PeeWee Division Rules

Age and Weight Requirements

• Players in the PeeWee Division shall be age six (6), seven (7) or eight (8) as of the last full day of the season (usually championship weekend). This date will change each season based upon whether or not it is a fall, winter or spring session. In extremely rare instances, league administration may elect to permit players both younger or older participate in the PeeWee Division on a case-by-case basis.
  • ALL players – regardless of whether or not they already have their equipment – shall weigh-in on the day of equipment distribution. They will be weighed with their helmet, jersey, shoulder pads, cleats, and practice pants. All pads must be in the helmet and pants. Players are not required to wear socks, underwear, undershirts, or mouthpiece for weigh-ins. This weight will be considered the player’s Base Weight. If a player misses the designated weigh-in, he must be weighed in before they are allowed to participate in any game.
  • In order to advance the ball a player may not weigh more than 85 lbs.
    • Offensively these positions are typically include QB, RB, WR, or TE.
    • A player may play a TE position but cannot catch or advance the ball.
    • Once an overweight player obtains possession of the ball the play is ruled dead at the point of possession.
    • This applies to defensive positions as well following an interception or fumble recovery.
  • No player whose base weight at the time of equipment distribution is in excess of 90 will ever be allowed to play an offensive skilled position for the entirety of that session. This rule is put in place to discourage players from cutting large percentages of weight. All weigh-ins will be done on the league scale. No outside scale will be allowed to be used. The weight on the league scale is FINAL.
  • A league official MUST witness the weigh-in. Coaches are not required but are permitted to witness weigh-ins when available and appropriate.
    • IMPORTANT – at any time, a league official or opposing coach may challenge the weight of any player from an opposing team in the league. Challenging weight in an attempt to allow a player to advance the ball for your own team is NOT permitted. A league official and both coaches will conduct the weigh-in challenge. ALL challenges must be filed with a league official 24 hours before game time. 
    • VERY IMPORTANT – No matter if it is the initial weigh-in to determine the Base Weight or any other weigh-in during the season, a player will be determined as overweight – and therefore unable to play an offensive skilled position – if they exceed the 85 lb. PeeWee Division weight limit. Even if they are over by 1/10^th of a pound, they will be determined as overweight – NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Every player will weigh-in during the week prior to the first game and during the week prior to the first playoff game. An additional weigh-in will be conducted prior to any playoff game, or in the case of a championship without playoff, the championship game. Once a player gets on the scale this will be his final weigh in. No exceptions! No one will be allowed to re-weigh to go to the restroom or try to lose more weight.

Practice & Game Regulations

• Each game will be four (4) quarters. Each quarter will be Twelve (12) minutes long with a running clock. Clock will only stop during team or an officials’ timeout (includes conferences and injuries). Half-time will be four (4) minutes. The clock can be stopped by league officials at any time during the game if the 45 second rule is infracted.
• Teams should get in and out of the huddle within 45 seconds from the time the official whistles the ball eligible for play.
  • League officials have the option to stop the clock 45 seconds following the end of the previous play during the last two minutes of each half in order to limit a team’s ability to burn the clock. This can also be enforced during kicks from scrimmage, extra-points, rules clarification conferences when there is no officials timeout, etc. at any point during a game.
• Each team will have three time outs per half.
• Penalties will be marked off per NFHS rules by five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) yard increments depending upon the severity of the infraction.
• One coach from each team will be allowed on the field and in the huddle during the game.
  • The coach must be at least five (5) yards deeper than the deepest player on the field at the snap of the ball.
  • In the Indoor Session, since both teams share the same sideline, one coach per team is allowed past the mid-field side of their field up to the marked coaches box. No players or additional coaches are allowed past mid-field mark.
• No coaches are allowed at an elevated level in the box or stands. No electronic communication devices are permitted to be used during the games.
• Teams are allowed to film each other from an elevated view for scouting purposes during games ONLY.
  • No filming of practices is permitted.

Offensive Rules

• Unbalanced lines are not permitted.
• There must be a minimum of one (1) back in the backfield (between the tackles) at the snap of the ball along with the quarterback.
• No more than 2 reception eligible players on each side of the formation. (Trips/Quads or not permitted)
  • An overweight TE or Y is considered eligible by position regardless of ability to catch or advance the ball.
• No motion is allowed.
  • Illegal formations or motions will result in a five (5) yard penalty from the LOS. If the defense would prefer the result of the play, they may choose to accept that instead of the “Illegal Offense” infraction.
• Offensive line splits must not be any wider than 2 feet wide between any position tackle to tackle.
• Absolutely no “crack” blocking is permissible.
• QB sneaks are not allowed.
  • The quarterback may carry the ball only if they step backward – away from the LOS – with their first step.
  • A QB may run in the B gap or wider at any time.

