League Rules

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NOTE: The Rules of Play outlined in this document have been written with the intent to work conjointly with the rules of the USA Football Youth Football Rulebook - 2010 Edition, as well as to enhance the rules written in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) 2010 publication for high school football - July Edition.

1.0 Introduction

The Greater Johnstown Youth Football League (GJYFL) was formed to inspire participation and to ensure a positive experience for all youths through football. It seeks to improve how football is taught, how football is organized and delivered in the communities and how parents and players perceive and experience the sport. GJYFL is focused on what is best for the players and how the game's fundamentals and values are taught to those players. It also works to promote an inclusive culture in football. It wants all players to have a positive experience that teaches fundamentals, builds character, and helps each player be the best he can be.

There are differences between the rules of every level of football in our league. They are necessary because the age and skill level of the players vary greatly. In an effort to help simplify the game for coaches, players, parents and officials, GJYFL administrative members have approved the following rules and game modifications to make a safer playing environment and more enjoyable playing experience for all who participate.

1.1 Contact Fouls

All facemask fouls result in a 15 yard penalty (there is no 5 yard option for grasping but not twisting or pulling the facemask).

All blocking below the waist, blocking in the back and clipping is illegal. There is no "Free Blocking Zone". The penalty for clipping and blocking below the waist is 15 yards; the penalty for blocking in the back is 10 yards.

The penalties for defensive pass interference, facemask fouls and any personal fouls by the defensive team are 15 yards and a first down.

RATIONALE: The reason some of these rules are more severe is we want to encourage players to learn and employ proper techniques.

1.2 Other Fouls

All facemask fouls result in a 15 yard penalty (there is no 5 yard option for grasping but not twisting or pulling the facemask).

All blocking below the waist, blocking in the back and clipping is illegal. There is no "Free Blocking Zone". The penalty for clipping and blocking below the waist is 15 yards; the penalty for blocking in the back is 10 yards.

The penalties for defensive pass interference, facemask fouls and any personal fouls by the defensive team are 15 yards and a first down.
RATIONALE: The loss of a down in addition to the loss of yardage is too much for youth offenses to overcome.

1.3 Live-Ball Fouls

The penalty for a live-ball foul BEHIND the Line Of Scrimmage (LOS) by either team when the play ends BEYOND the LOS is enforced from the previous spot. Accepted penalties for fouls by the Offense that occur in the offensive team's end zone result in a safety.

The penalty for a live-ball foul by either team BEYOND the LOS when the play ends BEHIND the LOS will be enforced from the previous spot. Accepted penalties for fouls by the Offense that occur in the offensive team's end zone result in a safety.

Pass interference against either team results in a 15 yard penalty enforced from the previous spot.
RATIONALE: Enforcing these penalties from the previous spot rather the spot of the foul is easier to remember and promotes consistent penalty enforcement.
The penalties for a live-ball foul by both teams (no change of team possession) cancel each other out, and the down is replayed unless one of the fouls is a personal foul; in that case, only the penalty for the personal foul is enforced.

If both teams commit live-ball foul on a scoring play and there is no change of possession, the penalties cancel each other out, and the down is replayed unless one of the fouls is a personal foul; in that case, only the penalty for the personal foul is enforced.

RATIONALE: The safety of the players and the promotion of fair play. Enforcing penalties for personal fouls whether or not there is a different type of foul by the opponent, reinforces the belief that unnecessary roughness must not be a part of the game.

1.4 Scoring

On PAT attempts, two points are awarded for a kick and one point for a run or pass.
RATIONALE: Enforcing these penalties from the previous spot rather the spot of the foul is easier to remember and promotes consistent penalty enforcement.
Overtime - see page 45 in the USA Football - Youth Football Rule Book - 2010 Edition.

