TACKLE AND FLAG RULES AND GAME INFORMATION
I. Eligibility
a. A participant’s parent/legal guardian must agree to all terms and conditions set forth in the policies and rules as established herein by the PYSL.
b. A participant must be at least 3 years of age and not more than 13 years of age
c. An individual will not be allowed to play football in the PYSL if that individual plays football in any other youth football associations during the PYSL football season, with the exception of Middle School football activities.
d. Each participant will be required to be certified through National Sports ID (NSID) in order to be eligible to play. The cost of the certification will be the responsibility of the participant.
II. Age Group Divisions and Conferences
a. The designation and naming of divisions and conferences will be the sole responsibility of the Board of Directors
b. Participants will play in one of five age groups determined by their age on July 31. The age groups in the PYSL are: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13U.
c. Each age group will have a Division I and a Division II. Specific playing rules will be specified within these rules.
d. Each team will have a minimum and maximum number of players set forth in these rules.
e. If an age group has more than ten (10) teams then the teams will be divided into two (2) conferences. A random drawing will be held to determine team numbers. Teams drawing odd numbers will be placed in Conference “A” and teams drawing even numbers will be placed in Conference “B”.
f. Additional conferences and/or divisions can be added to any group when the number of teams for the season necessitates such an action. The decision to do so will be made by the President and the Board of Directors.
g. If an age group has ten (10) or less teams then the teams will not be divided into conferences.
h. All decisions made by the board of directors concerning any aspect of divisions and/or conferences are final.
III. Division I vs. Division II
a. Division I will typically be the even ages (6, 8, 10, 12) and will be considered the more competitive division.
b. Division II will be considered the recreational division and has the following rule differences
i. A minimum of 70% of your roster must be the younger age level as of 7/31 of the current season year (5, 7, 9, 11)
ii. There will be a weight limit for ball carriers
1. 5/6 – 85 lbs
2. 7/8 – 100 lbs
3. 9/10 – 125 lbs
4. 11/12 – 135 lbs
iii. Players will be weighed in before the first game of the season by a member of the Board of Directors
iv. Coaches can challenge the weight of a ball carrier anytime during the season if they choose to, but they will only have one challenge per season, unless they challenge, and the player is overweight.
v. The challenge must be made BEFORE the game begins.
vi. If a challenge is made and “won” (player doesn’t make weight) the coach retains his one challenge for the season.
vii. If a challenge is made and “lost” (player makes weight and is eligible to carry the ball) the team will lose their second half timeouts for that game, and the coach will no longer be able to challenge weight limits for the remainder of the season.
viii. If any coach is caught cheating regarding ball carrier weight limits this will result in immediate league disqualification
IV. Post Season Play
a. Team standings within their respective age group division and conference will be determined the following:
i. Overall Record
ii. Head-to-Head
iii. Points Allowed
iv. Point Differential
v. Coin Flip
b. Only six (6) teams in each conference (Div I & Div II) will make the playoffs.
c. Playoff games will follow NCAA overtime rules for breaking tie scores.
V. Coaching Staff
a. Each team will have an PYSL approved Head Coach and no more than eight (8) PYSL approved assistant coaches. Adequate instruction and attention should be given to all participants.
b. All coaches are required to submit to a background check through National Sports ID (NSID)
c. The Board of Directors is the final authority in the selection and eligibility of all coaches in the PYSL.
d. One (1) year as an assistant football coach is preferred prior to applying for a head coach position
e. It is mandatory that all PYSL approved coached be USA Football Heads Up Certified by the August mandatory football coaches meeting. A coach may be removed from the sideline of any preseason, regular season and post season game if they are not USA Football Heads Up Certified. Exceptions can be granted by the Director of Coaches, Vice President and President if certification is not completed due to scheduling conflicts or lack of coaches. In that case the coach must be certified as soon as possible.
