Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association

 

****************************** 2011 Rule Book******************************

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association was established to ensure and provide every child the opportunity to participate in organized football and cheer regardless of race, creed, national origin, prior experience, athletic ability or size. We desire to provide all of the youth in our respective communities an organized, safe and supervised environment where the goal is to keep the game free from pressure to win at all cost. This Association also believes in and strives to maintain the highest level of competition and coaching possible for the betterment of our youth thereby ensuring their readiness for football at the next competitive level. As an Association, we believe the following values are imperative for each participant so that they may become contributing and active members of our community: Sportsmanship, Honesty, Loyalty, Courage, Scholarship, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Teamwork and Physical Fitness. We will also strive to challenge our youth to embrace competition and fully appreciate the joys of victory while at the same time to learn and grow from our defeats. These goals will be accomplished and realized through the dedicated effort of our volunteers, parents and community members who desire to support the youth of our area in organized football and cheer.

 

PART I

SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE RULES

 ARTICLE 1: POWERS/AUTHORITY OF LEAGUE

The Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association has, among its powers, the obligation and authority to

enforce said rules. In addition, it has the right to make Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association rules

more stringent than those appearing in this book should the need arise.

 

ARTICLE 2: RESTRICTION AGAINST DUAL MEMBERSHIP

No League or member association holding a Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association charter may

enter any one of its teams into membership in any other youth football program.

 

ARTICLE 3: COACHES REQUIREMENTS

A team’s or squad’s coaching staff is in complete charge of the team or squad whenever it is together on the practice

or playing field. The coaching staff is under the direction of the Head Coach; other coaches are called Assistant

Coaches. The following applies to all coaches:

 

1. A head coach must be at least 25 years of age. An adult coach, (25 years or older) who is duly registered with their respective league must be present for all practices and games.
2. An assistant coach must be at least 18 years of age or a high school graduate. A football team may have a maximum of four (4) assistant coaches, plus a maximum of one (1) Coach-Trainee, (1) Equipment Manager, (1) Trainer, (1) Administrator, and (1) Team Parent. Only the head coach and the 4 assistant coaches will be allowed on the sidelines during all games; NO EXCEPTIONS.
3. The head coach will determine the assignments of the assistant coaches.
4. Coaches are to be selected by methods approved by individual league rules and/or by-laws.
5. Once approved for coaching, a coach is automatically terminated at the close of each season. To coach the following year, the same league approval is required. Any violation of the rules committed by a coach during the season, even though the hearing is not held until after the close of the season, is still under the jurisdiction of the sponsoring association and/or league.
6. Coaches do not make team or Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association policy. Rather, they carry it out. However, on the playing and practice fields, the coaching staff is in complete charge and shall not be interfered with excepting cases of rules violations and any other conduct deemed by league officials to be contrary to the welfare of youth.
7. The head football coach has final responsibility for his/her actions, those of his/her assistant coaches, players, staff and parents. Each league shall establish its own rules regarding the placing of coaches with sons, daughters or siblings within its own boundaries.

 ARTICLE 4: SELECTION OF COACHES

1. Head coaches will be selected by the each league’s board of directors.
2. The head coach can then select up to four assistant coaches pending board approval.
3. All coaches are subject to a background check.

 ARTICLE 5: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

1. REGISTRATION: A candidate cannot begin practice with a team or squad until he/she has “signed up.” To register, the candidate must sign a standard, locally supplied form approved by the league. By registering, the parent is giving written permission for said child to participate in the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association, it’s member league and agreeing to abide by said rules. The sign-up fee may be collected at this time. Each individual league sets this fee. The participant’s age on August 1st of the current year shall be the participant’s age for the coming season.
2. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A signed statement from any Licensed State Examiner; (i.e. Medical Doctor, Registered Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse Practitioner, etc.) that states that the candidate is physically fit and there are no observable conditions, which would contraindicate him playing. Note: If regular school medical examination was performed after January 1st of the current year, and the results are accessible to parents, a copy of such a report may be used in lieu of a new examination.

 SPECIAL NOTE: Any participants who cannot furnish the medical exam listed above must have a medical  waiver signed by a parent/guardian on file with their respective league in lieu of said exam.

