Federal Way Hawks Cup

Football (7v7), Football (5v5 Flag) Tournament  -  April 26, 2026

Air Raid 7v7 Tournament Rules and Information

Field Dimensions:
Field Length: 40 Yards (1st Down is at the 25 Yard Line and the 10 Yard Line)
Endzone Length: 10 Yards (Regulation)
Field Width: 53.33 Yards (Regulation)

Officiating Personnel:
1 QB Time-Keeper (Responsible for 4 second clock, calls in the tackle box, setting the ball/working with the center.)
2 Line Judges (Responsible for calls along their sideline and down the field, spotting the ball ; keep track of sideline’s use of single timeout and sideline’s use of “MONEYBALL”.)
1 Back Judge ( Responsible for calls deep and in the middle of the field / 25 MINUTE GAME CLOCK.)

NOTE: Ref’s are people too and most of our referee’s are college athletes/high school athletes that enjoy the game of football, enjoy being around kids, and enjoy the environment that football creates. These refs are there to support the young athletes participating in this sport and they want to be role models to these younger and aspiring athletes. However, there are those that choose to ruin the environment and fun of the game whether that is a coach, parent, or even player. THERE IS ZERO TOLERANCE in disrespect of the ref’s, field managers, event managers, OPPOSING TEAM COACHES, OPPOSING TEAM PLAYERS, or other personnel TRYING TO HAVE A GOOD TIIME. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE IF YOU ARE SEEN ACTING IN A DISRESPECTFUL MANNER. There will be mistakes and there will be bad calls, there always is. Please recognize that no one is perfect, we are here to have fun, and all come together to play and watch the game we love.

Game Times:
25 minute running clock
Each team gets 1 timeout per game.
25 second play clock - ONCE THE BALL IS SET
Quarterback has 4 seconds to throw the ball (10U & 11U will have 5 seconds to throw the ball).

Game Ball:
15U-18U: High School Size Football
12U-14U: Youth Size Football
10U-11U: Junior Size Football
***NOTE: Must be an official branded ball, NO Walmart footballs or Nerf footballs.

Starting the Game:
- 2 captains from each team will participate in either coin toss, rock-paper-scissors, or fastest player race for initial decision for ball or defense first.
- All players must have a mouthguard. Helmets are not required, but are HIGHLY HIGHL HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
- Team uniforms must match. They don’t need to be the same uniform, but we need them to be, at minimum, the same color.
- We highly encourage teams to bring a dark and a light colored jersey or shirt, just in case you do play a team that has a similar color scheme.
- Running game clock will start on the snap of the first play.

Rules on Player Gear:
- AGAIN!!! MOUTHGUARDS ARE REQUIRED! NO MOUTHGUARD NO PLAY! Helmets are not required but are HEAVILY ENCOURAGED.
- Players must wear standard football cleats (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, etc.) that have either rubber or plastic cleats.
- IMPORTANT: Swagger in dress and style is ENCOURAGED. We want to see these young athletes have fun but also show their personalities through their play and dress. Obviously stay focused on playing the game of football, but DON’T BE AFRAID to “drip”.

Game Rules/ Moving the Ball:
- Quarterbacks have 4 seconds to throw the ball (again - 10U& 11U have 5 seconds).
- Head official will start the 4 (5) second clock on “hike”, “hut, or “go”. (Essentially when the ball leaves the center's hand.)
- Ball will start at mid-field, then after that, teams can move from middle, to left hash or right hash.
- There are 2 first downs that can be attained before scoring. The first 1st down is at the 25 yard line. The second 1st down is at the 10 yard line. These will be marked with traditional yard markers.
- Offense has 3 downs to get a first down. If downs are not converted on the third down play, the ball will be turned over.
RUNNING THE BALL IS ALLOWED, UNLESS YOU ARE WITH IN THE RED ZONE. The Redzone is defined as 10 YARDS GOING IN (***Note: if the RB carries the ball from the 40 YD Line down to the 1 YD LINE ( the RB runs the ball 39 yards, somehow, without being touched, that is acceptable).
- NO BLOCKING AT ALL.
- Two receivers must be on the ball (one on each side of the formation - slot or wide). Receivers should check with the line judge every play / create good habits.
- Each team must have a center snap the ball (either on a knee or between the legs). The center is in-charge of setting up the ball in line with the side judges / with the help of the time keeper.  The center is NOT an eligible receiver - he cannot go out for a pass or receive a hand-off. IF AN INTERCEPTION DOES HAPPEN - the center is allowed to pursue the defender from returning the pick.
- Passes are ONE exchange, only. Interpretation: Center to "Quarterback" to WR. NO flea-flicker passes, no double passes, No reverses, hook n ladders, etc. I think we get the point.

