MTJFL RULEBOOK

Middle Tennessee Junior Football League, RULES AND REGULATIONS

( UPDATED July 2025)

Section I: Pages 1,2,3,4,5 & 6

League Officers, Standards, Members, Governing Body,

Game Times, Play-offs, Super bowl and Disciplinary Actions.

Section II: Page 6 & 7 Sign-ups, Practices, Equipment and Playing Time.

Section III: Page 7 & 8

Eligibility of Players.

Section IV: Pages 8 & 9

Weight Limits and Field positions of Players.

Section V: Pages 10, 11 & 12

Roster and Player Activation.

Section VI: Pages 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16

GAME Day, Field Specifications and Specific Rules.

Section VII: Pages 17 & 18

Player Safety Focus.

SECTION I: League Officers, Standards, Members, Governing Body,Play-offs, Super bowl and Game times.

The League Officers will consist of a corporate President, League President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasure. The above officers also make up the Board of Directors of the League and it is their responsibility to enforce the League’s Rules as written and handle any issues that may arise until they can be addressed by a written Rule. In addition, it is their responsibility to ensure that the integrity of the League and its product is maintained and that all enforcements are fair, equitable and consistent in respect to each member community of the league. A board member may not coach & hold a seat on the board. (1/25 )
Each Community will appoint a Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner to represent them in all League Matters. The Commissioner/Assistance. Commissioners have the responsibility for making the operational rules for the League and insuring the adherence of these rules within their organizations and community.
League community members with their colors: Clarksville (Yellow Jackets)—Black & Gold Greenbrier (Bobcats)—Green & White Hermitage ( Seahawks )—Blue & Neon Green Joelton (Vikings)—Purple & Gold Oak Grove Ky. (Stallions)---Gray, Royal Blue & Green Nashville (Royals Athletic Club)—Orange Purple & Gray Nashville (Titans)—California Blue, White & Red Sumner County (Cowboys)—Blue, Silver & White Music City (Saints)—Vegas Gold, Black & White (1) Gra-Mar (Pirates)---Green, Gold & White

Each community will be allowed only one vote on all League matters. If a community splits, it still only has one vote.
New members or rule change must be approved by majority of the commissioners present at meeting and if approved (NM) will serve a one year Administrative Probration, ( first year in League ).

6. President will only vote to break tie votes.

7. League teams are composed of (4) divisions: PW, A, AA & AAA

All communities play a (8) game schedule (4) home & (4) away for the season then playoffs. If a community fails to have a AAA Team no fine is required, however PW, A, & AA are required teams & a fine is required for not having them. This community must pay a fine of $250.00 to the community hosting them when they are visiting. If hosting & visitors communities both have same number of teams no fine is paid.

All fines are to be paid day of Jamboree to league and league will pass out money’s. ( 1/25 )

8. If a community splits and has more than the required number of teams, they will be required to pay addition fees. For example, 4 teams pays 1 fee while 8 teams would pay double fees. ( 1/25 ) ( 2)

9. All games will be played on Saturday with game times being:9:00am, 10:30pm, 12:00pm & 1:30pm ( 1/25 )

10. Three officials will be used at all games.

11. Rotation of the jamboree is as follows: Nashville Titans 2025

Hermitage —2028 Greenbrier —2025 Nashville R A C—2026

Sumner County--2026 Nashville Titans --2025

Oak Grove---2029 Clarksville---2028

Music City-- 2027 GrayMar--2027

XXXX XXXXX

13. Rotation of the Super Bowl is as follows:Joelton--2025

Nashville Titans---2028 Clarksville--2027

Greenbrier----2033 XXXXX

Hermitage---2026 Oak Grove---2031

Nashville R A C--2029 Sumner County---2030

XXXX Music City---2031

XXXX GrayMar--- 2032

14. Rotation of playoff sites are assigned yearly, a Community that Host a Jambree or Superbowl (CANNOT HOST a PLAY-OFF).

(NOTE: Communities may trade dates, give up hosting sites this will not alter their next regular schedule time with LEAGUE APPROVAL).

(The Super Bowl Trophy will be called The Jack Combs Memorial Trophy or Plaque. Trophy shell be 24” in height Plaque 12”dia.

