GLYFC 2017 Rules
GREAT LAKES YOUTH FOOTBALL
CONFERENCE RULES
2017
MISSION STATEMENT
CHARACTER, COURAGE, AND LOYALTY: GREAT LAKES YOUTH FOOTBALL
CONFERENCE is a program to offer Youth Tackle Football to children ages 5 thru 11
(K-6th grade). The GLYFC will provide an outlet of healthy activity and training under
adult leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The GLYFC
inspires the youth of our communities with a goal and enriches their lives, establishes
the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. The GLYFC promotes the
development of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, and team play which are the
basic essentials of good sportsmanship.
The GLYFC Executive Boards Promise
The Great Lakes Youth Football Conference is committed to following a Coach's Code
of Conduct, which will be signed by each coach prior to the season.
Age Groups/Divisions
A) Division 1 – 5-7 Year Olds (K-2
nd) 8 if in second grade
B) Division 2 – 8-9 Year Olds (3-4 grade) 10 if in 4th
grade
C) Division 3 – 10-11 Year Olds (5-6 grade) 12 if in 6th
grade
Eligibility to Participate
A player may not participate (practice or game) in the GLYFC who has not turned in a
player registration form and a concussion form signed by parent/guardian to their
respective city youth football program. The age of the player will the age as of
September 1st.Team rosters documenting each players weight, age/grade will be
provided to each city with-in the GLYFC and will be used during the season to confirm
any players eligibility for participation in the GLYFC games.
Weigh-Ins
Each player must weigh in at one of the two pre-season weigh-ins, the player's weight
will be checked and documented at this time. All players must be eligible and must have
a concussion form will out, signed by a parent or guardian on file with their city's
program in order to be weighed in. There will be no stripping of clothing, players are
required to have a shirt, and shorts (shoes are not required).
**Note** The Great Lakes Youth Football Conference shall enforce all weight
restrictions established by the GLYFC Executive Board and be verified at the scheduled
weigh-ins prior to the first game.
Sign ups
These will be left up to each city with-in the GLYFC. The last day any player can sign up
to play is at the discretion of each city, as long as all players are following the
mandatory 1 week of conditioning and 1 week of contact prior to playing in any game.
Late sign ups can be assigned to any team in their age level, this is at the discretion of
the city’s President.
Maximum Team Players
The number of players on a team can be whatever a coach can handle and getting the
required plays per half, except a team will be required to split at 36 players. If a team is
split there will be a minimum of 16 players on each team. Each team shall contain a
balance number of experienced players, if a team with in the age group splits.
Practice Rules
All players must have at least 5 days of conditioning and 5 days of contact practice
before competing in a game in the GLYFC. Practice and/or scrimmage games will not
be allowed against teams of different age groups. After the first game, there shall not be
more than 3 practices and/or scrimmages per week. The GLYFC will be compliant with
the MHSAA rule which states After the first regular season game, teams may not
conduct more than two collision practices a week. (Monday – Sunday). Blocking and
tackling techniques may be taught and practiced. However full-speed contact is limited
to player vs. pad or shields. Player against sled may also take place.
Equipment
Every player MUST wear shoulder pads, an approved helmet with a face shield, (only
clear face shield may be worn (exception by order of a doctor, then a tinted one may be
worn.All players Must wear football pants containing: Hip, Thigh, Tailbone, and Knee
pads. **Note** All equipment violations are a safety concern and any player found to be
in violation during a game will be suspended for the balance of the game in which the
violation occurred and the following game. If a piece of equipment breaks during the
course of a game the player will be allowed to fix the equipment and will be allowed to
return to the game. ** ANY COACH WHO KNOWINGLY VIOLATES THESE RULES
WILL BE EJECTED and will be suspended for the following game. The game in which
repeated violations occur will be forfeited. All players must wear a colored mouth
protector which must be attached to the helmet and worn on the game field at all times.
Specially made mouth protectors are permitted if required by a doctor or dentist, and
must be brought to the attention of the Head Referee. All mouthpiece warnings will be a
team warning. After the first warning, a 5-yard penalty will be given for each violation
after that warning (this is considered a safety issue).
