Battle for the Crown
Football (5v5 Flag) Tournament - October 17 to October 18, 2026
5v5 Rules - Girls Flag Football
Rosters + Format
1. Teams are composed of a minimum of 5 players. There are 5 players per team on the playing field at one time.
2. If a player is found playing on a team illegally, the coach, illegal player, and/or team may be removed from the event.
3. Pool Play - Each team will be playing a minimum of 2 games with opponents being decided at random.
4. Bracket Play (Single Elimination) - Each team will play a minimum of 1 game. Sunday's bracket play is single elimination. You lose, you're out. You win, you keep playing.
General
1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of direction. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the game on defense.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to score a touchdown.
a. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, on 3 downs, and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its own
5-yard line. If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not cross field, the opposing team will start its possession from the spot.
b. Offensive Teams MUST declare 4th down intent.
“Play or Punt”, when asked by the referee and prior to the ‘Ready for Play’.
c. Teams may use a timeout only to change the declaration of “Play” at any time prior to the expiration of the play clock.
d. If the declaration is “Punt” the ball changes possession and will be placed at the opposing Team’s 5-yard line, 1st down, with NO option to change the declaration.
e. If the offense fails to score, after crossing midfield the ball changes possession and the new offensive Team starts at its 5-yard line.
5. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the team that started the game on defense.
6. Field Dimension: 25 yards wide by 70 yards with two 7-yard endzones
Both with a midfield line to gain. No Run zones are located five yards prior to the line to gain and five yards prior to the endzone in the offense’s direction.
7. No-run zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays. While in the no-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion. All plays must be pass plays, even with a handoff.
8. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
9. Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, and one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
Team Equipment + Game Attire
1. The game ball will be provided by each team for every game. Each team is allowed to use the ball they provided for offense. The provided football MUST Adhere to the size requirements listed below:
8U and younger divisions will use a Pee-Wee sized football
10U-HS divisions will use a Junior sized football.
2. All players must wear Pop belts and flags ie. Shruumz. All players MUST wear mouth guards at all times while on the field. Game balls should be age specific.
3. Players must wear shoes. Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations. This will be specified by your league organizer or site director. However, cleats with exposed metal are never allowed and must be removed.
4. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
5. Players may wear soft shell helmets and sunglasses but they must be secured at ALL times while on the field.
6. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the belt line.
7. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants with belt loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up pockets.
8. Participants must bring their own game balls, official Pop FLAG belts and mouth guards to the field. Mouth guards may be available for purchase.
a. Flag belts and flags cannot be the same color as the shorts or pants.
Timing and Overtime
1. Games are played on a 24-minute continuous clock with two 12-minute halves, 25-second play clock and one 30-second timeout per half.
2. Halftime is 2 minutes.
3. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 40 seconds to snap the ball.
4. Each team has one 30-second timeout per half. They do not carry over.
5. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
6. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.
7. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play during pool play games, the game will result in a tie.
8. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play during bracket play games, an overtime period will be used to determine a winner. Overtime format, when applicable, is as follows:
a. Home team calls the toss to determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.
i. If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime. This process continues with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on offense or defense to start out during every round of overtime.
ii. The referee will determine which end of the field the overtime will take place on.
b. Each team will take turns getting one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point or the defense’s 10-yard line for two points. Whether to go for one or two points is up to the offensive team. Whether or not the team that begins on offense converts the team that started on defense gets a chance on offense to win or tie by converting a one- or two-point play of their own.
i. Example: Team A starts on offense and chooses to go for one point from the 5-yard line and is successful. Team B is then on offense and can choose to either go for one point from the 5-yard line to tie and force a second round of overtime or to go for two points from the 10-yard line for the win.
ii. If the second team on offense in an overtime round fails to beat or match the team that went first, the team that went first wins.
c. Starting with the 2nd overtime, both teams must "go for two" from the 10-yard line.
d. Starting with the 3rd overtime, each team will get 1 play from the 5 yard line going out from the end zone. The team with the most yards will be the winner. The team with the most yards will be awarded 1 point added to their final score.
e. Final Score will be recorded to include all points scored for each team.
f. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
g. There are no timeouts.
h. Interceptions are returnable in OT, and worth 2 points.
i. Interceptions returned for a score in the first or second overtime period, the game is over.
ii. Interceptions advanced in the third overtime period, the game is over.
b. Each team has one rules challenge for the entire overtime session.
