The contact football program is comprised of six levels, designated A through F, and is based on the age and weight limitations indicated in the table below. There is no maximum weight for a player at any level, however, based upon the combined factors of age, weight, and grade, a player may be classified as a “waiver.” In the interest of safety for all participants, any player classified as a waiver must adhere to specific rules unless that player elects to “play up” at a higher level. (refer to Section 6 of our Rulebook for more information on waivers).

The starting level for this program is the “F” Team, which is very instructional-based, where coaches are on the field during the games, and emphasis is placed on enjoyment and building sound fundamentals. The other levels provide for increasing skill development and competition levels through the “A” Team, the final level prior to high school participation.

Levels “A” – “F” participate in games officiated by NJHS certified referees, and based upon their season records, A-D Levels have the opportunity to participate in playoff games, an All-Star game (A-level only), and a league Super Bowl game.

 

The “A” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 14 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 8th-grade middle school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of 160 pounds. There is no age/weight coefficient that applies at this level, the only waiver that may occur is based on grade. At any given point during a game, there may only be a maximum of two waiver players on the field at the same time.

At this level, the coaches are not allowed on the field with players during the game, there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Quarters are 10 minutes in length, utilizing standard clock stoppages. There are no kick-offs. Punts are live from the snap. A kicker over 160 pounds is not allowed to run the ball, if he does not execute the punt, the ball is dead, if he does not have control, the ball is live. Extra points are scored 2 for kick and 1 for run or pass.

The “B” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 13 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 7th-grade middle school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of 135 pounds.

At this level, the coaches are not allowed on the field with players during the game, there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Quarters are 10 minutes in length, utilizing an HS clock with full stoppages. There are no kick-offs. Punts are live from the snap. A kicker over 135 pounds is not allowed to run the ball, if he does not execute the punt, the ball is dead, if he does not have control, the ball is live. Extra points are scored 2 for kick and 1 for run or pass.

The “C” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 12 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 6th-grade school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of 120 pounds.

At this level, the coaches are not allowed on the field with players during the game, there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Quarters are 10 minutes HS clock. There are no kick-offs. Punts must be declared to both the referee and the opposing team and require a 7-man line. No player can move until the ball is kicked. A kicker over 120 pounds is not allowed to run the ball; if he does not execute the punt, the ball is dead; if he does not have control, the ball is live. Extra points are scored 1 for a kick, run, or pass.

The “D” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 11 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 5th-grade school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of 105 pounds. Additionally, a weight limit of 120 lbs is used to determine if a player is a waiver or a significantly heavy player for his age. At any given point during a game, there may only be a maximum of five waiver players on the field at the same time.

At this level, the coaches are allowed on the field with players during the game, 2 for offense and 1 for defense; there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Quarters are 10 minutes HS clock. There are no kick-offs. Punts must be declared to both the referee and the opposing team and require a 7-man line. No player can move until the ball is kicked. There are no kick-offs. Punts must be declared to both the referee and the opposing team and require a 7-man line. No player can move until the ball is kicked. A kicker over 105 pounds is not allowed to run the ball; if he does not execute the punt, the ball is dead; if he does not have control, the ball is live. The option exists to declare a punt after 3rd down, and the refs will walk 25 yards, and the possession changes; no 4th down is played.  Extra points are scored 1 for a kick, run, or pass.

The “E” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 10 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 4th-grade school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of  95 pounds.

At this level, the coaches are allowed on the field with players during the game, 2 for offense and 2 for defense; there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Fixed Clock, 85 min game time, two 40-minute halves, and a 5 min halftime. There are no kick-offs. Punts are an option declared after 3rd down, and the refs will walk 25 yards, and the possession changes; no 4th down is played.  No Scores are kept for these games.

The “F” Level teams are for players up to a maximum age of 9 years and 6 months of age as of September 1st. This group typically falls in the 3rd or 2nd-grade school level. There is no overall weight limit that precludes any player in this age bracket from playing with others of the same age; however, there is a “backfield” weight limit of  90 pounds.

At this level, the coaches are allowed on the field with players during the game, 2 for offense and 2 for defense; there are official referees that control the whistle and the game clock. Fixed Clock, 85 min game time, two 40-minute halves, and a 5 min halftime. There are no kick-offs. Punts are an option declared after 3rd down, and the refs will walk 25 yards, and the possession changes; no 4th down is played. No Scores are kept for these games.