Rules
   
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Team Selection
Weight
Teams/Divisions (X-MAN)
Z-DOWN
General Rules
Footballs Used
Overtime Rule
Running Up the Score
Grade adjusted rules
Player & Parent Behavior
League Discipline
Points to Remember

Team Selection
All players are placed on teams accordingly:
     - Grade (must play in grade division)
     - School (Teams are split by HIGH SCHOOL boundary)
       When you fill out your registration form, you must list the HIGH SCHOOL
         boundary you live in.


You must have WRITTEN permission from the Executive Board to play for another school.

Teams/Weight
The players are weighed at the same time as sign-ups.  All players are weighed on the same scale.

  • Players are not allowed to weigh in after sign-ups.  If a player does not weigh in at Park’s Sportsman, they will not be placed on a team
  • Note: Wasatch players will be weighed in by the league at the County Health Center.
  • A player can move up a grade division but never may they move down to a lower division.
  • If it is found that a player is playing for another team, or on a younger division, all games will be counted as a loss.
  • A player can only play for one team.
  • A player cannot change teams during the year.
  • New players may not be added to the roster for the playoffs or at the end of each others league play.
  • This also includes 9th graders moving down.

  • The Executive Board must approve all changes.


    Teams/Divisions (X-MAN)
    Divisions
    8th grade division, any player 166 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman. You must be between the tackles!
    7th grade division, any player 136 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman. You must be between the tackles!
    6th grade division, any player 121 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman. You must be between the tackles!
    5th grade division, any player 106 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman.  You must be between the tackles!
    3/4th grade division, any player 91 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman.  You must be between the tackles!
    1/2nd grade division, any player 76 pounds plus are considered an "X" man, and have to play as a lineman.  You must be between the tackles!
     
    X-MAN RULES:
    Offense
    : Must play offense line.  Center, Guard or Tackle.
    Defense: Must play as a lineman between the offensive tackles.  If an X-man plays defensive end, he must be head up on the offensive tackle, he cannot be lined up outside of him.  Remember "within the offensive tackles".
     


    Z-DOWN
    This rule allows smaller players with less experience to play down a grade.  You must fall below the Z-DOWN weight limit.  All Z-DOWN players must be approved by the board.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Email the league to get approved: info@uvfl.net
     
    Division
    9th grade division, NO Z-DOWN to 8th grade.
    8th grade division, 125 lbs and below.
    7th grade division, 115 lbs and below.
    6th grade division, 100 lbs and below.
    5th grade division, 85 lbs and below.
    4th grade division, 75 lbs and below.
    3rd grade division, 65 lbs and below **
    1/2nd grade division, NO Z-DOWN to 1/2 grade.

    ** There is no Z-DOWN to 1/2 grade.  We will not Z-DOWN to a combined division.  For example...if we combine 3/4 grade, 5th graders will not be able to Z-DOWN to this division.

    Footballs Used
        1/2 Grade: K2
        3rd Grade: K2
        4th Grade: K2
        5th Grade: TDJ
        6th Grade: TDJ
        7th Grade: TDY
        8th Grade: TDY

      
    General Rules
    1. There will be NO scrimmages between different divisions at any time.
    2. There will be NO TRASH TALK before or after games! 1st warning will be a 10yd penalty, 2nd will be ejection from the game. This also includes fans, parents, and coaches.
    3. The league goes by High School Rules, Except for: Extra pts. will be 1.5 yards out for 1 point, and 3 yards out for 2 points.
    4. We have a running clock, stopping only the last 2 min. of each half. Also stopping on special reasons like: light outage or major injury.  (To be judged by the refs. and Board Member.) Quarter will be 16 minutes.
    5. Game ball.  Home team will provide the game ball.  In case of inclement weather conditions multiple game balls may be used at the discretion of the referee.
    6. If a player or coach gets ejected from the game, they must sit out the rest of that game and the next game.
    7. If a player or coach gets ejected a second time, they will be dismissed from the league.
    8. Changing #’s after a player has been ejected will be reason for the coach and player to be dismissed from the league.
    9. Coaches are responsible to provide adequate water for their players during practice.
    10. Insurance forms are to be at every practice and game, if the players form is not on hand, do not even let him warm up.
    11.  There should be a cell phone at every practice.
    12.  Total practice time will be capped at 10 hours a week.  Games are included in the 10 hours.
    13 Tie Breakers will be broken following these rules, in this order:
         1 - Head to Head
         2 - Common Opponent
         3 - Coin flip (All coaches will be present)

    Overtime Rule

  • Coin toss will occur. The winner of coin toss will choose to be on Offense or Defense.
  • Each team will start their series at the 10 yard line.
  • Once there is a turnover (fumble recovered by the defense or interception) the ball is dead and the Offensive series is over.
  • If after the first overtime the game is still tied, a second overtime will occur. The team that did not win the coin toss will have the option in the second overtime which will start at the 5 yard line.
  • Each team will receive 1 additional time-out for each overtime period.
  • Running Up the Score

  • NEW for 2009: If you are up 28 points, you will stay on defense until the other team scores.

