• All players must wear an official tackle helmet with an approved facemask. 

• Helmets must be uniform in color, though different styles and brands are permitted.

• Facemasks must match in color.

• Players must use helmets that carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer's or reconditioner's certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards.

• Players must have a chinstrap and mouth piece.

• Visors if used must be CLEAR. Refer to Tackle Equipment

• Skull caps covered by the helmet are acceptable.

• Read policy on Guardian Caps if a player wishes to wear one.

• All players must wear an official football jersey and official tackle shoulder pads.

• Every player on the team must wear the same colored or closely colored jersey. 

• If any of the players will need to wear a jersey that is significantly different in Style or Color, please submit a Request for Waiver.

• Jerseys MUST have numbers.

• Youth appropriate names may be on the jersey. All jerseys do not have to have names.

• Refer to Jersey Policy

• All players must wear an official tackle football pant with a 7-piece pad set at least 1/2" thick.

• Every player must wear the same color or closely colored pant. 

• If any of the players will need to wear a pant that is significantly different in Color, please submit an Administrative Waiver.

• All players must wear socks. Up or Down does not matter.

• Socks must be within the color scheme.

• There are no restricts as to the brand or color of cleats.

• Cleats cannot be metal or spiked.

• Spats are allowed within color scheme. All players do not have to wear them.

All below are prohibited.

• Unconventional hairstyles such as spiked or a mohawk. 

• Displaying tattoos that promote sex, violence, and gang affiliation. 

• Face or body paint. 

• Tasteless or not youth appropriate piercing.

• Hard metal or any other hard substance, body or helmet cameras outside the helmet, adhesive material, paint, or other slippery substance applied to equipment or person.

• Jewelry if loose and hanging outside the jersey.

1. Helmet Compatibility and Appearance

• Guardian Caps must be worn over helmets that meet all critical specifications outlined below.

• All Guardian Caps MUST match the primary shell color of the helmet worn by the team to ensure uniformity in appearance.

• For example, if a team’s helmets are primarily red, the Guardian Caps worn must also be red.

• If Guardian Cap does not match the primary color worn by the team, it cannot be worn

2. Compliance with NCAA Rule 1-4-4-a

• All helmets (with or without Guardian Caps) must comply with the following NCAA equipment standards:

• Helmet Specifications:

  • Must include a facemask and a secured four- or six-point chin strap. All straps must be fastened while the ball is in play.

  • All team helmets must be of the same color and design.

  • Helmets must include a warning label regarding injury risk and display certification from the manufacturer or reconditioner confirming compliance with NOCSAE safety standards.

3. Manufacturer Responsibility

• Organizations are strongly encouraged to consult with their helmet manufacturer to understand any implications regarding warranty and liability when using Guardian Caps or similar aftermarket products.

TYFA’s decision to adopt this policy is in alignment with UIL and NCAA guidelines and reflects our continued efforts to support innovation in player safety while preserving competitive integrity.

1. Players are permitted to wear cold weather attire such as gloves, (pullovers, sweatshirts, and cold weather undergarments can be worn under the jersey or pants). 

2. Cold weather attire that can be seen must be in team color scheme, and if logoed, youth appropriate.

3. Hooded sweatshirts must be tucked in, not hanging loose.

4. No waiver is required to wear cold weather attire.

1. The purpose of this policy is to promote awareness and support for ALL cancers within TYFA, Spring and Fall, regardless of the level of public attention or popularity associated with a particular type of cancer.

2. Players are permitted to wear Accessories in the appropriate colors to show support for a specific cancer causes. 

3. Accessories for example are gloves, headbands, stickers, shoe laces, socks, wristbands and the like in cancer awareness colors.

4. Teams/organizations are not permitted to change their primary uniform (top or bottom) to show recognition.

5. Items should be worn in a way that does not distract from the the team's "primary uniform".

6. Simultaneous recognition of multiple cancers is acceptable provided it is done in a tasteful and respectful manner.

7. Organizations should refer to established cancer awareness color guidelines for specific types of cancer. 

8. If cancer awareness items pose a safety hazard, they may be restricted. Items cannot be pinned or attached to the game uniform with any material that may cause injury to the wearer or their opponents.

9. Players cannot be forced to participate, and a team is still uniformed if some participate and some do not.

1. The purpose of this policy is to allow organizations to memorialize someone or some event both Spring and Fall.

2. Players are permitted to wear Accessories to show support for a specific memorialization. 

3. Accessories for example are gloves, headbands, stickers, shoe laces, socks, wristbands and the like.

4. Teams may wear patches and similar items.

5. If events are memorialized, they cannot be religious or political in nature. They must be youth appropriate.

6. Teams/organizations are not permitted to change their primary uniform (top or bottom) to show recognition.

7. Items should be worn in a way that does not distract from the the team's "primary uniform".

8. Simultaneous recognition of persons or events is acceptable provided it is done in a tasteful and respectful manner.

9. If awareness items pose a safety hazard, they may be restricted. Items cannot be pinned or attached to the game uniform with any material that may cause injury to the wearer or their opponents.

10. Players cannot be forced to participate, and a team is still uniformed if some participate and some do not.