Tackle Football Rules

All games across all levels are 11v11. All games shall be governed by current year official football rules as adopted by the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), with the following exceptions:

HELENA SMALL FRY TACKLE FOOTBALL RULES

ARTICLE 1 - DIVISION STRUCTURE & PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Section 1.1 - There are four (4) divisions in Helena’s Small Fry Football Association’s (“HSF”) program, as follows: Junior Division – 5th Grade, Junior Division – 6th Grade, Senior Division - 7th Grade, and Senior Division - 8th Grade. Each division has specific eligibility requirements that must be met for participation. Grade level is the primary criteria to determine the division in which a player shall play in. A player’s date of birth may be considered, where safety of the player or other players is of concern, and is at the sole discretion of the HSF Board. The physical size of a player shall have no bearing on which division he/she plays.

Section 1.2 - Junior Division – 5th Grade Eligibility Requirements - Only players in the 5th Grade are eligible. Fifth grade players with a strip weight of over 100 pounds are allowed to play center, offensive guard, or offensive tackle. They may not play a quarterback, backfield, or end position. Junior Division – 5th Grade players, regardless of size, may play all defensive positions. They may legally advance the ball if they intercept a pass or recover a fumble

Section 1.3 – Junior Division 6th Grade Eligibility Requirements – Only players in the 6th Grade are eligible. Players with a strip weight of over 115 pounds are allowed to play center, offensive guard, or offensive tackle. They may not play a quarterback, backfield, or end position. Junior Division 6th Grade players, regardless of size, may play all defensive positions. They may legally advance the ball if they intercept a pass or recover a fumble.

Section 1.4 - Senior Division 7th Grade Eligibility Requirements - Only players in the 7th Grade are eligible. Senior Division 7th Grade players with a strip weight of over 130 pounds are allowed to play center, offensive guard, or offensive tackle. They may not play a quarterback, backfield, or end position. Senior Division players, regardless of size, may play any defensive position. They may legally advance the ball if they intercept a pass or recover a fumble.

Section 1.5 - Senior Division 8th Grade Eligibility Requirements - Only players in the 8th Grade are eligible. Players with a strip weight of over 150 pounds are allowed to play center, offensive guard, or offensive tackle. They may not play a quarterback, backfield, or end position. Senior Division players, regardless of size, may play any defensive position. They may legally advance the ball if they intercept a pass or recover a fumble.

Section 1.6 - Determination of Player Weight - The weight restriction imposed on certain offensive players is meant to prevent injuries. The determination of player weight will be made only once during each football season at the time of equipment check out. Each player’s weight will be verified and recorded by a HSF Board member at equipment check out day. The weight measurement recorded will be the sole criteria for determining whether a player is eligible to advance the ball on offense.

Section 1.7 - Player Weight Challenge - Should a coach suspect a player’s recorded weight measurement be incorrect at any time during the season, the coach may challenge the player’s weight, and request a re-weight. Re-weigh requests shall be reviewed by the HSF Board and if approved, the entire division for that player is subject to a re-weight.

Section 1.8 - Players on the Field - All games across all Divisions are 11 v 11.

ARTICLE 2 - GAME OFFICIALS

Section 2.1 - The HSF Board will attempt to secure the best game officials for each game. In some situations, the opposing coaches may be asked to find a knowledgeable parent or spectator to assist.

Section 2.2 - Whenever possible, all Junior Division games will be officiated by a referee, an umpire, and a linesman. One of those officials will serve as official timekeeper.

Section 2.3 - Whenever possible, all Senior Division games will be officiated by a referee, an umpire, a linesman, and a line judge. One of those officials will serve as official timekeeper.

Section 2.4 - Other required game personnel include three team volunteers to operate the sideline chains and down marker. The home team is responsible for running the chains and down marker in the first half and the away team is responsible for the second half. The sideline chain crew and down marker volunteers shall remain neutral during the game while operating the chains.

Section 2.5 - Game fees will be paid to all referees, umpires, head-linesmen and line judges.

