Special League Rules

Some leagues have instituted special league rules which augment the tackle football rules as set-out in the Canadian Rule Book for Tackle Football. These address specific administrative procedures or player safety issues enforced within that league. Details of these special rules follow:

Football Manitoba Special Rules:: The Board of Football Manitoba has agreed that in the interests of player safety that the use of tinted visors shall not be permitted for play at all levels of provincial football (with the exception of the Junior league). Commencing with the 2003 football season, only those players who have a medical requirement, supported in writing by their physician, and so registered with Football Manitoba prior to the start of the season, shall be permitted to wear a tinted visor of any kind. Coaches are to have a copy of any such player's medical documentation available at each game so confirming this requirement for the Referee to review at his discretion.
Any player may wear a clear white visor without restriction.

Football Manitoba Lightning Policy: If you can count less than 30 seconds between the lightning strike and the thunder clap this means that the storm is 10km away and there is an 80% chance the next strike will happen within the 10km zone. (Environment Canada)
If this is the situation Football Manitoba requires the following:
1. Play will be suspended for 1 hour, if there is no improvement in the weather the game will be called.
2. The game will be re-scheduled as soon as possible.
3. If the game is called during the first half, the score will be a 1-1 tie.
4. If the game is called after the first half, the score and statistics will remain as at the time the game was called.
All leagues are required to adhere to the above stated policy.

No Yards:: For all leagues, beginning in 2006, the application of penalty for a restraining zone violation (no-yards penalty) will be the following:
If the kicking team encroaches on the 5-yard restraining zone and is attempting to withdraw, the penalty distance shall be 15 yards, unless the ball struck the ground in which case the penalty shall be reduced to 5 yards. The direction in which the ball travels after striking the ground is of no importance.
If the kicking team is not attempting to withdraw from the 5-yard zone or the ball is recovered illegally by the kicking team, the full 15 yard penalty should be applied.

Blocking Below the Waist: The national rule change concerning blocking below the waist in the open field does not apply to the Junior and University leagues. Blocking below the waist in the open field will still be permitted at those levels.

League Specific Rules: