2026 NRV Youth Football Rule Book
2026 RULEBOOK
The Friday night stars of tomorrow LEARN here.
THE NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE TOWNS OF
BLACKSBURG, CHRISTIANSBURG, THE CITY OF RADFORD AND THE COUNTIES OF
FLOYD, GILES, MONTGOMERY AND PULAKSI’S PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS.
REVISED JULY 31, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SECTION: PAGE:
ADMINISTRATORS – REC DEPARTMENTS, FOOTBALL CLUBS 3
MISSION STATEMENT 3
LEAGUES OFFERED 3
MITE LEAGUE: 2nd & 3rd GRADES 3
JUNIOR LEAGUE: 4th & 5th GRADES 3
SENIOR LEAGUE: 6th & 7th GRADES 3
MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICY 3
TEAM REQUIREMENTS 4
ADDRESS/SCHOOL ZONE 4
TEAM NUMBERS 4
WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS 4
NRV FOOTBALL WEIGH-INS 4
COACHES INFO 4
COACHES/CONCUSSION MEETING 4
LEAGUE RULES 5
GAMES 5
TIME 5
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS 5
INJURIES 5
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT 5
PLAYING RULES 6
PRACTICES 6
DEFENSE 6
OFFENSE 6
RUNNING UP THE SCORE 6
KICKING GAME 7
PENALTIES 7
COMMUNICATION DEVICES 7
2026 EDDIE SUTPHIN NRV CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 7
SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY 8
NRV YOUTH FOOTBALL SPORTSMANSHIP MISSION 8
ZERO TOLARANCE POICY 8
ACCOUNTABILITY ACTIONS 9
PLAYERS 9
COACHES 9
SPECTATORS 9
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY 9
ACCEPTABLE MUSIC POLICY FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL GAMES 9
CONCUSSION INFORMATION SHEET 10
CONCUSSION OVERVIEW 11
CONCUSSIONS – ROLE OF COACHING STAFF 11
CONCUSSIONS – ROLE OF OFFICIALS 12
CONCUSSIONS – COACHES COMPLIANCE 12
TACKLE FOOTBALL SAFETY PROCEDURES 13
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINS 13
NRV Football Handbook: Revised JULY 2026
Please note: all new rules for 2026 are listed in red.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PAGE 2
PARKS & RECREATION ADMINTRATORS:
Auburn Chris Slusher 540-382-6975 slusherce@montgomerycountyva.gov
Blacksburg Jesse Hilmandolar 540-443-1100 jhilmandolar@blacksburg.gov
Christiansburg Jared Witten 540-382-2349 jwitten@christiansburg.org
East Mont Ashley Hadidian 540-382-6975 hadidianad@montgomerycountyva.gov
Floyd County Christian Whitt 540-745-9363 cwhitt@floydcova.gov
Pearisburg Scottie Potter 540-921-0304 spotter@pearisburg.org
Pulaski County C.J. Burgis 540-674-1513 cjburgis@pulaskicounty.org
Radford Chuck Morris 540-731-3633 chuck.morris@radfordva.gov
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to provide a positive, recreational football experience where every participant can learn, grow, and enjoy
the game. We are committed to teaching the rules, fundamental techniques, and teamwork essential to football, while
promoting sportsmanship, confidence, and character throughout the season. Our league exists to create an encouraging
environment where players can develop skills, build friendships, and have fun.
Practices can start August 10, 2026. Late sign-ups can only be added up to the Tuesday of the second week of practice.
Official weigh-ins will be announced by your local jurisdiction. Any late sign-ups must be weighed before they can start
practice. Any late sign-ups must participate in 3 practices of just conditioning before being issued pads and engaging in
hitting/tackling. You may not conduct full pads practice until August 17, 2026, at the earliest, however, if you start
practice later than August 10, 2026, you must have 1 week of conditioning before starting full pads practice.
