2025 City of Oaks Tournament Rules
FIELD:
The playing field will be 40 yards in length, plus a 10 yard end zone.
.
BALL:
Teams should use at least the appropriate size ball for their age group. A team may use a larger leather or composite leather ball as well. You may not use smaller footballs for the designed age group. A ref may inspect the ball and verify appropriate size during the game.


TIME:
Pool Play - The game is 20 minutes, running clock.
Bracket Play -  Final 1 minutes will be played with a regulation clock. The clock will stop for first downs, out of bounds, and timeouts.

Each team will have one 30 second time-out per game. (In case of injury the clock will stop at the discretion of the referee. Any stoppage by the referee will require the injured player to leave the field for a single play).

If the defensive team commits a penalty in the last 2 minutes of a game the clock will stop, and not start until the following snap. If the defensive team is behind the clock will start on the ready to play when the ball is spotted.

A 25-second play clock is in effect and begins on the referees’ whistle after the ball is spotted.

POSSESSION OF THE BALL:
Possession will be decided by a coin toss. All possessions start at the 40-yard line to start a game or after a turnover on downs. In bracket play the higher seed will get to choose the option until the championship. The Championship will be a coin toss.

PLAY:
Play is limited to seven on seven.  
Coaches are allowed in the offensive huddle but must stay 10 yards back after breaking the huddle.Only 1 coach allowed in the huddle. Defensive coaches must be on the sideline. Any player not in a play must stand on the sideline. Included in the offense’s seven players must be a center. Once the ball is lifted off the T-stand the 4 second count begins.
Offense must be lined up in a legal formation (Receivers must line up outside the tackle box). Everyone is eligible to receive passes, except the center and QB.

2 first downs are possible per possession, achieved when reaching the 25-yard line in 3 downs and reaching the 10-yard line in 3 downs. Once you reach the 10-yard line you have 3 downs to score.  The game cannot end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
Play ends with one hand touch below the neck.

NO RUNNING PLAYS ALLOWED
Running Backs going out for a pass must release from the offensive tackle position on out.  No releasing over the centers path.
No fumbles or stripping. The ball is dead if it touches the ground and the offense retains possession. No laterals allowed.

The QB has 4 seconds to release the ball or it is blown dead and a 5 yard sack is incurred. There is no rushing the QB. If the QB drops the snap or there is a bad snap the 4 second rule still applies from the time the center releases the ball. The muffed snap can be picked up and the play continues.
No RB passes. Passes between the tackle box must be caught 2 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Swing passes behind the line of scrimmage ARE NOT allowed, all passes must be completed beyond the line of scrimmage.

Regular substitution rules apply. There is no mandatory playing time
The game cannot end on any accepted penalty.

SCORING:
Touchdown scores 6 points
1 extra point by passing from the 3 yard line
2 extra points by passing from the 10 yard line
3 points for an interception.
2 points for a defensive stop. (They cannot be combined to get 5 points)

NO OVERTIME in Pool play: Overtime in Bracket Play only.
Each team gets 2 plays from the 10 yard line in Overtime. An extra point will be attempted after each touchdown following the standard scoring rules. Beginning in the 2nd overtime each team must go for 2 points after a Touchdown. An interception in overtime counts for 3 points even on an extra point.

PENALTIES:
All penalties will be enforced.  Emphasis is placed on pass interference, holding, unnecessary roughness, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

No blocking, or screening of opponents.

All bump and run must be executed with hands. No grabbing or driving receivers to the ground.  No forearms or shoulders allowed.  Safety is of utmost importance during the contest.
This is a minimal-contact game and any flagrant contact is cause for immediate ejection. As always any unsportsmanlike conduct is also cause for ejection. The referees’ decision is final on all plays, there will be no tolerance for arguing, and only a coach may ask for a rule clarification. Coaches control profanity, and are expected to eliminate profanity on their team.

Offensive Penalties: (No penalty can move the ball beyond the 40 yard line)
Sack: 5 yard penalty and LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Blocking or Holding: 10 yards from spot of foul and AND LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Illegal Motion/False Start: 5 yard penalty and AND LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Illegal Formation: 5 yard penalty and AND LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Offensive Pass Interference: 10 yard penalty AND LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Illegal forward pass: 5 yard penalty and a LOSS OF DOWN!!!
Delay of Game: 5 yards penalty and AND LOSS OF DOWN!!! . In the last 2 minutes of a game the clock will be stopped. If the offensive team is behind the clock will start when the ball is marked.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: 15 yard penalty, and possible ejection!!

Defensive penalties:
Holding/Illegal Bump:10 yard penalty and replay the down.
Offsides: 5 yards penalty
Pass Interference: 15 YARD PENALTY and 1st DOWN.
Unsportsmanlike Penalties
An unsportmanlike penalty on the offense after a Touchdown will result in no extra point attempt and a 15 yard penalty to start the ensuing drive.
If it is after the extra point then it is 15 yard penalty to start the next offensive possession.
If a team circles another player after a Touchdown 2 POINTS will be awarded to the defense.
An unsportsmanlike penalty on the defense after a Touchdown or extra point will result in a loss of down for the offense on the ensuing possession.

BLOOD RULE: If and when an official observes that a player is bleeding, has an open wound,
or has an excessive amount of blood on his or her uniform, the player will be directed to leave
the game. The injured player is not to return until the bleeding has stopped, the open wound is
covered, and excessively bloody uniform is changed.

Mouth pieces are encouraged.
 
Coaches:
Make sure you maintain control over your team’s parents. Be proactive and take care of the problem before it escalates.
We expect all games to be fast paste. Don’t waste time trying to talk with officials or explain every call. There will be time for explanations at halftime and during timeouts. Let’s keep the game moving and get the maximum number of plays per game.
Please pick up trash at the end of your game.

League rules may be changed at any time if problems arise due to concerns with safety conditions, sportsmanship, or any other unforeseen issues.