1. PROOF OF AGE: A certified copy of the birth certificate on file bearing the seal of the issuing office of the state of birth is the best guarantee of reliability of claimed date of birth and is form of proof most recommended. Passports are also reliable. Military ID cards are acceptable. Certified wallet-size certificates issued by a state or commonwealth are acceptable. Any other alleged “proof of birth date,” including photocopies of “originals,” are to be accepted only upon the willingness of the league official to have its schedule forfeited should fraudulent application later be determined.

 ARTICLE 6: FORMATION OF TEAMS AND SQUADS

1. Teams must be created using either a regional approach whereby teams are created based upon geographic location or an association-monitored draft.
2. The association-monitored draft would have at least one representative from each county to ensure that teams are drafted in a fair manor that is not inconsistent with the intent and purpose of this association. These sanctioned team-forming methods are meant to preserve the equality of teams across the different leagues associated with the association.
3. If it is observed that a member has created teams inconsistent with the intent of the association, then the association reserves the right to request a redraft or may remove the member from the association.

 

ARTICLE 7: CUTS

Any participant must be cut who:

1. Refuses or cannot furnish the required items:
   1. Registration with Parental Consent
   2. Medical Examination or Waiver
   3. Proof of Age
2. Is found to be simultaneously trying out for a school tackle football team, or who, once the season starts, is found to be participating on a school tackle football team. However, if the player was cut prior to playing any games for the school football tackle team, the player is still eligible to participate in the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association. However, participation in a school flag football program, if required by the curriculum of the school PE program, or participation in non-Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association football spirit squad tryouts only, during the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association football season, is allowed. Exception can be made for participants who tryout and make a school squad for a winter sport program (basketball, wrestling, etc.) of the current season and are members of a Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association team.
3. Attempts to intimidate fellow participants in practice by word and/or physical deed. There will be no refund of registration fees in this instance.
4. Any head coach who intentionally discriminates against any player with the intent to cause a voluntary cut will be disciplined according to individual league rules and policies.
5. If a team or spirit squad loses 20% or more of its assigned participants prior to certification, it is mandatory that the association investigate the causes for the participants voluntarily leaving the team or spirit squad, and take whatever appropriate action may be needed. The results of this investigation shall be reported to the League and the League shall have final authority as to whether appropriate actions were taken.

 ARTICLE 8: DROPS AND ADDS

1. A team or squad may add participants to its roster as long as said roster was certified below the maximum number permitted, or to replace those originally placed and no longer on the team or squad for any valid reason.
2. At the league's discretion, it shall establish its own Drops & Adds cutoff date, but no player may be added to any roster after the second week of the current season.
3. Prior to the cutoff, if a player is added after one week before the first game, that player must sit out the first game thereby becoming game eligible for week two. If added between game one and game two, that player must sit out game two before becoming eligible for game play.

 ARTICLE 9: MANDATORY BACKGROUND CHECKS & MAINTAINING ORDER

1. As a condition of service to a Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association, all Coaches, Board of Directors and any other persons or volunteer workers who have repetitive access to or contact with players and/or spirit participants, must complete and submit an official “Volunteer Application” to their local League. Annual background checks must be completed prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season, and should be submitted to the League President prior to the start of the current season. Refusal to submit a fully completed “Volunteer Application” annually must result in the immediate dismissal of the individual or denial of participation for the applicant.
2. Leagues shall not permit any person to participate in any manner, whose background check reveals a conviction for, or guilty plea to, any crime involving or against a minor. In addition, other charges and convictions may be an indication of an unfit volunteer, and therefore a League may prohibit any individual from participating as a volunteer if the League deems the individual unfit to work with minors, as long as the League applies the same criteria uniformly for all individuals seeking to volunteer.

 

ARTICLE 10: MINIMUM MANDATED PENALTIES

Minimum mandated penalties for specific offenses are required by the rules to assure that punishment for the most

serious infractions will occur on a uniform basis.

