Rules
General Rules
a. Game length
1. Middle school 2 halves each 12 minutes each with a 3 minute break in between halves. High school 2 halves 15 minutes each with a 3 minute break in between halves.
2. Running clock unless change of possession.
3. 1 timeout per half and can carry over to second half if NOT used.
4. NO TIMEOUTS IN OT
b. Field
1. Field is one way ONLY 50 yards by 30 yards. Endzone is 10 yards
2. No run zones are 5 yards from each line to gain.
3. Team Area is 2 yards from each sideline.
c. Players
1. Must have at least 7 players to start a game
2. Minimum of 5 players to play a game.
d. Equipment
1. No metal cleats, screw in cleats or baseball cleats allowed
2. Shirts must be tucked in.
3. Shorts must be a different color than the flags.
4. NO pockets.
5. Flags must be on the hip and MUST be a different color than the shorts.
6. ALL players must wear flags before the ball comes lives. Failure to properly wear equipment will result in a DELAY OF GAME.
7. Teams may use there own balls which is either youth and/or intermediate.
8. ALL PLAYERS must have a mouth piece. YOU cant play in the game unless you have a mouth piece and mouth pieces will NOT be sold at the game.
9. NO SUNGLASSES, NO BEADS, NO BARRETTES and NO BOBBY PINS.
10. NO JEWERLY but can wear medical alert and/or religious medal just needs to be taped.
2. Game play rules
1. Offense
a. NO BLOCKING or MOVING screens allowed. NO EXCESSIVE CONTACT
b. ONLY one forward pass per play. Swing passes are allowed.
c. The offensive team may have an unlimited backward passes behind the LOS.
d. No player may throw the ball forward if that player is beyond the LOS.
e. The QB may intentionally ground the ball into the ground or out of bounds to avoid a sack. If the ball is thrown backwards or laterally and/or is dropped or goes out of bounds the ball is placed where it is goes out of bounds or hits the ground.
2. Rushing
a. All players are eligible to rush but ONLY ONE rusher can rush behind the bean bag and if there is a BLITZ the QB is allowed to run the ball. The BLITZER still has to be 7 yards away from the LOS.
b. QB can run the ball one time per series.
c. NO STIFF ARMING-Flag guarding penalty-5 yards from the spot and Loss of down.
d. On a BLITZ QB can run and it DOES NOT count as her one run per series.
3. NO RUN ZONES
a. NO RUN ZONES (Pass only) are 5 yards before each 1st down and end zones. First downs are at the 25 (3 series from the 40yard to get to the 25); then at the 10(3 series from the 25 yard to get to the 10); and goal (4 tries to score).
b. If a penalty takes the team out of the NO RUN ZONE ( more than 5 yards from the line to gain or from the end zone) then the team can pass or run.
c. QB CANT RUN in the NO RUN ZONE unless it is a BLITZ.
d. NO HAND OFFS in the NO RUN ZONE.
4. Receiving/Jumping/Fumbles
a. A reception is deemed made if: - The receiver possesses the ball before the ball contacts the ground and the receiver has a body part down in the field of play after possessing the ball.
b. The receiver may NOT use their hands or arms to move a defender to make a reception. The receiver MUST play the ball not the person.
c. No stiff arming-Flag guarding
d. NO JUMPING-A player may not leave her feet to avoid a flag from being pulled. IF done, official will blow the whistle and the player will be down at the spot where she left their feet
e. A player can spin but she CAN NOT JUMP or dive. Which includes but does not limit diving for flags.
f. Fumbles are dead as soon as they hit the ground.
g. Forward or backward fumbles will be placed at the spot where the ball crossed the out of bounds demarcation or hit the ground.
h. A fumble caught in the air by either team is a live ball and may be advanced (INTERCEPTION). The ball never hits the ground.
