Plainsmen Junior Football League Rules- There have been changes to the rules mentioned below, stay
tuned for the updates!
1.0 PURPOSE
The purposes of the Plainsmen Junior Football League are
to:
·
Stress the best
values derived from athletic competition (sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity,
respect, leadership, commitment, perseverance, fairness)
·
Promote the
physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of each player
·
Encourage
continued athletic participation
·
Teach Football
·
Have Fun
2.0 RULES
2.1 Participation
2.1.1 Players
must attend at least (approx.11 Practices) before they can actively participate
in a game, unless otherwise determined by the Executive Board. Each non-contact
practice will count as one half of a practice. In the event players do not
participate in scheduled practices following the commencement of games, player
eligibility will be determined by a member of the Executive Board in
consultation with the Head Coach.
Decisions are made on a case by case basis. Factors affecting eligibility decisions
include past practice attendance, player physical readiness and reason for
absence. Decisions to limit playing time
for any reason must be approved by a member of the Executive Board.
2.1.2 The “Tackle” Football program is divided into two
divisions: Junior (Fourth-Fifth Grade) and Senior (Sixth-Seventh Grade)
Divisions. In some cases it may be
appropriate for a player to participate either with an older or younger grade
level as approved by the Executive Board.
Decisions are made on a case by case basis. Safety to the player (or other players) and
the player’s physical readiness are key factors in any decision. Parents will be consulted prior to any change
in division. Advancing a younger player
to the Senior Division is generally discouraged.
2.1.3 Junior
Division - Prior to player selection, typically the 48 heaviest players (8
players per team…8x6teams=48) will be designated as interior lineman, (weight
to be set after weigh-ins are complete). Players less than the set weight limit
for lineman are to be designated as offensive or defensive backfield or end
positions. Players less than the set lineman weight may play an interior line
positions, but if practical should play a backfield or end position.
2.1.4 Senior
Division - Prior to player selection, typically the 48 heaviest players
(8 players per team…8x6teams=48) will be designated as interior lineman,
(weight to be set after weigh-ins are complete). Players less than the set
weight limit for lineman are to be designated as offensive or defensive
backfield or end positions. Players less than the set lineman weight may play
an interior line positions, but if practical should play a backfield or end
position.
2.2 Player Selections,
Alignment, and Replacement
2.2.1 Coaches
will evaluate each player during the evaluation week prior to player selection. Players are rated on a scale from 1 to 7
(highest ranking). Absent players are
given an estimated ranking based on familiarity of the coaches with the player.
2.2.2 The draft order is established by drawing numbers (1-6)
from a hat. The team that drafts 1st
will also draft 12th, 2nd will also draft 11th,
3rd will also draft 10th , 4th
will also draft 9th, 5th will also go 8th and
6th will go 7th. The draft
will be continue with the Team originally drafting first, drafting second and
seventh, the Team originally drafting second, drafting third and sixth, the
Team originally drafting third-drafting fourth and fifth and the Team
originally drafting fourth-drafting first and eighth. The draft will continue
with the order rotating as described earlier.
2.2.3 A maximum of 3 Coaches children will
be protected in the draft. (1 Head Coach, 2 Assistant Coaches)
(Example:
A coaches child is rated as a “5”. The player must be the first player
selected by the Team, when no players
of a higher rating (6 or 7) are available or if the coach decides they
do not want to draft the higher rated players. The Team may not pick any player (lower or the same ratings) until the
higher ranked player or Coaches children
are no longer available. In the above
example, the Team could select the higher rated
player(s) or his child
before he could draft a player with the same or lower rating.
2.2.4 Each team will be divided into 2 equally talented
platoons. Each squad will play one-half
the game on both offense and defense.
