– 10.5 Football Rulebook – Catholic Youth Ministry

Migration underway, last transfer of By-Laws: September 3, 2026

Current Rulebook: 2025-2026 Football Rules

_{Archived: 2024-2025 Football Rules}

10.5.1 General Guidelines

10.5.1-1 If a rule in the sport of football is not specifically addressed or contained herein, NFHS (“Federation”) rules shall be applied.
- 10.5.1-1.1 DIAA guidelines may be referred to and applied in certain situations when deemed appropriate.
- 10.5.1-1.2 No coach or coordinator at the affiliate level shall alter, revise, or change any rules prior to, during, or after the conclusion of competition.
10.5.1-2 The CYM Sports Coordinator is the lead rules interpreter for the sport of football within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.9.1-2.1 Interpretation of all CYM Sports rulings and governing rules for the sport of football will be declared final by the CYM Sports Coordinator.
10.5.1-3 The CYM Football Coordinator is the lead representative and organizer for the sport of football within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.5.1-3.1 The CYM Sports Operation Coordinator will assist with organizing for the sport of cross country, including scheduling, championships, and communications, with CYM Sports Cross Country.
10.5.1-4 The Football Ambassador is the lead advocate for all affiliate coaches within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.5.1-4.1 Head Coaches may suggest rule changes to the Football Ambassador or CYM Football Coordinator prior to or after season.

10.5.2 Administration of Football

10.5.2-1 A team registration is required to consist of 17 participants minimum in order to compete in CYM Sports Football.

10.5.3 Equipment

10.5.3-1 All varsity games will utilize a Wilson Stock #1300 model TDY or equivalent game ball.
- 10.5.3-1.1 All junior varsity games will utilize a Wilson #1360 model TDJ or equivalent game ball.
10.5.3-2 Helmets must have current certification sticker or appropriate identification proving certification for safety.
- 10.5.3-2.1 Helmets must be recertified every other year.
10.5.3-3 All players must wear a mouth guard, and may not be clear or white.
10.5.3-4 All players must be in uniform and wearing equipment that meets requirements detailed by NFHS Handbook: Football.
- 10.5.3-4.1 All players must wear the uniform number listed on the team’s weigh-in log.
- 10.5.3-4.2 In the event a change in number is needed, the head coach must notify the CYM Football Coordinator by noon on the Friday before the next game, via email (football@cdow.org) and confirmation of receipt must be available.
- 10.5.3-4.3 The head coach must notify an opponent head coach at least 30 minutes before a game of a change in number. If the number change is required during a game, the coach must notify the officials and opposing coach prior to the player entering the game.
10.5.3-5 The use of electronic equipment of any kind to communicate with coaches and/or players is strictly prohibited.
- 10.5.3-5.1 Violations are subject to sanctions and disciplinary actions as determined by the CYM office.
- 10.5.3-5.2 Team may record their own games, and may exchange game film with opponent coaches.
- 10.5.3-5.3 Teams may not record games in which their team is not a participant.

10.5.4 Competition

10.5.4-1 All varsity games will be four 10-minute quarters with normal stopped clock rules.
- 10.5.4-1.1 All junior varsity games will consist of four 8-minute quarters with normal stopped clock rules.
10.5.3-2 All scores will be submitted by assigned head coach or coordinator in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.

10.5.5 Postseason & Championships

10.5.5-1 Football postseason(s) and Championship(s) are sponsored and sanctioned in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines, with football-specific procedures available for the 2025-2026 season.
- 10.5.5-1.1 Eight or more teams participating in football will follow specific playoff procedure(s).
  - Playoffs will be split into two divisions, the top four teams in Division I playoffs and remaining in Division II playoffs.
  - Playoffs will be only available to the top eight teams.
- 10.5.5-1.2 Eight or less teams participating in football will follow specific playoff procedure(s).
  - Playoffs will be only available to the top four teams.