LEAGUES OFFERED:
MITE LEAGUE: 2ND & 3RD GRADERS:
The Mite League consists of second and third graders in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Participants cannot be 10
years of age before September 30, 2026. The Mite League weigh limit is 90lbs and under, any participant weighing over
91lbs or over at the time of the official weigh-in will receive an “X” on their helmet and be required to begin all plays on
the field from a 3-point or 4-point stance on the offensive or defensive line. Any 3rd grader weighing over 90lbs may
move up to junior league.
JUNIOR LEAGUE: 4TH & 5TH GRADERS:
The Junior League consists of fourth and fifth graders in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Participants cannot be 12
years of age before September 30, 2026. Junior League weight limit is 125lbs and under, any participant weighing over
126lbs or over at the time of the official weigh-in will receive an “X” on their helmet and be required to begin all plays on
the field from a 3-point or 4-point stance on the offensive or defensive line. 4th Graders weighing in at 59 pounds or
under have the option of dropping back and playing in the Mite League but must play on the line and wear an “X” on
their helmet. Any 5th grader weighing over 125lbs may move up to senior league.
SENIOR LEAGUE: 6TH & 7TH GRADERS:
The Senior League of sixth and seventh graders in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Participants cannot be 14 years
of age before September 30, 2026. No 8th graders are allowed regardless of age. Senior League weight limit is 150lbs
and under, any participant weighing over 151lbs or over at the time of the official weigh-in will receive an “X” on their
helmet and be required to begin all plays on the field from a 3-point or 4-point stance on the offensive or defensive line.
6th Graders weighing in at 85 pounds or under have the option of dropping back and playing in the Junior League but
must play on the line and wear an “X” on their helmet.
MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICY:
A player in the Senior League may not play on a Middle School team. You must be rostered on one or the other but not
both at the same time.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 3
TEAM REQUIREMENTS:
ADDRESS/SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ZONE:
To be placed on a NRV Youth Football team; a player must attend the public school district and/or physical address to
corresponding recreation department. If a player is homeschooled, placement will be determined based on their
physical residence address.
Players who attend school or reside in a district that does not have enough participants to field a team may be
permitted to play in the next closest locality, only if that locality has a need for additional players. The receiving
locality reserves the right to accept or deny any out-of-district player.
TEAM NUMBERS:
Mite and Junior teams that reach 36 or more players will be split into two teams. Senior teams will split into two teams
at 40 players. Local recreation departments may split at an earlier number if so desired. A team must have a minimum of
15 players.
WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:
NRV YOUTH FOOTBALL WEIGH-INS:
Weigh-ins will be done the first week of the season and be observed by a representative from another area. Weights,
along with player’s name, age, birthdate, grade, school and address will be entered into an official database only to be
seen by area rec departments/football clubs upon request.
● Boys/girls in the Senior Division (6th & 7th Grades): weighing 150lbs. or less at the time of the official weigh-in will be
allowed to play in the backfield or carry the ball at any time. Players weighing 151lbs. or more will be identified with an
“X” on their helmet. These players must play down linemen and start in a 3-point of 4-point stance on offense or
defense. A 6th grader that weighs in at 85lbs or less has the option of dropping back to the junior league but must play
on the line and wear an “X” on their helmet.
● Boys/girls in the Junior Division (4th & 5th Grades) weighing 125lbs. or less at the time of the official weigh-in will be
allowed to play in the backfield or carry the ball at any time. Players weighing 126lbs. or more will be identified with an
“X” on their helmet. These players must play down linemen and start in a 3-point of 4-point stance on offense or
defense. Any 5th grader weighing over 125lbs may move up to senior league. A 4th grader that weighs in at 59lbs or less
has the option of dropping back to the mite league but must play on the line and wear an “X” on their helmet.
