2017

Coaches

Handbook

Table of Contents

Key definitions, Mission

statement………………………………………………………..4-5

Chapters &

Conferences………………………………………………………6

VYFL Representatives

Eligibility……………………………………………………………7

Coaches………………………………………………………….8-13

Penalties……………………………………………………….13-14

Forfeits and

Protest………………………………………………………….14-15

Rosters………………………………………………………….16-17

Game officials, Game length & Overtime

Rules…………………………………………………………….18-19

Scoring and Mercy

rule…………………………………………………………………..19

Ball

sizes………………………………………………………………….20

Game

Procedures……………………………………………………20-21

Equipment &

Jerseys……………………………………………………………..21

Coaches attire &

Clinics………………………………………………………………21

Freshman rules & X-

factors…………………………………………………………22-28

Sophomore rules & X-

factors…………………………………………………………27-28

Practice and Important dates for 2017

season………………………………………………………………28

Heat restrictions

……………………………………………………………………29-32

“ Where every child matters”

The rules found in this document are only meant

to cover areas where the VYFL has decided to

follow rules that are not currently found in the

NFHS or CIF Blue Book rules. The order we will

abide by in terms of rule priority will be:

1. VYFL Rule Book

2. CIF Blue Book

3. NFHS Rule Book

This means that if a rule is stated in this VYFL

Rule Book, it will be followed as stated – even if

it differs from what’s stated in the CIF Blue Book

or NFHS Rule Book. If a rule is NOT stated in this

VYFL Rule Book, we will follow first what is

stated in the CIF Blue Book and then what is

stated in the NFHS Rulebook.

Key Definitions/Terminology

1. VYFL refers exclusively to the Valley Youth

Football League.

2. Chapter refers to a Chapter franchised by the

VYFL.

3. Franchised team is one which has met the

requirements of its Chapter and the VYFL

Mission Statement/Purpose

Mission statement: The objective of

Valley Youth Football League is to inspire

youth, to practice the ideals of health,

citizenship and character; to bring our

youth closer together through the means

of common interest in sportsmanship and

fair play; to impart to the game elements

of safety, sanity and intelligent

supervision; and keep the welfare of the

player first and foremost.

Purpose: To acquaint the players with

the fundamentals of the game rules,

running, kicking, blocking and tackling. To

teach through the game sportsmanship,

love of the game and discipline; to

promote safe play throughout all

divisions of play.

Chapters and Conferences as of 4/10/17

Northern Conference

Dinuba Gladiators

Hanford United

Sunnyside Wildcats

Central Conference

Arvin Grizzlies

Bakersfield Bruins

Bakersfield Mustangs

South Bakersfield Rams

Southwest Bakersfield Panthers

Northwest Bakersfield Browns

Eastern Conference

Bishop Broncos

Boron Wildcats

Cal City Mighty Ducks

IWV Burros

Kern Valley Broncs

Section A: AD’s, Coaches and Team

Officials -Eligibility

1. Athletic Director/Coach at Large/Chapter

AD must be 21 years of age or over.

2. Head Coach (football) must be 21 years of

age or over.

3. A 21 year old or older head coach or

assistant must be present at all

practices/games.

4. All chapter personnel must submit a

background check and must not have been

convicted of any crime, which would cause

them to register under Section 290 of the

California Penal Code or be found to be of a

violent nature. If information is found, they

may be found ineligible by their Chapter or

by the General Membership of VYFL for

conviction of any crime. The Chapters will

collect verifiable information necessary to

check all coaches, 18 years and older with

the Megan's Law files.

5. All Coaches must abide by the

rules/regulations outlined in the coaches’

handbook. All coaches are required to sign

the VYFL code of conduct included in the

handbook. Each Coach of each team in a

Chapter may be required to take a test on the

VYFL Rule Book.

6. Coaching staff are limited to 1 head coach

& 6 assistant coaches. A minimum of 2

coaches are required per staff.

