Tackle Rules | 8-on-8 Tackle Rules | Flag Rules

Tackle Football Rules

ROSTER REGULATIONS
The number of players for each team shall be limited to maximum of 30 players per team, and a minimum of 11 players per team. If a player quits a team, the Executive Director must be notified by the coach of the affected team, and a replacement player will be assigned to that team from the Executive Director's official waiting list. Any such assignment of replacement players shall be at the sole discretion of the Executive Director.

SPECIAL RULES
Any special rules created to accommodate a particular league division, for whatever reason, shall be created at the sole discretion of the Executive Director. Any such special rules shall be created with the input of the division coaches and shall be established prior to the start of the season.

PRACTICES
1. All practices shall be held at locations and times assigned by the Executive Director. Alternate practice locations and times must be approved in advance by the Executive Director and must be for the mutual benefit of the players' parents and coaches.
2. With new roster sizes in place this year, Life CHAMPS Coaches will not be restricted on when they can practice before or after the season, however the team is limited to its # of "protected" players (11 players for Sophomore Tackle, 15 players for Junior Tackle, Unlimited for Senior Tackle) at those practices in the off season.
3. Practices shall not exceed one-and-a-half (1-1/2) hours with water breaks as frequently as needed.
4. Life CHAMPS recommends that coaches not hold team practices more than three times per week before the season and not more than twice per week after the season begins.
5. Head coaches are responsible for making sure each player has the proper football equipment (including mouth pieces) before participating in practices. The head coach should inform the player's parent of any missing, inferior or defective equipment as soon as possible, and that player should not be allowed to practice until the equipment is repaired or replaced.
6. Head coaches are responsible for making sure each player is picked up by persons approved and designated in advance by the player's parent(s). Coaches should not leave the practice area until all players have been picked up.

COACHES' RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Each team shall have one (1) Life CHAMPS-certified head coach and at least one (1) but no more than four (4) designated assistant coaches.
2. Assistant coaches shall remain the same throughout the season.
3. A Life CHAMPS-certified coach shall be present at all team practices and games.
4. The head coach is accountable for all derogatory player and parent remarks to game officials and actions, and should set a good example for both players and parents.
5. The head coach is responsible for informing assistant coaches and players' parents of league rules and regulations.
6. Only team players, the head coach and the designated assistant coaches will be allowed on the sidelines. In the interest of safety, parents and other spectators must watch the games from the established spectator areas. The head coach is responsible for strict compliance of this rule.
7. Only two coaches for offense and two coaches for defense are allowed on the field during the game.

WEIGHT LIMITS
1. Ball carriers (this includes quarterbacks, running backs and receivers who may not advance the ball across the line of scrimmage but can handle the ball in the back field) may not exceed the following weight limits

Sophomore League: 85 lbs
Junior League: 100 lbs
Senior League: 125 lbs

2. Each coach is expected to honor this rule for the protection of the kids.
3. A player exceeding these weight limits may advance the ball only when he has caught a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage.
4. A player exceeding these weight limits may not line up as one of the return men during punts and kick-offs. If the football is punted or kicked to such a player, the player may advance the ball. Hand-offs or laterals to such a player are also prohibited.

EQUIPMENT
1. All participating players must wear the proper equipment including helmet with padded chinstrap and mouthpiece, shoulder pads, football pants with insert pads, and rubber football cleats or athletic shoes.
2. No metal cleats may be worn; socks must be worn under shoes.
3. Mouthpieces must be in the mouth during all live practice drills and games. After one warning from an official, a 5-yard penalty will be assessed for failure to properly wear a mouthpiece.
4. No player should be allowed to participate in live practice drills or games without all of the above-listed equipment in good condition.

