4U DIVISION RULES
SECTION 1: THE GAME
ARTICLE 1.
The offensive team will start possession at their own 5-yard line.
The offense has four (4) downs to gain a first down.
Once a team crosses midfield, they will receive four (4) downs to score.
ARTICLE 2.
If the offense fails to gain a first down or score a touchdown, possession will change.
The opposing team will begin their offensive possession at their own 5-yard line.
ARTICLE 3.
The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
ARTICLE 4.
All players are eligible to receive a pass.
SECTION 2: EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 1.
Headgear and mouthpieces are optional for the 4U division.
ARTICLE 2.
Football size is coach’s choice.
There are no restrictions on the size of football used.
SECTION 3: TIME
ARTICLE 1. GAME DURATION
Games will consist of two (2) 16-minute halves.
ARTICLE 2. TIMEOUTS
Each team receives two (2) timeouts per half.
Timeouts do not carry over.
Timeouts are the only way to stop the clock in a 4u game.
SECTION 4: COACH QB
ARTICLE 1.
Only the coach is allowed to play quarterback.
Players may not line up as quarterback.
ARTICLE 2.
The coach QB has 7 seconds to throw the football.
If the ball is not thrown within 7 seconds, the play is dead and results in a loss of down.
ARTICLE 3.
The coach may hand the ball off to any player.
Multiple handoffs are allowed as long as they occur behind the line of scrimmage.
SECTION 5: RUNNING
ARTICLE 1.
Once a player has possession of the football and crosses the line of scrimmage, they may advance the ball until their flag is pulled.
If the players flags fall off while running they will be down at the spot.
ARTICLE 2. NO BLOCKING / IMPEDING
There is no blocking or impeding defensive players at any time.
When the ball carrier is running, all other offensive players must stop running.
Offensive players may not run alongside the ball carrier to create interference or prevent defenders from pulling the flag.
Penalty:
Illegal Participation
5 yard penalty
Loss of down
SECTION 6: COACHES ON FIELD
ARTICLE 1.
Coaches are allowed on the field to help players line up and understand assignments.
(1) Coach allowed on offensive side of ball and (2) coaches allowed on defensive side of ball.
ARTICLE 2.
Once the ball is snapped and the play begins, coaches may not physically guide, move, block, shield, or redirect offensive or defensive players.
Penalty:
Illegal Participation
5 yard penalty
Loss of down
SECTION 7: DEFENSE
ARTICLE 1. NO BLITZING
There is no blitzing allowed in the 4U division.
ARTICLE 2.
Defensive players must wait until the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage before attempting to pull the flag.
Defenders may not cross the line of scrimmage before the ball carrier crosses.
SECTION 8: LIVE BALL / DEAD BALL
THE BALL IS DEAD WHEN:
Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
Ball carrier steps out of bounds
Incomplete pass
Ball hits the ground
Touchdown is scored
Ball carrier’s knee touches the ground
SECTION 9: SPORTSMANSHIP
4U football is about development, learning, and creating a love for the game.
Coaches and parents are expected to create a positive environment.
Teach the game.
Encourage the athletes.
Let the kids play.