WYHBL MIDNIGHT MAYHEN RULES 2025
I. TEAMS
1. Maximum of 20 Players per Team.
2. AGE DIVISIONS:18U,15U,14U ,12U,10U , 8U.
3. NO SENIORS.
4. The age cutoff date for each age division is January 1st. The player will be
allowed to play in the division based on their age on January 1st.
5. All players must have an ACTIVE player’s card from ZORTS app to be
eligible for
events.
6. Maximum of 3 coaches per roster -1 Team Managers
7. Players are eligible to play up in higher age divisions, if they check-in in
younger age first
8. Players are NOT eligible to play down (Ex. A 13-Year-Old can play 15u but
cannot play 12u)
9. Players CANNOT play on a different team of the same age group within the same event
10. All Players will be issued a wristband indicating their age division. Wristbands must be worn the entire duration of the event.
10. In the event that a player's wristband is damaged orremoved prior to their scheduled gameplay, the player WILL NOT be allowed to play or be on the sideline. The player will have to return to check-in to be issued a new wristband.
11. If the player's wristband is removed or damaged during scheduled game play the player may finish the game but must return to check-in to receive a new wristband before the start of their next game.
12. No players will be allowed to play or be on the sideline without a valid wristband
13. Players will be issued the same wristband as they received upon initial check-in. Players must be in a “checked-in” status and WILL NOT be able to
request a wristband for a new team or age division for any reason.
14. All players must wear their own team's uniform and jersey must have numbers
15. Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with plastic or rubber spikes. NO Metal spikes are allowed at any time.
16. Mouthpieces ARE MANDATORY and must be always worn during gameplay. (QB’s must be wearing a mouthpiece to tag after throwing
an interception) If a player is caught without a mouthpiece, he/she will be removed from the field of play immediately and cannot return until compliant.
17. Teams will be given 1 Mouthpiece Warning, any violation after will result in a penalty
18. Players are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to wear helmets during gameplay.
19. Helmets must be fully strapped if worn.
Note: QB’s are not mandated to wear a mouthpiece. However, if a QB does not have a mouthpiece in at the time He/She throws an interception, the QB will
not be able to pursue the defender. Doing so will result in an automatic TD for the Defense
II. COACHES
1. Each team is permitted to have a maximum of 3 Coaches on the sideline during the game.
2. Coaches must have built their profile and make sure all players have their profile within Zorts.
3. The 3 Coaches, 1 Team Manager have free gate entry at the event & will be given a wristband which must be worn for the entire event.
4. One Offensive Coach is allowed on the field and in the huddle with players, but must be a minimum of 5 yards behind the Quarterback before the ball is
snapped so he does not interfere with game play or Referee.
5. Defensive Coaches are not allowed on the field at any time.
6. Coaches are responsible for knowing all the rules and educating their players on the rules & conduct.
7. Coaches are responsible for maintaining their sideline.
8. Any Coach, Player or Person that is overly aggressive, threatens or uses physical force towards Referee, Staff Member, Coaches,
Players, or Spectator will be removed from the event venue and will not be allowed to return. WYHBL reserves the right to review the incident. and allow the return of Coach / Person.
III. OFFICIALS
1. Each game will have a minimum of (2) officials. There will be a Head Referee/Field Judge and a Back Judge.
2. The Head Referee will keep the 4 second clock, 40/25 second clock and official game time.
3. The score will be kept in the ZORTS App.. Sign cards will be turned into Field Manager after each game.
4. A Field Manager will be on-site to assist with the crowd, player, coach, and referee
5. The Officials and Field Managers will always keep the games flowing and clean.
IV. SCORING
*** MONEYBALL PLAYS** ONLY ONE (EITHER/OR) ALLOWED A GAME:
•Money Drive: First Play of the drive, score = 10 points + 1 extra point attempt after touchdown, don’t score = 3 points to the other team.
•Moneyball Play: Must be down 7+, declared before snap, successful = 10 points + 1 extra point attempt after touchdown, unsuccessful= turnover 2 points.
•Interception: 3 points for interception, 10 if they score.
•Defensive Stops: No points under 2 minutes unless interception.

Money Drive (first play of the drive )
•When to Declare: Only on the first possession of the game.
What Happens:
Score = 10 points + 1 extra point attempt after touchdown
Don’t score = Other team gets 3 points and the ball.

