MAY’S FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK 21654 BLANCO ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78260 P 210 497 7088 F 210 497 7602 W ymcasatx.org

MAYS FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK FOOTBALL COACHES PACKET

PLAYERS PLEDGE WIN OR LOSE, I PLEDGE BEFORE GOD TO PLAY THE GAME AS WELL AS I KNOW HOW, TO OBEY THE RULES, AND TO BE A GOOD SPORT AT ALL TIMES, AND TO

IMPROVE MYSELF IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY.

PARENTS PLEDGE I PLEDGE BEFORE GOD, TO ALWAYS SUPPORT MY TEAM, WITH GOOD SPORTS-

MANSHIP AND SOUND JUDGEMENT, AND TO DEVELOP MY CHILDS SELF-RESPECT, AND

SUPPORT THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.

THE CHILD AND THE SPORT 1. We are building attitudes, character, and leader-

ship through the participation in sports. 2. The child is our most important product. 3. We are not using a sport for recreation’s sake

only. The YMCA program is not only recreation, but also a tool, under the guidance of mature Christian leaders, to help a child become a bet-ter person who: a. Respects others for who and what they are b. Gets along with others c. Has a sense of self-worth d. Has those attitudes embodied within them

which make their life and lives of others more worthwhile

CONTENTS PAGE ITEMS DISCUSSED 1. Players Pledge Parents Pledge The child and the sport 2. YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy 3. YMCA Youth Sports -Team Parent Functions 4. The Role of the Parents The Role of the Coaches Skills and Characteristics of Coaches Leading Team Circle Discussions 5. Coaches Job Description Assistant Coaches Job Description 6,7. Emergency #’s list

COACHES PACKET

GOALS

1. To build self-esteem 2. To teach social skills values, communication, human relations 3. To teach physical skills, fitness, and health 4. To develop responsibility and decision-making skills 5. To enhance leadership skills in youth and adults 6. To build relationships among peers and between parent and child 7. To support and strengthen family life 8. To create a fun experience for children and their families

PHILOSOPHY

The objectives of YMCA Youth Sports are based on certain beliefs about youth sports, a philosophy summarized in their eight concepts: PARTICIPATION Everyone plays! There are no tryouts or cuts. During the season, everyone plays the same amount of time in every game and has equal practice time. Both the most highly skilled and the least highly skilled players are given equal attention by the coach. FUN We play sports to have fun! The overall environment created by the coach and reinforced by the officials is positive, relaxed, and enjoyable. Winning is kept in perspective. A tie is an acceptable outcome. No league standings are kept often no score is kept for the younger players. There are no playoffs or championship games. FITNESS Regular cardiovascular exercise is important for a lifetime! Encouraging fitness and good health means developing the whole person body, mind, and spirit. Healthy lifestyle habits are covered in team discussions and encouraged in family activities. SKILLS Emphasize the fundamentals! Equipment, facilities, and rules of the game are modified according to the ages of the players. Coaches help players measure their skills, set goals, and evaluate their progress against their own standards. During games, officials take the time to explain calls to players. Team discussions enhance other skills, such as decision making and communica-tions. TEAMWORK Focus on cooperation, not competition! Balanced teams are formed by attempting to equalize skills, sizes, and abilities, not by recruiting only the best play-ers. Players have the opportunity to play a variety of positions and are encouraged to help one another with skill development. Team discussions often focus on the importance of teamwork. Player skill level is assessed one-on-one between player and coach and is not announced so that players cannot compare themselves to each other. FAIRPLAY Fair play involves respect! Fair play requires a clear understanding of the rules by everyone involved including; players, coaches, officials, and parents. Fair play is based on: Respect for the rules and the officials who uphold them; respect for one’s team-mates, working to become a team player who unselfishly contributes to the good of the whole team; and respect the other team, considering the other team as an essential partner in competition. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Youth sports is a family program! Youth sports is not a program for youth only. It involves family members in a variety of ways, beginning with a kick-off event to acquaint everyone with the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy. Special family events are scheduled for mid season and season’s end. VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are the key! The YMCA staff administrator manages the program through volunteers. A volunteer committee assists in coordi-nating the program under the direction of the staff administrator. Volunteer coaches and officials are carefully se-lected on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and support of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy.

