MARYLAND SHORE BOYZ ELITE
BATTLE AT THE COAST TOURNAMENT
OFFICIAL RULE BOOK – 2026

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Battle at the Coast Tournament is a competitive 7-on-7 football event promoting sportsmanship, skill, and fair play. All participants must follow all rules. Violations may result in penalties or disqualification.

2. TEAM ROSTERS
Maximum 24 players per team.

3. UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
All players must wear same color jerseys. Numbered jerseys are recommended.
GameBreaker soft helmets and mouthguards are encouraged.

4. FIELD DIMENSIONS
50-yard field total
40-yard playing field + 10-yard end zone

5. GAME FORMAT
20-minute running clock
No overtime in pool play
Clock stops only for injury or referee timeout



6. NEW POSSESSION RULE
Players may NOT enter field before possession change.
Teams must stay in on-deck area.

7. MOVING THE BALL
Starts at 40-yard line
3 downs to reach 25 and 10-yard lines
Inside 10 = 3 downs to score

8. QB RULES
QB cannot run
4-second throw clock (if arm is in motion the play continues)
One exchange only

9. RUNNING RULES
No running at all.

10. BLITZ RULES
No blitz at 40-yard line
1 blitz per game allowed after yard gained
Illegal blitz = 15 yards + first down





11. SCORING
TD = 6
XP (5 yd) = 1
XP (10 yd) = 2
INT = 3 points
Defensive Stop = 2

12. INTERCEPTION RULE
Ball placed at 30-yard line + 2 points
Unsportsmanlike = no points + penalty

13. COACHING RULES
1 offensive coach on field
No defensive coaches on field
Coaches stay inside 20-yard box

14. SIDELINE WARNINGS
1st = warning
2nd = penalty
3rd = coach removed

15. CONDUCT RULES
Head coach responsible for team and fans
Unsportsmanlike = 15 yards


16. BLOCKING
No blocking allowed
Penalty = loss of down

17. BALL CARRIER
Down when touched below neck or hits ground

18. FUMBLES
Dead ball at spot

19. DELAY OF GAME
25 seconds to snap
Penalty = loss of down

20. PASS INTERFERENCE
Defense = 15 yards + first down
Offense = loss of down

21. CELEBRATIONS
Excessive celebration = penalty

22. FIGHTING
Punch = ejection from tournament
Bench clearing = both teams disqualified


23. OVERTIME (BRACKET ONLY)
2 plays from 10-yard line
Passing only
If tied = longest pass wins

24. SEEDING
Win/Loss
Point differential
Coin flip if needed

25. PHOTOGRAPHER RULE
photographers allowed
Must stay 10 yards behind offense

26. CHEATING
Automatic disqualification

27. OFFICIAL AUTHORITY
Referees have final say unless rule violation occurs




Offensive Penalties
Penalty     Result
False Start     Loss of Down
Delay of Game     Loss of Down
Illegal Forward Pass     Loss of Down
Blocking     Loss of Down
Offensive Pass Interference     Loss of Down
Unnecessary Roughness     Loss of Down
Unsportsmanlike Conduct     15 yards + Loss of Down

Defensive Penalties
Penalty     Result
Encroachment     5 yards + Repeat Down
Holding     10 yards + Repeat Down
Pass Interference     15 yards + First Down
Unnecessary Roughness     15 yards
Illegal Participation     5 yards + Repeat Down
Additional Blitz     15 yards + First Down
Unsportsmanlike Conduct     15 yards + First Down