Scoring
1. Touchdown: 6 points
2. PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line)
a. Note: 1 point PAT is pass only; 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
3. Interceptions returned for scores during regular game play are worth six points, conversions or overtime are worth two points.
4. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-point conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line). Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty.
5. After one team is winning by 35 points or more, the game is over. TEAMS may elect to continue but no additional points scored will be added.
6. Forfeits are scored 35-0 for the winning team.
7. The coaches, officials and scorekeeper must verify the score sheet. If a coach does not verify the score sheet before leaving the field, the scorekeeper will note on that score sheet and the score will be FINAL.
Coaches
1. Coaches are expected to adhere to code of conduct.
2. Coaches are permitted to coach on the sideline (8U may have one coach on the field)
a. All team photographers, managers, position coaches, team moms, fans, etc. are required and must remain a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the designated league viewing area.
b. Coaches, this is your responsibility to keep your fans and any other team associated members in the designated areas.
c. Only three coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines. ONLY THE HEAD COACH CAN ADDRESS THE GAME OFFICIALS.
Live Ball/Dead Ball
2. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
3. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage.
a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. Regarding the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.
4. A player who gains possession of the ball in the air is considered in bounds as long as the first foot or a body part other than the hand contacts the ground in the field of play with possession.
5. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
6. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
7. Any official can whistle the play dead.
8. Play is ruled “dead” when:
a. The ball hits the ground.
i. If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is then placed where the ball hit the ground.
b. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
d. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
e. The ball-carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
f. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
g. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s).
h. The 7 second pass clock expires.
i. Inadvertent whistle
j. Ball-carrier leaves their feet diving or to hurdle a player.
NOTE: There are no fumbles, ground contact does not have to be made. If the ball is fumbled forwards, then it will be spotted where the ball carrier lost possession. Loss of possession is a DEAD BALL.
9. If inadvertent whistle occurs the offense has two options:
A) take the ball where the whistle blew, and the down is consumed
B) replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
If it occurs on the last play of the half or game, the offense will be awarded one untimed down and given those two options.
10. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the official’s ruling is correct, the team will be charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the timeout will not be charged, and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all
agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call.
11. Officials should all agree in order to change a call on the field that is in dispute
Running
1. The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
2. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap.
3. Teams may handoff unlimited times in the backfield. Handoffs are allowed forward or backwards when behind the line of scrimmage, and only backwards beyond the line of scrimmage. A handoff DOES NOT count as a lateral/throwback.
3a. Lateral rules:
13U and younger may lateral once behind the line of scrimmage per play, but may not lateral/ pitch/handoff at any time past the line of scrimmage.
Divisions 14U and older may execute unlimited laterals in the backfield and downfield.
Any player who receives a handoff, pitch or lateral behind the line of scrimmage may throw the ball as long as he or she is not fully beyond the line of scrimmage.
4. A forward pass DOES NOT have to cross the LOS to be a legal play.
5. If the ball is placed on the “Back” of ANY player, the player MUST run the ball (no give and go to the QB on the back)
6. “Center sneak” play is no longer allowed. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the center on the first handoff of the play.
7. Once the ball has been handed off, in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, the seven-second passing clock is eliminated and all defensive players are eligible to rush.
8. No-run Zones are located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive – one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and
one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
9. Runners are not permitted to dive or hurdle any player while advancing the ball.
10. Ballcarriers may leave their feet and the play will continue for spinning, jump cuts, QB’s passing progression or if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid a collision with another player and the play will continue without stoppage. However, if while leaving the ground, contact is made unnecessary roughness penalty may be enforced by the official.
11. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
12. Offensive players in close proximity of the ball-carrier must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier.
13. Flag obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.
Passing
1. The quarterback has 7 seconds to pass the ball if there is no rush. If the ball is not thrown, then the play is dead. After the ball is ruled dead it is returned to the line of scrimmage.
2. Once the ball is handed off or pitched backwards the 7 second count stops. If the defensive team rushes, then there is no 7 second count.
a. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).
b. If the quarterback throws the ball and then catches it, the play is dead and treated like an incomplete pass.
Receiving
1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be lateral to the line of scrimmage and no motion is permitted toward the line of scrimmage.
3. A player must have at least one foot or other body part in bounds, contacting the ground first with possession.
4. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.
5. Interceptions are returnable. If returned for a score during regular game play, the score will be worth six points, two points if returned during conversions and/or overtime.
Rushing the Passer
1. Players that blitz/rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
2. The 7 yards will be measured off by a referee.
3. Players that are not 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped may not enter into the backfield until there is a change of possession.
4. The blitzer/rusher is allowed a direct lane to the line of scrimmage as long as he or she rushes from either side of the center or outside the bunch formation. The offense must avoid interfering with the rusher if he or she has established a lane. Officials will announce LANE or NO LANE for rushers/blitzers prior to the snap. This is a judgement call/decision based on the spacing between the players in the offensive formation.
5. The rush of a blitzer has to be immediately after the snap, quick and straight towards the point where the quarterback receives the snap in order to retain the right of way. If a blitzer is rushing late, slowly, aiming at another spot, changing direction during the rush or just does not rush the quarterback, the player loses the right of way but still can participate as any other defensive player.
6. A sack occurs if the quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball will be spotted where possession of the ball is once the flag is pulled.
7. Up to two (2) players can rush the quarterback.
8. Rushers MUST identify themselves by raising their hand before the snap.
Flag Pulling
1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.
2. Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.
4. If a player's flag inadvertently falls off during a play while that player has possession,
the player is down immediately and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.
5. If a player who has one or no flags in their belt takes possession of the ball, the play is dead at that spot on the field.
6. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.
7. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball-carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping the head, hand, ball, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey.
Formations
1. Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and up to four players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
a. Teams may shift formations prior to the snap as long as they are set for at least 1 second before the ball is snapped.
b. One player at a time may go in motion at least 1 yard behind the line of scrimmage.
2. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.
3. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will
be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
2. Offensive or confrontational language is NOT allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the officials will determine if a warning or immediate ejection is warranted.
3. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
4. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
5. Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players and are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
ROUGH PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
b. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly and adhere to league requirements for seating:
a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area.
c. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
8. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Penalties
i. General
1. The referee will call all penalties.
2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
3. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted. (Spot fouls)
4. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players may not question calls.
5. Games or halves may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
6. Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete.
7. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.
8. Spot fouls in end zone: Defensive (Ball on one-yard line, first down)/Offensive (Safety)
ii. Defensive spot fouls
Defensive pass interference
Automatic first down
Holding
+5 yards and automatic first down
Stripping
+5 yards and automatic first down
iii. Offensive spot fouls
Screening or blocking
-5 yards and loss of down
Charging
-5 yards and loss of down
Flag guarding
-5 yards and loss of down
iv. Defensive penalties
Defensive unnecessary roughness
+10 yards and automatic first down
Defensive unsportsmanlike conduct
+10 yards and automatic first down
Offside / illegal substitution
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal rush (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal flag pull (Before the receiver has the ball)
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Roughing the passer
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Taunting
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
v. Offensive penalties
Offensive unnecessary roughness
-10 yards and loss of down
Offensive unsportsmanlike conduct
-10 yards and loss of down
Offside / false start / illegal substitution
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal forward pass (Any pass received or lands behind the line of scrimmage or throwing a pass after crossing the line of scrimmage)
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Offensive pass interference
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal motion (More than one person moving)
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Delay of game
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Impeding the rusher
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal Procedure
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Rosters + Format
1. Teams are composed of a minimum of 5 players. There are 5 players per team on the playing field at one time.
2. If a player is found playing on a team illegally, the coach, illegal player, and/or team may be removed from the event.
