General Policies & Sizing Information

General Policies

Bag Policy: All items brought into the event venue/field area must typically be in clear bags, adhering to potential facility rules. Check specific event guidelines.
Helmet Certification: Helmet certification must be current. Staff may check certification stickers.
Visor Policy: Visors must allow clear visibility of the player's eyes at all times. Officials or medical staff may require removal if visibility is obstructed.
Specialized Position Equipment: Players in specialized roles (QB, K, P) are responsible for bringing their own position-specific equipment that meets regulations (e.g., properly sized and marked footballs).

Football Sizes (NFHS Standards)

Pee-wee (e.g., K2): Ages 6-9. Smaller, easier grip for young hands.
Junior (e.g., TDJ): Ages 10-12. Intermediate size.
Youth (e.g., TDY): Ages 12-14. Bridges the gap to the official size.
Official / High School / College (e.g., TDS): Ages 14+. Standard size used in high school and beyond.

(Ensure players, especially QBs, Kickers, Punters, use the correct size ball for their designated age group/competition level.)

Sizing and Equipment Notes

Sizes vary significantly between brands. Always consult the manufacturer's size chart.
Consider sizing up slightly to accommodate underlying pads and potential growth spurts.
Waist measurement is key for pants. Hip and thigh fit are also important. Ensure integrated pads align correctly.

Shoulder Pad Fit: Must provide adequate coverage of shoulders, chest, and upper back without restricting arm motion (raising arms overhead, across the body).
Helmet Fit: CRITICAL for safety. Should be professionally fitted or checked by a knowledgeable coach/equipment manager. Helmet should not shift excessively on the head; padding should feel snug. Chin strap must be securely fastened.
Cleat Fit: Snug but not painfully tight. Allow about a thumb's width between the longest toe and the end of the cleat. Check width – too narrow or too wide can cause issues.
Mouthguard Fit: Boil-and-bite mouthguards should be molded correctly for a secure fit that doesn't easily fall out.

Overtime Rules (All Grade Levels)

Overtime begins if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
A coin toss determines the first choice (offense/defense first, or end of the field). The choice alternates each subsequent overtime period.
Each team gets an opportunity to possess the ball in each overtime period (unless the first team possessing the ball turns it over and the defense scores).

Each team starts their possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line.
Possession continues until the team scores, turns the ball over, or fails to gain a first down.
Teams can score a touchdown (followed by PAT/2-point conversion attempt) or a field goal.
Starting in the Second Overtime: Teams must attempt a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown (no 1-point kicks allowed).
If the score remains tied after both teams have completed their possession in an overtime period, proceed to the next period.

If the game is still tied entering the third overtime, the format changes.
Teams run alternating two-point conversion plays from the 3-yard line.
This continues round by round (Team A attempts, then Team B attempts) until one team scores and the other does not in the same round.

Turnovers immediately end the possessing team's attempt for that period.
A defensive score (TD on interception or fumble return) during any overtime possession immediately ends the game.
There is no game clock, but the standard play clock is enforced.
Each team receives one timeout per overtime period (timeouts from regulation do not carry over).