Each league will have 3 – 4 divisions by grade (5th - 6th), (3rd – 4th)  2nd, (K – 1s Flag Only)

In an effort to ensure proper Helmet fitting 1st graders are allowed to play tackle Football provided they exceed 50lbs and parents sign league waivers. There is no minimum weight for other grades. 

Each Mid-State league agrees to use an individual player evaluation process that identifies each player's athletic ability and distributes players evenly creating a competitive environment that encourages player development.

[NO Stacking Teams, No ABC Teams, No Tier Teams]

1. Clock 
   • 10 minute running clock.
   • Officials follow IHSSA clock rules for the final 2 minutes of each half.
   • No two-minute warning Clock stops after score for an extra point attempt (an extra point attempt is an un‐timed down).
   • The clock Re‐starts on the official whistle once the ball is placed on the receiving team's 35-yard line.
   • Note - Officials are to keep the game moving after a score (no extended timeouts).
2.  Time Outs
   • 4 (1 min.) timeouts limit 3 per half.
   • Time outs are taken on the field.
   • All coaches can be on the field during a timeout
   • Water is to be  taken to players on the field
   • Officials can call Heat timeouts at their Discretion
3.  Half Time
   • 4 minutes in length ‐ teams go to the sideline
4. Play Clock
   • All Grades ‐ 40-second play clock kept by the official.
   • The clock stops after each play clock violation and re-starts on the official's whistle.
   • (The penalized team has 30 sec to run the next play).

   • The officials are asked to announce a 10-second warning.  

Visors - As a safety measure IHSAA officials only allow the use of clear helmet visors. No tinted visors are allowed for youth players.  

• All players are expected to participate equally throughout the entire game. The only exception would be due to injury.

• All Player Shortage situations require the League Director's Approval
  • The team must have less than 13 players to request a player from another team
  •  May not exceed 13 players if using players from another team
  • Sub player wears his original team's jersey (No-Switching of jerseys)
    • The intent of subbing from another team is not to allow top-rated players to play on other teams. 
• Each league administers the enforcement of this rule. 
• All substitutions must be approved by each league's director.

When a team has an 18-point lead or more at any point in the game they are required to sub out the ENTIRE Offensive backfield (all players must be new to the backfield – not putting the QB at RB, etc.). (3 main backs can NOT touch the ball)

If the 18-point difference is reduced to under 18pts, then the team with the lead is allowed to put its starting backfield back into place. 

Note - the players that were in the backfield are allowed to stay in the game in other positions.

No gimmick or trick plays are allowed to include but are not limited to (reverses, hook & ladder, etc.) when Mercy Rule is in effect.

*Penalty  - 1st occurrence Warning and replay of Down. Additional occurrence sportsmanship 15-yard penalty

Post-season play will be determined by the Executive Board.

All practice dates, times, and locations will be scheduled by the League.   All coaches must adhere to the practice schedule. 

• Practice Plan
  • Dynamic Warm-ups 
  • Position Fundamentals 
  • Team 

All  practice cancellations will be posted on the league website.