1.5 Modified Competition Rule

When a team scores to take a 30 point lead any time in the second half, the trailing team gets the ball at the opponent's 40 yard line; if at any time in the second half the deficit is reduced to less than 30 points; traditional rules take effect. If the 30 point deficit occurs at the start of the second half, the trailing team begins the second half in possession of the ball at the opponent's 40 yard line; even if the leading team was to receive the second half kickoff.
RATIONALE: To keep games competitive, discourage "running up the score" and to prevent players on the trailing teams from becoming discouraged and disillusioned with the game, the rule gives trailing teams more possessions with an opportunity to catch up.

1.6 Timing

There will be four 12 minute quarters. The clock will run continuously except for injuries, charged team timeouts, officials timeouts, delay of game (see page 43 in the USA Football - Youth Football Rule Book - 2010 Edition) and scores, except for the last 2 minutes of each half, when traditional timing rules apply.
RATIONALE: Using a running clock for the vast majority of the game allows too keep the games on schedule. It also eliminates confusion as to when the clock should or should not be running. For the last 2 minutes of each half, using timing rules identical to those used in high school football prevents teams from illegally wasting or conserving time.

2.0 Points of Emphasis

2.1 Trick Plays and Unfair Acts

It is a fundamental core belief of the GJYFL that coaches demand sportsmanship from their players and, equally important, lead by example. Coaches must always remember that the players look to them for positive life skills and values.

With that in mind, coaches should refrain from teaching their players and teams techniques and plays that have no place in youth sports. Examples of deceptive plays include but are not limited to the "wrong ball" play and/or the "fumblerooski" play.

Football has been and always will be a game of deception and trickery involving multiple shifts, unusual formations and creative plays. However, actions or verbiage designed to confuse the defense into believing there is a problem and a snap isn't imminent, or planned loose ball plays, are beyond the scope of sportsmanship and are illegal within the league. Respect your opponent! Respect the game!

2.2 Helmet-To-Helmet Contact

The football helmet was never intended to be used as a weapon. It is designed to offer the player protection. It has become common for players to contact opponents with the helmet or facemask. That is a dangerous and illegal tactic that must be eliminated from football. It is a potentially hazardous to the person who inflicts the blow as to the player on the receiving end. And, it is illegal whether or not the blow is aimed at the opponent's head.

GJYFL urges coaches to teach players proper blocking and tackling techniques that do not incorporate use of the helmet or facemask.

Officials must penalize players who violate the rules regarding helmet contact. GJYFL League Officials must also support officials who call those fouls.

That will always be contact in football. But, all unnecessary and illegal contact, must be eradicated.

3.0 Codes of Conduct

3.1 GJYFL Athletes Code of Conduct

I am accountable for the results of my behavior towards my teammates, coaches, and game officials.

I will respect other players (including my teammates and my opponents, coaches and game officials at all times. When I score a touchdown I will simply hand the ball to the official before celebrating with my teammates.

When I make a great play I will not embarrass my opponent.

I will honor the sport by playing within the rules during games and practices.

I will respect the game and not use foul language at any time.

I agree to put my team first and put forth my best effort on the field in support of team goals.

I agree to give my best effort in the classroom and listen to my teachers.

3.2 GJYFL Coaches Code of Conduct

I agree to conduct myself in a positive manner towards my players, coaches, parents and game officials at all times.

I will respect players, coaches, parents and officials at all times.

I will develop a coaching philosophy that embraces fundamentals, organization, life lessons and friendships versus a "Win at all cost" mentality.

I will remember kids register to play football because it is fun; every child should have an opportunity to play.

I will support and respect all decisions made by the game officials and refrain from outward criticism.

I am responsible to understand the rules of the game and abide by those rules at all times.

I will support the integrity of the game and make game decisions in line with fair play and sportsmanship.

I am responsible for completing my coaching education requirements and teaching the proper fundamentals.

I will create a safe and positive environment for my players to learn how to play the sport.

I will listen to my fellow coaches and players regarding player safety and when in doubt I will sit them out of play.

I will honor the game and my responsibility as a coach to provide a positive experience for my team.

I shall dress neatly and appropriately for every team practice and game.

3.3 GJYFL Parents Code of Conduct

I agree to support our team in a positive manner and showcase good sportsmanship towards all players, coaches, parents and game officials.