3. Pool Play - Each team will be playing a minimum of 2 games with opponents being decided at random.
4. Bracket Play (Single Elimination) - Each team will play a minimum of 1 game. Sunday's bracket play is single elimination. You lose, you're out. You win, you keep playing.
General
1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of direction. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the game on defense.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to score a touchdown.
a. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, on 3 downs, and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its own
5-yard line. If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not cross field, the opposing team will start its possession from the spot.
b. Offensive Teams MUST declare 4th down intent.
“Play or Punt”, when asked by the referee and prior to the ‘Ready for Play’.
c. Teams may use a timeout only to change the declaration of “Play” at any time prior to the expiration of the play clock.
d. If the declaration is “Punt” the ball changes possession and will be placed at the opposing Team’s 5-yard line, 1st down, with NO option to change the declaration.
e. If the offense fails to score, after crossing midfield the ball changes possession and the new offensive Team starts at its 5-yard line.
5. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the team that started the game on defense.
6. Field Dimension: 25 yards wide by 70 yards with two 7-yard endzones
Both with a midfield line to gain. No Run zones are located five yards prior to the line to gain and five yards prior to the endzone in the offense’s direction.
7. No-run zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays. While in the no-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion. All plays must be pass plays, even with a handoff.
8. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
9. Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, and one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
Team Equipment + Game Attire
1. The game ball will be provided by each team for every game. Each team is allowed to use the ball they provided for offense. The provided football MUST Adhere to the size requirements listed below:
8U and younger divisions will use a Pee-Wee sized football
10U-HS divisions will use a Junior sized football.
2. All players must wear Pop belts and flags ie. Shruumz. All players MUST wear mouth guards at all times while on the field. Game balls should be age specific.
3. Players must wear shoes. Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations. This will be specified by your league organizer or site director. However, cleats with exposed metal are never allowed and must be removed.
4. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
5. Players may wear soft shell helmets and sunglasses but they must be secured at ALL times while on the field.
6. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the belt line.
7. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants with belt loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up pockets.
8. Participants must bring their own game balls, official Pop FLAG belts and mouth guards to the field. Mouth guards may be available for purchase.
a. Flag belts and flags cannot be the same color as the shorts or pants.
Timing and Overtime
1. Games are played on a 24-minute continuous clock with two 12-minute halves, 25-second play clock and one 30-second timeout per half.
2. Halftime is 2 minutes.
3. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 40 seconds to snap the ball.
4. Each team has one 30-second timeout per half. They do not carry over.
5. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
6. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.
7. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play during pool play games, the game will result in a tie.
8. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play during bracket play games, an overtime period will be used to determine a winner. Overtime format, when applicable, is as follows:
a. Home team calls the toss to determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.
i. If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime. This process continues with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on offense or defense to start out during every round of overtime.
ii. The referee will determine which end of the field the overtime will take place on.
b. Each team will take turns getting one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point or the defense’s 10-yard line for two points. Whether to go for one or two points is up to the offensive team. Whether or not the team that begins on offense converts the team that started on defense gets a chance on offense to win or tie by converting a one- or two-point play of their own.
i. Example: Team A starts on offense and chooses to go for one point from the 5-yard line and is successful. Team B is then on offense and can choose to either go for one point from the 5-yard line to tie and force a second round of overtime or to go for two points from the 10-yard line for the win.
ii. If the second team on offense in an overtime round fails to beat or match the team that went first, the team that went first wins.
c. Starting with the 2nd overtime, both teams must "go for two" from the 10-yard line.
d. Starting with the 3rd overtime, each team will get 1 play from the 5 yard line going out from the end zone. The team with the most yards will be the winner. The team with the most yards will be awarded 1 point added to their final score.
e. Final Score will be recorded to include all points scored for each team.
f. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
g. There are no timeouts.
h. Interceptions are returnable in OT, and worth 2 points.
i. Interceptions returned for a score in the first or second overtime period, the game is over.
ii. Interceptions advanced in the third overtime period, the game is over.
b. Each team has one rules challenge for the entire overtime session.
