Eastview Athletic Association

Eastview Athletic Association
In-House Tackle Football Program
Minors (3RD-4TH) & Majors (5TH-6TH)
Policies, Procedures and Rules
Revised January 2011

SECTION 1 - PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GENERAL INFORMATION
The goal of the EVAA in-house tackle football program ("EVAA Football Program") is to provide training in football fundamentals and encourage teamwork and fair play.

SECTION 2 – GENERAL INFORMATION
There are two separate divisions in the EVAA Football Program. One (the "minors") for 3rd and 4th graders and the other (the "majors") for 5th and 6th graders. Any child residing in Independent School District 196 is eligible to play. The grade the child will be entering in September determines whether the child will be in the minor or major league. Parents can register on-line beginning on May 1st or at an in-person sign-up. The EVAA Football Program does not conduct parent informational meetings. The initial try-out evaluations are generally conducted in early August (August 6 - August 9, 2012), followed by the placement and draft process. No team placement or car-pool requests will be honored. After teams have been selected in mid-August, no additional players will be accepted. Each team generally consists of 14-15 players. There is a minimum playing time rule and weight limitations applicable to both divisions.

Team practices generally start the second week in August, after team rosters have been distributed and the coaches have contacted their players. Times and locations of practices are set by the coaching staff. Teams are limited to no more than four practices per week (two hours per practice) before the first game takes place. After the first game, teams are limited to no more than four practices/games per week (two hours per event). The first games typically begin the last week of August or in early September. Each team plays regular season games – generally playing each of the other teams two times. Games are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Generally, each team will play two games per week. Depending on field availability, the games are scheduled to take place at the fields behind EVHS, Falcon Ridge or Scott Highlands. The team with the best record is the League Champion. At the conclusion of the regular season, Following the regular season, all teams participate in a tournament with teams seeded by the regular season records. The tournament games are generally held in mid-October at EVHS stadium. All equipment is provided to the player by EVAA and must be returned in order to keep the participation cost at a reasonable level. The players get to keep their EVAA issued jersey. The players on the League Champion team and the winner and runner-up in the Lightning Bowl tournament receive trophies. All others receive participation trophies.

SECTION 3 - EVAA FOOTBALL BOARD STRUCTURE
The EVAA Football Board oversees the in-house tackle football program as well as the traveling football program for 7th and 8th graders. For 2012, the Commissioner and Football Board President is Chris Anderson. The other voting members of the board include Pete Sammon, Jill Peterson, Joe Brodeur, Stacy Greven, Greg Wilson, Tom Muehlbauer, Lynn Rauch, Dennis McKenzie, Ron Reimann, Paul Wright, and Bruce Miller . The Football Board meets at various times throughout the year to administer the leagues, review funding issues and amend the league rules and procedures. The Football Commissioner acts as a liaison between the Football Board with the EVAA Board. The success of the program depends upon numerous parent volunteers. Persons not on the Board are welcome to attend Board meetings to raise any questions or concerns they may have. Information regarding Board meetings may be obtained from the Football Commissioner or a member of the Board.

SECTION 4 - PROGRAM FUNDING
The cost to equip each player is approximately $250 (this is not the registration fee). This does not include team equipment or field equipment. Each year, the EVAA Football Program has to retire a significant portion of its equipment and purchase new equipment. In order to keep registration costs low, the league counts on parents and numerous volunteers to assist in fund-raising. Our major fund raiser is our annual Steak Dinner Cook Out in September. PLEASE HELP THE PLAYERS IN SELLING ALL STEAK DINNER COOK OUT TICKETS AND VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT! It is the only way we can keep the registrations cost at an affordable price. Parents with fund-raising opportunities are encouraged to contact the Football Commissioner or a member of the Board.

SECTION 5 - REFUNDS
Because the vast majority of revenue necessary to run the league is based on registrations, once a player placed on a team, there will be no refund. This rule applies regardless of whether the child quits or is unable to play.

