Rules Summary

 

 

GAME OVERVIEW

  • A coin toss determines 1st or 2nd half possession.
  • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has four plays to cross mid-field.
  • Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have four plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their 5-yard line.
  • If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field in four plays, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 5-yard line.
  • Interceptions cannot be returned. 
  • All possession changes, including interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
  • Two 25-minute halves. Continuous clock except after touchdowns and during last two minutes of each half when the clock stops at the 2-minute warning, on out-of-bounds, on incompletions and to mark off penalties. Each time the ball is spotted a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
     

PLAYERS\GAME SCHEDULE

  • Teams must field a minimum of four players at all times.
  • Teams may not have more than five on the field at one time. 

SCORING

  • Games are played two halves of 25 minutes each. Highest score at end of regulation wins.
  • Touchdown = 6 points, extra point = 1 pt from 5 yards out or 2 pts from 12 yards out.

OVERTIME

  • If the teams are tied at the end of 50 minutes, teams move directly into overtime.
  • Coin toss determines possession in first overtime; possession alternates if add’l overtime periods are needed.
  • Each team receives one offensive play: 5 yards - 1 point, 12 yards - 2 points.
  • If the teams still tied, overtime repeats.

RUNNING

  • Running plays are not allowed.
  • No laterals or pitches of any kind.
  • Spinning is NOT allowed and players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull (no diving).
  • The ball is spotted where the ball is when the ball carriers flag is pulled.

RECEIVING

  • All players are eligible to receive passes.
  • Player must have one foot in bounds when making a catch.
  • One player is allowed in motion at the snap.

PASSING

  • All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.
  • The QB has 4-second pass clock.  If the pass is not thrown within the 4  seconds, the play is dead, the ball is returned to LOS and it’s a loss of down.
  • Interceptions cannot be returned

DEAD BALL

  • Play is dead when the ball carriers flag is pulled.
  • Play is dead when the ball carrier steps out of bounds.
  • Play is dead when a touchdown is scored.
  • Play is dead when the ball carrier's flag falls out, followed by a one-hand touch.
  • Play is dead when the ball carrier's knee or arm hits the ground.
  • Play is dead when an interception is made. 
  • There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the offensive player fumbled.
  • Anytime the ball touches the ground, it's dead.

RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK

  • Rushing the QB is not allowed.

PENALTIES

Defense:

  • Offside: 5 yards and replay down
  • Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball): 5 yards and reply down
  • Pass Interference: Spot of foul and 1st down unless in endzone then places at 5 yard line and 1st down
  • Illegal contact (bump and run, blocking, etc.): 5 yards and 1st down
  • Defensive holding on a Receiver: 5 yards and 1st down
  • Defensive holding while pulling a flag: spot foul, 5 yards and replay down. 

Offense:

  • Illegal Motion (more than 1 player  moving at snap): 5 yards and replay down
  • Illegal Forward Pass (pass received behind LOS or caught within 5-yard radius from QB Tee): 5 yards and down counts
  • Offensive Pass Interference (illegal pick play, pushing off): 5 yards and down counts
  • Flag Guarding: 5 yards (from point of infraction) and down counts
  • Delay of Game: clock will stop, 5 yards

Referees determine incidental contact, which may result from normal run of play!  Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretation. Players/coaches cannot question judgment calls.

 

COACHES

  • One-Coach per team is allowed on the field to call plays in the offensive huddle. Coaches may not assist QB once the ball has been snapped.  Defensive coaches must move to the sidelines before the snap of the ball.

FIELD SIZE

Fields are 28 yards wide by 50 yards long.  Endzones are 10 yards deep.

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