7v7 "The Circuit" #2
Football (7v7) Tournament - April 13 to April 14, 2024
[Event is Over]
Royal T – 7v7 Rules and Policies
GENERAL
• Soft shell helmets are required. They must be strapped and velcroed during gameplay. QBs do not need to wear one.
• Mouthpieces are required. Players must have them in during gameplay. QBs do not need to wear one.
• Fighting will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any punches, kicks, or physical altercations will result in an automatic ejection from the game and may also lead to removal from the remainder of the tournament. Final decisions will be made by the Field Supervisor and lead Royal T staff.
• All games are 20 minutes in length with a running clock.
• The ball starts on the 40-yard line. The offense has 3 plays to get to the 25-yard line. From there, they have 3 plays to get to the 10-yard line. And from there, they have 3 plays to score.
• QB Tees are used to spot the center and LOS. Countdown stopwatches are used by our back ref to determine sacks.
• In elimination games, the clock stops for a 2-point conversion attempt with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game (unless the game is not within 14 points). The clock will restart on the snap of the next offensive play.
• In elimination rounds, the clock will stop in the final 15 seconds after a TD if the game is within 8 points. The clock will start on the snap of the next offensive play and continue running until the game is over unless there is a defensive penalty, which would result in 1 untimed down.
• A game cannot end on a defensive penalty. If this occurs, it will be enforced against the defense, and then there will be an untimed down to end the game.
• A game can end on an offensive penalty because the clock stays running.
• If an inadvertent whistle is blown by a ref while the QB still has the ball, the play will be a do-over. If a whistle is blown while a player is running with the ball, the ball will be spotted at the location where the ball carrier was when the whistle blew.
• Players are allowed to play on multiple teams in a tournament, but not in the same age division. If this occurs, all teams the player has participated with will forfeit all games and be ejected from the tournament.
• Players are allowed to play up in higher age divisions but are not allowed to play down at younger age divisions. If this occurs, the entire program will be ejected from the Royal T.
• If an object or person interferes during a play, regardless of the result of the play, it will be a do-over on the down.
• Royal T staff reserves the right to make any judgment decisions for situations not listed or covered in the rules and policies.
• No double passes.
• The ball can be thrown or pitched forward as long as it happens outside the tackle-to-tackle box.
REFEREES
• All games will have at least 2-3 refs plus a field supervisor.
• Refs are graded based on feedback from coaches, field supervisors, and Royal T staff assessments.
FIELD SUPERVISORS
• A field supervisor will ensure that all penalties are enforced properly.
• Any issue a coach or player has during a game should be addressed to the field supervisor.
• A field supervisor cannot make standard calls or overturn calls made by the refs in a game.
• A field supervisor has the ability to penalize a team for unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach, or parent.
• In extreme circumstances, a field supervisor can eject a player, coach, or parent from a game or the tournament.
STARTING GAMES
• Teams have 5 minutes from the completion of the previous game to the start of the new game.
• Captains will be called immediately following the previous game.
• Pool Play: Captains will do Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who gets the ball.
• Elimination: The highest seed gets the ball first.
• Overtime: Captains will do Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who gets the ball.
• Teams must be set up on opposite sidelines before the start of the game. If a team is playing back-to-back games, they stay on the current sideline.
COACHES
• Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field. They can be on the sideline or behind the back of the endzone.
• An offensive coach can be in the huddle and on the field with the offense.
• Only 1 offensive coach is allowed on the field.
• The offensive coach on the field is allowed to call audibles and talk to their players at the LOS.
• A team must wait until the offense of the opponent gets a first down past the 25-yard line before they can walk out onto the field as an offense. They must remain behind the 40-yard line.
MEDIA
• Anyone on the field taking pictures or videos must be on the media list provided before the tournament and wear the media bracelet and badge given at check-in.
• No media representative for a program is allowed to coach or communicate with the refs or opposing team. A warning will be given, and a second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the team they are part of and removal from the field.
• The only media allowed on the defensive side of the field is Royal T staff, both photographers and videographers.
• No media member is allowed to sit on the sidelines or behind the endzone. No media equipment can be set up and left on the sideline or behind the endzone unless it is behind the assigned roped-off areas designated by Royal T.
