McFarland Youth Football Inc

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Mar, 2025

Tackle Program Highlights

All games (6th, 7th, 8th) consist of (4) nine minute quarters and take on average an hour and a half to complete
All games are officiated by a minimum of 2 WIAA-certified officials (some may included officials in training) but not less than 3 total officials - 4 maximum
Weight limits are in effect at each grade level, pertaining to any skilled position (ball carrier). Any player weighing in above the listed limits will be offensive and defense linemen only. Weigh-ins are scheduled during the 2nd week of practice. Limits are as follows:
- 6th Grade - 120.0+ lbs
- 7th Grade - 140.0+ lbs
- 8th Grade - 160.0+ lbs
Without exception, all players must go through an equipment acclimatization and 10 hours of non-contact practice prior to being allowed to participate in full contact plays and drills. All practice days require mouthguard and cleats. The acclimatization period is as follows and applies to each individual player - not specific team practices:
- Days 1 & 2 - helmet only
- Days 3 & 4 - uppers (helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey)
- Day 5+ - full uniform (helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, practice pants)
Games are played in grade order - 6th then 7th then 8th unless otherwise scheduled due to special circumstances
- The league tries to schedule each community at 1 location, however this can depend on the number of teams each community has, and if they are able to fill teams at each grade level. It is not uncommon to have grades in multiple locations on game day
- Game times can be morning or late afternoon/early evening and are determined by the host community
  - Morning: 9:00/10:30/Noon
  - Evening: 4:30/6:00/7:30
We follow the WIAA & NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules which is in-line with all high school programs. We do not follow the NFL's rules
Wins/Losses do not define our seasons, player development does. Playing time should be equal among players at the 6th Grade level, with small incremental increases in 7th Grade and 8th Grade.
Player safety is paramount in this sport. Coaches will not purposely put players in situations to make them fail, nor to be unsafe. For example, if a player is apprehensive to contact regularly in practice, that player may play more offense than defense.