Playing Rules

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2026 Rules and Regulations

Section 1: Purpose/Mission

The purpose of RRYFL shall be to teach the fundamentals of football. The youth sports program of RRYFL shall be developed and organized to ensure, as well as to enhance, the emotional, physical, social and educational well-being of children. The program shall promote the ideals of responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fellowship in youth while instructing the game of football in a positive and safe environment. The individual growth of the youth in our community will be enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline, and fair play. We will accomplish these goals by providing a program that maintains the highest standards and seeking out coaches and other volunteers willing to teach and exemplify these same principals.
RRYFL will further promote the development of leadership, character, sportsmanship, tolerance, discipline and athletic ability, and to nurture youth fitness, volunteerism, and a lifelong love of sports. The supervisors shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and that molding future citizens is of prime importance. RRYFL is an instructional league.

Section 2: Coaches By-Laws and Rules

The coaching staff of a team is in complete charge of the team whenever it is together on the practice or playing field, whenever it is traveling as a group to and from practice sessions and games, or whenever it is together for any other team function, such as a banquet. The coaching staff operates under the direction and supervision of the Coaching Coordinator, President and Vice-President. Other coaches are called assistant coaches.
All coaches must abide strictly by the RRYFL Coaches Code of Conduct as set forth by the RRYFL Board of Directors. Coaches must complete a coaching application. Coaches must submit their names (and any aliases) for a personal background check (a local, regional, and state records check at a minimum). A head coach must be at least twenty one years of age. Assistant coaches must be at least eighteen years of age or a high school graduate. Teams are permitted to carry coach-trainees, who must be at least fifteen years of age. Coach-trainees must conduct all coaching in the presence of the head coach or at least one of the assistant coaches, and may not handle players independently, or carry out disciplinary action on any participant for any reason. Players may not be left in the sole care of a coach-trainee at any time. Normally, coach-trainees will assist the other coaches at various phases of instruction and will gain most of their knowledge by observation, not initiative.
A team may have a maximum of three assistant coaches, including coach trainees. Whenever possible at least one of the coaches present at any practice or game must be the holder of a valid CPR Card or its equivalent, or the head coach must arrange to have present a trained person affiliated with the team in medical practices (e.g. physician, paramedic, or trained volunteer holding a CPR Card or equivalent) in order for play to occur.
Coaches are approved and supervised by the Football Coaching Coordinator and the Executive Board. All coaches must apply annually as instructed by the Football Coaching Director. The Executive Board must approve the coaching roster. The head coach will determine the selection and assignment of assistant coaches and coach-trainees. The Executive Board will have final say on all assistant coaches and coach trainees.
All coaching positions are automatically terminated at the close of each season, unless terminated prior to the close of the season by the Football Coaching Coordinator under the direction of the President and Vice-President. All coaches must reapply every year, and be approved by the Coaching Coordinator and the Executive Board.
Any coach charged with a felony shall be temporarily suspended from coaching pending the final disposition of the charge.
Coaches do not make team or RRYFL policy. Rather, they carry it out. However, on the playing and practice fields, the coaching staff is in complete charge and shall not be interfered with, except in cases of rules violations and any other conduct deemed by a higher authority to be harmful/adverse to the welfare of youth. In cases of rules violations and any other conduct deemed by higher authority to be harmful or adverse to the welfare of youth, a written grievance shall be filed within 48 hours with the President to make a record of the event.
The intent of these rules is to ensure that issues are addressed off the playing field, rather than in front of the youth of the Association.
All coaches will hold practices for football at designated locations as approved in advance by the Board of Directors. Due to Insurance reasons no practices will be held outside of this location. Absolutely no practices will start before 5:30 pm on weekdays and shall be no more than 3 hours long in August & 2 hours long after the season starts.
The head coach has final responsibility for his actions, those of his assistant coaches, coach-trainees, team members, and staff. Should anyone wish to file a grievance against a coach, it must be submitted in writing, with signature, to the Football Coaching Coordinator and President. Depending on the level of severity of the complaint the coach may be removed by a vote of the executive board. The complaint will be answered to the involved party within 48 hours of written notification.
The head coach must live within the city/town/area of the team they represent, coach for unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors.
A team may have no more than three assistant coaches. All assistant coaches children must play in the area they are zoned for no exceptions. In case of a draft situation, no assistant coaches can be chosen until after the draft.
A maximum of five adults (4 coaches and 1 additional personnel) will be allowed on the sideline during games. All adults on the sideline must have passed a background check. All adults on the sidelines are required to to wear a lanyard with proper credentials for every game. No adult shall be allowed on the field without the proper credential identification.

