G7 LEAGUE OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS

Season: 2025–2026

SECTION 1: AGE ELIGIBILITY

Age is determined by player age prior to July 31 of the current season year. Playing Down is NOT permitted.

8U – Must not turn 9 prior to July 31.

9U – Must not turn 10 prior to July 31.

10U – Must not turn 11 prior to July 31.

12U – Must not turn 13 prior to July 31.

8th Grade – Must be enrolled in 8th grade or below and may not turn 15 prior to July 31. No 9th graders allowed.

FIELD DIMENSIONS

Field Length – 40 yards (8U ONLY plays on a 30-yard field).

End Zone – 10 yards deep.

SCORING

Six (6) points for a touchdown.

One (1) point for PAT from the 3-yard line.

Two (2) points for PAT from the 10-yard line (interception on PAT is a dead ball).

Two (2) points for a defensive stop on downs.

Three (3) points for interception (no runbacks) plus possession.

If interception occurs on 3rd down, defense receives 3 points only.

Official scores kept by field referee and game manager.

GAME TIMES

Scrimmage/Pool Play – 20-minute running clock (1 official).

Bracket Play – 25-minute running clock (2+ officials).

No team timeouts in scrimmage, bracket play, or overtime.

Clock stops only for injury or referee discretion.

No overtime in scrimmage games.

Overtime only during bracket play.

MOVING THE BALL

Possession begins at the 40-yard line (8U at 30).

Offenses move in same direction.

Two first downs per series: 25-yard and 10-yard lines (8U first down at 15).

Offense has three downs to gain first down.

No running plays allowed (8U exception: one per four downs, handoff only).

25-second play clock; delay results in loss of down.

No double or reverse passes.

No rushing QB until pass thrown.

QB has four seconds to release ball.

One-hand touch = down.

No fumbles; ball dead when it hits ground.

Muffed snap not dead; 4-second rule applies.

SPECIAL RULES

No blocking – 5-yard penalty and loss of down.

Receiver down when touched below neck.

Unnecessary force = 5 yards + automatic first down; possible ejection.

Illegal motion – loss of down.

Defensive Pass Interference – 15 yards, first down at spot.

Defense allowed one bump at line; must release.

5-yard penalty for chucking or unnecessary contact.

Offensive pass interference – previous spot + loss of down.

Offense retrieves ball; clock does not stop.

Ball must be snapped from ground.

Center is not eligible receiver.

No offensive presetting before referee whistle.

OVERTIME (BRACKET PLAY ONLY)

Higher-seeded team chooses offense or defense first.

Ball starts at 15-yard line; three downs to score.

Second OT alternates defensive choice.

Penetration rule applies in second OT.

Mandatory 2-point attempt from 10-yard line.

Interception can end game.

G7 TOURNAMENT POINT SYSTEM

1 point – Tournament participation

1 point – 1st Round Win

2 points – 2nd Round Win

4 points – 3rd Round Win

8 points – Tournament Champion

Points calculated weekly and posted online.

Highest total season points wins the cash prize.

If an ineligible player is used, points will be redistributed accordingly.

TIEBREAKER RULES

If two or more teams are tied in total season points, the following apply in order:

1. Head-to-Head Result

2. Points Against

3. Point Differential

If still tied after all criteria, league administration will determine final placement.

Season tie may result in a Grand Champion Game during the final week.

OFFICIALS

Conduct pregame meeting with head coach and QB.

Keep official score.

Manage game time and play clock.

Administer 4-second count.

Track downs (3 downs).

Enforce penalties.

INADVERTENT WHISTLE

Any inadvertent whistle results in dead ball.

Offense may replay down or take result of play.

Clock stops under 1 minute in bracket play until decision made.

COACHES & SIDELINE RULES

One offensive coach may be on field.

No defensive coach on field.

Maximum four coaches on sideline.

Sideline violations result in warnings and penalties.

Unsportsmanlike conduct = 15-yard penalty.