Rule 1: The Game, Field, Players and Equipment
Section 1: The Game
Art. 1: 8 minute quarters. 10 half time (7 minute break, 3 minute warm-up)
Art. 2: Ready for play clock, 2nd and 3rd grades is 40 seconds; 4th - 8th grades is 25
seconds.
Art. 3: Extra points. 1 point for a successful run or pass, 2 points for a successful
Kick.
Art. 4: Mercy Rule: If a team is up by 25 points in the 2nd half it will result in a
continuous clock. If the spread goes less than 25 points in the second half it
goes back to regular timing. When the continuous clock is in effect and after
a score and try by the winning team, the losing team will put the ball in play
at their 40 yard line. If the losing team scores they kickoff.
Art. 5: Tie Breaker: Each team gets four downs starting at the ten yard line. Your
series ends if you score, or turn the ball over (fumble and the other team
recovers or throw an interception). An extra point try should follow a
touchdown. Field goal attempts are part of the tie breaker. If the score is
still tied after each team has had the ball for a series, then the game is over
and it is recorded as a tie. If it is a play-off game the tie breaker rule will
continue until one team wins. Each team shall be permitted one timeout
during each overtime period. Time outs DO NOT carry over from the regular
game or from one overtime period to the next.
Art. 6: 13 Point Scoring System. The most points a team can accumulate in a game
for the standings is 13 points. If the score is 25 to 0, the winning team gets
13 points and the losing team gets -13 points. If the score is 21 to 14 then
the winning team gets 7 points and losing team gets -7 points.
- Forfeited games are 13 points
- Tie games are 0 point
- Overtime games are 1 point
Section 2: The Field
Art. 1: All fields must be marked according to the (NFHS).
Art. 2: The fields must be roped off from the 15 yard line to
15 yard line and 10 yards for the side line.
Art. 3: Grass must be cut and field line visible
Art. 4: All fans must stay behind the ropes (no fans in the end zone area). If using a
high school field then all fans must be in the stands.
Art. 5: All fields must have a working clock that is visible to the officials.
Art. 6: Chains and Down Marker are on the home side of the field.
Art. 7: All fields must be ready for use one hour before the game.
Section 3: The Players
Art. 1: All players must be certified by the (GFL) Gateway Football League.
Art. 2: Roster: Maximum of 35 players, minimum of 15 players (at last certification
date).
Art. 3: All players must have a valid (GFL) I.D. Card
- 10 minutes before the start of the game or the start of the 4th quarter of the previous game ID cards must be checked by both teams. If a player is not present for the pre-game I.D. check or player does not have an I.D. card they will not be allowed to play.
- Any game that an ineligible player participated in will be a forfeit.
Art. 4: Grade, Weight and Helmet Stripes
- Stripe must be ½ - 2 inches wide orange electrical tape and run from ear hole to ear hole, unless the helmet has a decal, then it runs from decal to decal across the top of the helmet, and along the bottom of the back of the helmet.
- Any player can punt or kick the ball but may not advance or line up in a position to advance the ball when on offense if he is a restricted player.
- Ball carrier weights
Striper Restrictive Position
2nd Grade
75 lbs. and under No None
76 lbs. and over Yes Cannot play offensive back or end
3rd Grade
85 lbs. and under No None
86 lbs. and over Yes Cannot play offensive back or end
4th Grade
95 lbs. and under No None
96 lbs. and over Yes Cannot play offensive back or end
5th Grade
105 lbs. and under No None
106 lbs. and over Yes Cannot play offensive back or end
6th, 7th and 8th Grade
No Weight Limits None No restrictions
Section 4: The Equipment
Art. 1: Jerseys Colors: Opposing teams must have conflicting color jerseys. If they
both have the same color the home team must change or wear pennies of a
different color.
Jersey numbers: The player’s jersey number will not restrict him to a certain
position as stated in NFHS rules.
Art. 2: Footballs: The home team is required to supply the game ball and both teams
use the same ball. The visiting team may choose to use their own ball.
Leather and composite balls are acceptable. The stripes and color of the
stripes DO NOT have to conform to the NFHS rule.
Ball Sizes: Must be made for Pee Wee, Junior and Youth sizes and marked
accordingly. They need to be made by Champ Pro, Nike, Rawlings, Spalding,
Wilson, Under Armor, Riddell, Baden, McGregor, Adidas, Mikasa and
Champion.
2nd, 3rd and 4th grades: Pee Wee
5th and 6th grades: Junior
7th and 8th grades: Youth or High School
Art. 3: Helmet Stripes: Stripe must be ½ - 2 inches wide orange electrical tape
and run from ear hole to ear hole, unless the helmet has a decal, then it
runs from decal to decal across the top of the helmet, and along the
bottom of the back of the helmet.
Art. 4: Coaches Field Equipment: Communication devices are allowed.
See Rule 1-6, Art 1, 2 in the NFHS Rule book.
- Exception: grades 2-4, where the coaches are allowed on the field of play during a live ball play they may not bring any Communication Devices on the field of play.
Art. 5: Filming of Games: the filming of games should be done from the stands or
the Press box (if available), end zones etc. If there is an area that is
designated for filming you must film with in that area.
Rule 2: Guidelines for 2nd and 3rd Grades
Art. 1: The ready for play clock is 40 seconds.
Art. 2: Two coaches will be allowed on the field to help line the players up, then
they need to return to their sidelines during the play. Once the quarterback
starts his cadence the coaches must stop coaching and head for their
sideline. They need to be within 5 yards of their sideline at the snap of the
ball. The coach is on the side of the field with the Chains and Down Marker,
must do his best to stay out of the way of the official working that sideline.
