TVL FOOTBALL RULES
1. Starting Times: Junior Varsity games will start at 5:00 p.m. Varsity games will start 30 minutes after the end of the JV game, but not before 7:00 p.m. Frosh/Soph or JV games or scrimmages are scheduled at sites opposite the Varsity on Thursday, starting time to be determined by home team.
2. Official Ball: A ball authorized by CIF for play will be allowed.
3. Number of Officials: Five (5) officials will be assigned for all league JV and Varsity games. Four (4) officials may be scheduled for JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh games. Refer to TVL Constitution, Rules, Regulations & Policies #18.
4. Color of Jerseys: The home team will wear color (dark); the visiting team will wear light, except by mutual agreement.
5. Timer: The timer must be an adult.
6. League teams shall participate as per Sac Joaquin Section bylaws: Article 5 General Rules, 504 Season of Sport. “Limited Period” dates vary from year to year.
7. Length of Quarters and Timing: JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh games will be 4 Ten (10) minute quarters. Varsity games 4 twelve (12) minute quarters. There will be a “running clock” when the point differential reaches 35 or more points in the 4th quarter as per Section Article 22 Football Rule 2208 Mercy Rule or by mutual agreement.
8. Number of games: No member school may play more than ten (10) games per season, excluding playoffs.
9. Game Procedure: Football teams in league competition have the field (20) minutes before kickoff. Administrators are to notify the visiting school of any deviation from standard procedures such as extended half time for homecoming activities.
10. Playoff Representation: Teams going to playoff are determined by Section Article 22 Football, Rule 2207.8.
11. Game Tie Breaker: As per Sac Joaquin Section Rules the tiebreaker system published in the National Federation Rulebook will be in force for all TVL Games. The winner of the contest based on the tie breaker criteria will receive a win in the TVL standings. No ties will be recorded in those standings. The official score will be the scores after the tie is broken. No tie breaker for JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh games.
12. JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh Scrimmages or games:
A. JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh teams will play games unless by mutual agreement they decide to play a scrimmage. Scrimmage will be conducted in accordance with the JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh Scrimmage Format.
B. Schools wishing to play a scrimmage must notify the other school no later than the Tuesday of the week their contest is scheduled. Both schools must agree on a scrimmage.
13. JV, Frosh/Soph or Frosh Scrimmage Format:
A. Putting the ball in play.
a. A coin toss will determine which team has first possession of the ball, and which goal line each team will defend.
b. The team who has the first offensive possession will put the ball in play on its own 35 yard line. This procedure will replace the kick off on all occasions.
B. Time Structure:
a. Four 15 minute quarters of running time will constitute a scrimmage.
b. After the 1st and 3rd quarters, a 5 minute break will be observed.
c. After the 2nd quarter, a 10 minute break will be observed.
C. Continuance of play: The offensive team will maintain possession of the ball until any of the following occur.
a. The ball is turned over to the defensive team by way of a fumble or interception. The defensive team will take over possession at the point of recovery or return.
b. If a first down is not achieved in four attempts, the defensive team will take over possession at that point.
c. The offensive team elects to punt on any down. To replace an actual punt the ball will be turned over to the defensive team at a point 25 yards down field, but not inside the 15 yard line.
D. Miscellaneous
a. No score will be kept,
b. There will be no called time outs.
c. Coaches must be on the field.
14. Awards: Refer to TVL Constitution, Financial Section, Article III Awards.
15. One authorized, school-sponsored air-powered mechanical noise maker (i.e., cannon) is allowed to be used by the home team at football games only, and only after a scoring play or the end of the game: this device may not be used if the point differential is 35 points or more or a running clock is in effect.
16. Honorable Mention: Only those student athletes receiving a nomination (according to the bylaws for each sport) for all league shall be considered honorable mention. There will be no additional nominations for this honor.
9/12/2023