Section B. Coaches:

1. Coaches can receive fines (25.00 to 250.00)

and or ejections from games or of a season

from deputy commissioners for violation of:

Code of Conduct or Parent code

of conduct policy

Any insubordination towards

fellow board member or affiliate

of VYFL

Any outburst towards any game

official

Any rule book code that is broken

Any social media outbursts

Coaches code of conduct:

Valley Youth Football League Code of Conduct

The Valley Youth Football League (VYFL)

believes that: participation in any sports

program plays an important role in promoting

the physical, social and emotional development

of our youth. It is essential for the VYFL to

provide a positive and enjoyable learning

experience for youth, teaching sportsmanship,

fair play, integrity, honor, respect, loyalty,

personal courage and dedication through the

game of football. Furthermore, parents,

coaches, spectators and officials involved in

youth sports events should be models of such

statements and should lead by example by

demonstrating fairness, respect and self-

control. The VYFL has established this Code of

Conduct and requires that you commit to be

responsible for your words and actions while

attending or participating in all events and that

you conform your behavior to the following

Code of Conduct:

With regard to my players:

1. I believe that my role as a coach is to

contribute to the overall success,

physical and athletic growth through

participating in football.

2. I will endeavor to be a good instructor

and a positive role model for my players.

3. I believe that the score of a game comes

second to the safety and welfare for my

players.

4. I will endeavor to put winning in its

proper perspective.

5. I am responsible for understanding and

competing within the letter and the

spirit of the rules set forth by the VYFL.

6. I will teach my players to understand

and play within the letter and spirit of

the rules as well.

With regard to opposing teams:

1. I believe that the way my team conducts

itself has an influence, for better or

worse, on those we compete against.

2. I will endeavor to make my team a

positive role model.

3. I will not coach, nor allow my players to

play, with intent to cause injury to

opposing players.

4. Neither I, nor my players and spectators,

will display hostile behavior towards

opposing players.

5. Neither I, nor my players and spectators,

will speak in a negative manner toward

any member or spectator from the

opposing team.

6. I will emphasize winning without

boasting and losing without bitterness.

With regard to game officials:

1. I believe that referees, just as coaches

and players, are attempting to do their

best.

2. I will instill in my players and spectators

a respect for that fact.

3. I understand that my attitude can

influence my players and spectators.

4. I will display a controlled and

undemonstrative attitude towards

referees at all times.

5. Neither I, nor my players and spectators,

will address a referee before, during or

after the game in a demeaning fashion.

Other items:

1. We expect you to create a FUN

environment for the kids.

2. We expect the kids to work hard and get

better everyday—they are having fun

and working hard, we have

accomplished our goals.

3. We expect coaches to remain positive;

it’s not all about winning.

4. We expect constant communication

with your parents—e-mails, website,

phone calls, etc.

5. There will be fines and suspensions if

any coaches cannot conduct themselves.

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of

their players and the spectators on their side of

the field, specifically as it relates to the

referees, coaches, players, and spectators of

the other team. Verbal and/or physical abuse

will not be tolerated. Any coach showing this

type of behavior shall be subject to disciplinary

action as dictated by and at the discretion of

the VYFL. I further understand that my failure

to abide by this code of conduct may result in

disciplinary action by the VYFL, which may

include but is not limited to game suspension

and/or my rights to participate as a coach for

the Valley Youth Football League.

Section C: Penalties (a violation of any

rule contained herein may subject a

chapter, team, or individuals to any one

or more of the following penalties).

1. Forfeiture of game(s).

2. Disqualification from competing for, or

taking part in season games.

3. Disqualification from participating in bowl

or post-season games.

4. Subject to a fine of not less than $25.00

and no more than $250.00.

5. Suspension, expulsion, ineligibility,

disbarment, or probation.

6. Loss of franchise.

Ejections Players and Coaches

While each club may elect to enforce their own

disciplinary policy on ejected players, the

ejected player is still subject to VYFL rules. Any

player ejected from a game is suspended for

the next subsequent game. If a player is

ejected a second time within the same season,

the player’s actions will be reviewed by a

deputy commissioner for possible further

sanctions or suspension for the remainder of

the season.

Any coach ejected from a game shall

immediately leave the premises. The coach is

automatically suspended for the next

subsequent game. All coach ejections will be

subject to a fine as well.

Section D: Forfeits & Protest

Protests: VYFL has no protest rule. All games

are final.

Team forfeits

A-Forfeits In the event that a team must

forfeit a game, no less than Monday of the

game advance notice must be given by the

forfeiting chapter to the AD of scheduling If

forfeit is less than Monday before the game

notice is given, the forfeiting chapter will be

responsible for paying any incurred fees. No

show rule is subject to a 250.00 fine to the

opposing chapter, no exceptions due Friday

before the game if not (Monday before the

game ).

All Forfeits (no game played see 11 player

rules) will incur a $250 dollar penalty, per

forfeited game. Forfeit penalty to be paid by

the Friday before the next game to opposing

chapter, No exceptions.