TEAM PARENT FUNCTION

The Team Parent functions described here are actually guidelines and are not necessarily mandatory. How closely they are followed depends on how much responsibility each Team Parent is willing to assume, on how much assis-tance each coaching staff required, and the experience of the Team Parents and Coaches. Some coaches may want to be responsible for more activities than others, therefore, one of the first things a Team Parent should do is contact the Coach and organize a plan. The main function of the Team Parent is to help maximize the amount of time that the Coach has available for planning and conducting practice and games. This time includes non-practice hours for planning practices and team goals, and time during practice and games that is spent working with the children. The Team Parent can be a valuable asset to the team by taking care of some of the other duties associated with running a team. 1. TEAM ROSTER: During the first practice, meet as many of the parents as possible and write their names

down. Include the parent’s names along with the team members and distribute copies to the other parents. This will help everyone to get to know one another and, hopefully, promote camaraderie.

2. PRACTICE AND GAME WATER: Make arrangements for having water at all of the practices and games. The Team Parents, the Coach, or a Parent Volunteer can provide the water and cups. It is best to try to get some-one to be responsible for the water for the entire season so there will be less of a chance of it being forgot-ten.

3. GAME REFRESHMENTS: If the parents want the team to have refreshments after the games have the parents sign to bring either drinks and/or snack for the games. Do this somewhere around the second or third prac-tice if the schedule is available. The Team Parent may want to distribute copies of the refreshment schedule to the other parents. It is recommended that the parents be called a day or two in advance of their scheduled game to remind them that they are to bring the refreshments.

4. TELEPHONING: The coach may need assistance in telephoning the parents to advise them of a change in a game or practice time. The Team Parent may also want to remind the Coach that the parents need to be ad-vised of any changes in case the Coach forgets. This is particularly helpful with the outdoor sports that can be affected by weather activity.

5. TEAM PICTURES: Distribute and collect the picture packets for the team pictures as instructed by the YMCA. This procedure may vary from season to season. Pick up team pictures at the YMCA on delivery date along with the medals for the teams.

6. TEAM AWARDS: The YMCA provides each team member with a participation medal. If the Coach and parents wish, they can provide each team member with a trophy. About three weeks before the last game, the Team Parent should poll the Coach and parents to see if this is desired. Also, check with the parents to see if they wish to give the Coaching staff awards and/or gifts. Some teams give the awards at the end of each party. So, check if a party is wanted. If these things are desired:

a. Get an idea of about how much money each parent is willing to spend. Engraved trophies cost about $5-$10 each. If Coaching awards are given, each parent will then have to spend approximately $10-$15 depending on the type of award and how many Coaches there are on the team. A vendor list is included in the coaching packet. b. Decide who will be responsible for ordering the trophies. c. About two weeks before the awards are to be presented, order the awards. This schedule may vary depending on the vendor, so check on delivery first. d. Collect the money from the parents prior to picking up the trophies. 7. TEAM END OF SEASON PARTY: Included in this coaches packet is a list of vendors list of places the Team Parent may want to hold a party. Make sure you call these places to schedule parties with plenty of time (3-5 weeks ahead of time.)

THE ROLE OF PARENTS Family involvement is a key part of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy. For it to be successful, parents must understand their role, which includes these components: Being aware of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy and supporting it by their own behavior (parents need to be especially aware of showing respect for officials, coaches, and the opposing team and modeling the behavior they expect of their children). Attending games, practices, and special events. At least one parent or guardian must be present at all practices and games. Spending time with their child practicing skills and attitudes developed during practice and games. Being supportive of their child by praising the things done well and the improvements made. Spending time with their child listening and talking about his or her accomplishments and feelings. Reading and using the printed materials provided by the YMCA. Volunteering to help the program.

THE ROLE OF THE COACHES

The coach is the single most important adult leader for his or her players. He or she is responsible for making sure that team members develop positive attitudes about fair play and respect for others while learning specific sports skills and having fun. The sports skills themselves are merely tools to help children achieve their full potential.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF COACHES

Good coaches realize that they have a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. Effective YMCA coaches fully support the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy in their attitude and behavior at practices, games, and events. The val-ues of fair play, respect for others, and teamwork are encouraged throughout all encounters with team members. Coaches realize their responsibility in making YMCA Youth Sports a family program and regularly communicate infor-mation to parents, encouraging their involvement through specific activities. Good coaches are people who enjoy work-ing with and relating to children at a particular skill and age level. They are motivators, teachers, and role models for their players.

