Each offensive lineman who is on the end of his scrimmage line and who is wearing a number (00, 0-49, 80-89) is eligible to receive a pass or handoff.

If a player is wearing a number in the range of (50-79, 90-99), they must report to the Referees prior to the start of that play to declare eligibility. 

If the player will be playing the same position for the entire game, he will only have to declare once. However, if the player switches positions either during that possession or subsequent possessions, they must declare each time. 

If a player who is ineligible by number does not declare and either receives a pass or runs the ball, the team will be penalized Illegally Touching (5).

QB Sneaks are LEGAL for all TACKLE ages (7u, 9u, 11u and 13u).

• • QB  does not have to take steps backwards and is not required to be in shotgun formation.

  • The 7u QB may sneak through any Gap (including the A Gap).

  • IT IS NOT UNFAIR! In 7u a DT can be lined up over the OG which is inches from the A Gap and can crash on their first step!

Center Sneaks are ILLEGAL as it is too hard for the Referees to determine if there was a full exchange of the ball.

At all levels of tackle the football does not have to be snapped from between the Center’s legs; it may be side snapped. However, to be legal, it must be a quick and continuous backward motion and must be snapped on or between the hash marks. The ball must be snapped from the ground.

It is REQUIRED to have at least one man on either side of the center to provide an “A” gap to assist in lining up the defense. 

Because of the limitations of the 7u defense in Rule 3.5T, the offensive “A” gap cannot be any wider than 1 foot. 

Formations that do not comply will be penalized as Illegal Formation (5).

The defense is limited to a maximum of 5 players in the "BOX" (tackle to tackle) prior to the snap of the ball.

• • The defense cannot be lined up directly over Center. They must be 2 full yards (6 feet) back prior to the snap of the ball.

  • The defense cannot be lined up in the Center/Guard "A" gap prior to the snap of the ball. 

  • Defensive Tackles may crash the "A" gap at the snap of the ball.

Defensive players outside the "BOX" may be lined up on the LOS (e.g., covering the TE or WR).

Defensive players may walk up or drop out of the "BOX" at any time as long as they do not violate the 5-player limit, do not violate the over center rule, or violate the in the A-Gap rule prior to the snap.

Teams violating these rules will be penalized by an Illegal Formation (5).

Interference penalty (against Defense – 5 yards + automatic first down) / (against Offense – 5 yards + loss of down)

One (1) coach from each team is permitted on the field.

Coaches:

• • Are to instruct their players in the huddle; place them; and may continue to instruct them until the ball is snapped. 

  • Are to back off once the QB starts their cadence, so that they are 5 feet behind the Referee and there are no players behind, left or right of them at the snap of the ball.

  • May not physically assist players once the play starts. 

  • Violation of any of the above, the coach will be charged with Interference.

The 7u coaches on the field may have water bottles but they must be in their pockets or backpack and not on the field of play. If during a play a bottle is found on the field, team will be penalized for Illegal Equipment (5).

If an opposing player trips on a bottle, the Referees will penalize the team as Interference instead. 

If a Referee trips on a bottle, the offending team will be penalized Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15).

Coaches on the field may wear GoPro type cameras but cannot use anything else to take pictures or videos. They must have their hands free. Violation will be penalized as an Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15).

If while attempting to measure for a first down the chains are dropped and there is confusion as to where the chains were, the play will be done over again from a “best guess estimate” of where they were.