Castle Youth Football League
 
 
Main Menu
  Home
  Divisions/Leagues
  Teams/Rosters
  Standings
  Schedules
  Directions
  Contact Info
  Sponsors
  Photos
  Meetings
  CONCUSSION POLICY
  History of the League
  Site Administration
 
Flag Football Rules & Responsibilities

The flag football league was designed to provide the youth of our area a chance to learn the basic fundamentals of football. We believe out league rules promote healthy, fair and balanced play for all participants. It is the hope of the CYFL thal all players will come to enjoy the game of football. After playing flag football, your child should have a general understanding of how the game is played. Our flag league is instructional and not competitive. We do not keep score on or off the field. There are no standings, wins or losses. The goal for each game is not to out score the other team but to teach each player sportsmanship and the basic game of football.

What not to do as a flag football coach or parent:

* Do not talk about what the score of the game was or who even won or lost. We do not keep score.
* Do not talk about who has the best record or who is undefeated. We have no standings.

What to do as a flag football coach or parent:

* Instruct every player equally regardless of their ability.
* Give each player a chance to play both offense and defense and let every player carry the ball several times during the season. Move the players to different positions on the field both offensively and defensively.
* Teach Castle football fundamentals and sportsmanship.

Rules will be based of the IHSAA rules with the following modifications:

* 11 players on the field per team. Only if each team has equal number of players.
* One coach will be allowed on the field for each team.
* There is no weight limit for a player to carry the ball.
* Fumbles are automatically ruled dead at the spot of the fumble. Offense retains possession of the ball unless it was fourth down.
* Interceptions may be returned.
* A ball carrier is considered down when his flag comes off for any reason. (Ref's call)
* All flag league coaches must teach the (Castle System) and follow the offense and defense schemes and guidelines provided by the league from the Castle High School Varsity football staff.
* Offense must have 5 players on the line of scrimmage.
* Offense blocking, hands closed, fist together and elbows up and out.
* Only ends and backs may catch a pass.
* Quarterback must take snap from under center. (No Shotgun)
* Defense may have only 4 players on the line. Players must be lined up head to head (no gaps) with offensive players and no player shall be over center (this helps get the snap off without fumble). In a goal line situation (5 yard line) 5 players may be on the defensive line, the 5th player must be over center.
* Defensive and offiensive line players must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.
* NO BLITZING!
* The kick off at the start of both halves and after a touchdown will be from the 50 yard line. There are no turn overs on the kick off. If the game is running late, the official may decide not to have a kick off and will start from the 50 yard line.
* After a touchdown, the ball will be placed on the 2 yard line for an extra attempt.
* Games are approx. 55 minutes long. Referee controls the game clock.
* Every parent/guardian wishing to place players on the same team for transportation or friendship purposes will be attempted, but there is no guarantee it will take place. The only guarantee will be brothers.
* Team captains for the coin toss must be different players each week throughout the season.
* Kickers if able must be a different player from the roster for the start of each half and after each touchdown.
* Each team will have one head coach and a maximum of 3 assistants on the sideline.
* During the game, each team must stay between the 50 & 25 yard lines on their side of the field designated by Home and Guest on the scoreboard.
* No video taping from the press box. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
* No video taping of games that your child in not playing in.
* No use of two way radios, phones or any other electronic devices by coaches or assistants during the game.

Open coaching positions:

* If 2 or more teams in the same league have an open coaching position, once approved by the CYFL board, the coach's name or number will be drawn from a hat to determine which team they will coach. NO TEAM APPOINTMENTS.

Practice Rules:

* Practice can last no longer than 2 hours.
* All practices must be at a site approved by the CYFL. (Castle Elem School Only)
* Castle Elementery school has been generous allowing the CYFL to use their land. Everyone should help keep the trash picked up after each practice.
* Flag coaches can only have their players 3 days per week. (Game included). The week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
* Non practice events (picture and equipment hand out) do not count as a practice.
* No practice on Fridays if Castle High School has a varsity game.
* Three or more players from the same team with a head coach or assistant coach during the CYFL season will be deemed a practice for that team.

Weather:

* Games are played in all weather conditions except for lightning and severe weather. Show up for your scheduled game. Game may be postponed or rescheduled.

Responsibilities:

* 1st two teams of the day should show up early to help set up the field for play.
* Home team for each game provides one person for the press box and two parents in the first two games of the day. Thereafter, the Home team should provide three parents for the concession for the remainder of the day's games. The third parent is to run the grill. A cheer parent may count as one.
* Visiting team provides one parent to work the press box and three parents to work the chains.
* Games may be delayed until all positions are filled.

Pets:

* No pets allowed. Except for assistance.

