Chestatee Junior War Eagle Rules (MAC)

This document outlines the rules and regulations for the Mountain Football League Recreation Division, including fees, age requirements, practice protocols, team splitting, evaluation, and playoff procedures.

https://www.mountainfootballleague.org/MFL_Rules_-_John_Retype8-14-25.pdf

League Membership Fees and Regulations Overview

The league has specific membership fees and strict regulations for staff, coaches, and spectators.

• Membership fee: $12.00 per player (Football and Girls Flag), $10.00 per cheerleader. ?
• All fees and rosters must be submitted before the season's Opening Day.
• Staff, coaches, and officials must have league ID cards to be on or near the field. ?
• Spectators are only allowed in the stands; no sideline presence permitted.

Age and Grade Eligibility Requirements

Players must meet age restrictions based on grade and play at their grade level. ?

• 6th Grade: Cannot turn 13 before May 1st. ?
• 5th Grade: Cannot turn 12 before May 1st.
• 4th Grade: Cannot turn 11 before May 1st.
• 3rd Grade: Cannot turn 10 before May 1st.
• 2nd Grade: Cannot turn 9 before May 1st.
• K/1st Grade: Cannot turn 8 before May 1st; minimum age 5. ?
• Children must play at their grade level; agencies may combine teams at their discretion. ?

Practice Regulations and Safety Guidelines

Practice schedules and safety protocols are outlined to ensure athlete safety. ?

• Pre-season conditioning: voluntary July 14-18, official practice begins July 21. ?
• Practice limits: 4 days of shorts/t-shirt/cleats, 105 minutes max; helmet-only practices, 3 days. ?
• Full padded practices: 4 days, 105 minutes; season opener practice: 2 padded, 1 helmet-only. ?
• Violations result in a 2-game suspension for the head coach. ?
• Water and hydration guidelines follow Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) levels.
• Rest breaks and practice duration vary with WBGT readings, from 3 to 4 minutes per break. ?

Team Splitting and Draft Procedures

Guidelines for creating balanced teams through evaluations and drafts.

• Player pools evaluated for parity; draft occurs in Grades 2-6. ?
• Draft committee: at least 6 members, including league and non-associated board members.
• Players are categorized as Elite, Above Average, or Below Average.
• Teams split based on agency discretion; evaluations may last 1-2 days. ?
• Snake draft used; teams receive a balanced number of players. ?
• Coaches with children must draft their child first. ?
• The lowest average talent rating team picks first in the draft. ?

Evaluation and Draft Committee Structure

Committee composition and approval process for player evaluation.

• Minimum of 6 members: league staff, high school coaches, and at least 3 non-associated board members. ?
• All evaluated lists must be approved by committee members.

Playoff Structure and Seeding Criteria

Details on playoff qualification, seeding, and game procedures. ?

• Top 4 teams in each grade qualify based on regular season record. ?
• Seeding based on wins, head-to-head, and points allowed; tiebreakers include opponent records. ?
• Only regular season stats count; pre-season games do not. ?
• Overtime follows GHSA rules.
• Trophies awarded for 1st and 2nd place; playoff hosting rotates among designated counties.
• Highest seed chooses semi-final hosting; bracket seeded #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. ?

Player Eligibility and Roster Regulations

Rules for player participation, residency, and roster management.

• Players must attend the school or be zoned for the high school system; proof required. ?
• Exceptions for non-offering agencies or hardship cases.
• No roster additions after midnight of Opening Day, except for bona fide moves or court-ordered circumstances.
• Players cannot switch teams after week 1 unless approved by the league. ?
• Hardship applications reviewed by a 5-member committee. ?

Transfer and Grade-Specific Rules

Guidelines for player transfers and game regulations by age.

• Transfers require league approval; eligibility remains if approved. ?
• All ages play 8-minute quarters; unlimited weight. ?
• K/1st Grade: 2 coaches on field; one calls plays, one lines up players. ?
• Blitzing allowed except in K/1st Grade; defensive line-up restrictions apply. ?
• Special rules for PATs, field goals, punts, and game timing. ?
• Game balls provided by Wilson, specific models per grade. ?

Additional Game and Safety Regulations

Operational rules for game day, equipment, and conduct.

• Teams start with 10 players; 9 players constitute a forfeit. ?
• GHSA overtime rules; minimum playing time enforced by agencies. ?
• No dual participation in league and school football. ?
• Game start times are strict; early starts only with prior approval. ?
• Limited sideline personnel; ejection rules for misconduct. ?
• Gate fees: $5 for regular season, $8 for playoffs. ?
• Ejections lead to suspensions; appeals handled by league.
• Lightning detectors required; game forfeits recorded as 0-50. ?
• Forfeits for non-emergency reasons may disqualify teams from playoffs. ?
• Sideline communication devices and hydration rules follow GHSA standards. ?
• All officials and coaches must meet certification and age requirements.
• Playoff games require agency staff presence; mercy rule enforces running clock and restrictions when leading by 25+ points in second half. ?