On Tuesday February 26, 2008, the Gold Coast Youth Football League board of directors agreed to implement the exciting new “X” Player designation allowing a much broader segment to participate in youth football. The “X” Player rule, which is now in effect for the 2008 season, will allow senior division players who are over the max weight limits to now participate.
After league certification, senior players that exceed the league weight limits for their age group will be designated as an “X” player and will be subject to the rules set forth y the league. All seniors designated as an “X” Player will be required to wear a highly visible helmet sticker that is approved by the GCYFL. There will only be 3 “X” Players allowed on the field from each team at any given time. These players are REQUIRED to play as interior linemen only and are not to be ball carriers. In addition, is was voted that “X” Players will not be allowed to participate on Kickoff or Kickoff return teams.
The “X” Players, or “X” men as they are sometimes called, are common place to youth football leagues in other parts of the country. There are key rules that apply to ensure these players have an opportunity to participate in youth football, but also govern their activities on the field to help limit injury.
The GCYFL continues to explore and introduce new ideas designed to improve the tackle football experience for the areas youth. While the league weights are age restrictive, it was agreed that for the Senior Division (mainly 8th grade), this element will better prepare players for the high school level. It is anticipated that the “X” player rule will attract individuals to tackle football that could not previously play based on their weight. For more information on GCYFL teams in your community, visit www.gcyfl.com.
If you have any questions, please email info@venturabuccaneers.org or call Garry at (805) 765-7476.