● Boys/girls in the Mite Division (2nd & 3rd Grade) weighing 90lbs. or less at the time of the official weigh-in will be
allowed to play in the backfield or carry the ball at any time. Players weighing 91lbs. or more will be identified with an
“X” on their helmet. These players must play down linemen and start in a 3-point of 4-point stance on offense or
defense. Any 3rd grader weighing over 90lbs may move up to junior league.
The “X” should be on top of the helmet and be at least 6” to 8” long and visible for game officials.
COACHES INFO:
Each team will be allowed five (5) coaches on the sideline for games; this INCLUDES a trainer if so desired (5 adults max).
This also includes water boys, ball boys, etc.
One coach from each team MUST attend the organizational meeting and concussion seminar to coach for the season,
but all coaches and game officials are encouraged to attend.
2026 NRV COACHES MEETING & CONCUSSION SEMINAR
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2026, 3:00PM
CHRISTIANSBURG RECREATION CENTER - 1600 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 4
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 6
LEAGUE RULES:
GAMES:
Each Junior and Senior League game will have at least two currently certified VHSL officials.
Mite League will have at least one currently certified VHSL official.
Each team will have two time-outs per half; one timeout may roll over into the second half giving a team 3. (Only 1
timeout can roll over) Coaches (two per team limit) will be allowed to come onto the field during time-outs.
*In the Mite league one coach from each team can be on the field during play for the entire season. Coaches must
remain behind safeties on defense and behind running back on offense. Coaches are not allowed to run up to players or
move players before the ball is snapped, and certainly not celebrate plays. The coach is there to help give plays to
players and should be a quiet bystander.
TIME:
Mite, Junior & Senior Leagues - Eight-minute quarters
Halftime - Eight minutes (during cold weather games or games running behind, this may be reduced)
The offense will have 40 seconds to run a play after the previous play has been blown dead.
The game clock will stop on incomplete passes, out of bounds, scores and time-outs. The clock will restart on the next
snap.
The game clock will stop on all penalties and will be restarted when the official resets the ball .
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS:
THE LOCAL RECREATION DEPARTMENTS STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL COACHES TO PLAY ALL KIDS EQUALLY. NRV
Football Leagues are instructional leagues designed to give all kids of all abilities playing time to learn and develop their
football skills. All players who attend the game must play a minimum of 5 plays per half. Special team plays do not count
towards a player’s minimum playtime requirement. The only players exempt from the all play rule are players who have
missed team’s schedule practices or players who for health reasons cannot play the minimum amount.
It is the responsibility of the head coach to ensure that all players meet the minimum play requirements. Failure to meet
the all-play rule requirement can result in disciplinary actions from local recreation department administrators.
INJURIES:
All injuries are to be reported to the administrators of recreation departments or football clubs.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT:
Football equipment will be distributed by corresponding recreation department. All equipment should be returned
within a week after the last game of the season. Failure to do so will restrict participation in further activities. If
equipment is not returned, parents will be billed.
Any mouthpiece may be used, but the mouthpiece should be bright in color. Any bright color is accepted; this is to make
it easier for officials to check and make sure players are wearing them. Mouthpieces must be attached to the helmet.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 5
PLAYING RULES:
PRACTICES:
All teams will be allowed to have four meetings per calendar week (Calendar week is Sunday – Saturday), including
games and practices. Only one practice session will be allowed per day. Practices can last 1.5 hours per session.
1. No full speed head-on blocking or tackling drills in which the players line up more than 3 yards apart are
permitted. (Having two linemen in stances immediately across the line of scrimmage from each other and having
full-speed drills where the players approach each other at an angle, but not straight ahead into each other are
both permitted.) However, there should be no intentional head-to-head contact!
2. The amount of contact at each practice will be reduced to a maximum of 1/2 of practice time (45 minutes of
practice). In this context, “contact” means any drill or scrimmage in which drills; down line vs. down line full-
speed drills; and scrimmages.
During the first week of practice, no contact will be allowed. No pads will be allowed during the first week. Players may
wear their helmets. The first week of practice should consist of the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, stance, and
conditioning before any inter-squad scrimmaging occurs.