1. ADULT OFFENSES:
2. ENDANGERMENT OF JUVENILES: Suspension for 1 year, to permanent suspension upon repeated offense.
3. TEACHING PROHIBITED OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES: Suspension for 1 year, to permanent suspension upon repeated offense.
4. FIGHTING: Suspension for 1 year, to permanent suspension upon repeated offense.
5. CHEATING: Suspension for 1 year; permanent suspension upon second offense.
6. THREATS: Suspension for 1 year; permanent suspension upon second offense.
7. GAMBLING ON GAME OUTCOME: Suspension for one year.
8. LACK OF COOPERATION/ OBSTRUCTION: Suspension until compliance is achieved.
9. VIOLATION OF MANDATORY PLAY RULE: 1st violation: Suspension (may be reduced to probation); 2nd violation: Dismissal if original suspension still in effect, probation revoked and original suspension reinstated.
10. FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION: suspension for one year, to permanent suspension for repeat offense. This would include, but not be limited to, parental consent, medical examination, and proof of age. Upon suspension of any penalty provided herein, an accused shall be placed on probation, among the general conditions of which shall be:(1) that the accused be and remain of good behavior and that he strictly enforce all rules and regulations of Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association; and (2) that the accused prepare and submit to his League his written plan to supervise implementation of the Mandatory Play Rule (MPR). In addition, a player denied his required number of plays would start the next game and receive double the number of mandatory plays in that game. The failure of a convicted coach to comply with this provision will be deemed a second violation.

11. JUVENILE OFFENSES: Fighting, intimidation, or disrespect for authority shall be cause for ejection from a game/competition. Any player/spirit participant ejected from any game/competition for cause shall be ineligible for participation in their next game/competition. A second ejection during the same season shall be cause for removal from the team for the balance of that season.

12.TEAM AND ASSOCIATION OFFENSES FIGHTING/RIOTING/INCITEMENT TO RIOT: Game related: forfeiture of the game for first offense; forfeiture of the season for second offense within the same season. Scrimmage-related: at the discretion of the individual League for interleague scrimmages and at the discretion of the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association for inter-association scrimmages.

 

PART II

SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

TACKLE FOOTBALL RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

ARTICLE 1: PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

1. League age cut-off date is August 1st of the current year and shall be the participant’s league age for the coming season.
2. Ages shall be verified by providing a copy of participant’s birth certificate.
3. A player is ineligible if he is a member of a school tackle program or if he is playing in another youth football league. He is also ineligible if he is competing in another flag football program (unless as part of school curriculum).
4. A player shall furnish a written consent to play from either parent or legal guardian.
5. A signed statement from an examining physician that the candidate is physically fit and there are no observable conditions, which would contra-indicate him playing football or her cheering. Note: If regular school medical examination results are available to parents, a copy of such report, if not older than January 1st of the current year, may be used in lieu of a new examination.
6. WEIGHT LIMITS TO ADVANCE THE FOOTBALL:
   1. PEE WEE            5&6 year olds………….80 lbs.
   2. MIDGET              7&8 year olds………...100 lbs.
   3. JUNIOR PRO       9&10 year olds……….120 lbs.
   4. SENIOR PRO      11&12 year olds……….135 lbs.

 ARTICLE 2: OFFICIAL PLAYING WEIGHT

1. For the purpose of establishing a player’s legal playing weight, a weigh-in will be conducted on the day of the Jamboree. The players will be weighed and then photographed in their GAME JERSEY, and this information will be included in a “TEAM NOTEBOOK” that every head coach will keep in their possession for the duration of the season.
2. ATTIRE FOR WEIGH-IN AND PHOTO I.D. Players will be allowed to weigh with a minimum of shorts and socks. No further strip downs will be permitted. Photos will be taken with players in their game jerseys minus the shoulder pads.
3. INTEGRITY OF WEIGH-IN: Once a player has been OFFICIALLY WEIGHED, no other weigh-ins will be required for the remainder of the season.
4. MAKE-UP WEIGH-INS: Any team player who misses the jamboree weigh-in MUST be weighed before being allowed to participate in any regular season or post season play. This can be accomplished by requesting an OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN at any of the playing sites. An on-site league official ( athletic director or board member ) must oversee and sign-off on a make-up weigh-in for it to be official.