Section 3: Registration

Copy of each player's birth certificate must be verified at registration. In the event of a protest, an original will be requested.
Players in the rookie and minor divisions must be weighed in at a registration and/or the jamboree. The player's weight at registration and/or jamboree will determine their ball carrier eligibility for the entire season.
Players must play in the area where they attend school, pending approval by the roster committee. In the case of a player attending private school the player is assigned by the area junior high school zone where he/she currently lives.
Players’ age cutoff is August 1st. The player’s age on that day is their playing age.

Section 4: Divisions

Flag: 4-6 years old and they cannot turn 7 before August 1st. The Flag Division has a separate set of rules. Football size is Pee Wee.
Rookie: 7-8 years old and they cannot turn 9 before August 1st. Ball carrier weight is 85 lbs maximum at registration. Football size is Pee Wee.
Minor: 9-10 years old and they cannot turn 11 before August 1st. Ball carrier weight is 115 lbs maximum at registration. Football size is Junior (Length-10.5in., Width-6 in., Diameter-18.5in.).
Major: 11-12 and cannot turn 13 before August 1st. No ball carrier weight limit. The Major Division will follow LHSAA rules for offensive and defensive game play but must follow all other RRYFL rules and regulations listed. Football size is youth (Length-11 in., Width-6.5 in., Diameter-19.5 in.).

Section 5: Weight Limits (Rookie and Minor Divisions)

There is no max weight for a player to play in their age group. The Rookie and Minor divisions have their own ball carrier weight limits as stated in Section 2.
A colored coded sticker will be placed on the bottom left of the back of the helmet to denote an over ball carrier weight player. Should any player over the ball carrier weight come in contact with a live football, the play will be blown dead. The ball will be spotted where the contact was made. Penalty: There will be a penalty of 15 yards if any player over the ball carrier weight comes in contact with a live ball and does not have a sticker on the helmet. A player with no sticker on their helmet will not be allowed to play until a proper sticker is placed on. The same penalty will apply if a player lines up in a position that is not mentioned in Section 3-C.
Any offensive player who weighs more than the ball carrier weight must line up on the offensive line. The player over the weight limit may play center. Tight End (TE) is also an allowed position, but they may not go in motion, or come in contact with the ball. An over ball carrier weight player lined up as TE should have normal lineman splits from the offensive tackle and may not be in the slot as a receiver or a wide out.
All players will be assigned a green or red helmet sticker. A green sticker represents the player is under the ball carrier weight. A red sticker means the player is over the ball carrier weight limit. If a player with a red sticker comes in contact with the ball after the snap, the ball is down at that spot. Penalty: If a player with a red sticker is running the ball, the game can be protested and the team running a red sticker player will forfeit the game with a one game suspension for the coach if deemed necessary by the board of directors.

Section 6: Practice (All Divisions)

Mandatory practices can be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any other practice days are not mandatory.
Practices should be no longer than two hours and should include water breaks every 30 minutes.
If a player misses a mandatory practice as listed above in Section 4-A, they may be benched during the next game. They can be benched one quarter per practice missed, however, the most a player can sit out during a game for missing multiple practices is 2 quarters unless approved by the board.

