PAA MIDDLE SCHOOL TACKLE FOOTBALL

1. Three game officials will be assigned to league contests. Officials shall be paid according to the pay schedule published by the official’s coordinator. Member institutions shall provide a 3-person chain crew comprised of adults, and one person to act as clock operator/scorer.
2. PLAYER SAFETY
   1. Member institutions must have on the premises a paramedic or certified athletic trainer at all home games. Unless school policy prohibits, payment should be made to EMT/trainer by half time or voucher signed by the beginning of the game.
   2. Coaches are responsible for outfitting their players in certified headgear, all required padding, and mouthpieces.
      • Helmets must be NOCSAE certified and be in compliance with the recommended reconditioning policy.
      • A helmet inspection must be scheduled with the Director’s office prior to the beginning of practice.
      • Shoulder pads must also meet NOCSAE certification standards.
      • A player’s footwear shall be tennis shoes or cleated athletic shoes with molded soles supporting rubber cleats or plastic cleats without inner spikes.
      • Athletic shoes with metal or removable cleats shall not be worn.
   3. No two-a-day practice sessions are allowed. It is further recommended that good medical judgment be used with extreme temperatures. Water breaks every 20 – 30 minutes should be standard procedure for all games/practices. See PAA and TSSAA heat policy for details.
   4. All teams should be taught the fundamentals with safety as the most important factor. It is further recommended that coaches take this opportunity to thoroughly discuss the safe way to tackle.
   5. CONCUSSIONS
      • Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
      • Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.
3. To inhibit runaway scoring, coaches shall substitute on offense and defense when they are fortunate to have a lead of 21-0 or greater. Furthermore, passing plays and trick plays are prohibited for a team with a lead of 21-0 or when a contest’s scores reach 35-0, the losing team’s coach may request that the game clock be run non-stop.  Game officials shall honor this request.
4. Fields used for league contests shall have restrictive fencing or cables on both sidelines to separate team benches from spectators.
5. Posts and all areas surrounding the field must be padded in accordance with National Federation and Diocesan Policy. All fields should be inspected prior to each contest (by the host school) to make sure it is free from hazards that might injure the participants. It is also recommended that the opposing school also conduct a safety walk through prior to the team taking the field. If any safety issues cannot be rectified at the time, the game is not to be played until those safety issues are corrected.
6. If a player makes weight on the weigh-in day – he will be certified for the entire season. There will be no other weigh-ins conducted during the season. Offensive backs, offensive ends, and defensive backs may not exceed the division’s established weight limit. No player in excess of weight limit may advance the ball.
7. The PAA shall certify championships for teams on the basis of league record and scores of contests between institutions of comparable student enrollment
8. A maximum of 8 games may be played during the season
9. The first 3 days of practice are to be “non-contact” practices

JUNIOR DIVISION

• The weight limit for advancing the ball is 165 pounds
• The league football is the standard YOUTH-size ball
• The league games shall consist of four, eight-minute quarters.
• If contests are tied at the end of regulation, the Kansas tiebreaker system shall be used (see NFHS rulebook).
• There shall be a maximum of two overtime periods.

PEEWEE DIVISION

• The weight limit for advancing the ball is 145 pounds.
• The league football is the standard JUNIOR-size ball.
• The league games shall consist of four, seven-minute quarters.
• If contests are tied at the end of regulation, the Kansas tiebreaker system shall be used (see NFHS rulebook).
• There shall be a maximum of one overtime period.

FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

Divisions

1. 1. Grades 1 and 2
   2. Grades 3 and 4

Ball Sizes

1. 1. Grades 1 and 2: K2
   2. Grades 3 and 4: K2

The Game

1. 1. 2 halves; 20 minutes long with 5 minutes for halftime
   2. Clock stops inside 1-minute of 2nd half on dead balls.
   3. No Overtime.
   4. Please begin each game with a prayer at center field.
   5. The start of play will be determined by a coin toss. The team that wins the toss will choose the ball or defer to 2nd half and choose which goal they want to defend first.
   6. Possession will alternate at the start of 2nd (Team 1-1st half, Team 2-2nd half)
   7. Teams will switch ends of the field after half time.

The Coach

1. 1. The coach will be responsible for all behavior issues related to players and fans.
   2. Only the Head Coach may ask the officials questions about a rule clarification or interpretation.
   3. Coaches are responsible for seeing that his/her bench area is cleaned after each game.

Players

1. 1. 5 v 5 Game – and a maximum of 5 players on the field at any time.
   2. Maximum players on a roster, 10.
   3. Every player must play at least 50% of the game if they are physically able.
   4. Each team should have at least 5 players to begin the game.  Games shall be played when teams do not have at least 5 players at the start of the game.
   5. We strongly recommend playing the game even with borrowed players.

Concussions

1. 1. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
   2. Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.

The Score

1. 1. No league standings will be kept. We want to emphasize fun, fellowship and instruction.
      1. Touchdown – 6 Points
      2. Extra Point – 1 Point (5 yard line)
      3. Extra Point – 2 Points (10 yard line)
      4. Safety – 2 Points (If flag is pulled, OR if ball is fumbled in the end zone by the offense)

Rules of the Game

1. 1. Offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has 3 plays to score a touchdown.
   2. If the offense fails to get a 1st down at midfield, or score a touchdown, the ball changes possession and the new offensive possession takes over on its 5-yard line.
   3. All possession changes, except for interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
   4. When the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. A 10-second warning will be given before delay of game penalty is assessed.
   5. Each team has a 60 second and 30 second time out per half.
   6. Offense
      1. The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.
      2. The Quarterback cannot attack the line of scrimmage (fake a run) or cross the line of scrimmage with the ball.
      3. Only direct handoffs and pitches behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.  Offense may use multiple handoffs.
      4. Absolutely, NO LATERALS (overhand throw behind the line of scrimmage.
      5. Option plays are NOT allowed as this would constitute the quarterback faking the run.
      6. “NO RUNNING ZONE” located 5-yards from each end zone and 5-yards on either side of midfield, are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
      7. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
      8. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
      9. Spinning is not allowed, and players cannot intentionally leave their feet to avoid a defensive play (no diving).
      10. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled.
      11. No blocking is allowed behind the line of scrimmage, nor down field moving screens.
      12. Fake hand-offs and fake pitches are allowed.
      13. Center sneaks are not allowed. For the center to be eligible to run, there must be a completed exchange on the hike and a proper hand-off to the center. THE CENTER CANNOT HIKE AND KEEP THE BALL.
   7. Receiving
      1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off or pitched behind the line of scrimmage). All passes must be caught downfield, past the line of scrimmage.
      2. Only one player is allowed to be in motion at a time.
      3. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
      4. All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.
      5. Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.
      6. Interceptions are dead balls, at the spot of reception, and can’t be advanced.

1. Dead Balls
   1. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
   2. When the ball hits the ground (even on Quarterback/Center exchange).
   3. Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
   4. Ball carrier steps out of bounds.
   5. Touchdown or safety is scored.
   6. Interceptions.
   7. Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.
   8. Ball carrier’s flag falls out (official’s discretion may be used).
      NOTE: If the ball carrier’s flag falls off and the carrier is yards ahead of the defense, the carrier will be allowed to continue running.
   9. Any penalties or infractions.

1. Defense
   1. All players who rush the QB must be a minimum of 10-Yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
   2. Any number of players can rush from 10-Yards away from the line of scrimmage.
   3. Players not rushing the QB may defend on the line of scrimmage, but CANNOT cross the line of scrimmage until a handoff is made.
   4. Once the ball has been handed-off, the 10-Yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.
   5. A special marker will be used, OR the Back Judge will determine the 10-Yard Rush Line.
   6. NO tackling or rough play is allowed.  (Officials discretion may be used)

• Penalties / Infractions
  1. Defense:
     1. Offsides– 5 Yards, repeat down
     2. Interference – 10 Yards and automatic 1st down.
     3. Illegal flag pull, before receiver has the ball, 10 Yards and automatic 1st down.
     4. Diving, 10 Yards from spot of infraction.
     5. Rough Play, 10 Yards and automatic 1st down.
     6. Rushing the QB before a handoff, or from inside the 10 Yard marker will result in off-sides, 5 Yard and repeat down.

1. Offense:
   1. False Start, 5 Yards and repeat down.
   2. Illegal forward pass, (pass received behind LOS or pass made beyond LOS), 5 Yards and loss of down.
   3. Flag guarding, Dead Ball at spot of infraction.
   4. Blocking & Screening, 10 yards and loss of down. Referees will determine incidental contact that may result in normal run of the play.
   5. Intentionally spinning or leaving the ground to avoid having a flag pulled will result in a Dead Ball at the spot of infraction.
2. Games cannot end on a defensive penalty unless Offense declines it.

