Central Jersey Pop Warner (CJPW) Mitey-Mite Rules (8/09 Revision)
All CJPW Mitey-Mite Teams shall be in Compliance with National
Pop Warner and National Federation of High School Rules,
Except for the Following:
9 YEAR OLDS
Weight limit of 70 lbs; 3rd year tackle or “dominant” players are encouraged by CJPW
to be placed with the Jr. Peewees.
COACH ON THE FIELD
A. One coach per team is allowed on the field during play. The purpose of which is to assure that this
division of play remain instructional. The field coach may participate in the huddle, assist in calling the
plays and arrange players. However, once the players are in the “SET” position, the coach may not talk
or interfere with the play in any manner. He MUST assume a position of NOT LESS than 5 yards behind
the deepest player on the field.
B. Coaches may line up the kick off or kick return teams but, must leave the field prior to the play.
C. PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL COACHING ON THE FIELD: First Offense - 10 YARDS and a WARNING;
Second Offense - 15 YARDS and an AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN (Unsportsmanlike Conduct),
Third Offense -
15 YARDS and a AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) and coach is ejected.
KICK-OFFS
A. No onside kicks are allowed.
B. An out of bounds kick-off penalty will be assessed to the kicking team if the ball is kicked outside the
hash marks.
PUNTING No punting is allowed. The team has an option of an automatic 20 yard “walk-off”
punt when outside the opponent’s 30 yard line.
TOUCHDOWNS & EXTRA POINTS
When a touchdown is scored as SEVEN points will be awarded and then the following:
1. One point shall be awarded to the team kicks the ball between the uprights and above the crossbar of
the goalposts.
2. Kickers must utilize a “kicking block.”
3. During the kicking of extra points, the defense shall line-up in place. The 5 down linemen kneel. All others
shall remain in place, standing still, and there shall be no rushing by the
defensive line. No jumping or distracting the kicker.
4. No team can score an extra point via the run or pass.
DEFENSE (8/09 Revision)
A. Absolutely no blitzing allowed. For the purposes of enforcement, you are considered to be “blitzing” anytime a tackle is made behind the line of scrimmage, from Offensive Tackle (or Tight end if any) to Tackle (or Tight end if any), by anyone other than the “down” defensive linemen.
B. No more than six (6) down linemen are allowed in any defensive set. Down linemen MUST be in a 3 or 4 point stance, are not allowed to line up over the center, and must be head up on the opposing lineman (including ends). Linebackers must be 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.
C. Ball carrier has to be outside the Offensive Tackle (or Tight end if any), or over line of scrimmage for Linebackers, Cornerbacks or Safety’s to rush.
D. PENALTIES FOR BLITZING: First Offense - 5 YARDS and a WARNING; Second Offense - 5 YARDS and a AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN, Third Offense - 15 YARDS UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT. The CJPW Mitey-Mite Commissioner must be notified of a third or subsequent offense, and the Head or Acting Head Coach will be brought in for a hearing.
OFFENSE NO unbalanced lines allowed. Three linemen (including ends) must be on each side of the center. THE PENALTIES FOR UNBALANCE LINE: First Offense - 5 YARDS and a WARNING; Second Offense - 5 YARDS and a LOSS OF DOWN, Third Offense - 15 YARDS UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT and LOSS OF DOWN. The CJPW Mitey-Mite Commissioner must be notified of a third or subsequent offense, and the Head or Acting Head Coach will be brought in for a hearing.
LOPSIDED RULE
A. The “Lopsided Rule” goes in to effect when a team assumes a 21 point advantage and remains in effect until the scoring differential is reduced to less than 21 points (except running clock continues for the rest of the game).
1. The winning team shall request and be allowed a “Game Official's Time-Out” to remove players.
2. The winning team MUST remove all of its starters, as well as any key, dominant players on both offense and defense. Since the Mitey-Mite Division is considered instructional, specializing players in one single position is inconsistent with its goals. Therefore under “Lopsided” play, the winning team should experience little difficulty in keeping with “The Spirit of the Rule.” If there are not a sufficient number of players to replace all starters, the few that remain must be shifted around to various positions, in a concerted effort to weaken the winning team and to allow the other team the opportunity to score with dignity.
3. No Kickoffs during “Lopsided” play.
After a score, the team trailing by 21 or more points receives the ball at the opponent’s 40 yard line, no matter which team as scored.
4. When there is a non scoring change of possession during “Lopsided” play: The winning team will start their drive on their own 20 yard line or at the spot of the change of possession if it is closer to the winning team’s goal line. The trailing team will start their drive on the winning team’s 40 yard line or at the spot of the change of possession if it is closer to the winning team’s goal line.
B. If the final Score differential is OVER 21 Points, the Head or Acting Head Coach will be brought in for a hearing.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS Associations found in violation of Mitey-Mite Rules, either as they appear here or as prescribed
elsewhere by CJPW and the national Pop Warner rules; the fine shall be DOUBLED as
provided in the appropriate section for the violation.
OTHER REMINDERS
1. CJPW does not post scores or standings of the Mitey-Mite Division.
2. Mandatory Play Rule:
3. 16-25 players = 12 plays,
4. 26-30 players = 10 plays,
5. 31-35 players = 8 plays.
6. Scores are not to be posted on the field scoreboard nor announced over the speaker system during the game.
Both teams are to confirm the final score with the referee and enter on the MPR sheet.