The GLYFC will use the MHSAA Football Rules as a guide with the following
exceptions:
Special Playing Exceptions
Division 1 (5-7)
*All Division 1 players must play at least six (6) per half (ONLY EXCEPTION IS A
SAFETY ISSUE).
**NOTE** If a team is in violation of the minimum play rule: The teams Head Coach will
be given a warning. If it continues, the teams Head Coach will be ejected from that
game and the following game. If it continues further, the teams Head Coach will be
required to appear in front of the Executive Board of the GLYFC for further disciplinary
action.
**Shall use the pee wee size ball.
Division 1 (5-7 years old) weight will be 90 lbs. Any player above that weight or who has
not weighed in will wear a “T” on the front and back of their helmet (“T” must be of
contrasting color) and will be restricted to playing a position of tackle to tackle. They will
not be allowed to be a pulling guard outside of the tackles. Players may be moved up an
age group if the parent and the President of the city's youth football are in agreement.
THERE WILL BE NO PLAYERS MOVED TO A LOWER AGE GROUP. Players can
never move down an age group unless they meet the minimum grade requirements. A
special mid-season weigh-in will be held week 4, at which time any player with a “T” can
have it removed.
**NOTE** If a player is in violation of this rule, both the player and the head coach will
be ejected from that game and the following game. If it continues, the player and the
head coach will be required to appear in front of the GLYFC Executive Board for further
disciplinary action, The Great Lakes Youth Football Conference shall enforce all weight
restrictions established by the GLYFC Executive Board and verified at the scheduled
weigh-ins prior to the first game.
All penalties shall be no more than 10 yards; with the exception of any unsportsmanlike
conduct from a player, coach, and/or a spectator.
Division 1 will not kick off. The ball will be placed on the 50-yard line to start the game
and a coin toss will determine the possession of the ball.
There will not be a nose guard on the defensive line, therefore no draw plays or
quarterback sneaks will be allowed.
One coach for defense and offense may remain on the field during the play and must
stay 10 yards behind the last player and the ensuing play. Once the offense is on the line, there shall be no more directing of players. The Offense and Defense Coach must remain silent once the offensive players are on the line and set.
One warning will be given per team for any unsportsmanlike conduct. A penalty will be
given for any coach who enters the playing field and interrupting the normal process of
play. The Head Coach will be suspended on the second unsportsmanlike penalty, and
removed from the game.
There will be no kicking or punting at the Division 1 level.
Division 1 will be given 40 seconds to get a play off. After 40 seconds, a delay of game
a 5-yard penalty will be charged.
Division 2 (8-9)
*All Division 2 players must play at least six (6) plays per half.
**NOTE** If a team is in violation of the minimum play rule: The teams Head Coach will
be given a warning. If it continues, the teams Head Coach will be ejected from that
game and the following game. If it continues further, the teams Head Coach will be
required to appear in front of the Executive Board of the GLYFC for further disciplinary
action.
Division 2 shall use a junior size ball
Division 2 (8-9 years old) weight will be 115 lbs. Any player above that weight or who
has not weighed in will wear a “T” on the front and back of their helmet (“T” must be of
contrasting color) and will be restricted to playing a position of tackle to tackle. They will
not be allowed to be a pulling guard outside of the tackles. Players may be moved up an
age group, if the parent and the President of the city's youth football are in agreement.
THERE WILL BE NO PLAYERS MOVED TO A LOWER AGE GROUP. Players can
never move down an age group unless they meet the minimum grade requirements.
**NOTE** If a player is in violation of this rule, both the player and the head coach will be ejected from that game and the following game. If it continues, the player and the head coach will be required to appear in front of the GLYFC Executive Board for further disciplinary action. The Great Lakes Youth Football Conference shall enforce all weight restrictions established by the GLYFC Executive Board and verified at the scheduled weigh-ins prior to the first game.
