Little League football is played by youth players throughout the United States, and is commonly referred to as Pop Warner football. Youth football rules are modified from those of professional and college football, with adjustments made to provide a greater emphasis on safety for young players. Weight limits are included in youth football rules are also included.
Game Time
Little league football rules suggest four quarters of play lasting eight minutes. A two minute rest period is given between quarters, with a 10 minute halftime intermission. If Little League football games are unable to be completed due to weather or external circumstances, the game is declared complete if more than one half has been played.
Mercy Rule
The mercy rule is employed to avoid youth football games becoming significantly lopsided. A hugely one-sided game can cause psychological distress to the losing team, and is also not beneficial to the winning team. In Virginia, if a team is leading by three touchdowns going into the fourth quarter, a running clock is in effect. In some leagues, the game is ended if the score deficit goes higher than a predetermined number.
Equipment
Players are forbidden to take the field in Pop Warner football without mandated protective equipment. Helmet, shoulder pads, hip and leg padding must all be worn when playing and will be inspected beforehand by a referee. Mouth guards must also be worn, and cleats must be rubber and molded in order for a player to take the field.
Game Rules
A team may field 11 players each, and the offense is allowed four downs to gain 10 yards for a first down. Game referees will penalize teams for fouls and the committing team will be moved back 5, 10 or 15 yards. Common penalties in Little League include holding, offsides and pass interference. A touchdown is worth six points, and Pop Warner only allows two-point conversions, where a team lines up from the 3-yard line and scores another touchdown to gain two points. Field goals are worth three points. Former Youth Football coach John Reed states that In terms of game play Pop Warner football usually uses rules similar to high school football with some variations by region.
Age and Weight Limit
Little League football includes age and weight limit. These regulations are in place to aid players' development by ensuring they compete against players of a similar age and weight, and also to ensure their physical safety. The smallest age group is the tiny mite bracket. To compete in this division players, must be aged 5 to 7 years old and weigh 35 to 75 lbs. The brackets increase in three-year and 45-lb. increments up to the top bantam bracket. To compete in the bantam bracket players, must be aged 13 to 16 years old and weigh 135 to 185 lbs.
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