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National Capital Amateur Football Association
National Capital Amateur Football Association

Information for Fall Tackle Coaches and Team Staff

INDEX

  1. Tyke Rules and Information
  2. Mosquito 9v9 Rules and Information
  3. Convenor Information.
  4. Team Manager Information
    • Managing Rosters
    • Scoring

Tyke Rules and Information

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the program at this age level of play are to teach the players the basics of the game of tackle football in an environment that stresses the fun of being associated with a sport that emphasizes the elements of success through teamwork.  Winning should not be stressed as the prime objective.  The future success of the Tyke Program will be met if players, parents, fans and coaches obtain enjoyment from the experience.  The measure of success will be seen in the continuation of the players through the subsequent levels of eligible participation.

 

 

TIMING

  • All games to be 9 minute quarters by the book with 2 minute warning at end of 2nd and 4th quarter.  Half time is limited to 5 minutes.
  • Since there are no kickoffs during a Tyke level game.  At any time there would normally be a kickoff (start of the game/half or after all scoring plays); the ball will be given to the offense on their 25 yard line and the clock does not start until the ball is snapped.
  • After 75 minutes of running time from the start of the game the game clock will revert to running time until game is over. REGARDLESS OF SCORE
  • Start of running time to be determined by head official ONLY.
  • When running time is implemented after 75 mins. The clock WILL STOP on injuries / time outs / scores (PAT) and official’s discretion.

 

ON FIELD PLAY

  • Field dimensions to be 32.5 yards wide x 70 yards long with 10 yard end zones
  • Jamboree Field Size exemption:
    • for Jamborees the host team / club has the option to use smaller field dimensions to allow for two games to be played on one field at the same time (32.5 yards wide x 45 yards long with 7.5 yard endzones.)
  • Grass fields should be lined with a single stripe down the center of the field. In the absence of lines such as on turf fields teams are to use cones to mark the boundary.

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

  • There are no kick-offs.
    • Teams to start scrimmage at their own 20 yard line. This will be start of game / start of 2nd half and after a Touchdown.
  • Converts: 2 points for uncontested kick / 1 point for FORWARD pass.
    • There is no option for contested kick. and a run play from scrimmage is not permitted.
  • Punting is not permitted.  On 3rd down the the offensive team has the option of indicating to the officials they want to “PUNT”.  No punt will take place and the official will move the ball 15 yards down field from the LOS and a change of possession will occur. The ball cannot be closer than the opponents (receiving team’s) 10 yard line

 

DEFENCE

  • Maximum of 4 rushers / blitzers per play.

NOTE: Given the developmental aspect of 6 aside Tyke the Maximum 4 rushers / blitzers rule will be monitored by the coaches. There WILL NOT be penalties assigned by the officials for blitzing more than 4 players. However coaches are expected to follow the spirit of the game and regardless of game circumstances or score adhere to this rule. Coaches not respecting this rule COULD face discipline by the NCAFA disciplinary committee.

 

OFFENCE

  • 3 players MUST be on the line of scrimmage to start each play
  • ONLY the middle player is ineligible

NOTE: the center DOES NOT have to be the middle player.Example: a team can line up with a center / guard and tackle ….making the guard ineligible

 

OFFICIATING

There shall be 2 officials in attendance at all games.  It has been discussed with the head of officials that it is not our desire to see the flow of the games destroyed by the application of penalties for minor infractions away from the play.  Penalties will be called at the sole discretion of the officials in charge of the game.  Officials will discuss game infractions with players as they return to their respective huddles.  It is imperative that coaches make parents aware of this situation to prevent parental abuse of the officials.  The objective of this rule is to let the players play the game without being overly instructed.

 

It has been discussed and is being considered that we possibly start to train junior officials.  The possibility of adding a third official perhaps a graduating Bantam or Midget player is being considered and we hope to be able to do so in the near future.  This third official would be a volunteer and under the direct instructions of game officials.

 

Due to the reduction in the size of the field, penalties have been reduced as follows:

 

I.             5 yard penalties remain at 5 yards

II.            10 yard penalties will be reduced to 5 yards.

III.           15 yard penalties will be reduced to 10 yards.

 

However, the current 10 yard penalty for objectionable conduct either by players on the field or by the team bench will remain the same.

 

COACHING FROM THE FIELD

One coach shall be allowed on the field to assist either squad prepare for the next play if so desired.  Ten seconds of additional time between plays to provide coaching assistance shall be provided.  Coaches on the field must stay clear of the playing area prior to the ball being put into play. 

 

The field coach will not communicate in any way with his players once the QB has begun his cadence. All teams will use a cadence when putting the ball into play ... a silent count or no count is not permitted at this developmental level of play.

 

SUMMARY OF NCAFA TYKE RULES

  • A team attempting a convert shall be able to move that ball to the standard ball placement area at the end of the field with protected goal posts.
  • There are no kickoffs during a Tyke level game.  At any time there would normally be a kickoff (start of the game/half or after all scoring plays); the ball will be given to the offense on their 25 yard line and the clock does not start until the ball is snapped.
  • Placement of the ball before any application of penalties is as follows:
    • Scrimmage - ball is to be scrimmaged from the centre of the playing area approximately 20 yards in from either sideline.
    • After a Rouge, the team scored upon gets the ball on their 25 yard line.
    • After a safety touch, the team that scores gets the ball on their 25 yard line.
    • Interception-inside your own 20 yard line or in the end zone, the ball is moved to the 20 yard line
  • Half Time – limited to a maximum of 5 minutes.
  • Minimum # of players to start a season = 12
  • Minimum # of players to start a game = 10
  • Maximum roster size is 20 for a club with 1 team / 36 for a club fielding 2 teams
  • All players must receive a minimum of 4 plays PER HALF.
  • There WILL NOT be a 2 platoon system for 6 aside Tyke.
    • Players can play both offence and defense during a given game

NOTE: As per NCAFA development process this is considered developmental football and should be treated as such. 2 way play although permitted SHOULD NOT be abused and it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that ALL players have the opportunity to play offence and defense during a game.