I will respect the coaches' commitment to coach my child and not interfere with on-field instruction during practices or games.

I will support the coaches and do my best to ensure that my child arrives at practice and games on time.

I will teach my child to play by the rules and respect teammates, opponents, game officials and coaches.

I will cheer for our team in a positive manner no matter the outcome of the game.

3.4 GJYFL Game Officials Code of Conduct

1. I understand I bear a great responsibility for fostering public confidence in sports.

I shall be free of obligation to any interest other than the impartial and fair judging of sports competitions.

I shall hold and maintain the basic tenets of officiating which include history, integrity, neutrality, respect, sensitivity and professionalism.

I shall master the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules and exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.

I shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with athletes, coaches, league administrators, colleagues, parents and the public.

I shall display and execute superior communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.

I recognize that anything which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be avoided. Gifts, favors, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship with an individual or team which can compromise the perceived impartiality of officiating must be avoided.

I shall prepare both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and conduct myself in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession.

I shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations.

I shall work with governing bodies in a constructive and cooperative manner.

I shall resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as an official to benefit myself.

I shall not make false or misleading statements regarding my qualifications, rating, credentials, experience, training or competence.

I shall accept responsibility for all my actions taken.

4.0 USA Football Playing Recommendation (Age & Wt. Base Structure)

4.1 Team Roster Rule

Team rosters shall be limited between a minimum of 15 players to a maximum of 26 players per team. Ideal number of players per team should range between 18 to19 players.

4.2 Player Participation Rule

Kids register to PLAY football, not to practice all week, so that they can watch their teammates compete on Saturdays & Sundays in the league. Every player deserves the opportunity to PLAY and apply what they have learned in practice during the week on the game field. The purpose of this rule allows every registered player a chance to start in a game either offensively or defensively. The "Basics" of the rule include:
1. The maximum number of players per team roster is 26 (see 4.1 Team Roster Rule).
2. Players must have a starting position on either the offensive or defensive side of the football.
3. At the change of any possession, all players on the sideline must enter the game.
4. Example: Team 'A' has a roster of 18 players and Team 'B' has a roster of 19 players. Team 'A' is the offensive team and Team 'B' is on defense. At the change of possession, Team 'A' switches to defense and the seven players who were on the sidelines must run onto the field of play and meet the four two-way players in the defensive huddle. Team 'B' switches to Offense, and its eight players who were on the sideline must run to the offensive huddle meeting three of their teammates.
5. e) Coaches are encouraged to rotate all players at halftime or by quarter so that all players have the opportunity to participate on both sides of the ball.

4.3 Team Roster Rule & Player Participation Rule Benefits Include:

Kids have a greater opportunity to participate in both games and practice.

Provides players with a greater ability to improve.

Coaches have a better opportunity to be successful in providing a positive experience to his players.

4.4 Age Cut-Off Date Rule

For the purpose of eligibility, August 1st of the current year will be the age cut-off date.
EXAMPLE: A player who becomes 10 years old on or before August 1st will play as a 10 year old. A player who becomes 10 anytime after August 1st of the current year will play as a 9 year old.

4.5 General Division Rules

All Clubs (schools) must weigh all tackle division players to obtain their actual weights prior to playing, so the league can establish division eligibility and eligibility to carrying the football on offense and advancing the football on defense. All weights must be verified by a witness of another Club within the league (Johnstown, Richland, Westmont, Ferndale & Windber)

Players' weight certification shall be completed by August 21st, 2010

5.0 The Divisions

6UF (Flag) (1st Grade)	- 6 & 5 Year Olds - Unlimited
8UF (Flag) (2nd Grade)	- 7 & 8 Year Olds - Unlimited
9UT (Tackle) (3rd Grade)	- 8 & 9 Year Olds - Over 105 lbs. shall play as a "Double Stripe" * Ball Carrier Weight Limit - 75 lbs
10UT (Tackle) (4th Grade)	- 9 & 10 Year Olds - Over 125 lbs. shall play as a "Double Stripe" * Ball Carrier Weight Limit - 95 lbs
11UT (Tackle) (5th Grade)	- 10 & 11 Year Olds - Over 140 lbs. shall play as a "Double Stripe" * Ball Carrier Weight Limit - 110 lbs
12UT (Tackle) (6th Grade)	- 11 & 12 Year Olds - Over 155 lbs. shall play as a "Double Stripe" * Ball Carrier Weight Limit - 125 lbs