Sportsmanship

1. 1. If the official witnesses any tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsman-like act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected.
   2. ROUGH PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
   3. The Official has the right to determine offensive language. At the discretion of the Official, and/or Site Manager, violators of offensive language (coaches, players and or spectators) may receive a warning OR possible ejection. Repeat violators may be banned.

The Equipment

1. 1. Tennis shoes or soft-cleated shoes.
   2. Triple-threat type flags are MANDATORY for the Offense.
   3. Flag Belts (flags on sides and back) MUST be a different color from the uniform.
   4. Matching shirts/jerseys are required and must have the School name on them.
   5. Mouthpieces are MANDATORY, no exceptions.

The Officials

1. 1. One (1) official will be assigned by PAA to enforce the rules of the game with instruction, fun, fairness and safety in mind.
   2. Referee should briefly explain all infractions.

PAA VOLLEYBALL RULES

(Leagues – Junior Girls: 7th/8th Varsity, 7th/8th Jr. Varsity.

Lassie Girls: 5th/6th Varsity, 5th/6th Jr. Varsity)

• ALL NFHS rules apply except in the following situations:
  1. The officials’ association will assign one game official.
  2. Member institutions shall provide two (2) line judges, preferably adults, at the request of the officials.
  3. Teams shall be outfitted with numbered jerseys, which have logos/monograms to identify the sponsoring institution.
  4. To inhibit runaway scoring, coaches shall substitute freely in accordance with game rules when scoring becomes lopsided.
  5. Both divisions shall use only six players when the ball is in play.
  6. The PAA shall sponsor a season-ending tournament for teams. See Bylaws, Article III Membership, Section 2 for eligibility for new member programs.  Schools desiring to host the tournament should notify the Director’s office.
  7. A maximum of 20 matches may be played during the season – tournaments count as 2 games.
  8. For the LASSIE DIVISION only, the serving line shall be 5 feet inside the regulation end line. The net height shall be exactly 7 feet.
  9. The PAA does NOT use the Libero in the Lassie division of play.
  10. Junior division Teams may elect to play using the Libero.
  11. The Libero must wear a solid color numbered jersey that is in a contrasting color to the rest of the team.
• Balls:
  1. Junior Division – NFHS Indoor approved ball
  2. Lassie Division – Volley-Lite ball
• Scoring:
  1. Junior & Lassie Girls will use rally scoring (beginning with 2021 season)
     • 2 out of 3 games to 25 pts. no cap
     • Third game is to 15 – win by two- no cap.
     • A let serve will be playable.
  2. Lassie Girls will continue to use traditional side-out scoring:
     • 2 out of 3 games to 15
     • Must win by two with no cap.
     • There is no let serve in the Lassie division.

• Teams:
  1. Schools may have Varsity or Jr. Varsity teams.
  2. If any player on a team has played club ball, the player, or team, must play in the Varsity division.
  3. Players are not allowed to switch teams during the season.
     • Varsity players may not play on Jr. Varsity teams.
     • Varsity players may not play on Varsity teams.
• Concussions
  1. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
  2. Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.
•  