10.5.6 Practice Guidelines

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE REFER TO 2025-2026 Football Rulebook

10.5.7 Summer Workouts

10.5.7-1 Summer conditioning may begin the 1st Monday of June.
- 10.5.7-1.1 Summer conditioning sessions must be voluntary.
- 10.5.7-1.2 Summer conditioning sessions may last no longer than 90 minutes in duration, limited to twice per week.
- 10.5.7-1.3 Summer conditioning prohibits the usage of footballs or equipment.
10.5.7-2 Summer conditioning must end on the Friday prior to authorized practice start.
10.5.7-3 In accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines, Heat and humidity rules are in-effect during summer conditioning.
- 10.5.7-4 Violations could result in team(s) being ruled ineligible for postseason.

10.5.8 Weigh-In Rules and Designations

10.5.8-1 All football players must be weighed in the Saturday prior to the first regular season game, announced by the office of location and time prior to season.
- 10.5.8-1.1 Once a player steps on the designated CYM scale, their weight will be recorded. All second attempts are prohibited.
- 10.5.8-1.2 A player that chooses not to be weighed, or that does not show up for weigh-ins, will be designated as a restricted lineman (X-man) as defined in these rules at the time of weigh-ins. Players planning to play as restricted linemen due to weight or otherwise need not appear for weigh-ins, but will still be listed on the weigh-in log.
- 10.5.8-1.3 Requesting an exception due to extreme hardships and/or circumstances must be submitted and approved by the CYM Football Coordinator.
- 10.5.8-1.4 Make ups will be at the sole discretion of the CYM Football Coordinator and may be denied. Make ups shall be defined as an individual, fully registered during normal enrollment, who has missed the singular weigh-in offered by CYM.
- 10.5.8-1.5 Parents are not permitted in the building where weigh-ins are taking place. Any parent who approaches a coach or CYM representative (including third-parties employed by CYM) to complain or discuss weigh-in results may be banned from attending game(s) for a period of time determined by the CYM Office.
- 10.5.8-1.6 Failure to appear at weigh-ins may result in disciplinary actions and/or sanctions against program failing to appear.
10.5.8-2 Weigh-in Sheets will be prepared by the CYM Office, using the rostered players from each team, on the designated weigh-in date for the purposes of recording weigh designation(s).
- 10.5.8-2.1 At the weigh-in, the CYM Football Coordinator will review their jersey number, full name, and confirm weight (once the player is weighed).
- 10.5.8-2.2 Each team must have a rostered coach (head or assistant) present at the scale while that team is being weighed.
- 10.5.8-2.3 Players must appear for weigh-in wearing game day uniform jersey with number, and appropriate shorts.
- 10.5.8-2.4 A player may remove his uniform shirt, shoes, and socks for recording of weight, but must be wearing appropriate shorts at a minimum. A player reporting to the scale or attempting to step on the scale in an undergarment will not be weighed, and will be designated as a restricted lineman (X-man) as defined in these rules.
10.5.8-3 Once the weight has been recorded, the player will be eligible to participate in all regular season games for positions allowing that weight as described in this section.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE REFER TO 2025-2026 Football Rulebook

10.5.9 Additional Rules: Varsity & JV Specific

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE REFER TO 2025-2026 Football Rulebook

10.5.10 Additional Rules: Football

10.5.10-1 In the event a program’s home location is selected for competition, the home team is responsible for padding goal posts and setting out field marking prior to the start of the game.
- 10.5.10-1.1 No game may begin without goal post padding.
- 10.5.10-1.2 If padding and markers are not set up within 10 minutes of a schedule game, a forfeit will be awarded to the visiting team.
10.5.10-2 In the event a field does not have a barrier separating spectators from the sideline and/or bench area, each team must rope off their bench area at least 10 yards from the sideline.
10.5.10-3 In the event a late registration is accepted by the office, the player will not be weighed and labeled a “Restricted Lineman” for the duration of the program season. This will including any postseason and championship opportunities.

Migration underway, last transfer of By-Laws: September 3, 2026

Addendums and Transitions: September 15, 2026