Games forfeited

1. Coaches exhibiting un-sportsmanlike

conduct toward any game official, player,

director, or opposing coach or player.

2. Parents and/or followers of a team using

un-sportsmanlike conduct toward any

official, player, coach, director, or opposing

coach or player. NOTE: Before the game is

forfeited, one warning will be given by a

game official & the game officials will consult

with the chapter presidents to agree a forfeit

is necessary

3. Not following the 10 play rule in the

freshman division.

4. Overage of age & falsification of data

concerning age. Team is subject to be removed

for league play.

5.Team that is not at assigned game time (30

minutes after time) will be subject to forfeit

and fine.

Section E: Roster Sizes

Maximum Roster

We recommend that not more than 35

players shall be certified onto a team roster.

A team with less than 11 certifiable players

will not be permitted to form and play.

Exceptions to this rule will be made in a case

by case manner with approval from the

respective league’s governing board

(maximum only).

Minimum Roster

A minimum roster of 13 players will be on a

team roster. The team roster will be frozen at

cutoff date September 25th 2017. If a team

has less than 13 players on a roster, then the

chapter board members will address the

situation on a case by case manner. This

includes playoffs.

Section F: Game Officials/Game

Length/OT Rules

1. Presidents or Vice presidents need to be

presents during playing of games.

2. Game Official's Assistants (Chain Gang).

The chain crew will be positioned on the

away sidelines unless specified by game

official.

3. All games will consist of 4- 10 minute

quarters. Halftime is 10 minutes maximum, if

half is delayed is to include a mandatory 3

minute warm-up.

4. In the event of a tie (OT), a winner will be

determined by the following:

a. Ball will be placed on the 10 yard line.

b. Each team will have 4 plays to attempt to

score a touchdown.

c. One try by each team will constitute 1

overtime series.

d. If a touchdown is scored – the extra point

try will follow.

e. If there is a turnover – this ends the

scoring try for the offense. (Repeat OT

process till a winner is declared)

f. If first team score that has possession, the

other team has a chance

Section G: Scoring & Mercy Rule

Touchdown = 6 points

Point after TD by run or pass = 1 point

Point after TD by kick = 2 points

Safety (awarded to opponent) = 2 points

Field goal = 3 points

Accommodations

Freshman & Sophomores have run-ins from

3/5 yards (1) & (2) pts. Same would apply

for field’s locations which do not have goal

posts. If a team has goal posts a 2 point

conversion will be from the 3 yard line.

Mercy Rule

The “Mercy Rule” goes into effect for every

game in every division anytime a team has a

marginal point scoring differential. The rules

will go into effect immediately following the

extra point. These rules also apply during

post-season games.

1. Freshman & Sophomores 28 pts. JV &

Varsity 35 point rule

b.) There will be no kickoffs. The ball will be

placed on the leading team’s 40 yard line.

c.) At the trailing coaches’ option, there will

be a running clock starting in the second half.

Time will stop only for injuries, timeouts or

change of possessiond). Refer to CIF on

procedures of the mercy rule.

Section H: Ball size

Freshman & Sophomore (Rule change 2017

Pee Wee (i.e. Nike or Wilson K2 )

Junior Division: Junior (i.e. Nike or Wilson

1000)

Varsity Divisions: Youth (i.e. Nike or Wilson

1000 Y )

Section I: Game Procedure (face-off)

Teams will conduct a “face off” 30 minutes

before each game. An Athletic Director or

President/Vice President of the opposing

organization will check in each player during

the time line. No coaches are to be a part of

the face-off. The chapter vice

president/president and or AD will obtain

the team player book and or/player cards

which contains a photo of the player along

with certified hard card of the player

information. The AD must ensure the hard

card is certified, and the photo on the

certified hard card is the player being

checked in. All player cards will be in color

w/lamination. Players maybe checked in up

to the beginning of their respective game

time. After the players respective game has

begun, the player must wait till halftime to be

checked in.

Section J: Equipment and jerseys

Each player shall wear a number between 1

and 99 inclusive. No duplicate numbers shall

be permitted. There is no mandatory number

sequence instilled by VYFL. All teams must

be equipped during all contact practice

sessions, scrimmages, and games with

equipment meeting the minimum protective

standards found to exist in the following

equipment:

1. Helmet

2. Shoulder Pads

3. Hip pads and tail pad

4. Thigh guards

5. Knee pads

6. Mouthpiece

Section K: Coaches attire & Coaches clinic

Coaches must be dressed in proper game

attire with visible coaches pass at all games.

