Game Statistics Form
This form can be used to keep your Offense and Defense game stats.- Snack Schedule
Team Snack schedule 
League Rules (2023)
The primary purpose of the Slidell Youth Football Association (SYFA) is to furnish an opportunity for children between the ages of five and fourteen to play the contact sport of football under conditions of good leadership and sound instruction in the fundamentals of the game. In addition, scholarship and citizenship are promoted without depriving them of the basic urge to win. Please keep this in mind as you serve as a leader in this program.
Rule 1 (Weights and Ages)
Peewee:? 80lbs. and under at the time of registration without equipment. Kids ages are 5 and 6. Players should not have reached their 7th birthday prior to June 1st of the current season.?
Division 1: 100lbs. and under at the time of registration without equipment. Kids ages are 7 and 8. Players should not have not reached their 9th birthday prior to June 1st of the current season. ? ? ? ??
Division 2:? 125 lbs. and under at the time of registration. Kids ages are 9 and 10. Players should not have not reached their 11th birthday prior to June 1st of the current season. ? ? ? ? ??
Division 3: ? UNLIMITED WEIGHT. Kids ages are 11 and 12. Players should not have not reached their 13th birthday prior to June 1st of the current season. ? ? ? ??
Division 4: ? UNLIMITED WEIGHT. Kids ages are 13 and 14. Players should not have not reached their 15th birthday prior to December 31st of the current season.
There will be a 5 lb. growth allowance for each weight division after the official registration weigh-in has been made. There will be an 8 lb. equipment allowance (authorized full game gear) for each weight division after the official registration weigh-ins have been made.
A child over weight for their division may only play up one division or the player will stay in their age group but will be restricted to play heads up with the offensive tackle to the opposite tackle if on defense. Players with an ?L? may also play Defensive End. Any ball recovered or intercepted by a defensive player cannot be advanced, unless it is in Division 2 and 3. Players with an ?L? on offense are restricted to playing Tackle to Tackle. Players with an ?L? cannot play Wide Receiver. Any player 20lbs over the 13lb allowance for growth and equipment shall be moved up to the next?division. Players will be classified at registration. An opposing Head Coach reserves the right to weigh any and all players from an opposing team to ensure weight guidelines are adhered to. This includes reclassifying a player. The player classified as overweight for their division may have the option to weigh in prior to every game including the playoffs and/or the championship game, performed by an SYFA official along with one coach from each team to make weight classification to play any position. The minimum weight to play at SYFA is 40 lbs. If a player is designated as a lineman, he/she is required to place an ?L? sticker on the rear of the helmet. If this ?L? is removed by anyone other than an SYFA Board member, the Head Coach and player will be suspended from the current game and will not be eligible to coach/participate in any SYFA sanctioned next scheduled football game for a period of 10 days as a Head Coach of the team that the infraction applies.
Rule 2: Registration Process
All new players shall provide proof of age by presenting a birth certificate at the time of registration. Signatures of a PARENT or GUARDIAN are the only signatures accepted on registration forms. Proof of domicile for the parent/guardian AND player must be presented at the time of registration. School records (e.g., report cards, progress reports), or pediatrician records shall be the only accepted documents used as proof of domicile for the player. If a refund is given prior to the beginning of the first game of the season, said player is ineligible to return that football season. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE TEAMS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR DRAFT. (If a refund is to be given, refunds will be given at the discretion of the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. ?All new players and any player changing divisions will be required to attend tryouts. If a player without prior SYFA experience does not tryout, he/she will be placed in a secured envelope to be selected in the draft. Players that have previously played at SYFA and is moving up in division must be entered into the draft. Falsification of age on the registration form will result in that player being banned from play at SYFA for life. Any forged document(s) will be forwarded to the proper authorities for possible prosecution. The Board of Directors will discuss penalties for the team involved on a case-by-case basis. The Board?s decision will be final.