Section 7: Game Length (All Divisions)

All games are 4, 8-minute quarters and the clock will operate according to LHSAA game clock rules. Each team has 3 timeouts per half to use at their own discretion.
Upon an offensive team’s declaration of a punt, the game clock operator shall immediately enforce a ten (10) second runoff. In the event that this runoff causes the game clock to expire, the period shall be extended. The receiving team shall be permitted one (1) untimed down, to be played immediately following the enforcement of the punt yardage.
Overtime: A coin toss will determine who is on offense or defense first. The ball will be placed on the 10-yard line and the offensive team will have 4 downs to score. After 4 downs or a score, the other team will go to offense with a chance to score. The game will continue until a winner is decided. During a second overtime, both teams must attempt a two-point conversion. During the overtime period, if there is a change in possession the ball will be blown dead and team B will start their offensive possession at the 10-yard line.

Section 8: Scoring (All Divisions)

Touchdowns will count as 6 points.
Points After Touchdowns:
1. 1-Point Conversion from the 2-yard line counts as 1 point.
2. 2-Point Conversion from the 5-yard line counts as 2 points.
3. Extra Point Kicks will count as 2 points.
Field Goals will count as 3 points.
Safeties will count as 2 points.

Section 9: Mercy Rule (All Divisions)

Once a team gains a 25 point or more lead over the opposing team, the mercy rule will go into effect. The team with a 25 or more point lead must remove the starting backfield on offense. Those players removed can play defense. If there is a 25 or more point lead at the start of the 3rd quarter, the coach of the losing team may also elect to run the game clock for the remainder of the game. Once the clock is running there will be no going back regardless of the score.
Penalty: It is the responsibility of the head coach to make sure to follow the mercy rule. If the mercy rule is not followed, the team will forfeit the following game.

Section 10: Playing Time (All Divisions)

Every team shall have a minimum of 15 and maximum of 25 players on a team. Team numbers may be adjusted as needed in special circumstances by the RRYFL Executive Board. Flag teams may have less due to playing 9 on 9.
All tackle teams with 22 or less (18 or less for flag) players must play every player all game long; the only exception is injury. No player should be substituted during a possession. Players cannot be changed for 3rd and 4th down situations.
All teams with more than 22 players (18 for flag) must substitute in those players without a starting position every other possession. No player may sit on the bench for more than one change of possession.
If a player is not playing due to disciplinary problems, sickness, or injury, the head coach must notify the clock operator, opposing coach, and the head official before the start of the game. Otherwise, the child must play that day according to RRYFL mandatory playing time rules. A player can only be sat out a maximum of two quarters for missing multiple practices unless approved by the board.
Penalty: First Offense-One warning given for not following the playing time rule and a 5 yard penalty (Illegal Defense). Second Offense-Forfeiture of game. Third Offense-Forfeiture of game and head coach will be relieved of his coaching duties for the season.
Any player who is flagged for an unnecessary roughness (safety) flag, must sit out for one (1) play in addition to the penalty yardage. If the same player receives another unnecessary roughness (safety) flag during the same game, the player will be ejected from the current game. If the second (2nd) unnecessary roughness (safety) flag occurs during the fourth (4th) quarter, then the player must sit out the first (1st) half of the next game.
During post-season play (Play-Off, Super Bowl and All-Star games), coaches may play to win and will not be held to regular season playing time requirements.

Section 11: Offense (Flag, Rookie and Minor Divisions)