GENERAL RULES
1. Games will be started at the scheduled starting time and shall be divided into four (4) equal quarters of twelve (12) minutes each.
2. A minimum of ten (10) minutes will be allowed for half-time. Coaches should make arrangements to provide drinking water for all of his players during half-time.
3. The game clock will run continuously throughout each quarter with the following exceptions in which the game clock will be stopped:

a) for player injuries
b) team time-outs (two per team for each half of the game)
c) after a delay of game penalty (the game clock will not re-start until the following snap
d) at the option of game officials
e) between quarters and half-time
f) after the two-minute warning prior to half-time and the end of the fourth (4th) quarter; during the final two minutes, the game clock is stopped under the following conditions:

1. an incomplete forward pass
2. a ball carrier goes out of bounds
3. a penalty
4. player injuries

4. A minimum of eleven (11) players must be present, properly equipped and ready to play prior to the coin-toss to start the game or a forfeit will be declared.
5. Kick-offs shall be from the kicking team's 25 - yard line.
6. If the kick-off goes out of bounds the receiving team takes possession of the football at the point the ball went out of bounds.
7. The kick-receiving team shall have no more than three (3) players back deep to receive punts and no more than four (4) players back deep to receive kick-offs. All other players must be positioned on the line of scrimmage.
8. On kick-offs, except for the last two minutes of the game, the football is considered "live" after a player from the receiving team has possession of the football. During the last two minutes of the game, the football is considered "live" after traveling ten yards regardless of possession.
9. A play shall begin with the snap of the ball from center. The line official will stand over the ball and allow both teams to line up in their proper positions.
10. The offense must advance the football ten yards in four (4) plays or less to make a first down.
11. After the game official blows his whistle when the ball is ready for play, the offensive team shall have forty (40) seconds to snap the football for a play or incur a delay of game penalty.
12. When a player's knee touches the ground, he is considered "down".
13. After three downs, the offensive team must declare its intent to punt or go for the first down. "Quick kicks" are not allowed.
14. The deep snapper's head may be over the ball to properly snap the football to the punter.
15. Rushing the punter is not allowed; offensive players may not leave the line of scrimmage until the football has been punted.
16. A punted ball is a live ball and may be returned by the receiving team. After a punt, the receiving team will begin possession at either:

a) The spot where the player is tackled or successfully makes a fair catch; or
b) The spot where the ball either goes out of bounds or when it stops rolling by its own momentum, the receiving team, or the kicking team.

17. After a touch-back, the football will be placed on the receiving team's 20-yard line. After a safety, the ball will be placed on the 25-yard line whereby the kicking team will be given the option to kick-off or punt.
18. An extra point is worth one (1) point from the three (3)-yard line; an extra point is worth two (2) points from the ten (10)-yard line.
19. Fumbles are "live" and may be advanced by either team.
20. All running backs, tight ends, wide receivers and quarterback are eligible receivers.
21. The offensive team may have no more than 4 players lined up in the backfield at the time of the snap. The rest of the players must be lined up on the line of scrimmage.
22. The defensive team must have no less than 4 players positioned on the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap.
23. Rushing or "dunking" the center is not allowed .
24. Only two (2) coaches (head coach or assistant coaches) may be on the playing field at a time and must avoid interrupting play. Interference by a coach will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; a second offense will result in a team forfeit of the game.
25. No jewelry will be worn during team practices or games.
26. Any player missing two (2) consecutive practices without prior approval from the head coach is subject to partial or complete suspension of playing during the next game (subject to the head coach's sole discretion).

OTHER RULES
1. Life CHAMPS is committed to a fun, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for the players, coaches, parents and other spectators. Any individual who, by their words or actions, threaten such an atmosphere may be asked to remove themselves from the playing field or spectator area.
2. No games shall end in a tie. The tie-breaker procedure shall be as follows: A coin-toss will determine which team takes first possession and which goal the defensive team will defend. Each team will start with the ball at the ten (10) –yard line with four (4) downs to score with the optional one (1) or two (2) point conversion (see General Rule #19).
3. Games will be played in all weather conditions with the exception of thunder and/or lightning or heavy rains. The game officials shall at all times determine whether or not play should commence or resume.
4. All games interrupted or cancelled due to inclement weather shall be re-scheduled if possible through cooperation of the Executive Director and the two affected head coaches.
5. The team winning the coin-toss at the start of the game may either choose whether to a) kick-off or receive or b) choose the goal his team will defend.
6. Any player involved in a fight, whether before, during or after a football game or near the premises, shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games for a first offense. For a second offense, the player shall be suspended for the remainder of the season including playoffs. In such instance, it shall be at the Executive Director's sole discretion as to whether to allow the player to attend the remaining games for that season.
7. Any coach displaying disruptive or argumentative behavior shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games for a first offense. For a second offense, the coach shall be suspended for the remainder of the season including playoffs. In such instance, that coach may not attend future games for that season.
8. Any spectator displaying disruptive or argumentative behavior shall be ejected from the premises.
9. All players must have paid their registration fees in full to eligible to participate in games.
10. The Executive Director, at his sole discretion, may place a player in a lower or higher age division according to the player's aggressiveness and/or physical attributes.
11. Video coverage of play by parents will not be considered to review a game official's call. The officials' game time decision shall stand.
12. Unanticipated situations not specifically covered by existing league rules shall be determined by the Executive Director. Any and all decisions by the official shall be final.