Rule 3a: Coaches
During all regular season games, only the Head Coach in charge of the team and four assistants are allowed on the bench. The coach?s area is designated between the 30- and 30-yard lines, and as far back as the team bench. In overtime, the coach?s box is extended to the 10-yard line. Coaching outside the coach?s box is not allowed. If a coach is caught coaching from outside the coach?s box, the field commissioner will warn him. With a second offense in that game, that coach?s team will be assessed a 15-yard personal foul penalty. Any Coach caught not playing all kids on their roster during a game will be assessed a 15-yard personal foul/unsportsmanlike penalty. If the bench is not cleared, the second time, the infraction occurs in the same or subsequent game, the Head Coach is ejected from the game, and a 15-yard penalty is assessed and will not be eligible to coach/participate in any SYFA sanctioned his/her next scheduled football game for a period of 10 days. A personal foul penalty, or unsportsmanlike penalty in Peewee will result in a 10-yard penalty because they play on an 80-yard field instead of a 100-yard field. Any team that has more than 5 coaches on the field of play at any time during the game will be assessed a 15-yard penalty for each play the additional coach remains inside the field of play. Individuals operating the chains should be 16 years of age or older and not allowed to coach (only cheering allowed). The penalty for this infraction will be removal of the person(s) from the field of play and a 15-yard penalty will be assessed. Coaching is defined as instructing a player on the playing field in his/her playing technique. Only current card-carrying coaches, camera persons, and current game players are allowed inside the fenced playing areas. The press box is for the current game score keepers, one per field, and two camera persons, one per team. Children of coaches and camera personnel are not allowed in the press box areas. Teams will be on opposite sidelines with the home team being closest to the press box. Division 1 allows for coaches to be on the field with the players. Coaches will be allowed on the field for the first half of the designated season, but will have to coach from the sidelines for the second half of the season.
Rule 3b: Coaches Cards
Each coach of SYFA will be issued an annual membership card for the fee of $10.00 and any fee from USA Football, or NYSCA. We are transitioning from NYSCA. We will accept NYSCA certification for this year if a coach has already renewed their certification. The membership card will entitle each holder to participate in all General Membership meetings and is allowed to vote on any proposal and/or Board of Directors position. All applications for new members will be based on the approval of the SYFA Board. Continuance of membership by individuals will be at the discretion of the SYFA Board. All card-carrying coaches must be certified by USA Football, or NYSCA for this current year. No SYFA coach?s cards will be issued without current USA Football/NYSCA certification. Any persons coaching on a team?s sideline without proper credentials will cause the team to be assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty per play (10 yards in Peewee) until the individual leaves. If conduct persists, the Head Coach will be ejected and will not be eligible to coach/participate in any SYFA sanctioned his/her next scheduled football game for a period of 10 days.
Rule 3c: Coaching Vacancy
In the event that a Head Coach does not return to coach the following year, the assistant coach will be given consideration on the vacancy. The Board will make the final choice based on references, qualifications, SYFA experience, and support of the Association by their involvement in work parties,
General Membership meetings, coach?s meetings, and other functions conducted for the betterment of the Association.?
No Head Coach may leave his/her team if another team does not have a returning Head Coach to become the Head coach of a team in the same division.
A Head Coach may not step down from his team and return as an assistant coach to that same team. (This rule will be considered at the discretion of the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis).
In the event that a team cannot be filled with a Head Coach, The Board will appoint a Board member who is not a current head coach of a team to that opening coaching position.?
Rule 3d: Coaches Code of Conduct
All coaches will be monitored by a member of the Board of Directors throughout the season during practices and/or during their games. Any coach(es) in violations of the Code of Conduct during any practices will be given a (10) Ten-day suspension and will not be eligible to coach his/her next scheduled ACTIVE football game as a Head/Assistant Coach of the team that the infraction applies. If a violation happens during a scheduled game, that coach will be ejected from the current game and will not be eligible to coach his/her next scheduled ACTIVE football game as a Head/Assistant Coach of the team that the infraction applies. If the coach continues to violate the Code of Conduct, he/she will be given a (14) Fourteen-day suspension.?
Rule 3e: Parents Code of Conduct
All are to conduct themselves in accordance with the Parents Code of Conduct signed by all parents/guardians at the beginning of each season. This will be monitored by a member of the Board of Directors throughout the season during practices and/or during games. Any parent(s)/guardian(s) in violation of the Parents Code of Conduct during any football game will be ejected from the park and will appear before the Board of Directors before being allowed entry back into the SYFA Park. If parent/guardian continues to violate the Parents Code of Conduct he/she will be given a (14) Fourteen-day suspension.?
