Star Hill Family Athletic Center | 100 Gerber Dr. Tolland, CT 06084 | 860-871-8800

Flag Football Rules & Policies 

Conduct Policy

Zero Tolerance Violence Policy

Star Hill is a family-oriented facility dedicated to giving youth and adults the opportunity to participate in clinics, leagues, and tournaments in a variety of sports in a safe and non-threatening manner. It is EXPECTED that participants are here because they enjoy participating and competing in each sport. It is also EXPECTED that each participant will demonstrate sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators. The inability to participate in this manner will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension from the leagues and/or expulsion from participating at the facility. Star Hill will not tolerate any physical contact or violence between participants, officials, and/or spectators. Star Hill will not issue any refunds for any player suspended due to game ejections.

The following guidelines will be immediately in effect at Star Hill:

1) Any player, coach, manager, or spectator ejected from a league game must leave the facility and Star Hill’s premises. A referee may delay the restart of a game, at his/her discretion, until the ejected individual has left the dome. Any youth player who does not have a parent present may sit in the bleachers for the remainder of the game as long as they are not disruptive. If the referee determines that the player is being disruptive, the referee may at his/her discretion, stop the game causing that player’s team to forfeit, so the coach can get the player removed safely from the premises. If a referee determines that a spectator needs to leave the building, they will approach the coach of the team responsible for that spectator, and ask that he/she takes care of requesting that the spectator leave.

2) Any player who receives a second ejection during any 8-week period of time may be suspended for the remainder of the current session, and longer at the discretion of the discipline committee.

3) Standard suspensions for ejections are listed below, but may be modified based on the individual circumstances by the discipline committee.

a. Foul or Abusive Language ejection: 7 days including next league match

b. Persistent Misconduct after caution/warning: 7 days including next league match

c. Violent Conduct / Serious Foul: 14 days including next 2 league matches

Suspensions carry over to all leagues and divisions at Star Hill. For example, if a player receives a red card during a Sunday night men’s C game that carries a 7-day including next league match suspension. They may not play in ANY Star Hill league for 7 days AND may not play in their next men’s C match, even if they have a bye the next week.

4) “Major” ejections will result in a minimum suspension of 8 weeks. Range of suspensions for major ejections will be 8 weeks – lifetime ban from the facility based on the severity of the incident. Major ejections include but are not limited to:

a. ANY attempt to physically harm a referee

b. Verbal threats and/or intimidation towards a referee or Star Hill staff

c. Causing physical harm to an opponent due to any act of violent conduct

d. Prolonged violent conduct/refusing to stop fighting

e. Any acts of vandalism to the facility

5) Individuals ejected from a match must serve a 1-game suspension without question or notification from Star Hill. The Star Hill discipline committee will inform the team manager, by e-mail or phone, if a longer suspension is warranted after investigating the incident. Discipline decisions are final and appeals are not allowed.

6) If a coach is ejected from a game while coaching, his/her suspension follows the same guidelines as stated above. They will be suspended from that team’s next game. At the discretion of the discipline committee, players who also coach teams, and coaches who also play in leagues may miss all activities during the suspension period.

7) If a spectator is ejected from a game, his/her suspension follows the same guidelines as stated above. They will not be allowed in the facility for the time dictated by their suspension. Star Hill management understands the competitive nature of league and tournament games. We do expect however that while playing competitively or observing a game, one can also demonstrate respect and sportsmanship towards other players, officials, and spectators. If any player, coach, or spectator cannot demonstrate these basic laws of sportsmanship, then Star Hill isn’t the right place for them to play.

Pee Wee, Junior, and Youth

 Flag Football Rules

NO CLEATS!!! (Must Wear Turf Shoes or Flats)

All participants in this sport assume the risk of injury.  All players parent/guardian must sign a Team Roster and Waiver Release Form prior to participation. When filling out Wavier Form it is the responsibility of the coaches that the birth date of the participant is accurately filled out. Any violation will be reviewed by the discipline committee and subject to suspension.

If there is a player that is younger than their friends, they may play up in leagues but only can play in one league.

Pee Wee League

Sunday Morning, 8U, 6 vs 6

Junior League

Sunday Morning, 11U, 6 vs 6

Youth League

Sunday Morning, 14U, 6 vs 6, if you are 14 years old and in High School you cannot play in this division, you have to play in High School League.