DEFENSE:
Teams may use any legal defense. Players with an “X” on their helmets must start in a 3-point or 4-point stance on the
line. “X” players must play tackle to tackle; an illegal formation penalty will be called if outside the tackle box.
OFFENSE:
Any kind of offensive play may be used i.e. pass, run, reverse, etc. Teams using “shotgun” formation; center may not
be hit until head is up and he has a chance to defend himself.
Teams may use any legal offensive formation.
There shall be no blocking below the waist by any player who is outside the free blocking zone (3 yards on either side of
line of scrimmage and five yards on either side of the center) except to tackle the runner or a player pretending to be a
runner on any type of play. On a double team block, the second blocker must block above the waist.
If a team decides to punt on any down the officials must declare a FREEKICK with no run back by the receiving team.
Down linesman must remain down until after the kick has been made. The receiving team will take over possession of
the ball where it is caught or where it stops. If it is touched by the receiving team and goes forward it will be marked
where first touched. Punts must start with a snap by the center with the ball being punted behind the line of scrimmage.
RUNNING UP THE SCORE:
If a team leads by 24 points or more, a continuous clock will be used and the clock will only stop for time outs and
injuries. Once the lead falls below 24 points, regular game rules will go back into effect. Always consider those on the
other side of the ball. Please exhibit good sportsmanship and check the egos at the front gate. This game is for kids,
and everyone is here to have an enjoyable experience.
During the last minute of the game, the team with the ball must inform official they are taking a knee. The official will
tell the other team, there will be no pass rush. (This only applies to a when a game is 9 points or more) Teams up by 24
or more with the ball during the last minute of the game; must take a knee.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 6
KICKING GAME:
Kickoffs: There will be no kick-offs in the Mite League or Junior League. The team receiving the ball will take possession
at the 30-yard line. In Senior Leagues, kickoffs will be a free kick to open both halves. After a score, opposing team will
take over at the 30-yard line. The kicking team will line up in formation on a knee and kickoff from the 40-yard line. The
receiving team will line up in formation on a knee and take possession of the ball wherever it is caught or at the spot the
ball rolls dead. If the ball bounces back toward the kicking team, the ball will be placed at the spot of the bounce. The
receiving team will start from that spot. Onside kicks are not allowed.
Punts: In ALL Leagues, punts will be a free kick with no rush. All linemen must be in a down position and must remain
down until the ball is kicked. Receiving team may only send 3 players back to field a punt; other 8 players must be on
a knee. No player may leave his or her feet in an attempt to block the kick. The ball must be snapped straight back, at
least five yards from where the ball was officially placed, and kicked from that spot. The receiving team will take
possession of the ball wherever it is caught or at the spot the ball rolls dead. If the ball bounces back toward the kicking
team, the ball will be placed at the spot of the bounce. Punter will have 15 seconds to get the punt off before a delay of
game penalty is called. The clock will continue to run during punts, except during the last minute of the game. During
the last-minute punts will be a dead ball play and no time will expire.
Extra Points: In the Mite and Junior Leagues, extra points will be a free kick with no rush. Mite teams will snap the ball
from 3 yards inside the goal line to attempt an extra point. Junior teams will snap the ball from the goal line to attempt
an extra point. In the Senior League, extra points will be snapped from the 3-yard line and WILL be a live play. In all
leagues, the ball will be kicked 7 yards back from where the ball is snapped.
Field Goals: In all leagues, field goals are allowed and will be snapped 7 yards back from the line of scrimmage. In the
Mite and Junior Leagues, field goals will be a free kick; in the Senior League, field goals will be live.
Sportsmanship: All players on any kick must refrain from yelling, jumping, waving hands, etc. First infraction will be a
warning, second will be an unsportsmanlike penalty.
Players with an “X” may punt and kick extra points. When an extra point is attempted by kicking, the ball must be kicked.
Extra Points: Kick = 2 points Running = 1 point Field Goals = 3 points
No quick kicks will be allowed.
PENALTIES:
NRV Youth Football will follow Virginia High School League Rules for football game rules. All other organizational rules,
rules printed here in the rulebook and disciplinary actions will be enforced by the local recreation departments. These
currently include Floyd, Montgomery and Pulaski counties, the City of Radford and the towns of Blacksburg and
Christiansburg.
COMMUNICATION DEVICES:
No communication devices are all allowed on the sidelines, booth or stands whether it be between coaches, players or
parents. 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty on first offense, ejection on second offense.
2026 EDDIE SUTPHIN NRV CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES:
Everyone makes the playoffs this year. Standings will no longer be kept. Brackets will be randomly drawn at the end of a
regular season. The 2026 Eddie Sutphin NRV Championships will be played on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Floyd
County High School.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 7
SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY:
NRV YOUTH FOOTBALL SPORTSMANSHIP MISSON:
New River Valley Youth Football League provides a safe, fun, and positive environment for all staff, referees, officials,
volunteers, players, parents, legal guardians, relatives, siblings and spectators.
ZERO TOLARANCE POLICY:
New River Valley Youth Football League has a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate or disruptive behavior. It is
the responsibility of ALL coaches, officials, players, parents, legal guardians, relatives, siblings, and spectators to
maintain the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship while attending all youth football practices and games.
Inappropriate or disruptive behavior is defined as but not limited to:
• Using loud, offensive, or vulgar language in aggressive, combative or confrontational manner
• Intimidation, harassment, sarcasm or discrimination in any form
• Violent play, violent conduct or fighting and other behaviors are detrimental to the sporting event.
If any person involved violates the Zero Tolerance Policy said person will be immediately removed from the facility or
field and will be asked to leave the property.
New River Valley Youth Football strives to create an environment where all citizens feel safe and supported. Please show
respect, be supportive, and help us foster a safe and enjoyable environment for our youth.
Youth sports and activities play an important role in promoting the mental, emotional, social and physical development
of children. It is essential for parents, legal guardians, coaches, staff and officials to demonstrate a positive environment.
Furthermore, adults involved in youth sporting events should be positive role models of good sportsmanship and should
lead by example in demonstrating fairness, respect, and a positive attitude.
We ask that all coaches, officials, players, parents, legal guardians, relatives, siblings, and spectators to be responsible
for your words and actions while attending youth football games and intend to conform behavior to the following code
of conduct:
1. I understand that profanity or sideline coaching such as yelling or belittling a coach, official, staff, player, parent,
legal guardian, relative, sibling and or spectator will not be tolerated.
2. I will not engage or encourage my child in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, official, staff, player, parent,
legal guardian, relative, sibling and spectator.
3. I will not engage or encourage my child in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety, or well-being
of any coach, official, staff, player, parent, legal guardian, relative, sibling and spectator.
4. I will not engage or encourage my child or any other person to engage in the use of profanity.
5. I will not engage or encourage my child or any other person to engage in drugs, alcohol, tobacco or vaping in
facilities.
6. I will treat and encourage my child to treat every coach, player, official, staff, parent, legal guardian, relative,
sibling and spectator with respect regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
7. I will not engage or encourage my child or any other person to engage in physical or verbal abuse aimed at
coach, official, staff, player, parent, legal guardian, relative, sibling and spectator.
8. I will not initiate or encourage my child or any other person to initiate a fight or aggressive behavior with any
coach, official, staff, player, parent, legal guardian, relative, sibling and spectator.
9. I will support all coaches, officials and staff.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PAGE 8
ACCOUNTABLITY ACTIONS:
PLAYERS:
Any player that commits an un-sportsmanlike foul (slugging, kicking, or knocking an opponent, etc.) will be removed
from the game immediately and may not re-enter the game. Any player that is ejected from a game is automatically
suspended for the next game.
