1. 1
   Ages 5 through 12Players must be at least 5 years old and have started kindergarten, up through 12 years old.
2. 2
   Age cutoff: September 1A player's age is determined by their age on September 1 of the season.
3. 3
   Divisions by age8U is for ages 5 through 8. 12U is for ages 9 through 12. Division breakdowns are subject to the number of players registered at each age.

Where the two divisions differ. Everything else on this page applies to both.

How a game is run, start to finish.

1. 1
   Two 20-minute halvesWith a 5-minute halftime. A coin toss decides first possession.
2. 2
   Running clock UpdatedOfficials stop the clock only for injuries or administrative reasons, except in the final minute of each half, when the clock stops after every play.
3. 3
   TimeoutsOne 60-second timeout per team, per half.
4. 4
   Moving the ballFour downs to reach midfield, then four more downs to score.
5. 5
   No punts or kickingEvery possession is played out on the field.
6. 6
   TiesRegular season games may end in a tie. The championship uses alternating possessions to decide a winner.

Every snap starts with a center and ends with a quick decision.

1. 1
   The snapTeams line up with a center, who snaps, hikes, or laterals the ball to the quarterback. The center is immediately an eligible receiver.
2. 2
   12U play clock Updated12U has a 30-second play clock with a 10-second warning. Coaches must be off the field, to a sideline, before it expires or a loss of down is enforced. The ball cannot be snapped until the coach is off the field.
3. 3
   7 seconds to get rid of itThe QB has 7 seconds to throw, lateral, or hand off. If the ball has not been released in 7 seconds, the play is blown dead and results in a loss of down.
4. 4
   No QB runsNo direct quarterback runs or scrambles are permitted.
5. 5
   Handoffs and pitchesDirect handoffs and backward pitches are legal behind the line of scrimmage, but not past it.
6. 6
   PassingAll passes must be forward and caught beyond the line of scrimmage.
7. 7
   Motion and formationsOne player may be in motion before the snap. Teams may use multiple ball-carriers and formations.

Go for the flag, never the player.

1. 1
   Rushing the passer UpdatedDefenders may not cross the line of scrimmage unless they start at least 5 yards from the ball before the snap.
2. 2
   PursuitAfter a handoff or lateral, normal defensive pursuit rules apply.
3. 3
   Ending the playA play is dead the moment the ball-carrier's flag is pulled off.
4. 4
   Player down on the ground UpdatedA play is not dead just because a player falls. When a ball-carrier is on the ground, a defender may touch the player down without pulling the flag.
5. 5
   InterceptionsIntercepted passes may be returned by the defense.
6. 6
   12U turnovers UpdatedOn all 12U turnovers, the defense takes possession at the spot of the ball. The ball is not returned to the team's own 5-yard line.
7. 7
   Play safeNo unnecessary roughness. Keep play safe and fun.

Games are meant to be fun and competitive, not lopsided. If a team leads by 30 or more, coaches may agree to adjust, such as a shorter field or no extra points, to keep it fun for everyone.

1. 1
   Most penalties: 5 yards and replay the downIncludes offsides, false start, illegal forward pass, illegal motion, blocking, holding, flag guarding, contact, and unsportsmanlike conduct.
2. 2
   Jersey grabbing UpdatedGrabbing and hanging onto an opponent's jersey results in a 5-yard penalty added to the end of the play.
3. 3
   Intentional contact UpdatedTripping and other contact deemed intentional is called tightly.
4. 4
   Repeat or intentional violationsMay result in a warning or ejection.

1. 1
   Provided by the leagueJerseys, flags, footballs, and field equipment.
2. 2
   Players bringA mouthguard, shorts without pockets, and athletic shoes or cleats.