New Striper Rule in the BGYFL
A player exceeding a class weight limit by no more than 10% will be
designated a striper. A Striper shall be identified by affixing a stripe of
contrasting color to the front and back of the player’s helmet. All Stripers
must be defined no later than week two of the BGYFL regular season and will be
designated as such on the final team roster. Once a player is designated a
Striper, that player shall remain a Striper for the balance of the BGYFL
regular season and post season playoffs. Weekly growth allowance for Stripers
follows the same guidelines as for non stripers. On offense, a Striper
must play an interior line position from tackle to tackle within the Free
Blocking Zone (IHSA rules) in a three (3) or four (4) point stance. Since a
Striper is not an eligible receiver, he need not be covered. On defense, a
Striper is restricted to line positions, must line up in a three (3) or four
(4) point stance and must take a forward charge at the snap of the football. A
Striper may not drop back from the line of scrimmage or stunt to an outside
position and cannot line up more than one yard outside of the offensive tackle.
At no time may a Striper advance the football and if a Striper ever gains
possession of the football the play shall immediately be blown dead. Stripers
shall not be allowed to punt or kick.
Why a striper rule…
1. Maximize the number of players permitted by our weight parameters to
play with kids their own age and school class without jeopardizing the overall
safety parameters of the BGYFL.
2. Provide a safe haven for the “Younger-Heavier” player who might
otherwise have to play up 2 age levels because of weight. Creates a more
competitive situation for the younger player that recognizes the maturation
level of a player is of equal if not greater importance as the player’s weight.
3. Uniform step up in weight allowance for Stripers (10% increase in body
weight for each Division classification.)
4. Broadens program participation at the upper weight class (130 lbs.) for
franchises that are unable to field a Varsity team.
Examples of the striper rule …
Paul is
10 years old and turns 11 on October 14th, which qualifies him to play in the
90lb weight class for his age. However, Paul
weighs 109lbs without equipment. Prior to the striper rule, Paul would have to play “up” two classes to the
115lb. class due to his weight.
This would mean Paul would be
playing with 12 and 13 year olds. With the new striper rule, Paul will be allowed to play at 100lb. class instead.
Example two: Billy is 13 years old
and turns 14 on May 5th. Billy’s
age allows him to play in the 130lb. class. However, Billy weighs 140lbs. without equipment. Prior to the
striper rule, Billy would have to play
Varsity with players up to 175lbs. and stripers of unlimited weight. Under the
new striper rule, Billy would not have
to move up, but would play at the 130lb. class.
In both examples, the player would be limited to playing an offensive or
defensive line position from tackle to tackle position, as a striper, for the
entire season.
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