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 striper’s.  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.

Second, 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.

Third, examples…

Bobby is 10 years old and turns 11 on October 14th, which qualifies him to play in the 90lb weight class for his age. However, Bobby weighs 109lbs without equipment. Prior to the striper rule, Bobby would have to play “up” two classes to the 115lb. class due to his weight.

This would mean Bobby would be playing with 12 and 13 year olds. With the new striper rule, Bobby will be allowed to play at 100lb. class instead.  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. Remember, in BOTH examples, the player would be limited to playing an offensive or defensive tackle, nose or center position, as a striper, for the entire season.

NOTE: Players must be designated a striper beginning week 1. Should a player attempt to make week 1 weight as a non-striper and fail, they must either make week 1 weight in week 2 or move up to the next weight class. Players cannot declare striper status and make striper weight week 2 if they attempted to make the non striper weight in week 1.