GOLF RULES

1. Except as outlined below, all matches and tournaments will be conducted pursuant to the USGA Rules of Golf in effect at the time.
2. PAA Golf is open to all boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade.
3. No coed teams shall compete in league or tournament play.
4. Girls’ team:
   • Scores will be based on two players’
   • Girls’ teams may enter up to three players per match with the best two scores counting as the team score.
   • If a team has only 1 player the Players can still participate in the match, however there will be no team score. The team with only 1 player is not allowed to win the league team championship but may participate to win the individual player
5. Boys’ team
   • Scores will be based on four players’ scores.
   • Boys’ teams may enter up to five players per match with the best four scores counting as the team score.
   • If a team has less than the minimum number of players (4 four boys), the team can still participate in the match with the maximum score per hole being assigned for the missing player(s).
6. Member institutions shall provide one adult supervisor for each match who will be designated as the “Coach”. A Coach may offer assistance or advice to any player on his team. Advice to players is limited to Coaches only.
7. League matches shall be nine holes and shall be medal play. Foursomes shall be comprised of two players from team A and two players from team B, unless otherwise agreed by the Coaches.
8. Girls shall conduct their matches from tee boxes that set the course up to play 1,500-2,000 yards for nine holes, unless otherwise agreed by the Coaches. Boys shall conduct their matches from tee boxes that set the course up to play 2,000-2,500 yards for nine holes, unless otherwise agreed by the Coaches.
9. No riding carts are permitted for player use. Players may use pull carts.
10. To enhance the pace of play, a “triple bogey” stroke limit will be enforced.
11. All players must have in their possession his/her own golf bag and clubs – no sharing clubs.
12. Member institutions are responsible for paying green fees to the course at each match.
13. Players must be outfitted in collared shirts with logos/monograms which identify the sponsoring institution.
14. The PAA shall host a season-ending championship tournament for individuals and teams. The number and size of teams representing each school shall be determined by the Commissioner of Golf based upon the number of schools and teams participating in the league. The tournament shall be 18 holes and played over one day, weather
15. Parents and spectators must maintain a 50-foot distance from players during all matches and tournaments.
16. To enhance pace of play, balls that are “out of bounds” or “lost” or “unplayable” in areas designated by the coaches before a match, or by the PAA, will be treated as if they came to rest in a lateral hazard. The player will incur a one stroke penalty and then drop within one club length of where the ball last crossed the margin of the designated “hazard”.
17. In the case of inclement weather, if all players have finished 6 holes, the match will be complete and a winner will be declared. If not, the match results will be canceled, and the match must be rescheduled.
18. In order to enter a “team”, schools/churches are allowed to roster 5th graders if they deem necessary. 5th graders must meet all PAA handbook requirements.

SOCCER RULES

• Divisions
  1. 1st and 2nd grade
  2. 3rd and 4th grade
  3. 5th and 6th grade
  4. 7th and 8th grade
• Proper placement in divisions
  1. Divisions will be offered in the above divisions for both boys and girls.
  2. Boys are not allowed to play in the girls’ division. If a team is not able to enter both a boys’ and a girls’ team in a division, a girl may be permitted to play in the boys’ division. This should be noted on the roster when it is submitted. (Per PAA handbook – a student must play in his/her appropriate division and not play either up or down a division. Exclusions to this rule must be handled prior to the beginning of the season by requesting a hardship/appeal on this rule.)
• Teams playing in multiple leagues
  1. Teams are not allowed to play in another league during the PAA soccer season.
  2. PAA does not dictate policy on individuals playing on dual teams with the exception that a player may not play on 2 teams that are in the PAA league.  See Bylaws, Article VII, Section 24.
  3. Schools/Churches are permitted to enforce their local policy.
• Equipment
  1. All players must wear soccer shin guards properly. Shin guards must be put on the foot first and then completely covered by socks. (do not put the sock on first, then the shin guard, then pull the sock over the top of the shin guard).
  2. No player is allowed to wear any type of jewelry. Band-aids are not allowed to be placed over earrings.
  3. Barrettes, bobby pins, plastic clips, metal clips or any type of hair accessory are not permitted. (Soft scrunchies, rubber bands, all fabric pony tail holders are acceptable). Nothing with metal or a hard surface/coating is allowed.
  4. Soccer cleats are preferred but tennis shoes may be worn. Cleats must be soccer cleats (no football, baseball, cross-country). Toe-cleats may not be removed to try and make a different type of cleat a soccer cleat.
• Schools/churches with multiple teams in one division
  1. When a school/church enters more than one team in a division, all teams must be evenly balanced regarding age, grade, and ability.
  2. If, in the opinion of the league office, a team is intentionally stronger than the others – the school/church will be given the option of redistribution of that team or withdrawing from the league.

• Players “switching” teams
  1. Players are not allowed to switch back and forth among teams (if school/church enters multiple teams in a division) during the season. The player must participate on the team that his/her name appears on the roster. IF, in an emergency situation, a team needs to borrow a player – written notification must be made to league office as well as notification to the opposing team. See Bylaws, Article VII, Section 24.
• Heading and Punting
  1. In the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th divisions no player shall be allowed to head the ball.
  2. In the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th divisions the goalie is not allowed to punt the ball. The ball must be placed on the ground or passed to another player.
  3. These rules are established in agreement with US Soccer to reduce the risk of concussions in athletes 10 years of age or younger.
• Concussions
  1. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
  2. Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.
• Disqualified or ejected players
  1. In the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th divisions – a player who has been ejected (given red card) may not return to play in that game but can be
  2. In the 5th/6thdivision, a player who has been ejected may not return to play in that game and may NOT be replaced.

