Rules

ARTICLE I – ETHICS

1. CONDUCT
• All participants within the Washington Youth Football League are expected to always uphold the principles and spirit of Good Sportsmanship , including before, during and after games.
• The WYFL has a zero -tolerance policy for any conduct by coaches, players, parents, or spectators that demeans, threatens, or embarrasses opponents, officials, or fellow participants.
• Profane language, taunting, and unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated, as they contradict the values, we strive to instill in WYFL athletes.
• The Washington Youth Football League will investigate all legitimate complaints of unacceptable conduct or unsportsmanlike behavior involving any participant or any member organization.
• If the WYFL determines that any participant has demonstrated unacceptable conduct or unsportsmanlike behavior, the WYFL may impose penalties up to and including game forfeiture, suspension, expulsion or permanent ban from the WYFL.
2. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
• The use or possession of intoxicants, including alcohol, marijuana, and illegal drugs, is strictly prohibited at all Washington Youth Football League functions and venues. Alcoholic beverages and their containers are not allowed under any circumstances.
• Washington Youth Football League has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy. Anyone found to be intoxicated, consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana, or consuming other intoxicants or illegal drugs at a Washington Youth Football League function or venue will be suspended from participation and/or attending any WYFL event for a minimum of one (1) year.
• Organization representatives and the head coaches of each respective team are responsible for the communication and enforcement of the WYFL policy concerning the use of controlled substances to their coaches, players, parents and spectators.
• Referees and League Officials have the authority to halt any game, practice or event if a controlled substance violation occurs, which may result in a forfeit for the team with the offending participants.
3. THREAT OR USE OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE OR PHYSICAL ALTERCATIONS
• The WYFL has a zero -tolerance policy for the use or threat of physical violence or altercations before, during, or after any practice, game, or sanctioned event.
• Physical violence, threats of violence, or altercations by a player or coach during a game may result in ejection, as determined by the referee or field manager.
• Additionally, the head coach or field manager is responsible for controlling the behavior of spectators associated with their team. Referees or field managers may eject any spectator from the premises for violating the WYFL Conduct Policy.
• If a player, coach, or spectator who has been ejected or removed fails to leave as directed by the referee or field manager, the referee may declare the game forfeited in favor of the team not responsible for the violation of the WYFL Conduct Policy.
• The League reserves the right to take further action against a coach, player or spectator beyond the referee’s decision. These action(s) may include but are not limited to, declaring a forfeiture of the game in which the violation of the WYFL Conduct Po licy occurred or suspending a player and/or coach, or prohibiting a spectator from attending future WYFL games.
• The actions of the League with respect to the discipline of spectators involved in violation(s) of the WYFL Conduct Policy shall be determined on a case -by-case basis.
• Any repeat offense by a player, coach and/or spectator shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors, which may result in barring future participation and/or forfeitures of future games.
• Altercations between parents, coaches, or any other adult spectator and officials will not be tolerated.
• Any violation of the WYFL Conduct Policy must be reported by the franchise representative or field manager to the home field Franchise President within 24 hours following the game.
• Franchise President will review the violation of the WYFL Conduct Policy and determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted. The Franchise President will report the violation of the WYFL Conduct Policy, and any disciplinary actions taken to the League President with 48 hours following the game.
• The League President and the Board of Directors will review the actions taken by the Franchise President and will approve, increase, or decrease the disciplinary actions taken by the Franchise President within 24 hours.
4. OTHER MALPRACTICES AND VIOLATIONS
• The highest degree of ethical conduct is expected of all who participate in this program. This includes strict adherence to both the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations of this program.
• Violent conduct, holding/touching the facemask or verbal abuse towards any player will not be tolerated and is prohibited.
• Scouting of another team or teams at practices is prohibited. Attending scheduled games by coaches and players of other teams is permitted.
5. EJECTION POLICY
• Ejection of any player, coach, parent, or spectator from a game for any reason must be reported by the hosting organization to the WYFL President, the WYFL Vice President and the President of the organization of the ejected person promptly, following the conclusion of the final game of the day.
• A player or coach who is ejected from a game will be suspended for a minimum of 7 days (including the next scheduled WYFL game) and is prohibited from participating and attending all practices and games during the suspension.
• If the same individual is ejected a second time during the season, that individual will be ineligible to participate in any practices, games or other league events for the remainder of the season. If the second ejection occurs during the last game of th e season, the individual is suspended for the entire following season.
• Ejections by a referee cannot be protested.
• The WYFL may investigate and/or review any ejection and impose additional penalties beyond the minimum 7 -day suspension.
6. HEARING BOARD AND PENALTIES
• The executive board shall be comprised of Washington Youth Football League Board Directors (see Bylaws) and presided over by the League President. All cases or complaints or reports must be tendered in writing to the League President within forty – eight hours of the alleged infraction.
• The League President shall first review the complaint and determine whether there is a claim for which relief under the rules of the league may be granted and whether there is sufficient evidence presented in the complaint to refer the matter to the Boa rd for a hearing. The decision of the President shall be final and cannot be appealed. The decision will be reported to all franchise Presidents. Only the Board may override the decision of the President not to refer a complaint to the Board for hearing. A two-thirds vote of the Board is necessary to override the President’s decision. If an allegation involves the League President, the most senior franchise president not named in the complaint shall act in the place of the League President and shall review the complaint as described above.
• The Board shall have jurisdiction over all complaints. The Board shall hear the case, make a decision, and assess penalties. The latter can include, but is not limited to, revocation of franchise, forfeiture of a game(s), forfeiture of league standing, expulsion of coaches, players, organization officials, referees, or spectators from the league and or monetary penalty.
• If, after completion of a hearing as set forth in this section, the Board finds that the allegation is frivolous or is without merit or is presented to the Board in order to embarrass, harass, or intimidate the accused, the Board may assess penalties ag ainst the complainant including any or all of the penalties outlined above.
• The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding. Complaints that involve officiating decisions and calls will not be reviewed.
• Visual description of the rule’s violation process:
  