ARTICLE 3 - ASSIGNMENT OF PLAYERS TO TEAMS

Section 3.1 - Teams are composed of all eligible players who reside in specific geographic areas set by the HSF Board, which generally follow grade school boundaries. Maps of the geographic areas will be available for coaches and the public upon request. Players who reside within the geographic areas can only play on the team designated for that geographic area unless an exception is approved by the HSF Board.

Section 3.2 - Requests for team placement exceptions will be submitted in writing to the HSF Board. A determination will be made by the full HSF Board based on approved hardship or extenuating circumstances.

Section 3.3 - Efforts to register using a fake or invalid address to circumvent geographical team formation may result in that player’s suspension from the league for the season.

Section 3.4 - Players who register after July 31st may be assigned to a team outside of their geographical area based on team size and overall registration numbers. Priority for geographic sign-ups will be given based on sign-up date.

ARTICLE 4 - REGISTRATION PROCESS

Section 4.1 - Registration shall be completed on HSF’s website.

(a) Parents shall complete the player registration online in a timely manner. Increased registration fees apply after July 1st.

(b) Players are not considered registered until full payment is made.

Section 4.2 - Concussions Requirements and Return To Play Policy is as follows:

(a) During online registration parents/legal guardians must acknowledge they have read and understand concussion protocol and the return to play policy.

(b) Return to Play - In accordance with USA Football guidelines, a coach or official shall remove a player from participation at the time the player exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion. The player cannot return to play until he/she is evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to return to play from the licensed health care professional.

Section 4.7 - Refund Policy - HSF does not issue refunds after a player has been assigned to a team. Team assignments occur in August every year. Prior to a player being assigned to an official team, a refund of the registration fee less a $50 administrative handling fee will be issued. If there are extenuating circumstances after team assignments (i.e. injury, illness, moving out of the area, etc.), parents can appeal in writing for a refund (less a $50 administrative handling fee). An official notification must be sent in writing to league administration (helenasmallfry@gmail.com) requesting the refund and arranging for the return of all equipment and discount cards if applicable before a refund is processed. Refunds will be issued on or before September 30th.

ARTICLE 5 - EQUIPMENT

Section 5.1 - HSF will issue protective equipment for each player in the HSF Program. Exceptions to use of that equipment must be made in writing and be approved by the HSF Board. Coaches shall continually inspect and approve the equipment used by each player on their team. The equipment list set forth below is required and shall be worn by all players beginning with the first contact practice and throughout the remainder of the football season. Failure to wear the required equipment will result in the disqualification of the player from participation until correction is made. A player shall wear:

(a) Helmet. A helmet provided or approved by HSF must be worn and secured by a properly fastened chinstrap.

(b) Mouthguard. All players must wear the mouth guard during practice and games.

(c) Padded Football Pants. Football pants provided by or approved by HSF must be worn during all games, and practices (when applicable). The approved pants will be equipped with proper hip, thigh, knee and tailbone pads.

(d) Jerseys. HSF will provide game jerseys as part of the player registration fee.

(e) Shoes. Any soft or semi-soft soled tennis or basketball shoe will be allowed. Cleats will be allowed as long as they are molded non-removable cleats only.

Section 5.2 - HSF shall not allow illegal equipment to be worn by any player. Types of equipment which shall always be declared illegal include but not limited to:

(a) Projecting metal or hard substances on clothes or people.

(b) Any substance such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster, or fiberglass which is hard in its final form and worn on the elbow, hand, wrist or forearm must be covered in a minimum of 1/2 inch padding. Padding must be inspected, and thickness must be agreed upon by coaches from both teams before the game. If a coach does not think the thickness meets requirements, then the padding must be inspected by a board member before the player can take the field. Any player in a cast must have written permission from a parent to be playing in the cast.

(c) Knee braces made of hard unyielding material unless hinges are covered on both sides and all of its edges overlapped and worn under the pants. Unless covering is provided by the manufacturer, any portion of the brace made of hard material and extending below the pants must be covered.

(d) Forearm pads, hand pads or gloves, unless made entirely or soft nonabrasive, non-hardening material which poses no danger to the wearer or other players. Athletic tape may be used at each end to anchor such pads. Tape, bandage or support wrap on the hand or forearm, unless made of non-hardening, nonabrasive, and necessary to protect an existing injury.