RULES
QBs
• A QB has 4 seconds to get the ball out of their hand. If any part of the ball is still contacting the QB's hand when the buzzer goes off, it is a sack.
• If a QB drops the snap and picks it up before it crosses the LOS, the ball is still live until the 4-second clock beeps.
• If a QB drops the snap and it crosses the LOS, the play is blown dead and the next play starts at the same LOS as the previous play. If it occurs on 3rd down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• All passes must be thrown past the LOS unless they are thrown outside the tackle-to-tackle box.
• If any part of the QB is past the LOS, the play is blown dead. It does not matter if the ball is still behind the LOS. If the foot, leg, arm, head, or any other part of the body is past the LOS, the play is blown dead.
FUMBLES
• If a ball carrier fumbles, a whistle is immediately blown, and the play is called dead. The ball is spotted where the fumble occurred for the next play.
• No one can recover a fumble.
BLOCKING
• As a safety measure, the offense is not permitted to block.
• The 1st offense results in the play being called dead and the ball spotted where the ball carrier was when the block occurred.
• The 2nd offense will result in the ball going back to the LOS and a loss of down.
• If the 2nd offense occurs on 3rd down, it will result in a turnover on downs.
TIMEOUTS
• No timeouts allowed
BLITZ
• No blitzes allowed.
RUNS
• No runs allowed.
FORMATIONS
• Only one person on the LOS on each side.
• The offense cannot load 5 players to one side, either by alignment or motion to or away from it. The first offense will result in a replay of the down. The second offense will result in a loss of down. If it occurs on 3rd down, it will result in a turnover on downs.
MOTIONS
• Illegal motion results in an automatic loss of down.
• Illegal motion on 3rd down results in a turnover on downs.
• Offensive players can move and reset.
• A player in motion can go sideways or backwards.
• If a player in motion angles, leans, or starts moving forward, it is a penalty.
• Two players cannot simultaneously go in motion together. That will result in a penalty.
CELEBRATIONS
• Absolutely no “sprinkling” or making any kind of contact with an opponent or invading their space. If this occurs, the players involved will be ejected from the game. If it happens after the game, the players involved will be ineligible for the next game. If, as a result, a team does not have enough players to compete in the next game, it will result in a forfeit.
• After a score (TD or 2-point conversion), there is a 5-second celebration window and then a 10-second wait until the offense can snap the ball.
• There is no launching, throwing, or kicking the ball in celebration of an interception by the defense. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and the ball will be spotted at the LOS or spot of infraction.
A penalty will be called if an offensive player throws the ball at an opponent after scoring a touchdown (TD). A flag will also be thrown for any cursing directed at opposing players, coaches, or parents. These penalties will result in the opposing offense starting on the 30-yard line with a 1st and 5.
TAUNTING
• A player can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A coach can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A parent can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A second flag for the same offense results in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty plus ejection.
INJURIES
• The game clock continues to run during pool play for an injury.
• The game clock stops for an injury during elimination rounds. It will resume on the next offensive snap.
DIVING
• If an offensive player leaves his feet with the ball in his hands and dives forward, the play will be blown dead at the spot where he left his feet.
• If a defensive player dives to make a tag, the runner may continue until they are tagged. A first warning will be given to the defense.
• A second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty (unless declined by the offense).
• Offensive players can reach forward for the ball if they are upright and on both feet.
• Offensive and defensive players may leave their feet to dive to catch or bat down a ball.
FALSE STARTS
• False start penalties result in a loss of down.
• A false start on third down results in a turnover on downs.
• Defenses are allowed to make noise or move around to try and draw a false start penalty from the offense.
DB PRESS AND JAMS
• All DBs are allowed to jam WRs at any age level.
• DBs are allowed to jam the WR within the front area. Once the WR is facing sideways, any contact will result in a penalty.
• Any contact past 5 yards will result in a penalty.
• Once a WR is jammed to the sideline, any continuous contact will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• Once a WR is jammed and falls to the ground, any contact by the DB will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• If a DB presses a WR and enters the offensive backfield, they must not make any further contact with the WR, or it will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
PASS INTERFERENCE
• Offensive pass interference results in a loss of 10 yards and a replay of the down.
• If offensive pass interference occurs from the 40-yard line, it is a loss of down.