SECTION 6 - CONDUCT POLICY
Coaches are responsible for their behavior as well as the behavior of their players and their fans. Harassment of coaches, referees and players will not be tolerated. Coaches, players and parents must review the EVAA Code of Ethics provided below. We must strive to teach the children of the community respect for referees, coaches and opposing players. The official referees are in control of all games and have the authority to eject a coach, player, parent or fan from the game and field area. The referees have been reminded to give a coach, player, parent or fan one verbal warning. If a second behavioral infraction occurs, the EVAA Football Program encourages the official to eject the offending coach, player, parent or fan from the game and field area. It is the official's sole decision to determine the seriousness of the infraction and, also, to decide if the game should be called. When the game is called, the official is required to explain his decision to both benches and leave the field. The referees and coaches are responsible for reporting any such incident to the EVAA Football Commissioner. Any problems with a coach, referee, player or fan, should be directed in writing to the EVAA Football Commissioner.Fans are restricted to the opposite side of the field from the players' bench. Players are expected to be on the bench when they are not playing in the game. Players will treat their teammates and opposition with respect. After each game, the teams will line-up and shake hands. Throwing of helmets is not tolerated.

SECTION 7 - GENERAL PROGRAM RULES
7.1 Coach Selection Criteria

• The EVAA Football Board must approve all coaches.
• Head coaches must be at least 21 years old.
• All coaches must fill out a "Background Check" form.
• Parents may indicate a desire to coach at registration or by contacting the Football Commissioner. The EVAA Football Board reviews applications and decides who will be a head coach. The head coach will select one assistant coach. A second assistant coach may be chosen after the draft has taken place.
• If a coach is ejected from a game, the coach will not be allowed to coach the next game and the situation will be reviewed by the Football Board. If a second similar situation occurs, the situation will be reviewed by the Football Board and appropriate action will be taken.
• The Football Board may remove a coach at any time.

7.2 Coach Responsibilities

• Coaches must follow the "Coaches Code of Ethics" supported by the EVAA.
• Along the sidelines, coaches must remain within the 20 yard area between the 45 and 25 yard lines on their half of the field.
• One coach from each team is allowed on the field at all times.
• Coaches are responsible for demonstrating good sportsmanship and proper behavior
• Coaches are responsible for attending the coaches meeting in August to review the upcoming schedule.
• Coaches are responsible for the equipment that is issued to them. If any equipment is lost or damaged, coaches should report the problem to the Commissioner.
• There is a limit of three coaches on the sidelines for games. Parents may volunteer to
• assist with practices but only the head coach and two assistants are allowed on the players side of
• the field during games.
• Coaches are responsible for holding a parent meeting. At this meeting, the coach should set the tone for the season and distribute their team game and practice schedule and roster.
• Coaches are encouraged to have two volunteer parents to handle special activities.
• Coaches are responsible for enforcing the EVAA rules.
• Coaches are responsible for picking up uniforms, pictures and trophies and distributing them to their team.
• Coaches are responsible for ensuring the minimum playing time requirements are met for each of their players.
• Coaches are responsible for reporting any problems with the fields to the Commissioner.
• Coaches are responsible to police the field area for trash after the game to ensure that the grounds are left free of all trash.
• Coaches are responsible for their players during practices and games until they are picked up by their parent or guardian. No player should be left alone after a game or practice.
• If there is no subsequent game on the field, coaches are responsible to collect all field markers, chains and down markers and bring them to the equipment shed.
• The winning coach is responsible to inform the EVAA Football Commissioner or person in charge of game results within one day of the game's completion.

7.3 Parent Responsibilities

• Parents must follow the "Parents Code of Ethics" supported by the EVAA.
• Parents are responsible for demonstrating good sportsmanship and proper behavior.
• Parents are responsible for the good sportsmanship and proper behavior of their children and their guests.
• Parents are responsible for getting their children to practices and games on time as determined by the coach.
• Parents are responsible for picking up their children from practices and games on time.
• Parents are responsible for informing the coach whenever their child will miss or be late to a practice or a game.
• Parents should volunteer to assist the coach whenever possible, however they are to remain on the opposite side of the playing field from the players. The three designated coaches and
• players are allowed on the players side of the field. The only exception would be to tend to an injured player.
• Parents are responsible to discard any trash in the waste receptacles located around the
• field areas. They are also responsible to assist the coach to police the field area after the practice or game to ensure the fields are left free of trash.
• Parents are responsible to assist the coach in collecting all field markers, chains and down markers and returning them to the equipment shed after the game.

