Official Rules of Elite 3 7v7 Showcase
1. Field Dimensions/Specs
(a) 40 yards in length – 40, 25 & 10 are the first down lines
(b) Between 145’ - 160’ in width
(c) 10 yards deep in End Zone
(d) Field hash marks are of high school dimensions
2. Team Members/ QB Tee
(a) Players
i. Each team has a maximum of 24 players. All players must be a
part of a team that’s on the official rosters. Adding a player
from another team is an automatic forfeit.
ii. All teams are not required to bring a quarterback tee but
must use it. No teams will be allowed to utilize an offensive
center.
1) If one team does not bring a tee it will be advised for both
teams to share their QB tee. It is your responsibility to keep
up with the QB tee so please mark it.
2) The quarterback/ personnel will be responsible for setting or
re-positioning the football tee at the line of scrimmage when
the referee make his spot.
iii. Boys Only
iv. Age Requirements
1) All players must be under the age of 19.
2) No Seniors who have graduated from high school may play.
(b) Coaches
i. Each team has a maximum of 4 coaches.
ii. One offensive coach may be in the huddle with players
between plays but when the huddle breaks the coach must move 5
yards back. No offensive players who is not in the game may be
on the field nor stand behind the huddle. Everyone must be on
the sideline.
iii. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field at any time
and must coach from the sideline.
3. Officials
(a) Each game will have a minimum of two (2) officials.
Positions are Referee/Field Judge and Back Judge. The referee
closest to the QB tee is responsible for calling time on the QB
tee and nobody else. One referee will be responsible for the
game time of 20 minutes and notifying both head coaches when the
last 2 minutes start.
(b) Each game will have a scorekeeper that will correspond with
the referee.
(c)Unsportsmanlike conduct– The referee has the power to keep
control when dealing with crowd, player, and coach on/around the
game fields. If a player is tossed from a game, he must not
return and will be done for that game. If a coach/parent/adult
is tossed from a game it will be a $100 fine from that
organization and must be paid before a team can continue or it
will be an automatic forfeit. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. Game Times
(a) Teams must be onsite and ready to start on time. If a team
is late or cannot start on time, the game clock will begin up to
5 minutes giving the team already there automatic possession and
the team that is late will begin on defense down 7 point. If a
team is late by more than 5 minutes they will forfeit the game.
(b) Games are twenty (20) minutes long, played with a twenty
(20) minute running clock with no dead balls. Playoff ONLY:
After the initial 20 minutes, the last 2 minutes are played as
regulation football game with clock stoppages only on incomplete
passes, running out of bounds, and timeouts.
football rules. Sacks (timer expires) is an automated loss of
down. Sacks in the last two minutes stop the clock as well.
(c) 1 timeout per team (30 sec) – during tournament bracket play
only and there no timeouts during pool play.
(d) Overtime: During tournament bracket play only
i. If overtime is required, teams will alternate three (3) plays
from the ten-yard line. Each team has an attempt to score in
each overtime period.
ii. Starting with the 3rd and subsequent overtimes, all PAT’s
must be 2 point attempts from the 10 yard line.
iii. Overtime periods are not timed.
iv. Each team is awarded one timeout during overtime period.
v. If a team intercepts the ball it will be counted as 3 points
and could end a game without having to play offense.
5. Scoring
(a) Six (6) points for a touchdown
(b) One (1) point for a PAT from 5 yard line
(c) Two (2) points for a PAT from 10 yard line
(d) Two (2) Points for Defensive Stop on downs
(e) Three (3) Points for Interception
(no runbacks or “pick 6”)
(f) Turnover on a PAT is dead ball (including INT)
(g) Official scores will be kept by field referee and sideline
scorekeeper.
