nerfleague nerf rule book 2015.2 revised.… · 4 nerfleague.com goals to develop fundamentals of...

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www.LC NerfLeague.com

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement 3

Purpose 3

Goals 4

Philosophy 4

Coaches 5

Coaches Conduct 6

Coaches’ Code of Conduct 7-9

Adult Offense 10

Parent Behavior 11

Player Equipment 12

General Rules 13-19

Practice Guidelines 20-22

Lightning Safety (30-30) Rule 23

Dehydration & PLAYER SAFTY 23

Field Diagram 24

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The Nerf League of Las Cruces

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to establish an environment of continuous improvement in developing the

self-esteem, personal growth, pride and well-being of all of the participants of the

communities involved. The Nerf League intends to promote the spirit of teamwork and

friendly rivalry among all the players, coaches and families of the participating

communities. It is the Nerf League’s intent to not only nurture and develop the children’s

athletic ability but also to develop them as responsible and well-adjusted individuals. All

Nerf League decisions and policies will be based on “What is best” for the children of

the participating communities. The Nerf League is Dedicated to ongoing educational

pursuits of our Coaches, Officials, & Board in the areas of Football as well as Character

Development. Our expectation that every person involved with the Nerf League will

follow the model of the “Best Practices”

It is our mission to be the best youth football organization possible by keeping the

interest of the children first and maintaining strong virtues that our youth will use

throughout their lives. These virtues include but are not limited to;

Teamwork-Respect-Discipline-Integrity-Attitude-Self Assurance and most of all Honesty.

Purpose

Our purpose is to teach and develop the game of football in the community whose

parents are interested in being a part of a competitive environment that will promote

safety & fundamentals, as well as the physical aspect of the sport.

Players are coached to become successful members of a team. Players are taught to

learn responsibility for their choices both on and off the field. Players are expected to

win and lose with grace and dignity, to lead by example, to be upstanding citizens of

their community.

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Goals

To develop fundamentals of the sport- stance, blocking, tackling, running, throwing,

catching, conditioning and sportsmanship

Establish an understanding of the commitment necessary by the parents and the athlete

in order to enhance success both on and off the field

To become a permanent and respected member of the sports community and to

become advocates for volunteering in worth wile events

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to constantly work on improving our organization.

We are committed to our relationship with the NFL & USA Football and the guidelines

which they establish for responsible coaching. Giving the coaches in our organization

every opportunity to grow and develop with our dedication to continuing education and

support from our league

Included in our philosophy is achieving success for every player by teaching the

fundamentals of football and giving them a strong foundation on which to grow.

We believe every player can gain lifelong lessons through the game of football.

We are committed to providing a safe and fun environment

for them to achieve their personal goals.

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Coaches

Anyone interested in coaching in the Nerf League will need to be in Good Standing with the

League. All coaches will need to pass the USA Football online coaches course as well as the

USA Football background check.

Max number of coaches consists of 1 head coach and 4 assistant coaches for each division, plus

no more than two volunteers.

The following applies to ALL coaches:

1. A Head coach must be 21 years of age. Must be USA FOOTBALL certified in current

standing. Proof must be provided to the Nerf League 2 weeks prior to the first game of the

season. Any coach not meeting this requirement will be stripped of their coaching privileges.

2. Assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age or a high school graduate. A team may have

a maximum of four assistant coaches. All assistant coaches must be USA FOOTBALL certified

in current standing.

3. Teams are permitted to carry up to TWO coach trainees, who must be a minimum of 16 years

of age. These persons must conduct all coaching under the eyes of at least one of the assistant

coaches, and may not handle children independently

4. No person who is a registered sex offender will be allowed to coach or advise in any capacity

within the Nerf League.

5. The Head coach will determine the assignments of the assistant coaches.

6. At least TWO of the coaches or parents of the team must be the holder of a valid RED CROSS

FIRST AID CARD or its equivalent.

7. The Nerf League requires the qualified Red Cross’ person’s name and copy of their

certification submitted with their team’s registration.

8. Each Head Coach will be required to shadow a Nerf League Official for one regular season

game outside of their age group.