No jeans are permitted, no snapback hats,

other requirements will be set forth during

our clinic. Coaches will be acquired to attend

VYFL coaches clinic in June.

Section L: Freshman rules (ages 5-7)

Aside from specific Valley Youth Football League Freshman Division variations and modifications, all games are played under the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules for varsity football, under the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations.

1) Regulations: a) The freshman division will be

governed by VYFL rules and regulations.

b) Freshman ages are 5,6,7 years of age. Playing weight is unlimited

c) All 7 year olds have the option to play on the sophomore division with the consent of coach, parent and team board.

d) Any 8 year old weighing under 50 pounds (with pads)can play freshman.

e) Birthdates will follow same as VYFL rules.

f) Roster will have maximum of 35 players, and minimum 13 players.

g) Players that are not playing will be on the sideline.

2) Game Format: a) All regular season freshman games

will be played under VYFL Rules (No Kickoffs)

b) A coin flip called by the visiting team will be used to determine who gets the ball in the first half. The loser of the coin toss will then get the ball in the second half or play defense if the winner of the coin toss defers to the second half.

c) There will be (4) 10 min quarters with regulation clock. After the second quarter ends the ball will change possession and the other team will get the ball on offense. i) The time between plays shall not

exceed 30 seconds from whistle to snap.

ii) The game clock will stop during possession change then once chain crew is set; and during the last 2 minutes of each half in accordance with CIF rules for incomplete passes or out of bounce.

d) There will be a 2 minute break between quarters.

3) Field Length and Possession: a) Games will be played on a 100-yard

field. b) Play will start on the 40 yard line. c) When a touchdown is scored or a first

down conversion is not made after 4 downs the ball will be turned over at the stoppage point.

4) Penalties ,Referees, and Chain Gang: a) Referees will be used and provided by

home team for games (2 VYFL Officials Minimum, 3 Maximum).

b) The away team will provide 3 people to run the chains and marker.

c) All penalties will be same amount of yards as other levels or half the distance to the goal when less than yards remain.

5) Coaches on the Field: a) A maximum of 2 coaches are allowed

on the field from each team at any given time.

b) Different coaches for offense and defense are allowed, but no more than 2 on the field at one time.

c) Prior to the snap of the ball, the offensive coaches must be at least 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage and the defensive coaches must be at least 10 yards behind the last man on defense or off of the field. Only the HEAD COACH will be allowed to discuss issues with the REFEREES during game time.

d) At no time may any coach on the playing field run after his players or towards the ball carrier or tackler in a celebrating manner or any other fashion. This is to eliminate a collision of an adult with a player which may cause injury. It further helps promote good sportsmanship and teaches players that unnecessary celebration is not appropriate. Offensive & defense of coaches must stay behind their offense at all times while on the

playing field, unless called for by the referee.

6) Scoring and Special Teams: a) There will be score kept during the

season play due to being a competitive division.

b) There will be no special teams play during regular season play.

c) Scoring values will be used in post season play offs and championship games.

d) Touchdown …………………………6 points e) Point after touchdown from the 3 yrd.

line ………………………………………..1 point f) Point after touchdown from the 5 yrd.

line……………………………………….2 points 7) Defensive Line: No lining up over

center.

8) Penalty for Violating the “No lining up over center “ Rule: a) The offense has the option of choosing

either a 5 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage or the outcome of the play.

9) Minimum Play Rules: a) Minimum play rules (10 plays) must

be followed by all Freshman Coaches throughout the entire season, including playoffs.

b) All players must play in the game if they have made face-off on the day of the game. i) Coaches may use their discretion

for non-playing of kids if health reasons deem a safety hazard, or non-participation of practice becomes a problem; however a documented history of non-practice or participation is required to support the coaches decisions.

ii) Play cards will be filled out and given to the opposing team by the team AD.

iii) Coaches may use their discretion for non-playing of kids if health reasons deem a safety hazard, or non-participation of practice becomes a problem; however a documented history of non-practice or participation is required to support the coaches decisions. Players deemed ineligible under the “Player Safety Rule” who are at the game must be listed on the line-up card as ineligible.

10) Penalty for violating the minimum play rule: a) Minimum play rules shall be

monitored by the head coaches during the game.

b) Only the head coach may approach the official with a complaint.

c) Failure to comply with 10 play rule will result in an automatic forfeit.