Moneyball Play (1 per Game)
•Eligibility: Can be declared if your team is down by 7+ points.
•How to Declare: Quarterback tells the referee before the snap.
•Turnover Rule: If declared on a down other than third down, it’s an automatic turnover other team gets 2 points
•What Happens:
Successful = 10 points + 1 extra point attempt after the touchdown. Unsuccessful = Turnover, and the other team gets the ball. 2 points
Interception Rules
•Interception on a Money Drive or Moneyball Play:
Intercepting team gets 3 points.
If they score, they get 10 points.
Defensive Stops Under 2 Minutes
•No points for defensive stops under 2 minutes unless there’s an interception

1. 6 Points for a touchdown
2.1 Point for a PAT from the 3-yard line.
3. 2 Points for a PAT from 10-yard line
4. 2 Points for a Defensive Stop on downs
5. 2 Points for a Safety
6. 3 Points for Interception
7. 6 Points for Interception Return for TD
a. Points for a defensive stop and interception are NOT added together.
b. 3 points for interception are not added to the 6 if returned for score.
C. After an interception the player who intercepted the pass is the only player who may run during the return. In the case where teammates run with the
interceptor, officials will blow the play dead for blocking and award 3 points for the interception.
8. 0 Points for turnover on a PAT – It is dead ball
9. Official score will be kept by Head Referee, score will display on Zorts
V. GAME TIMES
1. All games feature 24-minute running clocks, except The Championship
games, which consist of two 15-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime, tracked in the ZORTS app.
2. No overtime occurs in pool play.
3. Teams must start games on time. If a team is unprepared or absent, the Referee starts the clock, awarding the present team 2 points after 5 minutes,
after10 minutes forfeit is declared, granting the present team 6 points and an 8-0 victory.
4. Teams receive one timeout during bracket play only.
5. Overtime is exclusive to Bracket Play.
6. In the first overtime, the higher-seeded team chooses offense or defense,
with each team having 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score.
7. In the second overtime, the choice shifts to the lower seed, maintaining the 3 plays from the 10-yard line.
8. If still tied after two overtimes, each team gets one play from the 40-yard line, and the team with the most yardage wins. In the third overtime, the higher seed decides on offense or defense first.
9. Each team is awarded one 30-second timeout during overtime, not one per overtime.
10. Overtime periods are not timed.
Play Clock Regulation:
40-Second Play Clock
The 40-second play clock starts as soon as the ball is declared dead by the official. If the snap does not occur before the play clock expires, it results in a loss of down.
25-Second Play Clock
After every touchdown or change of possession, the 25-second play clock starts when the official spots the ball and signals readiness by blowing the whistle. If the snap does not occur before the play
clock expires, the penalty is a loss of down.
Note:* If this violation occurs during an extra point try, itresults in a loss of down with no opportunity to complete the try.
An official, predetermined before the game, will provide a signal by raising one
arm straight up, indicating 10 seconds remaining on
the clock. The same official will extend their arm to the side to signify 5 seconds remaining on the play clock.
All offensive penalties lead to a loss of down.
Overtime Protocol:
In the event of a tie after regulation, an overtime period will follow NCAA rules.
The higher-seeded team in the matchup chooses
between offense and defense to start the overtime.
**First Overtime: **
- Each team has one possession, with an interception ending the game and
declaring the intercepting team the winner.
- After a score in the first overtime, the scoring team decides between a
one-point conversion from the three-yard line or a two-point
conversion from the ten-yard line.
- No points are awarded for a turnover on downs during any overtime period.
**Second Overtime: **
- If the tie persists after the first overtime, a second overtime occurs.
- Teams alternate possessions, applying rules from the first overtime period.
-Following a touchdown, a mandatory two-point conversion attempt from the
ten-yard line is required.
**Third Overtime: **
- If the score remains tied after the second overtime, a third overtime is
played.
- Each team has one offensive play from the 40-yard line. The team with the
most yards wins.
- An interception during this phase concludes the game, with the intercepting team declared the winner.
