Rule Book
Louisiana Chose Louisiana Chosen League Rulebook
*Revised July 2025*
Through open and measured communication with its members, LCSF will tailor its rules to ensure uniform and fair application to ensure and maintain the spirit of fair competition. LCSF members may contact Terrance George or Jonathan Norbert with questions regarding this Rule Book and the contents therein.
All rules and regulations will prevail based on the State High School Associations (NFHS) https://assets.usafootball.com/documents/rookietackle/resources/ADM-Junior-and-Senior Rulebook.pdf
EXCEPT for changes that are indicated below by governing rules and regulations specific to this league:
I. Game Length
∙ 8u games: four 8-minute quarters
∙ 10u games: four 8-minute quarters
∙ 12u games: four 9-minute quarters
∙ During the last two minutes of halftime and the end of the game a regulation clock will be used. The regulation clock will stop for the following instances: out-of-bounds, incomplete passes, and other penalties that require clock stoppage.
∙ Clock Specifics: For a period that starts with a kickoff, the clock shall start when the ball is legally touched. If the period begins with a regular play, the clock will start at the snap of the ball. The Clock will only stop after a touchdown or during the PAT.
∙ The clock is a RUNNING CLOCK, it only stops at the 2 minute warning of the 2nd and 4th quarters.
II. Playing Rules and Regulations
1. Cut off date will be August 1
2. Players will play in their specific age bracket
3. When the referee gives the ready-to-play signal and the whistle blows, the offensive team has 45 seconds to snap or free-kick the ball. The penalty for a delay-of-game is 5 yards.
Kickoff
a. No PUNTS AND KICKOFFS
b. Before the game, the referee in the presence of the team captains and coach shall toss a coin after designating which a captain shall call it. The winner of the toss shall choose whether to kick or receive and which goal to defend.
c. There will be a 30-yard simulated kick. NO rushing is allowed during the simulated kick... No punts can be placed inside the 10 yd line.
Blitzing
a. A player is only allowed to blitz from their position.
b. Linebackers and defensive backs are not allowed to blitz from the line of scrimmage.
c. The only exception to the rule is if the line of scrimmage is manned by only 4 players. This will allow the Linebacker or defensive back to occupy the max limit.
Defensive Specifics
a. A defensive player shall not be aligned directly over the center.
b. Defensive lineman must line up in the gap, no double gapping.
c. Defense teams are only allowed a max of 8 players in the box. A maximum of 5 players can be on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the ball. (Blitzing is allowed).
d. All interior lineman must be in a 3 point stance.
Offensive Specifics
a. After a huddle or shift, all offensive players shall come to an absolute stop and remain stationary simultaneously without any movement of hands, feet, head, or body for at least one second before the snap. (The exception is an end or back which may be put in motion.)
Blocking
a. There will be no blocking below the waist. The penalty will be 10 yds.
b. NO CRAB BLOCKING or CUT BLOCKING
Overtime
a. Each team will get one possession from the ten-yard line to score.
b. First possession will be determined by a coin toss (visitor calls) and the winner of which chooses offense or defense.
c. Fumbles and interceptions cannot be returned for defensive points. If the defense gains possession, the offensive set of downs will not continue (per NFHS overtime rules).
Time Outs and Breaks
a. Each team shall be allowed 3 one-minute time-outs per half. Only the Head Coach and Field Coach can call timeouts.
b. 8-minute break between halves.
III. Scoring
∙ Point after touchdown (PAT) will be played from the 5-yard line
∙ Touchdowns are 6 points
∙ PAT Run play is 1 point.
∙ PAT Pass play is 2 points.
∙ Safety is 2 points
IV. Player and Coach Specifics
1. Uniforms will be provided by the League. If teams wish to have more than one uniform, they MUST go through the League’s approved vendor.
2. Coaches are responsible for the proper wear and fitting of each player’s equipment.
3. Required equipment for gameplay:
a. Helmet w/ facemask, interpads & Chinstrap
b. Mouthpiece
c. Shoulder pads
d. Seven Lower body pads
e. Cleats
f. Only clear eyeshields are allowed
(League officials will inspect equipment prior to every game)
If a player does not pass equipment inspection, the player will not be allowed to play in the game.
4. Kids that are over the weight limit are not eligible to be placed in a ball-carrier position unless previously given the okay. (Ex: RB, WR, QB, etc.)