Mosquito 9V9 Rules and Information

  1. Field Size
  • Width: recommend to be far hash mark or 41 yards ( old Tyke 10 v 10 width)
  • Length: recommend to be full field 110 yards …with 90 yards playing field and 10 yard end-zones
  1. Roster Sizes
  • Maximum # to start the season = 29
  • Minimum # to start the season = 18
  • Minimum # to Start a game = 15
  1. Timing
  • As per current Mosquito rules …10 min. quarters with 3 minute warning at end of 2nd and 4th quarters
  • Officials can advise if for 9v9 there are different timing rules.
  1. Extra Points
  • As we currently use for 12 v12
  • 2 points for a kick ….1 point for a play from the LOS
  1. Rules Exceptions
  • Offence adjustment to 5 players on the LOS at the snap
  • 2 outside players are eligible …as either Tight Ends or Split Ends
  • Guards are considered ineligible and must be covered by an end
  • Given field dimensions there will not be FG attempts.
  1. Declaration Deadlines
  • Committee recommends June 30th for teams to declare intent of fielding a Mosquito
  • Committee recommend that July 15th be set for the date to declare either 9v9 or 12 v12.

Convenor Information

TYKE 6v6:   Mandatory Convening

  • Two-way play is allowed.  Although strongly recommended that it is not abused.
  • Teams to provide conveners
    • Recommend 2 per team. 
    • If shortage of volunteers, allow for 3 from one team and 1 from the other to accomplish the goal of facilitating convening
  • Players guaranteed 4 plays per half (same as previous 10v10)
    • If player misses plays in first half, he/she must make them up in 2nd half
    • 8 total plays per game per player
    • By allowing 2-way play, getting a minimum number of plays should no longer be an issue
  • Special teams plays count towards the minimum number of plays:
  • Exception:   team can sign off on their best players at half time to play less than mandatory number of plays WITH THE AGREEMENT of the opposing team’s head coach
    • Could give less played players more opportunity to play than they would normally get

 

MOSQUITO 9v9:   Mandatory Convening

  • Platoon system.  Same as 12v12.
  • No reciprocal player rule.
    • Too difficult to manage low roster teams and maintain reciprocal player rule
    • With LB’s, RB’s and QB’s not eligible, small rosters may have issues
  • Any player can be designated to come over in situations where platoon is short of players
  • Teams to provide conveners
    • Recommend 2 per team.  If shortage of volunteers, allow for 3 from one team and 1 from the other to accomplish the goal of facilitating convening
  • Players guaranteed 4 plays per half (same as 12v12)  
    • If player misses plays in first half, he/she must make them up in 2nd half
    • 8 total plays per game per player
  • Exception:   team can sign off on their best players at half time to play less than mandatory number of plays WITH THE AGREEMENT of the opposing team’s head coach
    • Could give less played players more opportunity to play than they would normally get

 

MOSQUITO 12v12:     Mandatory Convening

  • Recommend implementing 2 convener recommendation stated above this year

PEE WEE:                    Mandatory Convening

  • Recommend implementing 2 convener recommendation stated above this year

BANTAM:                    No Convening

Team Manager Information

Team Managers that have been identified by their respective Clubs have the ability to help manage the teams through the NCAFA website or SportsEngine Mobile App.  Due to issues with the App, it is recommended that functions be performed via the website.

 

Managing the Roster

Team Managers have the ability to add jersey numbers and position information for players and to add Coaches, Team Managers and Convenors to their respective rosters.  NOTE: It is not permitted to add or delete players from the list.  If you do so accidently, notify the NCAFA Registrar immediately so it can be corrected.

 

Website Instructions:

1. Go to the NCAFA (www.ncafa.ca) website and make sure you are logged in.

2. Navigate to your  team page.  For example if you wanted Bel-Air Tyke, go to TACKLE then TYKE then BEL-AIR TYKE).

3. Turn on EDIT MODE (near the top of the grey bar on the left).

4. Click on MANAGE TEAM (yellow button on the right).

5. Click on ROSTER.  This will display your team roster.

5a. Players Updates: You can select a player and add position and jersey number.  Make sure you save when done.

5b. Adding Field Staff: Click on the STAFF tab of the roster and then ADD STAFF.  You only need to add the first and last name of the coaches, team manager(s) and convenors.

5c. Printing the Game Day Roster: From the PLAYERS tab, click on PRINT ROSTER and follow the directions.

 

Entering Scores

If you make a mistake and can’t correct it or if you can’t enter the score, please email the NCAFA Registrar and provide the game number, teams involved, level and final score.

 

Website Instructions:

1. Go to the NCAFA (www.ncafa.ca) website and make sure you are logged in.

2. Navigate to your  team page.  For example if you wanted Bel-Air Tyke, go to TACKLE then TYKE then BEL-AIR TYKE).

3. Turn on EDIT MODE (near the top of the grey bar on the left).

4. Click on the GAME SCHEDULE tab.

5. From the list of games, select the game you want to score by clicking on the QS on the right side (QS stands for "Quick Score").

6. Set the GAME STATUS to FINAL and enter the scores.  Click SAVE when done.

 

Mobile App Instructions:

1. Select the game you want to score from the Schedule.

2. Click the scoreboard in the top right corner (it shows 1|0).

3. Change the status using the dropdown menu to FINAL

4. Enter the score in the scorebox for each team.

5. Select the checkmark in the top right corner to save.