Important Updates
Rules for the 2024 Season Specific Rules for 8U
Although the game is serious to the kids, from the adult viewpoint, Tiny-Mites are strictly a training division, completely free of any pressure to win, with a total emphasis on learning. No scores are recorded & no local championship may be declared. The following are specific rules that must be followed for the 8U players
Players: Maximum 25, Minimum 16
Field Diameter: 80-yard field
Scholastic Fitness: Report card from school or letter from parent.
Coaches: One coach from each team are permitted to be on the field with the team. Once the team breaks from huddle, coaches must stay back 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.
There will be kick offs at the start of the game from the 40-yard line.
No punting. On 4th down, a team has the option of (a) running or passing the ball from scrimmage (b) move the ball back to opponents 35 yard line and start offensive play from there.
Penalties: Major penalty 10 yards. Minor penalty 5 yards.
Game Time and Time Outs: Each half is 22 minutes. Game will consist of two (2) halves. Half time will be 10 minutes. All games will have a running clock except for clock stoppages on time outs, change of possession and injuries.
Each team is allowed two (2) time outs per half. No score will be displayed on scoreboard. No tie breakers. No try for point after touchdown.
Ball will be blown dead if fumbled behind the line of scrimmage. However, ball will be live if fumbled beyond the line of scrimmage.
Playing Time: All players must play a minimum of 15 plays per game. It is recommended that a 2 platoon system (offense/50 defense) be utilized to help teach the game. Each team must have three (3) captains per game. Every player on the team must be given an opportunity to be a captain.
Offense: All offensive backs must be lined up behind the offensive line in some type of formation. You will be allowed, however, to split one offensive back no more than five (5) yards outside the tight end.
Defense: No defensive player can be placed directly over the center. Player must be three (3) yards off the center. Defensive line must be one (1) yard back from the offensive line. Defense must run 6,4,1 set. No more than six (6) defensive players can rush the ball. No blitzing.
Specific rules for 10U
Although the game is serious to the kids, from the adult viewpoint,
10U is strictly a training division, completely free of any pressure to win, with a total emphasis on learning. A local Champion may be declared.
(NEW THIS YEAR) A maximum of one (1) coach per team is permitted on the field except during punts. (FIRST TWO GAMES OF THE SEASON) (AFTER THE SECOND GAME COACHES WILL NO LONGER BE ON THE FIELD)
A. There shall be: 1.) No rushing of punts, field goals or point after touchdown (while attempting a kick). 2.) No more than six (6) defensive players can be on the line of scrimmage or rush the ball. 3.) Defensive players on the line of scrimmage must be in a 3-point or 4-point stance and may not line up over center.
Penalty for violation of the above: First violation: Warning: Additional violations:15 yards unsportsmanlike conduct.
Time 12-minute running quarters. Halftimes: 5-minutes, 1-minute between quarters All teams are allowed 3-timeouts per game, 1-minute in length. Successive charged time-outs may be granted during the same dead ball period. There will be a 30-second play clock. Action or inaction that prevents promptness in legally snapping the ball in 30-seconds after the ready-for-play signal is a delay of game. Delays will not be called until later in the season. The clock will stop after scores until the ball is snapped on the next possession, during penalties, injuries, timeouts, halftimes and in between quarters.
The clock will stop according to high school rules in the final two-minutes of the game if the point differential is 8-points or less.
12U and Middle School will follow NFHS rulebooks
8U - 80lbs (Ball carriers’ helmet will be distinctly marked with a single stripe down the center of the helmet front to back)
12U - NO WEIGHT RESTRICTION
GAME BALL SIZES
8U - Wilson Pee Wee
10U - Wilson TDJ
12U - Wilson TDY
Middle School - Official High School Size