- The higher-seeded team chooses offense or defense to start the third overtime
IV. GAME PLAY
1.Field will be 40-50 yards in length with 10-yard-deep End Zone
2. Play begins on the 40-yard line. 25 & 10 are the first down lines.
3. There are no 4 downs. Offense has 3 plays to gain a 1st down at the following lines to gain.
(25 & 10) and a Touchdown at the GoalLine. (3 Downs in AllZones)
4. Pool Play – Teams will flip for choice of starting on offense or defense.
5. Bracket Play – Higher seed gets choice of starting on offense or defense.
6. Ball will always start on the 40-yard line.
7. Ball will be spotted on the closest hash or side where play was stopped.
8. Ball will be placed in the middle of the field for PAT attempts.
9. The Center/QB will be responsible for setting the ball at line of scrimmage.
The Center is not an eligible receiver, but can tag a defender that has made
and interception (Center must have
mouthpiece and helmet (strapped) to be an eligible participant)
10.QB must take a direct snap from Center or QB Tee from the 40 (shotgun
snap from the 40-yard line is not allowed)
11. All offensive formations must be legal sets and respect the tackle box (3
yards).
12. There must be a WR on each side of the ball that is on the line.
13. No Kicking or Punting.
14. One blitz per game, rusher does not have to declare they are rushing. If QB is rushed on this play, he is allowed to run the ball.
15. Quarterback cannot run with the ball. (only on a blitz play)
16. No Handoffs.
17. No Blocking.
18. Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or
Two hands. (Excessive force or shoving will not be tolerated and will be penalized with automatic first down and 5 yards. A player can be ejected.
from the game If ruled Unsportsmanlike or Flagrant)
19.Fumbles are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession.
A fumbled snap is not a dead ball, but the 4 second
remains in effect.
20. The Quarterback is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts on the snap of the ball and stops on the Quarterbacks release. If the release is under 4.0 seconds the play stands, but if the release is after 4.0 seconds the play is no good.
21. Interceptions can be returned for a TD.
22. If the defense scores on an interception their Offense will then come on
the field to attempt the extra point. The team that threw the interception will
then get the ball on Offense at the 40.
23. The Offensive player is not allowed to shove a Defensive player to create
separation. Hand fighting is tolerated as per Referee’s judgment.
24. Defensive players are allowed to jam within 5 yards and play tight
defense. However, excessive holding, shoving, hands to the face, slapping
head or throwing a player down will not be tolerated.
25. Penalty Occur as Clock Expiries
Offense Penalty -Loss of Down. Game Over!
Defense Penalty - Game cannot end on Defensive Penalty. If Offense accepts
the penalty, they will be awarded one untimed down, required to run a play.
26. NO TURNOVER POINTS AWARDED in last 2 minutes of game.
A turnover that occurs in the last two minutes of the game will not result
in any points being awarded to the team that caused the turnover.
The team that causes the turnover still gets possession of the ball, but there
will be no additional points added to their score for the turnover in those final
moments.
VII. BALL SIZE:
ALL TEAMS NEED TO BRING A MINIMUM OF 2 BALLS FOR EACH
CORRESPONDING DIVISION OR MORE AND NEED TO BE A LEGAL-SIZE
BALL. IF FOUND WITH AN ILLEGAL SIZE BALL
1. Ball Size for High School & 15u Division is official Collegiate/High School
2. Ball Size for14u is Youth
3. Ball Size for12u and 10u is Junior
4. Ball Size for 8u is Pee Wee
VIII. PENALTIES
OFFENSE:
No penalty may be assessed more than the 40-yard line. If a penalty would
move the Offense beyond the 40-yard line, the Offensive
team will only be charged with a loss of down.
1. Off-sides = Loss of Down
2.False Start = Loss of Down
3. Illegal Formation = Loss of Down
4. Illegal Shift = Loss of Down
5. Illegal Motion = Loss of Down
6. Delay of Game = Loss of Down
a. Offense will have 25 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked for
play and blown live. The offensive team is responsible for retrieving and
returning the ball to the previous spot or the new line of scrimmage.
7. Blocking is not allowed and will result in loss of down and return to previous
spot.
8. Pass Interference -Loss of Down, Ball returned to the original line of
scrimmage.
(Receivers cannot shove defenders to create space)
9. Unsportsmanlike or Unnecessary Roughness = 15-yard Penalty
10. Excessive Celebration - Team running on the field that interrupts the flow
of the game. Taunting other players orteams will result in a 15-yard Penalty. If
this occurs during extra point attempt the extra point will not count and 15
yards will be assessed towards your Defense.