***Each team must have at least One Adult (Coach) on the side line during the game. ***

***A team may have no more than THREE COACHES on the sideline. Please no additional spectators (Friends, Spouses, or Children not on the team) on the side lines. They must watch the game from spectator’s area. Thank you***

***All teams MUST ONLY USE Star Hill belts with flags have to go to the front desk to get them. Due to missing belts through the seasons, we are asking you to drop off a license or credit card at the front desk to receive belts. Please bring all belts on the clip back to the front desk to receive license or credit card back. Thank you. ***

***COACHES BOX: Coaches and Players, Please stay within the coaches’ box on the side line. The coaches’ box is the half line and the quarter line on your side of the field. Referees are instructed first to give a warning, after the warning referees are to penalize team for being out of the coaches’ box. Penalty will go against the team (3 yards back on offense or 3 yards forward for the offense if on defense. ***

Coaches for Pee Wee, one coach can be on the field for offense and defense.  Coaches when you are on the field for the defense, please make sure you are not in the way of the game in play.  Coaches if you are on the sideline please stay on your half of the sideline to respect other team.

Coaches for Junior and Youth, only one coach should be on the field for offense.  Defense there should be no coaches on the field only making calls from the sideline.  Coaches if you are on the sideline please stay on your half of the sideline to respect other team.

SHIRTS:

Players must wear the color shirt designated to their team.  No player will be allowed to play if not in appropriate color.

Shirt is pulled out during the play; play is continued until flag is pulled. If shirt is out (OFFICIAL DISCRETION), once offensive player is touched he or she is down by contact, or redo the play. ***(OFFICIAL DISCRETION)***

FLAGS:

Each player on the field must wear a belt at the waistline containing two pop flags. The flags may not be tied together and one flag must be placed on each side of the body. Each flag should extend or hang from the waist. Flags should be different colors from uniform pants/shorts. Wrapping, tying, or in any way securing flags to the uniform belt, other than prescribed by rule, or intentionally removing a flag during play is illegal.

EQUIPMENT:

Game officials will be strictly enforcing the illegal equipment rule.

Star Hill will supply the football being used for all games. No other football will be used during the game. (If and only If both teams agree and are able to use the same non Star Hill ball)

Pee Wee (size 6 or 7)

Junior (size 7)

Youth (size 8)

FOR CLARIFICATION, ILLGEL EQUIPMENT CONSISTS OF:

Shirts or jerseys that do not remain tucked in. No hats with brims. 

***No sweatshirts with hoods*** (exception if a hood is attached and part of the jersey the hood must be tucked into the shirt).  There will be no slippery, sticky foreign substance on any equipment or exposed part of the body. No Exposed metal on clothes or person.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

Each team should start the game with 6 players; a minimum of 5 is needed to avoid a forfeit. A player may play on only one team in the league each session.

Forfeits: A game will be a forfeit 5 minutes past the time to play.

EXCEPTION: Only if either coach or captain agrees to wait a little longer for the player to show, the refs will start the clock once 5 minutes has past the time to start.

LENGTH OF GAME:

Playing time shall be two halves of 24 minutes, running time. With the last 2 minutes of the second half. The last two minutes of the game are stop time (ONLY if the game is within 8 points or less than the 2 minute stop clock is in effect). If the score difference is 9 or more than the last 2 minutes will be running time.  Half-time shall be 1 minute.  A coin toss will determine who shall receive the choice of possession. If only one team is ready to play at game time, they will automatically have the choice. No Overtime during the regular season.

No Overtime during the regular season.

Playoffs for the Pee Wee, Junior, and Youth League will be positional play for the last game.

***The last game (positional play) the winner will get 3.5 points***

COIN FLIP:

Winner of the coin toss will choose to receive the ball first half or second half. Loser will choose which goal they defend. It will switch after the half.

TIME OUTS:

Each team shall have one time out per half. The clock will stop during a time out.  Each time out will be for 30 seconds.

KICK OFFS:

There will be no kick off for the start of the game, start of the second half and after scores, the offense will start at the white line (between the end zone and the half line)

On-Sides Kick Attempt:

In the last 10 minutes of the game, after the team scores a touchdown and attempts a conversion. The team can tell the referee they will attempt an on-sides kick, which consists of one play from the two point conversion line. If the team successfully scores they will get the ball at the HALF LINE. If the team is unsuccessful the opposing team will get the ball at the HALF LINE.