11) X-factors- Freshman a) (7 years & weigh over) 109 may only

play on the offensive line, or

defensive line.

b) X factors can also play front line on

special teams, if an X Factor receives

the ball the play will be dead right

there.

c) Player will a visible X on the back of

helmet; Coaches (with X factors)

responsibility to inform referees of all

X factors. If referees are uniformed of

x-factors, coaches will receive 15 yard

unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Section M: Sophomore Game Rules

1) Punts

a) All punts must be declared; once a

punt is declared the offensive team

must punt.

b) No fake punts are allowed

c) Punts are dead until ball is kicked;

then play resumes.

2) Scoring values will be used in post season play offs and championship games.

a. Touchdown ……………………………..… 6 points

b. Point after touchdown from the 3 yrd. line ………………………………………..1 point

c. Point after touchdown from the 5 yrd. line……………………………………….2 points

d. Sophomores do kick off 3) X-Factors-Sophomores

a. (10 years & weigh over) 130

may only play on the offensive

line, or defensive line.

b. X factors can also play front line

on special teams, if an X Factor

receives the ball the play will be

dead right there.

c. Player will a visible X on the

back of helmet; Coaches (with X

factors) responsibility to inform

referees of all X factors. If

referees are uniformed of x-

factors, coaches will receive 15

yard unsportsmanlike conduct

penalty.

Section N: Practice and Important dates

Players must have a minimum of 10 hours of

helmet time before being deemed to play.

Between helmet week and carnival no more

than 10 hours of practice will be allowed.

After carnival date only six hours of practice

is allowed.

Helmet week July 11

VYFL carnival August 26th

Week 1- September 2nd

Playoffs begin October 28th

VYFL Superbowl November 11th

Section O: Heat Restrictions & Modified

Practice Schedules

Safety of all VYFL participants, coaches, staff,

volunteers and spectators at all times is

priority.

These heat restrictions and modified practice

schedules apply to both the tackle football

players and to the cheer teams.

STAGE 1

Normal practice schedule without restrictions.

STAGE 2

Modified Practice Schedules

All VYFL practices shall start no earlier than 6:30pm and shall not exceed more than two (2) hours in length.

All VYFL practices shall be conducted with limited physical activity. VYFL Programs shall be allowed to hold light walk-through practices with a primary focus on technique rather than physical activity.

There shall be no “team or individual

conditioning” while the Modified Practice Schedule is in effect. Teams are to use the conditioning period to conduct stretching and will be required to provide a cool down period for all participants.

All VYFL participants shall be given “fluid breaks” at a minimum of every fifteen (15) minutes. Participants will have unrestricted access to fluids throughout the course of practice, and will be encouraged to hydrate as much as possible prior to, during, and following practice.

VYFL coaches will monitor closely allparticipants for any and all signs of heat exhaustion and physical distress. Any participant showing any signs of heat exhaustion and/or physical distress will be immediately removed from all activity, and if warranted, medical personnel will be contacted and said participant shall be medically evaluated and/or treated.

STAGE 3

Stripped-Down Modified Practice Schedules

All VYFL practices shall start no earlier than 7:00pm and shall not exceed more than one (1) hour in length. Participants will be allowed to participate in a stripped-down modified practice wearing t-shirts and shorts only. No helmets, shoulder pads, practice/game pants/girdles with seven (7) piece pad set or integrated practice/game pants shall be utilized during this phase.

All VYFL practices shall be conducted with limited physical activity. VYFL Programs shall be allowed to hold light walk-through practices with a primary focus on technique rather than physical activity.

All VYFL participants shall be given “fluid breaks” at a minimum of every fifteen (15) minutes. Participants will have unrestricted access to fluids throughout the course of practice, and will be encouraged to hydrate as much as possible prior to, during, and following practice.

VYFL coaches will monitor closely all

participants for any and all signs of heat exhaustion and physical distress. Any participant showing any signs of heat exhaustion and/or physical distress will be immediately removed from all activity, and if warranted, medical personnel will be contacted and said participant shall be medically evaluated and/or treated.

STAGE 4

No physical activity

All VYFL programs will be allowed to perform indoor “chalk talks”, view film, and/or conduct non-physical activities ONLY during Stage 4.

On field practices are canceled until further notice.

All other normal instruction limits apply.

The VYFL reserves the right to not only modify

practice schedules at any time, but may also

cancel practice when warranted. Once again,

safety of all VYFL participants, coaches, staff,

volunteers and spectators at all times is

priority.

****These rules have been agreed upon by all teams participating in the VYFL Program. These rules are put into place for the sake of the players, with all intentions of them learning the game, having fun, and returning year after year.