Defensive Rules

• Teams will play a 4-3, gap sound defensive front.
• Defenses must play Cover 2 for the pass defense coverage.
  • No man to man (Cover 0, 1,) is permissible.
• Linebackers and corners must be aligned no closer than four (4) yards
  • Linebackers must align inside the DEs
  • OLBs (Sam & Will LBs) may align outside the DEs in the instance there are 2 extended receivers outside the tackle (a wing is considered the same as a TE, therefore is not extended)
• Safeties no closer than eight (8) yards.
• DEs must be in odd techniques (outside – i.e. 5 when over a tackle or 9 when over a TE) and cannot play even or inside techniques (i.e. 6i or 7 or 4i techniques).
  • Defensive ends are contain players and should be taught to play the position that way.
  • Defensive ends must assume a three or four point stance
• No blitzing or fake blitzing (stemming) allowed at the linebacker or defensive back level/positions.
  • Blitzing is identified in the following ways:
    • LB or DB demonstrates the intent prior to the snap (runners stance)
    • LB or DB makes a sack on the QB on a passing attempt while inside the pocket
    • LB or DB appears to blindly and repeatedly run in a specific direction immediately following the snap of the ball regardless of the flow or direction of the play itself.
    • Blitzing or aligning closer than four (4) yards from the ball will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards and repeat the down.
      • The offense may select to choose the result of the play if it is more beneficial to them. 
• Nose Guards and or Tackles must align over the guards in a 2 or 3 technique.
  • Aligning in a 2i or in the “A” gap is not permissible.
  • Defensive tackles MUST make contact with the offensive guard with both hands at the snap of the ball. Slanting or shooting the “A” gap is strictly prohibited – especially in short yardage situations. Illegal slants by the tackles or stunts involving linebackers will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards
• Linebackers may move up to no closer to the down linemen’s heels (never closer than two yards from the LOS) once the ball has crossed the five (5) yard line going into the end zone. This is considered a short yardage situation and the linebackers may move up.

Special Teams

• There are no kickoffs or kickoff returns.
  • Teams will begin possession at the beginning of the game, after half-time and following a score by starting at their own thirty-five (35) yard line (ten yard line indoors).
  • If at any point in the game a team is trailing by 28 or more points, the ball will be spotted at mid-field following the winning team’s score or half-time possession. In the case of a safety, the ball will be spotted at the 45 yard line (20 yard line indoors).
• Teams may elect to punt on fourth down. The ball will be marked off twenty (20) yards from the LOS where the opposing team will take possession of the ball.
  • If the ball is on the opposing team’s side of the ball (over mid-field), the offensive team must elect to go for the first down regardless of the down & distance situation.
• Extra points will be done as follows:
• Run or Pass for a successful try from the 3 yard-line, each are worth 2 pts

General Rules

• There is absolutely no practicing outside of the allotted time or at an off-site location other than those noted on the official schedule provided by EYTFL administration. This includes individualized and group training session being conducted by participant coaches representing EYTFL.
• Practices are not to be video recorded or photographed.
• All players must wear protective gear issued by the league as well as the gear parents must provide (protective cup, mouth guard and cleats).
• The home team will be listed second on the league schedule (i.e. Team A vs. Team B – Team B is the home team) and will use the north sideline closest to the stands.
  • The visiting team is in charge of getting three adults to operate the chains and down marker for every game.
• Parents or spectators are not permitted on the team sideline or in the end zones during games. Other than the chain gang volunteers, absolutely nobody other than coaches, players, referees, or league officials will be allowed on the team sideline.
• Any spectator using foul or offensive language will be asked to leave the facility and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League. Furthermore, any individual screaming at or verbally abusing referees, coaches, players, or league officials will be asked to leave the premises and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League.
• A "dominant player" shall be defined as any player that has repeatedly demonstrated dominating game play on the field and has contributed to two injuries to two separate players resulting in said players inability to remain in competition over a period of 8 days following the onset of symptoms.