f. All head coaches or a designated team representative shall be required to attend all coaches’ meetings sponsored by the PYSL Board of Directors
g. Head Coach Responsibilities
i. Will be responsible for seeing that their assistant coaches, participants, parents/legal guardians and fans conduct themselves in a manner as to adhere to the purposes of the PYSL organization. This includes controlling conduct at games, scrimmages and practices as well as keeping spectators behind the designated ropes of the playing field. Fans must treat opposing players, parents and referees with respect. Encourage fans to cheer for their team, not against the other team or referees. Failure to exercise proper control may result in coach’s dismissal.
ii. Will be responsible for obtaining medical care for participants injured during games and practices if parent/legal guardian is not present. Parent/legal guardian will be required to sign the medical release form while completing the age certification through NSID.
iii. Must report all injuries to their age group commissioner and injured participant’s parent/legal guardian as soon as possible.
iv. Must attend all coaching clinics and meetings sponsored by the PYSL.
v. Will select a first assistant that will be in charge in the head coach’s absence.
vi. Will choose the practice location and will obtain permission if required.
vii. Will not leave participants alone at practice or game fields
viii. Must inform age group commissioner in writing prior to any game a participant will not be allowed or is unable to play. Specific reason must be given to justify the action or inability to play.
ix. Will be responsible for ensuring assistant coaches fulfill their duties.
x. Will be responsible for complying with PYSL player participation rules
h. All Coaches Responsibilities
i. Will be required to register as a coach and submit to a background check through National Sports ID (NSID)
ii. Will teach each participant the rules and fundamentals of football
iii. Will stress the fact that football is a team effort
iv. Will teach and encourage good sportsmanship by participants
v. Will treat all participants equally
vi. Will be responsible for checking the safety and proper fit of participants equipment. It is the responsibility of the participant to replace any equipment deemed improper or unsafe in the coach’s judgment
vii. Will teach participants the proper care of all equipment
viii. Will provide water or drink and ice at all practices and games
ix. Will be responsible for keeping practice field clean and safe
x. Will be required to make the majority of practice sessions
xi. Will NOT administer either prescribed or over the counter medication
xii. Any coach ejected from a game for any reason is automatically ineligible to participate in the next game.
VI. Rostered Players
a. Each team will be allowed a maximum of twenty-eight (28) registered players for their final roster. The board reserves the right to increase the final roster maximum if warranted or necessary.
b. Each team must have a minimum of fifteen (15) registered players for their final roster. The board reserves the right to decrease the final roster minimum if warranted or necessary.
c. All 3/4 age group teams will require a minimum of eight (8) participants, unless otherwise approved by the board.
VII. Game Schedule
a. Game will be scheduled by week numbers instead of a date. The playing of rescheduled or cancelled games will be decided by the Board of Directors.
b. The Board of Directors will decide the number of games on the schedule at the appropriate time. All decisions made by the Board of Directors on these matters will be final.
VIII. Uniforms
a. All equipment (helmets, shoulder pads, padded pants and other protective gear) is the responsibility of the registered participant. However, PYSL retains the right to disallow any equipment deemed improper or unsafe for play.
b. Players in the 3/4 and 5/6 age groups are not permitted to wear shoulder pads or padded pants during the games.
c. Players in the 3/4 age group will have the option of wearing soft padded headgear (flag helmets) during practices and games.
d. Players in the 5/6 age group are required to wear soft padded headgear (flag helmets) during practices and games.
e. An approved mouthpiece is required for all age groups.
PLAYING RULES
I. Player Participation Rules
a. In keeping with our motto: “Putting the Youth First Through Fun, Recreation and Competition” coaches are required to play all participants according to PYSL Player Participation Rules.
b. Player participation rules apply in all games sanctioned by the PYSL and its Board of Directors.
c. A twelfth (12) man may be used as an alternating offensive or defensive player; however, alternating players every other offensive or defensive down, as applicable
d. Criteria for Player Eligibility
i. Be on the teams’ final approved final roster and be certified through UPlayID or NSID.
ii. Attend two-thirds (2/3) of weekly and two-thirds (2/3) of practices all season
iii. In coach’s opinion, player has exercised their best
iv. Player is in good health
v. To be eligible to play in a playoff games, a player must have player in at least half of their team’s regular season games unless unable to do so due to injury or illness. Games missed for medical reason must be documented according to PYSL rules.