1. In all divisions, a report should be filed with the League Office within 24 hours of the occurrence – a determination will be made after reviewing reports from teams and officials as to the length of the suspension the player will serve. (See Code of Conduct in PAA handbook. In some instances, a red card can be given in soccer when a 2-game suspension may not be warranted – these situations will be dealt with individually)

• Disqualified coaches
  1. Coaches must immediately leave the field and the site. Coaches should immediately notify their Athletic Director and provide a written report of the occurrence. Report should be forwarded to league office and will be reviewed. (See Code of Conduct in PAA )
  2. If the team does not have an approved assistant coach on the sideline, the game will be stopped at the point of the disqualification of the
• Length of games
  1. 1st/2nd grade – Four quarters of 12 minutes each
  2. 3rd/4th grade – Four quarters of 12 minutes each
  3. 5th/6th grade – Two halves of 30 minutes each
  4. 7th/8th grade – Two halves of 35 minutes each
• Size of ball
  1. 1st/2nd grade – #3 soccer ball
  2. 3rd/4th grade – #4 soccer ball
  3. 5th/6th grade – #4 soccer ball
  4. 7th/8th grade – #5 soccer ball
• Substitution
  1. Either team may substitute: after a goal, between periods, after an injury, or before a goal
  2. Only the team in possession may substitute; after the ball goes out-of-bounds at the touch
  3. Once that team has stopped play for a substitution, the other team can then also
• Team/Coaches boxes and spectator restraining lines
  1. Coaches area (boxes) will be established not to exceed 1/3 the length of the field (approximately 30 yards) and no closer than 3 feet from the touch line. All substitute players and coaches must remain in the box.
  2. Spectators shall sit or stand no closer than 3 yards from the touch
  3. Persistent, illegal coaching from the touch line outside of team and coaches’ box shall result in a warning by the referee the first time and an indirect free kick thereafter awarded by the referee, from the point of
  4. Any coach who enters the field of play without permission of the referee, for any reason except in the case of an injured player, will be issued an automatic yellow card. A second such occurrence in the same game will result in an automatic red card, and the coach must leave the field and site. In the event of such an occurrence, the referee shall not have the option of whether or not to issue the
• Goals
  1. 1st/2nd grade thru 5th/6th grade will measure 6’ x 16’ (inside dimensions).
  2. Goals for 7th/8th grade will be 8’ x 24’ (inside dimensions).
  3. Goals for all divisions will be equipped with regulation nets and if padded, must be properly padded & secured.
• Penalty shots
  1. 1st/2nd grade thru 5th/6th grade penalty shots will be taken from a distance of 8
  2. 7th/8th grade penalty shots will be taken from a distance of 10
• Fifty percent/equal play rule
  
  32. See Article VII section 32.
  33. b) The coach must make a good faith effort to keep track of the player’s time to insure compliance with the “minimum 50%/equal playing rule” each game. It is the responsibility of each school/church to monitor all their teams’ compliance with this rule.
  34. Coaches/teams not complying with rule are subject to league
  35. To report violations of this rule – a written report should be filed with the league office and a copy sent to the offending institutions athletic director. The report should contain as much information as possible so that the athletic director can conduct an investigation into the matter. Violations should be reported within 48 hours of the game. As stated above, the league office will deal with the offending teams athletic director and pastor/principal – a reply will not be made to the team/person who turned in
• Rescheduled games
  1. After school/church has submitted intent to enter league or the deadline to submit the information has passed – games will not be rescheduled except for rare
  2. The league office will determine whether or not a game will be
  3. Fines will be assessed for all games rescheduled, even with the league’s approval. Fines will also be assessed for any team who does not show for a
  4. If for any reason the league office schedules a team on a date that was submitted on the intent to enter league form – that game will be rescheduled at no cost to the teams
• Inclement weather
  