LEADING TEAM CIRCLE DISCUSSIONS Development of body, mind, and spirit is central to the YMCA’s purpose. One of the ways this is achieved in YMCA Youth Sports is through Team Circle discussions. As practice drills focus on physical skills, Team Circles focus on devel-opment. The YMCA helps players realize that learning physical skills also teaches them about themselves and others. Volunteers are often uncomfortable with the idea of leading discussions on values, so you must teach coaches to view their role as one of coaching values as well as skills. To increase their confidence in and their cooperation with this im-portant aspect of YMCA Youth Sports, give your coaches these tips on leading Team Circle discussions: 1. Begin discussions by reviewing YMCA House Rules: speak for yourself, listen to others, avoid putdowns, take charge

of yourself, and show respect. 2. Ask open-ended questions that require some thought as opposed to “yes/no” questions. Examples: how did you feel

about the game last week? What did you learn today? 3. Be yourself. Children respect an adult who listens to them and who talks honestly. Preaching should not be a part

of Team Circle. 4. Volunteer leaders are role models for their players. Be willing to admit mistakes: it will make players more likely to

be open about themselves. 5. Give players a chance to respond but allow them to pass if they want to. Reinforce their responses with a nod,

smile, or short comment look “thanks,” “okay,” that’s interesting,” or “I understand.” Give the player speaking your undivided attention.

6. After all players have had a chance to speak, briefly summarize the response and add your own comments if you want, but do not lecture.

7. A Team Circle can be a spontaneous event when a “teachable moment” occurs a time when a valuable lesson can be learned by stopping a drill, exercise, or scrimmage to comment on an incident. This should not be done too frequent-ly, but can be effective on occasion to point out a good opportunity for applying a skill or values discussed earlier.

COACHES JOB DESCRIPTION Through volunteering your time to coach a group of children you have put yourself into a position to have a tremendous influence on these children. As a coach for the YMCA your duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Preparation, organization and implementation of practices. 2. Starting and ending practices on time. 3. Teach fundamental skills and rules as they pertain to the sport. 4. Provide a safe, fun, and positive learning environment. 5. Serve as a positive roll model for the children. 6. Develop and maintain communication with parents. 7. Maintain communication with the sports coordinator. 8. Attend scheduled coaches meetings. 9. Identify a team coordinator “Team Parent” to organize after game snacks, drinks and telephone calling. 10. Identify assistant coach or coaches and inform them of their duties. 11. Respect other coaches. 12. Follow the philosophy/guidelines set forth by the YMCA. 13. Accept all judgments by the official without incident. 14. Follow all game rules. 15. Have fun.

ASSISTANT COACH JOB DESCRIPTION Through volunteering your time as an assistant coach you have put yourself into a position to have a tremendous influ-ence on children. As an assistant coach for the YMCA your duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Assume coaching responsibilities in the absents of the coach. 2. Serve as a Positive roll model. 3. Attend coaches meeting in the absents of the coach. 4. Follow the philosophy/guidelines set forth by the YMCA. 5. Respect fellow coaches. 6. Follow all game rules. 7. Accept all judgments made by the officials without incident. 8. Have Fun. ASSIST THE COACH IN: 1. Preparation, organization and implementation of practices. 2. Provide a safe and fun learning environment for participants as well as parents. 3. Teaching fundamental skills and rules as they pertain to the sport. 4. Maintaining communication with parents and sports coordinator.

COACHES, PARENT, AND PARTICIPANTS

As coaches participants and parents it is your duty to maintain all of the YMCA facilities at all times. You can help by doing the following. 1. Cleaning up after yourself. 2. Bringing only water bottles into gyms. 3. Take time to throw away trash. 4. Give back all borrowed equipment to the YMCA. 5. Do not destroy any YMCA issued equipment. Together we can make the YMCA a nicer place, thank you for your understanding.