• • Players being hurt in contact sports such as football while unwanted, remain a reality of the game. Cuts, bumps, and bruises are to be expected even in the case of safe play. For the sake of our ruling, and injury is a negative physical ailment that results in an athletes inability to participate in practices or games for a period of 8 days or greater.
  • The Erie Youth Tackle Football League reserves the right to change divisions or remove any player designated by league officials as a Dominant Player from the League.
  • The reason for using the rule in this case is to no fault of the player himself. The player is a very good football player who possesses both physical and athletic advantages far superior to most of the other members of the league. His unique combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism coupled with his advanced skills makes him a clear danger to other players on the field.　
• Every player MUST start on at least one side of the ball for the first series of each half.
• Every player MUST play at least ten (10) plays over the course of the game.
• NFHS/P.I.A.A. rules govern unless noted above.

Mighty Division Rules

Age and Weight Requirements

• Players in the Mighty Division shall be age nine (9) or ten (10) as of the last full day of the season (usually championship weekend). This date will change each season based upon whether or not it is a fall, winter or spring session. In extremely rare instances, league administration may elect to permit players both younger or older participate in the PeeWee Division on a case-by-case basis.
  • ALL players – regardless of whether or not they already have their equipment – shall weigh-in on the day of equipment distribution. They will be weighed with their helmet, jersey, shoulder pads, cleats, and practice pants. All pads must be in the helmet and pants. Players are not required to wear socks, underwear, undershirts, or mouthpiece for weigh-ins. This weight will be considered the player’s Base Weight. If a player misses the weigh-in, he must be weighed in before they are allowed to participate in any game.
  • In order to advance the ball a player may not weigh more than 115 lbs.
    • Offensively these positions are typically include QB, RB, WR, or TE.
    • A player may play a TE position but cannot catch or advance the ball.
    • Once an overweight player obtains possession of the ball the play is ruled dead at the point of possession.
    • This applies to defensive positions as well following an interception or fumble recovery.
  • No player whose base weight at the time of equipment distribution is in excess of 122Lbs will ever be allowed to play an offensive skilled position for the entirety of that session. This rule is put in place to discourage players from cutting large percentages of weight. All weigh-ins will be done on the league scale. No outside scale will be allowed to be used. The weight on the league scale is FINAL.
  • A league official MUST witness the weigh-in. Coaches are not required but are permitted to witness weigh-ins when available and appropriate.
    • IMPORTANT – at any time, a league official or opposing coach may challenge the weight of any opposing player in the league. A league official and both coaches will conduct the weigh-in challenge. ALL challenges must be filed with a league official 24 hours before game time. 
    • VERY IMPORTANT – No matter if it is the initial weigh-in to determine the Base Weight or any other weigh-in during the season, a player will be determined as overweight – and therefore unable to play an offensive skilled position – if they exceed the 115 lb. Mighty Division weight limit. Even if they are over by 1/10th of a pound, they will be determined as overweight – NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Every player will weigh-in during the week prior to the first game and during the week prior to the first playoff game. (Exception: during an extended session of eight games – there will be an additional weigh-in at mid-season during the regular season. Once a player gets on the scale this will be his final weigh in. No exceptions! No one will be allowed to re-weigh to go to the restroom or try to lose more weight.

Practice & Game Regulations

• Each game will be four (4) quarters. Each quarter will be Twelve (12) minutes long with a running clock. Clock will only stop during team or an officials’ timeout (includes conferences and injuries). Half-time will be four (4) minutes. The clock can be stopped by league officials at any time during the game if the 45 second rule is infracted.
Teams should get in and out of the huddle within 45 seconds from the time the official whistles the ball eligible for play.
• League officials have the option to stop the clock 45 seconds following the end of the previous play during the last two minutes of each half in order to limit a team’s ability to burn the clock. This can also be enforced during kicks from scrimmage, extra-points, rules clarification conferences when there is no officials timeout, etc. at any point during a game.
• Each team will have three time outs per half.
• Penalties will be marked off per NFHS rules by five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) yard increments depending upon the severity of the infraction.
• Coaches are not permitted inside the field of play at any time other than team timeouts.
  • Coaches may be penalized by the officials or the press box for violations.
  • One coach may attend to an injured athlete. Any coaches in the player huddle during a officials injury TO will be penalized 5yds for illegal procedure.
• No coaches are allowed at an elevated level in the box or stands. No electronic communication devices are permitted to be used during the games.
• Teams are allowed to film each other from an elevated view for scouting purposes during games ONLY.
  • No filming of practices is permitted.