Teams with greater than 22 players (or more than 10 interior offensive
linemen or 12 backs/ends) should platoon players. No more than 2 (two) players may
platoon at any one position. This means that if you have 25 kids on your team
you must choose different positions for the excess player to platoon at and the
excess players must be split between both squads. (You may not have 11 players
on squad A and 14 players on squad B platooning all
of them at split end and safety. You must, for example, have 13 players on one
squad and 12 players on the other. On squad A you
can platoon one player at split end and the other player at full back. This
addition is not intended to be used as a tool to get your star runningback on more than one squad. The
object is to give all players as much playing time as possible and not
take your three weakest players and rotate them all at one position which
minimizes playing time.) Coaches are
encouraged to keep platoons roughly equal in capabilities. Loading up one squad may discourage members
of the other squad. The goal remains for
each player to participate in at least one half of the game and no more than
three quarters of the game.
2.2.5Visiting Teams will change platoons from offense
to defense (and defense to offense) each quarter. Home Teams will change on the half. Offensive and defensive personnel will change
from the field at any turnover, which would determine that team alternating
from offense to defense or vice-versa.
The rule allows each offensive and defensive platoon on the opposing
teams to play each other over the course of the game.
2.2.6 Stronger
interior linemen will line up on the offensive right (defensive left). The player whose offensive position is Center
will be played by a back weight player because there is no defensive line
position to cover the center. All discussions of strong or weak side
designations of a player should be discussed during coaches’ meetings prior to
the game. There is a wide range of
experience level, size and physical readiness among the linemen. Player designations are not based solely on
size. Proper designation of the players
minimizes physical mismatches. This rule
applies to interior linemen only.
2.2.7 If an injury occurs during the game, a replacement
player should be selected from the other platoon. Offensive backfield and end positions should
be replaced position for position (QB for QB, TB for TB, etc.). Defensive
backfield-end positions do not carry a strong or weak-side designation. A DE can substitute for either DE, a LB for either LB or any defensive back (safety or
cornerbacks) can substitute for another.
Strong-side linemen should substitute for strong-side linemen, weak-side
for weak-side. A single player should
not substitute for a player both offensively and defensively. Teams with player overages should adjust
their line up to insert the platooned player. Special situations should be reviewed with a
member of the Executive Board.
2.2.8 Players that are absent for 1 game (illness, injury,
other commitment, etc.) may be replaced as discussed in 2.2.7. An offensive backfield absence extending more
than 1 game requires that a new player be trained for that position. Typically an End or platooned
back will be trained for a backfield position.
For example: The QB sprains his ankle and will be out 2 weeks. The injury occurred the week prior to the
first game. The first game the other
platoon’s QB can play for both squads.
For the second game, an End is converted to PB; the original PB is
trained for QB. The QB’s
defensive position is filled as discussed in 2.2.7. The intent of this rule is to ensure each
team has two separate sets of backfields for each game (Quarterback, Powerback, Fullback, Tailback).
2.2.9 The Head
Coaches, or designated alternate, will meet, every Saturday, prior to game day,
at the shed (time to be determined before the start of the year). Exchanging rosters on-line either through the
internet or our website will be considered. This meeting will include a
discussion of issues that came up during the previous week and the roster
exchange (required form provided by the league) which will include player
numbers, squads, offensive and defensive positions. Players are not allowed to switch positions
during the game, unless a physical mismatch is apparent. Coaches should review the player
match-ups. Squads may be adjusted at
this time to minimize mismatches. This
may entail some minor adjusting of the line, not moving strong-side players to
the weak-side or vice-versa. A member of the Executive Board (or his designate)
should concur with switching players during the course of the game. Players do not change positions to run a
“special play” or boost the defense.
2.3 Rule
Enhancements
2.3.1 Football
cleats should be molded rubber soles. No
screw-on cleats. Sneakers are not
prohibited, but are discouraged.
2.3.2 Each quarter will last 10 minutes. Each quarter will be regular football time,
complete with stopped clock for incomplete pass, out-of-bounds, penalties, etc.