9. The head coach has final responsibility for his action and those of his assistant coaches,

players and staff, fans and anyone in the vicinity of their sideline. The spirit of this rule will

be enforced and no prior knowledge of the offender is needed to hold a Head Coach

responsible

10. Each team will have a Heads Up Football Mom (HUF Mom) who will certify in the Heads

Up Football course. She will be responsible to monitor & evaluate the teams implementation

of the HUF techniques. She will monitor players for possible concussions and will report to

the league any sign of such occurrence. It is her right & responsibility to sit any player whom

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she feels MAY display signs of any health concern. i.e. Concussions, dehydration etc.. She

will need to report to the league (within 24 hours) anytime she refers a player for the

evaluation of a concussion.

We realize that “club teams” may form. However there are rules for these organizations.

1. Each team must have a different head coach. This coach must be present at all league events

and meetings.

2. Each team must have a different name. Once a name is taken no other team in the league can

use that name

3. Each team must be financially independent of each other and provide independent financial

reports at the end of the season.

4. If the teams will use the same logo/color scheme there must be an easily distinguishable

difference in their appearance.

5. Please note that when you have a club team in existence there is a loophole in the “orphaned

by age group” clause in our release policy. As technically the team is staying in a certain age

group indefinitely.

COACHES CONDUCT

1. Should coaches display conduct unbecoming or detrimental to the League, the head official

shall first warn the head coach that should this conduct continue the game will be forfeited.

2. Should the coach’s conduct continue to be unbecoming or detrimental to the Nerf League the

head official shall forfeit the game against the offending coach’s team.

3. Any coach who is ejected from a game shall immediately leave the park and any sight of the

playing field, and shall be suspended from the next regular season game. Said coach will not be

allowed to participate in any practices during his suspension. If the same coach is removed a

second time because of misconduct at a game said coach shall be suspended from further

participation in the Nerf League.

4. Any coach who is involved in a physical confrontation with any other person at a game will be

suspended for one (1) calendar year.

5. A head coach has the right to question an official’s interpretation of the rules, provided he/she

does it immediately and before the next official play. The coach can call time-out to question

said officials. If the coach is correct in that the official has misinterpreted the rule, the time-out

shall be charged as an official’s time-out. When the questioned interpretation is brought to the

attention of the official, it is mandatory that he/she confer with the other officials. If they

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conclude that the decision was correct, the game continues. The decision made at the time is final

and cannot later be contested.

6. Any coach who is removed from a game that is the coach's last game of the season (Regular

Season, Play Off, and Super Bowl) may not participate with any Nerf League team until the

completion of the first Sunday of League Scheduled games for the upcoming season.

7. No coach, player or parent shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner (including, but not limited

to taunting, intimidation and threats), at any time while at any location hosting a Nerf League

game.

8. At the discretion of League any coach may be removed or suspended at any time for any

behavior that does not meet the ethical standards of the Nerf League.

9. Any coach heard using profanity at a League sanctioned event by a League Official will be

immediately ejected from the game and must be removed from the park.

10. The Nerf League reserves the right to consider further disciplinary action up to and including

permanent removal from this League

11. After a show of good sportsmanship by shaking hands at the completion of a game, each team

shall leave the field of play immediately. Each team is responsible for cleanup of their sidelines

after their game. The penalty for failure to comply with rule # 9 shall be fifty-dollars ($50) assessed

against the offending team’s head coach.

12. At no time shall a coach be intoxicated while performing any and all duties relating to his or

her title with in this League. Any reports of intoxication will be investigated and violators will

be relieved of their title.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

1. Refrain from smoking or using tobacco, drugs or alcohol of any kind on the field.

2. Not criticize players in front of spectators, but reserve constructive criticism for private or in

the presence of team players if others might benefit.

3. Accept decisions of the game officials on the field as being fair and called to the best of the

said officials ability.

4. Not criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches, or fans by word of mouth or by gesture.

5. Emphasize that good athletes strive to be good students and are both physically and mentally

alert.

6. Strive to make every football activity serve as a training ground for life, and a basis for good

mental and physical health.