7.4 Player Responsibilities

• Players must follow the "Players Code of Behavior" supported by the EVAA.
• Players are responsible for demonstrating good sportsmanship and proper behavior.
• Players are responsible for being attentive at practices and games.
• Players are responsible for reminding their parents that they should be at practices or games on time.
• Players are responsible for informing the coach whenever they will miss or be late to a practice or a game.
• Along the sidelines, players must remain within the 20 yard area between the 45 and 25 yard lines on their half of the field.
• Fighting, intentional kicking, kneeing, or use of fists is cause for ejection from the game.
• Players are responsible for wearing a mouth piece and protective cup.
• Players are responsible to help police the field for trash after a practice or game to ensure the field is left free of all trash.
• 7.5 Minimum Playing Time Rule
• The intent of the minimum playing time rule is to ensure that each player has an opportunity to play an entire game. This can be accomplished in the following combinations:
• Whole game on offense
• Whole game on defense
• Half the game on offense, the other half on defense
• Both offense and defense in the same half
• In overtime the playing time rule does not apply.

In addition to the Minimum Playing Time Rule, EVAA Football STRONGLY encourages our Minimum Touch Philosophy. The

philosophy is that a Minimum of 6 players on each team must carry or catch the football at least twice per game. This is not a rule, but our philosophy on developing youth football players at EVAA.

7.6 Exceptions to Minimum Playing Time Rule
All coaches are expected to run organized practices and prepare for games. In order for them to accomplish this, players and parents need to communicate planned or unexpected absences to the coach as soon as possible. The minimum playing time rule is subject to the coach's discretion in the event that a player does not participate in practice(s) or the player engages in disruptive behavior at practice(s) or in games (e.g., a player missing a practice may, at the coach's discretion, result in the player not getting playing time in the next game). At the beginning of the season, the coach should advise players and parents of this exception. The coach MUST advise the Commissioner and the opposing head coach of the intended departure from the playing time rule before it is applied in a game setting.

7.7 The 18 Point Rule
The EVAA Football program discourages "running up the score". If a team achieves a lead of 18 points over its opponent, it is required to replace its entire offensive backfield on the next offensive series (this does not include the extra point attempt immediately following a lead of 18 points or more) The offensive backfield consists of four positions, including the quarterback and three running backs and/or flanker. Also, the original backfield may not return punts or kickoffs if the lead is 18 points. If a team used multiple players in its backfield to achieve the 18 point lead, the head coach of the opposing team may select the four players who may not return to the backfield until the lead becomes less than 18 points. The original backfield may return (and also return punts and kickoffs) in the event that the lead becomes less than 18 points. Violation of this rule will result in a 15-yard penalty and loss of possession for the first violation and, subject to the referee's discretion, an automatic forfeit of the game for the second violation.

7.8 Points/Scoring
Touchdown 6 points
Extra Point from the center field "Extra Point Line" 1 point
Extra Point from the 7 yard line 2 points
Safety 2 points
7.9 Team Drafting
A three day coach's assessment will be conducted in August prior to the draft.
For the Minors (3rd-4th grade), the coaches will draft the players. No special request for players and /or coaches are honored in either division.
For the Majors (5th and 6th), the coaches draft the players. No special request for players and/or coaches are honored in either division. The exceptions are:
Coaches Kids: The head coach can select one assistant coach. The child of the head coach and the child of the assistant coach are automatically included on the team and are slotted into their appropriate draft round by agreement of all MAJORS coaches. In the event the MAJORS coaching group cannot all agree on placement of the coaches kids before the draft, a member or members of the Football Board, without kids in the MAJORS division will slot the kids in the draft, and there will be no appeal.
Siblings: Siblings in the same division (other than coaches' children) are chosen together and slotted into their appropriate draft round by agreement of all MAJORS coaches.
Draft Order: The draft order will be determined by the ratings of the coaches kids. The coaching staff with the lowest rated coaches kids will be given the opportunity to select their draft position. The next lowest will select their draft position and so on until all teams have a draft position.
Regular Draft: After the try-out evaluations have been concluded, the coaches meet to select their picks. The draft order follows an "over and back" sequence in which the team with the last pick in the first round will get the first pick in the next round, etc. Each team is allowed three minutes to announce its pick in each round. If a player does not attend the evaluation week and is a "complete unknown", that players name will be drawn from a hat at the end of the draft and put on a team based on draft order.
7.10 Scheduling of Practices and Games

