Rules and Regulations

Bradley / Cleveland
Youth Football
Association

By-Laws


Rule 1: Rules Committee:

The Bradley County Recreation Department will decide on all protests including referee’s decisions, eligibility of players, and the enforcement of disciplinary action for unsportsmanlike conduct of players and coaches.

Rule 2: Signing and Releasing Players

A. All rosters must be turned in prior to the Jamboree
B. No participant shall play who is or has been a member of a Junior High Team.

Rule 3: Ages and Weights

Midget Division: 12 years and under as of August 1, 2003. No maximum weight limit. 140 pounds is the maximum weight for Backs / Ends.

Pee Wee Division: 10 years and under as of August 1, 2003. No maximum weight limit. 120 pounds is the maximum weight for Backs / Ends.

Grasshopper Division: 8 years and under as of August 1, 2003. No maximum weight limit. 100 pounds is the maximum weight for backs and ends.

** Additional Tackle / Tackle Requirements **

Players must be identified by placing a well visible stripe on their helmet.

Players cannot advance the ball.

Players cannot play any defensive back position.

Players cannot play on kick-off or kick-off return teams.

Offense and Defense, must line up in three or four point stance.



Rule 4: Weigh-Ins

The first official weigh-in will be held at the jamboree. There will be 2 additional weigh-ins during the season. Players must wear their jersey to weigh-in. Players must use the same jersey number all year. Please line up players with number running in consecutive order smallest to largest.

Teams must report to the weigh-in at least (30) minutes before game time or they will receive a 15 yard penalty before the kickoff.


Rule 5: Practice Sessions:

Teams may only practice three times per week prior to the season beginning.

Once the season begins each team will be allowed two practices a week.

Rule 6: Game Procedures

A. Official high school rules will be in effect with the exception of game timing, time outs and lengths of quarters. Pee Wees and Grasshoppers will play (8) minute quarters. Midgets will play (10) minute quarters.
B. The clock will be stopped on the following:
1. On called timeouts, (3) to a half for each team
2. Touchdown or scores.
3. On the last (2) minutes of the second quarter and the last (2) minutes of the fourth quarter.
C. Only the coach and assistant coaches are to occupy the players bench on the field.
D. One Grasshopper coach may be on the field for the first two games of the season.
E. There shall be a (8) minute half time.
F. Every player must play one complete quarter start to finish. Failure to implement the participation rule will result in loss of game.
G. An injured player must be removed from the game for at least (1) play before he can continue to play.
H. Any coach or player thrown out game shall be suspended for a minimum of one game. It is possible after review that a coach or player is subject to receive a greater penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Rule 7: Protests

All protest must be made to the game officials when the incident occurs. All protest must be submitted in writing to the Recreation Department within 24 hours after protest is announced. When a protest is filed it must be accompanied by a $50.00 cash protest fee. If protest is upheld, fee will be refunded. Burden of proof is on the Accuser.

Rule 8: Defense

You can use only a 6-2-2-1 or 7-1-2-1 Defense. On the even defense your four interior people must be in a (3) or (4) point stance. All other players may be in a (2) point stance. Your Linebackers must be (2) yards off the down people. Your half backs must be (4) yards behind the down people. Your safety must be (6) yards behind the down people.
On the odd defense, you must have (5) interior down people. The rest of the people will be regulated as in the even defense.
There may not be any forward movement toward the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. If these regulations are not followed on any play, there will be an illegal procedure penalty on the defense.

There is no regulation defense from the 5 yard line to goal line.


Rule 9: Kick-off or punting

Grasshoppers will have a kick-off to begin the first and second half.

Midget Division on point after the touchdown, a kick will count 2 pt., and a run or pass will count 1 pt.

Rule 10: Equipment

All players must wear a protective cup.

Rule 11: Mercy Rule

If a team gains possession of the ball in the Fourth quarter with a (24) point lead, the trailing team’s coach may choose to end the game.


Youth football insurance has a $50 deductible. This is supplemental policy with $25,000 maximum coverage. If the player has other insurance they must file it first.
**All Coaches Must File Accident & Insurance forms to verify that injuries occurred during a Bradley/Cleveland Youth football association game or practice.