2.3.3 Extra-points
may be kicked (2 points), carried or received (1 point) across the goal line. Line of scrimmage is the 3 yard line
2.3.4 Ball size:
A junior size ball will be used for the Junior Division. An intermediate size ball will be used for
the Senior Division. The ball will be
inflated in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance. The League provides Footballs, no personal footballs will be used in the game.
2.3.5 Following
a safety, the defensive team will get the ball on the 50-yard line.
2.3.6 One coach
may go downfield beyond the 35-yard line.
All players not on the field and all other coaches must stay within the
35-yard lines.
2.3.7 One coach
is permitted on the field during a time-out.
In the event of an injury time-out, coaches are allowed on the field to
check on the injured player, but are not permitted in the huddle or to give
non-injury related instructions.
2.3.8 Teams are
allowed 3 timeouts per half.
2.3.9 Teams are
allowed 30 seconds from the time the ball is spotted: to run a play.
2.3.10 Any player may advance a fumble. Plays shall not be designed for an interior
lineman to carry or receive the football-No fumble-rooskies.
2.3.11 In the
Junior Division, In the event that a team is ahead by 3 touchdowns, there
shall be a brief time-out by the head coaches to discuss a strategy for
keeping the game in hand. Coaches
that run up the score will be subject to review as determined by the Executive
Board.
2.3.12 Excessive
victory/touchdown/sack celebrations etc. are prohibited. Examples of excessive celebrations include,
but are not limited to, victory laps, sack/touchdown dances, etc.
2.3.13 Prior to the start of the game there will be 3 coin flips
·
The first flip
determines which team has choice of offense/defense or deferring the choice to
the second half.
·
The second and
third flips determine which platoons each team starts. (For example: The
Warriors are the home team and have won the first toss, opting to begin the
game on offense. Prior to the second
coin toss, the Warrior’s captain chooses that “Heads” to represent the “A”
platoon (“Tails” represents the “B” platoon).
The toss comes up “Tails”; the “B” platoon will play offense the first
half. The “A” platoon will play defense
the first half. The process will be
repeated with the opposing team with the third toss.)
2.4 Offensive Rules
2.4.1 The
offense is limited to the “I” formation.
The Fullback (FB) and Tailback (TB) must lineup directly behind the
Quarterback (QB).
2.4.2 The Powerback (PB) may be lined up directly behind either Guard
(Power I formation), up to one yard to the outside of either End and behind the
line (Wing formation), or up to one yard to the outside of either Tackle and
behind the line (Slot formation). The
power back may be split out (behind the line) in a Flanker formation in both
divisions. Only 1 receiver, End or Flanker, may be in the split formation per
play.
2.4.3 There
shall be no more than 1-yard between each lineman from End-to-End. One end may be split (in both divisions). Only 1 receiver (End or Flanker) may be in
the split formation. Splitting an end on
one side and having a wing or slot formation on the other side is an allowed
formation. Lining the Powerback in the Slot position (See 2.4.2) with a split end
on the same side is also allowable.
2.4.4 There are
no man-in-motion plays. Players cannot
shift into position. The no-huddle offense is not allowed.
2.4.5 No
blocking below the waist outside the free blocking zone. The free blocking zone is defined as an area
within 3 yards (either side) of the line of scrimmage and within 6 yards of
either side of ball placement.
Initiating a block below the waist is prohibited. A below the waist
block may result from a block initiated above the waist. Cut-blocks (or any block initiated below the
waist) are not allowed and should not be taught.
2.4.6 Coaches
are encouraged to include plays for each running back and end to carry or
receive the ball. Coaches should call
plays that position their team to win the game, but a goal of the league is to
teach the game and encourage further participation. Coaches are encouraged to spread the ball
carrying/receiving opportunities over the course of the game. A player may not carry the ball 3 times in a
row.
