Unless there are weather, injury or other unavoidable reasons, games must start at the scheduled time.

Games may start earlier than scheduled if agreed to by the Referees and BOTH Head Coaches.

If the Referees and BOTH Head Coaches concur that a game will not reach some point in the 3rd quarter before it gets dark or the weather is such that the game must be called, it shouldn't start.

Flag games are 9 verse 9; Tackle games are 11 verse 11. 

If a game should start and a team has the ON FIELD MINIMUM of eligible players, the game must start.

• • In Flag, their opponent is not required to reduce their ON FIELD numbers to match. 

  • Only if a team does not have the ON FIELD MINIMUM should the Grace Period be allowed. Once that team gets the minimum the game should start. If the Grace Period expires, the game will be declared a Class A forfeit.

If a game should start and a team has the ON FIELD MINIMUM of eligible volunteers, the game must start.

• • Only if a team does not have the ON FIELD MINIMUM of volunteers should the Grace Period be allowed. Once that team gets the minimum the game should start. If the Grace Period expires, the game will be declared a Class A forfeit.

If a team has the ON FIELD MINIMUM of eligible players and volunteers and refuses to take the field because they are waiting for someone specific, they will be warned the game will be forfeit. If they still choose not to take the field, the game will be declared a Class A forfeit.

Major Delays - If there is some type of highway major issue, TYFA needs to be notified so a decision can be made on the game. If the game is to be played, once the team arrives they are to be allowed a 15-minute warm up. This goes against the Grace Period.

Per Field Requirements Policy: Each participating team MUST be on a different side of the field. 

• • If the host has both teams on the same side, they need to split to using both sidelines. If the host refuses, that game WILL be a Class A Forfeit.

Chains & Down Marker need to be on the Home Team's side regardless of what side of the field it is.

• • Chain crew CANNOT be made up of opponents from both teams. 

  • Visitor personnel cannot hold chains on Home team's sideline.

  • Minimum age should be 14.

  • If the Home team cannot find a crew, switch to the Visitor. 

  • If neither can provide a crew, the game WILL be a Double Forfeit. The Grace Period CAN be used for this.

  • Chain crew are prohibited from coaching, heckling, or making comments to anyone and the Referees may eject them from the sideline.

    • • No photography may be done with anything but a Go Pro. 

  • Spectators that hold the chains do not have to be attired like the volunteers, but must be dressed youth appropriate.

Level A Access (anywhere) - TYFA Staff, Referees, Security, Hired EMT, Major Media and TYFA Hired Media.

Level B Access

• • Team's own sideline [endzone to endzone)

  • Team hired Media (cleared by TYFA - see Hired Media)

  • Certified Photographers (max 1 per team)

Level C Access

• • Team's own sideline [coaches/team box)

  • Only certified athletes on the roster of the team playing, coaches, trainees, team managers and board members

  • Max 10 + 2 (the 2 are volunteers with Board Member type titles)

Level D Access

• • Cheer Area which is 40 to endzone on each side of the Football Coaches Box.

  • Only certified cheerleaders on the roster of the squad cheering, coaches, trainees, team managers and board members.

  • The maximum of volunteers is listed in the cheer handbook.

There is no such thing as a "water boy/girl", parent photographers or Alumni (contact TYFA prior to game for a possible waiver)

A Volunteer on the sideline may NOT carry a baby or have any child with them that is not certified for the team playing or cheer squad cheering. No exceptions. (Safety/Insurance)