• Practice and/or game times will be limited to a maximum of four times per week.
• Practice and/or game times will be limited to a maximum of two hours per event.
• The Board will decide game dates and game times.
• The regular season champion is the team with the best overall record during the regular season. In the event of a tie between two or more teams, head-to-head records will serve as the first tie-breaker. In the event of that does not break the tie, the tie will be broken based on fewest points allowed over the course of the regular season. In the event of that does not break the tie, the tie will be broken by a flip of the coin.
• The play-offs will be seeded based on the regular season records of the teams. In the event of a tie between two or more teams, head-to-head records will serve as the first tie-breaker. In the event of that does not break the tie, the tie will be broken based on fewest points allowed over the course of the regular season. In the event of that does not break the tie, the tie will be broken by a flip of the coin. The highest seed will always play the lowest seed remaining through out the play-offs. We will rebracket after each round.

7.11 Equipment

• Each player must provide an athletic supporter with protective cup.
• Players may wear tennis shoes or molded rubber cleats. Football shoes with metal cleats or screw on cleats are prohibited.
• Each player must wear a mouth guard.
• Helmets and equipment must be EVAA issue.
• In each league, games will be played with a properly inflated "Junior" size football. Teams will be issued "game balls" at the beginning of the year. Each team must play games with an EVAA issued game ball.
• Under no circumstance will abuse of equipment be tolerated. If equipment is abused beyond normal wear and tear, that player and the parents will be responsible for reimbursing the cost of replacement.

7.12 Referees & Parent Assistants
7.12.1 Two professional referees will be hired for each game.
7.12.2 One parent volunteer from each team will assist with field chains and markers.
7.12.3 No harassment of the referees will be tolerated by coaches, players or parents. The practice of coaches yelling at a referee is not setting the example of sportsmanship we expect from our coaches and is embarrassing to other players, parents and coaches.
7.12.4 The official referees are in control of all games and have the authority to eject a coach, player, parent or fan from the game and field area if they believe that they are out of control with their behavior, either off or on the field. The referees have been reminded to give a coach, player or parent on the sidelines one warning. If a second behavioral infraction occurs, the official is encouraged to eject that coach, player, parent or fan from the game. It is the official's sole decision to determine the seriousness of the infraction and, also, to decide if the game should be called. When the game is called, the official is required to explain his decision to both benches and leave the field.
7.12.5 A judgment call by any official should be respected and not challenged. If a coach believes that an incorrect call has been made (or a call should have been made), the coach shall use a time out and discuss the situation with the official and coach of the opposing team. If the official determines, upon review of the rules, that the decision was incorrect, the team that called the time-out will not be charged with a time-out. In the event that an official and coach cannot agree on the rule, the professional referee's decision will be final. All judgment calls made by the referees are final!
7.12.6 Coaches should have a copy of these rules at each game.
Specific responsibilities of the parent assistants:
7.12.7 Ensure that the chains and down markers are located correctly and displaying the correct information
7.12.8 Retrieve the ball for the referee
7.13 Weight Limits
7.13.1 Players weigh-in one time during the coach's assessment sessions. That weight is the player's official weight for the entire season. Players who were not weighed during one of the coach's assessment sessions must be weighed in and their official weight recorded prior to the first game. Nobody may play in a game unless they have been assigned an official weight by weighing in with program officials. At each game, each coach must have in his possession a copy of the official roster for his team including the official weights of each player.
7.13.2 Offensive and Defensive backs may weigh no more than:
3rd & 4th Grade - 85 lbs.
5th & 6th Grade - 105 lbs.
7.13.3 Offensive ends and Linebackers may weigh no more than:
3rd & 4th Grade - 105 lbs.
5th & 6th Grade - 125 lbs.
No Offensive end may carry the ball unless he receives a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage.
7.13.4 Players exceeding the 3rd & 4th Grade limit of 105 lbs. or the 5th & 6th Grade limit of 125 lbs. must play an interior line position on offense. Defensive ends may weigh more than the weight limits mentioned above. On defense, interior lineman must be within one yard of the line of scrimmage, and may not drop back into a linebacker position. The interior line position does not include the offensive end (the player on the outside position at each end of the line).
7.13.5 No player exceeding the 3rd & 4th Grade limit of 85 lbs. or the 5th & 6th Grade limit of 105 lbs. may be in a receiving position for kick-offs or punts or advance a kick-off or punt. If a player exceeding these weight limitations catches a kick-off or punt, the ball is considered downed at that point.
7.13.6 Any defensive player who intercepts a pass or recovers a fumble may advance the ball. An offensive player recovering a fumbled football beyond the line of scrimmage may not advance it. The ball will be marked down at the spot of the fumble.