15. Playoff format each team will play, within its own division each year, as many teams as the schedule and number teams in the League will allow. ( 3)

At the end of the regular season considering overall records, the top teams in each age group from each Div, will be in play-offs as #1, #2, #3 & #4 seeds.

Teams will cross play in Divisions: #1 Northern plays #4 Southern, #2 Northern plays #3 Southern & #1 Southern plays #4 Northern,#2 southern plays #3 northern.

(NOTE: for play-off seedings, tie breakers will be followed in this order: Division Record, NON-Division record, Head to head, Points scored against and coin toss.

16. All play-off and Super Bowl will be played according to League / Rules.

17. Maximum gate admission are as follows

Jamboree----$5. 00 Regular Season---$5.00

Play-offs------$7.00 Super Bowl----$7.00 (1/ 25)

(Note: Post Season (GATE) is at the discretion of each Community)

18. All camps must be advertised on (MTJFL wedsite) for at least 30 days prior to the beginning of camp. Camp must be held within a (5) day period. (Failure: To follow this rule will result in forfeiture of the first regular season game).

19. Because we consider the overall safety of our athletes to be of utmost importance, each member of the league is required to be a Part of the USA Football Heads Up program, under the umbrella of the League and must follow their training and certification guide-

lines. USA Football is to be added as an additional insurer on your Football Liability Insurance Policies.

20. Fines collected will be paid to the League and will be used in determining the following year’s community League fee.

( 4 ) Fines and or penalties are as follows: (not all inclusive).

Any Coach not certified by USA Football through the MTJFL Umbrella--$100.00 Fine & cannot Coach till Certified.
Player penalty for an altered birth certificate—suspended
If Coach and Commissioner knew about alteration—banned from MTJFL.
Program in which the player was discovered—Program place on probation that year & the following year.
Programs that allow a player to change numbers, participate under a false name or plays a player who has not been officially placed on roster- Community on probation.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN THIS LEAGUE, CASES OF THIS BEHAVIOR MAY BE ADDRESSED BY THE LEAGUE, BASED ON THE MERITS OF EACH SITUATION.

(EXMAPLES OF THIS BEHAVIOR ARE: ABUSIVE LANGUAGE, ABUSIVE PLAY, UNSPORTSMAN LIKE ACTS, THREATING OF PLAYERS, COACHES OR GAME OFFICIALS, BY FANS OR COACHING STAFF MEMBERS). THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN THIS LEAGUE

The League uses (2) forms of Probation (1 DISCIPLINARY PROBATION ) for rule violations and unsportsmanlike conduct acts, with this probation you will lose (HOSTING RIGHTS), (2 ADMINISTRATIVE PROBATION ) for new members and may have HOSTING RIGHTS IF NEEDED. ( 5 )
Any community that is placed on probation will be notified between the Super Bowl and the end of the calendar year. If any community causes themselves to be placed on probation, they will be ineligible for their next MTJFL post season hosting. Any Community on probation 2- years in a row will be dismissed from league at the end of Second Year. (NOTE: each year ends on December 31).
As other actions merit being placed in these standards, they will be added.

21. Any rules approved by the Commissioners at the regular meeting or any special called vote after that meeting will be in effect evenif, inadvertently, omitted from Rules.

SECTION II: Sign ups, practices, equipment and playing time

Sign-up dates will be at the discretion of each Commissioner.
Practice will not start before the last full week of July. The first week will be in shorts and helmets only. There can be an unlimited number of practices before the Jamboree. After Jamboree, practices are limited to 2-hours for a maximum of 2 times a week. Coaches may add a non-contact film night if they choose. If caught violating this rule, the head coach will be suspended for 2 games the first time. If caught again. The head coach will be suspended for a full year, starting day caught.
All players must be equipped according to rules when playing.

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Jersey, must be uniformly numbered with 4 inch numbers on the front and back in a color arrangement that is easily readable. Players cannot play in unnumbered Jersey’s. Jersey numbers are 0-99 inclusive.
Shoes may be of the molded variety with soft rubber or nylon cleats, no metal tipped cleats may be worn and removable cleats made of soft rubber or nylon are exceptable.
Game ball: ( junior rubber or leather ball ), in PW & A div, a smaller ball may be used. Questions concerning game ball will be settled by Commissions before game starts.
The League recommends that each team have a first aid kit, water and ice available at practices and game days.
Every player must be allowed to play in each game at least 1 series,(4-plays in any order ) unless player being held out for disciplinary reason. ( violation of this RULE (1 game) suspension of head coach.