Offensive Rules

• Unbalanced lines are not permitted.
• There must be a minimum of one (1) back in the backfield (between the tackles) at the snap of the ball along with the quarterback.
• Trips or 3x1 sets are permitted.
  • An overweight TE or Y is considered eligible by position regardless of ability to catch or advance the ball.
• No motion is allowed.
  • Illegal formations or motions will result in a five (5) yard penalty from the LOS. If the defense would prefer the result of the play, they may choose to accept that instead of the “Illegal Offense” infraction.
• Offensive line splits must not be any wider than 2 feet wide between any position tackle to tackle.
• Absolutely no “crack” blocking is permissible.
• QB sneaks are allowed.

Defensive Rules

• Teams will play a 4-3 or a 4-4 gap sound defensive front.
• If a 4-3
  • Defenses must play Cover 2 for the pass defense coverage.
    • No man to man (Cover 0) is permissible.
  • Linebackers and corners must be aligned no closer than four (4) yards
    • Linebackers must align inside the DEs
    • OLBs (Sam & Will LBs) may align outside the DEs in the instance there are 2 extended receivers outside the tackle (a wing is considered the same as a TE, therefore is not extended)
    • In the case of trips with 3 extended receivers outside the tackle, you may move 1 OLB (Sam or Will LBs) out to the #2 receiver and then another LB (Sam, Will, or Mike) out to #3.
  • Safeties no closer than eight (8) yards.
  • DEs must be in odd techniques (outside – i.e. 5 when over a tackle or 9 when over a TE) and cannot play even or inside techniques (i.e. 6i or 7 or 4i techniques).
    • Defensive ends are contain players and should be taught to play the position that way.
    • Defensive ends must assume a three or four point stance
  • Nose Guards and or Tackles must align over the guards in a 2i, 2 or 3 technique.
• If a 4-4
  • Defenses must play Cover 3 for the pass defense coverage.
    • No man to man (Cover 0,1) is permissible.
  • Linebackers and corners must be aligned no closer than four (4) yards
  • OLBs align outside the DEs
    • In the instance there are 2 extended receivers outside the tackle, the OLB to that side may widen to #2 (a wing is considered the same as a TE, therefore is not extended)
  • In the case of trips with 3 extended receivers outside the tackle, the OLB to that side may widen to #2 with an additional LB widening to #3.
  • Safeties no closer than eight (8) yards.
  • DEs may assume a 5 or 4 technique when over a tackle, 6 when over a TE, or a 7 in the case of a TE with a Wing.
  • Defensive ends are C-gap defenders and should be taught to play the position that way.
  • Defensive ends must assume a three or four point stance
  • Nose Guards and or Tackles must align over the guards in a 2i, 2 or 3 technique.
    • Illegal slants by the tackles or stunts involving linebackers will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards
  • No blitzing or fake blitzing (stemming) allowed at the linebacker or defensive back level/positions.
    • Blitzing is identified in the following ways:
    • LB or DB demonstrates the intent prior to the snap (runners stance)
    • LB or DB makes a sack on the QB on a passing attempt while inside the pocket
    • LB or DB appears to blindly and repeatedly run in a specific direction immediately following the snap of the ball regardless of the flow or direction of the play itself.
    • Blitzing or aligning closer than four (4) yards from the ball will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards and repeat the down.
      • The offense may select to choose the result of the play if it is more beneficial to them. 
• Linebackers may move up to no closer to the down linemen’s heels (never closer than two yards from the LOS) once the ball has crossed the five (5) yard line going into the end zone. This is considered a short yardage situation and the linebackers may move up.

