Exchange Football League (EFL)
2024 Rules
I. Conference Eligibility
A. Junior League
1. 3rd& 4thgrade students or a child born before 8-1-2016 if in the 2nd grade.
2. NO Offensive player playing a position that is eligible to run or catch the ball may be over the weight of 90 lbs. (QB's may be over the 90 lbs weight limit, but they cannot run the ball past the line of scrimmage and must wear a orange helmet cap)
Those over 90 lbs must play offense line, tackle to tackle.
There is no weight limitation on defense.
B. Senior League
1. U11. Player born 1/1/2012 or later. Player must be turning 12 in the calender year of 2024 or younger. There will be no exceptions to this rule in the senior league for the safety and well-being of every player.
2. NO Offensive player playing a position that is eligible to run or catch the ball may be over the weight of 125lbs. (QB's may be over the 125lbs weight limit, but they cannot run the ball past the line of scrimmage and must wear a orange helmet cap)
Those over 125lbs must play offense line, tackle to tackle.
There is no weight limitation on defense.
II. Eligibility and Registration
A. Junior & Senior League
1. Permission to participate and certification that the boy/girl is physically capable to participate must be furnished in writing by the parent or legal guardian at the time of registration.
2. Open to all 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. 8-12 years of age. A player may be in the 7th grade but “cannot” turn 13 years of age by January 1st.
3. A junior league player can petition the board of directors to play up and only may do so with the board’s written approval. No player for any reason may play down.
B. All Players will, before deadline date, register and have their weight recorded.
1. At the time of registration, a league official will enter each weight on a registration certificate.
2. Once registered and assigned to a team in this area, he/she will not be allowed to transfer to
another team unless approved in writing by the EFL Board of Directors.
3. There will be only one weigh in – no sweating down.
4. A signed acknowledgement of the concussion policy must be in place before participant starts practicing.
C. No player may participate in any league game without first being properly registered and assigned to a team, or properly transferred to a team.
1. Failure to comply will constitute forfeiture of games where the illegal player participated and the dropping of the individual from further play during the season.
2. Every eligible player must participate in each half of the game. If a coach has players suited up who are not eligible to play, they must notify the referees prior to the game.
D. Each player must pay $125 for insurance and registration fees during the registration period. Scholarships are available by board approval. If registering an established team, each player will still pay $125 for the season and teams will be capped at 25 athletes on the roster.
E. Each boy/girl must participate in organized practice sessions each week in order to play in a game. (Organized practices means under supervision with sponsor’s equipment).
F. There will be no additional athletes added to roster after the first scheduled game. Rosters will be remained locked for the remainder of the season. There will be no "trading" of players. Rosters will be checked prior to games in the senior division.
III. Protests
A. Protests of eligibility or other matters must be presented in writing to the EFL Board
of Directors.
1. Protests must be registered with the EFL Board of Directors within four days of the
alleged illegal act. Appeals must be submitted to the EFL board within 2 days of the protest
being filed.
2. The Board of Directors will take immediate steps to arrive at a decision and notify the
interested parties.
3. Protest may be made within 24 hours before any game by the coach involved in the game
or league official.
IIII. Playing Rules and Equipment
A. High School rules with free substitutions.
B. Playing field will be as determined by the Board of Directors: 100 yds senior division
& 80 yds junior division.
C. Ball: Junior size approved by League
D. Equipment: Helmet, shoulder pads, jersey and pants approved by League and referees.
E. Mask – Mandatory.
F. Mouth guard – Mandatory and must be in the mouth during play or a penalty will occur.
G. Shoes must be canvas or rubber cleats.
H. Every player must have equipment inspected prior to each game.
I. Game time: 8-minute quarters playing time. 5-minute halves.
J. Officials:
1. None from coaches or affiliates of participating team in the league.
2. Only qualified officials, as determined by the league will be used.
3. At least two officials, plus a timekeeper with a stopwatch will be used.
K. Teams must be ready to commence games no later than 5 minutes after scheduled starting time.
1. Failure to comply will constitute a forfeiture of the game with a score 6-0
L. Practice Days: If you have a special event, i.e. scrimmage with someone out of our league, you may obtain written permission from the Board of Directors to hold an activity on a Saturday. Friday & Saturday practices are optional.
M. Practice Length: We suggest practices be kept to 1 1/2 hours in length. No practices should be longer than 2 hours.
SPECIAL GAME Rules:
1. Extra points: 2 points for kicking. 1 point for running.
2. No crack back kicking or blocking below the waste off the line of scrimmage. (See High School Rules)
3. Coaches make a special effort to start as many different players as possible between offense and defense.
4. High (clothesline) tackling is illegal and is subject to 15yd penalty.
5. Every eligible player must participate in each half of each game. If a coach has a player suited up, who are not eligible to play, he must notify the referees prior to the game.
6. Juniors League – NO Offensive player playing a position that is eligible to run or catch the ball may be over the weight of 90 lbs. (QB's may be over the 90lbs weight limit but cannot run the ball past the line of scrimmage)
7. Senior League – NO Offensive player playing a position that is eligible to run or catch the ball may be over the weight of 125lbs. (QB's may be over the 125lbs weight limit but cannot run the ball past the line of scrimmage)
Rules: Special Teams:
PAT/FG- Defense may not rush the holder and kicker. PAT/FG team must tell the referee they
are kicking. Referee will tell the defense there is NO rush.
Punt Team- Punt team must tell the Referees they are punting. Referees will tell the defense
there will be no rush. Punt team must punt the ball; if the punt team advances the ball it will
be a 1st down for the defense at the point of last possession.
Punt team cannot leave the line of scrimmage until ball is punted.
Defense:
Defense: must play a 3-4, 3-5, 4-3, 5-3 or 4-4 defense.
LB's: must play at 3 yards depth off the line of scrimmage. Outside LB's must play 3
yards off the line of scrimmage.
Goal Line Defense: Inside the defensive 10-yard line, the defense may adjust to a GOAL
LINE/Blitz adjustment. LB's, Corners/FS may change coverage techniques. (Example: Press
Man)
All coaches must be certified in basic coaching techniques through USA Football. Each
coach will be reimbursed the certification fee of NO-MORE than 25.00. The league will
provide concussion training to coaches and parents.
Remember, kids are out here to have a good time and NOT looking to receive a
scholarship at the end of the season. Please make sure every registered player has an
opportunity to play.
Parents/fans: if no bleachers are available, please remain at least 10-15 feet from the
sidelines at all times. This is for the kids (and your) safety. Anyone standing next to the
field OTHER than authorized personnel, will result in an automatic 10 yd penalty for your
team.
Profanity WILL NOT be tolerated from coaches towards the kids or you will be subject to
automatic dismissal from the game with the potential for dismissal for the remainder of the EFL season.