SECTION III: Eligibility of players

PW Division player’s age 5 & 6
A Division player’s ages 7 & 8 years old.
AA Division player’s ages 9 and 10 year old.
AAA Division player’s ages 11 and 12 year old.
Each players age on July 31 of current season will determine a players age.
When a team reaches 32 players, the League recommends the community split into additional teams. A team may have up to 40 players on each team. A team with 41 or more players at ( 7 ) Jamboree will become ineligible for post season play. This team may play a complete regular season and be eligible to win Division title but is ineligible for post season play. If this happens,the effected Division standing will change for play-off standings with no additional trophy cost.
To retain their eligibility, players must have passing grades in their school work. Players found to be deficient in their grades will be placed on probation until a more favorable report is given to commissioner. Continuation of deficient grades will reire possible discontinuance of eligibility to play in this League.
PLAYERS WHO HAVE MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS LEAGUEAND WISH TO PLAY IN THIS LEAGUE (MAY NOT BE MEMBERS OF ANY OTHER ORGANIZED FOOTBALL TEAM).
One of the most important eligibility rules in this League is that of being COURTEOUS. competitiveness in this League must be balanced by (GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP BY ALL).

SECTION: IV Weight limits and Field Positions of players

No player in the League can be reclassified regardless of the amount of weight he loses after the Jamboree weight-in.
To play in backfield or end position in PW-Div., a player must not weigh over 75.5 pounds at the Jamboree weigh-in. If a player in PW-Div. weighs over 140 pounds at weigh-in he will have to move up to A-Div., this is a safety consideration only.
In A-Div., to play in backfield and end position a player must not weigh over 95.5 pounds at Jamboree weigh-in. If a player in A- Div. weighs over 160 pounds he will move up to AA-Div., this is safety consideration only. ( 8 )
In AA-Div., to play in backfield and end position a player must not weigh over 115.5 pounds at the jamboree weigh-in.
In AAA-DIV., to play in backfield and end position a player must not weigh over 135.5 pounds at the jamboree weigh-in.
Players in excess of the weight limits ( #2, #3 & #4 above), must play as monster men and will be classified as interior linemen.
Monster men must wear one stripe on their helmet. The stripe must run from front to back of helmet and cannot be covered by anything and must be distinguishable from the primary color of the helmet.
Monster men have the following restrictions:

a). The maximum number of monster men on the field at a time is (5 players) per team.

b). All monster men must be on the line of scrimmage lined down when ball is snapped. (on kick-offs this does not apply).

c). No monster men may advance his on teams fumble. When recovered, ball becomes dead at that spot.

d) Offensive monster man may advance a free kick if possesses

before it has gone 15 yds after 15 yds ball dead at spot of possession.

e). Defensive monster men may advance the other team’s fumble anywhere on the field. They may advance a blocked kick or pass from behind the line of scrimmage only. They may not be used in defensive secondary, ( Penalty, 5 yards first occurrence and 15 yards thereafter.

f). A monster man may be used as a punter but cannot advance the ball by run or pass. (Note: If monsterman try’s to advance ball without punting ball dead at that spot). ( 9 )

g). Monster man on defense can line-up one yard outside the offense tackle or head up on tight end.

Linebackers and/or defensive backs who come to the line of scrimmage between the defensive tackles in A- Div. and AA-Div.must line down. (Penalty: 5yards first time 15 yards unsportsmanlike thereafter). This rule does not apply in AAADiv. their linebackers and defensive backs who come to line of scrimmage do not have to line down.