OFFENSE:

The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback does have the ability to scramble in the back field, but cannot advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback is the offensive player that receives the snap. Direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind, or to the side of the offensive player, but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs. “Center Sneak” play – The ball must completely leave the center’s hands on the snap and he/she must step backwards off the line of scrimmage in order to receive a direct handoff from the QB before advancing the ball. Laterals or pitches are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping, or jumping to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding. Spinning is allowed, but players may not leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. Jumping in the air in a forward motion to advance the ball, while attempting to avoid a flag pull, is not allowed. Lateral moves to the left or right are permitted. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time. Offensive players must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball carrier. Offense player running with the ball must avoid defender, cannot lower shoulder.  

The 40 second play clock is in effect once the play has been whistled down or the play is over, the 40 second play clock will begin.

       ***WHERE THE HIPS ARE WHEN THE FLAG IS PULLED

DOWN AT THAT SPOT***

PASSING:

All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward and received beyond the line scrimmage.

Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback has a 7-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the 7-seconds, play is dead, the down is consumed and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule no longer is in effect. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).

***Intentional Grounding – If the QB is being rushed and intentionally throws the ball either into the ground, or not in the vicinity of another offensive player.

The ball must be thrown past the line of scrimmage and within two yards of an offensive player will not be intentional grounding.

This penalty is -3 yards from the spot of the foul, and loss of down. ***

RUSHING THE PASSER:

All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 10-yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Only one (1) player can rush the quarterback per play. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 10-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go past the line of scrimmage. A special marker (sand bag on the sideline) will designate Rush Line 10-yards from the line of scrimmage.  The official will be standing at the marker.  The rusher will point at the official on the sideline to ensure they are 10 yards’ away from the line of scrimmage.  

a. A legal rush is:

i. Any rush from a point, 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.

ii. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback             

iii. If a rusher leaves the rush line early (breaks the 10 yard area), they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback

iv. If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the line of scrimmage, they may legally rush the quarterback

b. A penalty may be called if:

i. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – Illegal Rush (3 yards and replay down).

ii. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – Offside (3 yards and replay down).

iii. Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed or handed off – Illegal Rush (3 yards and replay the down).

c. Special circumstances:

iii. If rusher leaves the 10 yard line before the snap, they may immediately drop back to act as defender with no offside penalty enforced.

***A pass rusher must go after the QB’s flag, any attempt to block the pass, is a (5 yard penalty automatic first down). Defense can raise their hands to block a pass if they do not cross the line of scrimmage. *** ***OFFICIALS DISCRETION***

The offense cannot impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has the right to a clear path to the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap. If the “path or line” is occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility to avoid the rusher. Any disruption to the rusher’s path and/or contact will result in an impeding the rusher penalty. If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the rusher’s responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.

***When a team is up by 20 or more points the defense cannot rush the quarterback. If the offense hands the ball off for a run play, the defense can now cross the line of scrimmage***

PUNTING:

Pee Wee, Junior, and Youth League

Two white lines. If the offense is passed the half line they must go for it on fourth down.

BACKWARD PASSES AND FUMBLES:

Any ball that is fumbled during a down will be dead by rule once it has touched the ground. A backward pass may be caught or intercepted by any player inbounds and advanced. A player may not intentionally throw a backward pass out of bounds to conserve time or to avoid being downed. This will be penalized as an Illegal pass: loss of 3 yards, loss of down and the clock will start on the ready for play. Once a ball has touched the ground the ball is considered dead.

FORWARD PASSES AND INTERCEPTIONS:

If a player is in the air attempting to catch a ball, the player must contact the ground with at least one foot in-bounds with the ball in their possession prior to going out of bounds, unless contact by an opponent causes the player to first touch out-of –bounds. If possession of the ball is lost simultaneously when they hit the ground, it is not a catch. If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams, the ball is dead at that spot and belongs to the team that snapped the ball.

PASS INTERFERENCE:

Any contact that, in the view of the official, interferes with the attempt to catch a pass (offensive or defensive player) is pass interference unless, in the view of the official, it occurs when two or more eligible receivers make a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch, or bat a pass. It is also pass interference if an eligible receiver is deflagged or touched prior to touching the ball on a pass thrown beyond the offense’s line of scrimmage.

