Tackle Rulebook

Kearney Junior Football League -

Tackle Rulebook

 

All rules governing the Kearney Junior Football League will follow the National Federation of State High School Association or the Nebraska Schools Activity Association rulebook.  Additions of certain rules will be governed by the Kearney Junior Football League and are as follows:

 

1.     There will be two age Divisions:  College 4-5 grade, Pro 6-7 grade.

2.     There will be a limited weight in each division for all players handling, passing, or catching the football.  The weights are as follows: The heaviest kids will be designated as lineman. Multiply the number of teams in the league by 4 or 5 and that is the number of lineman there will be in each league, four to five per team.  All other players will be all-purpose players.

3.     All-purpose players will wear jerseys marked in the 10's or 20's and will be the only players eligible to carry the ball.  "Flex" players in the Pro division will have jerseys marked in the 80's.

4.     Lineman will wear jerseys marked in the 50's.  On offense, lineman can only play as down lineman and must be covered up by an all-purpose player lining up as tight-end. On defense, lineman can only play on the interior of the line and cannot play defensive end.

5..     Any size of player is allowed to play within the line but only all-purpose players can line up off the line of scrimmage.

7.     College and Pro divisions will play 11-man football.

8.     Restricted alignments and play on offense and defense will apply

 

College Divisions:

1.     Offense must have 7 men on the line of scrimmage and have at least one Tight End. TE must be on the line of scrimmage.  in a tight formation and can't be slotted or wide and he must be within reach of the tackle.  Motion and various snap counts will be allowed.

2.     Defense must leave the center uncovered and run a 4 man front with 4 linebackers lined up roughly within the Tight end to Tight end "box".  The interior four lineman must lineup head up on the guards and tackles.   

3.     Defensive line: Must lineup heads up to the offensive linemen, there will be no lining up in the gaps.  No stunts will be allowed.

4.     Linebackers and Defensive Backs:  Must be four yards from the line of scrimmage and cannot advance toward the line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped. All Linebackers must be between the TE to TE on alignment, unless the offense is lined up in a multiple wideout formation.  Any skill player in front of the 4 yard mark will be considered offsides and a penalty will be called.  Blitzing is allowed from any of these players.

5.     Linebackers and Defensive Backs: When offense is within 5 yards of the goal line, they may lineup 3 yards from line of scrimmage.

 

Pro Divisions:

1.     Offense must have 7 men on the line of scrimmage and must line up with at least one TE.  TE must be on the line of scrimmage. TE must be in a tight formation and can't be slotted or wide and he must be within reach of the tackle.  Motion and various snap counts will be allowed.  Flex players may only play as a linemen or Tight End on offense.

2.     Defense must leave the center uncovered and run a 4 man front with TE uncovered.  The interior four lineman must lineup head up on the guards and tackles.  Flex players are considered defensive lineman only.  

3.     Defensive line: Must lineup heads up to the offensive linemen, there will be no lining up in the gaps.  Defense must leave the center uncovered and run a 4 man front with 4 linebackers lined up roughly within the Tight end to Tight end "box".  No stunts will be allowed.

4.     Linebackers and Defensive Backs:  Must be four yards from the line of scrimmage and cannot advance until the ball is snapped. Any skill player in front of the 4 yard mark will be considered offsides and a penalty will be called.  At least 1 Linebackers must be between the tackle to TE on alignment.  Blitzing is allowed from any of these players.

5.     Linebackers and Defensive Backs: When offense is within 5 yards of the goal line, they may lineup 3 yards from line of scrimmage.

 

Special Teams:

1.     Kickoffs: No Kickoff or Kickoff return will be played. The ball will placed at 15 yard line to begin play and after touchdowns.

2.     Punt Team (Offense): Team punting cannot fake the punt. All punts will be “dead ball” as soon as the ball is possessed by receiving team. No negative yardage on punts.

3.     Punt Team (Defense): Not allowed to rush the punter.

4.     Punt Return: The ball cannot be returned.  When caught, the play will be blown dead at the spot the catch was made or ball comes to rest, unless muffed forward.  If muffed forward, ball will be spotted at first contact spot.  If no attempt to catch the ball is made the spot will be placed where it comes to rest. (Any player is eligible to catch punt returns, however there must be at least 5 players on the line of scrimmage).  Clock will stop on all declared punts.

 

Game Rules

1.     12 minute quarters (running clock), clock stops for injuries, time outs, and the last two minutes of each half.

2.     2 time-outs per half and no carryover to the 2nd half.

3.     Head tackling will be a 15 yard penalty.

4.     35-second delay of game. (Due to time scheduling this rule will be enforced)

5.     Only the official coaches will be allowed on the field, unless approved by the league board ahead of time.

6.     Lineman from tackle to tackle must be in 3 point stance.

7.     No QB sneaks. (QB draw are allowed with 3 step drop or shotgun 3 yards off the line)

8.     Every player must play half the time. Only exceptions are Injury, Suspension = 1 practice, coach can sit player for 1 quarter. Miss practices, coach can sit player for ½ a game. (The league will use coach’s discretion in most cases.)

9.     Fighting and Taunting will not be tolerated:

1.     1st offense will be a verbal warning.

2.     2nd offense is suspension for remainder of game in which offense occurred and suspension of the next game.

3.     3rd offense is expulsion from the league for the remainder of the year and approval from the board before participating the following season.

10.   Helmet Visors:  Only clear visors will be allowed.

11.   No steel toe cleats.

12.   After a touchdown, the offense will have the choice to go for a 1-point conversion from the 3 yard line or a 2-point conversion from the 5 yard line.

 

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