SECTION 8 -GAME RULES
8.1 General Game Rules: The State High School League rules govern the EVAA Football program in cases not covered by specific EVAA rules. Where conflicts exist between EVAA rules and State High School League rules, EVAA rules govern.
8.2 Game protest: If a coach wishes to discuss a game situation, they should do so in a quiet and controlled manner with the Commissioner, following the game. However, all game results are final!
8.3 Coach's area: During games, only coaches and players are allowed on the team side of the field and they must remain within the 20-yard area between the 25 and 45 yard lines.
8.4 Fewer than 11 Players: If a team has less than 11 players, the coach who can field a full team can agree to play the game with fewer players to even the sides and have it count as an official game.
8.5 Game Length
8.5.1 A game consists of four 12-minute quarters. See section 8.6 for clock stopping details.
8.5.2 Half time will be five minutes between the second and third quarters.
8.5.3 Delay of game: There will be a maximum time limit in the huddle of 30
seconds. No penalty will be asessed for the 3rd & 4th grade level, and for the first TWO games for the 5th & 6th grade level. Any violation of this rule after the first TWO games of the season (5th & 6th grade level), will result in the clock being stopped after 30 seconds, and a five yard penalty being asessed. For 5th & 6th Grade, prior to calling a penalty, the referee will ask the coach if he wants a time out upon expiration of the 30-second clock.
8.5.4 Each team is allocated two time outs per half.
8.6 The Clock

• The referees are responsible to run the official game time clock. Generally, the clock will be stopped for the following reasons:
• Out of bounds
• Incomplete pass
• Change of possession
• Referee time out
• Team time out
• Injury
• Penalty
• Touchdown - the clock will not start again until the ball is kicked off after the extra point attempt.
• Punts - If the clocked had been stoped after the down prior to the declared punt ( time out or incomplete pass, ect. )the clock will not be re-started until the ball is punted. Not at the snap of the ball.
• The clock stops for a 1st down to allow the chains to move. Clock is started when chains are reset and referee signals to start the clock.