    Grade Adjusted Rules

  • (8th ONLY) If player is 166+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (7th ONLY) If player is 136+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (6th ONLY) If player is 121+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (5th ONLY) If player is 106+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (4th ONLY) If player is 96+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (3rd ONLY) If player is 86+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (1/2 ONLY) If player is 76+ pounds, must play as a down lineman. Must have an X on both sides of the helmet.
  • (1/2/3/4/5/6 GRADES ONLY) On punts no one is allowed to rush the kicker. Everyone stays put until the ball is away
  • (1/2/3/4/5 GRADES ONLY) One coach allowed on field on both Offense and Defense. Coach allowed in huddle, but must be 15-20 yards behind line of scrimmage. Coaches on the field are treated as a referee, part of the field. Coaches your are on the field to TEACH! DO NOT coach during plays. While play is running, remain still and quite. 6th grade coaches will be OFF THE FIELD. New rule in 2008.
  • Player & Parent Behavior
    Belonging to the U.V.F.L. is a privilege and should not be considered a right. This privilege can be revoked at the decision of the U.V.F.L. or Board of Directors.
    The U.V.F.L. should not and will not tolerate parents or fans of players who behave in a manner which is disruptive or detrimental ot the league and its’ function.

  • Each player, as a condition to UVFL, agrees to abide by the Utah High School Rules and Participation Code of Conduct, which includes the Disiplinary Policies.
  • A Player is not merely an individual, but also represents the team and the school.
  • A player should play as a member of the team showing respect for team effort.
  • A player should show respect for other players, coaches and officials.
  • A player should show sportsmanship at all times, on the field, on the side lines, and during school.
  • And most of all, a player should make every honest effort to win the game but avoid deliberate actions which sould cause harm or hurt other players. Cheap shots will not be tolerated and will be handled accordingly...
  • Parental Behavior
    *The league recognizes and is understanding of parent’s emotions related to competitive sports.  The major issues that arise are the weights of players on other teams, playing time, criticism of the coaches, and the choice of call made by the officials.
    *Coaching decisions are NOT subject to parental interference. Parents may ask questions for clarification, but should not confront the coach on a disagreement at games.  Coaches are not obligated to take any abuse from parents.
    *If a coach’s behavior is demeaning or detrimental to the welfare of a player or the league, the parent may submit the issue to the league director or president.

    Parental Participation
    *The U.V.F.L. needs and encourages parental participation.  Many parents find trips to practice and games very enjoyable.  Every coach could use help with coaching, team moms, car pools, or just plain support.
    *Each team is strongly recommended to provide one ACTIVE board member, to be present at meetings and comment on issues.

    Rules & Regulations
    (PLEASE FOLLOW PROCEDURE)

    1. When you have a complaint regarding your son, we expect you to use the following procedure to solve the problem.

    A. The athlete should speak with the coach first.
    B. The parent should speak with the coach.
    C. The parent and the athlete should meet with the coach
    D. If the problem is not remedied contact the league at info@uvfl.net
     Do not call Park's Sportsman or a board member until a,b,c are completed.

    2. We will not tolerate hostile or aggressive confrontations with any of the coaching staff, other athletes, parents or the officials.  If this type of behavior happens, the person or persons involved and or the athlete will be subject to ejection from the game or dismissed from the league with no refund of the participation fee.

    3. If the problem does arise, please talk to the coach one on one.  It is not appropriate and rarely positive to air feelings in front of the team.

    4. There are times when everyone is wondering about substitutions, playing time, etc., and we know in a competitive team sport like football not everyone is going to be happy all of the time.  We simply ask you to be positive and think of the team as a whole.

    5. Playing time is determined by the performance of the athlete at practice and is left to the discretion of their Coach.  Every player should play at least eight plays in a game.  This can be on offense, defense or special teams.  In addition non-starting players should be used if possible as primary players on kick-off and kick-off return.

    6. The above rule should apply if the player misses no more than one practice in the previous week and there are no discipline problems.

    7. If there is a discipline problem, the coach must let the board member in attendance at the game know.

    League Discipline
    League discipline is based upon what is best for the league as a whole.  The coach is the primary facilitator of discipline.  At this level, discipline can remain informal and kept at a low profile.  If it is determined by the coach that steps taken have not remedied the problem, the league president and board members will be consulted.

    The findings of the president and the board members are not subject to appeal.  The season is very short and there is not enough time to reopen problems from the past.

    We have had to let coaches go in the past.  This action may be taken at a practice or a game if deemed necessary.  If it is found that a coach is not up to our standards or the Coaches Code of Conduct, generally speaking, the first violation of these rules will invoke a warning.  If the problem persists expulsion from the league may be necessary.

    Points to Remember
    The referee's we use are the same as the one officiating in High School.  They know the rules and generally do a great job.  The referees have been instructed to call unsportsman-like conduct penalties on players, coaches, and fans alike.  (If you insist on abusing the referees you will be hurting your team by getting penalized for your behavior).

    Remember, your children will see how you react to the official and will copy your behavior.  If you are understanding and keeping your cool, so will they.  If you are abusive and lose your temper, chances are they will too.  Kids learn by example.

    Referees are human and sometimes make mistakes but, are generally right in their decisions.  Lets let the referee's do their job.

    Please keep in mind this league is made of kids, not high school, not college, and not NFL players, they are just kids.  Sometimes it is hard to look at a 250 lb. 7th grader and remember that he is just a growing boy.  As coaches, parents, and board members we need to understand this.