Seven Pillars of YMCA Youth Sports 1. Everyone plays. We do not use tryouts to select the best players, nor do we cut kids from

YMCA Youth Sports. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team. During the season everyone re-

ceives equal practice time and plays at least half of every game. 2. Safety first. Although some children may get hurt playing sports, we do all we can to prevent

injuries. We’ve modified each sport to make it safer and more enjoyable to play. We ask you to make

sure the equipment and facilities are safe and to teach the sport as we’ve prescribed, so that the

skills taught are appropriate for children’s developmental level. We ask you to develop your players’

fitness levels gradually so they are conditioned for the sport. And we ask you to constantly supervise

your young players so that you can stop any unsafe activities. 3. Fair play. Fair play is about more than playing by the rules. It’s about you and your players

showing respect for all who are involved in YMCA Youth Sports. It’s about your being a role model of

good sportsmanship and guiding your players to do the same. Remember, we’re more interested in de-

veloping children’s character through sport than in developing a few highly skilled players.

4. Positive competition. We believe competition is a positive process when the pursuit of victory

is kept in the right perspective. The “right perspective” means adults make decisions that put the best

interests of the children above winning the contest. Learning to compete is important for children, and

learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential lesson of life. These are the lessons we

want to teach through YMCA Youth Sports. 5. Family involvement. YMCA Super Sports encourages parents to be involved appropriately along

with their child’s participation in our sport programs. In addition to parents being helpful as volunteer

coaches, officials and timekeepers, we encourage them to be at practices and games to support their

child’s participation. 6. Sport for all. YMCA Youth Sports is an inclusive sport program. That means that children who

differ in various characteristics are to be included rather than excluded from participation. We offer

programs to all children regardless of race, gender, religion or ability. We ask our adult leaders to sup-

port and appreciate the diversity of children in our society and to encourage the children and their

parents to do the same. 7. Sport for fun. Sport is naturally fun for most children. They love the challenge of mastering the

skills of the game, of playing with their friends, and of competing with their peers. Sometimes when

adults become involved in children’s sport, they over-organize and dominate the activity to the point

of spoiling children’s enjoyment of the sport. If we take the fun out of sport, we are in danger of our

children taking themselves out of sport. Remember, that these sports are for the kids; let them have fun.

YMCA Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

Y-Sports Honor Code RESPONSIBILITY • I will be responsible for my own conduct during YMCA

Sports Programs. HONESTY • I will do my best to honor all rules set forth by the

YMCA. CARING • I will support all participants, staff and volunteers of

the program. RESPECT • I will respect everyone involved in the YMCA program.

FAITH • I will faithfully commit to the YMCA of Greater San

Antonio Sport’s Philosophy.

Disciplinary Actions

1. One Game Suspension (current game and next game) A verbal warning will first occur for most of these infractions:

• Repeated arguing with YMCA staff, officials, or representative. • Violating participation rules. • Embarrassing, humiliating or belittling any YMCA participant. • Purposely violating game rules.

This action will be enforced by the Referee and Site Director and/or Sports Director. The person being

suspended must leave the game site property. Disciplinary action will be documented and Sports Director will contact the suspended person within 2 business days

of the infraction. 2. Season Ending Suspension

(will not be allowed on YMCA practice or game sites for the remainder of the season)

• Verbal or Physical confrontation. • Repeating infraction from “One Game Suspension”. • Multiple infractions of game rules. • Playing a child that is not on a current YMCA team roster.

This action will be enforced only by the Sports Director and Executive Director of the Branch. Disciplinary action

will be documented and Executive Director will contact the suspended person within 2 business days.

3. Permanent Suspension (will not be allowed on any YMCA property or game

sites) May result in termination of YMCA membership and/or any other YMCA privileges.

• Physical abuse. • Multiple infractions.

This action will only be enforced by the Sports Director, Executive Director of the Branch.

2018 Sports Heat Policy In order to provide a safe experience for outdoor sports programs, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio will implement the following Heat Policy: When the temperature is 98 degrees or higher, there will be a mandatory 2 minute break for every 10 minutes of play during games and practices. Additional accommodations will be water and shade stations. The designated Site Director will be responsible for monitoring the upcoming weather conditions and implementing the above protocol based off of the daily forecast. The designated Site Director is required to use only the WeatherBug app., which is free for all Android and IOS devices. Adequate hydration should be encouraged at all times. Players should feel comfortable to take a fluid break whenever they feel the need to hydrate, in addition to the scheduled breaks.