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7. Together with the Nerf League & game officials, you will be jointly responsible for the

conduct and control of team, fans, and spectators. Any fan that becomes a nuisance or becomes

out of control shall be asked to leave.

8. Refrain from using abusive and profane language.

9. Coaches shall not grab a player by his facemask or by his shoulder pads in any manner due to

the potential harm. Such contact with a player shall be deemed as inappropriate for any member

of a coaching staff.

10. Refrain from “piling it on” as the phrase is used when a team gets a commanding lead and

desires to raise the score as high as it can. In the instance of a lopsided score, every effort shall

be made to let all players play.

11. Not receive any payment in case or kind for services as a coach in the Nerf League. In no

way shall the spirit of this rule be circumvented

12. Not permit or encourage “sweating down” tactics in order for a player to make the team

weight in the k/1St grade age divisions.

13. Not permit an ineligible player participate in a game.

14. Not permit any one not in good standing with the Nerf League to participate in any way or

capacity in their organization. Including but not limited to- a parent of a player, coach, mentor,

director, etc

15. Not deliberately incite un-sportsmanlike conduct.

16. Coaches MUST remove from the game or practice any player when even slightly in doubt

about his health, whether or not as a result of injury, until competent medical advice is available.

17. Control your fans. Remember, as a coach, you’re responsible for your team and fan reaction

will usually be in step with your reaction.

18. Uphold all rules and regulations as set by the Nerf League.

19. It is the responsibility of the coach to assure that no child is left unattended at practice or at

the game field. Do not leave until all of your players have been picked up.

21. Any form of neglect by a coach or advisor will carry the disciplinary actions as listed on the

rule enforcement section. Unless the Nerf League deems alternate discipline necessary.

22. The Nerf League plays on city property and in doing so we are required to submit financial

reports for all teams playing in our league. Coaches must furnish financial reports via email no

later than December 5th at 5pm. Failure to do so will result in being dismissed from the Nerf

League in bad standing. Coaching privileges will be suspended indefinitely. The HEAD coach is

ultimately responsible for turning this report in.

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Failure to comply with the coach’s code of conduct will result in the following:

1st offense- $200.00 fine and two (2) week suspension

2nd offense- $500.00 fine and suspension for remainder of season

Further offenses the fines will be in increments of $50.00 each.

In the event that the coach is ejected from the game he or she must be removed or vacate the

field of play and will automatically be suspended for 1 week. The suspension will include any

and all Nerf League activities and games, with a $200.00 fine. There will be no appeal to the

suspension; the fine can be appealed in writing to Nerf League. If there is a bye that next week

then the suspension would be for the bye week plus one week of regular scheduled games. If a

coach is ejected from the final game of the season He or She will be suspended the first week of

the next season. If a suspended coach fails to pay the fine they will be suspended indefinitely and

will not be allowed to participate in the League until they appear before the Nerf League

Advisors and remedy the problem

It is a privilege to play in the Nerf League, not a right. The Nerf League reserves the right to

refuse admittance into the league for any reason.

Adult Offense:

1. Endangerment of Juveniles: Any practices which places the health and safety of any juvenile

in jeopardy (including “sweating down”). The term “sweating down” a player is used in its

broadcast sense of inducing weight lost by artificial means.

Techniques included in this definition are: Use of steam rooms or cabinets, use of rubber suits,

use of weight reducing or appetite-killing drugs, use of diuretics (water pills), laxatives, running

in football gear within two(2) hours or weigh-in( player not eligible to play that game).

Mandate Penalty: Suspension for one (1) year up to permanent suspension upon repeated

offense.

2. Teaching of prohibited offensive/defensive techniques to players/encouragement to hurt

opponents physically. This shall include parents, spectators or fans who place a bounty on

opposing players.

Mandated Penalty: Immediate Suspension for one (1) year up to permanent suspension upon

repeated offense

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3. Physical Altercations, whether with your same team or opposing team:

Mandated Penalty: Suspension for one (1) year up to permanent upon repeated offense

4. Cheating of any type: Includes forged birth certificates or filing false roster data, such as

addresses or birth dates

Mandated Penalty: Suspension for one (1) year up to permanent suspension upon repeated

offense

5. Threats: Physical or otherwise, against a Team, Coach, Game Official or Nerf League

authority.

