The following is the final approved playing rules for the Jefferson County Youth Football League, as was agreed upon at the December 7, 2008 Conference Meeting.
The Missouri High School Athletic Association Rule Book will be the official rule book for all games, with the exception of the revisions and exceptions noted below.
Weight Restriction On Ball Carriers
All players weights will be determined at the official weigh-in. One official weigh-in per player. Every player must attend an official weigh in or will not be allowed to participate. The players weight at the official weigh in will be his/her weight for the season. When a player that exceeds the normal weight for a ball carrier gains possession of the ball in any manner, (fumble, pass interception, etc.), the play is stopped and ball placement will be determined as the point of possession by the ineligible player. Any player exceeding running weight must have a contrasting six-inch horizontal stripe on the back of their helmet.
Conference Weight Limits
- 5/6 Division - 75 pounds
- 7/8 Division - 85 pounds
- 9/10 Division - 100 pounds
- 11/12 Division - 130 pounds
Playing Time
Every player must play at least six plays in each half, contingent upon fulfilling practice requirements and behavior requirements of their respective association. It was agreed that officials will stop the clock with 2 minutes in each half, to ask coaches if all players their required 6 plays in that half.
Team Rosters
No players are to be added to any team after the first game of the season, without approval of all other Associations. At the end of drafts or player assignments, all teams must have the following minimum number of players.
- Wingback Division (5 & 6) 15 players
- Tailback Division (7 & 8 ) 15 players
- Quarterback Division ( 9 & 10 ) 16 players
- Halfback Division ( 11 & 12 ) 16 players
There are no maximum number of players per team.
Each Association will furnish the other Associations, a copy of each team roster, at least one week prior to the first game of the season.
Each team roster shall be in numeric order, to coincide with the jersey numbers.
Players must be of the appropriate age for their division. Players moving up or down is not allowed.
General
- Any player playing a running back or an eligible offensive end position must be under the ball carrier weight limit.
- Any player committing an unsportsmanlike conduct foul must sit out the next play.
- Any player that receives more than one unsportsmanlike conduct foul in the same game will be ejected from the game.
- Any player or coach that is ejected from a game, must also sit the next game.
- A suspended player may attend his/her game wearing street cloths and jersey. No other part of the uniform or equipment may be worn. Player may be on sideline.
- It is the responsibility of the Conference Representatives to notify the other Associations Conference Representative, of suspended players. Any player found to be in violation of the suspensions rules, must be reported to the Conference Representative of the Association hosting the game.
- A suspended coach may attend his/her game, but may have no contact of any kind before or during the game. Coach may not be on sidelines.
- It is the responsibility of the Conference Representatives to notify the other Associations Conference Representative, of suspended coaches.
- All defensive players that are between the tackles and within three yards of the line of scrimmage, must be in a three or four point stance. The first offense is a warning. A second offense will result in a five-yard penalty and repeat of down.
- Any coach can call time out from the sideline. One coach will be permitted on the field during the time out. Two coaches in the Tailback division are allowed on the field during a timeout.
- Rubber cleats are to be worn. No metal spikes.
- All offensive players must be within 15 yards of the ball, after the ready for play signal.
- A game ending in a tie score will have an overtime played, except for the Tailback division. No overtimes will be played in the tailback league, except for during post season play.
- The overtime will consist of each team having four plays from the ten-yard line to score. Only one overtime will be played. If the overtime results in a tie the game ends as a tie.
- However, during post season play, overtime periods will continue until a winner is determined.
- The Tailback league will play overtime periods during post season play, until a winner is determined.
- There will be no forfeitures due to number of players. Opposing teams will play the game with an equal number of players.
- Rear shoulder blocks or blocks in the back are not allowed.
- There shall be no player number requirements. A player may wear any number between 0 and 99, regardless of position played. Players on the same team must not wear identical numbers.
- Coaches only, may inspect players cards before game. Any player card inspection request made during game will cost requesting coach a time out (number of coaches on field during time out rules are still in effect).
- Prior to the first game, teams may practice as many as three times per week. After the first game, only two practices per week are allowed.
- The Officials have been requested to apply these rules in a strict fashion, no matter which field the games are played on.
There are additional rules that are specific to each league. Click on the league below to see the list of special rules for that league.