Offensive possessions will begin on the 30-yard line.
Any offense can be used so long as it starts with 5 offensive lineman in the O O X O O formation with normal lineman splits (0-2 ft). Offensive linemen may use a 2, 3, or 4-point stance. No swinging gate plays.
Flag Division: Flag division plays 9 on 9; 5 offensive lineman and 4 backs. The 4 Backs must have their shirts tucked in and and flags on properly with one on each side and one in the back. The QB must retrieve the ball after the huddle and return to the QB position behind the center before starting his cadence (Down, Set, Hike). Play must start on the word “Hike”. You may have only one player in motion (Not the QB) during the cadence. If more than one player is in motion or the QB begins to run before the word “Hike”, the penalty will be 5 yard loss and replay the down. Flag players cannot flag guard, stiff arm, or run over or through another player (truck). Flag players will be called for unnecessary roughness if they make any contact above the shoulders or below the knee or grab/pull on other players' pants, jerseys, arms, etc. Flag Penalties: Flag Guarding - loss of 5 yards and replay the down; Stiff Arming - loss of 5 yards and a loss of down; Trucking - loss of 5 yards and a loss of down; Unnecessary Roughness - 5 yards and loss of down.
QB sneaks may not be used. The QB may not run the ball between the guards. Direct snaps to a running back follow the same rules as a snap to the QB. It will be the judgment of the official if the player breaks outside the guard’s box at any point during the play. Once the guard’s box has been broken the player may choose to cross any point of the LOS. Penalty: 5 yards and replay down.
The Head Coach or acting HC must identify himself to the referee before the game. A 35 second play clock will be used during play. The referee on the field will be in charge of starting the play clock. Only the head coach should speak to officials and call timeouts. For flag division teams, the play clock will be up to the officials discretion and may allow more time between plays.
Two coaches can be on the field for the Flag and Rookie Division. NO coaches on field for Minor or Major Divisions. One coach on the field if there is a Minor JV. All coaches on the field should line up 5 yards behind their closest offensive player.

Section 12: Defense (Flag, Rookie and Minor Divisions)

4-Man or 6-Man (4-3, 6-1, 4-4, 6-2, 4-2) front defenses are to be used. The first number in the formation is the defensive linemen. The second number includes the linebackers and cornerbacks. The third number is the safeties. Exception: Inside the 10 yard line (Goal Line), an 8-man front may be used. The formation would be 8-1.
Defensive Tackle (DT) linemen that are lined up over the offensive guards must be head up in a 2 tech. He may stunt the gap but may not line up in the A gap. DT must be in a 3pt or 4pt stance.
Defensive End (DE) linemen must line up head up to no further out than the outside eye of the OT/TE (Depending on formation). DE must be in a 3pt or 4pt stance. In the case of a 6-man defensive front and the offense lines up with no TE or 1 TE, the uncovered DE will have the spacing as if the offense has a TE (GHOST) on that side. Same is required with an 8-man front.
Linebackers must be at least 3 yards off the line of scrimmage at the snap.
Cornerbacks and Safeties are able to play up on the LOS against a wide receiver (Bump and Run coverage) as long as they are away from the tackle box.
You are able to audible the defense depending on the offensive set. Example: Switching from a 6-man front to a 4-man front. If you are caught between switching defensive fronts (4-Man to 6-Man) the full DL has to have hand on the ground (NO STANDUP DL/DE) before the offense snaps the ball.
Flag Division: Flag players will be called for unnecessary roughness if they tackle, make any intentional contact above the shoulders or below the knees, or grab pants, jerseys, arms or any other part of the body in order to grab their opponents flag. Penalty: 5 yards and automatic 1st down
Two coaches can be on the field for the Flag and Rookie Division. NO coaches on field for Minor or Major Divisions. One coach on the field if there is a Minor JV. Coaches should line up 5 yards behind the safeties. Coaches should always attempt to avoid the play. Coach interference during a play will be a judgment call by the referee.

Penalty: Unsportsmanlike 15 yards.

All fumbles in our rookie and minor divisions may be advanced so long as the player meets ball carrier weight. Players with red stickers (over the ball carrier weight limit) in the rookie and minor divisions follow the same rule as the flag division below. In the flag division, if a fumble is recovered by the defense or an interception occurs, the officials will blow the whistle and stop the play. The ball cannot be advanced on a turnover in our flag division but the ball is given over to the recovering team at the spot of the turnover.