 ARTICLE 3: ROSTER SIZE

1. MAXIMUM ROSTER SIZE: Leagues shall strive for teams with a maximum roster size of 22 to 24 players.
2. MINIMUM ROSTER SIZE: A minimum of 13 players must be dressed and eligible to play at each game. Each League shall have the option to determine whether or not a team, which fails to dress the minimum number of players, shall forfeit the game or whether the game shall be rescheduled. Any team, which forfeits two successive games by reason of an insufficient number of players, shall be investigated by the League for a determination as to whether to forfeit the balance of the season.

 ARTICLE 4: THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

1. Each League is responsible for the preparation of the playing field and all required equipment for the playing of games. All fields will be equipped and marked in accordance with high school standards. Lime and other caustics shall not be used.
2. The home team is responsible scheduling volunteers for the chain crew. Chains will be run from the home side of the field.
3. Each playing site will be required to furnish a bench for both sidelines.
4. The field shall be situated on level ground with a clipped grass surface. A league’s playing site shall furnish a source of drinkable water, some type of rest-room facilities, and a scoreboard.
   1. Field must be 100 yards long with two 10 yard deep end-zones. Field width must be a minimum of 50 yards wide but not exceed 53 & ½ yards wide.
   2. End-zones must have goal posts.
   3. A conversion line will be marked 3 yards from the goal line and at an equal distance from each sideline.
   4. A kickoff area will be marked from the 40-yard line.
5. The following field equipment will be used:
   1. A four down marker pole to indicate the number of the down.
   2. Two chain poles attached with appropriate ten yard chain.
   3. Pylons with flexible staffs will be placed at the four sections of the end zones and the sidelines.

 ARTICLE 5: REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The following items shall be worn by players in all divisions beginning with physical contact in practice sessions:

1. Helmet: Only helmets bearing the NOCSAE Seal of Certification may be worn. All helmets must bear the current NOCSAE approved “Warning Label” in a visible position on the outside of the helmet. This “Warning Label” is the same label that is furnished by all helmet manufacturers and quality recondition. (Note: Regulations regarding chins traps and face guards are to be followed per the National Federation or NCAA regulations, whichever is applicable.)
2. Shoulder Pads
3. Pants: One Piece or Shell
4. Hip Pads
5. Tail Pads
6. Thigh Guards
7. Knee Pads
8. Jerseys
9. Mouth guard (Retainer Strap required).
10. Mask shields must be clear. Colored or tinted versions are prohibited.
11. Athletic Supporter or Compression Shorts (male players only) are recommended but not required.
12. Shoes: In all divisions of play: sneakers, molded rubber cleats (soccer style), or detachable rubber or plastic (football style) cleats are permitted. No metal cleats are permitted. Cleats may not exceed a ½” in length.
13. Eyeglasses: When worn, shall be of athletically approved construction with non-shattering glass (safety glass) or contact lenses.
14. Jewelry of any type shall be prohibited, except religious or medical medallions, which must be covered by the player’s uniform.
15. The wearing of headgear containing knots, including beads and/or decorative hair ornaments is prohibited.
16. The League shall approve any additional equipment worn by players.