8.7 Overtime
8.7.1 If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, an overtime session is played to determine the winner. The overtime begins with a flip of the coin, called by the visiting team. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of being on either offense or defense. The loser chooses which goal they will defend. The ball will be placed on the 10-yard line to start each set.
8.7.2 The overtime session is comprised of two sets of four downs. A set is defined as each team having played both offense and defense. The overtime session is completed with the 1st untied set. The winner of the game is the team scoring the most points in that set.
8.7.3 Extra points are not counted as a play in a set, however, extra points should be tried after every score.
8.7.4 The overtime session is played according to the governing rules, except when the defense gains possession of the ball in which case the ball is dead and the offensive series is complete.
8.7.5 At the completion of two sets, if there is no winner, the game shall be declared a tie. Only in the case of a playoff or championship game shall the above format continue until a winner is determined.
8.8 Kicking
8.8.1 On kickoffs, the ball will be placed on the kicking team's 40-yard line.
8.8.2 The receiving teams free kick line is the mid field line (50 yard line). The receiving team must have at least five players between its own 45-yard line and the 50-yard line.
8.8.3 If the kick goes out of bounds without having been touched by a member of the receiving team, it will be put in play at the receiving team's 35 yard line or at the spot where it went out of bounds, whichever is nearest the kicking team's goal line.
8.8.4 Touchback: Any kick that breaks the out of bounds plane of the receiving team's goal line, without the receiving team having had control, will be put in play on the receiving team's 20 yard line. The receiving team will have possession.
8.8.5 "On Side Kick" The kicking team may recover, but not advance the kickoff, if the ball crosses the receiving team's free kick line (50 yard line).
8.8.6 If the kicking team touches the ball before it crosses the receiving team's free kick line (50-yard line), the ball will be awarded to the receiving team at the spot it was touched.
8.8.7. All teams must declare punts. On the 4th down, the offensive player in deep punt formation must receive the snap. No rushing is allowed. The punting team must line up in one of the approved offensive formations with the exception that the Fullback may line up on the line of scrimmage. No member of the punting team is allowed downfield before the punt. 8.8.8 No player exceeding the 3rd & 4th Grade limit of 85 lbs. or the 5th & 6th Grade limit of 105 lbs. may be in a receiving position for kick-offs or punts or advance a kick-off or punt. If a player exceeding these weight limitations catches a kick-off or punt, the ball is considered downed at that point.
8.9 Safety
In the event of a safety, the kicking team will kick a free kick from its own 20-yard line. The receiving team's free kick line will be the 30-yard line of the kicking team. The team must have at least five players between the kicking teams 30 and 45-yard lines. The defensive team is awarded two points for the safety.
8.10 Unique Penalties
The following is a summary of the most common penalties and those that are unique to the EVAA Football Program. It is not meant to be a complete list of all possible penalties. The State High School Rules offer a complete list of possible penalties.
8.10.1 5-Yard Penalties:

• Failure to wear a mouth guard. If an official finds a player not wearing their mouth guard when the quarterback begins the cadence, the official should stop play, inform the player, inform the coach and penalize the team 5-yards.
• Any line of scrimmage violation.
• Too many players on the field.
• Linebackers and/or Defensive Backs moving forward before the ball is snapped.
• Backfield in motion (3rd & 4th Grade only)
• Delay of game after the first two games of the season (5th & 6th Grade only) and the clock stops. The referee will ask the coach if he would like to take a time out upon expiration of the 30 seconds before calling a penalty.

8.10.2 10-Yard Penalties:

• Weight restriction violation.
• Illegal block.
• Illegal use of the hands.

8.10.3 15-Yard Penalties:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach, player or parent, including arguing with the officials, swearing or fighting. At a minimum, the offending player must sit out the remaining offensive or defensive series for the first violation. The referee has discretion to eject the offending player from the game. A coach or parent that engages in unsportsmanlike conduct will be required to leave the playing area for a second violation. (Unsportsmanlike conduct violations must also be reported to the EVAA Football Commissioner)
• Violation of the 18 Point rule. This will also result in a loss of possession. A second violation of this rule in the same game may result in a forfeiture of the game.
• Face mask
• Defensive Pass interference
• Offensive pass interference/downfield blocking before the ball is in air.
• Clipping
• Horse Collar Take Downs
• Roughing
• Over use of time outs
• Minimum Playing Time Rule violation