Rule 3f: Sponsorship
Sponsorships of any kind is financial support by an outside party, usually a corporation, for the good works of a non-profit organization. All sponsorship contributions must come through Slidell Youth Football Association in order for any corporation to qualify for charitable contribution deductions (In order for gifts to be tax-deductible, the recipient organization has to be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3).) ?Sponsorship checks must be made payable to: Slidell Youth Football Association (SYFA), all sponsorship checks will be deposited and allowed up to 3 days, no more than 7 days to clear. Once cleared a reimbursement check will be issued to that respected team.
Rule 3g: Sponsorship Disbursement
Sponsorship money should be used to purchase items/accessories for the players first.(i.e. Game Pants, Game Socks, Helmets Decals, 2nd set of Game Jerseys (must be BOD approved) and anything that is or may be needed during the season. Any coach?s uniforms are to be paid with non-sponsorship money unless all kid''s items/accessories are taken care of first.
Rule 4: Game Rules
Slidell Youth Football Associations (SYFA) rules will be primary and will be followed by all teams, coaches, and officials, followed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules will serve as a supplement to SYFA?s rules when applicable.?
Louisiana High School rules will be used in this program with the exception of:
A: Field Size and Game Time
Peewee Division and Division 1 will play on a 100-yard field with four Ten-minute quarters. Divisions 2, 3, and 4 play on 100-yard fields with four Ten-minute quarters.
B: Offenses and Defenses Allowed
Any legal offense may be used (max of 4 players in the backfield). In Peewee, Division 1, and Division 2, any legal style defense may be used with 4 defensive line players in side the box, with no nose guard. Guards must play head-up on the guards. All linebackers must be at least one yard behind the defensive lineman. All cornerbacks must be positioned at least one yard behind the linebackers. For clarification purposes, the cornerbacks must be positioned outside the defensive ends. For Peewee, Division 1 and Division 2, unlimited defense will be allowed on extra points only. However, no player is allowed to line up over the center. Players with an ?L? on their helmets in any division are restricted to interior lineman designated as the center (Offense), the guards, or the tackles only. If a player does not have an ?L?, they do not have to play head-up, but cannot play in the center gaps (?A?). All other SYFA rules apply. Division 3 will play with a modified ?OPEN DEFENSE?. Defense: defense can play any style configuration including a nose guard with the restriction of a player with an ?L? on his helmet, players with an ?L? may NOT line up over the center, nor in the ?A? gaps, these players must play head-up on the guards or tackles only. Any illegal defense infraction will result in a 10-yard penalty. Offense: Players with an ?L? on their helmets are restricted to interior lineman designated as the center, the guards, or the tackles only (Any illegal offense infraction will result in a 10-yard penalty). If a third infraction occurs at any time, a 15-yard penalty is assessed, the Head Coach is ejected, and he/she must surrender their SYFA coach?s card. Further penalties may be issued by the Board. ?
C: Extra Points
Extra points after touchdowns will be two points if kicked, and one point otherwise, except in Divisions Peewee, 1, 2, and 3 where a pass caught in the end zone is worth two points, and a run is worth one point. Also, for Division 1, the ball may be placed directly on a kicking block no closer than the 7-yard line with no snap necessary. An uncontested kick may be attempted. If successful, the kick is worth two points. In addition, for Division 2, the ball may be snapped from the 2 ? yard line to a holder placing the ball on a kicking block no closer than the 7-yard line, and an uncontested kick may be attempted. If successful, the kick is worth two points. The holder cannot move outside of his/her immediate area to save a bad snap. A bad snap, or a fumbled snap, is considered a dead ball. Division 3, the ball may be snapped from the 2 ? yard line to a holder placing the ball on a kicking block no closer than the 7-yard line, and this attempt may be a contested kick. If successful, the kick is worth two points if after touchdown, three points for a field goal. Kickoffs and/or punts may be executed by any player, including players with an ?L? designation.
D: Turnovers progressed applicable to Division II and Division III Only: Any turnovers recovered by a player with an ?L? designation can progress the ball forward and will not be blown dead (Defense Only).