Mandated Penalty: Suspension for one (1) year upon first offence: Permanent if deemed

appropriate by Nerf league officials.

6. Gambling on Game Outcome:

Mandated Penalty: Suspension for one (1) year

7. Lack of Cooperation: With teams or League and/or obstruction of official team or League

investigation into and hearing of cases of disciplinary or dispute/conflict nature.

Mandated Penalty: Suspension until compliance achieved.

8. Alcohol Beverage Violation.

Mandated Penalty: One (1) year suspension upon first offense: permanent suspension for

second offense.

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9. Practicing Outside of Approved Practice Dates

Any Team who practices outside of league approved dates

i.e. practicing before June 1st, practicing in pads before July 1s- , practices are defined as a

gathering of players, without minimum number, requiring the presence of at least one (1) coach

Mandated Penalty: Every coach will serve a one game suspension to be served consecutively.

The coaches will write a letter of apology to the league, their team & parents taking full

responsibility for knowingly breaking team rules to be handed out at a team meeting with the

Nerf League present. The team will forfeit ONE (1) game for every WEEK they broke the rule.

Forfeited Games will be determined by a drawing done after the schedule is released. Games will

be played & the score will be listed as 0 to whatever the opposing team scores. If final score is 0-

0 it will be recorded as a 7-0 forfeit for the opponent.

Parents/ Guardians:

Parents must act in a proper manner. Foul language, demeaning, derogatory, critical, negative

comments will not be tolerated by the Nerf League. The League reserves the right to remove any

spectator, fan, relative, passersby who conducts himself/herself in an inappropriate manner

around Nerf League participants, parents, or on the sidelines at games, scrimmages or practices.

Nerf League also reserves the right to remove fans for the use of alcohol, drugs, using foul

language, abhorrent behavior or inciting violent behavior.

Nerf League has a ZERO tolerance policy regarding parent’s behavior. The Nerf League

reserves the right to remove any player from the league based of the parent and or families

behavior.

Parents are required to provide any and all equipment necessary for the child to play in this

league. It is solely the parent/guardians responsibility to ensure the equipment is safe for use by

their minor children. The Nerf League, its coaches and officials are not responsible for

equipment or injury that results in the use of said equipment.

Parents are required to have their children deemed fit for play and released by a licensed medical

professional in order to participate in our league. Player physicals are mandatory and proof of

physical must be submitted no later than 1 week before the first game. Failure to provide

completed physical will result in the child being restricted from participation until completed. .

Each player’s parent/guardian is required to give notice on or before 9pm on SUPER BOWL

SUNDAY (NFL) whether or not the will be returning to their team in the fall.

a. If the child is staying with the team nothing has to be done and the Nerf League will

lock them on to their current roster. No exceptions will be made after February 1st

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b. If the child is leaving their team the parent/guardian must inform the Nerf League in

writing before the February 1st cutoff date. If they fail to do so the player is locked on to

their current roster. No exceptions will be made.

c. If the child is orphaned by age group they must make the league aware of their status

by 9pm on SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

Coaches are required to submit a roster to the league the day after SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

listing all players who will remain for the next season

Protest and Penalties:

Uniformed Game officials are the highest authority during any game and there is absolutely no

grievance procedure nor are there any appeal processes where uniformed game officials are

concerned.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Required Equipment

Helmet, helmet pads and face guard

Shoulder Pads

Hip pads and tail bone pad

Thigh Pads

Knee Pads

Chin Strap

Jersey

Pants

Mouthpiece (must be attached to the helmet and must cover the bicuspids (back teeth)

Socks

Shoes (sneakers or shoes with rubber non-detachable cleats) No metal cleats allowed

T-shirt must worn under shoulder pads

Optional Equipment

The following items are optional:

Forearm pads

Rib pads

Hand pads

Elbow pads

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Neck pads

Athletic supporter and cup

General Rules

a. Officials:

1. The League shall arrange for the appearance of two to four qualified officials at

each scheduled regular season game when possible. If less than two appear,

the game will be postponed until proper number of officials appears or

rescheduled at the discretion of the League.

