These are Game Rules Only. For complete rules and regulations on eligibility, registration, conduct, coaching requirements, practice, safety and more refer to OCYFL Rules, Regulations and Procedures Manual

Overview: The Mighty Mite Philosophy

The Mighty Mite program is designed to teach the fundamentals of football while emphasizing sportsmanship, team work, commitment, and self-confidence.

Coaches must teach by example. Keep in mind the sensitive age group we are dealing with. Patience and understanding should be stressed while encouraging the children to have fun. No negative comments, actions, or talk will be tolerated by coaches, players, or parents. Towns will be responsible for maintain the integrity of their team, coaching staff, and spectators. Use of profane language will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

Let's work together to make this a positive experience for the players and everyone involved. Remember it's up to us to make this work!

Age: 6 & 7 years old on or before 11/1 of calendar year.

Weight: There is a 120-pound weight limit.

No Play downs from Division one (1) are allowed

Pre-Game Weigh In: Weigh in will be conducted at half time of previous game, or 30 minutes prior to the first game. Each town must provide a medical scale for weigh in. A coach from each town will meet at the designated weigh in area with a completed OCYFL board approved league roster that will be exchanged and kept by other team. Any player not on this roster will not be allowed to weigh in or play. Failure to provide an approved roster will result in that team forfeiting the game, but the game will still be played. Each player will be weighed. They will be allowed 3 pounds for mandatory equipment at weigh in (football pants with knee, thigh, hip and tail pads, and athletic cup). A standard medical scale will be set at 123 pounds. If a player tips the scale, they will be considered overweight and not eligible for the game. If a digital scale is used, a player will be given until 123.9 pounds before they are considered overweight and not eligible for the game.

Each player will only be weighed once. If they have on helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, shirt, socks or cleats, they will be allowed to immediately remove them at the weigh in area and then be immediately weighed again.

If a player arrives after the weigh in, but before the coin toss, they will be allowed to weigh in and play if they make weight. If a player arrives after the coin toss, they must sit the first half and may weigh in at half time and play the second half if they make weight.

Players who are ineligible for the game must be indicated to the opposing coach at weigh in. (ex. required practices not met, medical excuse, overweight, not properly equipped) All ineligible players may remain on the sideline, but must remove helmet and shoulder pads.

Mandatory Playing Time: Mandatory playing time rule will be determined by the approved roster and total number of eligible players at the start of the game.

The penalty for not meeting the minimum playing time for players will be a one game suspension for that teams head coach and possible forfeiture of that game, after review by OCYFL Executive Board.

To avoid any confusion, if a player refuses to go into the game, a designated coach will consult with that player's guardian, and player is to remove helmet, signaling that they are no longer eligible.

Special Rules and Restrictions:

1. There must be at least one certified referee to officiate each game.
2. Two coaches from each team are allowed on the field to position players.
3. Coin toss to decide first possession (winner chooses).
4. Controlled scrimmage format.
5. Ball placed on the 50-yard line at the beginning of the game and all change of possessions.
6. 12 plays per possession, no first downs.
7. If a team scores three times in a series they must replace their starting QB, and RB’s. They may play interior line only for the rest of the series.
8. Two sets of defense and two sets of offense for each team will constitute a game.
9. Game will be played until all  48 plays are completed.
10. The ball should not be snapped until all coaches are a minimum 10 yards from the ball. No directing players in any way to the ball.

Offense: Team may run any offense with two tight ends, a quarter back, and either one wide out, two backs set or a three-back set.  ( No Unbalanced  Line ) At least one running back must be set inside the tackle box at least 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage

1. No Quarterback sneaks.
2. No naked bootlegs.
3. No rolls-out passes.
4. Offensive back may run the ball only for two consecutive plays.
5. Only the quarterback can pass or hand off in the backfield.
6. No backfield motion.
7. On a bad snap, the play is whistled dead, ball is place on the line of scrimmage and the play counts.
8. If there is a fumbled hand off, play is whistled dead, ball is placed at the line of scrimmage and the play counts.
9. Jerseys must be tucked into pants.
10. Offensive huddles are limited to one minute and shall be timed. Refs will penalize any team who goes over.
11. 1st offense, teams will be warned.
12. 2nd offense, teams will lose a down in that play sequence. Coaches must move the game along.
13. No blocking of any type at or below the knees of the defensive player.

Defense:

1. 4-4-3 Defense
2. Head on alignment
3. Four down linemen
4. Two guards
5. Two defensive ends
6. Four standing linebackers three yards off the line of scrimmage.
7. Two inside linebackers line head up on offensive tackles.
8. Two outside linebackers line up one yard outside offensive ends.
9. Two cornerbacks and one safety.
10. No gaps, slants or loops.
11. No blitzing.
12. LB’s, C’s, FS are to be lined up at 3,5,7 yards off the line of scrimmage. NO MORE, NO LESS.

Standard Mighty Mite defense

All teams will follow this model so there is no confusion.

Mighty Mite Standard Rules for calling Penalties: The purpose of standardizing the way penalties are called in Mighty Mites games are meant to keep the game flowing, and ensure, since Mighty Mites rules are different than the rest of the divisions, that the penalties are called the same at every town. Penalty yardage will not be marked off for any penalty flag thrown.

Penalties will be called as Follows:

Offense:

1. False Start: Should only be called if player gains a distinct advantage.
2. Result: Re-Spot the ball, the play does not count.
3. Holding/Block in the back: These penalties should only be called if they directly affect the outcome of the play.
4. Result: Re-Spot the ball at original line of scrimmage the play counts.
5. Facemask: Called for every offense, regardless if it effects the outcome of the play or not.
6. Result: Re-Spot the ball at original line of scrimmage, the play counts.
7. Blocking at or below knees.
8. Result: Re-Spot the ball at the original line of scrimmage, the play counts.

Defense:

1. Off sides: Should only be called if player gains a distinct advantage.
2. Result: Dead ball penalty. Re-Spot the ball, the play does not count.
3. Facemask: Result of the play counts, and the play number is repeated.