COACHES:
Any coach that is ejected is automatically suspended for the next game. Ejected coaches must leave field and wait in car
or parking lot. Any coach or staff that is ejected from a game is automatically suspended for the next game and could be
suspended for up to a year.
SPECTATORS:
Any spectator that makes threats to game officials, league administrators, players or coaches will be removed and
suspended for a minimum of 1 year from ALL NRV Football locations. Effective July 1, 2025, Virginia Senate Bill 986
establishes assaulting a sports official (umpire, referee, judge, scorekeeper, timekeeper, or other neutral participant)
during or after a game as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY:
Do not use social media to be critical of teammates, coaches, officials, administrators, or spectators. Negative comments
and images, bullying, criticism and sexist remarks can be dangerous and harmful to people’s wellbeing and reputation.
Your actions on social media will have serious consequences. Players that are found to have acted improperly on social
media will face a minimum two week ban from all football related activities (games and practices). Parents or spectators
that use social media inappropriately may face bans up to a year.
ACCEPTABLE MUSIC POLICY FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL GAMES:
To maintain a positive, family-friendly atmosphere at all youth football events, NRV Youth Football League has
established the following guidelines for playing music before, during, and after games:
Approved Music Content: All music must be clean, free from profanity, vulgar language, or suggestive content.
Lyrics must not promote violence, substance use, discrimination, or sexually explicit themes. Instrumental versions or
"clean" radio edits are preferred if there is any doubt about lyrics. Genres are not restricted, but the message must align
with the values of youth sports.
Volume and Timing. Music may be played: before the game (warm-ups); during halftime; after the game (optional).
No music is to be played: while the ball is in play; during player injuries or official timeouts. Volume must be kept at a
level that does not interfere with on-field communication or announcements.
Who Controls the Music: Only designated team volunteers or league-approved personnel may operate the sound
system. Coaches, parents, spectators or fans may not bring in personal sounds equipment to play their own music.
Prohibited Content: Songs with explicit language, even if popular (e.g., unedited versions of Top 40 or hip-hop tracks).
Songs with themes of revenge, guns, alcohol, or romantic/sexual themes. “Diss tracks” or music meant to intimidate or
trash talk opposing teams
Enforcement: Any violation of this policy may result in immediate removal of music privileges for the team.
Continued violations may result in disciplinary action for the team or league participant.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 9
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 10
CONCUSSION - OVERVIEW:
A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, jolt to the body, or any sudden force that results in a rapid
acceleration/deceleration of the brain inside the skull. This impact of the brain against the rigid inside walls of the skull
can cause a change in neurological function and a host of other symptoms depending on which part of the brain was
injured. Youth athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of a concussion. Even what appears to be a “minor ding
or bell ringer” has the real risk of catastrophic results when an athlete is returned to action too soon. Second impact
syndrome, which in some cases can be fatal, is a direct result of returning to game action before all symptoms have
cleared. While most players heal within a few weeks, an athlete who returns to play before a concussion has completely
resolved risks re-injuring an already injured brain which can have life threatening consequences. Therefore, continued
participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk
for further injury to the brain, and even death.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 11
The well-being of the athlete/participant is our greatest concern during any practice or game. Officials, coaches and
parents are being asked to make all efforts to ensure that concussed athletes do not continue to participate. Thus,
coaches, parents, and officials should also be looking for signs of concussion in all athletes and should immediately
remove any suspected concussed participant from play.
When in doubt, sit them out! It’s far better to miss one or two games as a precautionary matter than to risk possible
brain injury. No game is worth that.
CONCUSSION - ROLE OF COACHING STAFF:
Coaches/Coaching Staff will NOT be expected to “diagnose” a concussion. That is the job of an appropriate health-care
professional. Coaches/Coaching Staffs will be asked to use their best judgment in observing the signs, symptoms and
behaviors, associated with concussions. If a member of a youth team coaching staff observes questionable signs,
symptoms, or behavior, he/she must remove the participant from the game for further evaluation and notify the
parent/guardian.