2. Qualified officials should be registered collegiate, high school, middle school officials.

3. Officials shall provide stopwatches.

4. Four qualified officials and a qualified time-keeper, if possible, will be provided for

each playoff and championship game.

6. Head coaches will rate the officials each week. Coaches will meet with the

League after each game to fill out game summary forms

b. Participant and Coach Ejection or Disqualification:

1. Participant Ejection - When a participant is ejected or disqualified from any

contest or game for unsportsmanlike conduct by a uniformed game official, that

player is automatically suspended from the next game.

2. Coach Ejection - When a coach is ejected or disqualified from any contest/game

for unsportsmanlike conduct by a game official, the coach is required to sit out

the next game

3. There is no appeal of these types of ejections.

c. Game Ball:

1. The game ball shall be a good grade of rubber with the following specifications:

2. k/1st & 2/3rd grade: Pee Wee Ball

3. 4/5th grade: Junior Ball

4. 6/7th grade: Youth Ball

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Playing Field:

Playing field size dimensions

k/1st & 2/3rd graders playing field is 30 yards x 60 yards Mid Field is the 30

4/5th Graders playing field is 40 yards x 80 yards Mid Field is the 40

6/7th Graders playing field is 50 yards x 100 yards, Mid Filed is the 50

GAME DAY-Both teams are responsible for the following:

1. The first scheduled game on a game day each team shall help setup the required

field equipment for all subsequent games.

2. Keeping sidelines free from trash and policing field after each game,

**FINES will be given for failure to clean your sidelines**

3. The last scheduled game on game day both teams shall prepare field equipment

to be picked up by Nerf League personnel for storage.

4. All fields shall be equipped and marked in accordance with National Federation Standards,

orange or red flags may be used to mark the end zones as long as both end zones are the same.

5. The bench area (reserved area) is reserved for players, coaches and staff. The remainder of the

sidelines is reserved for the crew operating the yardage chain and marker. All other individuals

must be at least three yards back (where field allows) from the playing field during the game.

Only one statisticians and/or one team videographer/photographer during the game are permitted

in the bench area and on the remainder of the same team sidelines.

6. The bench area shall extend from the 20-yard line to the 20-yard line when playing on an 80-

yard field: between the 25-yard lines on a 100-yard field.

Coaches are not permitted to move beyond the bench area while a game is in progress, the bench

area shall be defined by painted lines.

7. On 80-yard fields, the receiving team will line up on the 40-yard line (midfield) and the

kicking team on the 30-yard line. When a kick off goes out of bounds before the receiving team

touches the ball, the receiving team will get the ball 25 yards from the point of the kick

8. Any team in the k/1st grade division may have one coach on the playing field during the game.

This coach may join the huddle and call plays, but must retreat ten yards behind the last player,

as soon as the huddle breaks. It is the responsibility of the coach to help keep the game running

smoothly and not impede the clock.

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9. When any team gains a 35-point lead, in the fourth quarter: The clock will run continuously

except on: change of possession, official or team time-out.

10. The home team will be in the center of the fields and the visitors will be on the outer

perimeter of the fields.

11. The chain gang will be located on the Visitors side of the field and staffed by the Visitors.

Chain Crew must be 18 years of age or older. Chain equipment is not to be used to stop a

child from tumbling out of bounds. If the Chain Equipment is damaged during the game the

visiting team will pay the cost to replace the equipment. Chain crew must check out & return

equipment for each game. Persons running the chain crew are not allowed to coach, cheer or

instruct while performing their duties. If an official suspects the chain crew of manipulating

the chain and/or ball placement the team will immediately forfeit the game.

12. During games, parents are restricted to stay in the area 3 yards back from the sideline and

inside the goal line. No parents, fans, spectators of either team currently playing are allowed to

coach, instruct, signal, scream, yell or otherwise influence the game from anywhere from the

goal line to the touch line. Many teams warm up in this area, and that is permissible. Each team

shall remain on their sidelines unless otherwise directed by the Uniformed Game Official or Nerf

League Commissioner.

