Council II-3A Football Rule Book
Version 5.0
06-May-2013
Council II-3A Football
1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 5
2. Varsity Tackle Football Rules .......................................................................................... 6
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Division of the League ........................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Composition of Teams ........................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Onset of the Season .............................................................................................................. 6
2.4.1 Roster .............................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.2 Practice ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.3 Camp ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.4 Scheduling ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Schedule ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.5.1 Game Day Requests ....................................................................................................... 7
2.5.2 Park Procurement ........................................................................................................... 7
2.5.3 Game Day ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.5.4 Following Game Day ....................................................................................................... 8
2.5.5 Rescheduling Games ...................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Uniforms ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.7 Program Guidelines ............................................................................................................... 8
2.7.1 Practice Hours ................................................................................................................. 8
2.7.2 Regular Season............................................................................................................... 8
2.7.3 Non-Conference Games ................................................................................................. 8
2.7.4 Sportsmanship ................................................................................................................ 8
2.7.5 Standings ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.8 Rules and Regulations ......................................................................................................... 10
2.8.1 Game Rules .................................................................................................................. 10
2.8.2 Weight Limit and Stripers .............................................................................................. 10
2.8.3 Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.8.4 Ejections ........................................................................................................................ 12
2.8.5 Protests ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.8.6 Awards .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.8.7 Forfeits .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.8.8 Playoffs .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.8.9 Referees ........................................................................................................................ 13
3. Junior Varsity Tackle Football Rules .......................................................................... 14
3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Division of the League ......................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Composition of Teams ......................................................................................................... 14
3.4 Onset of the Season ............................................................................................................ 14
3.4.1 Roster ............................................................................................................................ 14
3.4.2 Practice ......................................................................................................................... 15
3.4.3 Camp ............................................................................................................................. 15
3.4.4 Scheduling ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 15
3.5.1 Game Day Requests ..................................................................................................... 15
3.5.2 Park Procurement ......................................................................................................... 15
Council II-3A Football
2
3.5.3 Game Day ..................................................................................................................... 16
3.5.4 Following Game Day ..................................................................................................... 16
3.5.5 Rescheduling Games .................................................................................................... 16
3.6 Uniforms ............................................................................................................................... 16
3.7 Program Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 16
3.7.1 Practice Hours ............................................................................................................... 16
3.7.2 Regular Season............................................................................................................. 16
3.7.3 Non-Conference Games ............................................................................................... 16
3.7.4 Sportsmanship .............................................................................................................. 17
3.7.5 Standings ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.8 Rules and Regulations ......................................................................................................... 17
3.8.1 Game Rules .................................................................................................................. 17
3.8.2 Weight Limit and Stripers .............................................................................................. 18
3.8.3 Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 20
3.8.4 Ejections ........................................................................................................................ 20
3.8.5 Protests ......................................................................................................................... 20
3.8.6 Awards .......................................................................................................................... 20