SCORING:

Touchdowns = 6 points

Extra Points = 1 point if successful from the 3 yard line

Extra Points = 2 points if successful from the 10 yard line

Safety = 2 points

If you run back a two points or one point conversion you shall receive either 1 or two points depending on what the opposing team was going for. Once a team has made their choice on the extra point, they can only change their decision by taking a time-out.

TIE BREAKER ORDER:

Any league divisions ending in a tie at the end of the league season shall be governed by the following tie breaking system order:

1.         Team Record / Total Team Points (3 points for a Win / 1 point for a Tie / 0 points for a Loss)

2.         Head to Head Record

3.         Least Points Against

***The last game will be positional play the winner will get 3.5 points***

If a player carries the ball across the goal line they are defending and the ball becomes dead while in their team’s possession, it is a safety. If a team commits a foul in the end zone where the spot of enforcement is designated as the spot of the foul, it will be declared a safety. A team recording a safety will receive two points, and the ball. The ball must be punted while set up like a kick off.

Exception- Momentum Rule – When a player intercepts a forward pass or catches a scrimmage kick between their five yard line and their goal line and their momentum carries them into the end zone where the ball becomes dead, the ball will belong to the receiving team at the spot of the catch or reception.

OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER:

A defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of the runner when attempting to remove the flag belt. Once the offensive player has possession of the ball the defender cannot try to rip at the ball, this will be called holding on the defense.

GUARDING THE FLAG BELT:

Runners shall not flag guard by using any part of the body or ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Flag guarding includes but is not limited to:

· Swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from de-flagging. No stiff arm.

· Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from de-flagging.

· Lowering the shoulders in such a manner that flag guards.

OFFICIAL’s AUTHORITY:

An official assumes authority 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game time, and until they have left the field. The officials have the authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. His/her decision is final. The official has the right to eject players or have them sit out of part or all of the game. Fans, coaches, and spectators are a part of a team and any fouls they commit will go against their team.

EJECTIONS:

Any player or coach that is ejected will sit out the rest of that game and the next game.  Any player or coach that is ejected twice in a season shall not play the rest of the season.  Any player starting a fight or swinging a punch shall not play the rest of the season.

OFFENSE / NO RUN ZONE:

When the offense is on or within the top of the key, on or inside the one point conversion line the offensive team must pass the ball, NO running the ball into the end zone. If an offensive penalty occurs the play will be marked back and the offense will still have to follow the NO RUN ZONE.

DEFENSE:

There is NO BUMP COVERAGE on the receivers.

POSITIONAL GAME/OVERTIME:

Both teams have the opportunity to play on offense and score, whether touchdown or not, the opposing team will always get the chance to match the score. Whoever has the highest score after each OT is the winner.

In overtime teams will start on the 2-point conversion line, and have two downs to score.  They can choose to go for 1 or 2-point conversion after the score. After the first overtime, and the score is still tie both teams will again have the same opportunity. 

In the third overtime and further, both teams will have 1 opportunity to score from the 2-point conversion line, if they score they must go for 2-points.

Spot Fouls

Intentional Grounding                          -3 yards & Loss of Down

Defensive Pass Interference		Automatic First Down
Holding/Stripping For The Ball		+3 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Unnecessary Roughness		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down
Blocking		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Charging		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Flag Guarding		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Offensive Unnecessary Roughness		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Diving		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs

Defensive Penalties

Offside		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Illegal Rush		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Illegal Flag Pull		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Automatic FirstDown
Roughing The Passer		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Pass Interference		Automatic First Down
Holding/Stripping For The Ball		+3 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Unnecessary Roughness		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down

Offensive Penalties  

Offside/False Start		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage &Replay Down
Illegal Forward Pass		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Loss Of Down
Offensive Pass Interference		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Loss Of Down
Illegal Motion		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Delay Of Game		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Impeding The Rusher/Holding		-3 yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Blocking		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Charging		-5 Yards &Loss Of Downs
Flag Guarding		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Offensive Unnecessary Roughness		-5 Yards &Loss Of Downs
Diving		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs

***SUBECT TO CHANGE***

High School 

Flag Football Rules

NO CLEATS!!! (Must Wear Turf Shoes or Flats)

All participants in this sport assume the risk of injury.  All players parent/guardian must sign a Team Roster and Waiver Release Form prior to participation. When filling out Wavier Form it is the responsibility of the coaches that the birth date of the participant is accurately filled out. Any violation will be reviewed by the discipline committee and subject to suspension.