13. Absolutely NO SCOUTING from behind a team’s sidelines, all scouting must be done in the

end zone. Proper etiquette must be observed by persons scouting to not disturb, distract or

otherwise detract from the game. Scouting is optional for all teams. Violations of this rule by

head coach, assistant coach or any team member may result in suspension or removal the Head

Coach. Filming a game is permissible.

Rules Specific to Age Group

The Nerf League uses the National High School Federation Rules as its primary rulebook

Kinder/1st Graders 30 x 60 mid field is 30 yard line

One (1) Coach is allowed on the field during the game. This coach may join the huddle and

call plays, but must retreat ten yards behind the last player, as soon as the huddle breaks.

It is the responsibility of the coach to help keep the game running smoothly and not

impede the clock.

If a team gets a safety the ball will be started at the 25.

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If the center hands don't reach out to where the football is in front of him and has to have the ball

under him/her then the top of the helmet becomes the scrimmage line.

Only one player is allowed to be under center to receive the snap.

Just because a player has contact with the face mask this doesn't make it a face mask.

Nose guard is allowed, but must be 1 yard off the ball and in a 3 point position

Pinch formation is allowed but as above 1 yard off the ball and in 3 point position

HEAD HUNTER Defenseless hitting will be called don't teach players to go out and hit players

who are just standing around and nowhere near the play. Player can be ejected.

Each team gets 3 1min 5 sec time outs per half then 25 seconds from the start of whistle before a

delay of game is called.

If a player is lined up as a tight end with a jersey number that is not in the 80's coaches must

notify referees before the game starts so that the other team is made aware of this player, this

applies to the start of every game.

Time between plays 45-25 Second rule applies.

During an injury there is no coaching allowed - unsportsmanlike can be called.

Punt for K/1st graders is 15 yards walked off but the punt can't go any deeper than the other teams

8 yard line.

Holding away from the play will be a judgment call.

All players will be weighed prior to the first regular season game. Any player above the 72lb

limit will be marked as a non-ball advancer for the remainder of the season

Players over 72lbs if lined up as offensive linemen can be on a 2 point stance.

Players over 72lbs must be on a three point stance on defense.

Kickoffs are at the 30 yard line

For more rules refer to National High School Rule Book.

2/3rd 30 x 60 mid field is 30 yard line

Offensive team must signal if they are going to punt on 4th down if team changes their mind the

team must call a time out to change the original call.

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Punt returns are not allowed if player does not catch the ball. If ball is dropped punter can pick it

up and try to punt.

No Blitzing - 5yrd penalty

Blitzing is defined as :

A sudden charge upon the quarterback by one or more of the linebackers, safety or defensive backs when the ball is snapped.

Once the QB or Ball carrier is out of the pocket they may rush in.

No “goal line” type defensive formations are allowed unless the offense is in the red zone. The

red zone is considered to 10 yard line to goal line.

Linebackers must be 3 yards back no forward movement prior to snap

DE must be in a 3 point stance

Nose guard is allowed, but must be 1 yard off the ball and in a 3 point position

kickoffs are from the 30 yard line

HEAD HUNTER Defenseless hitting will be called don't teach players to go out and hit players

who are just standing around and nowhere near the play. Player can be ejected.

4/5th Grades 40 x 80 mid field is 40 yard line

4/5th

No need to inform you can fake punt or quick punt

Punt returns are allowed

kickoffs are from the 30 yard line

6/ 7th regulation 100 yd field

For more rules refer to National High School Rule Book.

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Halftime:

a. Between second and third quarters (half time) - 7 minutes

Time Outs:

a. All divisions are allowed three time outs per half in accordance with the NFHS

Rule Book.

b. During any charged time out, one coach per team will be allowed on the field

in the huddle. However if you call your team to the sideline there is no limit of coaches.