3.8.7 Forfeits .......................................................................................................................... 20
3.8.8 Playoffs .......................................................................................................................... 20
3.8.9 Referees ........................................................................................................................ 20
4. Schedule ................................................................................................................................ 21
5. Signatures ............................................................................................................................. 22
Council II-3A Football
3
Document History
Date
Author
Document Change
10-Dec-07
Mike Fowler
Version 1.0
10-Aug-07
Mike Fowler
Version 1.1
12-Aug-11
Mike Fowler
Version 2.0
25-May-11
Mike Fowler
Version 3.0
13-Aug-12
Mike Fowler
Version 4.0
06-May-13
Mike Fowler
Version 5.0
Comment
- Added Comment
Column
- Change JV Punt Rule
Council II-3A Football
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1. Introduction
Council II-3A consists of North Side, Chicago-land Catholic grade schools. Many
members of Council II-3A participate in tackle football. Council II-3A governs both
the Varsity and Junior Varsity tackle football leagues. The Varsity league is
competitive which includes standings, playoffs, and championships at the conclusion
of each season. The Junior Varsity league is instructional which does not include
standings, playoffs, and championships. The Varsity league consists mainly of 7th
and 8th grade players. The Junior Varsity league consists only of players in 6 th grade
or lower grades.
Council II-3A adheres to IHSA Football rules and regulations. Council II-3A institutes
rules specific to the Varsity and Junior Varsity tackle football leagues. Note: Assume
any rule not covered in this document is covered by the IHSA Football rules and
regulations.
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of the document is to provide an overview of Council II-3A Varsity and
Junior Varsity football rules.
Council II-3A Football
5
2. Varsity Tackle Football Rules
2.1 Introduction
The following contains Council II-3A rules specific to Varsity tackle football.
2.2 Division of the League
The League consists of one division for Varsity teams. Each team completes an 8week round robin regular season. Every effort is made to ensure separate teams
consisting of students from the same school (e.g. OLPH8 and OLPH7) are not
required to play each other.
Overall League standings determine playoff games. The TOP 4 teams play for the
Championship. The remaining teams play for the Consolation Championship.
2.3 Composition of Teams
Per Catholic Council II-3A by-laws, all players must be full-time students at their
respective schools. A player reaching his/her 15th birthday prior to December 1 is
ineligible for Varsity teams. No CCD students are allowed to play.
Varsity football consists primarily of 7th and 8th graders. If a 6th grader consistently
plays for the Varsity team, then the 6th grader should not play for the Junior Varsity
team. If a 6th grader is required to assemble a Varsity team in a given week, then
the 6th grader can play for the Junior Varsity team as well.
A Varsity team must have between twelve and forty-four members. A school team
will split to create an additional team when its roster reaches more than forty-four
student-athletes. A Varsity team may opt to split two to teams at their own
discretion.
2.4 Onset of the Season
The following contains Council II-3A information specific to onset of the Varsity
tackle football season.
2.4.1 Roster
Once team members are determined, a roster must be immediately submitted to
the commissioner via email (Email Varsity Roster). Team rosters should be in
Microsoft Excel and follow this format:
First Name
Mike
Ron
Jim
Andy
Council II-3A Football
Last Name
Fowler
Kucera
Stoner
Wagner
6
Grade
7th
8th
7th
8th
Jersey #
1
2
3
4
Sample Varsity Roster:
If a team fails to email their roster to the commissioner prior to the first weigh-in
(see Varsity Weight Limit and Stripers), they will be responsible for paying the
League a $50 non-compliance fee. Teams will not be allowed to play in a game
prior to submission of their electronic roster.
2.4.2 Practice
Varsity football practice may begin on August 15.
2.4.3 Camp
Varsity football players may participate in school-sponsored football camps as
long as such camps are open to the whole school. School-sponsored football
camps will not be conducted in full equipment.
2.4.4 Scheduling
Varsity football scheduling begins on May 1. The athletic director or his/her
designee must attend the football scheduling meetings arranged by the
commissioner. If a team’s designee is not present, the commissioner will act as
that team’s designee.
The commissioner is responsible for securing game sites, keeping accurate
records of scores, scheduling game officials, and apprising them of League rules,
securing playoff sites and times prior to the start of the regular season games,
and providing trophies.
2.5 Schedule
The following contains information specific to the schedule of the Varsity tackle
football season.
2.5.1 Game Day Requests
Varsity teams should submit all game day requests to the commissioner on May
1st of the previous school year. Requests include: dates unavailable to play,
homecoming dates, bye date requested (if applicable), etc.
2.5.2 Park Procurement
Varsity teams will work together with the commissioner to procure as many parks
as required to schedule all Varsity and Junior Varsity games.
2.5.3 Game Day
Varsity football games are typically played on Friday or Saturday. Varsity teams
should avoid playing more than 1 conference game in a 3-day period.
Council II-3A Football
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2.5.4 Following Game Day
Varsity football teams will report scores of each game via email (Email Varsity
Football Score) to the commissioner before noon on the Monday following each
game. Varsity football teams should report any comments, questions, and
concerns at that time.
2.5.5 Rescheduling Games
Varsity football games will not be rescheduled after August 1st. In the case of
inclement weather or tragedy, the commissioner will work with the appropriate
teams to reschedule games as quickly as possible.
2.6 Uniforms
Each school must provide uniforms for their players. These uniforms must have
jerseys with legible numbers on them. Any materials (such as sleeves or under
armor) that are worn under a uniform must be of the color of their uniform. Players
will not wear metal spikes/cleats. A referee will be able to have any player in
question remove any article in question before they will be permitted to enter the
