2009 Sioux Border
Conference League Rules
3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Tackle Football
The “National Federation of High School Associations” rulebook, as
used in Iowa, will govern play in our league with the following
exceptions, additions, clarifications and emphasis.
1. Officials: A minimum of 2 qualified officials are required by the
home team at each game. (1 Certified Official is preferred but not
required)
2. Playing Fields: Playing fields will be regulation 100-yard
football fields. Players and coaches must remain in their respective
players/coaches box.
3. Ball Carriers: Players exceeding 100 lbs for 3rd grade, 110 lbs
for 4th grade,
120 lbs for 5th or 130 lbs for 6th grade may NOT carry the ball
offensively to ensure safety of the other kids. If any player
exceeding the weight limit happens to handle the ball as the result
of play (i.e.-fumble recovery, interception) they MAY advance the
ball as allowed per NFHSA rules. Coaches are responsible for
enforcing this rule in a fair and ethical manner. Coaches are to
weigh the players (No Pads) prior to the first game to determine
which players are eligible to carry the ball offensively. The
results of this weigh-in are to be utilized for the entire season.
4. Game Times: 12 minute quarters, continuous clock. Last 2 minutes
of 2nd and 4th quarters, stop on out of bounds, incomplete passes,
etc. 2 TIMEOUTS PER TEAM PER HALF.
5. Start of play: Ball will be placed on the 35 yard line.
6. Alignment: Offense – 7 on LOS. Defense – 5 linemen or 4-lineman
front is allowed. Outside defensive linemen (on the line of
scrimmage) can be no wider than the outside shoulder of the outside
offensive down lineman in 3rd and 4th grade games. Outside defensive
linemen on the line of scrimmage may be split out no wider than the
last man on the line of scrimmage for 5th and 6th grade games,
linebackers and DBS no closer than 2 yds from LOS. Interior lineman
must be in down position. Penalty – Illegal Procedure. Exception –
Any defense is allowed when the offense is inside your 10-yard line
as long as only the people on the defensive line can rush.
7. Defensive Blitzing: Blitzing by linebackers and defensive backs
is not allowed. However, any defensive player may cross the line of
scrimmage after the offensive player with the ball is outside the
offensive tackle. Penalty – Personal foul.
8. Fumbles: Live ball. Advance as allowed.
9. Coaches on Field: Each team is allowed a coach on the field for
both offense and defense. Coaches must stay 5 yards behind the
deepest player. Absolutely no verbal directions, communications or
alignment shifts can be made by coaches on the field from when the
QB starts his cadence until end of the play. Penalty – Personal
foul.
10. Punting – Defense cannot rush. Ball is live after kicked and may
be returned. Bad or dropped snaps are not considered fumbles and the
punter will be allowed to punt. Offensive team must announce their
decision to punt. No fakes.
11. Extra Points: Following a touchdown the extra points can be made
by running or passing. A successful conversion will receive
2-points.
12. Overtime Games: Format for overtime will be same as High School.
13. Playing Up/Down: Players are allowed to play “up” in the event
there are not enough players to field a full time. This player is
not eligible to play in both grades. Under no circumstance will
players be allowed to play “down” in any grade level.
14. Rosters for Multiple Teams per Grade Level: Programs with
numbers to justify fielding two teams per grade level many not under
any circumstance intermingle rosters or “swap” players from one game
to another. Doing so will result in forfeiture of the game and
expulsion from the year end tournament.
15. Year end tournament: Final standings will determine who plays
who. In the case of a tie breaker, defensive points allowed will be
used.