Discussion with officials during these time outs is discouraged.

c. Non-coach water personnel are allowed to disseminate water during called timeouts

and at the discretion of the officials for an injury time out. These non-coach personnel are not

to speak to officials.

Scoring Values:

a. Touchdown - 6 points

b. Point after touchdown - 1 point for run and 2 for pass

c. Safety - 2 points

d. Forfeit - offended team wins by 7-0.

6) Game Tie Breakers: The tiebreaker rule of the NFHS Rule Book will be in effect

for all Nerf League regular season, playoff and championship games.

Players:

a. The free substitution rule is always in effect. The National Registration

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system of numbering players according to their team position is not

mandatory in Nerf League

b. The minimum play requirements are set at six plays per game during regular season.

There is no minimum during post season play.

c. During the game, if a player is bleeding from any part of his/her body, the player must be

removed from the game until the bleeding is stopped and any open wound or abrasion has been

properly covered and/or treated. Blood stains on clothing must be rinsed out before participation

is once again allowed. Game and or league officials are the ultimate authority on this. Injured,

bleeding or hurt players are not subject to the minimum play requirements since safety is the

Nerf League’s first concern.

d. To prevent teams from faking injuries to stop the clock, teams will be charged a timeout for

injuries that halt play during the final two minutes of a half. If a team has used all of its timeouts,

then a 10-second runoff occurs on the first injury. For each additional injury, a 10-second runoff

and a 5-yard penalty are assessed.

Practice

Practice Sessions, Definitions of

To prevent possible bending of the rules and as a protection of the children, practices are defined

as a gathering of players, without minimum number, requiring the presence of at least one (1)

coach, where one or more of the following activities take place:

1. Chalk talk-skill session

2. Viewing of fundamental tape

3. Group conditioning

4. Individual skill sessions (QB, receiving, blocking, tackling, kicking, etc)

5. Group skill sessions (offense, defense, and/or specialty)

6. Dummies and other inanimate contact

7. Play run through without pads (shorts and t-shirts)

8. Play run through with equipment, but without contact

9. Inter-squad scrimmages with full pads and equipment

Thus it can be seen, a so-called “party” at a coaches’ home, where films are shown, or where

football is talked about, can be deemed a practice session, as can a “party” at a parents home

where one or more coaches are present. The element of a field need not be present to satisfy the

definition of a practice session

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Summer Workouts-

Teams can participate in Summer Workouts starting June 1st

Online registration and registration fee must be complete prior to a player’s participation

in any football activity. There are no exceptions.

1. ABSOLUTELY NO CONTACT

2. No pads, helmet or other football gear - T-shirt, shorts, cleats are ok-

please make sure all pads/helmets are left in the car

3. You cannot practice any more than 2hrs, 3 times a week. NO exceptions.

4. Team workouts are for team related drills -

NO SCRIMMAGING- work on drills, passing trees, plays, defensive drills etc.

5. If you choose to do team workouts you may begin on June 1st as long as your registration is

up to date.

If you are not doing team workouts registration must be paid by the Full Pad Start date of July 1

Please do not try to practice under the radar without turning in registration. The forfeit rule will

come into effect if you are doing any team activity without your registration complete. One (1)

forfeit for every practice.

The first authorized full pad practice session will be July 1st.

a. First week of practice restrictions:

1. During the first three days of practice, helmets, pants with pads and mouthpieces are the only

issued equipment permitted to be worn by the players. No other issued equipment shall be worn

by the players during the first three days of practice. Physical contact (hitting) between players

shall not be permitted during this period.

2. On the third day of practice the players may wear full pads, however, physical contact (hitting)

between players shall not be permitted.

3. Contact between players in pads may commence only on the fourth day of practice.

THE PENALTY FOR PRACTICING BEFORE THE OFFICAL START DATE IS A

FORFIET OF 1 GAME FOR EACH PRACTICE HELD. No other warnings will be given.

This rule is non-negotiable & will be enforced. If a team has more than 3 violations the head

coach can be suspended indefinitely.

