The Association uses Montana High School rules. There are some exceptions for both divisions
concerning what formations may be used on offense and defense, penalty enforcement, player
weight and the timing of the game. There are no limitations on what plays a team may execute
utilizing the formations. Coaches formulate their respective play books.
The senior division teams play on regulation size fields while the junior division plays on a field
that is 80 yards long and 40 yards wide.
The senior division can use the pro back, I -Back, wishbone, power I formations, or any
formation where there are three backs (not counting the QB) in the backfield. There can be no
more than two potentially eligible receivers on either side of line and there must have at least one
tight end. No trips formations are allowed and a minimum of two backs, other than QB, are
required in backfield between the tackles. No motion is allowed and punts are live.
The senior division teams can use any defensive formation.
The junior division must have two tight ends along with the other interior lineman. A slot back
can be used in a wing, flanker,or wide out position as long as they are in the backfield and not on
the line of scrimmage. The pro back, I -Back, wishbone or power I formations or any formation
where there are three backs (not counting the QB) in the backfield may be used. Backs cannot be
lined up outside the tackles in a pro set formation. Motion is not allowed. A free punt is enforced
and fake punts are not allowed. The defense is allowed to retreat when the ball is snapped but the
offense cannot go downfield until the ball is kicked.
Junior division teams must use either a 5-3-3 or a 5-4-2 on defense. On first and goal any
defensive formation can be used.
In the senior division a player who weighs more than 150 pounds may not play QB, running
back, receiver position or otherwise advance the ball. In the junior division, the player cannot
weigh more than 110 pounds. This rules applies to kickoffs and punts as well. Players over the
respective weight limits may advance the ball if they intercept a pass or recover a fumble.
Games are 60 minutes long. Each quarter is 15 minutes in length and halftime is 10 minutes. The
clock runs continuously during the 1st and 3rd quarters except for time outs and injuries. During
the 2nd and 4th quarters the clock stops during the last two minutes for time outs, injuries,
incomplete passes and when a player goes out of bounds. The clock will stop after touchdowns
and at change of possession throughout the entire game.
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