6. Penalties
(a) Offense
i. Off-sides = Loss of Down
ii. Delay of Game = Loss of Down
1) Each team will have 25 seconds to snap
the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game
penalty will be assessed.
iii. Offense Pass interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down
iv. No penalty may be assessed in excess of the 40 yard line. If
a penalty would move the offense beyond the 40 yard line, the
offensive team shall be charged with a loss of down.
v. If the referee sees that the clock has exceeded 4.0 seconds,
the play is blown dead. The ball should be returned to the
original line of scrimmage with loss of down. If the QB proceeds
to throw the ball after the play has been blown dead, a penalty
for offensive delay of game will be assessed.
vi. Offensive team is responsible for retrieving and returning
the ball to the previous spot or the new scrimmage spot. Clock
does not stop and any delay by offense in retrieving and
returning the ball TO THE REFEREE will result in a delay of game
and will be a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot.
vii. If defensive holding occurs on the same play as a sack, the
defense will be penalized and the sack is void.
(b) Defense
i. Off sides = 5 yard penalty
ii. Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty
iii. Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul penalty and
automatic 1st down.
1) If Defensive Pass Interference occurs in the end zone, it
will result in a 1st down at the 1-yard line.
iv. Any dead ball penalty on the defense AFTER a change of
possession would result in a loss of down for that team’s
offense when they begin their ensuing possession.
v. Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense. The
defense is allowed an INITIAL disruption, and then must cover.
Excessive or prolonged contact will result in a “tack on”
penalty at the end of the play (5-yard penalty).
7. Turnovers/Deadballs
(a) Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the
neck with one or both hands. (Excessive force by shoving,
pushing, or striking a blow will be penalized by automatic first
down and 5 yards. Player can be expelled if ruled
unsportsmanlike & flagrant).
(b) Fumbles that hit the ground are dead balls at the spot with
the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap is not a
fumble/dead ball. The 4.0 second count remains in effect on
snaps.
(c) The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts
on the snap of the ball and stops as soon as the QB releases the
ball. If release is under 4.0 seconds, the play continues. Play
is blown dead after 4.0 seconds.
(d) Interceptions may not be returned – 3 points are awarded on
interception. Points for defensive stop and interception are not
“added together”. One or the other ends a possession with
defensive points.
(e) The offense must gain at least 15 yards in the first 3 or less
plays or the defense takes over. No 4th downs. (3) downs in all
zones.
8. No Appeals
(a) If during game play a coach or player disagrees with an
official’s judgment call, they may not dispute that call with
the official.
9. Additional Game Format Rules
(a) Pool Play – Team sides must be chosen prior to opening
possession.
(b) Bracket Play - Higher seed gets choice of offense/defense
for opening possession
(c) Ball always placed on the right hash mark when at the 40-
yard line. Offense has choice of hash once off of the 40-yard
line.
(d) No blitzing on defense
(e) No passer may run with the ball.
(f) All passes must be thrown forward. A pass caught behind the
line of scrimmage must be advanced by that receiver past the
line of scrimmage in the final 2:00 minutes or the clock stops.
No lateral passes.
(g) “NO RUNNING THE BALL” Hand offs, Toss in the backfield are
not allowed.
(h) All offensive formations must be legal sets. Receivers’
alignment should respect the tackle box.
(i) No blocking.
(j) No Cussing, No taunting or "trash talking. Will result in a
flag and then ejection.
(k) Fighting: Any team that fights will result in an automatic
forfeit of that game. Any player who throws a punch will be done
for the day. A $100 fines must be paid before the next game.
Organizations are responsible to get it paid. NO EXCEPTION!
10. Tiebreakers
(a) If two teams are tied at the end of pool play, the
tiebreaker is head-to-head records.
(b) If three or more teams are tied at the end of pool play, the
following criteria will be used to determine winners:
i. Head-to-head records
ii. Points allowed
iii. Points scored
iv. Coin flip
1. Uniforms
a) All teams are required to wear team uniforms.
b) Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with
plastic or rubber spikes. No metal spikes are allowed.
2. Helmets
a) All players are required to wear a helmet.