  32. It is the duty of each institution’s Athletic Director to determine whether or not that institution’s field will be playable on game See Constitution and Bylaws, Article VII sections 29-32.
  33. At the time a decision is made, it is the responsibility of the Athletic Director to notify the Official’s Coordinator as soon as possible and no later than 1 hour prior to the beginning of the first game on game
  34. Each coach will be responsible for contacting his/her
  35. Once it has been determined that the field is playable, it shall be solely the discretion of the designated referee as to whether or not a game shall be played, or, if in progress, halted, due to inclement weather or dangerous playing conditions
• Referees
  1. Grades 5/6 and 7/8 shall have 2 parent volunteers as line judges.
• Coaches
  1. Only 1 coach is allowed to give tactical advice to players and that advice must be given from the coaching area (30 yards either side of center, 1 yard from touchline).
  2. No coach may enter the field of play without the referee’s permission (except in the case of an injured player).
• Spectators
  1. The spectator restraint line is parallel to and at least 9 feet from touchline. All spectators, substitutes, and assistant coaches must remain behind this
  2. No parent, spectator, sibling, assistant coach may coach/watch from touchlines or goal
• Starting Game
  
  2. 1st/2nd grade and 3rd/4th grade: The team LOSING the toss kicks off in quarters 1 and 2. The team WINNING the toss chooses the goal and kicks off quarters 3 and
  3. 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade: The team LOSING the toss kicks off 1st The team WINNING the toss chooses the goal and kicks off 2nd half.

• Field dimensions and goal width

1. 1st/2nd grade thru 5th/6th grade fields – the absolute minimum width is 94 feet (goal of 16 feet plus penalty areas of 36 feet outside each goal plus three feet between penalty area and touchline). Absent severe space restrictions, the minimum width is 120 feet (40 yards).
2. 1st/2nd grade thru 5th/6thgrade, the penalty area is a rectangle 88 feet wide centered on the goal,

extending 36 feet into the field.

1. The goal area is a rectangle 40 feet wide centered on the goal, extending 12 feet into the
2. The penalty mark is a spot 8 yards from the center of the goal (halfway between penalty area line and goal area line).
3. The penalty arc is drawn outside the top of the penalty area at a radius of 20 feet from the penalty mark.
4. 7th/8th grade fields – the absolute minimum width is 50
5. The penalty area is a rectangle 132 feet wide centered on the goal, extending 54 feet into the
6. The goal area is a rectangle 60 feet wide centered on the goal, extending 18 feet into the
7. The penalty mark is a spot 12 yards from the center of the goal (halfway between penalty area line & goal area line).
8. The penalty arc is drawn outside the top of the penalty area at a radius of 30 feet from the penalty mark.
9. Each field shall have a centerline, with a center circle of radius 20 feet for 1st/2nd grade thru 5th/6th grade and center circle of radius 30 feet for 7th/8th grade

• Number of players

• League fees
  1. PAA soccer fees are charged per player. PAA is responsible for paying the officials coordinator, officials fees for all regularly scheduled games, training fees/rules meetings associated with officials and coaches. If enough interest, the PAA will sponsor state certification clinics. This cost will be passed on to member institution for the number of coaches who attend and gain
• Games Ending in Ties
  1. Regular season games that are tied at the end of regulation – will end as a tie. The 5th – 8th grade divisions traditionally have an end of the year tournament upon completion of the regular season. Because a winner must be determined to advance to the next round, the following procedure will be followed:
  2. One 5-minute overtime period. If the score is not tied, the one with the larger number of goals will be declared the
  3. If the score is still tied at the end of the first 5-minute overtime, the teams will play a second 5-minute overtime. If the score is not tied at the end of the second overtime, the one with the larger number of goals will be declared the
  4. If the score is still tied at the end of the second 5-minute overtime, the teams will go into a shoot-out where 5 different players from each team will go one-on-one with the opponent’s goalie. This procedure will be continued until one team has broken the
  5. Please note that neither the overtime periods nor the shootouts are not sudden death where the 1st

team to score wins. Each overtime period is to be played in full as well as each 5-player shoot-out per team is to be completed.

CROSS COUNTRY RULES

No PAA Cross Country for 2022 Season

PAA teams are encouraged to join MYA for this sport

Teams

• Divisions
  1. Middle School Division (6th – 8th) Course Distance is 2 Miles
  2. Elementary School Division (3rd – 5th) Course Distance is 1 mile
• Teams shall have a minimum of five runners for scoring in team competition
  1. Teams are allowed an unlimited number of runners
  2. Where teams consist of more than 5 runners, only the top five runners will be awarded points toward the team’s
  3. Runners 6 & 7 points will be used in the event of a tied score in the Team Competition
  4. The score of BOTH the 6th & 7th runners from each of the tied teams shall be summed. The lowest of these sums determines the “winner” of the
  5. In the rare case that a tie remains after summing the scores of the 6th & 7th runners, the position of each of the tied teams’ 6th runner shall be compared, the better finish of these determining the “winner” of the
  6. All runners shall be eligible for individual honors
  7. Exception: (junior division)
  8. To be implemented if there are less than four teams having the minimum 5 runners needed to score as a team
  9. Teams with a minimum of 3 runners will be able to score as a team

• Runners shall be outfitted in uniforms, which uniquely identify their sponsoring institution or team.