E: Specific exceptions applicable to Peewee and Division 1:
Coaches of teams will be allowed to place players in their positions until they are set. Once play calling has started, neither the offensive or defensive coach(es) will be allowed to touch a player or give verbal instructions to a player.
? 2. Two coaches will be allowed on the field for the entire PeeWee season. One coach will be allowed on the field for Division 1 for the first 4 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?games of the season ONLY, and after that, no coaches are allowed on the field for the remainder of Division 1 season.?
F: Specific exceptions applicable to Peewee, Division 1, and Division 2:
If the offensive team has the ball on the 4th down, regardless of field position, it has the option to free kick, or execute an automatic punt of 20 yards from the line of scrimmage providing the line of scrimmage is no deeper than the opponent?s 30-yard line. The ball cannot be advanced on a free kick. If the ball touches a receiving team player and advances forward, it is dead at the spot of contact. If the ball goes behind the receiving team player after being touched, it is dead at the stopping point of the ball.
G: Horse Collar
No horse collar tackle by the back of the neck is permitted. The team committing this infraction will be assessed a 15-yard personal foul penalty. In Peewee and Division 1, this penalty will be 10 yards.
Rule 5: Trades
SYFA will not allow coaches to recruit players from other teams. The draft will be final. All drafted players may be traded the night of the draft only as long as the opposing coach agrees to the trade and the Board approves it. All trades will be age for age only.?
Rule 6: Rescheduling
No changing of a scheduled game will be allowed without written consent from both head coaches involved, and the Secretary, or Assistant Secretary?s approval. Rained out games will be rescheduled by the Secretary, or Assistant Secretary only. Scheduling matrixes should be consistent from year to year. The Board will approve the final matrix.
Rule 7: Player Rules about Playing
Each team will have a minimum of 16 players per team for Division PeeWee, a minimum of 17 players per team for Division 1 & 2, a minimum of 18 players per team for Division 3, and a maximum of 20 players for all divisions. Each player will be assigned to the defensive, or offensive, unit, depending on how many players are drafted on a team will determine how many players may be assigned to both units.
Each player will play the entire game with the assigned unit, except in the case of injury when the injured player cannot return to the same game. In this case, the substitute will play both ways. The injured player must remove his/her helmet and shoulder pads. There are no special teams. On kickoffs, the kicking team is the defensive unit and the receiving team is the offensive unit. The rule simply stated, it is to allow team players to play entire games and assure every player maximum exposure to the game. The bench will clear on each change of possession. If the bench is not cleared, the first time the Head Coach is warned, and a 15-yard penalty is assessed. The second time, if the infraction occurs in the same or subsequent game, the Head Coach is ejected from the game, and a 15-yard penalty is assessed and will not be eligible to coach his/her next scheduled football game as a Head Coach of the team that the infraction applies. If a third infraction occurs at any time, a 15-yard penalty is assessed, the Head Coach is ejected, and he/she must surrender their SYFA coach?s card. Further penalties may be issued by the Board.
Rule 8: Player Classification
A: Each player will be registered per Rule 1.
B: At the discretion of the SYFA Board, tryouts will be conducted annually for new players in the league and for those players moving up to the next division.
C: A player will be placed on a team in one of four ways:
A player will be considered a returning player if they were assigned to a team the previous year and meet regular registration requirements. In addition, if a player sits out or miss a year and is eligible by age will return back to the team he previous played on.
A Head Coach may have his child or children assigned to his team, and they will be treated as returning player(s). Siblings assigned to the same team will be treated as returning players.
Siblings will be consecutive picks in the draft.
Through the common draft.
Rule 9: Draft Process
Draft:
The common draft will be held in a closed meeting of Head Coaches, 3 aides/Assistant coaches, and the SYFA Board at least three weeks prior to the first game. Each Head Coach will be furnished with a list of players in the open draft, their age, weight, and birth date at least 24 hours prior to the common draft. Head Coaches will also be provided with player draft numbers. The SYFA Board will determine the number of teams and the number of players per team in each division. This will become the league team player limit, and will not change for the entire season.