game. All players in uniform are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind while in a
game or on the bench. The referees will enforce this rule.
2.7 Program Guidelines
The following contains information specific to program guidelines for the Varsity
tackle football season.
2.7.1 Practice Hours
Varsity football practices will not exceed ten hours per week once school starts.
Varsity football practices will not exceed sixteen hours per week before school
starts.
2.7.2 Regular Season
Varsity regular season games will start the Friday after Labor Day. The regular
season will last eight weeks. Every effort will be made to ensure games are
played on Friday night or Saturday morning.
2.7.3 Non-Conference Games
Varsity teams may play non-conference games at the discretion of each school.
2.7.4 Sportsmanship
Varsity teams will not run up the score. The winning team will recognize it is
time to substitute for starters, if possible, when a lead is greater than or equal to
25 points. The winning team’s starters will not return to the game, unless their
lead is less than or equal to 16 points. The winning team will recognize that it is
time to substitute for starters, if possible, when a lead is greater than or equal to
17 points and there is less than six minutes to play. The referees will recognize
when either of these two conditions are met and remind both the winning and
Council II-3A Football
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losing coaches of the situation. Assuming the winning coach substitutes for his
starters, the referees will not enable the losing team to accomplish anything
beyond its means (charity touchdowns and ghost penalties). If the losing team
requests a running clock, the referees will institute a running clock.
It is the expectation that all coaches, players, officials and spectators respect the
integrity and judgment of everyone involved in all contests, including opponents
and game officials. Players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner
which shall bring credit to themselves, their school, communities, coaches and
families. They shall refrain from any conduct which degrades, baits, intimidates
or otherwise discredits their opponents or officials. Coaches are expected to
maintain decorum consistent with the educational values of interscholastic
athletics by showing restraint and composure and to insist their players conduct
themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Fans are expected to maintain decorum
consistent with the educational values of interscholastic athletics by showing
restraint and composure and to insist their peers conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner. Failure to meet these expectations will result in ejection
of the player, coach, or fan (see Varsity Ejections).
2.7.5 Standings
Varsity teams will receive a weekly email publishing standings. The standings
will include Team, # of Wins, # of Losses, Wins Against, Losses Against, Next
Team Played, and Team(s) not played in the following format:
Team:
Wins:
Losses:
Wins:
OLPH8
2
0
SMLF
2
0
St. A's,
SNSH
FHC, HC
FHC
1
1
WC
HC
1
1
SJA
1
SMM
Next:
DNP:
HC
OLPH7
OLPH7
WC
SMLF
SNSH
SMM
OLPH7
SMLF
OLPH8
SNSH
1
OLPH7
SNSH
SMM
St. A's
1
1
WC
St. A's
SJA
FHC
SNSH
1
1
SJA
OLPH8
FHC
HC
St. A's
1
1
SMM
OLPH8
WC
SJA
OLPH7
0
2
HC, SJA
SMLF
OLPH8
WC
0
2
SMM,
FHC
St. A's
SMLF
Council II-3A Football
9
Losses:
2.8 Rules and Regulations
The following contains Council II-3A rules and regulations specific to Varsity tackle
football games.
2.8.1 Game Rules
IHSA rules will be enforced with some exceptions.
2.8.1.1 Game Time
Varsity games will be ten minutes per quarter with one minute between
quarters. Half-time will be eight minutes. Officials will issue a four-minute
warning prior to halftime and the end of the game.
2.8.1.2 Overtime
Varsity games that end regulation with a tie score will proceed to overtime.
When a game proceeds to overtime, each team will be given one possession
from its opponent's ten yard line. A coin flip determines possession order and
goal to defend. The team leading after both possessions is declared the
winner. If the teams remain tied, overtime periods continue, with alternating
teams deciding the possession order and goal to defend for all overtimes,
until one team leads the other at the end of the overtime. At no point will a
team be forced to attempt a two-point conversion after they score a
touchdown. Each team will be awarded one timeout per overtime period.
Timeouts remaining from regulation will be added to the timeout total.
Regulation timeouts and overtime timeouts will carry-over from overtime
period to overtime period.
2.8.1.3 Offense
IHSA rules will be enforced.
2.8.1.4 Defense
IHSA rules will be enforced.
2.8.1.5 Special Teams
IHSA rules will be enforced with one exception: Kicking an extra point will
result in the scoring team awarded two points; running or passing for an
extra point will result in the scoring team awarded one point.
2.8.2 Weight Limit and Stripers
All Varsity players will weigh-in prior to playing in their first game.
2.8.2.1 First Weigh-In
The first Varsity weigh-in will include all Varsity football players. The first
Varsity weigh-in will be the Wednesday after Labor Day. If a Varsity player
weighs less than 120 lbs. at the first weigh-in, that player will not wear a
stripe on his helmet and need not return for the second weigh-in. If a Varsity
Council II-3A Football
10
player weighs between 120 lbs. and 135 lbs. at the first weigh-in, that player
will not wear a stripe on his helmet and must return for the second weigh-in.
If a Varsity player weighs 135 lbs. or greater at the first weigh-in, that player
will wear a stripe on his helmet and need not return for the second weigh-in.
If a Varsity player is striped, that player will remain striped for the entire
season.
2.8.2.2 Second Weigh-In
The second Varsity weigh-in will include all Varsity football players. The
second Varsity weigh-in will be held the Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the
first round of playoff games. If a Varsity player weighed between 120 lbs.
and 135 lbs. at the first weigh-in, that player will return for the second weighin. If a returning Varsity player weighs less than 140 lbs. at the second
weigh-in, that player will not wear a stripe on his helmet. If a returning
Varity player weighs 140 lbs. or greater at the second weigh-in, that player
will wear a stripe on his helmet. If a Varsity player is striped, that player will
remain striped for the entire season.
2.8.2.3 Stripers
If a Varsity player is striped, that player will remain striped for the entire
season.
2.8.2.3.1 Stripers on Offense
All stripers on offense:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will not carry or advance the football on a running play.