** NEW RULE 2017** At the 3rd/4th grade ONLY all punts will be free punts. However, if the ball is caught it is considered a dead ball at the spot it was caught at and the receiving team will take over at the spot. If the ball hits the ground, rolls and stops or is touched it becomes a “dead ball” at that spot.
One coach for offense and defense may remain on the field during the play and must
stay 10 yards behind the last player and the ensuing play. Once the offense is on the
line, there shall be no more directing of players. The Offence and Defense Coach must
remain silent once the offensive players are on the line and set.
One warning will be given per team. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be given for any coach who enters the playing field and interrupting the normal process of play.
The Head Coach will be suspended on the second unsportsmanlike penalty, and
removed from the game.
All penalties shall be no more than 10 yards with the exception of unsportsmanlike
conduct form a player, coach, and/or a spectator.
Division 2 will be given 35 seconds between plays. After 35 seconds, a delay of game
5-yard penalty will be charged.
Division 3 (10-11)
All Division 3 players must play at least 4 plays per half
Division 3 (10-11 years old) weight will be 140 lbs. Any player above that weight or who
has not weighed in will wear a “T” on the front and back of their helmet (“T” must be of
contrasting color) and will be restricted to playing a position of tackle to tackle. They will
not be allowed to be a pulling guard outside of the tackles. Players may be moved up an
age group if the parent and the President of the city's youth football are in agreement.
THERE WILL BE NO PLAYERS MOVED TO A LOWER AGE GROUP. Players can
never move down an age group unless they meet the minimum grade requirements.
**NOTE** If a team is in violation of the minimum play rule: The teams Head Coach will
be given a warning. If it continues, the teams Head Coach will be ejected from that
game and the following game. If it continues further, the teams Head Coach will be
required to appear in front of the Executive Board of the GLYFC for further disciplinary
action.
Division 3 shall use a youth size ball
**NOTE** If a player is in violation of this rule, both the player and the Head Coach will
be ejected from that game and the following game. If it continues, the player and the
head coach will be required to appear in front of the GLYFC Executive Board for further
disciplinary action.
No coaches will be allowed to remain on the field of play. One warning will be given per
team. An unsportsmanlike penalty will be given for any coach who enters the playing
field and interrupting the normal process of play. The Head Coach will be suspended on
the second unsportsmanlike penalty and removed from the game.
Division 3 – will be given 25 seconds between plays. After 25 seconds, a delay of game
5-yard penalty will be charged.
Running of the Clock
The clock will stop for penalties, timeouts, injuries, out of bounds, incomplete passes,
between scores, change of possession between scores and the following kick off. Aside
from previously stated time-outs or an equipment time out the clock will continuously
run. The clock is not to stop for any other reason.
If a team is behind by 35 points the clock will not stop for any reason (except for injuries
and officials time outs).
Special Rule
If a team is behind by 24 points, that team will be given 6 downs to make a first down
and the team that is in the lead must take out starters, cannot run to the outside and no
passing will be allowed.
Time
All age levels will play 4 (10) ten-minute quarters, with no more than a 2-minute rest
between quarters and a (10) ten-minute rest at halftime.
Warm up
When the clock runs out at halftime (1) one minute will be added on the clock for a
mandatory warm up period.
Organizational Rules
First game will be Division 1 not to start prior to 10am/3pm (for all night games)
Second Game will be Division 2 not to start prior to 12pm/5pm (for all night games)
Third Game will be Division 3 not to start prior to 2pm/7pm (for all night games)
Fourth Game (if needed) not to start prior to 5pm/9pm (for all night games)
** Special Note***
Times could vary if there are multiteam games. Every effort should be made to keep
games moving along on schedule.