2.4.7 Using a
“Hard Count”, head bob or other technique to intentionally draw the defense offside
is prohibited. The purpose of this rule
is not to discourage the offensive team from going on a long count. This is strictly a judgment call by the
officials. In the Sr. Tackle Division play can not start until after the first sound.
For example: Quarterback must say Ready and can go on any subsequent count
including a silent count. In the Jr. Tackle Division play can not start until
after the second sound. For example: Quarterback must say Ready, Set. Then play
can start. (You may use any terminology you wish but it must be distinct and
not intended to deceive.)
2.4.8 When the
offense is in a wing or slot formation (powerback
lined up outside the offensive tackle), the fullback is allowed to offset
behind either guard, but must remain at his normal depth of at least one yard.
2.5 Defensive Rules
2.5.1 All teams
will play a 6-2-2-1 defense.
2.5.2 The
defensive linemen (DE to DE) must be within 1 yard of the line of scrimmage
until the ball is snapped.
2.5.3 Defensive
Guards must line-up head-to-head with the Offensive Guard. Defensive Tackles may line-up head-to-head or
on the Offensive Tackles outside shoulder (i.e., DT’s head lined up
with OT outside shoulder). The
Defensive Ends may line up as wide as desired.
2.5.4 The
linebackers must line up 1-3 yards directly behind the Defensive Tackles.
2.5.5 Both Cornerbacks must line up at least 3 yards behind
the Linebacker on their side. The Safety
must be at least 1 yard behind the deepest Cornerback. The Cornerbacks may play as wide as
desired. The Safety should be inside the
Tackles.
2.5.6 Line
stunts and blitzing are allowed on the snap of the ball. (For example: Defensive linemen can
drop-off into the secondary on the snap of the ball.)
2.5.7 The
defense linemen and linebackers are required to remain set for 1 second prior
to the snap of the ball. Defensive
linemen may reset prior to the snap, provided they don’t enter the neutral zone. Linebackers are not allowed to cheat-up to
the line. The defense is not allowed to
draw the offense off-sides, or call a “snap count”.
2.5.8 Goal Line
Defense. When the offense has possession
of the ball inside but not including, the opponents 10
yard line, the defense may make the following adjustments; The cornerbacks and
the safety may move up to a depth of 1 yard behind the linebackers.
2.6 Kicking/Punting Rules
2.6.1 There are
no kick-offs, play starts at the 35-yard line.
2.6.2 Extra
points and field goals may be kicked.
Both are “free” plays (although the clocks does
run) – the defensive squad is not allowed to rush and cannot return missed
attempts. The ball must be placed at
least 5-yards behind the line of scrimmage (which is the 3 yard line), directly
behind the center. Upon notification
that the offensive team will attempt a field goal, the referee shall center the
ball in the middle of the field prior to the snap. Defensive players are allowed to jump at the
line of scrimmage to block kicks.
Kicking plays (extra points and punts) are dead-ball plays and the clock
is stopped for the duration of the play.
2.6.3 The
kicking/punting squad should be aligned in a standard kicking/punting
formation. Both ends should be split
when punting. The football should be
long snapped to the punter or holder.
2.6.4 In the
Junior Division, the kicker may use either a holder with or without a flat
kicking tee or a “kick-off” tee without a holder. Senior Division kickers should use a holder
with or without a flat kicking tee. The
holder’s toe shall not be used as a tee.
2.6.5 The
punting squad is not allowed downfield following a punt. The receiving team takes over where the
punted ball is controlled. Punts that
are touched by the receiving team, but continue downfield, are not under
control. Punts deflected towards the
line of scrimmage are placed where first touched.
2.6.6 The
receiving team should line up in a normal punt receiving formation. This is a
dead play but both kicking team and receiving team should align as if it were a
REAL punting situation. For the receiving team the lineman and linebackers must
stay in their designated positions. You may NOT drop your conrners
and safety prior to the snap of the ball to simulate a punt return.
2.6.7 Since all kicks are free plays. The kicker/punter may be any player,
regardless of weight.
