• Doc Moore, Youth Sports Supervisor   918-2284
• Jen Shaffer, Youth Sports Coordinator   918-2360
• Kirk Gallion, Recreation Leader   918-2360

Here are league rules for our youth tackle football program...

Tackle Football (7-8)

·         Two 20-minute halves will be played; running time, clock will only stop on timeouts

·         No official score or standings will be kept

·         The game will be played on an 80-yard field divided into 10-yard zones.

·         Eight players on the field at once

Offense - Five on the line; three in the backfield

Defense– Four on the line (Center cannot be covered)

Four linebackers/defensive backs

·         Each team is awarded three (3) timeouts per half

·         A team failing to move the ball into the next zone in three plays can punt or go for the first down, after announcing their intent to do so.

·         If a team elects to punt, the ball is moved twenty yards.

·         Down linemen are not eligible for a pass.

·         Fumbles are live with the exception of a child over the weight limit recovering the fumble.  In this scenario the ball is dead.

·         Interceptions can be advanced.

·         Kickoffs will not be used. The ball will be placed on the 40-yard line to start the game, at the half and after a score.

·         One coach is allowed on the field at all times and must remain at least 5 yards behind their players.  Coaches are not allowed to reposition the defense after the offense is lined up.  Defense must be set.

·         No blitzing by linebackers or cornerbacks.  Linebackers must be five yards off the ball. 

·         Lineman must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.

·         Huddle time limit is 30 seconds. 

·         Points after touchdown: (performed from the 3-yard line)

One point will be awarded for a run

Two points will be awarded for a pass

Tackle Football (9-10)

·         Defensive Rules:

Only six players are allowed on the line of scrimmage.  Center cannot be covered.  There is no lining up in the gaps.  Defensive guards must be head up on offensive guards.  Defensive tackles must be head up on offensive tackles.  Linebackers and D-Backs must be three (3) yards off the ball until the ball is snapped. After the ball is snapped they are free to do what they want.  If the linebackers or D-Backs are closer than three (3) yards defensive be called.  There will be no stunts by any defensive backs.

·         Offensive Rules:

On fourth down, the offensive team must announce to the official if they are giving up the ball, or going for the first down – If the offense gives up the ball it will be moved twenty (20) yards down field, where the opposing team will take possession.

       ·         Points After Touchdown:

One point will be awarded for a kick or a run

Two points will be awarded for a pass

·         Kickoff Rules:

There will be no kickoffs.  The ball will be placed on the fifty (50) yard line after touchdowns, to begin the game, the second half and after a safety.

Tackle Football (11/12)

·         Defensive Rules:

No more than six players are allowed on the line of scrimmage.  These six men may line up anywhere in any way:  Linebackers and D-Backs must be three (3) yards off the ball until the ball is snapped. After the ball is snapped they are free to do what they want.  If the Linebackers or D-Backs are closer than three (3) yards defensive encroachment be called.  There will be no stunts by any defensive backs.

·         Offensive Rules:

Punts are live (center cannot be covered or hit).  Formations:  You must have seven (7) players on the line of scrimmage, and four players in the offensive backfield.  Failure to line up in this matter will result in a penalty.

·         Points After Touchdown:

One point will be awarded for a kick or run

Two points will be awarded for a pass

·         Kickoff Rules:

Kickoffs are to be played according to High School Rules.

Tackle Football (13/14)

·         Defensive rules:

No more than six players on the line of scrimmage.  These six players may line up anywhere in any way:  Linebackers and d-backs must be three (3) yards off the ball until the ball is snapped.  After the ball is snapped they are free to go.  If the linebackers or d-backs are closer than three (3)yards, defensive encroachment may be called, except on short yardage downs of (1) yard or less or when the ball is inside of the (4) yard line, then the defense can have (7) men on the line of scrimmage.

·         Offensive rules:

Punts are live (center cannot be covered or hit).  Formations:  You must have seven men on the line of scrimmage and four men in the offensive backfield.  Failure to line up in this manner will result in a penalty.

·         Points after touchdown:

One point will be awarded for a kick or run

Two points will be awarded for a pass

·         Kickoff rules

Kickoffs are to be played according to high school rules.  Players over the 165-pound weight limit can only play from tackle to tackle on offense and defense and must be in a down stance. They cannot be on the kickoff or kickoff return team.

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