Matrix:
Each team will draft in sequence determined by the Matrix, until the player limit has been reached. The sequence of the draft will be determined in the following manner: The team with the worst won/loss record the previous season will draft first. If the won/loss records of two or more teams are identical at the conclusion of the regular season, the first tie breaker is head-to-head competition. The second is a card draw that will be held at the first meeting of the next season. Once the playoffs have concluded, the final playoff standings dictate where the playoff teams will draft. Each team will be required to draft by ages to balance each team equally as determined by the SYFA Board. In the event a season was canceled the prior year, a random drawing will be used to configure the draft order. Once the draft is complete, all rosters will be considered set and final. Under certain circumstances, the SYFA Board may allow extra players contingent on a passing vote of 2/3 of the Board members present.
Rule 10: Awards
Awards will be given to the top two teams in each division depending on where they finish in the playoffs. Participation trophies will be given to all players (with the excepting of the players on the top two teams) and cheerleaders. All Head Coaches must pass out participation trophies by January 15th of the following year or jeopardize his/her coaching the team the following season.
Rule 11: Rules
There will be an annual rules change meeting, which will be at the discretion of the SYFA Board. Rule changes can be discussed at any time, but no changes will be acted on except at the annual rules change meeting. The rules changes decided upon at this meeting will be enforced and effective for the entire season. Any rule change made after the rules change meeting for the good of the Association as determined by the SYFA Board must be approved by 2/3 majority of the members present and voting. At least one coach on each team must be contacted no less than 24 hours in advance of the meeting, stating the reason for the meeting.
Rule 12: Outside Food or Drink
No outside food or drinks will be allowed on SYFA property. Only SYFA coaches, or designated persons, will be allowed to bring in outside containers for TEAM USE ONLY. Violators will be asked to leave the park.
Rule 13: Practice
No practices will be held before the league draft.
Practices before the season starts will be limited to two hours per day for up to five days a week. After the first game, practices will be limited to three times per week, and up to 90 minutes per practice. The SYFA week begins on Sunday, and ends on Saturday. A team meeting to review game film is not considered a practice session. A team meeting is strictly voluntary, and a player cannot be penalized for lack of attendance.
Practice areas will be determined by the SYFA President ONLY!!!
Outside scrimmages, or Bowl games, are considered one of three practice sessions.
Off season conditioning should be voluntary only and is limited to shorts, T-shirt, and cleats only.
Rule 14: Discipline of Players
Coaches have the power to discipline players for missing practice, or insubordination at practice. Coaches must notify the SYFA President, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary, and the next game?s opposing Head Coach in writing, before the scheduled game. Such discipline will not include physical abuse. Head Coach cannot sit a player for more than two quarters in any given game, and must be prior to the 3rd quarter of that game?
Rule 15: Official?s Protest and Ejections
The judgment of the field officials is FINAL. Questions with regard to penalty enforcement, or interpretation of special SYFA rules, are to be directed to The SYFA Head of commissioner. There will be no protest once the game continues after an interpretation is rendered. If a rule is interpreted against a coach, the team loses a timeout. If no timeouts remain, there will be a personal foul penalty assessed. Any player or coach ejected by the head referee must serve a one ACTIVE game suspension (That player ejected may participate in team practices, but will not be eligible to participate with the team in the next active scheduled game.? The coach will not be eligible to coach his/her next scheduled ACTIVE football game as a Head Coach of the team that the infraction applies). That player or coach may appeal within 24 hours. The Board of Directors will review the situation and make a decision the same week. (If a players one game suspension is upheld by the SYFA Board, and that coach allows that player to play in the next active scheduled game; The Head Coach will be ejected by the SYFA Board and will serve a one ACTIVE game suspension without the possibility of appealing)
Rule 16: Playoffs
The team with the best won/loss record will be recognized as the regular season CHAMPION. At the end of the season, the top four teams from each division will play for the division championship. This is a mandatory playoff. All eligible teams must compete. If an eligible team does not compete, the Head Coach will forfeit the right to coach the next season. In the event there are 8-11 teams in a division, then the top four teams make the playoffs. The #1 seed will play the #4 seed, and #2 seed will play the #3 seed. Under certain circumstances, the SYFA Board may allow more playoff teams based on there being at least twelve (12) teams in the respective division. In the case of 12-15 teams in a division, then the top six (6) teams will enter the playoffs. These are single elimination playoffs. In the case of six (6) teams entering the playoffs, the 1 and 2 seeds receive byes. The three seed will play the six seed, with the three seed being the home team. The four seed will play the five seed with the four seed being the home team. Depending on the winners of these two games, the lowest seed still playing plays the one seed with the one seed being the home team. The other winner plays the two seed with the two seed being the home team. For the championship game, the highest seeded team playing is designated as the home team. Tie breakers are as follows: 1. Head-to-head 2. Play for desired seed. If a coach refuses to play the game, his/her team forfeits the desired seed, and automatically drops to the next corresponding seed. If three or more teams are involved, the tie breaker is a card draw.