• If offensive pass interference occurs from the 40-yard line on third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• Defensive pass interference results in an automatic first down at the spot of the foul.
• Defensive pass interference occurring in the end zone results in an automatic first down, and the ball is spotted at the 1-yard line.
• A defensive player is allowed to jam the offensive player within the first 5 yards of the LOS.
• If any contact is made by the DB past 5 yards, it will be considered a holding penalty. This results in a 5-yard penalty from the LOS and an automatic first down.
• If any contact is made by the DB past 5 yards and the ball is thrown to that specific receiver, it will be called pass interference. This results in a spot foul and an automatic first down.
• A first offense of offensive pass interference on a 2-point conversion results in the ball being moved back 10 yards to the 20-yard line, and the down being replayed. If a second offense occurs, the 2-point PAT is no good.
• A first offense of defensive pass interference on a 2-point conversion results in the ball being moved to the 5-yard line and the down being replayed. If a second offense occurs, the ball is moved to the 1-yard line. If a third defensive pass interference is called, the offense is automatically awarded the 2-point conversion.
DELAY OF GAME
• The offense has 30 seconds from the end of the previous play to snap the next play.
• The back referee in the secondary will keep track of this clock every play. With 10 seconds left, they will call it out. With 5 seconds left, they will raise their arm and count down to 0 before blowing the whistle and throwing a flag.
• A delay of game penalty results in a loss of down.
• A delay of game on third down results in a turnover on downs.
• There is no delay of game penalty in overtime. There is no play clock for overtime plays.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
• If called against the offense, it is a 10-yard penalty and a loss of down.
• If called on the 40-yard line, it is just a loss of down.
• If it is on the 40-yard line and it is third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• If called against the defense, it is a 10-yard penalty and an automatic first down (inside the 10-yard line, the ball is placed half the distance to the goal line).
• If any player receives a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the same game, they will be ejected for the remainder of the game.
• All coaches will be given a verbal warning by the referee/field supervisor before a penalty is called. After that, a first offense results in an unsportsmanlike penalty against their team. A second offense results in an unsportsmanlike penalty and the ejection of the coach for the game.
OFFSIDES/8-MEN ON THE FIELD
• 8 players on offense results in a loss of down.
• 8 players on defense results in a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down (offense can decline).
• Offensive offsides results in a loss of down.
• Defensive offsides results in a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down.
HELMET/MOUTHPIECE
• All helmets must be worn, strapped, velcroed, and located under the chin to avoid an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• All mouthpieces must be used in game play to avoid an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• A first offense results in a team warning.
• A second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• A third offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty and the player being ejected from the game.
SCORING
• TDs are worth 6 points.
• The offense can take the automatic 1-point or go for a 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line.
• Offenses can choose where they want the ball spotted for a 2-point conversion attempt.
• INTs are worth 3 points.
• No returns on INTs.
• No points are given for any defensive stops.
HUDDLE
• The offense can have up to 8 players in the backfield.
• Offensive substitutes in the backfield must be 5 yards behind the QB and need to take a knee.
• If the offense breaks the huddle and then substitutes, the defense gets 5 seconds to match.
• If the offense breaks the huddle with more than 6 players, they will receive a warning. A second offense results in a loss of down. If this occurs on third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
OVERTIME
• All tied scores at the end of regulation go to overtime. This applies to both pool play and elimination days.
• Captains will be called to do Rock-Paper-Scissors for ball choice.
• The winner chooses offense or defense. Once announced, the choice is final.
• Each team gets exactly 1 offensive play from the 40-yard line.
• The team with the longest yardage wins.
• Any INT is an automatic game winner.
• If another overtime is required, the team on defense first will now go on offense first.
• A second round of overtime begins with captains being called out. This process repeats until there is a winner.
• No blitz or handoff in overtime.
• There is no game clock or play clock in overtime, but there is still a 4-second QB timer.
• Illegal motion or a false start by the offense results in a loss of down.
• Offensive pass interference results in a replay of the down. A second consecutive violation is a turnover on downs. If a defensive pass interference occurs and the ball is moved up, then an offensive pass interference takes place, the ball will be moved back 10 yards, and the down replayed. A second consecutive offensive pass interference call results in a turnover on downs.