5. Defense
a. Blocking: No Blocking or Moving Screens allowed at any time • NO EXCESSIVE CONTACT will be allowed. A player can press off the line for up to two (2) yards BUT NO JAMMING. Defense can keep her hand on an offensive player hip for up to 5 yards off the LOS but after must let go. If defense does not let go then HOLDING penalty-spot foul 5 yards and automatic first down
b. Rushing/Blitzing: • Any defensive players can rush from any position on the field if they are 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
c. Teams may only rush up to two (2) players at a time.
d. Rushers must attempt to avoid any offensive players. Rusher has a clear route. If the rusher has to deviate from her route then IMPEDING the RUSHER penalty-5 yards from LOS and loss of down
e. NO EXCESSIVE contact is allowed.
f. Rusher must avoid hitting the QB’s arm, even on the follow through motion. Contact is ROUGHING THE PASSER penalty-5 yards from the LOS and automatic first down.
g. NO limit on the number of rushing attempts (BLITZS) by a team which also means that the QB can run on a BLITZ.
h. Pass Defense: • Receivers are allowed a free release from the line of scrimmage. NO Bump and Run coverage but can press. This is an illegal contact foul - 10-yard penalty and automatic first down. This would be enforced from the end of the related run (running play) or previous spot (pass play).
i. Defenders are not allowed to play through the receiver to make a play on the ball and must play through the ball.
j. Interceptions occur if: - The interceptor possesses the ball before the ball contacts the ground, & - The interceptor has a body part down in the field of play after possessing the ball.
k. Defensive interceptions are two (2 points)
l. Spotting of ball-ball is placed at the most forward point of the ball when flag is pulled.
6. Penalties
a. Offense
1. Illegal Contact: - When an offensive player makes excessive contact with a defensive player. - No Blocking or Moving Screens - 10-yard penalty from LOS and loss of down.
2. False Start: - When an offensive player moves in a way that simulates the start of a play-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
3. Offensive Pass Interference: - When an offensive player hinders a defensive player’s ability to catch a pass by making physical contact with the defensive player. - It is forward-pass interference if any player of A, who is beyond the neutral zone, interferes with an opponent's opportunity to move toward, catch, or bat a pass. – 5 yard penalty from LOS and a loss of down
4. It is NOT forward-pass interference if: a. Unavoidable contact occurs when two or more players are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch or bat the pass. b. Contact by A is immediately made on a B lineman and the contact does not continue beyond the neutral zone.
5. Illegal Forward Pass: - When a player is or has been past the line of scrimmage throws the ball forward or when more than one forward pass is thrown during a play. - 5-yard penalty from LOS and (loss of down, if by offense).
6. Illegal Quarterback Run: - When the quarterback runs the ball more than once per series of downs and not on a BLITZ. - 5-yard penalty from the LOS and loss of down
7. Illegal Shift/Illegal Motion: - When an offensive player in motion moves towards the LOS before the ball is snapped-offsides. Dead ball foul-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
8. A maximum of one (1) player in motion at a time. First person in motion must set off the LOS before the next person can go in motion. ILLEGAL motion penalty is 5 yards from the LOS and loss of down.
9. Flag Guarding: - When a player, either intentionally or accidentally, inhibits a player from deflagging them using their hands, arms, etc. (including stiff arming). – Spot foul 5-yard penalty from the spot of the infraction, loss of down.
10. Illegal Formation: - When the offensive team has more than 3 players lined up behind or off the line of scrimmage at the snap. - 5-yard penalty from the LOS and loss of down.
11. Hurdling/Spinning/Diving: - A player may not attempt to jump over an opponent. A player may not leave their feet off the ground and no DIVING in any direction to advance the ball. Spot foul 5 yard penalty from the LOS and Loss of down.
****Jump cuts are allowed.
b. Defense
1. Illegal Rush: - When a defensive player rushes the QB after being less than 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage at the snap.
-When more than two (2) players rush at a time and NOT a blitz.
5-yard penalty from the LOS and automatic first down
2. Illegal Contact: - When a defensive player makes excessive contact with an offensive player.
-A player may not run through the ball carrier when pulling a flag.
10-yard penalty from the LOS and automatic first down
3. Illegal Flag Pulling: - A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off a player who has not touched the ball.
