The purpose of the PCRD 3rd through 6th grade tackle football league is to provide local youth the opportunity to participate in this uniquely American sport. It is now played around the world and is a PCRD program that supports our goal of providing quality recreational programs to our constituents. All PCRD programs are expected to be fun, positive, learning experiences with an emphasis on participation, safety, and sportsmanship. Please not the following policies and procedure's: practice sites, dates and times  will be determined by the head coach. PCRD requires a minimum of five practices prior to each team's first game. NO player will be allowed to practice or participate until registration is completed and fees are paid. Once play begins, practices are scheduled at the discretion of the head coach. Practice attendance of lack of thereof may be used to determine an individuals player's playing time. At the end of the league there are no trophies won or college scholarships handed out, but we do offer a $40 pizza party reimbursement. 

Coaches and Parents Code of Conduct

PCRD will provide game jersey, helmet, and shoulder pads for all participants that register through PCRD. Players must purchase their own pants w/pads, cleats, socks, and mouth guard. Personal chinstraps may be substituted for those provided. Cleats must conform to NFHS football standards. No steel baseball/softball cleats! All jewelry could cause injury to the player or participants and should be removed, the PCRD officials or staff will direct the player to remove jewelry to be allowed to participate.  

Coaches, parents, and spectators MUST emphasize the social and physical benefits of participation and not the score of the contest. Spectators and parents are invited guests and their support is encouraged as long as it remains positive. Spectators and parents shall not criticize officials, players or coaches of any team. Coaches are expected to be ideal role models for their players. Sportsmanship, fair play, honesty, and integrity should be displayed at all times. Please be an example to all who participate and attend.

The use of profanity or abusive language by anyone in attendance is considered to be inappropriate and the offender(s) shall be subject to immediate ejection. The use of tobacco products, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a contest or on park or school property will serve as grounds for dismissal. Please remember this is a recreation program. Focusing on the physical, mental, and social development of each of our participants far outweighs the outcome of the contest. Please realize that coaches are volunteers and deserve to be treated as such for the time and knowledge they contribute to our youth.

PCRD appreciates the time and training our officials put forth to contribute to our programs. Parents must realize that the officials strive to manage the contest and administer the rules to the best of their ability. PCRD makes every effort to educate and train our officials to ensure quality officiating. Spectators who are focused on the officiating are missing a great opportunity to observe and cheer the achievements of the athletes on the field.

COACHES PLEASE REMEMBER WHAT YOU PERMIT, YOU PROMOTE!

Teams & Divisions

The goal of PCRD is to make every attempt to ensure that teams are formed on the basis of maximum participation and parity. Due to teams being formed in the communities in which they reside, it is not unusual for team skill levels to vary significantly. If more than one team per town per division will be formed, the head coach and/or a representative from each team should plan on attending a draft meeting provided to divide teams as evenly as possible. The draft will take place as follows: The highest grade level players will be drafted first until they are exhausted. The lowest grade level will then be drafted until exhausted. Multiple teams from the same town will have as close to the same number of players from each grade level as possible. The head coach and his/her assistant will be allowed to place their children on his/her team. 

The tackle football divisions are split into 3rd-4th grade and 5th-6th grade, no player may play down a grade level. Specific rules apply to each division for the betterment of developing these young football athletes. To learn more about the rules, check the resources below. 

Resources

• Tackle Football Rules
  
• Fall Mesa Field Map
• Game Schedules
  

National Federation Highschool Rules will apply to the youth tackle football league except as state below. The Recreation Department reserves the right to adjust or change league rules at any time when deemed necessary.