Special Teams

• There are no kickoffs or kickoff returns.
  • Teams will begin possession at the beginning of the game, after half-time and following a score by starting at their own thirty-five (35) yard line (ten yard line indoors).
  • If at any point in the game a team is trailing by 28 or more points, the ball will be spotted at mid-field following the winning team’s score or half-time possession. In the case of a safety, the ball will be spotted at the 45 yard line (20 yard line indoors).
• Teams may elect to punt on fourth down.
  • There will be no rushing the punter or returning of punts.
  • The snap cannot be a direct handoff between the center and the punter. The ball must be snapped or tossed between the two.
    • If the snap is dropped, the ball will be marked at the point the ball is dropped. 
    • If the punt successfully crosses the line of scrimmage, the ball will be marked either at the point of first contact or point at which the ball is downed, whichever is further. The ball cannot be advanced as the result of a muffed punt reception.
  • If the ball hits any portion of the ceiling, netting, etc. it is considered as part of the field and should be marked as fielded by the return team.
• Extra points will be done as follows:
• Kick, Run or Pass for a successful try from the 3 yard-line. Each are worth 2 pts
• There will be no rushing the kicker during an extra point attempt

General Rules

• All players must wear protective gear issued by the league as well as the gear parents must provide (protective cup, mouth guard and cleats).
• The home team will be listed second on the league schedule (i.e. Team A vs. Team B – Team B is the home team) and will use the north sideline closest to the stands.
  • The visiting team is in charge of getting three adults to operate the chains and down marker for every game.
• Parents or spectators are not permitted on the team sideline or in the endzones during games. Other than the chain gang volunteers, absolutely nobody other than coaches, players, referees, or league officials will be allowed on the team sideline.
• Any spectator using foul or offensive language will be asked to leave the facility and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League. Furthermore, any individual screaming at or verbally abusing referees, coaches, players, or league officials will be asked to leave the premises and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League.
  • A "dominant player" shall be defined as any player that has repeatedly demonstrated dominating game play on the field and has contributed to two injuries to two separate players resulting in said players inability to remain in competition over a period of 8 days following the onset of symptoms.

• Players being hurt in contact sports such as football while unwanted, remain a reality of the game. Cuts, bumps, and bruises are to be expected even in the case of safe play. For the sake of our ruling, and injury is a negative physical ailment that results in an athletes inability to participate in practices or games for a period of 8 days or greater.
• The Erie Youth Tackle Football League reserves the right to change divisions or remove any player designated by league officials as a Dominant Player from the League.
• The reason for using the rule in this case is to no fault of the player himself. The player is a very good football player who possesses both physical and athletic advantages far superior to most of the other members of the league. His unique combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism coupled with his advanced skills makes him a clear danger to other players on the field.　
• Every player MUST start on at least one side of the ball for the first series of each half.
• Every player MUST play at least ten (10) plays over the course of the game.
• NFHS/P.I.A.A. rules govern unless noted above.

Senior Division Rules

Age and Weight Requirements

• Players in the Senior Division shall be age eleven (11) or twelve (12) as of the last full day of the season (usually championship weekend). This date will change each season based upon whether or not it is a fall, winter or spring session. In extremely rare instances, league administration may elect to permit players both younger or older participate in the Senior Division on a case-by-case basis.
  • ALL players – regardless of whether or not they already have their equipment – shall weigh-in on the day of equipment distribution. They will be weighed with their helmet, jersey, shoulder pads, cleats, and practice pants. All pads must be in the helmet and pants. Players are not required to wear socks, underwear, undershirts, or mouthpiece for weigh-ins. This weight will be considered the player’s Base Weight. If a player misses the equipment distribution weigh-in, he must be weighed in before they are allowed to participate in any practice.
  • In order to advance the ball a player may not weigh more than 135 lbs.
    • Offensively these positions are typically include QB, RB, WR, or TE.
    • A player may play a TE position but cannot catch or advance the ball.
    • Once an overweight player obtains possession of the ball the play is ruled dead at the point of possession.
    • This applies to defensive positions as well following an interception or fumble recovery.
  • No player whose base weight at the time of equipment distribution is in excess of 143Lbs will ever be allowed to play an offensive skilled position for the entirety of that session. This rule is put in place to discourage players from cutting large percentages of weight. All weigh-ins will be done on the league scale. No outside scale will be allowed to be used. The weight on the league scale is FINAL.
  • A league official MUST witness the weigh-in. Coaches are not required but are permitted to witness weigh-ins when available and appropriate.
    • IMPORTANT – at any time, a league official or opposing coach may challenge the weight of any player in the league. A league official and both coaches will conduct the weigh-in challenge. ALL challenges must be filed with a league official 24 hours before game time. 
    • VERY IMPORTANT – No matter if it is the initial weigh-in to determine the Base Weight or any other weigh-in during the season, a player will be determined as overweight – and therefore unable to play an offensive skilled position – if they exceed the 135 lb. Senior Division weight limit. Even if they are over by 1/10th of a pound, they will be determined as overweight – NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Every player will weigh-in during the week prior to the first game and during the week prior to the first playoff game. (Exception: during an extended session of eight games – there will be an additional weigh-in at mid-season during the regular season. Once a player gets on the scale this will be his final weigh in. No exceptions! No one will be allowed to re-weigh to go to the restroom or try to lose more weight.