PENALTIES
1. Delay of game: 5 yards
2. Encroachment: 5 yards
3. Illegal formation: 5 yards
4. Illegal forward pass: 5 yards
5. Illegal rusher (over weight limit): 10 yards and warning for 1st offense; 10 yards and loss of ball for 2nd offense; forfeit of game on third offense
6. Illegal use of hands: 10 yards
7. Holding: 10 yards
8. Clipping: 10 yards
9. Tripping: 10 yards
10. Late hit (tackling after whistle): 10 yards
11. Face mask (behind the line of scrimmage): 10 yards from the line of Scrimmage; repeat down
12. Face mask (downfield): 10 yards from spot of foul; repeat down
13. Unsportsmanlike conduct: 10 yards
14. Offensive pass interference: 10 yards
15. Defensive pass interference: To spot of foul; automatic first down
16. Failure to wear required equipment (i.e. mouth piece, chin strap, etc.): 5 yards
17. Dunking or roughing the center: 10 yards
18. Unnecessary roughness: 10 yards

The Executive Director and/or game officials shall have the authority, at his/their sole discretion, to eject any player, coach or parent from the game or surrounding area.

Tackle Rules \| 8-on-8 Tackle Rules \| Flag Rules Tackle Football Rules ROSTER REGULATIONS The number of players for each team shall be limited to maximum of 30 players per team, and a minimum of 11 players per team. If a player quits a team, the Executive Director must be notified by the coach of the affected team, and a replacement player will be assigned to that team from the Executive Director's official waiting list. Any such assignment of replacement players shall be at the sole discretion of the Executive Director. SPECIAL RULES Any special rules created to accommodate a particular league division, for whatever reason, shall be created at the sole discretion of the Executive Director. Any such special rules shall be created with the input of the division coaches and shall be established prior to the start of the season. PRACTICES 1. All practices shall be held at locations and times assigned by the Executive Director. Alternate practice locations and times must be approved in advance by the Executive Director and must be for the mutual benefit of the players' parents and coaches. 2. With new roster sizes in place this year, Life CHAMPS Coaches will not be restricted on when they can practice before or after the season, however the team is limited to its # of "protected" players (11 players for Sophomore Tackle, 15 players for Junior Tackle, Unlimited for Senior Tackle) at those practices in the off season. 3. Practices shall not exceed one-and-a-half (1-1/2) hours with water breaks as frequently as needed. 4. Life CHAMPS recommends that coaches not hold team practices more than three times per week before the season and not more than twice per week after the season begins. 5. Head coaches are responsible for making sure each player has the proper football equipment (including mouth pieces) before participating in practices. The head coach should inform the player's parent of any missing, inferior or defective equipment as soon as possible, and that player should not be allowed to practice until the equipment is repaired or replaced. 6. Head coaches are responsible for making sure each player is picked up by persons approved and designated in advance by the player's parent(s). Coaches should not leave the practice area until all players have been picked up. COACHES' RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Each team shall have one (1) Life CHAMPS-certified head coach and at least one (1) but no more than four (4) designated assistant coaches. 2. Assistant coaches shall remain the same throughout the season. 3. A Life CHAMPS-certified coach shall be present at all team practices and games. 4. The head coach is accountable for all derogatory player and parent remarks to game officials and actions, and should set a good example for both players and parents. 5. The head coach is responsible for informing assistant coaches and players' parents of league rules and regulations. 