Rules

Helmet-to-helmet contact

There is a misunderstanding, and we need to ensure that our parents and players understand what constitutes helmet-to-helmet contact. The rule does not say that helmets can never make contact with each other. The loud “crack” of helmets during the game is not any indication whatsoever that a penalty has occurred. It occurs when the helmet is used to target another player, and contact is made with the head down, with the top or crown being the contacting portion of the other player. There have been several instances where someone sent a video showing a loud crack, but upon review, there was no helmet-to-helmet contact. There are cases of it happening as well, but everyone must understand that it is not because of noise. The rule states that it is an act by any player who takes aim and initiates contact against an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow, or shoulder. If in the process of tackling a player there is contact, as long as the person was not leading with the helmet, it is not a helmet contact penalty.

Excessive force

Gone are the days of going to find someone to hit until the whistle blows! Several teams are still teaching that must stop. Players can use reasonable force to run or stop a play, but it is against the rules to use excessive force outside the play area. 

There have been instances of ejections due to issues like this that lead the players to make poor choices.

Penalties that do not directly affect the play

There have been several coaches who complained about penalties that were not called, but when watching film, those penalties often had no impact on the play or player safety. In these cases, referees will not call a penalty. There is holding on every play, and enforcement would not be useful or productive. In the past, coaches became upset when non-significant penalties were not called to bring back a play or reverse a score, which in turn upset parents and fans. Reinforce with your team and parents about this rule. This practice is the same that is used in the NFL, college, and high school leagues around the country. 

Fan Location and Behavior

The rules state that fans need to be in the stands if there are stands present. If this is not addressed, the referees will not start or will stop the game and not continue until the parents are back where they need to be. If there are no stands, parents and fans must maintain a distance of at least 7 yards from the field at all times. It is up to the head coach to police their fans.  Fans (parents, visitors, etc) should never be interacting with the referees. Fans threatening referees is something that should never be allowed to happen.

Finally, fans have left the fields and stands in a complete mess. Sunflower seeds, trash, and cups are being left. We have lost access to these nice fields. Please remember to clean up afterward.