Referee Help Desk

• GO PRO: Coaches on the field must be hands free of any recording device but may wear GO PRO devices. Any other device found by Referees will be penalized Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15).

• Whistles worn by coaches are prohibited. If sideline personnel accidentally blow a whistle that stops the game prematurely, the team will be penalized Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15). It will be handled like an inadvertent whistle.

• HEAD SET: Coach-to-Player or Coach-to-Coach devices are allowed. They can only be put on 7u+ players. The coach may be in the Press Box or Stands talking to a coach on the sideline or on the field. Once the ball is snapped, coaches need to stop talking to their players. If a Referee hears it or it is determined some other way, the team will be penalized Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15).

• Spectator-to-Coach/Player is prohibited.

  • • This is a circumvention of the spectator getting certified as a coach for that team. If it can be determined this is happening, the team will receive a Class B Forfeit for an illegal volunteer. 

    • Additionally, if it is determined that the spectator is a person banned or indefinitely suspended by TYFA, the team will be charged with a Level III violation.

• Except for TYFA or TYFA Partner Media (667 Media), no other media personnel are allowed on the field while plays are going. 

• No exceptions regardless if the host states they wish to allow it.

• Non-TYFA media may be allowed on the field during stoppages in play.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of youth athletics and uphold the values of fair play, safety, and sportsmanship within the Texas Youth Football & Cheer Association (TYFA). Betting or gambling on youth sports undermines these principles and creates an unsafe and unethical environment for young athletes. TYFA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of betting or wagering related to its games or events. This includes TYFA Cheer events.

1. Policy Overview

Betting or wagering on any TYFA game, event, or activity is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of gambling involving money, prizes, or other items of value placed on the outcome or performance of TYFA-sanctioned games, events, athletes, teams, or squads.

2. Legal Context

Under Texas law, betting on youth football games — other youth tournaments — or other youth events such as cheer competitions — is not permitted. Texas law classifies illegal gambling as a Class C misdemeanor. Furthermore, even in states where sports betting has been legalized, wagers on events involving participants under the age of 18 are generally prohibited.

3. Applicability

This policy applies to all TYFA participants, including but not limited to:

• Certified Athletes (players, cheerleaders and dancers)

• Certified Volunteers (coaches, team managers etc.)

• Referees

• Parents, spectators and other non-certified volunteers

• TYFA administrators and member organizations

4. Enforcement and Consequences

Any individual found to be participating in, facilitating, or promoting betting or gambling related to TYFA events will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include:

• Immediate suspension or expulsion from the league

• Forfeiture of games or team sanctions (where applicable)

• Referral to law enforcement authorities for potential criminal prosecution under Texas law

5. Reporting Violations

Any suspected violations of this policy should be immediately reported to TYFA leadership. Reports may be submitted confidentially, and TYFA will investigate all credible allegations in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.