vi. A player with any injury which received a doctor’s attention may not return to play or practice without a doctor's release note. A copy of the release must be present to the Head Coach and age group commissioner.
vii. If there is any question as to whether a player has an injury or not, the parent or legal guardian must attest to the players health by completing the “On the Spot Liability Release Form” prior to the player participating in a practice or game.
viii. The Board of Directors reserves the right to determine a player’s eligibility to play in any PYSL sanctioned game when a player’s eligibility is in question.
e. Head Coach option for discipline of players with attendance problems or who do not follow team rules:
i. Player may be held out of any part of a game or an entire game. The Head Coach must give their age group commissioner a written explanation of the disciplinary action to include the reason the player is being held out, prior to the game. Consistency is of the utmost importance. If you hold out a lesser player, you must hold out your player for a similar offense.
f. If a coach violates the Player Participation Rules, the team will forfeit the game in question as determined by the Board of Directors. Subsequent violations may result in expulsion from coaching.
g. Any player ejected from a game will be required to miss one full game. For example, if the player is ejected from a game in the second quarter, the player will miss the 3rd and 4th quarter of that game and the 1st and 2nd quarter of the next game
II. Game Warm Ups
a. In order to help keep the games on schedule, teams will meet and warm up prior to coming on to the playing field unless the field is clear at the start of warm ups.
b. Team will clear the playing field immediately after games so that the next game can begin promptly.
III. Playing Rules
NCAA Rules as amended for high school play will be followed with the following exceptions:
a. All Age Groups:
i. Age group based on player age on July 31st
ii. Free substitution in accordance with Player Participation Rule
iii. The following size footballs will be used for each age group
1. 3/4 and 5/6 Pee Wee (PW)
2. 7/8 Pee Wee (PW)
3. 9/10 Junior
4. 11/12 Youth
5. 13U Youth
iv. Each quarter will be eight (8) minutes except in the 3/4 age group where there will be two twelve (12) minutes halves with a running clock.
v. Halftime will be eight (8) minutes
vi. Only PYSL-approved coaches and players are allowed in the team area (20-yard line to 20-yard line). Applicable game sideline rules apply
vii. All players must wart an approved mouthpiece
viii. Extra points will count one (1) for a run, two (2) for a forward pass, and two (2) for kicking the extra point. A defensive team that scores on the extra point try will be awarded two (2) points.
ix. The game clock will run continuously if a team should reach a lead of 28 points or more.
b. 3/4 Age Group
i. The field will be reduced to thirty (30) by forty (40) yards, with a ten (10) yard end zone.
ii. Ball will be spotted on team’s own 5-yard line to begin the game, half or after a touchdown.
iii. All penalties, including mouthpiece violations will be reduced to eighty (80) percent of their original value.
c. 5/6 Age Group
i. The field will be reduced to thirty (30) by forty (40) yards, with a ten (10) yard end zone.
ii. All penalties, including mouthpiece violations will be reduced to eighty (80) percent of their original value.
iii. Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking team’s restraining line on a kick off to start the game, second half and following a touchdown, shall be the 30-yard line.
iv. The requirement to achieve a first down will be reduced from ten (10) to eight (8) yards.
d. 7/8 Age Group
i. Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking team’s restraining line on a kick off to start the game, second half and following a touchdown, shall be 30-yard line
ii. Only one (1) coach from each team will be allowed to move on the sideline from goal line to goal line.
iii. On fourth (4th) down there will be a free punt option. The punt will be thirty (30) yards from the spot of the ball. No free punt shall go past the opponents own 20-yard line.
e. 9/10 Age Group
i. Punts and Field Goals are live, but defensive players can not rush/crash the middle. Rushing from the outside is allowed.