ARTICLE II – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

1. ELIGIBILITY
• To be eligible to participate, all players must be properly registered with their respective Franchise:
• Registration
• Liability Waiver/Medical Authorization
• Concussion Form
• Code of Conduct Form
• Proof of Age
• Proof of Age will be verified through WYFL electronic player verification cards. PVC’s will be facilitated by a third -party company and will be at the expense of the franchise.
• Players in the WYFL may not play for any other junior football, select or high school contact football program during a WYFL season.
• High school freshmen/9th graders are not eligible to participate in the WYFL.
2. MINIMUM PRACTICE DAYS
• Contact is not allowed during the first three (3) days of practice for each individual player. Should a player begin turnouts any time after the first day of practice, that individual player may not be involved in those drills or practices in which there is "contact" until all required no contact practices are completed.
3. CHANGING FRANCHISES
• If a player or coach signs up with one WYFL franchise, that player or coach cannot change franchises without the consent of both Franchise Presidents and the League President.
• A player who was a member of another WYFL franchise the prior season cannot play for another WYFL franchise the following season without the consent of both Franchise Presidents.
• Players who are directed to another member franchise due to lack of roster space (roster being at league maximum of 36) or the absence of a team at a given level may be allowed to return to the sending franchise the following season without consent of the franchise presidents provided that the sending franchise notified the receiving franchise in writing of the players in volved in the transfer prior to the start of the season.
• Coaches, players, families, fans and franchise officials are prohibited from knowingly and deliberately recruiting players from other WYFL franchises.

ARTICLE III – TEAMS

1. LEVELS OF PLAY
• The Age divisions consist of various levels as determined and approved by the WYFL Board of Directors. (See AGE SCHEDULE ATTACHMENT “A”).
• A franchise is not required to field a team at each level. Franchises must field a minimum of 3 teams out of the 5 age levels (6u does not count towards the 3 minimum teams)
2. CHEER SQUADS
• Cheer teams/squads are encouraged to be fielded by each franchise.
• If a franchise has a cheer squad(s) they shall be counted as one “team” for all purposes consistent with these rules. Cheerleaders are not subject to the Ag e divisions .
3. MINIMUM ROSTER SIZE
• It is required that each team must have a minimum number of 16 players eligible and able to participate in starting a regulation or play -off game. If the number of players falls below 11 players, the game will be forfeited.
• No individual team shall roster more than 36 athletes.
4. PLAY UP RULES
• By Rule a player may play up within an age division, however a player will not be permitted to play down per age division.

ARTICLE IV – PLAYING RULES

The Washington Youth Football League plays by the National Federation of High School Rules (NFHS, www.nfhs.org ) except where superseded by Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA, www.wiaa.com ) rules and our own WYF L specific rules that follow.

1. GAME CLOCK TIMES
• The clock running time for 8 U, 10U, 12U, and 14U shall be 40 minutes and shall consist of four quarters of 10 minutes each.
• The clock running time for 6U shall be 32 minutes and shall consist of four quarters of 8 minutes each.
• There will be an intermission for changing goals of 1 minute between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters.
• There will be intermission (half time) between the second and third quarters. 10 minutes is normal however, the intermission may be reduced to a minimum of 5 minutes by the referees or hosting field manager for game daytime management.
• Charged time -outs will be 1 minute in length.

2. RUNNING CLOCK

If the score differs by 28 points or more at any time during the second half, a mandatory running clock will be in effect from that point on, except for official and injury timeouts.

3. HOSTING FIELD EQUIPMENT

The hosting field franchise will furnish and/or ensure that there are:

• Adequate and legible chain and down markers for each game played at their home field.
• At least one set of yard and down markers. They shall be constructed of pliable material to prevent injury to players.
• Each franchise will rope off or mark 5 yards from sidelines and end zones to keep spectators at a safe distance. The game is to be watched from outside these boundaries only. For games played in stadiums spectators must confine themselves to the grandst and areas and/or behind other established boundaries (i.e., fences, barricades, etc. These boundaries will define the Restricted Field Boundaries at each game location.
• A hosting franchise should provide an operational stadium clock or otherwise furnish a regulation clock. If there is no operational clock available to the host franchise at game time the official game time shall be kept by the referee.
4. HOME TEAM AND CHAIN CREW
• The Home Team shall have the choice of which sideline they will occupy for that particular game.
• The home team in each game shall provide personnel to operate the chains and down marker.
• Chain crews are considered part of the Officialization crew and are not allowed to cheer or make comments from the sidelines. Chain crew members who violate this rule may be removed from the chain crew by the referees and replaced by another crew member .
5. RESTRICTED BOUNDARIES, SIDELINE AND FIELD ACCESS
• Access inside the restricted field boundaries, including field access and sideline access is restricted to the following authorized personnel:
• WYFL certified coaches listed on the official coach’s roster for each team.
• Rostered players listed on the official team roster
• Referees
• Field managers designated by the hosting franchise
• Chain crew
• One photographer per team with Field Guest Pass (available from the Field Manager)
• One “ball boy” per team
• One “water boy” per team
• Cheer squads
• WYFL officials
• Certified Athletic Trainers
• Parents, spectators, coaches from other teams, players from other teams and any other persons not specifically authorized are not allowed inside the restricted field boundaries and specifically not allowed on the sidelines or the field.
• It is the responsibility of the Field Manager and each Head Coach to ensure compliance with this rule. Failure to comply may result in suspension of play and/or game forfeiture.
6. POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN

Every level of play shall receive one point for a successful point -after -touchdown completed by pass or run ; with the except ion that 6u shall receive 2 points for PAT by forward pass completed beyond the line of scrimmage. Every level of play shall receive two points for a point -after -touchdown completed by a kick.

7. SIDELINE SAFETY
• a) Spectators, parents, children, cameras, chairs, tables, benches, coolers, or other potentially hazardous items are not allowed within the restricted field boundaries and specifically not allowed within five (5) yards of the sidelines for the entire leng th of the playing field, including the end zones. The Head Coach and field manager of each team are responsible to ensure that their sideline is compliant with this safety rule.
• b) Players and assistant coaches should not direct any derogatory or inflammatory comments to referees, opposing players, opposing coaches, opposing fans or league officials.
• c) The WYFL encourages active, positive, sideline participation. However, the use of noise makers such as air horns, cow bells and drums as well as the playing of loud music or the use of electronic voice amplification of voice (other than a stadium announcer) is not allowed during a game.
• d) The use of other noisemakers and the playing of music of any type are limited only to the time between the quarters or at halftime. Violation of this rule will result in a warning to the offending team’s Head Coach and subsequent violations of this rule will be charged as an unsportsmanlike penalty on the offending team’s Head Coach.
• At the completion of each game, teams will quickly shake hands and clear their sideline area. Post game meetings and other activities must take place in area designated by the Field Manager.
• f) No food or beverages are allowed inside the restricted field boundaries except for water, unless specifically allowed by the Field Manager.
8. PARENT AND FAN ZONES

All parents and fans are required to always remain outside of the Restricted Field Boundaries before, during and after a game, unless specifically invited or granted access by the Field Manager.

• At venues where stands are not available, parents and fans must stay outside of the Restricted Field Boundaries and not interfere with sideline players, coaches, or referees at any time.
9. LOCATION OF CHEER SQUADS
• Cheer squads may perform within the field of play at half -time.
• Cheer squads may locate in view of spectators in a designated area as determined by the field manager.
10. OFFICIAL FOOTBALLS

Footballs to be used shall be as follows:

6U and 8 U: Will use a rubber, synthetic leather, or leather covered football. Acceptable footballs are commonly labeled as official “Peewee” size versions of NFHS approved footballs. 10U and 12U: Will use a rubber, synthetic leather or leather covered football. Acceptable footballs are commonly labeled as official “Junior” size versions of NFHS approved footballs.

14U: Will use a rubber, synthetic leather or leather covered football. Acceptable footballs are commonly labeled as official “Youth” size versions of NFHS approved footballs.

11. 6U PLAYING RULE EXCEPTIONS

The following exceptions apply to the 6 U level only:

Kickoff / PAT / Field Goal

• Elimination of kickoffs. The receiving team will take possession on their own 40 -yard line.
• Punts must be declared to the officials prior to the down. The ball becomes dead at first contact with a player or the ground after leaving the punter’s foot. There is no advancing of the ball on the return. There is no rushing on the punt.
• Field Goals and Point After Touchdown attempts must be declared to the officials prior to the down. There is no rushing on a Field Goal attempt or Point After Touchdown attempt.
• Punts, Field Goals and Point After Touchdown attempts must be kicked no closer than five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Clock

• The length of each quarter for the 6Us level shall be eight minutes.
• The play clock will be 40 seconds.

Coaches

• Each team may have up to one coach on the field. On field coaches may participate in the huddle and continue to coach players up until offense becomes set, prior to the snap of the football.
• On field coaches are not allowed to coach during a play, i.e., from the snap of the football until the end of the play.
• On field coaches must remain a minimum of 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and must maintain a distance of 5 yards or more from all players during a play.
• On field coaches may temporarily approach the line of scrimmage to assist players to line up correctly but promptly return to 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.
• Coaches that fail to comply with these rules will be subject to the following:
• 1st offense: Warning.
• 2nd offense: Illegal Participation Penalty, Coach is removed from on field coaching for the remainder of the series.
• 3rd offense: Illegal Participation Penalty, Coach is removed from on the field coaching for the remainder of the game.

Defense

• The defense is limited to 4 players on the line of scrimmage and be in a 3 or 4 point stance.
• All other players must be at least 3 yards from the line of scrimmage and may not blitz.
• Linebackers must be at least 3 yards from the line of scrimmage with a minimum 1- yard gap between them (parallel to the line of scrimmage)
• The defense is allowed one defensive lineman in an “A” gap (center -guard gap) and that player may not lineup directly over the center.
• The defensive player in the “A” gap may not initiate contact with the center. Contact with the center is allowed after the center or another offensive player has made contact. He may initiate contact with the guard or go through the “A” gap.
• Violations of these rules will be enforced as Encroachment on the Defense

Offense

• All offensive linemen (center, guards and tackles) and any offensive players attached to and on the line of scrimmage (i.e. tight ends), must be in a three -point stance.
• A quarterback taking the snap from under center may not run the ball between the guards unless and until he has moved at least 1 yard away from the line of scrimmage after taking the snap.
• Violations of these rules will be enforced as Offsides on the offense.

Point After Touchdown

• A successful point after touchdown try will be worth 1 point for a run play and 2 points for a pass play or a successful kick.
• A kick attempt must be declared prior to the snap. The defense may not rush the kick (cross the line of scrimmage)
12. OVERTIME (ALL AGES)

In the event a game is tied at the end of regulation play, an overtime procedure will occur. When a game ends in a tie, a Tie -Breaker (Kansas Tie -Breaker) procedure detailed in Attachment “B” will be used. The National Federation of High School Rules shall prevail with the following exceptions:

• During the regular season, the ball shall be placed on the 10 -yard line for each possession. If the game remains tied after two overtime periods, the game will end in a tie.
• During the post season (playoff and championship games), the ball shall be placed on the 25 -yard line for the first two rounds. If the game remains tied after two rounds, the third round and all subsequent rounds will begin on the 10 -yard line and play sha ll continue until a winner is established.