If the coach participates in the play by coaching, directing/moving players it
will be a (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Art. 3: Punts, Field Goals and Kicks for an extra point are dead (No Rush). The ball
must be kicked within 25 seconds of the snap and between the offensive
tackles.
Art. 4: The snapper must snap the ball between his legs on all kicks.
Art. 5: All offensive lineman must remain in a two or three point stance until the
ball is kicked. (no laying on the ground during an extra point kick)
Art. 6: NO BLITZ RULE (Also known as the 6 in 5 rule). All interior lineman (anyone
inside/between the ends and within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage must
be in a three point stance at the snap. If you bring a player up at the last
minute he must get set before the ball is snapped. He cannot be running up
to the line of scrimmage when the ball is being snapped (Blitzing). The end
players do not need to be in a three point stance, but must be set. This
includes all players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.
- Maximum of six (6) defensive players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. All other players must be 5 yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap. If the ball is at or inside the defense team’s 5 yard line the rule does not apply.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Art. 7: Illegal formation, Striper: Any Offensive player that is designated a striper
cannot line up in a position to advance the ball (Backs and Ends).
Exception: This rule does not apply during a dead ball kick.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Rule 3: Guidelines for 4th Grade
Art. 1: One coach will be allowed on the field to help line the players up, then
they need to return to their sidelines during the play. Once the quarterback
starts his cadence the coaches must stop coaching and head for their
sideline. They need to be within 5 yards of their sideline at the snap of the
ball. The coach is on the side of the field with the Chains and Down Marker,
must do his best to stay out of the way of the official working that sideline.
If the coach participates in the play by coaching, directing/moving players it
will be a (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Art. 2: Punts, Field Goals and Kicks for an extra point are dead (No Rush). The ball
must be kicked within 25 seconds of the snap and between the offensive
tackles.
Art. 3: The snapper must snap the ball between his legs on all kicks.
Art. 4: All offensive lineman must remain in a two or three point stance until the
ball is kicked. (no laying on the ground during an extra point kick)
Art. 5: NO BLITZ RULE (Also known as the 6 in 5 rule). All interior lineman (anyone
inside/between the ends and within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage must
be in a three point stance at the snap. If you bring a player up at the last
minute he must get set before the ball is snapped. He cannot be running up
to the line of scrimmage when the ball is being snapped (Blitzing). The end
players do not need to be in a three point stance, but must be set. This
includes all players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.
- Maximum of six (6) defensive players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. All other players must be 5 yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap. If the ball is at or inside the defense team’s 5 yard line the rule does not apply.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Art. 6: Illegal formation, Striper: Any Offensive player that is designated a striper
cannot line up in a position to advance the ball (Backs and Ends).
Exception: This rule does not apply during a dead ball kick.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Rule 4: Guidelines for 5th Grade
Art. 1: Punts, Field Goals and Kicks for an extra point are dead (No Rush). The ball
must be kicked within 25 seconds of the snap and between the offensive
tackles.
Art. 2: The snapper must snap the ball between his legs on all kicks.
Art. 3: All offensive lineman must remain in a two or three point stance until the
ball is kicked. (no laying on the ground during an extra point kick)
Art. 4: NO BLITZ RULE (Also known as the 6 in 5 rule). All interior lineman (anyone
inside/between the ends and within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage must
be in a three point stance at the snap. If you bring a player up at the last
minute he must get set before the ball is snapped. He cannot be running up
to the line of scrimmage when the ball is being snapped (Blitzing). The end
players do not need to be in a three point stance, but must be set. This
includes all players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.
- Maximum of six (6) defensive players within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. All other players must be 5 yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap. If the ball is at or inside the defense team’s 5 yard line the rule does not apply.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed.
Art. 5: Illegal formation, Striper: Any Offensive player that is designated a striper
cannot line up in a position to advance the ball (Backs and Ends).
Exception: This rule does not apply during a dead ball kick.
Penalty: (Live Ball Procedure Penalty). The opposing team can take the
result of the play or have the down replayed
Rule 5: Miscellaneous Rules
Art. 1: Forfeits: Will result in a fine equal to the value of the officials pay for that
game. Any other suspensions and or fines will be reviewed by the GFL
executive board.
Art. 2: Post Season Playoffs
Tie Breaker Procedure
- Overall Record. Best % of wins: 7-1 (88%) is better than 6-1 (86%) or 4-3 (57%) is better than 4-4 (50%).
- Head to head record. Only works when comparing two teams.
- Record against common opponents
- Scoring system against common opponents
- Total Scoring system
- Playoff Game. Only applies when there are two teams and only to determine a place in the playoffs. Example: two first place teams 7-0 in the same division.
- Coin toss (three teams). Three coins, odd man out. The remaining two teams will play a game to determine a place in the playoffs, same as (6).
- If three or more teams are tied and one team has lost to both of the other two, that team is automatically removed from consideration. Or, if one teams has beaten both the other teams then that team makes it in and the remaining two teams will go back to (2) Head to Head record and proceed through the Tie Breaker Procedure.
- When three or more teams are tied and no team is eliminated due to the above (*) you must determine who the top seated team is by using the Tie Breaker Procedure which in this case starts at (3) Record against common opponents. After the top team is determined then take the remaining two teams and go back to (2) Head to Head record and proceed through the Tie Breaker Procedure.
Art. 3: Super Bowl Playoff Weigh-ins
- If a player does not make weight he must play a restricted (striped) position.
- All non-striped players within 10lbs. of the running weight will be weighed before playoffs.
- The rule does not apply to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade divisions
- There will be one weigh-in dated for playoffs.
- The weights for the playoffs are as follows.
2nd Grade 83lbs.
3rd Grade 93lbs.
4th Grade 103lbs.
5th Grade 113lbs.