High School Flag Football League will consist of two Divisions, Competitive Division / Non-Competitive Division (not splitting by grades, grades can be mixed) or due to the number of teams that sign up could be just one Division.

Each team shall designate a field captain to the referee. The field captain shall be the only team representative permitted to speak with the officials.  A field captain’s first choice of any option shall be irrevocable.  All player, substitutes and coaches are subject to the rules and shall be governed by the decisions of the officials. 

***Each team must have at least One Adult (Coach) on the side line during the game, coaches are not allowed on the field for offense or defense. ***

***A team may have no more than THREE COACHES on the sideline. Please no additional spectators (Friends, Spouses, or Children not on the team) on the side lines. They must watch the game from spectator’s area. Thank you***

***All teams MUST ONLY USE Star Hill belts with flags have to go to the front desk to get them. Due to missing belts through the seasons, we are asking you to drop off a license or credit card at the front desk to receive belts. Please bring all belts on the clip back to the front desk to receive license or credit card back. Thank you. ***

***COACHES BOX: Coaches and Players, Please stay within the coaches’ box on the side line. The coaches’ box is the half line and the quarter line on your side of the field. Referees are instructed first to give a warning, after the warning referees are to penalize team for being out of the coaches’ box. Penalty will go against the team (3 yards back on offense or 3 yards forward for the offense if on defense. ***

SHIRTS:

Players must wear the color shirt designated to their team.  No player will be allowed to play if not in appropriate color.

Shirt is pulled out during the play; play is continued until flag is pulled. If shirt is out (OFFICIAL DISCRETION), once offensive player is touched he or she is down by contact, or redo the play. ***(OFFICIAL DISCRETION)***

FLAGS:

Each player on the field must wear a belt at the waistline containing 2 pop flags. The flags may not be tied together and one flag must be placed on each side of the body. Each flag should extend or hang from the waist. Flags should be different colors from uniform pants/shorts. Wrapping, tying, or in any way securing flags to the uniform belt, other than prescribed by rule, or intentionally removing a flag during play is illegal.

Flags are not in the right spot. We do ask coaches to please take notice of your own team’s flags.

EQUIPMENT:

Game officials will be strictly enforcing the illegal equipment rule.  The FOOTBALL shall be made of leather, of regulation size (size 9), weight and pressure with no alterations. Each team can use its own legal ball.

FOR CLARIFICATION, ILLGEL EQUIPMENT CONSISTS OF:

Shirts or jerseys that do not remain tucked in. No hats with brims. 

***No sweatshirts with hoods*** (exception if a hood is attached and part of the jersey the hood must be tucked into the shirt).  There will be no slippery, sticky foreign substance on any equipment or exposed part of the body. No Exposed metal on clothes or person.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

Each team should start the game with 6 players; a minimum of 5 is needed to avoid a forfeit. A player may play on only one team in the league each season.

Forfeits: A game will be a forfeit 5 minutes past the time to play.

EXCEPTION: Only if both coaches and captains agree to wait a little longer for the player to show, the refs will start the clock once 5 minutes has past the time to start.

LENGTH OF GAME:

Playing time shall be two halves of 24 minutes, running time. The last 2 minutes of the 2^nd half will be stop time (ONLY if the game is within 8 points or less the 2 minute stop clock is in effect). If the score difference is 9 points or more than the 2 minute will be running time.  Half-time shall be 1 minute.  A coin toss will determine who shall receive the choice of possession. If only one team is ready to play at game time, they will automatically have the choice. No Overtime during the regular season.

No Overtime during the regular season.

Overtime is only during playoffs.

***The last game will be positional play the winner will get 3.5 points***

COIN FLIP:

Winner of the coin toss will choose to receive the ball first half or second half. Loser will choose which goal they defend. It will switch after the half.

TIME OUTS:

Each team shall have one time out per half. The clock will stop during a time out.  Each time out will be for 30 seconds.

KICK OFFS:

There will be no kick off for the start of the game, start of the second half and after scores. 

On-Sides Kick Attempt:

In the last 10 minutes of the game, after the team scores a touchdown and attempts a conversion. The team can tell the referee they will attempt an on-sides kick, which consists of one play from the two point conversion line. If the team successfully scores they will get the ball at the half line. If the team is unsuccessful the opposing team will get the ball at the half line.