 ARTICLE 6: PRACTICE

1. PRE-SEASON: In all Leagues, the first week of practice shall be devoted to conditioning, without pads; however helmets shall be permitted. Leagues may add more time beyond this required first week for the conditioning period. NO PRE-SEASON PRACTICES SHALL OCCUR BEFORE JULY 11th.
2. WARM WEATHER PRECAUTIONS: Teams must guard against serious heat problems, which in extreme cases have occasionally resulted in death. The training regimen of any team practicing under high heat and/or humidity conditions must:
   1. Limit or eliminate laps entirely. Do not assign laps for disciplinary reasons.
   2. Schedule practices for early evening, after sun is low in sky.
   3. Give players REGULAR water breaks. Do not substitute soft drinks for water.
   4. Each coach must keep an eye on all players and his fellow coaches for the slightest sign of heat exhaustion or fatigue.
   5. A fifteen-minute break is mandatory in the middle of each practice, not to be counted against practice time.
3. MANDATORY BREAKS:
   1. A fifteen-minute break is mandatory in the middle of each practice, not to be counted against practice time.
   2. A mandatory 10-minute break after each hour of practice shall be required. Break time is not counted against the hours per week or per day allowed practice time.
4. FULL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: At all practices, pre-season or in-season, where person-toperson contact takes place, each player must be dressed in the full complement of protective equipment described in Part II -Article 5 -Required Equipment.
5. CONTROLLED INTER-SQUAD & INTRA-SQUAD SCRIMMAGE: After the first week of practice in pads (contact) has occurred (which cannot be any earlier than the second full week of practice-the first week being conditioning), teams are permitted to engage in joint practice sessions with other teams in what are called inter-squad controlled scrimmages (teams within the same league) or intra-squad scrimmage (teams from different leagues – MUST have prior approval from league officials). In a controlled scrimmage, there is prior agreement between coaching staffs that:
   1. Coaches shall agree beforehand that scrimmages are a learning experience and NOT for competitive purposes.
   2. Time-outs are taken between plays so that coaching staffs can instruct and critique their players.
   3. Officials can be present during scrimmages.
   4. Game score is not kept; scoring is not the primary goal.
   5. No official time is kept other than to assure the practice maximum is not violated
   6. No player or team is permitted at any time to engage in a controlled scrimmage or any form of contact drills involving a player, players, or team from a different Age/Weight division of play.
6. BULL-IN-THE-RING: This drill, which has (1) participate in the middle of a circle surrounded by the other participates, is banned by the TSSAA and shall be banned by the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association and it’s members. Any coach using this drill will be subject to disciplinary actions by their respective league.

 ARTICLE 7: BLOCKING AND TACKLING RESTRICTIONS

In addition to other specific prohibitions in the National Federation and NCAA rulebooks, no butt blocking, chop

blocking, face tackling or spearing techniques shall be permitted. If such techniques or any others forbidden by the

National Federation or NCAA rulebooks are taught by Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association

coaches, said coaches shall be dismissed from the program, upon being found guilty following a hearing.

 
ARTICLE 8: INELIGIBLE PLAYERS

Forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible player was a member of the team shall be the penalty applied to the

team involved. There shall be no exceptions. There are five (5) unequivocal definitions of an ineligible player, from

which there are no appeals:

1. Overage
2. Underage.
3. Residing outside of legal boundaries without mutual agreement of appropriate Leagues and/or associations.
4. Falsification of data concerning any of the above.
5. Participation in school tackle football or any other non-affiliated football program and Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association football in the same season. A participant may practice with a school team up until the first game, but not participate and/or be rostered with that school team once the first regular season game begins. Participants can only practice with the school team or a youth football team, but not both simultaneously. If they are trying out for their school team they may not practice with the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association football team until they are removed from the school team roster.

 ARTICLE 9: TAXI SQUADS

No team is permitted to run a “taxi” or “reserve” squad.

 

ARTICLE 10: SCHEDULES

1. SCHEDULING PROHIBITIONS:
   1. Under no circumstances will a team be allowed to play a game, scrimmage, or practice against a team of another division (i.e., Junior Pro vs. Senior Pro, etc.).
   2. No team may schedule a game against a team whose ages and weights are not FULLY in compliance with those printed in this rule-book, unless both teams have identical approved variances.
2. COMMON REQUIREMENTS -ALL SCHEDULING:
   1. The following requirements apply to all scheduling beginning with practice and ending with postseason bowl games:
   2. No team, on its own, may arrange a game. All games, regardless of type, must be arranged through the team’s respective league.
   3. Prior account will be taken of all local and state laws pertaining to the scheduling of athletic contests.
   4. A period of at least four (4) full days (96 consecutive hours) will elapse between the end of any game for a given team and the beginning of the next game for pre-season exhibitions, regularly scheduled league games, post-season and bowl games. A League shall be permitted to waive the four (4) full days (96 consecutive hours) to 2 ½ days (60 consecutive hours) ONLY to permit the conclusion of the regularly scheduled season.