6. Only team players, the head coach and the designated assistant coaches will be allowed on the sidelines. In the interest of safety, parents and other spectators must watch the games from the established spectator areas. The head coach is responsible for strict compliance of this rule. 7. Only two coaches for offense and two coaches for defense are allowed on the field during the game. WEIGHT LIMITS 1. Ball carriers (this includes quarterbacks, running backs and receivers who may not advance the ball across the line of scrimmage but can handle the ball in the back field) may not exceed the following weight limits Sophomore League: 85 lbs Junior League: 100 lbs Senior League: 125 lbs 2. Each coach is expected to honor this rule for the protection of the kids. 3. A player exceeding these weight limits may advance the ball only when he has caught a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage. 4. A player exceeding these weight limits may not line up as one of the return men during punts and kick-offs. If the football is punted or kicked to such a player, the player may advance the ball. Hand-offs or laterals to such a player are also prohibited. EQUIPMENT 1. All participating players must wear the proper equipment including helmet with padded chinstrap and mouthpiece, shoulder pads, football pants with insert pads, and rubber football cleats or athletic shoes. 2. No metal cleats may be worn; socks must be worn under shoes. 3. Mouthpieces must be in the mouth during all live practice drills and games. After one warning from an official, a 5-yard penalty will be assessed for failure to properly wear a mouthpiece. 4. No player should be allowed to participate in live practice drills or games without all of the above-listed equipment in good condition. GENERAL RULES 1. Games will be started at the scheduled starting time and shall be divided into four (4) equal quarters of twelve (12) minutes each. 2. A minimum of ten (10) minutes will be allowed for half-time. Coaches should make arrangements to provide drinking water for all of his players during half-time. 3. The game clock will run continuously throughout each quarter with the following exceptions in which the game clock will be stopped: a) for player injuries b) team time-outs (two per team for each half of the game) c) after a delay of game penalty (the game clock will not re-start until the following snap d) at the option of game officials e) between quarters and half-time f) after the two-minute warning prior to half-time and the end of the fourth (4th) quarter; during the final two minutes, the game clock is stopped under the following conditions: 1. an incomplete forward pass 2. a ball carrier goes out of bounds 3. a penalty 4. player injuries 4. A minimum of eleven (11) players must be present, properly equipped and ready to play prior to the coin-toss to start the game or a forfeit will be declared. 5. Kick-offs shall be from the kicking team's 25 - yard line. 6. If the kick-off goes out of bounds the receiving team takes possession of the football at the point the ball went out of bounds. 7. The kick-receiving team shall have no more than three (3) players back deep to receive punts and no more than four (4) players back deep to receive kick-offs. All other players must be positioned on the line of scrimmage. 8. On kick-offs, except for the last two minutes of the game, the football is considered "live" after a player from the receiving team has possession of the football. During the last two minutes of the game, the football is considered "live" after traveling ten yards regardless of possession. 9. A play shall begin with the snap of the ball from center. The line official will stand over the ball and allow both teams to line up in their proper positions. 10. The offense must advance the football ten yards in four (4) plays or less to make a first down. 11. After the game official blows his whistle when the ball is ready for play, the offensive team shall have forty (40) seconds to snap the football for a play or incur a delay of game penalty. 12. When a player's knee touches the ground, he is considered "down". 13. After three downs, the offensive team must declare its intent to punt or go for the first down. "Quick kicks" are not allowed. 14. The deep snapper's head may be over the ball to properly snap the football to the punter. 15. Rushing the punter is not allowed; offensive players may not leave the line of scrimmage until the football has been punted. 16. A punted ball is a live ball and may be returned by the receiving team. After a punt, the receiving team will begin possession at either: a) The spot where the player is tackled or successfully makes a fair catch; or b) The spot where the ball either goes out of bounds or when it stops rolling by its own momentum, the receiving team, or the kicking team. 17. After a touch-back, the football will be placed on the receiving team's 20-yard line. After a safety, the ball will be placed on the 25-yard line whereby the kicking team will be given the option to kick-off or punt. 18. An extra point is worth one (1) point from the three (3)-yard line; an extra point is worth two (2) points from the ten (10)-yard line. 19. Fumbles are "live" and may be advanced by either team. 20. All running backs, tight ends, wide receivers and quarterback are eligible receivers. 