Meets

• PAA teams will compete in events sponsored by MYA, TMSAA, or elect to host their own event at a designated site sponsored by a PAA host school. When PAA schools are participating in events sponsored by MYA or TMSAA, all rules and policies of the host organization will govern the
• A maximum of 8 meets may be run during the
• When the number of teams in the league exceeds 8, multiple venues may be scheduled so that there are not a large number of teams at one
• Weekly meet schedule of
  1. 1st race Elementary Girls
  2. 2nd race Elementary Boys
  3. 3rd race Middle School Girls
  4. 4th race Middle School Boys
• A race official will be designated for each meet and assigned from the PAA office. This official will have the final say on all
• Each school may serve as host for a scheduled meet, as decided upon by the coaches at the rules meeting. (Host responsibilities may be assumed singly or jointly, when schools agree to share the )
• A championship meet will be held at the conclusion of the season sponsored by
  1. Each team must have at least 5 or more runners that have met the above requirement in order to compete for the team awards at the championship

Meet Scoring:

• Individual

1. 1st place = 1 point
2. 2nd place = 2 points
3. And so on

• Teams – Lowest number of points shall be meet
• Weekly meet scoring has no championship implications
• Championship meet will be scored same as weekly meets
• Tie-Breaker (See Above)

Participant Conduct/Disqualification

• No runner shall be unfairly aided or impeded by another runner, coach, parent, or spectator during the course of a race. Any such action may result in the disqualification of a competitor. The performance of a disqualified runner will not be considered in the results for Individual honors or Team scoring. Actions that are deemed improper include but are not limited to:
  1. Tripping, pushing, shoving, kicking, and blocking deemed by race officials to be deliberate and/or non- incidental, by any runner against another runner, shall result in immediate disqualification of the offender.
  2. Pacing, the accompaniment of a runner by another party in order to aid the competitor in achieving a better performance, is considered unfair aid and it is therefore forbidden. A runner who is paced by anyone NOT competing in the same race is subject to disqualification.

PAA CHEERLEADER RULES

1. Member institutions shall select cheerleader sponsors and coaches who value their squads, first as church/school representatives for hospitality and sportsmanship and then, secondly, as competitive units.
2. Cheerleaders shall assume their responsibilities to help control crowds as they support their teams. Cheerleaders shall have knowledge of games they lead cheers for and shall always offer positive supportive cheers for their teams. Cheerleaders shall never resort to negative, degrading cheers directed toward opponents of their church/school teams.
3. The number of cheerleaders on a squad is a local decision. However, the organization of cheerleading squads shall not stipulate summer camp attendance or non-sports participation for inclusion in cheerleader programs. Participation in cheerleading must be financially accessible to all interested students.
4. Cheerleading activities shall be conducted within the framework of the association’s philosophy statement, (i.e. no interested student in grade 5 – 8 shall be denied the opportunity to participate on church/school cheerleading squads). However, member institutions may decide to limit local participation to grade 8 only.
5. Cheerleaders and pep squad members in uniform shall be admitted free to all PAA activities for which they will be actively cheering for.
6. It is recommended that cheerleaders in grades 5 – 6 use basic, low-cost uniforms and do not participate in competition versus other squads.
7. Any member institution may offer to host a cheerleading competition. Competition will be limited to one during the course of the school year. Contact the Director’s office if interested.
8. Cheerleader coaches and sponsors shall be responsible for the safety of their squad members. Difficult stunts shall be attempted only after adequate practice consisting of proper instruction and with necessary spotters and padding.
9. Pom-poms are not permitted for use at PAA indoor activities with the exception of the PAA competition.
10. Cheerleaders may not cheer on the playing floor of indoor activities while the ball is in play. Cheerleaders may not jump in bleachers or inhibit the view of spectators.