• A defensive holding is a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down. For that yardage to count, the offense must gain at least 1 yard on the next play. The total yardage is credited wherever the offensive player is tagged.
• A defensive pass interference is spotted where the penalty occurred. For that yardage to count, the offense must gain at least 1 yard on the next play.
• The offense can decline a defensive holding or pass interference call and take the yardage gained on the play.
POLICIES
• If a parent who is not on the coach’s roster steps onto the playing field during a game for any reason, it is an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for that team. A second offense by any parent or fan of that team results in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the ejection of the offender from the facility. If they refuse to leave, the team automatically forfeits the game.
TRASH, FOOD, PROGRAM CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY & PENALTY
• Food and Containers: No food or food containers are allowed on the field by members, associates, or their supporters.
• Trash Disposal: All trash (bottles, wrappers, heat packs, tape, etc.) must be properly disposed of by program affiliates.
o Penalty: An 8-point deduction will be imposed for any food or trash-related violations. No warning, no exceptions.
o Policy updates will be communicated prior to subsequent tournaments via email, text, direct message, or during coaches’ meetings.
• Prohibited Actions: Repeated violations of food or trash policies may result in the removal of the offending team from the event.
• Spectator Boundaries: All parents and spectators without an Association media pass must stay out of the end zones and adhere to boundaries set by Association staff.
o Penalty: An 8-point deduction will be imposed for sideline or boundary violations. No warning, no exceptions.
o Policy updates will be communicated prior to subsequent tournaments via email, text, direct message, or during coaches’ meetings.
• Respectful Conduct: Any disrespectful behavior (verbal or physical) by program affiliates—including players, coaches, media, or spectators—toward Association staff, officials, or peers will result in disciplinary action:
o First offense: One-game suspension of the offending individual.
o Second offense: Permanent expulsion from the event.
o Examples include, but are not limited to:
Refusal to comply with boundary requests.
Use of profanity directed at Association staff, officials, or opposing teams’ players, coaches, or parents.
• Post-Event Penalties: If violations occur after a team’s final game, penalties will be enforced during subsequent tournaments.
• Your adherence to these policies ensures the integrity and success of our events. Thank you for your cooperation.
GENERAL
• Soft shell helmets are required. They must be strapped and velcroed during gameplay. QBs do not need to wear one.
• Mouthpieces are required. Players must have them in during gameplay. QBs do not need to wear one.
• Fighting will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any punches, kicks, or physical altercations will result in an automatic ejection from the game and may also lead to removal from the remainder of the tournament. Final decisions will be made by the Field Supervisor and lead Royal T staff.
• All games are 20 minutes in length with a running clock.
• The ball starts on the 40-yard line. The offense has 3 plays to get to the 25-yard line. From there, they have 3 plays to get to the 10-yard line. And from there, they have 3 plays to score.
• QB Tees are used to spot the center and LOS. Countdown stopwatches are used by our back ref to determine sacks.
• In elimination games, the clock stops for a 2-point conversion attempt with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game (unless the game is not within 14 points). The clock will restart on the snap of the next offensive play.
• In elimination rounds, the clock will stop in the final 15 seconds after a TD if the game is within 8 points. The clock will start on the snap of the next offensive play and continue running until the game is over unless there is a defensive penalty, which would result in 1 untimed down.
• A game cannot end on a defensive penalty. If this occurs, it will be enforced against the defense, and then there will be an untimed down to end the game.
• A game can end on an offensive penalty because the clock stays running.
• If an inadvertent whistle is blown by a ref while the QB still has the ball, the play will be a do-over. If a whistle is blown while a player is running with the ball, the ball will be spotted at the location where the ball carrier was when the whistle blew.
• Players are allowed to play on multiple teams in a tournament, but not in the same age division. If this occurs, all teams the player has participated with will forfeit all games and be ejected from the tournament.
• Players are allowed to play up in higher age divisions but are not allowed to play down at younger age divisions. If this occurs, the entire program will be ejected from the Royal T.
• If an object or person interferes during a play, regardless of the result of the play, it will be a do-over on the down.
• Royal T staff reserves the right to make any judgment decisions for situations not listed or covered in the rules and policies.
• No double passes.
• The ball can be thrown or pitched forward as long as it happens outside the tackle-to-tackle box.