SECTION: V Roster and Player Activation

Official weigh-in, classification and team rosters will be determined at Jamboree. All League teams must participate in the jamboree.
At Jamboree weigh-in, a player must have the following: Birth Certificate or applicable court documents, resent picture showing jersey number and player’s name, in team Roster Book. If these documents are not available , any documents meaning to be a re placement ( MUST : be authorized prior to Jamboree weigh-in by League President ). If playing jersey’s are not available anything reasonable can be substituted for jersey as long as playing number is on it.
Classification as to age will be made at Jamboree weigh-in according to the birth certificate. Verification of picture, weight and date of birth is sole responsibility of League Officers at the weigh-in station. The League will provide 2-copies per age group of official forms to be used at weigh-in. These forms are to be filled out an turned in at weigh-in to league Officials. ( 10 )
Classification as determined by League officers will be final. These records of team roster’s must be kept by the commissioners and be present at all games.
All players must be weigh-in and listed on the team’s official rooster. (NOTE: THIS IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE WAY A PLAYER MAY BE WEIGH-IN). (A PLAYER MUST HAVE ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE WEIGH-IN : SOCKS, FOOTBALL PANTS WITH PADS and T-SHIRT or JERSEY). Holding the jersey up before player steps on the scales is OK as longas the player has on a T-Shirt. The player will be assigned a jersey number. This will be their number for the entire season. If assigned number is not worn during a game, they become ineligible unless opposing Commissioner agrees to him playing without assigned number.
The weigh-in instructions will be published as part of rules well in advance of Jamboree. Commissioners/Coaches are responsible for having all requirements in order. If proper documentation is not present at designated weigh-in time, player will not be approved for roster purpose at that time.
The roster of each team will be made from the official weigh-in sheets and given to League President.
Any player officially entered on the team rooster and unable to attend the jamboree must be weighed -in at the League President discretion, but must be done before any League play.
No player may be assigned to a team rooster after Jamboree unless the community needs to add players to their roster because their number of players has dropped below 15 or # 7 above. The League President will then ask for a majority of Commissioner’s approval for this addition. ( 11 )
Any player who moves to a different zone may play for the team he wishes before the season starts. If he moves during the season,he retains his eligibility to play for his original team as decided at jamboree.
Players may not be solicited from any other teams in the MTJFl
Playing of an illegal or ineligible player will result in the forfeiture of all prior games player played in, plus a two game suspension of head coach and if done again by same coach banned from MTJFL.
If a team fails to have 11 players at game time, the effected team may move up enough players to make 15 players for that game. These players must come from the division below the affected team and will play under the new weight requirements.
No player who has a injury that requires the protection of a cast or splint will be allowed to play in a game.

SECTION VI: Game Day, Field Requirements and Specific Rules

Location of games and game times are listed on the official schedule and can only be changed by agreement of both involved commissioners. If an agreement cannot be reached, home team forfeits their right to host game and it goes to visitor to be played at their field at the regularly scheduled time, if visitors elect not to host game it goes back to the home team and they set the time and place. (NOTE: THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO WEATHER CONDUCTIONS).
All games are played on Saturday according to schedule.

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Home team Commissioners will cancel games that cannot be played because of weather conductions. A (4 hour) notice needs to be given, if at all possible. Games cancelled because of weather will be played the following day on the same field starting at 2:00pm, unless otherwise agreed to by opposing Commissioners.
When games are cancelled because of weather, the following guidelines will be followed:

a). If games are cancelled because of weather, the assignor of officials must be called (2 hours) before the schedule game time.

b). If officials arrive at game site and games are cancelled, no notice to officials, they are to be paid $30.00 per official.

c). If the first game starts then is cancelled, officials are to be paid,$45.00 per official, start second game then cancel, officials are To be paid $90.00, start third game then cancel, officials are to

Be paid $125.00.

The field will be (80 yards) in length not including the end zones, fields can be standard high width and no goal post are required as League does not allow field goal or extra point by kick attempts.
Home team host responsible for chain crew and will be keep on their side of field.
It is recommended that a proper salute to the flag and the playing of the national anthem be done prior to the first game each week
Homecoming are optional but cannot delay start of any games.
Each team must have a Commissioner or Assistant present at every game. Opposing Commissioners, if called on to do so, will settle problems immediately (if at all possible) with no delay to game.