Will not catch or advance the football on a passing play.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, tipped pass, etc.).
2.8.2.3.2 Stripers on Defense
All stripers on defense:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, interception, tipped pass, etc.).
2.8.2.3.3 Stripers on Special Teams
All stripers on special teams:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage for an extra point block, field goal
block, or punt return in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will line up on the 50 yard line for kick return in a 2-point stance, 3point, or 4-point stance.

Will line up behind the 40 yard line for kickoff in a 2-point, 3-point, or
4-point stance.
Council II-3A Football
11

Will line up on the line of scrimmage for an extra point, field goal kick,
or punt in a 2-point, 3-point, or 4-point stance.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, blocked kick, etc.).

Will be allowed to kickoff, but not allowed to punt, kick extra points, or
kick field goals.
2.8.3 Equipment
Varsity football teams will use ‘TDY’ footballs. Varsity players will not wear metal
spikes.
2.8.4 Ejections
If a spectator or coach is ejected from a game, the spectator or coach will not be
present for the game following ejection. If a player is ejected from a game, the
player will remove his helmet and shoulder pads. The ejected player’s
participation in the game following ejection is at the discretion of the player’s
team.
2.8.5 Protests
Protests must be submitted via email (Email Varsity Football Protest) to the
commissioner. If a team wishes to file a protest, it may do so on any rule
infraction (judgment calls can not be protested). The protest must be submitted
and sent to the commissioner within one calendar day along with a $25 protest
fee. Both coaches and referees will then be required to submit a report. The
commissioner and Athletic Directors of schools not involved will rule on the
outcome. If the protest is not allowed, the fee will be forfeited to the League. If
the protest is allowed, the fee will be returned to the protesting team.
2.8.6 Awards
All individual and team awards are at the discretion of each Varsity team. The
league will award a trophy to the winner of the Championship and Consolation
Championship games. The Varsity teams will split the cost of the trophies. The
cost will be added to the budget.
2.8.7 Forfeits
There are no forfeits in Council II-3A Varsity Football. If a team must forfeit, the
reason for forfeit will be reviewed by the commissioner and Athletic Directors. If
the reason for forfeit is not deemed catastrophic in nature, the commissioner and
Athletic Directors will recommend a one-year suspension of the forfeiting team.
2.8.8 Playoffs
The overall League standings determine playoff games. The TOP 4 teams play
for the Championship. The remaining teams play for the Consolation
Championship. Playoffs will be completed over two weekends. Playoff sites will
be determined by availability of high school fields. If multiple high school fields
are available, then the top seeded team will select their field and game time. If a
Council II-3A Football
12
single high school field is available, then the top seeded team will select their
game time. If a high school field is not available, then the top seeded team will
select their field and game time from available parks.
2.8.9 Referees
The league will schedule referees for all games. Referees should be wearing
official clothing. Referees should be knowledgeable of current Council II-3A
League Rules and current IHSA Rules. Referee fees for 2011 Regular Season
games are $55 per official per game. Referee fees for 2011 Post-Season games
are $60 per official per game. Regular Season games and Consolation Playoff
games will have 3 officials. Playoff games, Championship, and Consolation
Championship will have 4 officials.
Council II-3A Football
13
3. Junior Varsity Tackle Football Rules
3.1 Introduction
The following contains Council II-3A rules specific to Junior Varsity tackle football.
3.2 Division of the League
The League consists of one division for Junior Varsity teams. Each team completes