CONCUSSION FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION? If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs of a concussion:

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE:

• Headache or “pressure” in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems or dizziness • Double or blurry vision • Sensitivity to light • Sensitivity to noise • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Concentration or memory problems • Confusion • Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

SIGNS OBSERVED BY PARENTS/ GUARDIANS:

• Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position • Forgets an instruction • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

[ INSERT YOUR LOGO ]

DANGER SIGNS

Be alert for symptoms that worsen over time. Your child or teen should be seen in an emergency department right away if s/he has:

• One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other

• Drowsiness or cannot be awakened • A headache that gets worse and does not go away • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination • Repeated vomiting or nausea • Slurred speech • Convulsions or seizures • Difficulty recognizing people or places • Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation • Unusual behavior • Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of

consciousness should be taken seriously)

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION?

1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to regular activities, including sports.

2. KEEP YOUR CHILD OUT OF PLAY. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon - while the brain is still healing - risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Repeat or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

3. TELL YOUR CHILD’S COACH ABOUT ANY PREVIOUS CONCUSSION. Coaches should know if your child had a previous concussion. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD PREVENT A CONCUSSION OR OTHER SERIOUS BRAIN INJURY? • Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety

and the rules of the sport. • Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at

all times. • Make sure they wear the right protective equipment

for their activity. Protective equipment should fit properly and be well maintained.

• Wearing a helmet is a must to reduce the risk of a serious brain injury or skull fracture. • However, helmets are not designed to prevent

concussions. There is no “concussion-proof” helmet. So, even with a helmet, it is important for kids and teens to avoid hits to the head.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL SAFELY AFTER A CONCUSSION?

Children and teens who return to school after a concussion may need to:

• Take rest breaks as needed • Spend fewer hours at school • Be given more time to take tests or complete

assignments • Receive help with schoolwork • Reduce time spent reading, writing, or on the computer

Talk with your child’s teachers, school nurse, coach, speech-language pathologist, or counselor about your child’s concussion and symptoms. As your child’s symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION www.facebook.com/CDCHeadsUp

TO LEARN MORE GO TO >> WWW.CDC.GOV/CONCUSSION

Content Source: CDC’s Heads Up Program. Created through a grant to the CDC Foundation from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

Andrew Campbell

YOUTH

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Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak

7 on 7 Football Rules

Time Keeping

A staff member will be on the 50-yard-line to keep time and score for both games All games will begin and end at the direction of the time keeper The time keeper will announce the time remaining at the 10, 5 and 2 minute marks

Moving the Ball :

• Possession always begins at the 45-yard-line • Offense always moves in the same direction • Field is marked at 15 yard intervals • ALL PASSES MUST BE FORWARD (a pass caught behind the line of scrimmage must be a forward

pass) • NO RUSHING PLAYS ALLOWED • No punting

Special Rules

• No blocking • Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or both hands (**see

Disciplinary Actions below for "excessive force") • Fumbles are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession • A muffed snap is not a fumble/dead ball • The 5 second count remains in effect on snaps • If the ball is snapped and touches an offensive player, and proceeds to go over the line of

scrimmage the ball will be considered dead. • Each team will have 30 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked ready for play • Delay of game penalty will be a loss of down plus 5 yards • Two delay of game penalties on the same possession results in a turnover • The opposing team will then put the ball in play on the 45 yard line

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Scoring

• Touchdown = 6 points • Point after touchdown (PAT) from the 5-yard line = 1 point • Point after touchdown (PAT) from the 10-yard line = 2 points • 2 points will be rewarded to a team that returns a PAT back across the 45 yard line. • A game can end in a tie • Official score is kept by the referee

Player Participation

• Each team will designate at least (2) centers per half to rotate each series. The designated center(s) needs to wear a different colored jersey to signify that he is an ineligible receiver. (Intent of the rule: To give all players a chance to get involved in the offense.)

• Option 1: Offense/Defense: The coach elects one group of players to play offense the entire first half and another group to play defense. The groups will then switch roles in the second half

• Option 2: Half by half: The coach elects one group of players to play the entire first half (offense & defense) and the other group of players to play the entire second half.

• Quarterback rule: Each team must have a different quarterback for each half of the game. (This rule only applies to 10U & 12U)

• A player cannot be substituted except for an injury.

Equipment:

• Every player must be wearing a YMCA issued jersey, and athletic shorts without pockets. • Mouthpieces are required to play, jewelry or sunglasses of any kind are not permitted. • Cleats are required, no basketball or running shoes are allowed. • QB wrist bands are permitted • 10U will use the Junior size football • 12U-14U will use the Youth size football

Offense

• ALL offensive plays must be forward passes. • The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball (**The official timekeeper starts a stopwatch on

the snap of the ball from the center and stops the watch as soon as the QB releases the ball • If the release is under 4.O seconds, the play goes on

• If the release is over 4.0 seconds, the timekeeper will wait until the play is over before they bring the ball back to the original line of scrimmage, this will result in a loss of down.