5-yard penalty, automatic first down. - Run Play - enforced from end of run - Pass Play - Complete - enforced from end of related run - Pass Play - Incomplete - enforced from previous spot
4. Roughing the Passer: - When a defensive player contacts the QB while the QB is in the throwing motion or has just completed the throwing motion. This includes hitting the QB’s arm after they have released the ball.
5-yard penalty, automatic first down.
5. Defensive Pass Interference: - When a defensive player hinders an offensive player’s ability to catch a pass by making physical contact with the offensive player. - It is NOT forward-pass interference if: a. Unavoidable contact occurs when two or more players are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch or bat the pass. b. Contact by B is obviously away from the direction of the pass.
Spot foul 10-yard penalty and automatic first down
6. Defensive Holding: - When a defensive player holds up the offensive player while attempting to de-flag that player.
Spot foul 5 yards and automatic first down
7. Encroachment: - When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
5-yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
8. Tackling: - A player cannot tackle the ball carrier
10 yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
9. Sliding: - A player may not slide and/or dive to get the flag
10-yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
7. Coach and Player Conduct:
-Coaches and/or players who disrespectfully object to a game official’s call may be assessed an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
➢ No coach, player or substitute shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority of the contest.
➢ Examples are, but not limited to:
- Using Profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
-Attempting to influence a decision by a game official.
-Disrespectfully addressing a game official. o Failure of a head coach, following verification, to have his/her player(s) wear legal and/or required equipment.
-Being on the field except as a substitute or replaced player.
➢ Being outside the team box, but not on the field.
➢ These actions result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty enforcement, with a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul resulting in disqualification. Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty enforcement will be treated the same as a dead ball foul with the penalty being enforced from the spot of the ball at the end of the play. A second Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul will result in the coach or player being disqualified for the remainder of the game.
-Team captains should be the players that address the officials.
-Fighting is any attempt by a player or nonplayer to strike or engage a player or nonplayer in a combative manner unrelated to football. Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to strike an opponent with the arm, hand, leg, or foot, whether there is contact or not.
8. Scoring:
Touchdown: • 6 points
Flag Check: • After all scores the player must go to the nearest official for flag check. • Removing a Flag: § Player removing their own flag prior to a flag check will result in no score, loss of down and a warning. § Next infraction results in Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul. ➢ Tampering with a Flag: • If a player is determined to have tampered with their flag it will result in a loss of down and a warning. § Next infraction results in disqualification
Interceptions: 2 points
PATs
5yards-no run zone= 1 point
10 yards=2 points
If ball is intercepted on a PAT defense get 2 points.
-Once a team declares their choice for a 1- or 2-point conversion and the ball is declared ready for play by the officials, the team may change their decision only after calling a time-out
8. Play clock
-25 second to snap the ball. The 25 second starts when the ball and rushing bean bag are BOTH placed. If the 25 second clock expires than delay of game.
-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
-The QB has 7 seconds to get rid of the ball. If the QB does not get rid of the ball in 7 seconds than it is considered a sack and ball placed at LOS and loss of that down.
9. Mercy Rule:
-If the point deficit is 28 points or more, defense will get one more series to score and if defense fails to score game over.
-if at the end of first half Team A is winning by 28 points or more than TEAM B will start with the ball and will get one more series to score.
10. Overtime:
a. In the event the 2nd half ends in a tie, overtime will commence.
b. A coin toss shall decide who receives the ball first. • Winner of the coin toss can choose to be on offense first, defense first.
c. The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first extra period and shall have the first choice of options for subsequent even-numbered extra periods.
d. Teams will alternate possessions, starting at the 15 yard line and has one series of 4 to score. The line to gain is always the goal line regardless of whether a penalty enforcement places the ball more than 15 yards from the goal line to start a new series of downs.
e. Teams must score a TD and then may go for 1 or 2 points after a touchdown is scored.
f. Each team will have at least one possession during each over time unless Team B scores first. If team A scores first, team B will be given a series of down from their 15-yard
General Rules
a. Game length
1. Middle school 2 halves each 12 minutes each with a 3 minute break in between halves. High school 2 halves 15 minutes each with a 3 minute break in between halves.
