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    Youth Football

    Game Rules and Penalties

    Understanding the Basics of Football

    Football is a team sport where two teams compete to score points by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone. Each team has 11 players on the field at a time, and the game is played in four quarters. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

    Understanding Game Play

    Downs and Yards:

    The offense has four downs (plays) to move the ball 10 yards. If they succeed, they get a new set of four downs. If they don't, the other team takes over on offense.

    Scoring

    Points are scored by getting the ball into the opponent's end zone (touchdown = 6 points), kicking the ball through the goalposts (field goal = 3 points), or tackling the opponent in their own end zone (safety = 2 points).

    Offensive Strategy

    The offense tries to mix up running and passing plays to keep the defense guessing. The goal is to move the ball down the field and score points.

    Defensive Strategy

    The defense tries to stop the offense by tackling the ball carrier, intercepting passes, or forcing fumbles. The goal is to prevent the other team from scoring.

    Game Rules

    Youth football is designed to be a fun, safe, and educational experience for all players. The following rules are standard for youth football games, ensuring fair play and the safety of all participants.

    Game Duration
    • Quarters: The game is played in four quarters. Each quarter is:
      • Ages 10-12 Division: 6 minutes with a stop clock.
      • Ages 13-15 Division: 8 minutes with a stop clock.
    • Halftime: 10 minutes.
    • Time Outs: Each team has 3 timeouts per half, lasting 1 minute each.
    Scoring
    • Touchdown: 6 points.
    • Extra Point (Point After Touchdown - PAT):
      • 1 point if the ball is run or passed from the 3-yard line.
      • 2 points if the ball is run or passed from the 5-yard line.
      • 2 points for a successful field goal-style kick from the 3-yard line.
    • Field Goal: 3 points.
    • Safety: 2 points (awarded to the defense if they tackle the offensive ball carrier in their own end zone).
    Kick-Offs and Punts
    • Kick-Offs: No kick-offs in the Bantam or Junior divisions.
      • The ball is placed on the receiving team's 35-yard line to start the game or after a score.
    • Punts: No punts in the Bantam or Junior divisions.
      • On 4th down, the offense can choose to "go for it" or have the ball moved 35 yards downfield from the previous line of scrimmage (but no further than the opponent's 20-yard line).
    Downs and Yardage
    • First Down: The offense has four downs (plays) to gain 10 yards.
    • Turnover on Downs: If the offense fails to gain 10 yards within four downs, the defense takes over at the spot of the ball.
    Playing Time
    • Substitution: All players should have the opportunity to play, ensuring fair participation for everyone.

    Penalties and Yardage

    Penalties are enforced to maintain fair play and player safety. Here are common penalties and their corresponding yardage:

    False Start (Offense)
    • Description: When an offensive player moves illegally before the snap.
    • Penalty: 5-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage.
    Offside (Defense)
    • Description: When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
    • Penalty: 5-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage.
    Holding (Offense)
    • Description: When an offensive player illegally grabs or holds a defender.
    • Penalty: 10-yard penalty from the spot of the foul or previous line of scrimmage, depending on where the hold occurred.
    Holding (Defense)
    • Description: When a defensive player illegally grabs or holds an offensive player, usually a receiver.
    • Penalty: 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down from the previous line of scrimmage.
    Pass Interference (Offense)
    • Description: When an offensive player illegally contacts a defender to prevent them from intercepting or defending a pass.
    • Penalty: 10-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage.
    Pass Interference (Defense)
    • Description: When a defensive player illegally contacts an offensive player to prevent them from catching a pass.
    • Penalty: Spot of the foul (where the interference occurred) and an automatic first down.
    Face Mask (Offense or Defense)
    • Description: Grabbing an opponent's face mask during a play.
    • Penalty:
      • Incidental Face Mask: 5-yard penalty.
      • Personal Foul Face Mask: 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
    Personal Foul (Offense or Defense)
    • Description: Illegal physical contact, such as late hits, unnecessary roughness, or tackling out of bounds.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
    Targeting (Offense or Defense)
    • Description: Intentionally leading with the helmet or making contact above the shoulders in a way that endangers the opponent.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty and possible ejection from the game.
    Illegal Block in the Back (Offense)
    • Description: Blocking an opponent from behind and above the waist.
    • Penalty: 10-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
    Clipping (Offense)
    • Description: A block below the waist from behind.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
    Roughing the Passer (Defense)
    • Description: Illegal contact with the quarterback after they have thrown the ball.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.
    Roughing the Kicker (Defense)
    • Description: Illegally contacting the kicker or punter after they have kicked the ball.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.
    Delay of Game (Offense)
    • Description: When the offense fails to snap the ball before the play clock expires.
    • Penalty: 5-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage.
    Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Offense or Defense)
    • Description: Actions that are not in line with the spirit of the game, such as taunting or excessive celebration.
    • Penalty: 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.

    Special
     Rules

    Mercy Rule

    X-Man Rule

    • Description: If a team leads by 34 points or more after the second quarter, the game will be stopped, and coaches may agree to continue in a modified scrimmage format or end the game.
    • Penalty: Not applicable, as it is a rule for game management.
    • Description: Special rules for players designated as "X-Men" due to their size or weight.
    • Penalty: Any violation of the X-Man rule, such as an X-Man playing out of position, results in a 5-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage.

    Wolfpack

    These rules and penalties are designed to ensure a fair, safe, and enjoyable game for all participants. Understanding these basics will help you play smart, stay safe, and enjoy the great game of football! Remember to always play with integrity, respect your opponents, and give your best effort on every play.