IV. Flag Football Rules for 3/4 Age Group:
a. The game will be contact 5-man flag football
b. Length of game
i. Twelve (12) minute halves with a running clock a twenty-five (25) second huddles.
ii. A referee’s flag or time out will stop the clock.
iii. The clock will stop after a touchdown and start when the opposing team begins their next series.
iv. No overtime will be player should the game end in a tie.
c. Offense
i. NCAA rules will apply, except where otherwise stated in this rulebook.
ii. The ball must be handed off in order to be advanced between the guards.
iii. Only a player wearing flags can advance the ball.
iv. There will be two (2) flags worn, one on each side of the body.
v. Flag colors cannot match player shorts/pants or any part of their shorts, such as the stripes.
vi. Offensive players are not allowed to flag guard (i.e. not allowed to push hands away from pulling flag.
vii. Teams will have four (4) plays to cross mid field then for (4 plays_ to score.
viii. Team will play five (5) on five (5). Offense will have one (1) center, two (2) lineman, one (1) quarterback and one (1) running back.
d. Defense
i. A defensive player will not be allowed to line up directly over the offensive center. A defensive player lined up with the offensive center cannot be within five (5) yards of the offensive center.
ii. There will be no rush or blitz in the A gap, i.e. trying to crash between the center and guard is considered a blitz/rush and results in a twelve (12) yard penalty.
iii. Blitzing and rushing will be allowed if offensive linemen splits are spaced more than two (2) yards apart.
e. Free Punt
i. On fourth (4th) down there will be a free punt option. The punt will be twenty (20) yards from the spot of the ball.
ii. There will be no free punt if the offensive team is inside the opponent’s twenty (20) yard line.
f. Coaches on the field (optional)
i. At the snap of the ball, the offensive and defensive coaches must be withing a minimum of ten (10) yards behind their deepest player and remain motionless until the whistle blows and/or all play is stopped
ii. The coach on the field may not touch a player; any use of the hands to aid a player constitutes a penalty.
iii. The coach on the field may give verbal instructions and directions only
iv. The coach on the field may not question the official. Questions must come from a coach on the sideline. Confrontation with officials by the coach on the field will result in immediate ejection from the game
v. The coach on the field may not speak to an opposing coach on the field or the referee. Confrontations between coaches or referees on the field will result in an immediate unsportsmanlike penalty. Further violations may result in ejection from the game
g. Dead Ball
i. A player not wearing the required number of flags may not advance the ball. The ball will be ruled dead at the spot the player touches the ball.
ii. Fumbles and bad snaps may not be advanced and are dead where they first touch the ground.
iii. Interceptions may not be advanced
h. Awarded Touchdown
i. If a ball carrier has broken into the open and is tackled or pushed out of bounds, the ball carrier will be awarded a touchdown.
i. Season
i. The 3/4 age group flag football season ends after 6-8 games have been played. Exact number of games based upon PYSL Board of Directors.
V. Flag Football for 5/6 Age Group
a. The game will be contact 11-man flag football
b. Length of game
i. Eight (8) minute quarters and twenty-five (25) second huddles
ii. A referee’s flag or time out will stop the clock.
iii. The clock will stop after a touchdown and start when the opposing team begins their next series.
iv. The last two minutes will be a standard regulation clock
c. Offense
i. NCAA rules will apply, except where otherwise stated in this rulebook.
ii. The ball must be handed off in order to be advanced between the guards.
iii. Only a player wearing flags can advance the ball.
iv. There will be two (2) flags worn, one on each side of the body.
v. Flag colors cannot match player shorts/pants or any part of their shorts, such as the stripes.
vi. Offensive players are not allowed to flag guard (i.e. not allowed to push hands away from pulling flag.
d. Defense
i. A defensive player will not be allowed to line up directly over the offensive center. A defensive player lined up with the offensive center cannot be within five (5) yards of the offensive center.
ii. There will be no rush or blitz in the A gap, i.e. trying to crash between the center and guard is considered a blitz/rush and results in a twelve (12) yard penalty.
iii. Blitzing and rushing will be allowed if offensive linemen splits are spaced more than two (2) yards apart.
e. Free Punt
i. On fourth (4th) down there will be a free punt option. The punt will be twenty (20) yards from the spot of the ball.
ii. There will be no free punt if the offensive team is inside the opponent’s twenty (20) yard line.