PART III
SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
TACKLE FOOTBALL GAME RULES  

*********************************************************************************************************************

NOTE: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL

GOVERN THE OFFICIATING OF ALL SMTYFA GAMES UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THIS RULE BOOK

*********************************************************************************************************************

ARTICLE 1: PLAYERS

1. A team must field 11 players on the field at all times during games.
2. Each team roster shall have a maximum of 24 players, and a minimum of 13 players. A forfeit will result when the minimum is not met.
3. Only players appearing on the official team roster form are to be counted as players. The Roster is completed before the first game of the season and is verified by the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association in a process called “certification.” Each home field will contain all certified rosters from each representative league to be used for roster verification before games.

 ARTICLE 2: MANDATORY PLAY RULE

The following shall be the Minimum Mandatory Play Rule (MPR) for all Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association teams. Each league may set a higher number of Mandatory Plays, but never less than the minimum as set forth in this rule book.

 

                       PEE WEE……….10 plays per game

                       MIDGET……….10 plays per game

                       JR. PRO……….15 plays per game

                       SR. PRO……....15 plays per game

 

1. Plays that do not count as MPRs are as follows:
   1. A play shall not count toward fulfillment of the MPR if the play results in a penalty, which causes the down to be replayed.
   2. Special team plays (i.e. kick-offs, punts, etc.)
   3. Quarterbacks downing the ball intentionally
2. All players shall be provided their mandatory plays by participation in “active” plays, without the intent to minimize the action or integrity of the plays.
3. All players who do not receive their mandatory plays by the end of the third quarter, shall enter the game at the start of the fourth quarter, and remain in the game until they have received their required number of plays

 ARTICLE 3: GAME BALL

Nike Spiral Tech Footballs shall be the official game balls used in ALL Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football

Association games. The size used per division is as follows:

 

                       PEE WEE…………K-2 / Peewee

                       MIDGET……......... K-2 / Peewee

                       JR. PRO……...……K-2 / Peewee

                       SR. PRO................TDJ / Junior

 

 ARTICLE 4: LENGTH OF PERIODS

ALL age divisions will play 10 minute quarters.

 

ARTICLE 5: INTERMISSION LENGTH

                       Between quarters..............................................................2 minutes

                       Half-time...........................................................................10 minutes

 

 ARTICLE 6: TIME-OUTS

Teams are allowed 3 time-outs per half. One additional time-out is given should the game go into Overtime.

 
ARTICLE 7: PLAYER SUBSTITUTION

1. A free substitution rule is always in effect.
2. It is STRICTLY PROHIBITED for a player or group of players to participate in any practice session or game with players from another division of play (i.e., Junior Pro vs. Midget).
3. Injured player: Once clock is stopped for an injured player, player must set out one play or the coach may choose to use 1 time-out.

 ARTICLE 8: THE RULES OF THE GAME (ASSOCIATION SPECIFIC)

1. KICKOFFS:
   1. SR. PRO & JR. PRO

I.                    The kickoff will be from the 40-yardline.

II.                  When a kickoff goes out of bounds the receiving team shall have the option of: Taking the ball at the point where it went out of bounds OR Accept a five (5) yard penalty and re-kick the ball.

1.  
   1. MIDGET & PEE WEE

I.                    The football will be placed on the 30 yard line. Play will begin from this point.

1. PUNTING:
   1. The Pee Wee & Midget division, when elected to punt, will have a “free kick” in which the referee will move the football forward 25 yards and the other team shall take possession at that point.
   2. The Junior Pro division shall punt the ball at all times but the kick will not be live. The football will be live when it is touched by the opposing team,( unless a fair catch is signaled), or it touches the ground.
   3. The Senior Pro division shall punt at all times and the kick will be live at the snap of the ball.
2. SAFTIES
   1. SR. PRO & JR. PRO

I.                    The ball will be placed on the 20 yard line and the kicking team has the option to either punt or kick-off.

1.  
   1. MIDGET & PEE WEE

I.                    The ball will be placed on the 30 yard line and then walked off 25 yards (free kick).

1. BALL CARRIER:
   1. Any player who advances the ball by any means must be with-in the division weight limit and have been OFFICIALLY weighed in.
2. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT:
   1. Fighting (10-yards)-offenders ejected from game.
   2. Insulting and abusive language (10-yards).
   3. Interference with progress of the game by coaches or any other team personnel (10-yards).
   4. Illegal play (10-yards).
   5. Team leaving field before game is completed (10-yards). Failure to return-Forfeit. Win for team remaining on the field. Head coach will be ejected for the next scheduled game for the first infraction. Head Coach will be suspended for the remainder of the regular and post season for a second infraction.
   6. Failure of any team to control players or fans (10-yards). Head Coach will be ejected from the game along with the offender. Forfeit if not controlled.