All start times will be followed unless both head coaches agree to change the start time
Coaches
All Head Coaches must attend a coaches meeting set forth by the Executive Board of
the GLYFC prior to coaching in the GLYFC. All Head Coaches must sign a Coaches
Code of Conduct presented to them by the GLYFC prior to coaching. All Coaches must
have on file and show at the weigh-in their concussion training certification. Any coach
ejected from a game because of unsportsmanlike conduct must appear in front of the
GLYFC Executive Board for review. Because this is a special meeting to determine if a
coach will be suspended or removed from coaching it must be a face-to-face special
board meeting. The meeting will be set up as soon as possible. Until then, the coach will
remain suspended until the meeting occurs. This will be a closed meeting of the
Executive Board with an exception of the following persons: the coach, the city's
President, the Official, and any witness(es) present at the time of the suspension. The
meeting will be set up for the Sunday after the game in which the coach was
suspended. If it results in a suspension, the suspension is for the next game. In the
event it is the last game of the season, the coach will be suspended for the first game of
the following season. The ejected coach must leave the field of play and may coach in
any form until a board determination is made.
Time-outs
In the event of an injury there will be an official time out called. The injured player will be
removed from the field of play and may not participate for at least one play. The player
may re-enter the game at the discretion of the Head Coach and or the Head Official.
The player must be cleared of all possibilities of a concussion. Each team will be
entitled to 3 (1) one minute per half. The only exception being if a team has a 20 point
lead they will forfeit any remaining time-outs until the score is under 20 points.
Pregame
Each team will have at least a (1) one-minute warm-up or exercise before starting each
game and starting the second half.
Should either teams warm up delay the start of the game or starting the second half, the
team causing the delay will be penalized 15 yards at all age groups. This will be done at
the kick off.
If a team is a ½ hour or more later for the game, the game will become a forfeit and the
game will only be played if the home team's President/Field Director chooses to play
and does not put the game schedules behind. The game will still be counted as a forfeit.
Officials
The conference will provide registered officials. The number will be determined by the
Executive Board. Both the home team and visiting team will each provide a line judge.
The team provided official and the chain gang must be at least a junior in high school.
The Head Official will be a registered official provided by the GLYFC.
The Head Official shall have both head coaches meet in the center of the field before
the game begins to discuss any rule variations, special plays. Any eligibility issues shall
be presented at this time.
The Head Official along with the Head Coach of the opposing team will do an
equipment check prior to the start of the game.
The Line Judge will be on the opposite side of the field from their team
Spectators/Fans
Spectators must stay with-in the designated spectator area. Remember, the Head
Coach/Field Director is responsible for their actions and may be penalized for their
actions.
It is the Field Director and or the City's President to have overly aggressive or
intoxicated fans removed (by police if necessary).
Penalties
Maximum penalties for 5-7 and 8-9 teams will be 10 yards (except for unsportsmanlike
conduct which will be 15 yards).
All unsportsmanlike conduct will be15 yards in any age group. This does not eliminate
the possibility of questioning a referee on an interpretation of a rule, however it must be
done in a professional manner.
Miscellaneous Rules
Each city may have individual eligibility and disciplinary rules, which must be given to
the Head Official in writing if they differ from the GLYFC rules.
The defense of a goal will be changed at the half unless agree upon by both coaches.
The home Field Director is in charge and may remove any injured player for the rest of
the game, if in his/her opinion the player is unable to safely play.
No electronic communication devices may be used by a coach or staff (including cell
phones).
Announcers are not to announce while a play is progress, unless it is an emergency.
If any awards are given, they must be given to the entire team.
The ball shall be placed and hiked perpendicular to the line of scrimmage.
Kicking Rule
A player with a “T” on their helmet must declare to the Head Official that they are
eligible to be on the kick off team as the kicker. The “T” player may also punt the ball.
That player must only punt the ball. Anything else will be considered a “dead ball” at
the spot where the kicker touches the ball, the opposing team will receive the ball at that
point.
Once the ball is kicked, the “T” player must exit the field of play. Any advancement
toward the opposing team shall constitute an unsportsmanlike penalty and the kicking
team will receive a 15-yard penalty.
If a team decides to kick an extra point or field goal they may kick that also. If they do
anything other than kick the ball it will be considered a “dead ball” and their team will
receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty.
P. A. T.
The scoring will be as follows: 1 point for a rushing P.A.T. and 2 points for kicking the
P.A.T.
“NONE OF THESE RULES CAN BE WAIVED FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER
