CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES SECTION I - - - ELIGIBILITY

Rule I-1. To be eligible to participate, a youth must be in Grade 5 and not have reached their 12th birthday by September 1, or in Grade 6 and not have reached their 13th birthday by September 1. A copy of the Birth Certificate may be required for proof of birth date. All eligible players can play for only two years in the CMFA program.

Rule I-2. Teams will be grouped into the following two leagues: 5th Grade and 6th Grade.

Rule I-3. Official Roster: ROSTERS LISTING THE PLAYER'S NAMES, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS WILL BE PREPARED FOR EACH TEAM BY LEAGUE OFFICIALS AND PRESENTED TO THE HEAD COACHES PRIOR TO THE START OF TEAM PRACTICES. THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL ESTABLISH THE OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN DATES. ANY PLAYER WHOSE WEIGHT EXCEEDS BACKFIELD LIMITATIONS (SECTION I RULE I-8) SHALL BE SO DESIGNATED ON THE TEAM ROSTER. SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE ROSTER MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ASSOCIATION'S PRESIDENT. TEAM ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LEAGUE OFFICIALS.

Rule I-4. Eligibility: No youth shall be eligible to play until he has been duly registered and he is equipped with equipment approved by the Association. The Board may waive registration fees.

Rule I-5. Registration: Registration will officially be closed ON THE DATE ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD. Late registration fee is an additional $25.00.

Rule I-6. Physical Exam: No physical examination by a doctor is required. We do encourage parents and guardians to have their child examined prior to participation. Questions will be asked on the registration form regarding medical history to alert us to potential problems.

Rule I-7. Ineligible Player: If any player plays a game for which he is ineligible, the game is an automatic forfeit.

Rule I-8. Backfield Limitations: Players eligible to play a position in offensive or defensive backfields shall not exceed the following weight limitations:

 5th Grade - 90 lbs  6th Grade - 100 lbs.

 Any player whose official weight, as determined at scheduled weigh-in, exceeds those weights specified above shall be designated by red tape, no less than 3/4 inch in width, placed over the center line front to back of such player's helmets; such players hereafter referred to as "stripers." Any willful removal of the tape by persons other than members of the Board of the CMFA shall be cause for dismissal from the program. Once a player has been designated a striper, he will remain so designated for the duration of the season. 

August 2, 2019 1 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES

Each player so designated shall not advance the on any predetermined offensive play except:  1. As the receiver of a beyond the ; 2. To improve his position as a , punter or kicker, but in no event may he move beyond the original line of scrimmage.

 Fake kicks shall be permitted from formations with a striper in the backfield as an apparent punter or kicker, but the striper may not participate in the play as a runner or receiver. When aligned in an appropriate striper position said striper may advance the ball as a result of a recovered , intercepted pass, or other UNPLANNED loose ball play.

Any violation of the above shall be penalized as a major penalty (9 yards) and loss of .

On offense: 1. A red striper can participate as a quarterback but must receive and secure the from the center and must either hand the ball off or pass it. A red striper cannot advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. The red striper quarterback can participate as a blocker after they have handed off or passed the ball to another player. 2. Red stripers not playing quarterback must be on the line of scrimmage and may not be split more than a yard outside of the last lineman.

On defense: 1. On defense a red striper must be on the line of scrimmage and may not be split out more than a yard and a half outside of the last offensive down lineman.

On kickoff returns, returns, field goals, or any other free kick return situations, a red striper must be on the front line; e.g., on kickoff return, he must be between the 27 and 30 yard lines.

Weights of players set at the official weigh-in shall stand for the entire season.

Rule I-9. A complete list of all team coaches must be submitted and approved by league officials.

Rule I-10. Each team requires a minimum of one meeting with the parents and youth prior to the start of the season. (This meeting will not constitute a team session.) The league encourages this meeting for the purpose of each head coach explaining his team's program and that of the CMFA Program to the parents and youth.

Rule I-11(former Rule I-12). Commissioners will be assigned by the league. Commissioners shall deliver team rosters to coaches and coaches will notify players of their team assignments and practice area.

August 2, 2019 2 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES SECTION II - - - PLAYING PERIODS

Rule II-1. Limit: The football week will begin on Monday. Each team is limited to a maximum of 5 playing periods per week. A playing period is hereby defined as a practice or game in which the players are engaged in organized practice or game. It is intended that each team have three practices per week plus two games. The equivalent of one practice session should be allotted for the purpose of a chalk talk either at one time or divided among each practice session.

Rule II-2. Length of Practice: Length of a practice session shall not exceed TWO HOURS THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF TEAM PRACTICE AND THEREAFTER SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE AND ONE-HALF HOURS. Regular practice may be extended 30 minutes for kicker, center and holder at a game field.

Rule II-3. Upon the first infraction of the above rules, the coach will be given a warning; upon the second infraction, the coach will be dismissed.

Rule II-4. No organized team practices shall be before season start date set by CMFA Board.

Rule II-5. Upon completion of the regularly scheduled season, there shall not be any more practices or scrimmages; i.e., the teams not in the playoffs may not practice or scrimmage after their last regular game unless approved by the board.

Rule II-6. Any gathering of players with coaches and/or parents, no matter how few players are involved, will constitute a practice session.

SECTION III - - - PLAYING FIELD

Rule III-1. Size: The playing field shall be 60 yards long and no more than 40 yards wide but at least 36 yards wide, plus 10 yard deep end zones behind the goal lines, making the total area with in the lines 80 yards by 40 yards.

Rule III-2. Marking: The 60 yard playing field will be properly marked at 10 yard intervals with the inbound mark 40 feet in from each sideline for all games. Boundary lines shall be five yards out from the .

Rule III-3. Goal Posts: Goal posts shall be placed six yards behind the goal lines. Size and spacing of posts shall be 15 feet apart with the top cross bar nine feet above the ground. Should the above not be possible, the ball shall be but in play eight yards from the goal posts for point after (PAT).

Rule III-4. A LINEMAN'S OUTFIT CONSISTING OF A DOWNBOX AND A 6 YARD CHAIN SHALL BE SUPPLIED BY THE HOME TEAM FOR EACH GAME. THE OFFICIALS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO INSIST ON AN ADULT CREW AND MAKE ANY CHANGES IN THE LINE CREW AT ANY TIME DURING A GAME.

Rule III-5. FAILURE TO HAVE THE FIELD EQUIPMENT SET UP BY GAME TIME SHALL CONSTITUTE DELAY OF GAME AND THE HOME TEAM SHALL BE PENALIZED NINE

August 2, 2019 3 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES YARDS. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED LINE CREW AND PLAY RECORDER SHALL RESULT IN THE HOME TEAM FORFEITING THE GAME.

SECTION IV - - - GAME RULES:

Rule IV- 1. Official Rules: Where applicable and within the changes and additions listed herein, the official rules will be the rules of the National Federation of State High School Association.

Rule IV- 2. Game Officials: Two paid officials will be supplied for games. The game may be played with less if both coaches agree.

Rule IV- 3. Length of Game: Each game shall consist of four quarters; each quarter shall consist of 16 plays for Grade 5 and 20 plays for Grade 6 without regard to the actual time involved. The kick-off does count as a play, extra point attempts do not count as a play. Half time will be no longer than ten minutes. Time between double headers will not exceed five minutes or at Referee's discretion.

Rule IV- 4. Position of Ball at Start of Play: For the game on 60 yards fields: Kickoff, 24 yard line; safety and , 12 yard line; try for points, 2 yard line.

Rule IV- 5. Two points shall be scored for a successful place kick or after a touchdown; one point shall be scored for any other successful play after a touchdown.

Rule IV- 6. Penalties: All penalties in the official high school rules, shall be reduced by sixty percent (60%) of their stated value; i.e., 15 yards will be 9 yards, 5 yards will be 3 yards, etc.

Rule IV- 7. Play Recorder: Two play recorders, one representing each team, shall stay together during the game, and shall record the plays, thus determining when the quarters are completed. Play recorders will be positioned together behind the offensive huddle at least 5 yards behind the huddle. The play recorders shall notify the referee, who will notify both team captains and coaches, at four plays for 5th Grade and five plays for 6th grade before the end of each quarter. The play recorders may cheer positively for their respective teams but should have NO interaction with the players on the field.

Rule IV- 8. Ball: Youth sized ball.

Rule IV- 9. Cleats: Rubber cleats which are an integral part of the rubber sole are preferred. Screw in cleats may be used, but no metal may be exposed on the cleat (i.e. no metal tips).

Rule IV-9.5. Head Tackles: Any tackling done above the shoulders will be penalized as a major penalty rather the face mask was grasped or not.

Rule IV-10. Mouthpiece: Mouthpiece will be mandatory for all players. Mouthpiece will be in each player's mouth for every play he participates in.

Rule IV-11. Forfeited Game: A scheduled game is automatically forfeited by any team which cannot field eleven eligible players by the scheduled game time, unless the game is officially postponed by the League President.

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Rule IV-12. Postponed Game: Postponed games will be rescheduled by the League President.

Rule IV-13. Championship: All teams will participate in a playoff at the end of the regular season games. They will be seeded in accordance with their win-loss records through the regular season.

Rule IV-14. Dissolving League Ties: Post-season playoff game will be determined by the following method: 1. Winner of game between tied teams or if two or more tied teams, best won/lost record involving games between tied teams or if ties are not dissolved 2. Team yielding the least number of points in games involving tied teams; or if ties are not dissolved 3. By toss of a coin. (three or more tied teams, odd man wins).

Rule IV-15. Keeping Order: Each team shall be responsible for keeping the spectators orderly and off the playing field and behind the spectators' boundary. Parents and spectators are urged to encourage their teams by cheering them on. Attempting to coach or instruct from the sideline or shouting abusive language at players, officials or spectators shall result first in warning by the officials and then a nine yard penalty for each subsequent offense.

Rule IV-16. Officials will enforce official high school rules pertaining to coaches' and players' boundaries and conduct except that coaching from the sidelines by the team coaches will be permitted.

Rule IV-17. Officials shall be furnished and assigned by the league. No protests shall be considered regarding judgment calls insofar as the outcome of the game is concerned.

Rule IV-18. Delay of game shall be penalized if the following time elapses after the ball has been marked ready for play by the official: 5th Grade - 40 seconds 6th Grade - 30 seconds

Rule IV-19. Home teams will have the choice of sidelines during games.

Rule IV-20. Tie Breaker in Championship Games will be played in accordance with "10 Yard Line Procedure" as listed in the National Federation of State High School Association Rule Book.

Rule IV-21. Running Up the Score: Whenever one team is 18 or more points ahead in the second half of a game the following modifications to normal procedures shall be made until such time as the lead is no longer 18 or more points.

A. All plays will be counted as a play. The head official will notify both coaches and the play counters that at this point the rules will be modified and all plays will now be counted. This includes plays with a penalty, extra point attempts after a touchdown and kickoffs. B. The coach of the team in the lead will be encouraged to make player substitutions and to adjust play calling in an effort to not run up the score.

August 2, 2019 5 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES Rule IV-22. Player Participation: All players are to participate in at least 25% of the plays. Coaches are free to manage this aspect of the game until such time as a complaint is registered with the CMFA board or a team commissioner regarding the lack of participation by a player.

A. Once a complaint has been received, the head coach will be notified that the mandatory player participation protocol is in effect.

B. The mandatory player participation protocol requires that an assistant coach or a team parent be identified to monitor participation in each game.

C. The head coach will provide to the monitor the names of the players who do not participate regularly.

D. The monitor will then chart those players and record the plays when each of those players is on the field. CMFA will provide the form.

E. Exception #1 - When a player is injured and unable to play, that player will be identified on the chart.

F. Exception #2 - When a player asks not to participate, that request will be noted on the chart. Coaches should contact the parent(s) of such a player and discuss the situation.

Rule IV-23. Run Away Games:

A. When a team is ahead by more than 20 points, all pass plays will be capped to 6-yard gains. This will still allow teams to work on passing plays while also allowing defenses to work on defending pass plays.

B. When a team is ahead by more than 14 points, onside kicks will not be allowed. Infractions of this rule will result in the receiving team either possessing the ball on the 30-yard line or take the result of the play.

Rule IV-24. Player Suspension:

A. A Player caught falsifying their school information will be suspended for two regular seasons games automatically with possible ejection from CMFA. B. A player ejected from a game (preseason, regular season, or playoffs) for multiple unsportsmanlike penalties will also be suspended for the next game. C. Players accruing multiple unsportsmanlike penalties over multiple games or repeated dirty play can result in up to a three (3) game suspension.

August 2, 2019 6 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES SECTION V - - - CONDITIONING WEEK

Rule V-1. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING CONDITIONING WEEK WILL BE DESIGNATED BY CMFA PRESIDENT. CONDITIONING WILL BE PRIOR TO THE START OF THE REGULAR TEAM PRACTICES.

Rule V-2. HEAD COACHES WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING THEIR OWN CONDITIONING PROGRAM.

Rule V-3. THERE WILL BE NO CONTACT FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE. CONDITIONING WILL CONSIST OF A MINIMUM OF THREE, ONE HOUR SESSIONS OVER A THREE DAY PERIOD. THE OTHER HOURS OF THE PRACTICE SESSIONS MAY BE DEVOTED TO OTHER NON-CONTACT DRILLS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Rule V-4. PLAYERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO WEAR ALL REGULATION EQUIPMENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SHOULDER PADS.

Rule V-5. "NO CONTACT" IS DEFINED AS NO PHYSICAL CONTACT OF ANY NATURE WITH ANY OTHER PLAYER OR ANY ITEM SUCH AS BLOCKING DUMMIES.

Rule V-6. ANY VIOLATION OF CONDITIONING RULES WILL RESULT IN RESPONSIBLE PARTIES BEING SUSPENDED WITHOUT WARNING.

Rule V-7. ANY YOUTH WHO PARTICIPATES IN ANY TEAM PRACTICE SESSION, OR ANY COACH WHO ALLOWS ANY YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE, WHO HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY LEAGUE OFFICIALS, SHALL BE SUSPENDED AND SUSPENSION SHALL APPLY IN ALL CASES.

SECTION VI - - - AWARDS, NAMES, DECALS, ETC.

Rule VI-1. NO awards, trophies, gifts or any other tangible thing may be given by anyone or any entity other than the CMFA board. The Board will provide CMFA patches to 5th Grade participants at the end of their first season, and 6th Grade participants will be given their game jerseys at the end of their second year. Sixth Grade participants who did not participate in the 5th Grade should also receive CMFA patches at the end of the 6th Grade season. Each member of both 5th and 6th Grade teams who participate in the championship game will be given "Championship" or ”Runner-Up" chevrons to be worn in conjunction with their CMFA patches.

Rule VI-2. No player's name will be on his jersey. Any player who has his name on his jersey will be suspended from play until his jersey is replaced at his cost.

Rule VI-3. No stickers, decals, or other adornments are allowed on helmets. Any player who has any helmet adornment, not expressly approved and provided by CMFA will be suspended from play until the offending adornment is completely cleaned including any adhesive residue.

SECTION VII - - - VOLUNTEERS, COACHES & COACHING

August 2, 2019 7 CASPER MIDGET FOOTBALL RULES Rule VII-1. ALL head coaches and assistant coaches must successfully compete certification with USA Football’s Heads Up program before they are allowed to participate in the team practices and games.

Rule VII-2. ANY adult representing Casper Midget Football Association who has direct contact with any youth must obtain a background check screening through the CMFA authorized screening agency before they are allowed to interact with youth. CMFA presently utilizes National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) for this service.

Rule VII-3. Screening Determination Actions. Screening determination results will be handled as follows: Green Light – Adult is cleared for contact with youth activities. Red Light – Records – NCSI has found and verified a record of conviction, SOR registration or pending charge that does not meet with CMFA criteria. CMFA will meet with the volunteer to determine further contact eligibility. Red Light – Incomplete Information – NCSI has made numerous attempts to obtain information from the individual without success. CMFA will not allow the individual to work with youth until a background determination is completed.

Rule VII-4. Heads Up Football Coaching. All CMFA Coaches and Assistant Coaches must utilize the coaching techniques presented in the USA Heads Up Certification Training Program. Specific attention should be made to teaching proper blocking and tackling technique along with attention to guidelines for contact and non-contact practice activities.

Rule VII-5 (former Rule I-11). Head coaches and assistant coaches are prohibited from the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco during practice and games.

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Some Misunderstood Rules 1. Encroachment: When a defensive player breaks the plane of the neutral zone prior to the snap of the ball. Why is it misunderstood? This rule differs from the commonly known NFL rule of the same name. In our league, we use the National rules, which stipulate that the whistle is to be immediately blown and the penalty called when the defensive player breaks the neutral zone. In the NFL, the defensive player has an opportunity to return to his side of the neutral zone prior to the snap. If he successfully removes himself from the neutral zone prior to the snap, there is no penalty.

2. Penalty Enforcement: Football penalty enforcement is often a mystery to those not intimately familiar with the game. There is, however, a very easy way to remember how a penalty is enforced. It is called "The All But One Rule (ABOR)." Specifically, the ABOR states that a penalty will be enforced from the Basic Spot on a given play, unless it is committed by the offense behind the Basic Spot, and would then be enforced from the spot of the foul. On a running play, the Basic Spot is the end of the run. On a loose ball play (pass, punt, kick) the Basic Spot is the line of scrimmage. To put this into effect, consider the following examples:

1. The offense runs the ball for 13 yards, and the defense is called for inadvertent facemask (3 yds. CMFA). The Basic Spot is the end of the run (it is a running play). Thus, if the offense accepts the penalty, the referee will mark off 3 yds. against the defense from the end of the run.

Consider the above situation, but the offense is called for holding (6 yds. CMFA) at the line of scrimmage. In this case, if the defense accepts the penalty, the referee will mark off 6 yds. against the offense from the exact spot of the foul. This happens because the ABOR states that if the offense commits a foul behind the Basic Spot (in this case the end of the run), then the foul is marked from the exact spot of the foul. This is a textbook example of the "but one" clause in the rule!

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