COACHES
Youth Coach Certification
Certifications are flag and tackle specific. Coaches completing the certification for the first time will complete our Level 1 flag or tackle certification, while returning coaches will be automatically assigned to take the Level 2 flag or tackle recertification. Coaches can access the certification by following the steps below or by referencing the attached instructions.
Go to USA Football Youth Certification
Click "Learn More" underneath your preferred certification
Click on "Get Certified" Click "Continue to Payment"
Type in Promo Code Tackle Promo Code: PUEBLOTACKLE25
Click "Update Price" Click "Confirm & Purchase"
Start Certification Coaches must complete all modules to be certified.
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 S
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.
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) No other team helmet will be striped other than the eligible ball carriers
10U - 115lbs (Ball carriers’ helmet will be distinctly marked with a single stripe down the center of the helmet front to back) No other team helmet will be striped other than the eligible ball carriers
12U - NO WEIGHT RESTRICTION There will be a weight cap (170lbs) in which over the capped weight will be restricted to interior lineman positions only
Middle School – No weight limit
AGE LIMIT BREAKDOWN
8U 08/01/17 - 07/31/25
10U 08/01/15 - 07/31/25
12U 08/01/13 - 07/31/25
NOTE: ALL 7TH Grade Student Athletes will play for their respective middle school REGARDLESS if they meet the 12U requirements. NO EXCEPTIONS!
There will be an automatic forfeit on any game where an illegal player is found playing
There with be an automatic one game suspension (Scheduled, Playoff, or Championship) for the player/participant & head coach of any team found to be playing an illegal player (First Offense)
A second such offense will cause the player/participant and coach to be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season (playoff games included) (NO REFUND).
The suspended coach can reapply the next season only through an official meeting of the PPAL Board.
GAME BALL SIZES
8U - Wilson Pee Wee
10U - Wilson TDJ
12U - Wilson TDY
Middle School - Official High School Size