(e) Shin guards which are not covered in the same manner as thigh guards.

(f) Ball colored towels, pads, or gloves.

(g) Any slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment or exposed part of the body.

(h) Helmet adornments unless approved in advance by HSF.

(i) Tinted visors are not allowed unless accompanied by a doctor’s note. Clear visors are acceptable.

ARTICLE 6 - FOOTBALL PRACTICES

Section 6.1 - There shall be no practices before the first date allowed of the current HSF league calendar.

Section 6.2 - Players shall not engage in physical contact (blocking and tackling) until they have had at least 3 days of non-padded non-contact practices. After the initial 3 days of non-contact, players are required to have an additional 5 days of practice with pads before they will be allowed to play in a game.

Section 6.3 - All players shall wear required equipment at all practice sessions involving physical contact.

Section 6.4 - Practice sessions may be held Monday through Friday, at the discretion of the coach. No practice session shall be longer than two hours.. It is recommended that the Friday practice be a one-hour, no-pads, pre-game practice.

ARTICLE 8 - PLAYING FIELDS

Section 8.1 - The size of the Junior Division - 5th Grade and Junior Division - 6th Grade playing field is 80 yards between goal lines and 40 yards wide with 45 ft hash marks. End zones shall be 10 yards.

Section 8.2 - The size of the Senior Division playing field is 100 yards between goal lines and 53.33 yards wide with 53.33 ft hash marks. End zones shall be 10 yards.

Section 8.3 - Team Box Boundaries. The Junior Division 5th and 6th Grade team box boundaries are between the 20-yard lines. The Senior Division 7th and 8th Grade team box boundaries are between the 30-yard lines. These areas are reserved for players and coaches.

Section 8.5 - Field Conditions - The HSF Board shall have sole discretion to decide whether fields are unplayable on the day of the game.

ARTICLE 9 - GAME BALL:

Section 9.1 Game balls used in the Senior Division are Youth or Size 8 footballs. Game balls used in the Junior Division are Junior or Size 7.

ARTICLE 10 - PLAYING RULES

Section 10.1 - All games shall be governed by current year official football rules as adopted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHS), except where those rules are specifically amended in writing by the HSF Board set forth herein.

Section 10.2 - Scoring Values:

(a) Touchdown = 6 points

(b) Extra Points

(i) 3-yard line = 1 point

(ii) 5-yard line = 2 points

(iii) Extra Point and Field Goals are not permitted in any HSF Game, regardless of the availability of a goalpost.

Section 10.3 - Early Termination of Game - When a team is 30 or more points ahead at the end of the 1st half or if it secures such a lead during the 2nd half, the score at that point shall be recorded as the final score. Play shall continue with B squad players participating until the remainder of the time left in the game has elapsed with the play clock running continuously for the remainder of the game, including the final 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters.

ARTICLE 11 A GAME AND B GAME PARTICIPATION

Section 11.1 - All teams will play an ‘A’ game and a ‘B’ game weekly, unless granted a waiver by the HSF Board due to injury considerations. ‘B’ games are not counted in the standings and should be used to develop players who do not play or get limited play time in an ‘A’ game.

Section 11.2 - The same weight restrictions and game rules apply in both ‘A’ and ‘B’ games.

Section 11.3 - ‘A’ game players who play a majority of the ‘A’ game should not play in a ‘B’ game. To avoid the temptation of play time, HSF Board encourages coaches to not allow ‘A’ game players to suit up for ‘B’ games, however coaches should require ‘A’ game players to attend ‘B’ games for mental reps from the sideline and support their teammates. Coaches may not conduct a separate ‘A’ players’ practices during ‘B’ games without prior approval from the HSF Board, which will only be approved in certain extenuating circumstances.

Section 11.4 - ‘A’ game players will not play in a ‘B’ game unless there are not enough players to complete a ‘B’ squad. An ‘A’ player playing in a ‘B’ game will not play on the same side of the ball in a ‘B’ game as they play in an ‘A’ game or in a similar position to his normal position in ‘A’ team games. Examples of these circumstances are:

(a) A player starting on defense in an ‘A’ game, may play on offense in a ‘B’ game if required to complete a ‘B’ squad.

