2017 Coaches Handbook
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.