Other Rules:
- One offensive coach is allowed on the field. No players behind (because of the pick six rule - which is discussed further down the list here).
- No defensive coaches on the field.
- No blocking. So special of a rule, we decided to put it in the rulebook, twice.
- No blatant picking or screening. Rub concepts and routes are allowed, rub receivers should continue on their route through the player if that is the intention, and not “square up”, “screen”, or “box-out” the defender.
- The Receiver/ Ball Carrier is down with the touch of ONE hand or both hands. This includes if the ball carrier is touched below the waist and above the shoulders.
- MUFFLED SNAPS ARE STILL PLAYABLE. The play is still alive as long as the QB gets the ball to a receiver within the allotted 4 (5) seconds they have to release the ball.
- Fumbles are dead on the spot. Offense still maintains possession.
- A GAME CANNOT END ON A DEFENSIVE PENALTY!!! AN UNTIMED DOWN IS REWARDED TO THE OFFENSE!
- Cheating = team disqualification from the entire event. ( WE SHOULDN’T HAVE AN ISSUE HERE - never have seen this or needed to have this enforced.)

Special Rules that make this Tournament Unique:
*** THE INTERCEPTION RULE *** : We have created this rule as an attempt to create better habits after you get an interception that will translate more to tackle football.
- If the ball is picked off = defense is rewarded 2 points and possession of the ball, like normal. This is also the case of the defense picks it and attempts to return the ball. It is still just the 2 points and possession of the ball.
- If a defender gets an interception and they return the ball back to the opposing 40-yard line (WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED BY AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER), defense will be awarded 6 points instead of the normal 2 points for an interception. THIS IS TREATED AS A TOUCHDOWN. The intercepting team (the defense that returned the pick) then has the option to take the automatic 1 point conversion, or can go for the 2 point conversion. Defense will remain on the field.
- If the ball is intercepted on a 2 POINT TRY, the defense can pick the ball off and be rewarded 2 points.
- INTERCEPTIONS on a 2 point try CANNOT BE RETURNED FOR 6.

BE SMART!^

*** IN THE RED ZONE ***: (10 YARDS and going in): The offense may elect to go for a 4th down try, from the 10 yard line and in. If the offense scores successfully on their 4th down try, offense is awarded 6 points and the xtra point try, per norm.
- If the DEFENSE is successful in stopping the OFFENSE on a “4TH DOWN TRY”, they will be awarded 4 POINTS and gain possession of the ball.
- REMEMBER - YOU CANNOT RUN THE BALL FROM THE 10 YARD LINE.

RISK?^

*** THE MONEY BALL RULE***: Each team has the option to elect "MONEY BALL". All ref's will yell "MONEY BALL, MONEY BALL, MONEY BALL!" so that all players and coaches are on the same page.
- Teams get 1 MONEY BALL POSSESSION PER GAME (it is not required to be used).
- MONEY BALL must be declared at the beginning of an offensive drive; on the 40 yd line.
*** OFFENSE SCORES ***: If the OFFENSE scores a touchdown on MONEY BALL; they are awarded 10 POINTs, instead of 6 points. THERE IS NO EXTRA POINT TRY with the 10 point reward.
*** IF DEFENSE GETS THE STOP ON A MONEY BALL ***: If the offense turns the ball over on downs at, the defense will be awarded 4 POINTS, in addition to gaining possession of the ball - similar to stopping the "4TH DOWN TRY".
*** OFFENSE THROWS A PICK ON A MONEY BALL ***: If the offense throws an interception on MONEY BALL, and the defense is tagged down, they will be awarded an automatic 6 POINTS. NO EXTRA POINT TRY.
*** DEFENSE RETURNS THE MONEYBALL FOR A "PICK 6" ***: If the offense throws an interception on MONEY BALL, AND the defense RETURNS THE BALL back to the 40 yard line WITHOUT BEIING TOUCHED, the defense is awarded the 10 POINTS. NO EXTRA POINT TRY. Offense (that threw the pick) stays on the field. Defense stays on the field.

USE IT WISELY!^

*** THE BLITZ RULE ***:
- Defense is allowed 1 BLITZ PER GAME.
- NO BLITZING ON THE 40 Yard Line; Offense must gain at least one yard from starting point prior to blitzing.
- The 4 second sack clock is no longer in effect once a blitz occurs.
- QUARTERBACKS ARE ALLOWED TO RUN for yards, should they escape the rush, if the blitz occurs AT ANY PLACE ON THE FIELD, INCLUDING INSIDE THE REDZONE.
- No blitzing up the middle; must rush the edge. (Edge is defined by 2-3 yards distance from the center - this is a pretty obvious rule, and our refs can obviously see it. Please don't try to argue with a ref if they call it. They have a better vantage point than you.)
- Blitzers must try to avoid contact with QB—tag only. Roughing the passer will result in a 15-yard penalty and automatic 1st down. (It is the blitzers responsibility to avoid contact with the quarterback. If the blitzer tackles or knocks down the quarterback, with intentions to do so, will the result of the play will be roughing the passer (15 yard penalty). Also remember that the blitzer is out to get the QB. There may be times they get tangled up a bit. The blitzer must simply tag the quarterback avoiding collusion with the body of the QB.
- There are NO SAFETIES if the QB or runner is tagged behind the 40 yard line; the ball is placed back on the 40 yard line.
- If there is an offsides penalty on your blitz, penalty will be enforced, but defense will still retain their blitz.
- If there is a roughing the passer call, pass interference, or "blitz up the middle" - that will count as a blitz and you will not retain that blitz.

