RVSL Rules
Football
Traditional football taught the safe way: technique, positioning, and effort over big hits.
Team size & setup
| Age division | Format | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 5 to 8 | Flag or two-hand touch, 5v5 | No contact |
| Ages 9 to 12 | 7v7 or 9v9 | Modified contact, coach's discretion by league |
| 13 & Up | 11v11 | Full rules with certified officials |
Game format
| Item | 12 & Under | 13 & Up |
|---|---|---|
| Game length | Four 8-minute quarters | Four 10-minute quarters |
| Play clock | 30 seconds | 25 seconds |
| Kickoffs | Ball placed at the 35 (no live kickoff) | Standard kickoffs |
| Playing time | At least 50% of the game | At least 20% of the game |
How the game starts
- A coin toss decides who receives first. The team on offense has four downs to gain 10 yards for a new set of downs.
- Younger divisions skip the live kickoff and simply start on the 35-yard line to keep the game safe and moving.
- Points come from a touchdown (6), the try after (1 or 2), a field goal (3), or a safety (2).
Flow of play
- Each play runs from a snap until the ball carrier is down, out of bounds, or the play is whistled dead.
- The offense may run or pass. One forward pass is allowed per down from behind the line of scrimmage.
- Coaches rotate players through positions so everyone learns the game, not just one role.
Fouls & safety
- No targeting, no leading with the helmet, and no hits on a defenseless player, the ball is dead and the player is protected.
- Heads-up tackling technique is taught and required in contact divisions.
- Personal fouls (facemask, roughing, unnecessary roughness) carry a 15-yard penalty.
- A second unsportsmanlike act by the same player results in removal from the game.
Equipment
- Contact divisions: helmet, shoulder pads, mouthguard, and full pads that fit and are inspected before play.
- Non-contact divisions: mouthguard and flag belt.
- Molded or rubber cleats for younger ages; no metal cleats.
What technique looks like
Stance and footwork, ball security, reading the play, and clean, controlled technique on both sides of the ball.
Scored the RVSL way
Referees rate both teams on the five criteria: effort, technique, teamwork, fun, and sportsmanship.