21. The offensive team may have no more than 4 players lined up in the backfield at the time of the snap. The rest of the players must be lined up on the line of scrimmage. 22. The defensive team must have no less than 4 players positioned on the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap. 23. Rushing or "dunking" the center is not allowed . 24. Only two (2) coaches (head coach or assistant coaches) may be on the playing field at a time and must avoid interrupting play. Interference by a coach will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; a second offense will result in a team forfeit of the game. 25. No jewelry will be worn during team practices or games. 26. Any player missing two (2) consecutive practices without prior approval from the head coach is subject to partial or complete suspension of playing during the next game (subject to the head coach's sole discretion). OTHER RULES 1. Life CHAMPS is committed to a fun, encouraging, and positive atmosphere for the players, coaches, parents and other spectators. Any individual who, by their words or actions, threaten such an atmosphere may be asked to remove themselves from the playing field or spectator area. 2. No games shall end in a tie. The tie-breaker procedure shall be as follows: A coin-toss will determine which team takes first possession and which goal the defensive team will defend. Each team will start with the ball at the ten (10) –yard line with four (4) downs to score with the optional one (1) or two (2) point conversion (see General Rule #19). 3. Games will be played in all weather conditions with the exception of thunder and/or lightning or heavy rains. The game officials shall at all times determine whether or not play should commence or resume. 4. All games interrupted or cancelled due to inclement weather shall be re-scheduled if possible through cooperation of the Executive Director and the two affected head coaches. 5. The team winning the coin-toss at the start of the game may either choose whether to a) kick-off or receive or b) choose the goal his team will defend. 6. Any player involved in a fight, whether before, during or after a football game or near the premises, shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games for a first offense. For a second offense, the player shall be suspended for the remainder of the season including playoffs. In such instance, it shall be at the Executive Director's sole discretion as to whether to allow the player to attend the remaining games for that season. 7. Any coach displaying disruptive or argumentative behavior shall be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games for a first offense. For a second offense, the coach shall be suspended for the remainder of the season including playoffs. In such instance, that coach may not attend future games for that season. 8. Any spectator displaying disruptive or argumentative behavior shall be ejected from the premises. 9. All players must have paid their registration fees in full to eligible to participate in games. 10. The Executive Director, at his sole discretion, may place a player in a lower or higher age division according to the player's aggressiveness and/or physical attributes. 11. Video coverage of play by parents will not be considered to review a game official's call. The officials' game time decision shall stand. 12. Unanticipated situations not specifically covered by existing league rules shall be determined by the Executive Director. Any and all decisions by the official shall be final. PENALTIES 1. Delay of game: 5 yards 2. Encroachment: 5 yards 3. Illegal formation: 5 yards 4. Illegal forward pass: 5 yards 5. Illegal rusher (over weight limit): 10 yards and warning for 1st offense; 10 yards and loss of ball for 2nd offense; forfeit of game on third offense 6. Illegal use of hands: 10 yards 7. Holding: 10 yards 8. Clipping: 10 yards 9. Tripping: 10 yards 10. Late hit (tackling after whistle): 10 yards 11. Face mask (behind the line of scrimmage): 10 yards from the line of Scrimmage; repeat down 12. Face mask (downfield): 10 yards from spot of foul; repeat down 13. Unsportsmanlike conduct: 10 yards 14. Offensive pass interference: 10 yards 15. Defensive pass interference: To spot of foul; automatic first down 16. Failure to wear required equipment (i.e. mouth piece, chin strap, etc.): 5 yards 17. Dunking or roughing the center: 10 yards 18. Unnecessary roughness: 10 yards The Executive Director and/or game officials shall have the authority, at his/their sole discretion, to eject any player, coach or parent from the game or surrounding area.
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