Rule 17: Mercy
During a game, if a team is losing by 30 or more points at the end of the second quarter, the clock will run continuously. If the deficit is 30 or more points prior to the end of the second quarter, both coaches will need to agree to run the clock. Once the mercy rule has been implemented, it cannot be revoked, even if the opponent reduces their deficit beneath the 30-point threshold.
Rule 18: Equipment?
The only equipment that SYFA will issue to any player is a game jersey. If a team would like to purchase a 2nd set of game jerseys, they may do it with the approval of the Board of Directors prior to wearing them during any game. If approved by the Board of Directors game jerseys to be purchase with team sponsorship funds (ONLY). Any other equipment that a player wants or needs will be at the expense of the player?s parent(s)/guardian(s). Football shoes are permissible providing they are molded rubber cleats and have soles that do not protrude more than ? inch. Barefoot playing is prohibited and no shoes with screw-in cleats will be allowed. No cast splints allowed, hard or soft. It is required that all players wear colored mouthpieces attached to their facemasks unless a written excuse from a physician is filed with the SYFA Board. A player?s mouthpiece must be in his/her mouth when the ball is in play, or the team will be penalized 5 yards.?
18a: OFFICIAL GAME GEAR: suspension type headgear with face guard, protective cup, jersey, shoulder pads, football pants with knee pads, thigh pads, kidney (hip) pads, tailbone pad, shoes, and compulsory type gear. Only clear face shields are allowed.? If a player is issued any loaner equipment by SYFA, the Head Coach must inform that players parent(s)/guardian(s) to return all equipment after the end of regular season/Playoff if the team makes the playoffs.?
18b: Official Game ball: Pw, Division I, Division II will use K2 style ONLY and Division III will use a TDJ style football all balls should be between 11-13lbs. (Recommended to use game ball issued during draft night)
Rule 19: Scrimmages
No games, or controlled scrimmages with teams not affiliated with SYFA will be allowed unless approved in writing by the Board of Directors. This does not mean a verbal affirmation by a Board member.
Rule 20: All-stars
Select Teams: There is a maximum of 25 players per team. The Head Coach of the select team will be selected by the SYFA Board after week 5 of the regular season with input from the coaches from the respective divisions. How a player is selected:
Each Head coach from each team will submit 5 players deem worthy of All-Star play.
The primary select team is selected by two coaches determined by the SYFA Board after the 6th game of the season. A Board member is required to attend and confirm all selections.
One team per division if 8 teams or less.
Two teams per division if there are 10 or more teams (Board discretion).
Players shall be nominated by position played in the regular season.
The select team Head Coach decides the amount of players needed for each position.
Once players are nominated, the Head Coach, and his primary assistant, will select the ?A? team. If a player is selected for the ?A? team, and refuses to play, that player cannot play for an SYFA ?B? team, if one exists.
The select team Head Coach has three (3) veto selections.
The select team(s) must consult the Tournament Director on games and tournaments they plan to participate in.
No practices until the 7th Sunday of the season. No practices during the week are allowed until the regular season ends. No full contact is allowed until the regular season ends.
Rule 21: Tobacco and Animal Free
SYFA is now a tobacco free environment. Cigarette, cigar, nor pipe smoking is permitted on the SYFA grounds. Chewing tobacco, or any smokeless tobacco, is not permitted as well. Designated smoking areas are at least 50 feet from the front entrance. Violators will be asked to leave. Animals are not allowed inside the park unless they are certified Service Animals.
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