• If a defensive penalty occurs on the same play as a QB release violation then the penalties will offset and the down will be replayed.

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• If an offensive penalty occurs on the same play as a QB release violation the defense can choose to implement the loss of down or choose to implement a loss of yardage in accordance to the penalty committed.

• No penalty will be assessed in excess of the 45 yard line. If an offensive penalty takes place during play that begins on the 45 yard line the result will be a loss of down, with the ball returning to the original line of scrimmage.

• "Offensive pass interference" follows the NCAA rules (15 yard penalty) • Offense must retrieve and return the game ball to the previous spot or the new scrimmage spot • Any delay in returning the ball will result in a delay of game penalty • The clock does not stop • The offensive center is not an eligible receiver (**teams must have a center**) • The offense must gain at least 15 yards in 4 downs or less, or the defense takes over • Offensive players cannot dive for extra yards. (5 yard penalty will be assessed)

Defense

• "Defensive Pass Interference" will be a spot foul and results in a 1st down at the spot of the foul • Defense holds the responsibility to avoid contact • There will be no chucking, deliberate bumping or grabbing allowed • Defensive players cannot dive to try and tag a ball carrier. • These actions will result in a "tack on" penalty at the end of the play (a 5-yard penalty) • Interceptions may be returned ("no blocking" rule applies) • If an interception is returned beyond the 45-yard-line (the offensive origination point), it will

count as 6 points, the extra point will then take place on the 5 or 10 yard line. • In the event of an offensive penalty occurring during a turnover (interception) the returning team

will lose a down on the next possession, if a touchdown occurs during the return it will be nullified.

• In the event of a defense penalty occurring during a turnover (interception) the yardage will be added on to the next possession.

• Linebacker Rule: Each team is required to have a linebacker 3 yards from the line of scrimmage within the tackle box. The tackle box consists of 3 yards left to right of the center and 3 yards deep from the line of scrimmage. Exception: If the l ine to gain is within 3 yards of the l ine of scrimmage, then the linebacker rule does not apply.

Disciplinary Actions

• Excessive force (i.e. shoving, pushing or striking a blow) will be penalized by automatic first down and 5 yards

• If a player is ruled to be unsportsmanlike & flagrant, he can be expelled from the game • No TAUNTING OR “TRASH TALKING” (5 yard penalty & expulsion if flagrant) • NO FIGHTING!

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• Players involved will be ejected from the game and league • If a team fight occurs, the teams involved will be ejected from the game and league

Game Time & Length:

• Each half consists of 20 minutes of game time (continuous clock for each half -- see “starting the game”)

• There are NO time outs • Exception: Injuries • In case of injury, both games on the field will halt until the player can be removed from the field

safely • Injury time outs may reduce the amount of time between halves and /or between games to

maintain the game schedules • There will be a 5-minute half-time • The 7-on-7 league play requires that all games start and end at the same time • If a team is late and cannot start when the league official starts, the team will begin play with

whatever time is left on the league clock once enough players have arrived. • Tardiness is not to exceed 10 minutes of 1st half • Forfeit will occur after 10 minutes of the 1st half • IT IS IMPERTATIVE TO KEEP TO THE LEAGUE PLAY SCHEDULE • Teams must be on site and ready to play when scheduled

Coach’s Code of Conduct I understand that the goal of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio youth sports program is to help the child grow to his/her fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body: activity helps the body grow; thinking advances the mind; and belief makes our spirit grow. I additionally understand that the key that holds the YMCA of Greater San Antonio youth sports program in line is the coaches and parents keeping winning in perspective and focusing on the development of the child. Based on this understanding I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, instruction and encouragement for the children participating in the YMCA of Greater San Antonio youth sports league by following this Coach’s Code of Conduct.

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! I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. ! I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical

development for the same age group. ! I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players. ! I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players. ! I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players. ! I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I

will refrain from their use at all YMCA of Greater San Antonio Family YMCA youth sports events. ! I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to

players. ! I will be knowledgeable in YMCA of Greater San Antonio youth sports policies and guidelines and

agree to follow them at all times. ! I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.

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