2. Running clock unless change of possession.
3. 1 timeout per half and can carry over to second half if NOT used.
4. NO TIMEOUTS IN OT
b. Field
1. Field is one way ONLY 50 yards by 30 yards. Endzone is 10 yards
2. No run zones are 5 yards from each line to gain.
3. Team Area is 2 yards from each sideline.
c. Players
1. Must have at least 7 players to start a game
2. Minimum of 5 players to play a game.
d. Equipment
1. No metal cleats, screw in cleats or baseball cleats allowed
2. Shirts must be tucked in.
3. Shorts must be a different color than the flags.
4. NO pockets.
5. Flags must be on the hip and MUST be a different color than the shorts.
6. ALL players must wear flags before the ball comes lives. Failure to properly wear equipment will result in a DELAY OF GAME.
7. Teams may use there own balls which is either youth and/or intermediate.
8. ALL PLAYERS must have a mouth piece. YOU cant play in the game unless you have a mouth piece and mouth pieces will NOT be sold at the game.
9. NO SUNGLASSES, NO BEADS, NO BARRETTES and NO BOBBY PINS.
10. NO JEWERLY but can wear medical alert and/or religious medal just needs to be taped.
2. Game play rules
1. Offense
a. NO BLOCKING or MOVING screens allowed. NO EXCESSIVE CONTACT
b. ONLY one forward pass per play. Swing passes are allowed.
c. The offensive team may have an unlimited backward passes behind the LOS.
d. No player may throw the ball forward if that player is beyond the LOS.
e. The QB may intentionally ground the ball into the ground or out of bounds to avoid a sack. If the ball is thrown backwards or laterally and/or is dropped or goes out of bounds the ball is placed where it is goes out of bounds or hits the ground.
2. Rushing
a. All players are eligible to rush but ONLY ONE rusher can rush behind the bean bag and if there is a BLITZ the QB is allowed to run the ball. The BLITZER still has to be 7 yards away from the LOS.
b. QB can run the ball one time per series.
c. NO STIFF ARMING-Flag guarding penalty-5 yards from the spot and Loss of down.
d. On a BLITZ QB can run and it DOES NOT count as her one run per series.
3. NO RUN ZONES
a. NO RUN ZONES (Pass only) are 5 yards before each 1st down and end zones. First downs are at the 25 (3 series from the 40yard to get to the 25); then at the 10(3 series from the 25 yard to get to the 10); and goal (4 tries to score).
b. If a penalty takes the team out of the NO RUN ZONE ( more than 5 yards from the line to gain or from the end zone) then the team can pass or run.
c. QB CANT RUN in the NO RUN ZONE unless it is a BLITZ.
d. NO HAND OFFS in the NO RUN ZONE.
4. Receiving/Jumping/Fumbles
a. A reception is deemed made if: - The receiver possesses the ball before the ball contacts the ground and the receiver has a body part down in the field of play after possessing the ball.
b. The receiver may NOT use their hands or arms to move a defender to make a reception. The receiver MUST play the ball not the person.
c. No stiff arming-Flag guarding
d. NO JUMPING-A player may not leave her feet to avoid a flag from being pulled. IF done, official will blow the whistle and the player will be down at the spot where she left their feet
e. A player can spin but she CAN NOT JUMP or dive. Which includes but does not limit diving for flags.
f. Fumbles are dead as soon as they hit the ground.
g. Forward or backward fumbles will be placed at the spot where the ball crossed the out of bounds demarcation or hit the ground.
h. A fumble caught in the air by either team is a live ball and may be advanced (INTERCEPTION). The ball never hits the ground.
