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SHYFL By-Laws

SOUTH HILLS YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (SHYFL)  GENERAL & AGE SPECIFIC PLAYING RULE

The SHYFL uses the National Federation of High School Football rules and regulations as its basis.

Additionally, the SHFYL Executive Board, the SHYFL Board of Representatives and SHYFL Referees have collectively and unanimously approved adjustments to the National Federation of High School Football rules.  These adjustments maintain a competitive spirit and sportsmanship among league members, keeps our young athletes safe and promotes learning the game of football in a progression that appropriately fits their age and skill level.  

The SHYFL Executive Board maintains the right to enforce and amend all general rules, age specific playing rules and if necessary,
impose disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the integrity, safety and reputation of the SHYFL.

SHYFL GENERAL RULES
UPDATED MARCH 2024

Termite (Grades K-2) Specific Playing Rules
1. No unbalanced line is permitted. You need 3 players on the line of scrimmage on each side of
the center. A split end does count as one on the line. There are no restrictions on where you put
your backs. Trips formation is not permitted.
2. The offense is not permitted to run a QB sneak from under center or use a silent count.
3. All offensive linemen, including the TEs must be in a 3-point stance.
4. The defense is only permitted to run a 4-4 set.
5. All defensive linemen, including ends must be in a 3-point stance. LBs/CBs must be a minimum
of 3 yards off the ball and Safeties must be a minimum of 7 yards off the ball.
6. The defense is not permitted to line up over the center or in the A gap. The DTs must engage with
the OG’s before any A gap penetration. There is NO blitzing. Blitzing is defined as a direct
charge to the line of scrimmage upon the snap. Players may charge the line of scrimmage after
making a reactive football move.

JV (Grades 3-4) Specific Playing Rules
1. No unbalanced line is permitted. You need 3 players on the line of scrimmage on each side of
the center. A split end does count as one on the line. There are no restrictions on where you put
your backs. Trips formation is permitted.
2. A Gap Quarterback Sneaks are not permitted when the Quarterback is under Center.
3. On offense, all linemen must be in a 3-point stance, the TE is permitted to be in a 2-point stance.
4. The defense is not permitted to line up directly over the center; A-gap alignment is permitted.
5. There is NO blitzing permitted at this age group. Blitzing is defined as a direct charge to the line
of scrimmage upon the snap. Players may charge the line of scrimmage after making a reactive
football move.
6. The defense is permitted to have 6 players maximum on the line of scrimmage; 8 players
maximum are permitted on the line of scrimmage inside of the 10-yard line (goal line defense).
7. On defense, LBs and CBs must be a minimum of 3 yards off the ball and Safeties must be a
minimum of 7 yards off the ball. A minimum of one safety must be in the defensive alignment at
all times.
8. If a defensive end lines up clearly on the outside of the offensive tackle, he is permitted to be in a
2-point (standing) stance. If defensive lineman lines head up or inside of the offensive tackle, he
must be in either a three- or four-point stance. Only one defensive player on each end of the line
may be in a 2-point stance. This includes defensive ends and OLBs.

Varsity (Grades 5-6) Specific Playing Rules
1. A defensive lineman may not line head up over a center in a pistol or shotgun formation.
2. If a defensive end lines up clearly on the outside of the offensive tackle, he is permitted to be in a
two-point (standing) stance. If defensive lineman lines head up or inside of the offensive tackle,
he must be in either a three- or four-point stance.
3. LBs between the offensive tackles must line up no closer to the L.O.S. than the heels of the
defensive lineman.
4. There are no further defensive limitations beyond regulation rules.


Weigh-in, Weight Rules and Restrictions
1. All SHYFL players must participate in the annual league weigh-in or alternative weigh-in night.
2. Players will be assigned dots or double dots based on max skill and playing weights.
3. All age-based maximum weights are subject to review by the SHYFL Board.
4. If a player petitions to play up by age level due to weight or skill level, the petition will be
reviewed by the SHYFL Board on a case-by-case basis. Players may play up in emergencies as
defined and reviewed by the SHYFL Board.



Weight Restrictions:

Division Max Skill Weight Review Playing Weight
Termite 75 lbs. 110 lbs.
JV 95 lbs. 130 lbs.
Varsity 115 lbs. 150 lbs.

Weight-Specific Rules:
a. The MAX skill weights are listed above.
b. A single dot Tight End must line up next to the tackle and on the line of scrimmage.
They are eligible to catch a forward pass; they are not permitted to catch a screen pass or
take a handoff of any type.
c. On offense, players over the review playing weight may line up from tackle to tackle
only, they are ineligible to catch any passes.
d. On defense, players over the review playing weight must line up in a three or four-point
stance head up over the offensive tackle and may penetrate, at the snap of the ball,
through any gap.
e. Players over the review max weight are allowed to advance a fumble or an interception in
JV and Varsity.
f. Any violation of the Max Skill Weight player or rules is subject to a 5-yard penalty
and/or loss of down and can then escalate to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike charge against
the head coach (not the player).
g. (Varsity Only) Single dot LBs are not permitted to blitz between the offensive tackles.

5th Quarter – Developmental Game (NEW FOR THE 2024 SEASON AND ON)
1. JV and Varsity will participate in a 5th quarter (developmental game) during the regular season
and playoff rounds 1 and 2.
2. Each game will be played after the regulation game, handshakes occur after the 5th quarter.
3. There will be a 2-minute break between the regulation game and the 5th quarter.
4. There will be two 10-minute quarters (one offense/defense per team), with a running clock.
a. Running clock only stops with a timeout, or referee stoppage for an injured player(s).
5. The home team will start the game on the opposing 40-yard line. The home team will start the
game with the ball. Visiting teams will start the 2nd quarter with the ball.
6. After scoring a touchdown (Going for a 1 or 2-point conversion), or if a team fails to obtain a 1st
down after 4 attempts (at any time during a 5th-quarter drive), the ball will be reset at the 40-
yard line for the team to continue their offensive drive till the end of the 10-minute quarter.
7. No special teams. No blitzing on defense.
8. One coach will be on the field and in the huddle. Defensive coach must get behind the offensive
huddle.
9. Each team will get one total timeout per (20-minute) game.
10. Record the end-of-regulation score, reset, and keep score for the 5th quarter.
11. Film is not required, but strongly encouraged for player development.
12. All teams are required to play in the 5th quarter. Any extenuating circumstances should be shared
with the SHYFL Board by Wednesday of that week for review and communication to the
opposing team.