Important Rule Update for Coaches & Players
Attention all teams,

Please review the following GEE WAY Rule Additions and updates to Throw-Off procedures to ensure compliance and understanding for the upcoming tournament:

GEE WAY RULE ADDITIONS

Throw-Off to Start Each Half: A throw-off will be performed at the beginning of the 1st and 2nd halves.

Media Challenge: Any team with a media pass may use official media and media cameras to challenge one play per playoff game at the risk of losing a timeout if the challenge is unsuccessful.

Pro Clock in Final Minute: In the final minute of a one-possession game, the game will operate on a pro clock, meaning the clock will stop on incomplete passes, out-of-bounds plays, and changes of possession.

Onside Play Option (Final Minute of the 2nd Half Only):
If a team scores and is down one score they may elect to opt for an onside play starting from their own 5-yard line. (must be done before the PAT declaration)
To convert, they must reach midfield. This is treated like a fourth-down attempt.

The ball is turned over 1 yard before the mid field first down if unsuccessful.
During pool play if a onside kick is elected, the clock will pause for the play, if the team is unsuccessful, a 25-second runoff will be applied and the clock will resume.


THROW-OFF RULES

Formation Restrictions: Before the throw-off, the receiving team may line up in any formation, but no player may cross midfield before the ball is thrown. The throwing team must have one foot on the throw yard line until the ball is released.

Advancing the Ball: The receiving team may advance the ball whether caught in the air or picked up from the ground.

Touchbacks & Spotting the Ball:
If the ball is caught in the end zone and the player kneels or if the ball bounces out of bounds from the end zone, the receiving team starts at its own 5-yard line.
The receiving team must cross the 25-yard line for a new set of downs. If they fail to do so, they will not receive a new set unless they reach midfield (even if an automatic first down is awarded due to a penalty).

Dead Ball & Muffs:
If the ball is downed by the throwing team, the play is dead, and the ball is spotted where it was touched.
If the receiving team muffs the ball (on a fly or bounce), the ball is spotted at the point of contact.

Safety Rule: If a player catches the ball outside the end zone but runs into the end zone and has their flag pulled, it results in a safety.


Throw-Off Distances by Age Group:
No Throw-Offs: 5U/6U & 8U Girls
50-yard line: 7U/8U & 10U Girls
Own 15-yard line: 9U/10U & 12U Girls
Own 10-yard line: 11U/12U & 14U Girls
Own 5-yard line: 13U/14U & 17U Girls
Own goal line: 15U/16U

Receiving Team Restriction:
-Players who do not catch the throw-off AND are in front of the ball carrier cannot advance downfield with them.
-Players behind the ball carrier can move into position to receive lateral pitches.
-Any nonball carrier contact with a member of the throwing team may be considered impeding/blocking at the referee’s discretion.

All teams are responsible for knowing and following these updates. Please direct any questions to tournament officials.

Thank you,
Tournament Directors