(b) A player that starts at wide receiver in an ‘A’ game is only allowed to play offensive line, unless approval is obtained by the HSF Board due to team size and / or injury issues.

(c) These examples / circumstances are not inclusive and coaches should use reasonable discretion when playing ‘A’ players in a ‘B’ game with the intention of skill development in mind.

Section 11.5 - Any misconduct by a coach in player participation during a B game may lead to a week-long suspension of the head coach.

ARTICLE 12 - REGULAR & POST SEASON GAMES

Section 12.1 - The HSF Board shall schedule all regular season games. During the regular season, if a game ends in a tie then overtime will be played in accordance with the NFHS Rule 3-1-1.

Section 12.2 - The HSF Board shall schedule all post season games. Brackets for the post season will be posted online each year.

Section 12.3 - The seeding for post season playoff games will be determined by (a) Record; (b) Head-to-Head; (c) Points Differential (Max 14 per game); and (d) Coin Flip. In the event there is a tie in the season ending standings, the tie shall be resolved as follows:

(a) Head-to-Head Result

(b) In the event the tied teams did not meet during the regular season or there is a tie among more than two teams, the ranking shall be determined by (1) Points Differential (Max 14 per game) and next (2) a coin flip held by HSF between the coaches involved.

Section 12.4 - HSF teams must play only other association teams unless approval to play a non-association team is granted by HSF.

ARTICLE 13 CONDUCT OF COACHES, PLAYERS & SPECTATORS

Section 13.1 - Unsportsmanlike Conduct. No coach, player or spectator shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner immediately before, during or after a game. Examples of such behavior include:

(a) Insulting language or gestures or baiting acts or words that engenders ill-will.

(b) Intentionally kicking or swinging at any player even though no contact may or may not be made.

(c) Attempting to influence a decision by a game official by disrespectfully addressing the official or vehemently objecting to his decision.

(d) Coaches who address their own players or the players on other teams in an abusive or unprofessional manner.

(e) Players who address their own teammates or players on other teams in an abusive or degrading manner.

(f) Use of unfair acts which in the opinion of the game official and/or the HSF Board tend to make a travesty of the game.

Section 13.2 - The penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct include:

(a) First violation: 15-yard penalty.

(b) Second violation: 15-yard penalty and ejection from the game if the violation involves a player or coach who previously received a similar penalty;

(c) Flagrant violations - Ejection from the game and a 15-yard penalty. If involved parties refuse to accept the game official's decision, the game shall be forfeited.

Section 13.3 - Any player who is ejected from a game shall not be allowed to play in the next regular season game. For" A" team players that means the next regularly scheduled "A" game as well as any intervening "B" team and practice games. For "B" team players that means the next regularly scheduled "B" team game and any intervening "A" team game and practice games.

Section 13.4 - Any coach who is ejected from a game shall not be allowed to attend the next regularly scheduled "A" game. In addition the coach shall explain his actions before a special meeting of the HSF Board. Depending on the severity of the coach’s actions, the HSF Board may decide to take additional disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Section 13.5 - At the HSF Board’s discretion, a coach may be removed from his or her position at any point in the season due to behavior, health concerns or other potential risks to the players or the program.

Section 13.6 - At the official’s discretion, a spectator violating HSF’s Code of Conduct may be ejected from attending any game. Officials will report to the HSF Board any spectator removed from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct. The HSF Board reserves the right to take additional action against spectators where appropriate, including but not limited to police and legal action.

ARTICLE 14 - GAME AND PLAY CLOCK:

Section 14.1 - All A games shall consist of 15-minute quarters, with 1-minute breaks between each quarter and a 10-minute halftime. The clock will run continuously and will only stop for a team or referee timeout, injury, after the extra point try, and the last two minutes of the first half and the last two minutes of the second half IF the score of the contest is within 13 points.