REFEREES
• All games will have at least 2-3 refs plus a field supervisor.
• Refs are graded based on feedback from coaches, field supervisors, and Royal T staff assessments.
FIELD SUPERVISORS
• A field supervisor will ensure that all penalties are enforced properly.
• Any issue a coach or player has during a game should be addressed to the field supervisor.
• A field supervisor cannot make standard calls or overturn calls made by the refs in a game.
• A field supervisor has the ability to penalize a team for unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach, or parent.
• In extreme circumstances, a field supervisor can eject a player, coach, or parent from a game or the tournament.
STARTING GAMES
• Teams have 5 minutes from the completion of the previous game to the start of the new game.
• Captains will be called immediately following the previous game.
• Pool Play: Captains will do Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who gets the ball.
• Elimination: The highest seed gets the ball first.
• Overtime: Captains will do Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who gets the ball.
• Teams must be set up on opposite sidelines before the start of the game. If a team is playing back-to-back games, they stay on the current sideline.
COACHES
• Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field. They can be on the sideline or behind the back of the endzone.
• An offensive coach can be in the huddle and on the field with the offense.
• Only 1 offensive coach is allowed on the field.
• The offensive coach on the field is allowed to call audibles and talk to their players at the LOS.
• A team must wait until the offense of the opponent gets a first down past the 25-yard line before they can walk out onto the field as an offense. They must remain behind the 40-yard line.
MEDIA
• Anyone on the field taking pictures or videos must be on the media list provided before the tournament and wear the media bracelet and badge given at check-in.
• No media representative for a program is allowed to coach or communicate with the refs or opposing team. A warning will be given, and a second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the team they are part of and removal from the field.
• The only media allowed on the defensive side of the field is Royal T staff, both photographers and videographers.
• No media member is allowed to sit on the sidelines or behind the endzone. No media equipment can be set up and left on the sideline or behind the endzone unless it is behind the assigned roped-off areas designated by Royal T.
RULES
QBs
• A QB has 4 seconds to get the ball out of their hand. If any part of the ball is still contacting the QB's hand when the buzzer goes off, it is a sack.
• If a QB drops the snap and picks it up before it crosses the LOS, the ball is still live until the 4-second clock beeps.
• If a QB drops the snap and it crosses the LOS, the play is blown dead and the next play starts at the same LOS as the previous play. If it occurs on 3rd down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• All passes must be thrown past the LOS unless they are thrown outside the tackle-to-tackle box.
• If any part of the QB is past the LOS, the play is blown dead. It does not matter if the ball is still behind the LOS. If the foot, leg, arm, head, or any other part of the body is past the LOS, the play is blown dead.
FUMBLES
• If a ball carrier fumbles, a whistle is immediately blown, and the play is called dead. The ball is spotted where the fumble occurred for the next play.
• No one can recover a fumble.
BLOCKING
• As a safety measure, the offense is not permitted to block.
• The 1st offense results in the play being called dead and the ball spotted where the ball carrier was when the block occurred.
• The 2nd offense will result in the ball going back to the LOS and a loss of down.
• If the 2nd offense occurs on 3rd down, it will result in a turnover on downs.
TIMEOUTS
• No timeouts allowed
BLITZ
• No blitzes allowed.
RUNS
• No runs allowed.
FORMATIONS
• Only one person on the LOS on each side.
• The offense cannot load 5 players to one side, either by alignment or motion to or away from it. The first offense will result in a replay of the down. The second offense will result in a loss of down. If it occurs on 3rd down, it will result in a turnover on downs.
MOTIONS
• Illegal motion results in an automatic loss of down.
• Illegal motion on 3rd down results in a turnover on downs.
• Offensive players can move and reset.
• A player in motion can go sideways or backwards.
• If a player in motion angles, leans, or starts moving forward, it is a penalty.
• Two players cannot simultaneously go in motion together. That will result in a penalty.
CELEBRATIONS
• Absolutely no “sprinkling” or making any kind of contact with an opponent or invading their space. If this occurs, the players involved will be ejected from the game. If it happens after the game, the players involved will be ineligible for the next game. If, as a result, a team does not have enough players to compete in the next game, it will result in a forfeit.
• After a score (TD or 2-point conversion), there is a 5-second celebration window and then a 10-second wait until the offense can snap the ball.
