17 Junior Bantam 12-Man (9-Man option)

Junior Bantam is played at 12-man as regular league play, when 20 or more players are available, but there is an option for teams to declare and play 9-Man

9-Man Option:

If a team has 19 or less players available, they will be provided the option to declare as a 9-Man team for the season or an individual game(s).

If for a scheduled game, a team can only play 9-man football (because they have 19 or less players available), then that team must inform its opponent and VICFA by Noon Wednesday prior to the next game. This notice must be provided in writing (email), and must be copied to the VICFA President, Referee Coordinator, Scheduler and Organizations Contact. See appendix A

If a team declares 9-Man on Wednesday and proceed to arrive at a game with 20 or more players, 12-man will be played

**VICFA Board may force a forfeit of the game if proper notice is not provided**

COACHES ON THE FIELD:

One Coach allowed on the playing field during play for the first 3 weeks. The coach shall not run with the play or provide instructions once the quarterback instructs the team to set. The coach must remain 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage after the QB begins his cadence. A bench warning will be assessed if this is not adhered to.

SCORING:

• Touch down: 6 points
• Rouge: 1 point
• Safety Touch: 2 points
• Field Goals – 3 points for a field goal, snap required. Play will initiate off the snap or ball movement. On field goals the center/snapper is off limits – defense cannot initiate a hit on the center/snapper, regardless of the outcome of the play (i.e. fumbled snap, fake kick, etc.), unless the center initiates contact. Hitting the center/snapper will result in a 15-yard penalty and a first down for the offence
• Extra Point – 1 point for a run, 1 point for a forward pass, 2 points for a kicked convert
  • Snap required on a kicked convert. Play will initiate off the snap or ball movement. Line of scrimmage to be 5 yards from the uprights.
  • A failed extra point resulting in an interception or fumble recovery by the defense cannot be run back for a score.

GENERAL GAME RULES:

• 15 minute quarters – running time; except for the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, rulebook time per the Canadian Amateur Tackle Football Rulebook
• 3rd Down-Offence can either go for it on 3rd down, or punt
• Play Clock-25 seconds will be allowed to get the ball in play. Referees will give the offensive team a 10 second warning when the play clock is winding down
• Half-time – 10 minutes
• Time Outs – Each team will be allowed two timeouts per half. Only a player on the field or the Head Coach may request a timeout. If a coach calls a third time out, at the referee’s discretion he may penalize the team of 5 yards with the down repeated
• Punting – On 3rd down the offense can either:
  • Run a regular play
  • Punt with a snap from center
• Starting line of scrimmage determined by kick-off return
• All special teams in effect
• On punts, converts, and field goal formations the center/snapper is off limits; defense cannot line up over the center or initiate contact on the center/snapper. If the defense does line up over the center or initiates contact, a 15-yard roughing penalty will be assessed
• Field size
  • 12 man  size 110 yards in length and 65 yards in width (or as close as possible)
  • 9 man field size: 110 yards in length – 50 yards in width or as close as possible
• Football size – Size 7 TDJ or Wilson GST 1784