Kearney Junior Football League -
2025 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: 4th-5th grade
- Pro: 6th-7th grade
2. College and Pro divisions will play 11-man football.
3. There will be a weight restriction for position players in each division. The heaviest players will be designated as linemen. Each team will have four to five linemen. All other players will be all-purpose players, who are eligible to pass, carry and catch the football.
4. All-purpose players will have jerseys numbered in the 10's or 20's and will be the only players eligible to pass, carry, or catch the ball. Linemen will wear jerseys numbered in the 50's.
5. On offense, linemen can only play as interior linemen in a 3 or 4-point stance. On defense, linemen can only play on the interior of the line in a 3 or 4-point stance and cannot play defensive end.
6. Any size of player is allowed to play on the line, but only all-purpose players can line up off the line of scrimmage. All-purpose players may play any position on the field.
7. Restricted alignments and play on offense and defense will apply
College and Pro Divisions:
- Offense must have seven players on the line of scrimmage and line up with at least one Tight End. Motion and various snap counts will be allowed.
- Tight Ends:
- Must be on the line of scrimmage
- Must be in a tight formation within reach of a lineman and can't be slotted or wide
3. Defense must leave the center and TE uncovered and run a four man front with four linebackers.
4. Defensive line:
- Must line up heads-up on the offensive guards and tackles
- There will be no lining up in the gaps
- No stunts will be allowed
5. Linebackers and Defensive Backs:
- Must be at least 4 yards from the line of scrimmage and cannot advance toward the
line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped
- At least two Linebackers must be aligned within TE to TE at the time of the snap, unless the
offense is lined up in a multiple wideout formation
- Any Linebacker or Defensive back 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
- When offense is within 5 yards of the goal line, these players may line up 3 yards from line of
scrimmage
Special Teams:
1. Kickoffs: No Kickoff or Kickoff return will be played. The ball will be placed at the 15 yard line to begin play and after touchdowns. Offense chooses left, right, or middle of hashes.
2. Punt Team (Offense): All punts will be declared prior to the snap. Team punting cannot fake the punt. All punts will be a “dead ball” as soon as the ball is possessed. All players besides the punter will be on the line of scrimmage. No negative yardage on punts.
3. Punt Team (Defense): Not allowed to rush the punter. At least 5 players must be on the line of scrimmage.
4. Punt Return: The ball cannot be returned. When possessed, the play will be blown dead at the spot the catch was made or ball comes to rest, unless muffed forward. If muffed forward, the ball will be spotted at spot of first contact. If no attempt is made to catch the ball, the spot will be where it comes to rest. Any player is eligible to catch punts. Clock will stop on all declared punts.
Game Rules
1. The game will begin with a coin toss between captains. Winner of the toss has choice of offense, defense, or defer to the 2nd half.
2. 12 minute quarters with running clock. Clock stops for injuries, time outs, and the last two minutes of
each half. High School overtime rules - Coin toss followed by alternating possessions of 1st and Goal from the 10 yard line until a winner is determined. Each team gets one timeout in each OT.
3. Each team is allowed two 60 second time-outs per half and no carryover to the 2nd half.
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. Linemen from tackle to tackle must be in 3 or 4-point stance.
7. No QB sneaks. QB is allowed to run with 3 step drop, a sweep outside the tackle, or by starting out
in shotgun 3+ yards off the line.
8. Every player must play half the game. Only exceptions are Injury and Suspension. Miss
practices, coach can sit a player for up to half of a game. (The league will use coach’s
discretion in most cases.)
9. Fighting and Taunting will not be tolerated:
1st offense - verbal warning.
2nd offense - suspension for remainder of game in which offense occurred and suspension of the
next game.
3rd offense - 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.
13. Head tackling will be a 15yd penalty. Holding will be a 5yd penalty. All other penalties will
be enforced according to NFHS rules (false start/offsides=5yds, pass interference=15yds, etc).