• There is no launching, throwing, or kicking the ball in celebration of an interception by the defense. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and the ball will be spotted at the LOS or spot of infraction.
A penalty will be called if an offensive player throws the ball at an opponent after scoring a touchdown (TD). A flag will also be thrown for any cursing directed at opposing players, coaches, or parents. These penalties will result in the opposing offense starting on the 30-yard line with a 1st and 5.
TAUNTING
• A player can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A coach can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A parent can have a flag thrown for taunting, which will be enforced as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• A second flag for the same offense results in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty plus ejection.
INJURIES
• The game clock continues to run during pool play for an injury.
• The game clock stops for an injury during elimination rounds. It will resume on the next offensive snap.
DIVING
• If an offensive player leaves his feet with the ball in his hands and dives forward, the play will be blown dead at the spot where he left his feet.
• If a defensive player dives to make a tag, the runner may continue until they are tagged. A first warning will be given to the defense.
• A second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty (unless declined by the offense).
• Offensive players can reach forward for the ball if they are upright and on both feet.
• Offensive and defensive players may leave their feet to dive to catch or bat down a ball.
FALSE STARTS
• False start penalties result in a loss of down.
• A false start on third down results in a turnover on downs.
• Defenses are allowed to make noise or move around to try and draw a false start penalty from the offense.
DB PRESS AND JAMS
• All DBs are allowed to jam WRs at any age level.
• DBs are allowed to jam the WR within the front area. Once the WR is facing sideways, any contact will result in a penalty.
• Any contact past 5 yards will result in a penalty.
• Once a WR is jammed to the sideline, any continuous contact will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• Once a WR is jammed and falls to the ground, any contact by the DB will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
• If a DB presses a WR and enters the offensive backfield, they must not make any further contact with the WR, or it will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
PASS INTERFERENCE
• Offensive pass interference results in a loss of 10 yards and a replay of the down.
• If offensive pass interference occurs from the 40-yard line, it is a loss of down.
• If offensive pass interference occurs from the 40-yard line on third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• Defensive pass interference results in an automatic first down at the spot of the foul.
• Defensive pass interference occurring in the end zone results in an automatic first down, and the ball is spotted at the 1-yard line.
• A defensive player is allowed to jam the offensive player within the first 5 yards of the LOS.
• If any contact is made by the DB past 5 yards, it will be considered a holding penalty. This results in a 5-yard penalty from the LOS and an automatic first down.
• If any contact is made by the DB past 5 yards and the ball is thrown to that specific receiver, it will be called pass interference. This results in a spot foul and an automatic first down.
• A first offense of offensive pass interference on a 2-point conversion results in the ball being moved back 10 yards to the 20-yard line, and the down being replayed. If a second offense occurs, the 2-point PAT is no good.
• A first offense of defensive pass interference on a 2-point conversion results in the ball being moved to the 5-yard line and the down being replayed. If a second offense occurs, the ball is moved to the 1-yard line. If a third defensive pass interference is called, the offense is automatically awarded the 2-point conversion.
DELAY OF GAME
• The offense has 30 seconds from the end of the previous play to snap the next play.
• The back referee in the secondary will keep track of this clock every play. With 10 seconds left, they will call it out. With 5 seconds left, they will raise their arm and count down to 0 before blowing the whistle and throwing a flag.
• A delay of game penalty results in a loss of down.
• A delay of game on third down results in a turnover on downs.
• There is no delay of game penalty in overtime. There is no play clock for overtime plays.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
• If called against the offense, it is a 10-yard penalty and a loss of down.
• If called on the 40-yard line, it is just a loss of down.
• If it is on the 40-yard line and it is third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
• If called against the defense, it is a 10-yard penalty and an automatic first down (inside the 10-yard line, the ball is placed half the distance to the goal line).
• If any player receives a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the same game, they will be ejected for the remainder of the game.
• All coaches will be given a verbal warning by the referee/field supervisor before a penalty is called. After that, a first offense results in an unsportsmanlike penalty against their team. A second offense results in an unsportsmanlike penalty and the ejection of the coach for the game.
OFFSIDES/8-MEN ON THE FIELD
• 8 players on offense results in a loss of down.