SCORING:
OFFENSIVE:
- Touchdown: 6 points, extra points:
- 1 xtra point = automatic
- 2 xtra points = from the 10 yard line.
- Money Ball = automatic 10 points. NO EXTRA POINT TRY!

DEFENSIVE:
- Pick: 2 points (this includes on the xtra point try for 2)
- Pick 6 (Return to the 40): 6 points
- 1 xtra point = automatic
- 2 xtra points = from the 10 yard line.
- Money Ball Turn Over on Downs: automatic 4 points
- Money Ball Pick: 6 points. NO EXTRA POINT TRY.
- Money Ball Pick + Return to the 40: automatic 10 points. NO EXTRA POINT TRY!

Overtime Rules:
- NO OVERTIME IN POOL PLAY. Games will result in a tie on Zorts.
*** THERE WILL BE OVERTIME IN TOURNAMENT PLAY TO DECIDE A CLEAR WINNER ***:
- Each team gets 2 downs from the 10-yard line to score. If the offense scores, they may declare for the automatic 1 point or try to convert for 2 points.
- Defense will then become offense and have an opportunity to match it or beat it.
- Interceptions on the first series result in a win. Interpretation: if the defense picks the ball right out of the gate in overtime - the game is over.
- Interceptions cannot be returned for 6, but defense does get the ball to attempt to end the game.
- MONEYBALL CANNOT BE USED IN OVERTIME
- TIMEOUT CANNOT BE USED IN OVERTIME
*** OT1: After Touchdown; Option for automatic 1-point or go for 2. Decision is given.
*** OT2-OT4: After Touchdown; Teams must go for 2.
*** OT5: Longest Yard Challenge (coin toss to decide order). Team with the longest converted completion, from the 40 yard line on a single play, wins the game.

Penalties:
- Defensive P.I.= Ball on the spot foul + automatic 1st down.
- Defensive Holding: 10 yard penalty + repeat the down.
- Defensive Team Blocking (interception return attempt)  = no points awarded, at all.
- Blitz Up The Middle: Loss of Blitz. 5 yard penalty.
- Illegal Blitz: Blitzing more than once in a game, 5 yard penalty.
- Roughing the Passer = 15 yard penalty + automatic 1st down + loss of blitz
- Tackling = 10 yard penalty, 1st down and warning. 2nd offense is ejection from the game. 3rd offense is ejection from the tournament.
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct = 10 yard penalty

- Offensive Pass Interference: Loss of the current down + ball returned to previous spot.
- Illegal Formation: Loss of Down
- Offensive Blocking: Loss of the down + ball returned to the previous spot.
- Delay of Game: Loss of down.
- Running in the Red Zone (10 yards going in) = Loss of Down. Ball returned to previous spot.

- Fighting = possible ejection from the game. Not the event. Second offense = ejection from the entire event.
- Cussing = if players cuss other players out, they will receive a warning. Second offense is unsportsmanlike conduct. Third offense is ejection from the game.
- DEROGATORY REMARKS OR RACIAL SLURS used towards another player on another team = EJECTION FROM THE ENTIRE EVENT

Celebrations:
WE ENCOURAGE CELEBRATIONS - DO WHAT YOU WANT, BUT UNDERSTAND THE TEAM TAKING THE FIELD DOES NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR YOU TO GET SET UP. YOUR DECISION ON WHAT TO DO.
- No punting opponents ball = will result in a forfeit. Second time will result in ejection for the entire team from the tournament.
- No guns or gun motions AIMED at players! That will result in ejection from the game. Second offense will result in ejection for the entire team from the tournament. Yes, you can shoot the ball out of the sky.

COACH TO REF COMMUNICATION - ONLY HEAD COACH WILL COMMUNICATE WITH THE REFS. COACHES THAT STEP OUT OF LINE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE FIELD. RESISTANCE WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE GROUNDS ENTIRELY (HAVEN'T HAD AN ISSUE HERE).

Let's make this a GREAT and FUN tournament. We are excited to bring more talent from within and outside of East Idaho. Show us what you got.

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