5. Defense
a. Blocking: No Blocking or Moving Screens allowed at any time • NO EXCESSIVE CONTACT will be allowed. A player can press off the line for up to two (2) yards BUT NO JAMMING. Defense can keep her hand on an offensive player hip for up to 5 yards off the LOS but after must let go. If defense does not let go then HOLDING penalty-spot foul 5 yards and automatic first down
b. Rushing/Blitzing: • Any defensive players can rush from any position on the field if they are 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
c. Teams may only rush up to two (2) players at a time.
d. Rushers must attempt to avoid any offensive players. Rusher has a clear route. If the rusher has to deviate from her route then IMPEDING the RUSHER penalty-5 yards from LOS and loss of down
e. NO EXCESSIVE contact is allowed.
f. Rusher must avoid hitting the QB’s arm, even on the follow through motion. Contact is ROUGHING THE PASSER penalty-5 yards from the LOS and automatic first down.
g. NO limit on the number of rushing attempts (BLITZS) by a team which also means that the QB can run on a BLITZ.
h. Pass Defense: • Receivers are allowed a free release from the line of scrimmage. NO Bump and Run coverage but can press. This is an illegal contact foul - 10-yard penalty and automatic first down. This would be enforced from the end of the related run (running play) or previous spot (pass play).
i. Defenders are not allowed to play through the receiver to make a play on the ball and must play through the ball.
j. Interceptions occur if: - The interceptor possesses the ball before the ball contacts the ground, & - The interceptor has a body part down in the field of play after possessing the ball.
k. Defensive interceptions are two (2 points)
l. Spotting of ball-ball is placed at the most forward point of the ball when flag is pulled.
6. Penalties
a. Offense
1. Illegal Contact: - When an offensive player makes excessive contact with a defensive player. - No Blocking or Moving Screens - 10-yard penalty from LOS and loss of down.
2. False Start: - When an offensive player moves in a way that simulates the start of a play-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
3. Offensive Pass Interference: - When an offensive player hinders a defensive player’s ability to catch a pass by making physical contact with the defensive player. - It is forward-pass interference if any player of A, who is beyond the neutral zone, interferes with an opponent's opportunity to move toward, catch, or bat a pass. – 5 yard penalty from LOS and a loss of down
4. It is NOT forward-pass interference if: a. Unavoidable contact occurs when two or more players are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch or bat the pass. b. Contact by A is immediately made on a B lineman and the contact does not continue beyond the neutral zone.
5. Illegal Forward Pass: - When a player is or has been past the line of scrimmage throws the ball forward or when more than one forward pass is thrown during a play. - 5-yard penalty from LOS and (loss of down, if by offense).
6. Illegal Quarterback Run: - When the quarterback runs the ball more than once per series of downs and not on a BLITZ. - 5-yard penalty from the LOS and loss of down
7. Illegal Shift/Illegal Motion: - When an offensive player in motion moves towards the LOS before the ball is snapped-offsides. Dead ball foul-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
8. A maximum of one (1) player in motion at a time. First person in motion must set off the LOS before the next person can go in motion. ILLEGAL motion penalty is 5 yards from the LOS and loss of down.
9. Flag Guarding: - When a player, either intentionally or accidentally, inhibits a player from deflagging them using their hands, arms, etc. (including stiff arming). – Spot foul 5-yard penalty from the spot of the infraction, loss of down.
10. Illegal Formation: - When the offensive team has more than 3 players lined up behind or off the line of scrimmage at the snap. - 5-yard penalty from the LOS and loss of down.
11. Hurdling/Spinning/Diving: - A player may not attempt to jump over an opponent. A player may not leave their feet off the ground and no DIVING in any direction to advance the ball. Spot foul 5 yard penalty from the LOS and Loss of down.
****Jump cuts are allowed.
b. Defense
1. Illegal Rush: - When a defensive player rushes the QB after being less than 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage at the snap.
-When more than two (2) players rush at a time and NOT a blitz.
5-yard penalty from the LOS and automatic first down
2. Illegal Contact: - When a defensive player makes excessive contact with an offensive player.
-A player may not run through the ball carrier when pulling a flag.
10-yard penalty from the LOS and automatic first down
3. Illegal Flag Pulling: - A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off a player who has not touched the ball.
