JYFA Rookie Tackle
JYFA MODIFIED ROOKIE DIVISION
8-MAN FOOTBALL RULES
Modified rules for the JYFA Rookie Division
Rules Foundation
The JYFA Modified Rookie Division will follow all standard JYFA 3rd Grade playing rules, except for the specific modifications listed on this page.
Gameplay
  1. Games are played with 8 players per team.
  2. A team must field 8 players to begin and continue play. A team unable to field 8 players will forfeit the game.
  3. Games will be played on a 60-yard field.
General Rules
  1. Games will consist of four quarters with 20 plays per quarter, consistent with the JYFA 3rd and 4th Grade playing format.
  2. Each team is permitted one timeout per half. Unused timeouts do not carry over to the second half.
  3. A 40-second play clock will be used and enforced by the game officials between plays.
Participation
  1. Mandatory Play Rule: Every player must participate in a minimum of 15 plays per game.
  2. Backfield Weight Limit: The JYFA Rookie backfield limitation of 75 pounds will be enforced.
Participation is a league requirement. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that every player receives the required minimum number of plays.
Special Teams
  1. No kickoffs will be used.
  2. Each offensive possession will begin at the 15-yard line.
  3. Punts are administrative only and will result in a 15-yard advancement of the ball.
  4. No live punts will be permitted.
Line of Scrimmage Requirements — Defense
  1. A minimum of 3 defensive players must be aligned on the line of scrimmage.
  2. Those three defensive players must align tackle-to-tackle, between the offensive tackles.
  3. No defensive player may line up directly over the center or in either center-guard A gap.
  4. No blitzes are allowed. Once the ball is declared live, however, the defense may make a play on the ball anywhere on the field, including behind the line of scrimmage.
  5. Fumble recoveries and interceptions are downed at the point where possession is transferred. Play will resume from that spot.
Defensive Alignment Reminder: No defender may align over the center or in the center-guard A gaps. No blitzing is permitted.
Line of Scrimmage Requirements — Offense
  1. Every offensive play must include three interior offensive linemen: one center ( C) and two guards ( OG), with one guard positioned on each side of the center.
  2. The center and two guards are ineligible for first touch as the receiver of a pass, regardless of the numbers on their jerseys.
  3. The offense must have exactly five players on the line of scrimmage — no more and no less.
  4. The offensive formation consists of: three interior linemen (C-G-G), two additional players on the line of scrimmage, and three players positioned in the backfield.
  5. The two additional players on the line of scrimmage may be a tight end, wide receiver/split end, or other eligible offensive player at the discretion of the coach.
  6. When five players are on the line of scrimmage, the two end players are eligible receivers, consistent with NFHS 8-man football rules.
  7. The three backfield players may be positioned at the discretion of the coach, provided the formation continues to meet all applicable JYFA requirements.
  8. Quarterback sneaks are prohibited in all situations. This restriction exists because the defense is not permitted to align over the center or in the center-guard A gaps.
  9. A quarterback sneak violation will result in an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
Basic Offensive Formation
END
G
C
G
END
5 players on the line of scrimmage  •  3 players in the backfield  •  8 players total
Coaching
  1. One coach per team is permitted on the field during games, including playoff and championship games.
  2. The on-field coach may communicate with players during the huddle and prior to the snap only.
  3. All coaching must cease once the play begins.
The on-field coach is present to assist with instruction and player development. Once the ball is live, players must execute the play without continued coaching from the field.
Quick Reference
Category Rule
Players 8 players per team
Field 60 yards
Game Format 4 quarters / 20 plays per quarter
Timeouts 1 per half
Play Clock 40 seconds
Minimum Plays 15 plays per player
Backfield Weight 75-pound maximum
Kickoffs None
Possession Start 15-yard line
Punts Administrative only / 15-yard advancement
Defensive LOS Minimum 3 players, tackle-to-tackle
Defensive A Gap No alignment over center or center-guard gaps
Blitzing Not permitted
Offensive LOS Exactly 5 players
Offensive Formation C-G-G + 2 additional LOS players + 3 backfield
QB Sneak Prohibited / Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty
On-Field Coaches 1 per team
Jeffco Youth Football Association
Modified Rookie Division • 8-Man Football
JYFA Rules & Regulations