Smoking:

* Smoking allowed in parking lot only.
Jr. & Sr. Tackle Rules and Responibilities
Practice Rules:

* Practice can last no longer than 2 hours.
* All practices must be at a site specified by the league. (Castle Elementary School only)
* No practice on Fridays if Castle High School has a varsity game.
* Tackle coaches can only have their players four times per week. (Game included)
* The week starts on Sunday and ends Saturday.
* Picture day, weighing in and equipment handout do not count as practice.
* Three or more players from the same team with a head coach or an assistant coach during the CYFL season will be deemed a practice for that team.
* Castle Elementary School has been generous allowing the CYFL to use their land. Everyone should help keep the trash picked up after each practice.

Rules are based on IHSAA standards with the following exceptions:

* It is mandatory that all coaches must attend one (1) coach's clinic each year. Also, it is strongly recommended that all coaches attend at least one (1) Varsity practice.
* A standard 4-4 defense must be played at all times except in a goal line situation (inside the 5 yard line) where a 5-3 is allowed. NO BLITZING on defense. Coaches must teach (The Castle System) and follow the defensive schemes and guidelines provided by the league from the Castle High School Varsity football staff.
* Each player must have a starting position and play that position during the entire game, including overtime. If a player is not playing both ways, he cannot be substituted for his position. A player's position may move from side to side (right vs. left, weak vs. strong, short vs. wide).
* Flag and Junior tackle leagues will use the Wilson K2 football or equivalent and the Senior tackle league will use the Wilson TDJ or equivalent.
* Coaches must explain and give the player's parent or guardian a copy of their team rules outlining the guideline and punishments. Coaches may deduct reasonable playing time from a player for breaking team rules. He must execute punishments evenly between players for the same offences. No special treatment for any individual player. Director of coaches must have a copy of each team's rules in order for punishment to be enforced.
* Each team will have a one head coach and a maximum of three assistants on the sidelines.
* Between possessions, the clock will start running when the ball is ready for play. This will not occur during the final 4:00 minutes of each half. During the final 4:00 minutes of each half, the clock will start after the change of possession only when the ball is snapped.
* During the game, each team must stay between the 50 & 25 yard lines on their side of the field designated by Home and Guest on the scoreboard.
* In Senior tackle on offense, the coach may be on the opposing side between the 25 yard line & the goal line with one player to run in plays.
* Junior tackle may have one coach per team on the field. After the offense reaches the line of scrimmage, neither coach can give instructions. The offensive coach may put his players into the correct formation once the huddle is broken. Sideline coaches are free to communicate to players at all times. The first infraction will result in warning from the official. Any subsequent infraction will result in stoppage of play and a 5 yard penalty.
* No punting in Junior tackle league. Punts would automatically be advanced 25 yards. No punts allowed past the 50 yard line. Coaches have the option of the 25 yard punt or go for the first down yards by play.
* Junior tackle can elect to kick a dead field goal for an extra two (2) points. Any fumble and the extra points are no good.
* During overtime, the south side of the field is cleared from the 25 yard line to the end zone. The guest team will occupy this side. Overtime will run according the IHSAA rules with alternating possessions from the 10. A coin toss called by the visiting team will decide who will have the choice of going on offense first or second with the choice alternation after each overtime.
* No video taping of games that your team is not playing in.
* No video taping from the press box. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
* No video of picture taking from the end of the playing field. (Goal post area).
* No use of two way radios, phones or any other electronic devices by coaches or assistant coaches during the games.
* Any issues of unsportsmanlike conduct will be handled by the game officials on the field and then addressed by the coach. After the game has concluded, if the actions are warranted, the league Commissioner will hand out punishment as he sees fit.
* No player shall be allowed to play more than two (2) years in the Flag or Junior tackle leagues, with the exception of those children with documented special needs. All exceptions are subject to board approval.

Weight Limits:

* Weight limits will be set by the CYFL Board and will be addressed prior to each season.
* All players will weigh-in at the beginning of the season and after their 4th game. If a player does not make weight, he/she shall be made a black stripe or have the black stripe removed.
* Present limits are Senior Tackle 120lbs, Junior Tackle 95lbs.
* The time and date of weighing in will be determined by the CYFL Board prior to each season.
* Weighing in will be monitored by a league official who does not have a child playing in that specific league.
* Players exceeding the limits will have a black stripe on the front and back of their helmet.
* All black stripe players are eligible to play QB at the Junior and Senior tackle levels, but cannot advance the ball past the line of scrimmage.
* Players exceeding the weight limit if playing offense must play on the line. On defense the player must play on the line or not further than four yards off the line such as linebacker. If a player is over the weight limit, he may not advance the ball. If he comes into possession of the ball, the play is stopped and his team retains possession.

