III. Play (football)

Categories: Operations & Policy Manual

1. NBYFL has a membership association with and participates in the Morris County Youth Football League. Thus, NBYFL must abide by MCYFL game rules, play book, practice and game schedules, boundaries, requirements and officials’ guidelines.

2. Divisions and Levels.  Divisions of play will be divided into three-- introductory, instructional and senior. Each level within the divisions of play are constructed around promoting positive growth and development of our youth athletes: 

1. Senior Division consists of Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Peewee Levels. These levels are by nature competitive and standings are maintained.  Age and weight limits apply as provided for by League’s membership association with MCYFL.
2. Instructional Divisions consists of Super Peewee, Clinic and Pre-Clinic levels. These levels primarily focus on learning and development, and standings are not formally maintained. Age and weight limits apply as provided for by League’s membership association with MCYFL.
3. Flag Division can be divided into two levels or more, depending on number of participants and range of ages and weights. This level is purely introductory, rudimentary, non-tackle and no standings are maintained.

3. Player Placement.

1. A player will play with his grade appropriate level unless the age of a player dictates that he must play up one level, as provided for by League’s membership association with MCYFL.
2. A player will have the option of playing down a level if the age of the player falls within the guidelines of the requested level, as provided for by League’s membership association with MCYFL.
3. Exceptions: Players who are too heavy to play at their eligible level and deemed capable of playing up a level may choose to do so. However, the upper level head coach must first get agreement from the lower level head coach before proceeding. The order in which this MUST be accomplished is as follows:
1. Head Coaches must first agree
2. The Parents and players must then agree
3. Approval of Board of Officers.

4. Any child residing in the Green, Andover, Newton area school districts, within the prescribed age and weight limits provided for by MCYFL and having permission of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is eligible for participation in NBYFL.

5. Play Time Lower Levels. It is our goal to provide as much game time experience as possible to all players at the Pre-Clinic, Clinic and Super Pee Wee instructional levels. Therefore, but subject to the Head Coach’s discretion with regard for the safety and well being of ALL players, there will be a minimum play time GOAL for these lower levels in actual games, not scrimmages, as follows:

1. 12-19 players…..10 play goal per child per game
2. 20-24 players…..7 play goal per child per game
3. 25+ players…..5 play goal per child per game

Note, play time goals are just that. In some instances, players may not all rotate into a game for exact number of plays outlined above. These are the play times our Coaches should be striving for as best they can in each game, with special attention to safety as a priority. Game circumstances vary and things can happen. If a parent or player has a concern about playing time, the concern should first be taken up with the Head Coach. Parents with concerns should email or call their Head Coach to arrange a mutually convenient time to constructively discuss their concern. If the concern persists, the next step is to email or call the President of the League.  AT NO TIME should parents or players challenge, confront or question ANY of our Coaches during a game or on or around the field after a game.

6. Central Conference. The play time goals outlined above in paragraph 5 will be adjusted as follows as they pertain to MCYFL's regular season assigned Conference games if and when a lower level team participates in and adds to its schedule four (4) or more games from MCYFL's Central Conference in a season, when MCYFL's Central Conference Exclusion Rule is in effect and prohibits any rostered players game play eligibility in its own Central Conference games which causes the violation of and is directly contrary to our Policy of Play:

1. 12-19 players…..6 play goal per child per game
2. 20-24 players…..3 play goal per child per game
3. 25+ players…..1 play goal per child per game

7. Play Time Upper Levels. Since the upper levels (Pee Wee, JV, and Varsity) are considered “competitive” playing time will, thus, be at the coaches’ discretion. However, coaches are to keep in mind that NBYFL's goal is for all players to have an opportunity at game play experience, if suited and the situation allows for it. 

8. The Board of Officers may review a player’s playing time (at any level), and enforce a minimum # of plays per game if seen fit to do so.

9. As per the MCYFL requirements, no levels or coaches shall have any type of practice with players prior to August 1st, unless otherwise provided for by MCYFL.

10. Injury. A football coach’s first priority as coach is to prepare athletes to perform their best. This includes keeping a player off the field from a suspected injury, even if they player says he/she is fine and wants to return to play.

• Injuries – especially ones to the head and neck where concussions are a concern – need to be handled properly.
• If a Coach suspects an injury or knows an injury has occurred, he must stop all activity and assess injury.
• In severe cases of injury, Coaches and Team First Aid Responders must call 911 immediately and follow protocol for sever injury.
• In the case of lesser injuries, Coaches must contact parents/guardians and report incident and concern (if any).
• All injury incidents must be communicated to NBYFL's Safety Officer, and a record of incident will be made.

11. Return to Play. USA Football Heads-Up Safety Return to Play Policy.