an 8-week round robin regular season. Every effort is made to ensure separate
teams consisting of students from the same school (e.g. OLPH6 and OLPH5) are not
required to play each other.
Junior Varsity football is instructional in nature, thus records and overall league
standings are not kept for Junior Varsity football. The Junior Varsity league will not
conduct a playoff. Junior Varsity teams will employ an equal playing time policy.
Note: Due to the physical nature of football, as a precaution for certain players a
team might not always employ an equal playing time policy.
3.3 Composition of Teams
Per Catholic Council II-3A by-laws, all players must be full-time students at their
respective schools. A player reaching his/her 13th birthday prior to December 1 is
ineligible for Junior Varsity teams. No CCD students are allowed to play.
Junior Varsity football consists primarily of 4th, 5th, and 6th. If a 6th grader
consistently plays for the Varsity team, then the 6th grader should not play for the
Junior Varsity team. If a 6th grader is required to assemble a Varsity team in a given
week, then the 6th grader can play for the Junior Varsity team as well.
A Junior Varsity team must have between twelve and forty-four members. A school
team will split to create an additional team when its roster reaches more than fortyfour student-athletes. A Junior Varsity team may opt to split two to teams at their
own discretion.
3.4 Onset of the Season
The following contains Council II-3A information specific to onset of the Junior
Varsity tackle football season.
3.4.1 Roster
Once team members are determined, a roster must be immediately submitted to
the commissioner via email (Email JV Football Roster). Team rosters should be in
Microsoft Excel and follow this format:
First Name
Mike
Ron
Jim
Council II-3A Football
Last Name
Fowler
Kucera
Stoner
14
Grade
5th
6th
4th
Jersey #
1
2
3
Andy
Wagner
6th
4
Sample Roster:
If a team fails to email their roster to the commissioner prior to the first weigh-in
(see Junior Varsity Weight Limit and Stripers), they will be responsible for paying
the League a $50 non-compliance fee. Teams will not be allowed to play in a
game prior to submission of their electronic roster.
3.4.2 Practice
Junior Varsity football practice may begin on August 15.
3.4.3 Camp
Junior Varsity football players may participate in school-sponsored football camps
as long as such camps are open to the whole school. School-sponsored football
camps will not be conducted in full equipment.
3.4.4 Scheduling
Junior Varsity football scheduling begins on May 1. The athletic director or
his/her designee must attend the football scheduling meetings arranged by the
commissioner. If a team’s designee is not present, the commissioner will act as
that team’s designee.
The commissioner is responsible for securing game sites, keeping accurate
records of scores, scheduling game officials, and apprising them of League rules,
securing playoff sites and times prior to the start of the regular season games,
and providing trophies.
3.5 Schedule
The following contains information specific to the schedule of the Junior Varsity
tackle football season.
3.5.1 Game Day Requests
Junior Varsity teams should submit all game day requests to the commissioner on
May 1st of the previous school year. Requests include: dates unavailable to play,
homecoming dates, bye date requested (if applicable), etc.
3.5.2 Park Procurement
Junior Varsity teams will work together with the commissioner to procure as
many parks as required to schedule all Varsity and Junior Varsity games.
Council II-3A Football
15
3.5.3 Game Day
Junior Varsity football games are typically played on Friday or Saturday. Junior
Varsity teams should avoid playing more than 1 conference game in a 3-day
period.
3.5.4 Following Game Day
Junior Varsity football teams will not report scores of each game via email to the
commissioner before noon on the Monday following each game. Junior Varsity
football teams should report any comments, questions, and concerns at that
time.
3.5.5 Rescheduling Games
Junior Varsity football games will not be rescheduled after August 1st. In the case
of inclement weather or tragedy, the commissioner will work with the appropriate