Linemen - Double Stripe: All players weighting more than 30 lbs over the established ball carrying weight in each division shall be classified as a "Double Stripe" and must play in the tackle position when playing defense. Players designated as a "Double Stripe" shall have two, contrasting colored, stripes on the top of their helmet from the front to the back of their helmet.

Linemen - Single Stripe: All players weighting more than the established ball carrying weight of their division and less than the 30 lbs over the established ball carrying weight in each division shall be classified as a "Single Stripe" and must play in the tackle position when playing defense. Players designated as a "Single Stripe" shall have one, contrasting colored, stripe on the top of their helmet from the front to the back of their helmet.

The defensive team shall be limited to two heavyweight players on the field at the same time, who must play at the defensive tackles, and must be in a three or four point stands.
Exception: When the offensive team has three or more heavyweight linemen on the field of play at the same time, then the defensive team may match the offensive line.
1. All teams in the Flag Division shall play a basic 5-2 defense alignment throughout the game, every game of the season.
2. All teams in the Minor Division shall play a basic 5-2 defense alignment throughout the game, every game of the season.
3. Flag and Minor teams playing the 5-2 defensive alignment shall allow only the nose guard, tackles and defensive ends to rush the quarter back.
4. Teams defense shall align in basic 5-2 with a man on the center, a man on each tackle, a man on each end (or outside the defensive tackle to the side of the split end.) Linebackers shall be over the guards and deeper than the heels of the defensive tackles. Secondary may be man or zone. Defensive ends may drop for pass coverage but must start in alignment no more than three yards outside the defensive tackles on the line of scrimmage.
5. Linebackers are not allowed to blitz the quarterback, but they are allowed to plug the hole (to meet the running back in the hole).
6. The teams in the major division shall be allowed to use any defensive formation.

All players eligible to advance the ball shall be allowed to play all positions on offense and defense.

All players not eligible to advance the ball shall play on the offensive and defensive lines. They can not play linebacker and they can not be a lead blocker in the offensive backfield.

They must be in a down position (3 or 4 point stand) except for defensive ends.

They can play tight end for blocking ONLY, they can not catch a pass to advance the football.

If they recover a fumble and advance the football, the ball will be brought back to the original point of recovery because they are not allowed to advance the football.

Flag teams in violation of any part of rule 3 shall be given warnings.

Minor league teams in violation of any part of rules 3, 4 & 6 shall be given a warning for the first violation, any subsequent violation shall result in a 10 yard penalty that shall be assessed per each infraction.

5.1 6UF & 8UF Divisions

Eleven players on the field at a time (Seven man offensive line).

All players must wear mouth guards on playing field.

Teams shall consist of Kindergarten/First Grade and Second Grade ONLY.

Games shall consist of two (2) - twenty minute halves with a running clock. Clock stops ONLY for injury. Final two minutes of each half, clock shall run same as a regular game. Three (3) time-outs per half.

When a team is leading by three touchdowns or more, the team in the lead shall replace starters with reserve player and/or move starters to different positions. No team shall be demoralized. This is an instructional league.

Teams shall RUN or PASS for 2 point conversion from the 3 yard line.

TEAMS SHALL USE YOUR OWN FOOTBALL.

Offensive teams start the game and second half on its own 10 yard line.

On 4th down a team shall say they are punting and the ball shall be advance 15 yards for the change of possession.

No stiff arming or "swooping" of arms to prevent defensive players from attempting to pull ball runners flags. If the referee feels a player uses a stiff arm, he shall be ruled down at that point. (Referee's discretion)

All players shirts shall be tucked in at all times, and flags shall be aligned on players sides at hips.