Section 14.2 - Each team is entitled to three (3) one-minute timeouts per half. The clock restarts on the snap following any team or referee time out. Time outs do not carry over into the second half or overtime(s). The head coach is responsible for keeping track of time outs. Calling for a time out and not having one available will result in a delay of game penalty and the team is not awarded the time out.

Section 14.3 - Play starts at the offensive team’s 20-yard line on possessions starting each half and after scores.

Section 14.4 - Penalties. Pass Interference, Face Mask, Targeting, (defensive clip/cut) is an automatic first down. There are no cut blocks allowed in any circumstance.

Section 14.5 - Clock Stoppages. Dead balls that stop the clock within the final two minutes are: incomplete passes, any play that ends out of bounds, scoring plays, change of possession, timeouts. The clock will also stop for all injury timeouts and official timeouts, restarting at the head officials ready to play signal. Penalty clock stoppages are held in accordance with NFHS rules. The clock is also stopped for the entirety of extra point tries within the final two minutes. If a team is losing by more than 13 points within the final two minutes, the clock does not stop for any reason other than timeouts, injury timeouts and official timeouts. If the losing team scores to create a deficit of 13 or fewer, clock stoppage criteria apply.

ARTICLE 15 - PUNT:

Section 15.1 - There are no punts in the Junior Divisions. A “punting team” will declare that they are either going for it on 4th down or wish to punt. If the team elects to punt, the officials will move the ball 30 yards from the “punting spot”. However, the ball may not be “punted” any closer than 30 yards from the receiving team’s goal line. For example if the punting team elects to punt from midfield, the ball would be placed at the 30 yard line. If the punting team elects to punt from their own 10 yard line, the ball would be placed at midfield.

Section 15.2 - In the Senior Division 7th Grade only, there is no rushing the punt/punter. The ball is live once the ball has been kicked.

Section 15.3 - In the Senior Division 8th Grade, the ball is live on the snap.

ARTICLE 16 - KICKOFFS:

Section 16.1 - There are no kickoffs except within the last two (2) minutes of the 4th quarter IF the score is a 13 point or less margin. At least four players on the kicking team must be on each side of the kicker. No kicking team players, except for the kicker, may be more than five yards behind the kicking team’s free-kick line. No Motion and no shifting is allowed during kickoff.

ARTICLE 17: RECORDED GAME FILM

Section 17.1 - Recorded football game film exists solely to support the educational, developmental, and safety objectives of the HSF football program. Game film is an instructional tool, not a form of entertainment, criticism, or public commentary.

Section 17.2 - Appropriate Use of Game Film. Game film may be used for the following approved purposes: (a) Coach-led film review sessions with athletes; (b) Individual or group instruction; (c) Player development discussions; and (d) Coach evaluation and professional development

Section 17.3 - Prohibited Uses of Game Film. Game film may not be used for the following purposes: (a) Public criticism of players, coaches, officials, or teams; (b) Posting full or edited game footage on social media without permission; (c) Creating clips intended to embarrass, ridicule, or single out athletes or coaches; (d) Attempting to “coach from the stands” or challenge coaching decisions; (e) Reviewing film independently to dispute playing time, strategy, or officiating; (f) Sharing film with outside parties without authorization; (g) Game film is not a tool for parents or spectators to evaluate coaching decisions; and (h) as otherwise determined by the HSF Board.

Section 17.4 - Coach Expectations. Coaches are expected to: (a) Use game film constructively and professionally; (b) Provide feedback that is instructional, respectful, and development-focused; (c) Protect athlete dignity and privacy; (e) Ensure film access is controlled and purposeful; (f) Model ethical and educational use of video technology; and (g) Coaches must never use film as a punitive or public disciplinary tool.

Section 17.5 - Confidentiality and Distribution. Game film is considered HSF program property. Distribution or sharing of film is restricted and must follow league guidelines. Unauthorized copying, editing, or posting may result in disciplinary action.

Section 17.6 - Enforcement. Failure to comply with this policy may result in: (a) Revocation of film access; (b) Removal from team or program activities; and (c) Additional disciplinary action as determined by HSF.

Last updated July 2026