The responsibility of further evaluating and managing the symptomatic participant falls upon the head coach,
parent/guardian or appropriate health-care professional. If an appropriate health-care professional on site determines
that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to play. If there is no appropriate health-care
professional available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be allowed by the coach or parent/guardian to
return to play.
CONCUSSION - ROLE OF GAME OFFICALS:
Neither officials, nor coaches, will be expected to “diagnose” a concussion, as that is the job of an appropriate health-
care professional. Officials are being asked to use their best judgment in observing the signs, symptoms and behaviors,
associated with concussions. Officials will not be asked to make what could be perceived to be a medical opinion. If an
official observes questionable signs, symptoms, or behavior, the official must notify the coach and remove the
participant from the game for further evaluation. The game official is not responsible for the sideline evaluation or
management of the athlete after he or she is removed from play. The responsibility of further evaluating and managing
the symptomatic athlete falls upon the head coach, and/or an appropriate health-care professional. If an appropriate
health-care professional on site determines that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to
play. If there is no appropriate health-care professional available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be
allowed by the coach or parent to return to play. The official does not need written permission for an athlete to return
to play, nor does the official need to verify the credentials of the appropriate health-care professional. Ensuring
compliance is the responsibility of the head coach and NOT the game official.
CONCUSSION - COACHES COMPLIANCE:
Any coach that disregards the safety and well-being of a youth sports participant as it relates to concussions will be
suspended indefinitely from coaching. Additionally, any coach that misuses this policy to prohibit an otherwise healthy,
fit, uninjured player from participating will be suspended indefinitely from coaching.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 12
TACKLE FOOTBALL SAFETY PROCEDURES:
1 Practice activities are responsible for a large percentage of football injuries, and many of these injuries are related to
live contact tackling and blocking drills.
2 The use of the head as the primary blocking or tackling surface should not be allowed.
3 The proper football position should be taught (knees flexed, trunk bent, face up and eyes straight ahead).
4 Proper equipment, which has been fitted properly, should always be worn during drills.
5 In early sessions the emphasis should be on conditioning. Contact should be kept to a minimum.
6 When beginning contact drills, be sure to teach fundamentals of tackling and blocking first.
7 In blocking, the athlete should be taught never to block a person whose back is to them.
8 Players should be taught to regain their feet as soon as possible when knocked down.
9 In blocking, tackling, or running, players should not duck their head downward but should keep their eye up.
10 In blocking or tackling, the player’s hands should be kept closed as much as possible.
11 Players should not be allowed to leave their feet in blocking, tackling, catching, or running the ball.
12 All participants must always wear a mouthpiece. It is a good idea to have them use mouth guards even in non-
contact practices to develop a habit.
13 Always make sure to have a warm-up period that includes stretching exercises.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES:
1 All participants should adhere to all rules of the sport as well as to other regulations that ensure safe conduct of an
activity.
2 Be certain all participants have parental waiver or medical clearance before engaging in any physical activity.
3 See that wearing apparel of participants, including protective equipment, if provided, is fitted correctly and always
worn during practice and play.
4 Make sure the length and the number of practices is in accordance with the department’s requirements. Give
attention to fatigue, climate conditions, and the strenuousness of the sport or activity being performed. Adjust length of
practice to fit climate or participants.
5 Work out a progressive conditioning schedule that is specific to sport and will meet the physical demands of the sport.
6 Develop skills before scrimmage.
7 Supervise all play.
8 Allow no horseplay.
9 Adapt all drills to the abilities of young, immature children.
10 Insist upon sportsmanship at all times.
11 Developing skills is one of the most important keys to preventing injuries. A player who has proper knowledge of the
activity to be played will reduce the possibility of injury.
NEW RIVER VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE – PAGE 13