1. Field Dimensions/Specs
(a) 40 yards in length – 40, 25 & 10 are the first down lines
(b) Between 145’ - 160’ in width
(c) 10 yards deep in End Zone
(d) Field hash marks are of high school dimensions
2. Team Members/ QB Tee
(a) Players
i. Each team has a maximum of 24 players. All players must be a
part of a team that’s on the official rosters. Adding a player
from another team is an automatic forfeit.
ii. All teams are not required to bring a quarterback tee but
must use it. No teams will be allowed to utilize an offensive
center.
1) If one team does not bring a tee it will be advised for both
teams to share their QB tee. It is your responsibility to keep
up with the QB tee so please mark it.
2) The quarterback/ personnel will be responsible for setting or
re-positioning the football tee at the line of scrimmage when
the referee make his spot.
iii. Boys Only
iv. Age Requirements
1) All players must be under the age of 19.
2) No Seniors who have graduated from high school may play.
(b) Coaches
i. Each team has a maximum of 4 coaches.
ii. One offensive coach may be in the huddle with players
between plays but when the huddle breaks the coach must move 5
yards back. No offensive players who is not in the game may be
on the field nor stand behind the huddle. Everyone must be on
the sideline.
iii. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field at any time
and must coach from the sideline.
3. Officials
(a) Each game will have a minimum of two (2) officials.
Positions are Referee/Field Judge and Back Judge. The referee
closest to the QB tee is responsible for calling time on the QB
tee and nobody else. One referee will be responsible for the
game time of 20 minutes and notifying both head coaches when the
last 2 minutes start.
(b) Each game will have a scorekeeper that will correspond with
the referee.
(c)Unsportsmanlike conduct– The referee has the power to keep
control when dealing with crowd, player, and coach on/around the
game fields. If a player is tossed from a game, he must not
return and will be done for that game. If a coach/parent/adult
is tossed from a game it will be a $100 fine from that
organization and must be paid before a team can continue or it
will be an automatic forfeit. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. Game Times
(a) Teams must be onsite and ready to start on time. If a team
is late or cannot start on time, the game clock will begin up to
5 minutes giving the team already there automatic possession and
the team that is late will begin on defense down 7 point. If a
team is late by more than 5 minutes they will forfeit the game.
(b) Games are twenty (20) minutes long, played with a twenty
(20) minute running clock with no dead balls. Playoff ONLY:
After the initial 20 minutes, the last 2 minutes are played as
regulation football game with clock stoppages only on incomplete
passes, running out of bounds, and timeouts.
football rules. Sacks (timer expires) is an automated loss of
down. Sacks in the last two minutes stop the clock as well.
(c) 1 timeout per team (30 sec) – during tournament bracket play
only and there no timeouts during pool play.
(d) Overtime: During tournament bracket play only
i. If overtime is required, teams will alternate three (3) plays
from the ten-yard line. Each team has an attempt to score in
each overtime period.
ii. Starting with the 3rd and subsequent overtimes, all PAT’s
must be 2 point attempts from the 10 yard line.
iii. Overtime periods are not timed.
iv. Each team is awarded one timeout during overtime period.
v. If a team intercepts the ball it will be counted as 3 points
and could end a game without having to play offense.
5. Scoring
(a) Six (6) points for a touchdown
(b) One (1) point for a PAT from 5 yard line
(c) Two (2) points for a PAT from 10 yard line
(d) Two (2) Points for Defensive Stop on downs
(e) Three (3) Points for Interception
(no runbacks or “pick 6”)
(f) Turnover on a PAT is dead ball (including INT)
(g) Official scores will be kept by field referee and sideline
scorekeeper.