Playoffs:

* Seeding will be bases on records.
* Tie breaker is head to head.
* Second tie breaker will consist of points allowed. The team that has given up the least number of points during the season will receive the higher seed.
* If there is still a tie, then a coin toss by the league Commissioner with the tied teams will decide the seeding.
* Playoff schedule will be provided by the League Presidents and Directors of Coaches and Player Personnel. The higher seeds will be playing the lower seeds. The top two teams will be in seperate brackets.

General Rule:

* Any coach (head or assistant) found to be breaking league rules will be approached by their league president and be asked to stop the rule violation. If the problem continues and is decided by the league president and director of coaches that the coach should receive some form of disciplinary action, then three (3) board members will meet and decide upon that action.

Open coaching positions:

* If two or more teams in the same league have an open coaching position, once approved by the CYFL Board, the coach's name or number will be drawn from a hat to determine which team they will coach. No team appointments.

Cheerleading:

* One practice per week as a team. If the cheer mom/dad would like, they can schedule one additional practice per week.
* No punishments for missed practice.
* All practices must be at a site specified by the league.

Weather:

* Games are played in all weather conditions except for lightning or severe weather. Show up for your scheduled game. Game may be postponed or rescheduled.
* Practices are at the coach's discretion, except for lightning and severe weather. Please check with your coach before going to practice.

Responsibilities:

* First game of the day both teams arrive a little early to help set up field.
* Last game of the day both teams help carry in all field equipment.
* Home team provides 1 parent in the press box and 3 parents for the concession. (1 parent to run the grill). 1 parent may be cheer parent.
* Visiting team provides 1 parent in the press box and 3 parents to work the chains.
* Games may be delayed until all positions are filled.

Pets:

* No pets allowed. Except for assistance.

Smoking:

* Smoking allowed in parking lot only.
CYFL Codes of Conduct for Players and Parents

PLAYERS:

1. Have fun.
2. Be a good sport (win of lose). be honest, fair and always show good sportsmanship to all coaches, players, officials and fans.
3. Learn the value of commitment to the team
4. Put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.
5. Show courtesy and respect to teammates, opponets and coaches.
6. Realize that athletic contest, including practice sessions are educational experiences and opportunities.
7. Players will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. Fighting will result in dismissal from the contest and possible subsequent disciplinary measures.
8. Players will not engage in rude behavior.
9. I will treat everyone, including coaches, parents, players and officials, with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, nationality or gender.

Parents:

1. Give constructive criticism during a private moment, never in front of other parents, players, officials, spectators, etc.
2. Support your coach and refrain from excessive " sideline coaching" from the stands.
3. Refrain from using profanity.
4. Abide by a doctor's decision in all matters of players health and injuries and physical ability to play.
5. Accept the decisions of the officials on the field and remain inder control in order to set a good example for players and other spectators.
6. Do not criticize an opposing team, its players, fans or coaches by words or gestures.
7. Support the coaches, players and officials. Help teach the value of commitment to the team, fair play, sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
8. Inappropriate behavior is cause for immediate ejection from the stands and facility. Repeat offenses will result in being barred from future games and league sponsored activities.
9. Parents will not encourage their child or any other person to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participants, officials or any other attendee.
10. Make every effort to attend all practices and games. You and your child will both benefit from your involvement in his/her experience.

Youth football plays a vital role in encouraging physical, social and emotional growth of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage their youth football players to embrace the values of good sportsmanship, discipline and charactor development.
CYFL Codes of Conduct for Coaches
Coaches:

1. The coach will not criticize players in front of spectators.
2. The coach will accept the decisions of officials.
3. The coach will not criticize the officials, the opposing team, the coaches, fans, or parents through language or gestures.
4. The coach will emphasize that good athletes are good students, and both are physically and mentally alert.
5. The coach will strive to make every fooyball activity serve as a training ground for life and as a basis for good mental and physical health.
6. The coach will emphasize that winning a game is the result of team work.
7. The coach shall not use abusive or profane language in front of anyone connected with the game.
8. The coach will refrain from "running up" the score against an opponent. This includes keeping in the first defense at all times.
9. The coach shall not be under the influence of alcolhol or illegal drugs.
10. The coach will set an example in personal conduct at all times.
11. The coach will not smoke or use any tobacco while on the field of play during games, scrimmages or practices.
12. The coach will treat each player, opposing coach, parent and commissioner with respect and dignity.
13. The coach will learn the strength and weaknesses of his players in order to place them into situations where each has an opportunity to achieve success.
14. The coach will protect the health and safty of his players by insisting that all the activities under his control be conducted for their psychological and physiological welfare, rather than the intrest of adults.

Youth football plays a vital role in encouraging physical, social and emotional growth of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage their youth football players to embrace the values of good sportsmanship, disciline and character development.