Other practice guidance:

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Any and all players added to the roster or arriving after the first day of practice shall not

participate in full contact until their third day, or at the coach’s discretion, with the exception of

first year players.

a. All Players participating in physical contact will be required to wear the protective equipment

specified in these rules. Non-Registered players are not allowed to be involved in practice.

b. At no time shall a player with pads be allowed to participate in physical contact between

players without pads.

No practice session will exceed two hours in duration and shall end no later than 8:00 P.M. or

sundown (except during time change). Disciplinary sessions are not allowed after the two hour

practice.

c. The maximum number of practices permitted by the League is as follows:

1. First two weeks - six per week with Sunday off.

2. Third week until end of regular season play five per week. 5-7s max number is three

(3) per week.

3. Playoffs through Championships add one more day (coach’s option).

4. Only one practice session per day is permitted.

5. No Sunday practices are allowed.

d. A minimum of three team water breaks per practice session are required. Water is not to be

withheld for any reason at any time ever by league rule. If water is not available on a practice

field or game field, the Head Coach is required to furnish water, or require players to bring their

own. Withholding water will not be tolerated, and may subject coach to immediate dismissal.

Teams are allowed only TWO (2) Preseason Scrimmages. You must notify the league prior

to the scrimmage taking place. The scrimmage will not last more than 1 hour and must be

played with in your age group

During times of high heat index, players shall be allowed to have water at will. Common sense

and plenty of water will protect the players in the Nerf League.

Any contact drill or exercise is PROHIBITED if:

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1. The players start off directly more than ten yards apart.

2. A player is forced to complete a drill or exercise without an exit.

3. An exercise or drill results in an extension of the player’s thigh to an angle of more than 90o

for reasons other than stretching (such as duck walk).

4. It requires a player to start with his/her back turned to the other player in a contact drill.

5. It requires the player to put his/her weight on his/her neck in any manner. No neck bridging to

stretch neck muscles, at any time.

Practice field rules:

Any City of Las Cruces fields are First Come First serve.

Any LCPS or NMSU Fields may require permission of the school prior to the first practice

Lightning Safety (30-30) Rule:

When your team has gathered for a practice situation or preparing to enter into a practice

situation, and lightning is spotted, a head coach, assistant coach, team official or supervising

parent shall count the number of seconds from the time the lighting is seen until thunder is heard.

(Flash-Bang Method). Use of apps such a Weather Bug and Weather Channel or similar are

helpful aids in determining the distance of lightning strikes. The field must be cleared if lightning

has struck within 7 miles. The team shall find safe and appropriate shelter, indoors or in a vehicle

– not under a shed- bleachers or a tree, immediately and remain there for at least 30 minutes. If

the lightning has not completely ceased after the 30-minute period a new 30-minute monitoring

period must be started. Once a 30-minute monitoring period is started an individual or any part

of the team shall not start practice before the expiration of the 30-minute period.

Practice fields are to be examined daily for foreign articles that could harm players or

cheerleaders such as needles, glass, rocks, sticks, sharp objects, unclean objects, holes, wires etc.

No team shall practice within 15 yards of a fixed structure such as trees, poles, fences, cars,

water hydrants, buildings, walls etc.

Fields are to be kept free of trash, water bottles, and after practice dinner trash.

Coaches shall pay particular attention to extreme weather conditions and make adjustments in

their practice schedules when appropriate. When the heat index (air temperature plus relative

humidity) reaches 84 degrees or higher, the following restrictions listed below must be followed:

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HEAT INDEX READING

105° plus- DANGER! Discontinue regular practice. Very short restricted practice is permitted.

Make sure all athletes drink water.

95° - 104°- EXTREME CAUTION! Modify practice with required water breaks every 30

minutes. Observe athletes carefully for signs of heat injuries. Make sure all athletes drink water

84° - 93°- WARNING! Provide a mandatory ten (10) minute rest per 45 minutes of activity.

Water is to be available at all times.

Below 83°-NO RESTRICTIONS- Monitory the Heat Index for increases. Water is to be

available at all times

The Nerf League of Las Cruces is a pilot program for USA Football’s Heads Up Concussion

Awareness Program. Coaches will be required to participate in all activities USA Football

presents with in its Heads Up Progrm

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