If a penalty occurs on a play such as a clip, illegal block, or face mask, the foul is enforced from the spot of the infraction, not from the line of scrimmage. If the penalty does not exceed the amount of yardage to the goal line, the penalty will split the difference to the goal line.
8.11 Special Rules -Formations & Alignments:
8.11.1 Failure to comply with the rules in this section will result in an illegal procedure penalty (a five yard penalty).
8.11.2 If the ball is snapped to any back other than the Quarterback or Punter, the ball is dead (e.g., no center sneaks)
8.11.3 A player who is not in the Offensive backfield or an Offensive End may not advance the ball.
8.11.4 An Offensive End may not advance the ball unless the End receives a forward pass across the line of scrimmage. 8.11.5 The 3rd & 4th Grade offense is confined to running a balanced "T" formation. Additionally, only one handoff or lateral is allowed per play in 3rd and 4th Grade. On a running play, the Quarterback may hand off or lateral; the ball exchanging hands only once. On a passing play, the Quarterback may hand off or lateral only once preceding one forward pass. In 3rd & 4th Grade, NO PLAYER (offense or defense) may be in motion prior to the snap of the ball. The shotgun is only allowed at the 5th and 6th grade level. At the 3rd and 4th grade level the Quarterback must take the snap under the center at the line of scrimmage.
8.11.6 The Balanced "T" formation is defined as follows:

• Offensive line consists of 7 players, 3 on each side of the center.
• Interior lineman may not line up more than one yard apart from each other.
• Neither Offensive End may be lined up more than five yards from the Tackle.
• Offensive Ends must be lined up on the line of scrimmage.
• Halfbacks may not line up any wider than the outside leg of the Tackle.
• The Fullback may not line up in front of the Halfbacks.
• The offensive line must be balanced with a Guard, Tackle and End on each side of the ball.

8.11.7 The 5th & 6th Grade offense may run the balanced "T" formation (described above) or any of the following formations:

• Split wing right or left
• Pro right or left
• Slot right or left
• Flanker right or left
• "I" or Power "I"
• Tight wing right or left
• Wish Bone
• Eastview offense (two wings and fullback)

8.11.8 Unless the ball is on or inside the defensive team's 10-yard line, the defensive team must employ a 5-4-2 defense (two ends, two tackles and a nose guard on the line, four linebackers and two safeties). The defensive team may employ any defense when any part of the ball is on or inside the defensive team's 10-yard line.
8.11.9 In a defensive punt alignment, the two outside linebackers and two safeties may line up anywhere behind the inside linebackers.
8.11.10 Deployment of the defensive line (Ends, Tackles and Noseguard):

• All interior linemen must line up between 1 foot to 1 yard of the line of scrimmage and must be in a 3 or 4 point stance.
• Nose Guard alignment is head to head on the offensive center; no slanting.
• Defensive Tackles must line up head to head on offensive tackles; no slanting.
• Defensive Ends may line up no wider than 1 yard outside of the Offensive End. They do not need to be in a 3 or 4 point stance.

8.11.11 Deployment of inside linebackers:

• Inside Linebackers must be lined up between 2 and 4 yards from the line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped.
• Inside Linebackers are restricted to lining up head to head on the offensive guards; no slanting.
• Inside Linebackers must hold their positions until the snap of the ball, at which time they may proceed in any direction.
• EXCEPTION: When a back goes in motion in 5th & 6th Grade, an inside linebacker may move laterally to cover the back, but must remain at least 2 yards off the line of scrimmage.

8.11.12 Deployment of defensive secondary (outside linebackers and safeties):

• Outside linebackers may line up anywhere between the sideline and 3 yards outside the shoulder of the Defensive End on his side of the ball but must be lined up at least 2 yards off the line of scrimmage. Outside linebackers may move laterally prior to the snap of the ball to cover a back in motion, but must remain at least 2 yards off the line of scrimmage.
• Safeties can line up anywhere and may move laterally prior to the snap of the ball regardless of whether a back is in motion, but must remain at least 3 yards behind the Linebackers.
• In a defensive punt alignment, the two outside linebackers and two safeties may line anywhere behind the inside linebackers.

SECTION 9 – MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
9.1 Blood Policy
Consistent with the EVAA's policy on blood, players are not allowed to participate while bleeding.