5-yard penalty, automatic first down. - Run Play - enforced from end of run - Pass Play - Complete - enforced from end of related run - Pass Play - Incomplete - enforced from previous spot
4. Roughing the Passer: - When a defensive player contacts the QB while the QB is in the throwing motion or has just completed the throwing motion. This includes hitting the QB’s arm after they have released the ball.
5-yard penalty, automatic first down.
5. Defensive Pass Interference: - When a defensive player hinders an offensive player’s ability to catch a pass by making physical contact with the offensive player. - It is NOT forward-pass interference if: a. Unavoidable contact occurs when two or more players are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch or bat the pass. b. Contact by B is obviously away from the direction of the pass.
Spot foul 10-yard penalty and automatic first down
6. Defensive Holding: - When a defensive player holds up the offensive player while attempting to de-flag that player.
Spot foul 5 yards and automatic first down
7. Encroachment: - When a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
5-yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
8. Tackling: - A player cannot tackle the ball carrier
10 yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
9. Sliding: - A player may not slide and/or dive to get the flag
10-yard penalty from LOS and automatic first down
7. Coach and Player Conduct:
-Coaches and/or players who disrespectfully object to a game official’s call may be assessed an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
➢ No coach, player or substitute shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority of the contest.
➢ Examples are, but not limited to:
- Using Profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
-Attempting to influence a decision by a game official.
-Disrespectfully addressing a game official. o Failure of a head coach, following verification, to have his/her player(s) wear legal and/or required equipment.
-Being on the field except as a substitute or replaced player.
➢ Being outside the team box, but not on the field.
➢ These actions result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty enforcement, with a second unsportsmanlike conduct foul resulting in disqualification. Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty enforcement will be treated the same as a dead ball foul with the penalty being enforced from the spot of the ball at the end of the play. A second Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul will result in the coach or player being disqualified for the remainder of the game.
-Team captains should be the players that address the officials.
-Fighting is any attempt by a player or nonplayer to strike or engage a player or nonplayer in a combative manner unrelated to football. Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to strike an opponent with the arm, hand, leg, or foot, whether there is contact or not.
8. Scoring:
Touchdown: • 6 points
Flag Check: • After all scores the player must go to the nearest official for flag check. • Removing a Flag: § Player removing their own flag prior to a flag check will result in no score, loss of down and a warning. § Next infraction results in Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul. ➢ Tampering with a Flag: • If a player is determined to have tampered with their flag it will result in a loss of down and a warning. § Next infraction results in disqualification
Interceptions: 2 points
PATs
5yards-no run zone= 1 point
10 yards=2 points
If ball is intercepted on a PAT defense get 2 points.
-Once a team declares their choice for a 1- or 2-point conversion and the ball is declared ready for play by the officials, the team may change their decision only after calling a time-out
8. Play clock
-25 second to snap the ball. The 25 second starts when the ball and rushing bean bag are BOTH placed. If the 25 second clock expires than delay of game.
-5 yard penalty from LOS and loss of down
-The QB has 7 seconds to get rid of the ball. If the QB does not get rid of the ball in 7 seconds than it is considered a sack and ball placed at LOS and loss of that down.
9. Mercy Rule:
-If the point deficit is 28 points or more, defense will get one more series to score and if defense fails to score game over.
-if at the end of first half Team A is winning by 28 points or more than TEAM B will start with the ball and will get one more series to score.
10. Overtime:
a. In the event the 2nd half ends in a tie, overtime will commence.
b. A coin toss shall decide who receives the ball first. • Winner of the coin toss can choose to be on offense first, defense first.
c. The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first extra period and shall have the first choice of options for subsequent even-numbered extra periods.
d. Teams will alternate possessions, starting at the 15 yard line and has one series of 4 to score. The line to gain is always the goal line regardless of whether a penalty enforcement places the ball more than 15 yards from the goal line to start a new series of downs.
e. Teams must score a TD and then may go for 1 or 2 points after a touchdown is scored.
f. Each team will have at least one possession during each over time unless Team B scores first. If team A scores first, team B will be given a series of down from their 15-yard
