Playing Rules
The Bridgewater and Watchung Hills Football League (BFL and WHFL) will abide by the National Federation of State High School Association (NFSH) rules, which can be found at
www.nfhs.org, unless amended, added or changed in the following documents.
The Rules of Play for the following divisions are available in Adobe Reader format.
If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer you can
download it for free by click on this logo.
 Flag Division:
Philosophy
The old expression "It’s not whether you win or lose but how you played the game" is much preferred over the more modern Vince Lombardi adage that "Winning isn't everything. It’s the only thing." Unfortunately, children today are learning that success equates to winning and failure to losing. We glorify winners with trophies, plaques and parades and ignore, even vilify losers, but when winning becomes the only objective of youth sports, other very important values and objectives are lost or compromised.
At the Flag Level FUN is the operative word. We want the kids to learn about the game, make friends, enjoy their first football experience and have fun. At the same time we want them to start learning some of the basic fundamentals and techniques of the game. This is to be accomplished by teaching them the fundamentals and reinforcing them with positive encouragement.
Flag Playing Rules:
Download
Peewee Division:
Philosophy
The organizers, administrators and coaches of youth sports organizations need to have a clear definition of success that is not predicated solely on winning a game or having the best stats. A winning season must not be measured by wins and losses alone. Players and coaches alike should understand that participation, performance, effort and improvement count as much, if not more, than the final score of any game
At the Pee Wee Level the goal is to weave in fun, while at the same time teaching good football fundamentals and proper techniques. This is to be accomplished through positive reinforcement during both practice and games. Winning is not a priority, but a product of proper technique, good fundamentals, hard work and an increasing understanding of the game.
Peewee Playing Rules: Download
Biddy Division:
Philosophy
Encouragement and effective goal setting are the coach’s key tools at this level. The coach must work closely with each player and the team to set specific behavior oriented goals. These should be obtainable but challenging, individual performance goals, and team goals, goals which view success in terms of surpassing ones own performance standards rather than exceeding the performance of others. In this way all players, the skilled and the less skilled continue working to improve performance and can measure their current skill level relative to their previous performance.
At the Biddy Level we want to build on the techniques and fundamentals learned at the Flag and Pee Wee level while introducing the concept that maximum effort and good performance equates to success. Players motivation can be enhanced and success is within reach of all players. This is to be accomplished by teaching them the fundamentals and reinforcing them with positive encouragement.
Biddy Playing Rules:
Download
Midget Division:
Philosophy
In youth sports, striving to win, is a fundamental element of the competitive process and in striving to win, an individual athlete should strive to perform the very best he or she possibly can. The task for the youth coach is to help young athletes develop skills and to perform those skills to the best of their individual abilities. By teaching players that good performance and maximum effort equate to success while poor performance and a lack of effort lead to failure, the players motivation can be enhanced and success is within the reach of all players and coaches.
At the Midget Level we want to build on the lessons and techniques of the previous three levels to create a positive football experience for all and lay the final groundwork for a successful high school career. Here we want the players to fully come together as a team. They must learn to put each other and “the Team” first. By showing good sportsmanship, dedication, discipline and a commitment to each other, the team and both their individual and team goals they will be ready for a successful High School career and any challenges life may throw them.
Midget Playing Rules:
Download
Junior Skyland Football Conference:
JV & Varsity Playing Rules:
Download |
DIVISIONS OF PLAY:
Flag Division:
This division is for 5, 6, and 7 year olds (Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Graders). They play and cheer on Saturday’s at
12 Noon.
Football Practices: Summer and in season two days per week. Cheer Practices: Summer two times per week, in season one day per week.
Peewee Division:
This division is for 8 and 9 year olds, (3rd and 4th graders). They will play and cheer on Saturday’s at 10:00 AM.
Football Practices: Summer: Monday thru Thursday, Season three days per week. Cheer Practices: Summer three days per week. Season two days per week.
Biddy Division:
This division is for 10 and 11 year olds, (5th and 6th graders). They will play and cheer on Saturday’s at 12:00 Noon.
Football Practices: Summer: Monday thru Thursday, Season three days per week. Cheer Practices: Summer three days per week. Season two days per week.
Midget Division:
This division is for 12 and 13 year olds, (7th and 8th graders). They will play and cheer on Saturday’s at 2:00 PM.
Football Practices: Summer Monday thru Thursday, Season three days per week. Cheer Practices: Summer: three days per week. Season
two days per week.
Travel Division:
The travel teams are structured for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders that show above average ability and are willing to make the commitment to playing and cheering competitively. These teams will be playing in the Junior Skyland Football Conference where they will play opponents similar to the high school football team. They will play and cheer on Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Football Practices: Summer: Monday thru Friday, Season four days per week. Cheer Practices: Summer: four days per week. Season two days per week.
|
|