f. Coaches on the Field (optional)
i. At the snap of the ball, the offensive and defensive coaches must be withing a minimum of ten (10) yards behind their deepest player and remain motionless until the whistle blows and/or all play is stopped
ii. The coach on the field may not touch a player; any use of the hands to aid a player constitutes a penalty.
iii. The coach on the field may give verbal instructions and directions only
iv. The coach on the field may not question the official. Questions must come from a coach on the sideline. Confrontation with officials by the coach on the field will result in immediate ejection from the game
v. The coach on the field may not speak to an opposing coach on the field or the referee. Confrontations between coaches or referees on the field will result in an immediate unsportsmanlike penalty. Further violations may result in ejection from the game
g. Dead Ball
i. A player not wearing the required number of flags may not advance the ball. The ball will be ruled dead at the spot the player touches the ball.
ii. Fumbles and bad snaps may not be advanced and are dead where they first touch the ground.
iii. Interceptions may not be advanced
h. Awarded Touchdown
i. If a ball carrier has broken into the open and is tackled or pushed out of bounds, the ball carrier will be awarded a touchdown.
i. Season
i. The 5/6 age group flag football season ends with the League Championship Playoffs
VI. Rulings and Decisions
a. Rulings and decisions of the officials are final and not subject to protest
VII. Forfeits
a. Any 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13U age group team not fielding eleven (11) eligible players within ten (10) minutes after scheduled game time will forfeit the game, unless not fielding eleven (11) eligible players is due to injuries or illness, then in that case the team will avoid forfeiture if they have at least ten (10) players. If during a game, a team drips below nine (9) players for any reason, that team will forfeit the game. If neither team meets these criteria, a loss will count against both teams.
b. Any 3/4 age group team not fielding five (5) players within ten (10) minutes after the schedule game time will forfeit the game. If neither team fields five (5) players, the game will be considered cancelled
c. Officials may forfeit a game due to misconduct of spectators or coaches. In the event a team is winning the game, and the referees call the game due to your team’s misconduct, you will forfeit the game regardless of the score at the time the game is called.
d. Games forfeited, for any reason, will result in a $250 fine. Fines are due the Thursday before your next scheduled game.
VIII. Cancelled Games
a. The President and/or the Board of Directors may cancel games if adverse conditions affect the field or player fan safety.
IX. Violations
a. If anyone is found guilty of misconduct in any way, such as fighting, intoxication, using abusive language, or other conduct deemed inappropriate by the Board, at game sites or practice sites, the Board of Directors will take action in accordance with established rules of conduct.
b. Actions such as inappropriate language, being abusive towards Coaches, Referees, Children or Board Members shall warrant a 1 game suspension. Upon return from suspension if the actions continue you will be suspended for the rest of the year. Board members will review and discuss on a case-by-case basis.
c. A coach found not working in the PYSL guidelines will be, by determination of the Board of Directors, suspended or expelled within 48 hours.
d. Any coach failing to fulfill their duties and responsibilities will be subject to probation or suspension.
e. Smoking at games by coaches will be in accordance with Lewisville Parks & Recreation Guidelines.
f. If a team or violates the Player Participation Rules, the team will forfeit games in question, as determined by the Board of Directors. Subsequent violations may result in expulsion from coaching.
g. Failure to exercise proper control of assistant coaches, participants, and parents/legal guardians at games, scrimmages and practices may result in a Head Coach’s dismissal.
h. All players, parents, coaches and attendees will adhere to the code of conduct outlined in the Additional Attachments section. Failure of compliance will result in dismissal from premises.
i. If the police are called for any reason, due to one of your staff, players, or a parent from your organization, there will be a $250 fine assessed. This fine is due by the Thursday prior to your next scheduled game.