5. Ball Carrier weight limits:
a. 8u maximum of 85lbs
b. 10u maximum of 125lbs
c. 12u maximum of 140lbs
Any lose ball can be advanced by any weight (Int, Fumble)
6. The 8u and 10u will be allowed to have one coach on the field either a defensive or an offensive coach during game time. **Strictly enforced rule!**
7. There will only be 3 Coaches passes per team. (1 head coach, 2 assistants, 1 team mom)
8. All player that is coming from a Jr. high must be registered at the beginning of the season (No later that LCSF late registration)
9. A transfer must play %50 of the season to be eligible for the playoffs. (only exception is injury)
10. No player transfers from the original roster for the playoffs. (player transfer must be done through league officials)
Independent Teams
- Uniforms must have Louisiana Chosen logo
- Must have Home and Away jersey
- Must register all players on the Louisiana Chosen Website.
- Each team will have a maximum of 28 players.
- Uniforms must be approved by LCSF
V. Referees Call
1. The referee is in total control of the game and their call stands.
2. Any other questioning of the calls will result in:
a. 1st time: Warning
b. 2nd time: 10-yard penalty
c. 3rd time: Kicked out of the facilities.
VI. Penalties, Disqualifications, Forfeitures etc.
1. Penalties:
a. 5 yards for a minor infraction
b. 10 yards for a major infraction
c. 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct
d. 15 yards and loss of down for NON-COACH ON THE SIDELINE.
**it would be helpful to share this information with parents, so your team is not
continually penalized during gameplay**
2. Automatic Disqualifications from the game:
a. Fighting (plus 2 quarters the next game)
(1st Offense = game + 2 quarters, 2nd offense = 1 game, 3rd offense = Expulsion)
b. Striking, kicking, or kneeing any coach, player, or spectator
c. Intentional malicious contact with a game official
d. Two unsportsmanlike fouls by a player or spectator
e. The referee may eject a player, coach, or spectator for one unsportsmanlike conduct depending on the severity of the action
f. Any other act that is unruly, intentionally malicious, rough, and/or flagrant
g. A spectator violating the parent line or cautioned parent area.
3. Mercy Rule: Once a team has a lead by 35 points the score is officially frozen. At the losing team’s discretion, the game can be continued as a scrimmage game without the further score being kept. WE ENCOURAGE all teams to utilize this time to include players that may not get ample playing time to help train and further develop their skills.
4. Forfeitures result in a score of 6-0
a. Playing a child, not on the official roster results in automatic forfeiture.
b. A late team will have 1 quarter running clock to arrive, if the team does not arrive the team will forfeit. (If the team does arrive, Halftime may be reduced)
*** No team will exceed 28 players, all players on the roster must play***
Louisiana Chosen 6U Rules
I. PLAYING TIME
A. Players are guaranteed to play in both half of the game including offense and defense.
The second half is the coaches’ choice. It is up to the coach to distribute playing time. Parents
are to make every effort to ensure players attend weekly practice.
II. Uniform & Equipment
A. Uniform- LCSF will provide a team jersey. The jersey must be tucked in at all times.
Shorts/Pants cannot have belt loops or pockets.
B. Flags- LCSF will provide flags which must be worn. Flags must be worn on the hips one on
each side of the waist. Flags cannot be tied, wrapped, or tucked around the flag belt. Flags
must be clearly visible to the defending players. Players must tuck or wrap all excessive belt
Material.
C. Shoes- Cleats are allowed as long as they do not have metal spikes.
E. Protective Equipment- Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Gloves, elbow
and knee pads are allowed. MOUTH GUARDS MUST BE WORN.
F. Jewelry- Players must remove ALL jewelry such as watches, earrings, rings, necklaces and
any other jewelry.
III. Field
A. The field size will be determined according to the appropriate age level determined by the LA Chosen league official.
IV. Player Substitutions/Participation
A. Every player will Play! Each player should receive fair playing time every game.
V. Game Time/Start
A. Quarters (2) - 20 minutes with a running clock.
1. 8 minute half time.
B. Time Outs - 2x 1 minute timeouts per game.
C. Start of game
1. The game will start with a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss will decide taking
possession or defense to start the game. Teams are not allowed to defer to the second half.
2. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 10 yard line and has 4 plays to cross midfield for a 1st down. 1st down is determined by the sideline markers.
