What are the U9 and U11 rule modifications for 10 or 12-a-side?

The modifications apply to pre-high school levels and support Football Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Model and Skill Development Progression. The rule book lists a penalty of L5 for breaking them.

U9 (Fundamental stage)

• Defence: static front with the offensive centre uncovered; each defensive lineman covers one offensive player (except the centre); no cross plays by linemen and no stunts by linebackers; pressure only from defenders positioned on the line of scrimmage; man to man pass coverage.
• Offence: no unbalanced line; minimum of 2 running backs; no pre-snap motion by eligible receivers; only the quarterback can throw a forward pass; running backs cannot run pass routes from the backfield; no cut blocks across the entire offensive front; at least one pass attempt in every three plays.

U11 (Learn to Train stage)

• Defence: 4 defensive linemen are mandatory; static front with the centre uncovered; each defensive lineman covers one offensive player; pressure from a maximum of 4 players, all on the line of scrimmage at the snap; man to man pass coverage.
• Offence: no unbalanced line; minimum of 2 running backs; no trips formation (three receivers to one side of centre); no pre-snap movement by eligible receivers or running backs; running backs can now run pass routes from the backfield; no cut blocking across the entire offensive front; at least one pass attempt in every three plays.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule Modifications (10 or 12 A-Side Football).