Pre-released for: August 1st, 2025
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.
- 10.5.1-4 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
- 10.9.2-1 A team registration is required to consist of 11 participants minimum in order to compete in 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.
- 10.5.5-1.1 Eight or more teams participating in football will follow specific playoff procedure(s).
- 10.5.5-2
10.5.6 Practice Guidelines
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 Weight Designations
10.5.9 Additional Rules: Varsity & JV Specific
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.