Practice & Game Regulations

• Each game will be four (4) quarters. Each quarter will be Twelve (12) minutes long with a running clock. Clock will only stop during team or an officials’ timeout (includes conferences and injuries). Half-time will be four (4) minutes. The clock can be stopped by league officials at any time during the game if the 25 second rule is infracted.
Teams should get in and out of the huddle within 25 seconds from the time the official whistles the ball eligible for play.
• League officials have the option to stop the clock 25 seconds following the end of the previous play during the last two minutes of each half in order to limit a team’s ability to burn the clock. This can also be enforced during kicks from scrimmage, extra-points, rules clarification conferences when there is no officials timeout, etc. at any point during a game.
• Each team will have three time outs per half.
• Penalties will be marked off per NFHS rules by five (5), ten (10), or fifteen (15) yard increments depending upon the severity of the infraction.
• Coaches are not permitted inside the field of play at any time other than team timeouts.
  • Coaches may be penalized by the officials or the press box for violations.
  • One coach may attend to an injured athlete. Any coaches in the player huddle during a officials injury TO will be penalized 5yds for illegal procedure.
• No coaches are allowed at an elevated level in the box or stands. No electronic communication devices are permitted to be used during the games.
• Teams are allowed to film each other from an elevated view for scouting purposes during games ONLY.
  • No filming of practices is permitted.

Offensive Rules

• Unbalanced lines are not permitted.
• There must be a minimum of one (1) back in the backfield (between the tackles) at the snap of the ball along with the quarterback.
• Trips or 3x1 sets are permitted.
  • An overweight TE or Y is considered eligible by position regardless of ability to catch or advance the ball.
• Motion is allowed.
  • Illegal formations or motions will result in a five (5) yard penalty from the LOS. If the defense would prefer the result of the play, they may choose to accept that instead of the “Illegal Offense” infraction.
• Offensive line splits must not be any wider than 2 feet wide between any position tackle to tackle.
• Absolutely no “crack” blocking is permissible.
• QB sneaks are allowed.

Defensive Rules

• Teams will play a 4-3 or a 4-4 gap sound defensive front.
• If a 4-3
  • Defenses must play Cover 2 for the pass defense coverage.
    • No man to man (Cover 0) is permissible.
  • Linebackers and corners must be aligned no closer than four (4) yards
    • Linebackers must align inside the DEs
    • OLBs (Sam & Will LBs) may align outside the DEs in the instance there are 2 extended receivers outside the tackle (a wing is considered the same as a TE, therefore is not extended)
    • In the case of trips with 3 extended receivers outside the tackle, you may move 1 OLB (Sam or Will LBs) out to the #2 receiver and then another LB (Sam, Will, or Mike) out to #3.
  • Safeties no closer than eight (8) yards.
  • DEs must be in odd techniques (outside – i.e. 5 when over a tackle or 9 when over a TE) and cannot play even or inside techniques (i.e. 6i or 7 or 4i techniques).
    • Defensive ends are contain players and should be taught to play the position that way.
    • Defensive ends must assume a 3 or 4 point stance.
  • Nose Guards and or Tackles must align over the guards in a 2i, 2 or 3 technique.
• If a 4-4
  • Defenses must play Cover 3 for the pass defense coverage.
    • No man to man (Cover 0,1) is permissible.
  • Linebackers and corners must be aligned no closer than four (4) yards
  • OLBs align outside the DEs
    • In the instance there are 2 extended receivers outside the tackle, the OLB to that side may widen to #2 (a wing is considered the same as a TE, therefore is not extended)
  • In the case of trips with 3 extended receivers outside the tackle, the OLB to that side may widen to #2 with an additional LB widening to #3.
  • Safeties no closer than eight (8) yards.
  • DEs may assume a 5 or 4 technique when over a tackle, 6 when over a TE, or a 7 in the case of a TE with a Wing.
  • Defensive ends are C-gap defenders and should be taught to play the position that way.
  • Defensive ends must assume a 3 or 4 point stance.
  • Nose Guards and or Tackles must align over the guards in a 2i, 2 or 3 technique.
    • Illegal slants by the tackles or stunts involving linebackers will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards
  • No blitzing or fake blitzing (stemming) allowed at the linebacker or defensive back level/positions.
    • Blitzing is identified in the following ways:
    • LB or DB demonstrates the intent prior to the snap (runners stance)
    • LB or DB makes a sack on the QB on a passing attempt while inside the pocket
    • LB or DB appears to blindly and repeatedly run in a specific direction immediately following the snap of the ball regardless of the flow or direction of the play itself.
    • Blitzing or aligning closer than four (4) yards from the ball will result in an “Illegal Defense” penalty of five (5) yards and repeat the down.
      • The offense may select to choose the result of the play if it is more beneficial to them. 
• Linebackers may move up to no closer to the down linemen’s heels (never closer than two yards from the LOS) once the ball has crossed the five (5) yard line going into the end zone. This is considered a short yardage situation and the linebackers may move up.

