The rules of the NYFC are quite simple and most directly parallel what you are likely playing under at home. It is also very likely that we have a few rules that you do not currently play under. Because we have so many teams attending with so many different ways of doing things back in their league, it is very important that all teams read and understand the rules to compete at the NYFC. Mostly, don't assume we do something here because you do i back home a certain way. There are over 22,000 youth football leagues across the United States alone that we are aware of, plus nearly 500 more in the rest of North American and MOST ALL have slightly different rules and regulations.

A few basic philosophies that we subscribe to at the NYFC. The event will never allow any teams or individual player to be a part of two different teams, even if they meet the age/weight requirements from both. Also, our games play full 10-minute stop clock game quarters to ensure all teams have ample time to get all of their players into the game for meaningful minutes should they desire. Since our tournament is held at the END of the season, we believe your players conditioning and the general ambient temperatures make this a perfectly safe option for your youngsters.

In general, we play the game as outlined within the National High School Federation Football Rules. We do exercise several rule modifications for the NYFC for the youth football game. We have done many of these for years, and others we have instituted in cooperation with recommendations from USA Football, in our mind the finest national football organization in existence today! These are led by: 1) extra points of 2pts for a kick, 1pt for a run or pass; 2) automatic 15-yd. penalty for contact with the kicker of holder during a try for point; 3) cannot cover the center on defense if the QB is not under center; 4) no jersey number limitations; and 5)Slaughter Rule implementation at 24 points in the 2nd half. We STRONGLY recommend going to the USA Football website and look around as their input on rules is but a fraction of the benefit you can gain from a review of their site. The site has so many useful items to youth football coaches, it will be well worth your time!

We do not maintain any form of minimum play rule. We believe that parents have trust in the coach that brings their youngsters to the NYFC. These coaches deserve the latitude to coach the team in the way they see fit. Disciplinary actions, sickness or just plain "coaches preference" can be valid reasons for a coach to decide to play or not play anyone on his/her team at any time and the NYFC keeps a hands-off attitude in this regard. Interfering in that bond seems on the surface ridiculous!

A big part of the NYFC rules discuss special limitations placed within the YOUTH DIVISIONS of the NYFC. These divisions are generally the 10 & Under level that maintains a coach on the field and other special modified rules put in place for the safety and enjoyment of the game by everyone involved. Also, the Slaughter Rule, Modified Kansas Tie-Breaker, X-Man regulations and other competition aspects are discussed in great detail within the rules of the event.

Very important are the rules regarding how teams are comprised to attend the NYFC. This event is not an all-star competition, therefore teams have limitations on the number of kids that can be added to their team for play. That said, SNI understands very few teams will have all of their players attend, so we try to have compassion and regulations to keep the competitive balance we seek, while also ensuring teams are not "stacked" with league all-stars. This is always best discussed with SNI BEFORE a team decides to register and attend the NYFC.