teams to reschedule games as quickly as possible.
3.6 Uniforms
Each school must provide uniforms for their players. These uniforms must have
jerseys with legible numbers on them. Any materials (such as sleeves or under
armor) that are worn under a uniform must be of the color of their uniform. Players
will not wear metal spikes/cleats. A referee will be able to have any player in
question remove any article in question before they will be permitted to enter the
game. All players in uniform are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind while in a
game or on the bench. The referees will enforce this rule.
3.7 Program Guidelines
The following contains information specific to program guidelines for the Junior
Varsity tackle football season.
3.7.1 Practice Hours
Junior Varsity football practices will not exceed ten hours per week once school
starts. Junior Varsity football practices will not exceed sixteen hours per week
before school starts.
3.7.2 Regular Season
Junior Varsity regular season games will start the Friday after Labor Day. The
regular season will last eight weeks. Every effort will be made to ensure games
are played on Friday night or Saturday morning.
3.7.3 Non-Conference Games
Junior Varsity teams may play non-conference games at the discretion of each
school.
Council II-3A Football
16
3.7.4 Sportsmanship
Junior Varsity teams will not run up the score. The winning team will recognize it
is time to substitute for starters, if possible, when a lead is greater than or equal
to 25 points. The winning team’s starters will not return to the game, unless
their lead is less than or equal to 16 points. The winning team will recognize that
it is time to substitute for starters, if possible, when a lead is greater than or
equal to 17 points and there is less than six minutes to play. The referees will
recognize when either of these two conditions are met and remind both the
winning and losing coaches of the situation. Assuming the winning coach
substitutes for his starters, the referees will not enable the losing team to
accomplish anything beyond its means (charity touchdowns and ghost penalties).
If the losing team requests a running clock, the referees will institute a running
clock.
It is the expectation that all coaches, players, officials and spectators respect the
integrity and judgment of everyone involved in all contests, including opponents
and game officials. Players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner
which shall bring credit to themselves, their school, communities, coaches and
families. They shall refrain from any conduct which degrades, baits, intimidates
or otherwise discredits their opponents or officials. Coaches are expected to
maintain decorum consistent with the educational values of interscholastic
athletics by showing restraint and composure and to insist their players conduct
themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Fans are expected to maintain decorum
consistent with the educational values of interscholastic athletics by showing
restraint and composure and to insist their peers conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner. Failure to meet these expectations will result in ejection
of the player, coach, or fan (see Junior Varsity Ejections).
3.7.5 Standings
Junior Varsity teams will not receive a weekly email publishing standings.
3.8 Rules and Regulations
The following contains Council II-3A rules and regulations specific to Junior Varsity
tackle football games.
3.8.1 Game Rules
IHSA rules will be enforced with some exceptions.
3.8.1.1 Game Time
Junior Varsity games will be ten minutes per quarter with one minute
between quarters. Half-time will be eight minutes. Officials will issue a fourminute warning prior to halftime and the end of the game.
3.8.1.2 Overtime
Junior Varsity games that end regulation with a tie score will not proceed to
overtime.
Council II-3A Football
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3.8.1.3 Offense
IHSA rules will be enforced.
3.8.1.4 Defense
IHSA rules will be enforced.
3.8.1.5 Special Teams
IHSA rules will be enforced with three exceptions:

Kicking an extra point will result in the scoring team awarded two
points; running or passing for an extra point will result in the scoring
team awarded one point.

While kicking an extra point or field goal, the defending team can not
attempt to block the kick. The kicking team’s long snapper will start
the extra point or field goal on one football knee (left or right) with
possession of the football at the line of scrimmage. The long snapper
will snap the football underhand to the holder. The motion will
resemble a long snap, but will not require the long snapper to throw
the ball through his legs. If the snap hits the ground, the play will be
whistled dead. The kicking team will be allowed 5-seconds from the
time the ball is snapped to the time it is kicked. If the referee counts
past 5-seconds, the play will be whistled dead.

While punting, there will be NO PHYSICAL CONTACT on the field. The
punting team will snap the football to their punter. The punter must
start and remain 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage during the
play. The punting team will be allowed 5-seconds from the time the
ball is snapped to the time it is punted. If the referee counts past 5seconds, the play will be whistled dead resulting in the defending team
obtaining possession at the play’s line of scrimmage. The defending
team can not attempt to block or return the kick. The defending team
may send no more than 3 players a distance of 5 or more yards from
the line of scrimmage. The defending team may attempt to field the
kick only via implicit fair catch. Once the football hits the ground, only
the kicking team can attempt to stop the football from moving. The
play will be whistled dead resulting in the defending team obtaining
possession at the spot where one of the following occurs:
o
The defending team successfully completes a fair catch.
o
The kicking team successfully stops the football from moving.
o
The football rolls to a stop.
3.8.2 Weight Limit and Stripers
All Junior Varsity players weighing more than 95 lbs. will weigh-in prior to playing
in their first game.
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3.8.2.1 First Weigh-In
The first Junior Varsity weigh-in will include all Junior Varsity football players
weighing more than 95 lbs. The first Junior Varsity weigh-in will be the
Wednesday after Labor Day. If a Junior Varsity player weighs less than 110
lbs. at the first weigh-in, that player will not wear a stripe on his helmet. If a
Junior Varsity player weighs 110 lbs. or more at the first weigh-in, that player
will wear a stripe on his helmet. If a Junior Varsity player is striped, that
player will remain striped for the entire season.
3.8.2.2 Second Weigh-In
Junior Varsity will not conduct a second weigh-in.
3.8.2.3 Stripers
If a Junior Varsity player is striped, that player will remain striped for the
entire season.
3.8.2.3.1 Stripers on Offense
All stripers on offense:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will not carry or advance the football on a running play.

Will not catch or advance the football on a passing play.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, tipped pass, etc.).
3.8.2.3.2 Stripers on Defense
All stripers on defense:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, interception, tipped pass, etc.).
3.8.2.3.3 Stripers on Special Teams
All stripers on special teams:

Will line up on the line of scrimmage for an extra point block, field goal
block, or punt return in a 3-point or a 4-point stance.

Will line up on the 50 yard line for kick return in a 2-point stance, 3point, or 4-point stance.

Will line up behind the 40 yard line for kickoff in a 2-point, 3-point, or
4-point stance.

Will line up on the line of scrimmage for an extra point, field goal kick,
or punt in a 2-point, 3-point, or 4-point stance.

Will immediately fall to the ground or take a knee in the event the ball
is in his possession (fumble recovery, blocked kick, etc.).
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
Will be allowed to kickoff, but not allowed to punt, kick extra points, or
kick field goals.
3.8.3 Equipment
Junior Varsity football teams will use ‘TDJ’ footballs. Junior Varsity players will
not wear metal spikes.
3.8.4 Ejections
If a spectator or coach is ejected from a game, the spectator or coach will not be
present for the game following ejection. If a player is ejected from a game, the
player will remove his helmet and shoulder pads. The ejected player’s
participation in the game following ejection is at the discretion of the player’s
team.
3.8.5 Protests
Protests must be submitted via email (Email JV Football Protest) to the
commissioner. If a team wishes to file a protest, it may do so on any rule
infraction (judgment calls can not be protested). The protest must be submitted
and sent to the commissioner within one calendar day along with a $25 protest
fee. Both coaches and referees will then be required to submit a report. The
commissioner and Athletic Directors of schools not involved will rule on the
outcome. If the protest is not allowed, the fee will be forfeited to the League. If
the protest is allowed, the fee will be returned to the protesting team.
3.8.6 Awards
Junior Varsity football will not distribute awards.
3.8.7 Forfeits
There are no forfeits in Council II-3A Junior Varsity Football. If a team must
forfeit, the reason for forfeit will be reviewed by the commissioner and Athletic
Directors. If the reason for forfeit is not deemed catastrophic in nature, the
commissioner and Athletic Directors will recommend a one-year suspension of
the forfeiting team.
3.8.8 Playoffs
Junior Varsity football teams will not participate in playoffs.
3.8.9 Referees
The league will schedule referees for all games. Referees should be wearing
official clothing. Referees should be knowledgeable of current Council II-3A
League Rules and current IHSA Rules. Referee fees for 2011 Regular Season
games are $55 per official per game. Regular Season games will have 3 officials.
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4. Schedule
The document has the following milestones:
Milestone:
Mike Fowler to provide DRAFT for review:
Date Due:
7-Dec-07
Athletic Directors to discuss DRAFT document:
10-Dec-07
Athletic Directors, Coaches, and Refs to provide
all comments, questions, and concerns via email
to Mike Fowler:
Mike Fowler to provide FINAL DRAFT for review:
20-Dec-07
Athletic Directors, Coaches, and Refs to provide
all comments, questions, and concerns via email
to Mike Fowler:
Sign-off on FINAL document:
10-Jan-08
Mike Fowler to update prior to conclusion of each
school year:
01-Jun-YY
The dates are subject to change.
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8-Jan-08
15-Jan-08
5. Signatures
Athletic Directors hereby agree to the above Council II-3A Football Rule Book.
Authorization for Commencement:
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