All players on each team MUST play.

All flags shall be 12" or longer in length, contrasting color of pants or shorts.

Defense shall be lined up in a 5-2 Defense,(Nose Guard over Center, Tackles over Tackles, & Ends over Ends)

Linebackers shall be No closer to the line of scrimmage than the heels of the down defensive linemen.

NO BLITZING

Defensive Linemen (Nose Guard & Tackles) must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.

Defensive line shall be 1 yard off the ball. Referee shall be able to walk down through the neutral zone prior to snap.

Fumbled snaps shall be replayed. Every third fumbled snap counts as a down.

Offensive Lineman shall be in a 3 point stance.

If the ball carrier's knee or butt touches the ground without any flags pulled, the player is down at the spot and the play is over.

2 coaches per team allowed on the field. NO EXCEPTIONS

All referees' decisions are FINAL!!!

Home team shall furnish referees.

Two referees per game.

5.2 10UT & 9UT Divisions

Twelve (12) minute quarters - continuous clock. (See 1.6 Timing)

Eight (8) minute halftime

Twenty-five (25) seconds between plays to snap the ball

One (1) coach on the field

Once the team breaks the offensive huddle, the coach cannot physically move players into position. The Coaches on the field must be quiet and allow the players to execute the play.

Punts, Field Goals and Extra Points, no defensive player can rush the kicker.
1. On punts - once the kicker kicks the ball, live play begins.
2. Option punt/offensive team can request the official to move the ball 20 yards down the field instead of actually punting the ball.
3. On field goals and extra points kicks - the center must snap the football to the hands of the holder without the ball touching the ground to be considered a clean snap. If the ball touches the ground or the holder drops the ball before the ball is kicked the play is dead.

Scoring: TD = 6, Running or Passing PAT = 1, Kicking PAT = 2, FG = 3

5.2 12UT & 11UT Divisions

The teams in the major division shall be allowed to use any defensive formation. But, the defensive rush at the snap of the ball can only send five (5) players to rush the quarterback.

Once the quarterback receives the snap from the center and clears the center by stepping to the left, right, or back, he is now classified as a potential running back and may be persuaded by all defensive players.

Any defensive team that rushes more than five (5) players at the snap of the ball shall be penalized in the following manner.
1. First occurrence a warning
2. Second occurrence 15 yards un-sportsmanlike conduct
3. Third & subsequence occurrence - 15 yards each

Twelve (12) minute quarters - continuous clock. (See 1.6 Timing)

Eight (8) minute half
Twenty-five (25) seconds to snap the ball
No coach on the field
Punts, Field Goals and Extra Points, no defensive player can rush the kicker.
1. On punts - once the kicker kicks the ball, live play begins.
2. On fourth down, teams must punt or go for it. The punt option no longer applies to the Major Division Teams (12UT & 11UT)
3. On field goals and extra points kicks - the center must snap the football to the hands of the holder without the ball touching the ground to be considered a clean snap. If the ball touches the ground or the holder drops the ball before the ball is kicked the play is dead.

If games end in a tie score, overtime shall decide the winner. (See page 45 in the USA Football - Youth Football Rule Book - 2010 Edition)
1. Coin flip to decide who goes on offense first and which goal to defend.
2. Each team gets four (4) downs from the 10 yard line to score.
3. Repeat process until winner is decided.

Scoring: TD = 6, Running or Passing PAT = 1, Kicking PAT = 2, FG = 3

5.3 Side Line Management Rule

On game day, only coaches and managers shall be allowed on the side lines with the football teams. All others must be in the stands. Head Coaches are in charge of their sideline to insure this rule is followed. The penalties for not following this rule are as follow:
1. 1st Infraction; 15 yard un-sportsman like conduct penalty
2. 2nd Infraction; Flagrant misconduct 15 yard penalty
3. 3rd Infraction; Head coach shall be removed from field of play, the game and must leave the stadium.

All rules are for the 2010 season. Voting members (administrators) shall review the rules and discuss their merits prior to the 2011 season.