 ARTICLE 9: SCORING VALUES

1. ALL DIVISIONS

              Touchdown .................................................................6 points

              Safety (awarded to opponent) ....................................2 points

              Field goal ....................................................................3 points

              Forfeit (offended team wins by) ..................................21-0

1. PEE WEE & MIDGET

              Point after TD by run or pass ......................................2 points

              Point after TD by kick...................................................1 point FREE KICK

1. JR. PRO & SR. PRO

              Point after TD by run or pass .......................................2 points

              Point after TD by kick ...................................................1 point BALL IS LIVE ON KICK

 

ARTICLE 10: MERCY RULE

1. Any time a team goes up by 28 points or more at any point during a game, the following will occur:

a.       The winning team shall make every effort to replace starting players with reserves. Failure to do so will call for an immediate investigation and possible one game suspension if found guilty

b.       The winning offensive team will not be allowed to pass or go for a first down on fourth down.

c.        The winning offensive team will also be required to run all plays as follows: The runner with the ball must cross the line of scrimmage between the offensive tackles.

d.       There will be no blitzing.

e.        There will be no on side kicks at kickoff.

f.        The winning defense team cannot advance a fumble or pass interception. The ball is blown dead immediately. The winning offense may start play action from this point.

g.        The teams are still required to complete the mandatory play rule.

1. If a team goes up by 42 or more points the game shall be over officially but play will continue to allow coaches to get ALL players minimum plays in. The only exceptions to this rule shall be:
   1. The head coach fears for the physical safety of his/her players due to an obvious mis-match between teams. He/she may then signal their intentions by tossing a towel onto the field in the presence of the referee.
   2. Adverse weather conditions (i.e. lightning, hard rain, etc.)
2. Violation of Mercy Rule: First infraction will be an unsportsmanlike penalty (-10 yds); second is ejection from game and possible further disciplinary action.

 ARTICLE 11: SIDELINE PERSONNEL

The sideline area is reserved for players, coaches, referees, and chain crew. The only other exceptions will be

medical and law enforcement personnel and AUTHORIZED members of the press.

 

ARTICLE 12: RADIOS AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES

No radios or other communicative devices shall be allowed on the sidelines for use in relaying strategy during games from outside the field area.

 

ARTICLE 13: TIE BALL GAMES

The “ten yard overtime procedure” tiebreaker as outlined in The National Federation High School Rules will be used

without exception.

 

ARTICLE 14: CONTACT WITH OFFICIALS

If a player or adult should strike (hit) a game official, the offender shall be subject to suspension or to being banned

from Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association activities

 

ARTICLE 15: COACHES ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES

1. SR. PRO & JR. PRO
   1. Five (5) coaches are allowed on the sideline and no coaches are allowed on the field.
2. MIDGET & PEE WEE
   1. Three (3) coaches are allowed on the sidelines and two (2) coaches are permitted on the field during the game time for instructional purposes.
   2. The on field coaches must remain 2 yards behind the player deepest in the offensive or defensive backfield once the huddle breaks. The coach cannot verbally coach the team or move players once the cadence begins.
   3. Failure to comply is as follows:

I.                    First -warning of infraction

II.                  Second – 5 yard penalty

III.               Third -10 yard penalty and removal of coach from the field.

 

ARTICLE 16: DOWN MARKER AND CHAINS

All chains are to be run by the home team on the home team’s side. If game is delayed by an unprepared home

team then said team would forfeit the possession of the ball at the beginning of the 1st or 3rd quarter.

 

ARTICLE 17: PROTESTS

1. Only protests involving rules, interpretations or the eligibility of a player shall be considered never the judgment of an official in calling a play.
2. Protests are decided by the Southern Middle Tennessee Youth Football Association in accordance with the administrative procedures of the Association.
3. Protests between teams within the same league will be handled according to individual league rules and policies.