USA Executive Board and/or Football Commissioner(s) reserve the right to prohibit selection and participation of players of he All-Star Game if a player has exhibited continual non-sportsmanlike conduct or a grossly negligent conduct during the regular season or post-season.
7. Each team’s All-Star selections should be determined and submitted to the League office during the week prior to the 1st round of the playoffs.
8. The coaching staff for each All-Star team will consist of the coaching staff of the Conference Championship team, unless it is competing in an AAU regional or national championship tournament. Additional coaches from other YFL/USA teams may be invited to participate at the Head Coaches discretion.
9. All-Star practices may be held for five (5) times (once a day) for a period of one (1) week. Maximum practice time is two (2) hours.
Section 4: AAU District, Regional, & National Competition
The YFL/USA shall send representative to AAU-sponsored District, Regional, and National Championship competitions. The designated representative may be the Super Bowl Champions from each age division and/or an All-Star team as designated by the Executive Board and/or the Presidents Council. The AAU currently does not sanction these types of events for the Freshmen/Developmental level, thus these teams shall not be competing in such events.
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Youth Football League/ USA, Inc. (YFL/USA)
Official Playing Rules
Article VIII: Conduct & Sportsmanship
Section 1: Use of Tobacco and Alcohol
Smoking, chewing tobacco, and use of alcohol by anyone on the sidelines, stands, and/or facility parking areas is strictly prohibited. Officials may assess a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty for any violation and individual(s) may be ejected from the playing field area. Anyone found to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol may be suspended from al League activities until a review and decision by the Executive Board.
Section 2: Physical Altercations
Any person involved in a physical altercation with any other person on or near the playing field area shall be subject to immediate ejection from the field and/or stadium. All such altercations are subject to review by the Executive Committee, which may levy fines and other penalties up to and including lifetime bans from YFL/USA activities. Any persons involved in such an alteration due to self –defensive means only to avoid injury form an attack may be exempt from this rule if evidenced by notable parties or League officials.
Section 3: Abusive Language & Gestures
No coach, player, or spectator shall use abusive language toward other coaches, players or officials or should they indulge in any conduct, which might incite players or spectators against officials. No coach, player, or spectator shall use gestures or engage in acts that provoke ill will; Penalties will be determined at the discretion of the officials. They have the option to call the game and offenders will have lost the game.
Section 4: Threats
Any and all individuals on any property where League activities are scheduled and/or occurring are prohibited from making any threat of physical harm. Anyone threating any League official, coaches, parents, or kids with firearms or weapons will be permanently banned form the League. No appeals shall e granted on this matter.
The League maintains a ZERO-TOLERANCE for the possession and/or use of firearms and other lethal weapons during League sponsored events and activities.
Section 5: Use of Enhancements
The use of energy enhancing drinks or supplements are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to substances containing high amounts of caffeine and/or herbal additives to increase performance or endurance. Coaches found to be encouraging such use or allowing use of such substances are subject to immediate and/or permanent expulsion from YFL/USA activities.
Article X: Rules/Document Amendments
Section 1: Reviews
This document shall be reviewed, amended, and/or approved by the Presidents Council every year prior to the Opening Day activities. Or stated date
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Youth Football League/ USA, Inc. (YFL/USA)
Official Playing Rules
Section 2 Amendments
Playing rule changes are proposed, debated, approved, or denied in the meeting of the YFL/USA Rules Committee. Proposals must be approved through the Rules Committee to be presented to the entire President’s Council for final consideration and approval at or prior to the July Meeting.
Any proposed amendments outside of the normal review process shall be made in writing or via-email to the League Commissioner. Such proposal must be submitted allowing a minimum of 14 calendar days prior to a scheduled League Meeting for internal League deliberation, discussion, fact-finding, etc. The proposed amendment(s) can be presented, debated, and voted upon at the net meeting. A simple majority vote of the Presidents Council and the YFL/USA Executive Board of Directors is required for passage of any rule changes as written within this document. The deadline for proposing any playing rule changes is June of the competition year.
The Executive Board retains the right to institute mandates at any time that will carry the force of Rule as if documented within this document. Any such change should involve maintain the safety of participants, coaches, officials, and parents and/or maintenance of the integrity of the game and YFL/USA standards.
Section 3: Appendixes
New rules may be added or changed via the addition and approval of appendixes to this document with reference. All appendixes to this document are subject to the same review, amendments, and approvals as the entire document.
Article: Savors Clause
It is not the intent of the Youth Football League, USA, Inc. (YFL/USA) to violate any laws of the City of Houston, Harris and surrounding counties, the State of Texas, or the United States Government that may conflict with the set rules, laws, and procedures that govern the YFL/USA or any of its activities where rules may deviate for the purpose of fundraising, or other purposes.

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