Scoring
1. Touchdown: 6 points
2. PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line)
a. Note: 1 point PAT is pass only; 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
3. Interceptions returned for scores during regular game play are worth six points, conversions or overtime are worth two points.
4. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-point conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line). Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty.
5. After one team is winning by 35 points or more, the game is over. TEAMS may elect to continue but no additional points scored will be added.
6. Forfeits are scored 35-0 for the winning team.
7. The coaches, officials and scorekeeper must verify the score sheet. If a coach does not verify the score sheet before leaving the field, the scorekeeper will note on that score sheet and the score will be FINAL.
Coaches
1. Coaches are expected to adhere to code of conduct.
2. Coaches are permitted to coach on the sideline (8U may have one coach on the field)
a. All team photographers, managers, position coaches, team moms, fans, etc. are required and must remain a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the designated league viewing area.
b. Coaches, this is your responsibility to keep your fans and any other team associated members in the designated areas.
c. Only three coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines. ONLY THE HEAD COACH CAN ADDRESS THE GAME OFFICIALS.
Live Ball/Dead Ball
2. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
3. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage.
a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. Regarding the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.
4. A player who gains possession of the ball in the air is considered in bounds as long as the first foot or a body part other than the hand contacts the ground in the field of play with possession.
5. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
6. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
7. Any official can whistle the play dead.
8. Play is ruled “dead” when:
a. The ball hits the ground.
i. If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is then placed where the ball hit the ground.
b. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
d. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
e. The ball-carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
f. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
g. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s).
h. The 7 second pass clock expires.
i. Inadvertent whistle
j. Ball-carrier leaves their feet diving or to hurdle a player.
NOTE: There are no fumbles, ground contact does not have to be made. If the ball is fumbled forwards, then it will be spotted where the ball carrier lost possession. Loss of possession is a DEAD BALL.
9. If inadvertent whistle occurs the offense has two options:
A) take the ball where the whistle blew, and the down is consumed
B) replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
If it occurs on the last play of the half or game, the offense will be awarded one untimed down and given those two options.
10. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the official’s ruling is correct, the team will be charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the timeout will not be charged, and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all
agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call.
11. Officials should all agree in order to change a call on the field that is in dispute
Running
1. The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
2. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap.
3. Teams may handoff unlimited times in the backfield. Handoffs are allowed forward or backwards when behind the line of scrimmage, and only backwards beyond the line of scrimmage. A handoff DOES NOT count as a lateral/throwback.
3a. Lateral rules:
13U and younger may lateral once behind the line of scrimmage per play, but may not lateral/ pitch/handoff at any time past the line of scrimmage.
Divisions 14U and older may execute unlimited laterals in the backfield and downfield.
Any player who receives a handoff, pitch or lateral behind the line of scrimmage may throw the ball as long as he or she is not fully beyond the line of scrimmage.
4. A forward pass DOES NOT have to cross the LOS to be a legal play.
5. If the ball is placed on the “Back” of ANY player, the player MUST run the ball (no give and go to the QB on the back)
6. “Center sneak” play is no longer allowed. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the center on the first handoff of the play.
7. Once the ball has been handed off, in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, the seven-second passing clock is eliminated and all defensive players are eligible to rush.
8. No-run Zones are located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive – one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and
one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
9. Runners are not permitted to dive or hurdle any player while advancing the ball.
10. Ballcarriers may leave their feet and the play will continue for spinning, jump cuts, QB’s passing progression or if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid a collision with another player and the play will continue without stoppage. However, if while leaving the ground, contact is made unnecessary roughness penalty may be enforced by the official.
11. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
12. Offensive players in close proximity of the ball-carrier must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier.
13. Flag obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.
Passing
1. The quarterback has 7 seconds to pass the ball if there is no rush. If the ball is not thrown, then the play is dead. After the ball is ruled dead it is returned to the line of scrimmage.
2. Once the ball is handed off or pitched backwards the 7 second count stops. If the defensive team rushes, then there is no 7 second count.
a. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).
b. If the quarterback throws the ball and then catches it, the play is dead and treated like an incomplete pass.
Receiving
1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be lateral to the line of scrimmage and no motion is permitted toward the line of scrimmage.
3. A player must have at least one foot or other body part in bounds, contacting the ground first with possession.
4. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.
5. Interceptions are returnable. If returned for a score during regular game play, the score will be worth six points, two points if returned during conversions and/or overtime.
Rushing the Passer
1. Players that blitz/rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
2. The 7 yards will be measured off by a referee.
3. Players that are not 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped may not enter into the backfield until there is a change of possession.
4. The blitzer/rusher is allowed a direct lane to the line of scrimmage as long as he or she rushes from either side of the center or outside the bunch formation. The offense must avoid interfering with the rusher if he or she has established a lane. Officials will announce LANE or NO LANE for rushers/blitzers prior to the snap. This is a judgement call/decision based on the spacing between the players in the offensive formation.
5. The rush of a blitzer has to be immediately after the snap, quick and straight towards the point where the quarterback receives the snap in order to retain the right of way. If a blitzer is rushing late, slowly, aiming at another spot, changing direction during the rush or just does not rush the quarterback, the player loses the right of way but still can participate as any other defensive player.
6. A sack occurs if the quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball will be spotted where possession of the ball is once the flag is pulled.
7. Up to two (2) players can rush the quarterback.
8. Rushers MUST identify themselves by raising their hand before the snap.
Flag Pulling
1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.
2. Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.
4. If a player's flag inadvertently falls off during a play while that player has possession,
the player is down immediately and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.
5. If a player who has one or no flags in their belt takes possession of the ball, the play is dead at that spot on the field.
6. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.
7. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball-carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping the head, hand, ball, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey.
Formations
1. Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and up to four players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
a. Teams may shift formations prior to the snap as long as they are set for at least 1 second before the ball is snapped.
b. One player at a time may go in motion at least 1 yard behind the line of scrimmage.
2. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.
3. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will
be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
2. Offensive or confrontational language is NOT allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the officials will determine if a warning or immediate ejection is warranted.
3. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
4. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
5. Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players and are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
ROUGH PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
b. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly and adhere to league requirements for seating:
a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area.
c. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
8. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Penalties
i. General
1. The referee will call all penalties.
2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
3. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted. (Spot fouls)
4. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players may not question calls.
5. Games or halves may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
6. Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete.
7. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.
8. Spot fouls in end zone: Defensive (Ball on one-yard line, first down)/Offensive (Safety)
ii. Defensive spot fouls
Defensive pass interference
Automatic first down
Holding
+5 yards and automatic first down
Stripping
+5 yards and automatic first down
iii. Offensive spot fouls
Screening or blocking
-5 yards and loss of down
Charging
-5 yards and loss of down
Flag guarding
-5 yards and loss of down
iv. Defensive penalties
Defensive unnecessary roughness
+10 yards and automatic first down
Defensive unsportsmanlike conduct
+10 yards and automatic first down
Offside / illegal substitution
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal rush (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal flag pull (Before the receiver has the ball)
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Roughing the passer
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Taunting
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
v. Offensive penalties
Offensive unnecessary roughness
-10 yards and loss of down
Offensive unsportsmanlike conduct
-10 yards and loss of down
Offside / false start / illegal substitution
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal forward pass (Any pass received or lands behind the line of scrimmage or throwing a pass after crossing the line of scrimmage)
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Offensive pass interference
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal motion (More than one person moving)
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Delay of game
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Impeding the rusher
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal Procedure
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