Section 13: Blitzing (Flag, Rookie and Minor Divisions)

Flag and Rookie Divisions: No blitzing is allowed. Only the defensive lineman with a hand on the ground can attack the QB at the snap of the ball. No Linebacker, Cornerback, or Safety can cross over the LOS before the handoff or while the QB is still in the tackle box on a drop back pass. Linebackers can come up to LOS after the snap to read the gap but are not to cross the LOS before a handoff or while the QB has the ball and is still in the tackle box. Telling a player to take one step backwards, then hit the gap or to count to two then go, is also considered blitzing.
Minor Division: Blitzing is not allowed inside but is allowed outside of the tackle box. Linebackers must start 3 yards off the LOS as they normally would be lined up. A LB or DB who is up on a WR may blitz from their position in front of their WR.
Coaches who suspect the defense of blitzing illegally should immediately alert the head official.
Coach Penalty for Illegal Blitz: First offense-warning; Second offense-one game suspension; Third offense-coach is relieved of their coaching duties.
Game Penalty for Illegal Blitz: 5 yards and automatic 1st down. Players found guilty of blitzing shall sit out the next play, no warning.

14: Special Teams (All Divisions)

Kickoffs:

There are no kickoffs for any age group due to player safety. Offensive possessions will start on the 30-yard line.
On-Side Kick: Starting in the second half, the team that is down in points and “kicking off” may elect to run a (simulated onside kick). Kicking team will run a 4th and 15 yard offensive play from their own 30-yard line. If the play results in a first down, it will be considered successful and the team will retain possession at the point the ball is downed and begin with a fresh set of downs. If the play is unsuccessful, the defense takes possession where the ball was downed.

Extra Points and Field Goals:

Extra points can be kicked for two points. For extra points, the ball will be placed on the two-yard line and kicked from the seven-yard line. If the snap goes over the holder’s head or not within the holder's reach, the play is dead. There will be no rushing by the defense on extra-point kicks.
Field goals can be kicked for three points. Field goals will be kicked from the spot of the ball. If the snap goes over the holder’s head or not within the holder’s reach, the play is dead. There will be no rushing by the defense on field goal attempts.

Punts:

All punts are 30-yard walk offs. If the 30-yard walk off would result in the ball being inside of the endzone, then the ball will be spotted on the 20 yard line. All other punts will result in the ball being placed 30 yards from the LOS no matter where it ends up.
Upon an offensive team’s declaration of a punt, the game clock operator shall immediately enforce a ten (10) second runoff. In the event that this runoff causes the game clock to expire, the period shall be extended. The receiving team shall be permitted one (1) untimed down, to be played immediately following the enforcement of the punt yardage.
Major Division: The major division will physically punt the ball. Defense will not rush the punter. There will be no return and the ball is dead at the spot where the receiving team touches it down. Only safeties can be back deep to receive the punt. Punts may be downed inside the 10-yard line. Any punt that enters the end zone will be spotted on the 20-yard line.

Section 15: Tie Breakers (All Divisions)

Head to head is the only tie breaker used. Point differences are no longer used to avoid running up the score. Should two teams tie for any position in the play-off positioning, an extra game may be played so long as both coaches and the RRYFL Executive Board agree.
If both coaches do not agree a coin flip will take place. Both coaches must be present or the one that does not show automatically loses the flip. The winner chooses the seat they want.

Section 16: Play-Offs (All Divisions)

The top four teams will move on to the playoffs. The regular season standings will determine playoff seedings. Playoffs will be set with #1 VS #4 and #2 VS #3 matchups. Winners advance to the Super Bowl.
In the event there is a tie for the final seed, tie breaker rules persist. Playoff format may change depending on the total number of teams.

Section 17: Protests (All Divisions)

All protests must be made by the head coach in writing to the board within 24 hours of the game and require a $100.00 fee.
In the event of a successful protest, the game will be forfeited and the $100 fee will be given back to the protesting coach.

Section 18: General (All Divisions)

Any rule not specifically covered herein, shall be governed by LHSAA rules. Should a conflict exist between RRYFL rules and LHSAA rules, the RRYFL rules and By-Laws will apply.
The RRYFL board reserves the right in all disputes, rule infraction, and activity detrimental to the league or its’ reputation to force a team to forfeit any and all games or remove a coach from his duties at any time.