6. Penalties
(a) Offense
i. Off-sides = Loss of Down
ii. Delay of Game = Loss of Down
1) Each team will have 25 seconds to snap
the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game
penalty will be assessed.
iii. Offense Pass interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down
iv. No penalty may be assessed in excess of the 40 yard line. If
a penalty would move the offense beyond the 40 yard line, the
offensive team shall be charged with a loss of down.
v. If the referee sees that the clock has exceeded 4.0 seconds,
the play is blown dead. The ball should be returned to the
original line of scrimmage with loss of down. If the QB proceeds
to throw the ball after the play has been blown dead, a penalty
for offensive delay of game will be assessed.
vi. Offensive team is responsible for retrieving and returning
the ball to the previous spot or the new scrimmage spot. Clock
does not stop and any delay by offense in retrieving and
returning the ball TO THE REFEREE will result in a delay of game
and will be a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot.
vii. If defensive holding occurs on the same play as a sack, the
defense will be penalized and the sack is void.
(b) Defense
i. Off sides = 5 yard penalty
ii. Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty
iii. Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul penalty and
automatic 1st down.
1) If Defensive Pass Interference occurs in the end zone, it
will result in a 1st down at the 1-yard line.
iv. Any dead ball penalty on the defense AFTER a change of
possession would result in a loss of down for that team’s
offense when they begin their ensuing possession.
v. Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense. The
defense is allowed an INITIAL disruption, and then must cover.
Excessive or prolonged contact will result in a “tack on”
penalty at the end of the play (5-yard penalty).
7. Turnovers/Deadballs
(a) Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the
neck with one or both hands. (Excessive force by shoving,
pushing, or striking a blow will be penalized by automatic first
down and 5 yards. Player can be expelled if ruled
unsportsmanlike & flagrant).
(b) Fumbles that hit the ground are dead balls at the spot with
the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap is not a
fumble/dead ball. The 4.0 second count remains in effect on
snaps.
(c) The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts
on the snap of the ball and stops as soon as the QB releases the
ball. If release is under 4.0 seconds, the play continues. Play
is blown dead after 4.0 seconds.
(d) Interceptions may not be returned – 3 points are awarded on
interception. Points for defensive stop and interception are not
“added together”. One or the other ends a possession with
defensive points.
(e) The offense must gain at least 15 yards in the first 3 or less
plays or the defense takes over. No 4th downs. (3) downs in all
zones.
8. No Appeals
(a) If during game play a coach or player disagrees with an
official’s judgment call, they may not dispute that call with
the official.
9. Additional Game Format Rules
(a) Pool Play – Team sides must be chosen prior to opening
possession.
(b) Bracket Play - Higher seed gets choice of offense/defense
for opening possession
(c) Ball always placed on the right hash mark when at the 40-
yard line. Offense has choice of hash once off of the 40-yard
line.
(d) No blitzing on defense
(e) No passer may run with the ball.
(f) All passes must be thrown forward. A pass caught behind the
line of scrimmage must be advanced by that receiver past the
line of scrimmage in the final 2:00 minutes or the clock stops.
No lateral passes.
(g) “NO RUNNING THE BALL” Hand offs, Toss in the backfield are
not allowed.
(h) All offensive formations must be legal sets. Receivers’
alignment should respect the tackle box.
(i) No blocking.
(j) No Cussing, No taunting or "trash talking. Will result in a
flag and then ejection.
(k) Fighting: Any team that fights will result in an automatic
forfeit of that game. Any player who throws a punch will be done
for the day. A $100 fines must be paid before the next game.
Organizations are responsible to get it paid. NO EXCEPTION!
10. Tiebreakers
(a) If two teams are tied at the end of pool play, the
tiebreaker is head-to-head records.
(b) If three or more teams are tied at the end of pool play, the
following criteria will be used to determine winners:
i. Head-to-head records
ii. Points allowed
iii. Points scored
iv. Coin flip
1. Uniforms
a) All teams are required to wear team uniforms.
b) Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with
plastic or rubber spikes. No metal spikes are allowed.
2. Helmets
a) All players are required to wear a helmet.
