Org Help Desk - FIELD REQUIREMENTS

Field Requirements

Grace Period = A set period of time that each team has total in the game (not day) to fix a situation. 15 minutes in the Spring / 30 minutes in the Fall.

It is the Host's responsibility to provide a field that the Proper Size, Properly Marked and Safe for the participants. If a Host cannot provide this, then they cannot host.

Fields MUST be configured so that each team has its own Sideline. A single sidelines is not to be shared.

Field Type Policy

Turf is the better field type when it comes to weather days and avoiding cancelations. But, turf fields are not mandatory for regular season games.

Field Size & Markings Policy

Field must be:
1. - Standard (100 yards of playing area plus 2x10-yard end zones / 53 yards wide) or
  - Alternate (80 yards of playing area plus 2x10-yard end zones / 53 yards wide) / regular season ONLY!
  - If the field is the wrong size, opposing team can challenge field. Refer to Challenges

Markings must be:
1. - Burned, painted or chalked.
  - Lines every 10 yards, conversion mark at the 3-yard line, the frame of the entire field.
  - If the numbers are not marked on the field, sideline marked should be used.
    1. - Tackle Sideline Markers: G, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, G
      - Flag Sideline Markers: G, 20, 40, 40, 20, G
  - Highly recommended to paint the coaches box.
  - Advertisement and Logos must be youth appropriate.
  - If the field is not marked properly, opposing team can challenge field. Refer to Challenges

Field Equipment & Placement Policy

Lights - Are not required for regular season games.
Scoreboard - Recommended but not required for regular season games. Required for playoffs. The time on the scoreboard is NOT official unless a Referee is manning the clock. If not, the official time is kept on the field.
Goal Posts - Recommended but not required for regular season games. Required for playoffs.
Yard Marker Devices - 10-yard Chain (used for tackle) and Down Marker (used all games) is a must. If the host does not have either of these, they will be given the remainder of the grace period from when the game should have started to make these devices available or that game will be declared forfeit.

Chain, Down Marker and Sideline Markers should be placed opposite the Press Box.
If no Press Box, opposite the fans.
If fans on both sides, they are placed on the HOME side.

Field Condition Policy

Fields must be free from holes, cracks, dips, and any debris (rocks, glass, ant piles, animal feces etc.) for safety.
Prior to the games the Host should fill in any holes and cracks and remove ant piles etc.
Sprinkler heads must be recessed.
All signs, devices and other obstructions must be located to avoid possible hazards to participants.
Bleachers, concrete slabs, or anything that a player may hit running or being tackled out of bounds must be at least 5 yards away from the sideline.
If there are any issues, the opposing team can challenge the field. Refer to Challenges

Warm Up and & Locker Areas Policy

Both teams must have access to similar sized, similar condition (covered areas), and safe areas to warm up.
If a facility provides locker rooms, both teams must be given equal opportunity to use them.
- - If locker rooms are only available to one side, then they cannot be used.
  - If locker room access is available to both teams and one chooses not to use them, the other may still use theirs.
Hosts will be charged with a Level III violation if this policy is not followed.

Conveniences Policy (Water & Restrooms)

Facilities must have restrooms (permanent or portable) or have useable restrooms near by.
Onsite water so teams can fill up their jugs is highly recommended. If not available, let your opponent know when you send them their Welcome Email.
Restrooms and access to water must be made available to both teams if available.
If the restrooms and/or access to water breaks down during the day, spectators and fans must be allowed to leave and return without being charged again.
Hosts will be charged with a Level II violation if this policy is not followed.

Misc. Equipment Policy

Bleachers - highly recommended, but not mandatory. If limited in availability, the Host does not have to provide to the opposing team as long as they inform the opponent in their Welcome Email prior to the games. Lawn chairs etc. must be allowed to be brought in to the facility if there are not enough bleachers for all.

Canopies - If canopies are allowed on the sideline, they must be in the Team Box, not the Coaches Box. Placing sideline canopies must be made available to both teams. Canopies in the stands must be placed at the top to avoid blocking spectator's view. Canopies in the stands must be made available to both teams.

Liquid Fuel Heaters/Fans are prohibited. Electric Heaters/Fans may be used and must be placed behind the Team Box to protect players from running into them.

Water Buffalos are may be used and must be placed behind the Team Box to protect players from running into them. They must be allowed for both teams.

Participant Placement Policy

Best Option for participant placement is to have Team A's players, cheerleaders, volunteers and spectators on one side of the field and Team B's on the other.

Standard Option for participant placement is to have Team A's players and volunteers on one side of the field and Team B's players and volunteers on the other, along with both sets of cheerleaders and all the spectators.

Prohibited Option for participant placement is to have Team A and Team B's players and volunteers on the same side of the field. This is counter productive, not efficient for the teams and a potential safety hazard. If this option is used, the Host will be charged with a Level IV violation. If a fight breaks out, the Host will be incur additional disciplinary action.

Multiple Violations of an Improper Field

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