X. Parent/Legal Guardian Responsibilities
a. Parents/Legal Guardians are expected to cooperate with the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches to support them in their endeavor to teach good sportsmanship and appropriate game conduct.
b. Parents/Legal Guardians are responsible for ensuring their children are in proper uniform
c. Parents/Legal Guardians are responsible for transporting their children to and from practices and games. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR CHILDREN ON TIME.
d. If a parent/legal guardian is ejected from a game, that parent/legal guardian is automatically ejected from the next game.
e. The PYSL encourages parents/legal guardians to attend the games and show enthusiasm.
f. All players, parents and attendees will adhere to the code of conduct as outlined in the additional Attachments section. Failure of compliance will result in dismissal from premises.
g. Parents/Legal Guardians must adhere to the following dispute resolution procedures for any and all complaints. In the event the problem or concern is not resolved proceed to the next step as follows:
i. Contact Head Coach with problem or concern.
ii. Contact the appropriate age group Commissioner.
iii. Contact the Vice President
iv. Contact the President
v. Provide a written statement addressed to the PYSL Board of Directors
Policy for Criminal Background Checks of Adult Volunteers
I. Procedure
The PYSL requires that all volunteers will be required to submit to criminal background verification.
Compliance with this policy shall be a condition precedent to any practice or game.
In order to screen all coaches, assistant coaches, and league officials, the PYSL will verify and implement the following procedures:
A. Criminal Background Checks
i. The PYSL will conduct or require criminal background check procedures to all persons acting as coach, assistant coach, or league official.
ii. After initial compliance and every twelve (12) months thereafter, all coaches, assistant coaches, and league officials must have a criminal background check. The PYSL may independently establish other volunteer positions for which they may require criminal background checks.
iii. Criminal background checks are to be performed prior to the volunteer being assigned any duties or responsibilities at any PYSL facility or practice location in accordance with the provisions herein. The PYSL may determine the time of year the checks are conducted depending on the beginning of their practice season(s) or events.
iv. Game officials are not subject to the PYSL’s criminal background check standards.
B. Grounds for Disqualification
With regards to any of the criminal offenses provided herein, it shall be grounds for disqualification if any of the following occurs:
i. An individual is convicted; or
ii. Criminal charges were subsequently dropped, and the applicant was never prosecuted for the crime; or
iii. The criminal charges resulted in non-conviction, such as probation or deferred adjudication, deferred disposition; or
iv. The criminal conviction was subsequently expunged from the applicant’s record as the result of appropriate legal proceedings
C. List of Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
The following is a list of offenses that would be grounds to disqualify a person from being affiliated with the PYSL:
Aggravated Kidnapping
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated Robbery
Arson
Assault
Bigamy
Crimes against Children (including abandonment, abuse, endangerment, indecency, sexual assault, pornography, possession or promotion of pornography, enticement, solicitation, sale or purchase of pornography, and injury)
Criminal Nonsupport
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Deadly Conduct
Delivery of Marijuana
Indecent Exposure
Injury to Elderly or Disabled
Intoxication Manslaughter
Kidnapping
Manslaughter (Involuntary or Voluntary)
Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance or Dangerous Drug
Marijuana Possession, DWI, DUI1*
Murder (including Capital Murder)
Obscenity
Prohibited Sexual Contact
Prostitution (including Promotion and Aggravated Promotion)
Public Lewdness
Rape
Sexual Abuse
Theft**
Violation of any Law intended to control the possession, use, or distribution of any Controlled Substance or Illegal Drug
1. This list of offenses is not intended to be all‐inclusive and in no way sets limits on the offenses that are deemed grounds for disqualifying an individual from affiliation with the PYSL. Decisions on all other crimes or offenses not otherwise described above will be made at the sole discretion of the PYSL Board of Directors.
2. If a volunteer or other person is determined eligible for affiliation and is later arrested or convicted of any of the above crimes, they are required to notify the PYSL immediately. They will be removed immediately from their position until the case is finally adjudicated. Failure to notify the PYSL of any arrests or convictions from the list above will result in the volunteer being immediately removed from all PYSL volunteer duties for a minimum twelve (12) months beginning on the date the failure to notify was discovered.
*Marijuana possession/DWI/DUI‐ If a first offense and not currently under probation – will be reviewed on a case‐by‐case basis. Two or more violations have occurred or currently on probation ‐ ineligible.
**Theft – Eligibility depends on the severity and length of time passed since the offense occurred.
II. Criminal Information
The criminal information obtained by the PYSL is a matter of public record
III. Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy will result in temporary or permanent suspension of all offenders.