VI. OFFENSE
A. The offensive team has 30 seconds to put the ball into play after the referee marks the ball
ready to play. (5 yard penalty)
B. All offensive linemen will be in a two point stance.
C. At least four players must line up on line of scrimmage. 5 yard penalty
D. The ball may be snapped by either:
1. The center may turn and hand the ball to the QB.
2. Under center snap.
3. Shotgun.
E. Running
1. Quarterback and center sneaks are not allowed.
2. If a runner gets possession of the ball with only one flag, no flags, or knocks his/her own flag off it’s a dead ball at the spot.
3. The ball is spotted where the runner’s feet and hips are not where the ball is.
F. Receiving
1. All offensive players are eligible ball carriers and receivers.
2. The quarterback must have full possession of the ball before the center becomes eligible receiver.
3. A player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a reception.
4. If a player catches the ball after their flag has fallen off, the ball is dead at the spot of the Catch.
VII. Defense
A. Defensive line of scrimmage is one yard away in front of the ball.
B. All defensive linemen are allowed a two point stance.
C. No defensive player may line up directly across from the center (no nose guard).
D. No Rushing/Blitzing is allowed. No Defensive players may cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is handed off or the quarterback breaks the pocket.
E. Avoid Contact
1. It is the defensive rusher’s responsibility to avoid contact with the offensive linemen shielding or screening.
2. The ball carrier may not be pushed or shoved out of bounds.
3. Tripping or using the leg to stop an offensive player is not allowed.
F. Flag/Ball Stripping
1. Defenders may not intentionally pull an offensive player's flag, other than the ball carrier.
2. Defenders may not intentionally strip or pull the ball from the ball carrier's arm.
3. Defenders who remove the flag should immediately hold the flag above his/her head to assist the official in locating the dead ball spot. Then immediately give the flag back to the player it belongs to.
VIII. SCORING
A. Touchdown= 6 Points
B. Point after Touchdown- Ball placed at the 5 yard line
1. One point- offensive team runs the ball in.
2. Two point- Offensive team throws the ball across the goal line.
C. Hips and feet with both flags must cross the goal line
D. Defensive interception results in a dead ball. Turnover on down.
E. Safety = Turnover on Downs.
IX. PENALTIES
All penalties are accessed from the line of scrimmage.
Defense
A. Off-sides - 5 yards and repeat down on offense’s team choice
B. Illegal Rushing (start rushing from inside 7 yard rush marker) - 5 yards and repeat down on offense’s team choice
C. Illegal Flag Pull (before player has ball) - 5 yards and repeat the down
D. Illegal Contact (holding, pushing, stiff arming, tackling, improper blocking, & clipping) - 10 yards and automatic first down
E. Interference - 10 yards and automatic first down
F. No stripping the ball
Offense
A. Illegal Motion (more than one person moving at the time of snap) - 5 yards and replay down
B. Illegal Forward (Pass forward pass in front of line of scrimmage) - 5 yards and replay down
C. Intentionally grounded pass (Flag Guarding) - 5 yards loss and a loss of down (10 yards from where they started flag guarding and loss of down)
D. Delay of Game (Offense has 35 Seconds to run a play) - 5 yards and remain same down
E. Offensive Pass Interference (Illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) - 10 yards and replay down
F. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (From trash talking, taunting, tripping etc.) - 10 yards enforced from the line of scrimmage.
CONDUCT:
COACH
Two coaches are allowed on the field per team. One coach will be permitted to be on the field for guidance.
PLAYERS
Only registered players are allowed to play. No guest players permitted at any time – whether during practice or in a game.
SPECTATORS
During the match, all spectators must be located across from the teams. Absolutely no spectators are allowed with the teams or behind the goals. No sideline coaching is allowed from the spectators.
Spectators, players, and coaches are not permitted behind the goal lines. All players, coaches, and spectators must remain a minimum of 5 feet away from the sideline to allow the players and referees room to see and maneuver.
REFEREE ABUSE
Physical or verbal abuse of our referees will not be tolerated. Referees should ONLY be respectfully addressed by the HEAD coach.
SPORTSMANSHIP
All players, coaches and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times. Coaches and players immediately line up to shake hands after each game.
MISCONDUCT
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team and supporters. Coaches, players or spectators, who are involved in fighting, physical or verbal abuse of a referee, other coach, player, or spectator, or displaying any form of inappropriate or unacceptable behavior, will be immediately removed from the fields and will be subject to disciplinary actions, to include being banned from our league. We have a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy, and will not tolerate these behaviors in our league.
LITTER
Coaches and team parents are responsible for cleaning their areas after each game or practice.