OFFENSE:

The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback does have the ability to scramble in the back field, but cannot advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback is the offensive player that receives the snap. Direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind, or to the side of the offensive player, but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs. “Center Sneak” play – The ball must completely leave the center’s hands on the snap and he/she must step backwards off the line of scrimmage in order to receive a direct handoff from the QB before advancing the ball. Laterals or pitches are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping, or jumping to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding. Spinning is allowed, but players may not leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. Jumping in the air in a forward motion to advance the ball, while attempting to avoid a flag pull, is not allowed. Lateral moves to the left or right are permitted. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time. Offensive players must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball carrier. Offense player running with the ball must avoid defender, cannot lower shoulder.

The 40 second play clock is in effect once the play has been whistled down or the play is over, the 40 second play clock will begin.

***WHERE THE HIPS ARE WHEN THE FLAG IS PULLED

DOWN AT THAT SPOT***

PASSING:

All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward and received beyond the line scrimmage.

All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward and received beyond the line scrimmage.

Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback has a 7-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the 7-seconds, play is dead, the down is consumed and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule no longer is in effect.  If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, that is a safety call.

***Intentional Grounding – If the QB is being rushed and intentionally throws the ball either into the ground, or not in the vicinity of another offensive player.

The ball must be thrown past the line of scrimmage and within two yards of an offensive player will not be intentional grounding.                                    ***This penalty is -3 yards from the spot of the foul, and loss of down. ***

RUSHING THE PASSER:

All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 10-yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Only one (1) player can rush the quarterback per play. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 10-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go past the line of scrimmage. A special marker (sand bag on the sideline) will designate Rush Line 10-yards from the line of scrimmage.  The official will be standing at the marker.  The rusher will point at the official on the sideline to ensure they are 10 yards’ away from the line of scrimmage.  

a. A legal rush is:

i. Any rush from a point, 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.

ii. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback             

iii. If a rusher leaves the rush line early (breaks the 10 yard area), they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback

iv. If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the line of scrimmage, they may legally rush the quarterback

b. A penalty may be called if:

i. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – Illegal Rush (3 yards and replay down).

ii. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – Offside (3 yards and replay down).

iii. Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed or handed off – Illegal Rush (3 yards and replay the down).

c. Special circumstances:

iii. If rusher leaves the 10 yard line before the snap, he/she may immediately drop back to act as defender with no offside penalty enforced.

***A pass rusher must go after the QB’s flag, any attempt to block the pass, is a (5 yard penalty automatic first down). Defense can raise their hands to block a pass if they do not cross the line of scrimmage. ***   ***OFFICIALS DISCRETION***

The offense cannot impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has the right to a clear path to the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap. If the “path or line” is occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility to avoid the rusher. Any disruption to the rusher’s path and/or contact will result in an impeding the rusher penalty. If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the rusher’s responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.

***When a team is up by 20 or more points the defense cannot rush the quarterback. If the offense hands the ball off for a run play, the defense can now cross the line of scrimmage***

PUNTING:

Two white lines. If the offense is passed the half line they must go for it on fourth down.

BACKWARD PASSES AND FUMBLES:

Any ball that is fumbled during a down will be dead by rule once it has touched the ground. A backward pass may be caught or intercepted by any player inbounds and advanced. A player may not intentionally throw a backward pass out of bounds to conserve time or to avoid being downed. This will be penalized as an Illegal pass: loss of 3 yards, loss of down and the clock will start on the ready for play. Once a ball has touched the ground the ball is considered dead.

FORWARD PASSES AND INTERCEPTIONS:

If a player is in the air attempting to catch a ball, the player must contact the ground with at least one foot in-bounds with the ball in their possession prior to going out of bounds, unless contact by an opponent causes the player to first touch out-of –bounds. If possession of the ball is lost simultaneously when they hit the ground, it is not a catch. If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams, the ball is dead at that spot and belongs to the team that snapped the ball.

PASS INTERFERENCE:

Any contact that, in the view of the official, interferes with the attempt to catch a pass (offensive or defensive player) is pass interference unless, in the view of the official, it occurs when two or more eligible receivers make a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch, or bat a pass. It is also pass interference if an eligible receiver is de-flagged or touched prior to touching the ball on a pass thrown beyond the offense’s line of scrimmage.