ARTICLE V COACHES

The Washington Youth Football League expects all of our coaches practice the highest standards of sportsmanship and coaching ethics. We expect the coaches and their representative organizations to induce a spirit of high ideals in their teams. The coaches are dedicated to promoting the core values of the Organization.

Wins and losses are not a priority for our coaches; developing life skills and individual character is what guides our coaching decisions and actions.

Coaches are expected to lead by example in both words and actions on and off the football field.

Coaches accept responsibility for the development of our athletes as both players and people while under their direction.

Our goal is to be an organization that not only develops football players that parents and coaches will be proud of but also guides our athletes to become positive contributors to any team they choose to be a part of.

1. Each franchise will be responsible for completing coaching applications and conducting background checks for each coach and other volunteers that have contact with players. The franchises will maintain copies of the applications and background checks a copy for its records. Each franchise must make a copy of each coach and volunteer application and background check available to the Northwest Junior Football League Board of Directors upon request.
2. Any coaches who receives an “Alert” or “Red Light” on their background check is deemed to have failed the background check requirement and is not eligible to coach in the NJFL unless cleared by a majority vote of the WYFL board. It is the responsibility of the franchise presidents to bring these coaches to the attention of the Board and present any appeal of their eligibility status.
3. Each franchise will provide an official coaches roster for each team to the WYFL prior to the Jamboree.
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4. Only those coaches listed on the official roster with valid WYFL credentials are allowed on the sideline.
5. At this level of youth participation in this program, it is very important that sportsmanship, honesty, citizenship and good character be stressed.
6. All coaches must complete all certification requirements as specified by the WYFL Board. This includes completing coaching education requirements attending the league sponsored training to be eligible to participate as a coach. Each coach will be issued a photo identification badge upon completion of all coaching certification requirements. Coach ID badges must be worn and visible at every game in order for a coach to be allowed access to the sidelines.
7. Credentials are mandatory for any person associated with the team to be on the sidelines on game day.
8. Any person that has not been properly credentialed by the WYFL for the current year on the sidelines of the playing field during a regular season, playoff or championship game at any age level shall be removed from the field by the field manager or referee. If the individual so identified by the field manager or referee refuses to leave the sidelines or the prohibited area as designated by the field manager or referee the game shall be stopped and be declared a forfeit for the team to which the offender is identified and the head coach shall be suspended for seven (7) days including all practices and the next regular season game or playoff game.
9. A repeat violation of this rule by the same team or person(s) identified with the offending team shall result in all the games previously played by that team during the current season being declared forfeited and the head coach shall be suspended for the remainder of the season plus one additional season.
10. Head coaches are required to complete the on-line coaches report within 24 hours of the completion of their game (or scrimmage under Article V.4.c). Any coach who has not filed their report by 8 PM of the next day will be suspended for the following week and the next scheduled game.
11. In addition to the penalties described above the WYFL Board of Directors may impose such additional penalties as they determine are appropriate.

ARTICLE VI FIELD MANAGERS

1) FIELD MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The home field franchise will provide a Field Manager who will be responsible for the following:
   1. Must remain and be available throughout the day
   2. Must also identify themselves to each officiating team, athletic trainer and each head coach and point out the location of the pre- and post-game Sportsmanship Huddles.
   3. Must collect from each head coach the “officials’ evaluation card” and mail it within 24 hours to the address labeled on the back of the card if the card is presented by the official.
   4. Must be familiar with all aspects of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the facility.
2. The Field Manager must submit within 24 hours an email summary of the day’s games to the email address specified on the weekly score report which includes:
   1. Final Scores
   2. Number of officials present
   3. Ejections of coaches and/or players, including names and jersey numbers with a brief explanation (example: “Ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct”).
   4. Include a summary of any other problems should be brought to the attention of the WYFL Board.
3. The Field Manager is to make sure all sideline credentials are visible, and credential policy is strictly enforced. The Field Manager will also provide, as needed, any temporary sideline passes for each participating team photographer which shall be worn and visible.
4. The Field Manager may issue a temporary sideline pass for a coach who may have forgotten his credential only if that coach is listed on the WYFL certification list provided.

ARTICLE VII – OFFICIALS

1. The League will contract with the Washington Officials Association (WOA) or equivalent to provide referees for each game and scrimmage/Jamboree.
2. Games shall not proceed unless a minimum of 3 referees are present for 10U, 12U and 14U games, and 2 referees are present for 6U, 8U games.