About the League

Hi Plains Youth 6-Man Football is a youth six-man league for small schools and communities across the Texas High Plains and Panhandle. Any 1A six-man school town is welcome to field a team — if your town wants to get its kids on the field, reach out and join us.

Divisions & Rules

There are three divisions, set by the player's age on September 1. Players may “play up” into an older division, but never down.

8U

Flag — K–2nd Grade

Must be 8 or younger on Sept 1.

  • Flag-modified 6-man rules on a 40-yard field
  • 6 players and 2 coaches on the field; drives start at the 10-yard line
  • 4 downs to gain 15 yards
  • Only defensive ends may rush until the ball is handed off or advances — no blitzing the middle gaps
  • No cut blocks; interceptions are live on both sides of the line
  • Two 15-minute halves
10U

Tackle — 3rd–4th Grade

Must be 10 or younger on Sept 1.

  • No kickoffs — a coin flip decides possession; drives start at the 30-yard line
  • Offense may not spread out past the hash marks
  • Defense lines up 3-3 or 2-3-1
  • Cut blocks allowed only at or behind the line of scrimmage
  • Turnover on downs gives the opponent the ball at the 30 — no punts
  • Two 20-minute halves
12U

Tackle — 5th–6th Grade

Must be 12 or younger on Sept 1 (and not in 7th grade).

  • Full UIL 6-man rules — kickoffs and onside kicks allowed
  • Any offense, any defense
  • Cut blocks allowed only at or behind the line of scrimmage
  • Extra-point kicks must be declared before the snap — no rush and no fakes on the attempt
  • Two 20-minute halves

Common to every division

  • Scoring: touchdown = 6 · run for the extra point = 1 · kick (field goal) = 2
  • 2 timeouts per half · 6-minute halftime · 40-second play clock
  • The clock stops on every change of possession
  • Sportsmanship: coaches ease off after a 20-point lead; 45-point mercy rule once the second half starts
  • Rosters, league waivers, and fees are due one week before the first game
  • Players must attend the school district they represent; towns may combine to field a team with league approval

📄 Full league rules (PDF)

Contact

Questions about the league, teams, or registration? Email info@claudeyouthsports.org.