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The WolfpackTackle

FOOTBALL

Program Guidelines

Welcome to our Tackle Football Program! We are committed to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and competitive environment for all participants. Below, you’ll find detailed information about our program’s requirements, equipment standards, coaching guidelines, and more.

Our tackle football program is structured to prioritize safety, fairness, and skill development. Key requirements include:

Safe and Available Sports Fields

All games and practices are conducted on properly maintained fields that meet safety standards.

Qualified Volunteer Coaches

Coaches are trained, certified, and supervised to ensure they can provide the best guidance and support to our players.

Proper Equipment Maintenance

We ensure that all equipment is well-maintained, inventoried, and stored properly to prolong its lifespan and guarantee player safety.

Risk Management

Active risk management programs are in place to minimize hazards and ensure the well-being of all participants.

Program Management

Directors managing the tackle football program are responsible for:

01

Helmet Safety

Tracking the life cycle of all helmets. Helmets and face guards must meet National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications. Helmets are inspected, reconditioned, recertified, or replaced according to these standards.

02

Field Inspections

Annual inspections of fields using the IMCOM-Europe CYS Field Inspection Checklist. Unsafe conditions must be corrected before the season begins.

03

Certified Officials

Ensuring that officials are certified according to National Federation of High School Tackle Football requirements, with a minimum of three officials at every game.

04

Annual Program Inspections

Conducting annual inspections with a focus on safety and compliance. Programs failing to meet standards may be terminated.

Uniforms and Equipment

Compliance

Helmet Certification

Uniform Standards

 All equipment must comply with the National Federation of State High School Associations' (NFHS) football rules. Helmets, shoulder pads, and lower body pads must be CYS issued, inspected, and approved.

Helmets are inspected and tested before issuance. Re-certification follows NOCSAE standards.

Game jerseys must meet NFHS guidelines. No two players on a team may have the same number.

Coaching Staff - The Wolfpack (Bantams 3)

Conditioning and Practice

  • Conditioning: No physical contact is allowed during the first five days of conditioning, with helmets permitted. Players must practice for at least three weeks before the first game, with full safety gear required during contact sessions.
  • Training: Coaches provide training in safe tackling techniques and concussion awareness before the first contact practice.

Weigh-In

  • Certification: Weights and ages are certified before the first official game, and players not meeting weight requirements will not be allowed to play.
  • Eligibility: Players must meet both age and weight requirements for every game.
Playing Time
  • Official Time: Kept by the officials on the field. Halftime lasts 10 minutes, and there are three 1-minute timeouts per half.
  • Quarter Length: For ages 10-12, quarters consist of a 6-minute stop clock. For ages 13-15, quarters are 8 minutes long.
Scoring
  • Point System: Touchdowns are worth 6 points, with additional points varying by distance (1 or 2 points). Safety is worth 2 points.
  • Tie Games: Games tied at the end of regulation will remain tied.
Penalties
  • Personal Fouls: Acts of fighting or targeting result in disqualification and possible suspension from future games.
  • Targeting: Illegal contact aimed above the shoulders, regardless of intent, will not be tolerated.
Kicking Game
  • Kick-Offs: No kick-offs in the Bantam or Junior divisions. The ball is spotted at the receiving team's 35-yard line.
  • Punts: Options include running an offensive play on 4th down or marking possession 35 yards downfield.
Mercy Rule / Courtesy Rule
Invoking the Rule: If a team leads by 34 points after the second quarter, coaches may decide to continue the game in a controlled scrimmage format or end the game for player safety.
"X-Man" Rules
Position and Identification: X-Men are restricted to specific positions and must wear a contrasting color symbol on their helmets. Eligibility: X-Men cannot be eligible receivers or ball handlers, with a maximum of two X-Men on the field per team at any time.
Field Markings
Compliance with NFHS: Field markings, yard markers, and bench areas must comply with NFHS standards. Fans and spectators are required to stay 20 yards back from the field to ensure safety.

Wolfpack

Our program is dedicated to providing a structured and safe environment for young athletes to learn and enjoy tackle football. We strive to meet the highest standards in safety, coaching, and player development. For more details, please refer to our comprehensive program guide or contact your local CYS Sports Director.

By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that every player has the opportunity to grow, compete, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Thank you for being a part of The Wolfpack and our tackle football community!