*** While we encourage celebrations, We DO NOT tolerate taunting. Keep
it fun.
and keep it quick. Do Not unnecessarily delay the game. Resulting in
doing so will
result in a penalty. If during the celebration your players cross the other
teams
hash you till be penalized for taunting ***
*** Two (UNS) penalties will result in an ejection from that game.
DEFENSE:
1. Off-sides = 5-yard penalty
2. Defensive Holding = 5-yard penalty & repeat down
3.Face Guarding is allowed.
4. Defensive Pass Interference -10-yard penalty from the original line of
scrimmage & automatic first down. If the original spot is at the 15 yard line or
beyond and a DPI foul occurs, the penalty will be half the distance from the
original spot and an automatic firstdown.
5. Illegal Participation (Extra men on the field)Live Ball foul = 5-yard Penalty &
automatic first down
6. Unsportsmanlike or Unnecessary Roughness -15-yard Penalty
7. Excessive Celebration - Will not be tolerated and will result in 15-yard
penalty
8. Any dead ball penalty on the defense that occurs after a change of
possession will result in a loss of down for that team's offense when they
begin their ensuing possession.
9. It’s the defensive player’s responsibility to avoid contact. The defense is
allowed initial disruption within 5 yards, then must cover. Excessive or contact
after 5 yards could result in a penalty of 5 yards, and repeat down, or anything
excessive could be deemed DPI and can be up to a 10-yard penalty, with
automatic first down.
VIII. TIEBREAKERS
If teams are tied at the end of Pool Play the tiebreaker order is as follows
1. Pool Play Record
2. Point Differential
3. Points Allowed
5. Points Scored
6. Head To Head
7. Coin Flip
IX. Mercy Rule
If a team establishes a lead of 25 points or more after 20 minutes of elapsed
game time, the game will promptly conclude, with the leading team declared
the victor.
*If the trailing team has possession of the ball at the 20-minute mark, they will
be given one opportunity to score.
*If the trailing team fails to score on that possession, the game will conclude,
and the team in the lead will be officially declared the winner.
X. APPEALS
1. If during a game a Coach disagrees with an official’s judgment call, they
MAY NOT
dispute that call with the Referee as it is a judgment call.
2. If during game play a Coach disagrees with a rule interpretation, they MAY
REQUEST to use their timeout and have the Referee stop the game clock to
discuss and determine Rule issue with Referee and Field Manager.
3. Players Eligibility appeal -To challenge player’s eligibility will cost the
challenging team a $100 deposit, that will be returned if the challenging team
wins challenge.
4. To dispute a game the Head Coach must report all game play ruling
discrepancies immediately after the end of the affected game to the Head
Referee and Field Manager to be considered. REQUEST MAY BE GRANTED
OR DENIED.
5. Any reversal or game-changing decisions will be made at the discretion of
the Directors after all the information is reviewed.
6. Coaches of both teams involved in the dispute will be made aware of any
changes.
XI. CONDUCT
1. All Coaches and Players are expected to conduct themselves in a positive
manner and refrain from unsportsmanlike actions.
2.Fighting, Verbal Abuse, and/or Threats will not be tolerated and will result in
removal from
Event. Length of suspension will be determined by the Tournament Director.
3. No taunting or excessive foul language.
4. Teams are responsible for cleaning their trash on their sideline after every
game.
5. No vandalism of venue property.
6. Weapons, drugs, alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco products are
PROHIBITED at venues
7. No electronic communication with the Offensive Coach while on the field
from another coach, Player or Spectator will be allowed.
XII. RAIN OUT POLICY FOR SANCTIONED EVENTS:
1. Once Pool Games begin on Saturday there will be no full refunds on entry
fees.
Please see the following scenarios below:
2. If there is a rainout prior to Bracket Play or during Pool Play we will process
prorated refunds.
3. If there is a weather delay during Pool Play and play resumes, but your
team left your Games will be forfeited, and no refund will be given.
4. If Bracket Play begins and then gets rained out there will be no refunds, top
4 seeded teams qualify for Nationals (there will be no paid bid awarded),
trophy goes to top seed.
NOTE: AFFILIATE EVENTS WILL CONTROL THEIR OWN REFUND
POLICY