• 8 players on defense results in a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down (offense can decline).
• Offensive offsides results in a loss of down.
• Defensive offsides results in a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down.
HELMET/MOUTHPIECE
• All helmets must be worn, strapped, velcroed, and located under the chin to avoid an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• All mouthpieces must be used in game play to avoid an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• A first offense results in a team warning.
• A second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty.
• A third offense will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty and the player being ejected from the game.
SCORING
• TDs are worth 6 points.
• The offense can take the automatic 1-point or go for a 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line.
• Offenses can choose where they want the ball spotted for a 2-point conversion attempt.
• INTs are worth 3 points.
• No returns on INTs.
• No points are given for any defensive stops.
HUDDLE
• The offense can have up to 8 players in the backfield.
• Offensive substitutes in the backfield must be 5 yards behind the QB and need to take a knee.
• If the offense breaks the huddle and then substitutes, the defense gets 5 seconds to match.
• If the offense breaks the huddle with more than 6 players, they will receive a warning. A second offense results in a loss of down. If this occurs on third down, it results in a turnover on downs.
OVERTIME
• All tied scores at the end of regulation go to overtime. This applies to both pool play and elimination days.
• Captains will be called to do Rock-Paper-Scissors for ball choice.
• The winner chooses offense or defense. Once announced, the choice is final.
• Each team gets exactly 1 offensive play from the 40-yard line.
• The team with the longest yardage wins.
• Any INT is an automatic game winner.
• If another overtime is required, the team on defense first will now go on offense first.
• A second round of overtime begins with captains being called out. This process repeats until there is a winner.
• No blitz or handoff in overtime.
• There is no game clock or play clock in overtime, but there is still a 4-second QB timer.
• Illegal motion or a false start by the offense results in a loss of down.
• Offensive pass interference results in a replay of the down. A second consecutive violation is a turnover on downs. If a defensive pass interference occurs and the ball is moved up, then an offensive pass interference takes place, the ball will be moved back 10 yards, and the down replayed. A second consecutive offensive pass interference call results in a turnover on downs.
• A defensive holding is a 5-yard penalty and a replay of the down. For that yardage to count, the offense must gain at least 1 yard on the next play. The total yardage is credited wherever the offensive player is tagged.
• A defensive pass interference is spotted where the penalty occurred. For that yardage to count, the offense must gain at least 1 yard on the next play.
• The offense can decline a defensive holding or pass interference call and take the yardage gained on the play.
POLICIES
• If a parent who is not on the coach’s roster steps onto the playing field during a game for any reason, it is an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for that team. A second offense by any parent or fan of that team results in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the ejection of the offender from the facility. If they refuse to leave, the team automatically forfeits the game.
TRASH, FOOD, PROGRAM CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY & PENALTY
• Food and Containers: No food or food containers are allowed on the field by members, associates, or their supporters.
• Trash Disposal: All trash (bottles, wrappers, heat packs, tape, etc.) must be properly disposed of by program affiliates.
o Penalty: An 8-point deduction will be imposed for any food or trash-related violations. No warning, no exceptions.
o Policy updates will be communicated prior to subsequent tournaments via email, text, direct message, or during coaches’ meetings.
• Prohibited Actions: Repeated violations of food or trash policies may result in the removal of the offending team from the event.
• Spectator Boundaries: All parents and spectators without an Association media pass must stay out of the end zones and adhere to boundaries set by Association staff.
o Penalty: An 8-point deduction will be imposed for sideline or boundary violations. No warning, no exceptions.
o Policy updates will be communicated prior to subsequent tournaments via email, text, direct message, or during coaches’ meetings.
• Respectful Conduct: Any disrespectful behavior (verbal or physical) by program affiliates—including players, coaches, media, or spectators—toward Association staff, officials, or peers will result in disciplinary action:
o First offense: One-game suspension of the offending individual.
o Second offense: Permanent expulsion from the event.
o Examples include, but are not limited to:
Refusal to comply with boundary requests.
Use of profanity directed at Association staff, officials, or opposing teams’ players, coaches, or parents.
• Post-Event Penalties: If violations occur after a team’s final game, penalties will be enforced during subsequent tournaments.
• Your adherence to these policies ensures the integrity and success of our events. Thank you for your cooperation.