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Coaches and parents must address all complaints or concerns to their Commissioner and he alone will decide whether to address concerns to the league.
Only 5 coaches may be on sidelines. A Commissioner may coach however, if he coaches his assistant is acting Commissioner while coaching and he is subject to coaching rules. A non-coaching Commissioner may be on sidelines and does not count.
All penalties will be (5 and 10) yards in length with the exceptionof unsportsmanlike penalties which will be 15 yards.
All quarters will be 8 minutes in length in all Divisions with the clock being run using NFHS timing rules with a (10 minute) break at the half. Commissioners may, by mutual agreement shorten quarters and half times. The (40 second) timing rule from highschool will not be in effect.
Teams in (AA and AAA Division) must get play off in (25 sec.), In (A Division) must get play off in 30 seconds.
Scoring will be as follows: touchdown (6 pts.), Safety (2 pts.)and extra points from the (2 yardline 1pt.) and from the (5 yardline 2pts.) A pass from the (2 or 5 yardline into the end zone 2 points ).
In PW, A and AA Divisions:
In A Division, an unbalanced line may not be used, spread formation may not be used in A ( no more than 15 yards each side of ball). Hurry up offense may not be used with coaches on field.
May punt or have ball moved (20 yds) in A- Div.or if applicable, half the distance, in AA-Div. (25 yds). ( 14 )

(2) offensive and (2) defensive coach may be on field in PW-Div. only. In A-Div. 1 coach for each may be on field, they are to assume a position of (5 yds.) behind their deepest player
In AA division they may have (1) coach on the field for week one only, plus may punt or have ball moved 25 yards on 4th downs.
As offense breaks huddle all coaching must stop and coaches are to assume a position of (5 yds.) behind deepest player. Coaches on field are to stop coaching, remain (QUITE), not use their position on the field to influence the play, show out or question officials. violation of this rule will be an unsportsmanlike foul (15yds.).
A Peewee ball is used in (A div.) and may not be used in (AA div.)
TSSAA tie-breaking rules will be used with one exception: Afterthe second overtime period ball will be placed on (5 yardline) to start the third series and any other series.
All game problems will be handled by the officials. Problems concerning the officials will be addressed by Commissioner to the Assigner of Officials.
The official game will be ended when a team leads by ( 30 or more points at half time or later ). The score at that time is the official score. If both coaches agree the game can be finished using a running clock. With one exception the team that won cannot callany time-outs, all other rules apply.

19. A player who is ejected from a game for fighting will receive a (1 game suspension that will be served the following game).

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A coach who is ejected from a game will receive a (1 game) suspension that will be served the following game: either that year or the next year. The coach is not permitted to be in the stadium during his team’s game. He also, may have no contact with team during the game after ejection and during his suspension. A coach that is suspended by the League will be under these same guidelines. If contact occurs during the ejectionor suspension, the game will be terminated and forfeited. If a player or coach is suspended for any number of games, the jamboree does not count as a game. If a player or coach is ejected from the jamboree, the suspension will be starting with the first regular season game.

21. All kick-off will be from the (30 Yard line) unless changed by Penalty.

22. Filming of games is permitted in all league play. Access to the press box be determined by home Commissioner.

23. If playing on high school fields, the team box will be between (30 yard line), if on a Jr. Pro field between the (20 yard line).

On high school marked fields goal line will be the (10 yard line).

24. Unless stipulated as an exception above, all other rules shall be enforced by the National Federation of State High School rulebook. The TSSAA is a member of this association.

25. Jamboree playing rules will be published separately each year.

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SECTION VII: Player Safety Focus

On January 1, 2014, Senate Bill 822 was made effective in Tennessee. Even though we had already started moving toward a concentrated focus on player safety, this law mandated the implementation of this focus. Here are the main features of that Law.

All community Commissioners and coaches are to be annually required to complete a head injury education course. (16)
This education must be completed annually and a copy of current season certificate be on file with the community commissioner.
Prior to the beginning of practice all coaches, parents and players must review and sign a concussion and head injury information sheet.
Any youth athlete who shows signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from activity or competition and must be evaluated by a licensed medical professional with concussion training.
Any youth player who has been removed from practice or play who has suffered or suspected to have suffered a concussion, shall not return to practice or competition until the youth has been evaluated by a health care provider and received written clearance from that health care provider for a full or graduated return to play.
All the above signed documents and certifications are to be maintained for a period of ( 3 ) years.

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The Middle Tennessee Junior Football League (MTJFL) has elected to go above the state law requirements in trying to provide a maximum safety for our young athletes. We also believe that, in addition to concussion, proper equipment fitting heat & hydration, proper tackling, blocking techniques and sudden cardiac arrest are very important in trying to keep themsafe as possible.
The ( MTJFL ) has partnered with ( USA ) Football and their Heads up Football program to help us meet our commitments to our

Youth athlete’s Safety.

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