9.2 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy
The EVAA believes that all players and coaches participating in an EVAA youth activity should refrain from the use of alcohol and controlled substances. The EVAA does not condone the use of tobacco by players under the legal tobacco age. In addition, smoking is not permitted at any time on District 196 School property. It shall be a violation of this policy for a player or coach while participating in a EVAA youth activity to use a beverage containing alcohol or use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any controlled substances. It shall be a violation of this policy for a player participating in an EVAA activity to use tobacco.
First Violation: Upon notification by the EVAA Board, the player or coach shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive games or two weeks of a sport season in which the player or coach is participating, whichever is greater. No exception is permitted. This excludes them from dressing at the games or participating in practices during the suspension.
Second Violation: The player or coach shall lose eligibility in the EVAA for that sport season. No exception is permitted. Cumulative Penalties: Penalties shall be cumulative beginning with and continuing throughout the player or coach's participation in the EVAA.

9.3 Suspension Policy
The Football Commissioner and Football Board of Directors reserve the right to take appropriate disciplinary action and/or suspend any coach, parent, player or fan that violates the EVAA Code of Ethics provided in this manual. Any person may report a violation to the EVAA Football Commissioner in writing. A second violation may result in suspension from game(s) or suspension from the league for the remainder of the year depending on the severity of the violation. A third violation may result in the coach, player or fan being suspended from the league for the remainder of the year and/or the following year.

9.4 Conflict Resolution Guidelines
These guidelines are to be followed if concerns are raised regarding the policies and procedures of the EVAA Football Program. When a player or a parent has a concern regarding the policies or procedures of EVAA Football, they should first bring those concerns to the attention of their coach. If the problem persists or is unable to be resolved at the coach level, the player or parent should contact the EVAA Football Commissioner in writing. Once the Commissioner is involved, the Commissioner will act as the mediator between the involved parties. All parties involved will discuss together the situation and find a solution. The Commissioner will communicate with the EVAA Board Liaison regarding any necessary mediation and the outcome of the mediation. If necessary, the involved parties can contact the EVAA Board Liaison to help mediate the dispute. The EVAA Board Liaison will meet with all parties to discuss the situation and find a solution. The EVAA Board will advise the EVAA Football Board of any situations that are being mediated in their sport. If mediation is unable to resolve the issues and all the above steps have been followed, a letter stating the issues must be directed to the "EVAA Football Board". The EVAA Football Board will consult with the EVAA Board on the issue. At this time, the EVAA Football Board will make a decision on the issue or refer the issue to the EVAA Board of Directors. The decision of either the EVAA Football Board or the EVAA Board will be final!

9.5 Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, the coach is responsible for determining if there will be practice. During games it is at the discretion of the referees to call a game. At all age levels, games and practices shall be suspended when lightning is present.

9.6 Suggestions
If you have suggestions for improving the EVAA Football Program, please include them in writing at the end of the season. Include as much detail as necessary for the volunteers to understand what you would like to see implemented. All suggestions should be written. Each year, we receive suggestions that would be wonderful to implement. Unfortunately, time constraints on our volunteers make implementation difficult to accomplish. Please help us implement your good ideas by volunteering.

Parents' Code of Ethics

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event.
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of any personal desire to win.
• I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
• I will provide support for coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
• I will demand a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free sports environment for my child and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will remember that the game is for children and not for adults.
• I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
• I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
• I will promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience within my personal constraints by assisting with coaching, being a respectful fan, providing transportation or whatever I am capable of doing.

Players' Code of Behavior

• I will do my best at all practices and during all games.
• I will listen to my coaches when at practices and at games.
• I will practice good sportsmanship by treating all players, coaches, parents and officials with respect.
• I will do my best to help my parents get me to games and practices on time.
• I will keep my equipment and the equipment of the team in good condition by not throwing it or using it improperly.
• I will play and practice the game to have fun and not be concerned about winning or losing.
• I understand that improvement comes from practice and sometimes I may decide to practice on my own, away from scheduled practices and games.
• I agree to use safety equipment when instructed to do so and pay attention to other safe play ideas provided by coaches, players and parents.
• Coaches' Code of Ethics
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of my player ahead of any personal desire to win.
• I will remember to treat each player as an individual, remembering the large spread of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
• I will do my very best tot provide a safe playing situation for my players.
• I promise to review and practice the necessary first-aid principles needed to treat injuries to my players.
• I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
• I will ensure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and that I will teach these rules to my players.
• I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.
• I will remember that I am a youth coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.