SCORING:

Touchdowns = 6 points

Extra Points = 1 point if successful from the 3 yard line

Extra Points = 2 points if successful from the 10 yard line

Safety = 2 points

If you run back a 2 point or 1 point conversion you shall receive either 1 or 2 points depending on what the opposing team was going for. Once a team has made their choice on the extra point, they can only change their decision by taking a time-out.

TIE BREAKER ORDER:

Any league divisions ending in a tie at the end of the league season shall be governed by the following tie breaking system order:

1.       Team Record / Total Team Points (3 points for a Win / 1 point for a       Tie / 0 points    for a Loss)

2.         Head to Head Record

3.         Least Points Against

***The last game will be positional play the winner will get 3.5 points***  

If a player carries the ball across the goal line they are defending and the ball becomes dead while in their team’s possession, it is a safety. If a team commits a foul in the end zone where the spot of enforcement is designated as the spot of the foul, it will be declared a safety. A team recording a safety will receive two points, and the ball. The ball must be punted while set up like a kick off.

Exception- Momentum Rule – When a player intercepts a forward pass or catches a scrimmage kick between their five yard line and their goal line and their momentum carries them into the end zone where the ball becomes dead, the ball will belong to the receiving team at the spot of the catch or reception.

OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER:

A defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of the runner when attempting to remove the flag belt. Once the offensive player has possession of the ball the defender cannot try to rip at the ball, this will be called holding on the defense.

GUARDING THE FLAG BELT:

Runners shall not flag guard by using any part of the body or ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Flag guarding includes but is not limited to:

· Swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from de-flagging. No stiff arm.

· Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from de-flagging.

· Lowering the shoulders in such a manner that flag guards.

OFFICIAL’s AUTHORITY:

An official assumes authority 15 minutes prior to the scheduled game time, and until they have left the field. The officials have the authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. His/her decision is final. The official has the right to eject players or have them sit out of part or all of the game. Fans, coaches, and spectators are a part of a team and any fouls they commit will go against their team.

EJECTIONS:

Any player or coach that is ejected will sit out the rest of that game and the next game.  Any player or coach that is ejected twice in a season shall not play the rest of the season.  Any player starting a fight or swinging a punch shall not play the rest of the season.

OFFENSE / NO RUN ZONE:

When the offense is on or within the top of the key, on or inside the one point conversion line the offensive team must pass the ball, NO running the ball into the end zone. If an offensive penalty occurs the play will be marked back and the offense will still have to follow the NO RUN ZONE.

DEFENSE:

There is NO BUMP COVERAGE on the receivers.

AFTER AN EXTRA POINT:

The offensive team has 40 seconds to kick the ball off. If they do not kick the ball off in time the ball will be placed at the 50 yard line.

PLAYOFF/OVERTIME:

Both teams have the opportunity to play on offense and score, whether touchdown or not, the opposing team will always get the chance to match the score. Whoever has the highest score after each OT is the winner.

In overtime teams will start on the 2-point conversion line, and have two downs to score.  They can choose to go for 1 or 2-point conversion after the score. After the first overtime, and the score is still tie both teams will again have the same opportunity. 

In the third overtime and further, both teams will have 1 opportunity to score from the 2-point conversion line, if they score they must go for 2-points.

Spot Fouls

Intentional Grounding                           -3 yards & Loss of Down

Defensive Pass Interference		Automatic First Down
Holding/Stripping For The Ball		+3 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Unnecessary Roughness		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down
Blocking		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Charging		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Flag Guarding		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Offensive Unnecessary Roughness		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Diving		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs

Defensive Penalties

Offside		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Illegal Rush		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Illegal Flag Pull		+3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Automatic First Down
Roughing The Passer		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Pass Interference		Automatic First Down
Holding/Stripping For The Ball		+3 Yards & Automatic First Down
Defensive Unnecessary Roughness		+5 Yards & Automatic First Down

Offensive Penalties  

Offside/False Start		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage &Replay Down
Illegal Forward Pass		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Loss Of Down
Offensive Pass Interference		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Loss Of Down
Illegal Motion		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Delay Of Game		-3 Yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Impeding The Rusher/Holding		-3 yards From The Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Blocking		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Charging		-5 Yards &Loss Of Downs
Flag Guarding		-5 Yards & Loss Of Downs
Offensive Unnecessary Roughness		-5 Yards &Loss Of Downs
Diving		-3 Yards & Loss Of Downs

***SUBJECT TO CHANGE***