Special Teams

• There are no kickoffs or kickoff returns.
  • Teams will begin possession at the beginning of the game, after half-time and following a score by starting at their own thirty-five (35) yard line (ten yard line indoors).
  • If at any point in the game a team is trailing by 28 or more points, the ball will be spotted at mid-field following the winning team’s score or half-time possession. In the case of a safety, the ball will be spotted at the 45 yard line (20 yard line indoors).
• Teams may elect to punt on fourth down.
  • There will be no rushing the punter or returning of punts.
  The snap must be a true long snap attempt from between the legs at a minimum distance of 7 yards. Upon reception by the punt the ball must be kicked within the space from tackle to tackle.
  • If the snap is dropped, the ball may be recovered and kicked. 
  • If the punt successfully crosses the line of scrimmage, the ball will be marked either at the point of first contact or point at which the ball is downed, whichever is further. The ball cannot be advanced as the result of a muffed punt reception.
  • If the ball hits any portion of the ceiling, netting, etc. it is considered as part of the field and should be marked as fielded by the return team.
• Extra points will be done as follows:
• Kick, Run or Pass for a successful try from the 3 yard-line. Each are worth 2 points.
• There will be no rushing the kicker during extra point kick attempts.

General Rules

• All players must wear protective gear issued by the league as well as the gear parents must provide (protective cup, mouth guard and cleats).
• The home team will be listed second on the league schedule (i.e. Team A vs. Team B – Team B is the home team) and will use the north sideline closest to the stands.
  • The visiting team is in charge of getting three adults to operate the chains and down marker for every game.
• Parents or spectators are not permitted on the team sideline or in the end zones during games. Other than the chain gang volunteers, absolutely nobody other than coaches, players, referees, or league officials will be allowed on the team sideline.
• Any spectator using foul or offensive language will be asked to leave the facility and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League. Furthermore, any individual screaming at or verbally abusing referees, coaches, players, or league officials will be asked to leave the premises and risks being banned from the Erie Youth Tackle Football League.
  • A "dominant player" shall be defined as any player that has repeatedly demonstrated dominating game play on the field and has contributed to two injuries to two separate players resulting in said players inability to remain in competition over a period of 8 days following the onset of symptoms.

• Players being hurt in contact sports such as football while unwanted, remain a reality of the game. Cuts, bumps, and bruises are to be expected even in the case of safe play. For the sake of our ruling, and injury is a negative physical ailment that results in an athletes inability to participate in practices or games for a period of 8 days or greater.
• The Erie Youth Tackle Football League reserves the right to change divisions or remove any player designated by league officials as a Dominant Player from the League.
• The reason for using the rule in this case is to no fault of the player himself. The player is a very good football player who possesses both physical and athletic advantages far superior to most of the other members of the league. His unique combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism coupled with his advanced skills makes him a clear danger to other players on the field.　
• Every player MUST start on at least one side of the ball for the first series of each half.
• Every player MUST play at least ten (10) plays over the course of the game. 
• NFHS/P.I.A.A. rules govern unless noted above.

Tie Breaker:

1. Record

2. Head to Head

3. Point Differential (between the teams tied)

4. Points Given Up (entire season)

5. Point Differential (entire season)

6. Points Scored

7. Coin Flip