Rules for 1. Game -At the start of each game, captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who shall start with the . The visiting team shall call the toss. -The winner of the coin toss gets the choice if they want offense or defense first. If they choose offense, then the other team chooses the it would prefer to defend. -The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has (4) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has (4) plays to score a . On 4th , the team can choose to go for it or . If the team chooses to punt, the ball will be placed at the opposing teams 5-yard line. If the team elects to go for it and does not make it, the ball will then be placed where that play ended. -ALL possession changes, EXCEPT , start on the offense’s 5-yard line. -Interceptions may be returned in normal play. ONLY exception is if the leading team is up in points by more than 28 and the ball is intercepted, then the ball is dead at that point on the field. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the loser of the coin toss. 2. Terminology -Boundary lines – the outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the , and the rear end zone lines. - – an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field. -Line to gain – the line the offense must pass to get a first down or score. - line – an imaginary line running across the width of the field 12 yards on defense side of the line of scrimmage. -Offense – the squad with possession of the ball. -Defense – the squad opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball. -Passer – the offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the QB -Rusher – the defensive player assigned to rush the to prevent him/her from passing by pulling his/her flags or blocking the pass. -Downs (1, 2, 3, 4) – the offensive squad has (4) attempts or “downs” to advance the ball. They must cross the “line to gain” to get another set of downs or to score. -Live ball – the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regards to penalties, live ball penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete. - – the period of time immediately before or after a play. -Whistle – the sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the action for timeout, halftime or end of game. -Inadvertent whistle – an official’s whistle that is performed in error. -Charging – the movement of the ball carrier directly at the defense player who has established possession on the field. This includes lowering the head, making contact with the defender with a shoulder, chest or forearm. -Flag guarding – an act by the ball carrier to prevent the defender from pulling the ball carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow, head, shoulder, diving, jumping or leaving their feet in order to block access to the runner’s flags. -Shovel Pass – a legal pass attempted behind the line of scrimmage by throwing the ball underhand or pushing it towards the receiver in a shot put type manner. -Lateral – a backwards or sideways toss of the ball by the ball carrier. - – rude, confrontational or offensive behavior. 3. Eligibility -A player’s age must fall within the specified grade range according to the registration form for that particular season summer/fall. The grade cut-off will always be the last day of registration for that particular season. It will always be the grade you’re entering in the fall. 4. Equipment -The League provides each player with flag belts and each team with (2) footballs. --Teams can also provide their own ball for use during the games. Grades 3-4 will use Pee-Wee size football, 5-6, 7-9 will use Junior size football. -Players must wear shoes. Cleats are allowed, however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed. -Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. -Players must remove all watches, earrings and any other jewelry that the officials deem hazardous. -Official NFL flag jerseys must be worn during play. -Players’ jerseys must be tucked into the shorts/pants if they hang below the belt line. -Pants/shorts with belt loops or pockets MUST BE taped. -Mouth guards are required. 5. Field -The recommended field size is 30 yards by 70 yards with (2) 10 yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain. “NO Run” zones are marked 5 yards before the mid-line and 5 yards before the end zone. -NO run zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays. While in the NO run zones, teams may NOT run the ball in any fashion. All plays, including those that begin with a hand off, MUST BE a pass play. -Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds. 6. Rosters -Home teams wear dark jerseys, and visiting teams wear light jerseys. -This is 5 on 5 youth flag-football. A maximum of 8-10 players on a team. More can be put on a team with approval from league officials. With that said, teams must field a minimum of (4) players at all times. 7. Timing and -Games are played with a 40 minute continuous clock, 2 (20 minute) halves. -The clock will stop at every dead ball inside 2 minutes of the end of the game if the score is within 8 points. (except if the play is completed by a flag pull in bounds then the clock will run) -Halftime is five (5) minutes long. -Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to the ball. -Each team has (1) 60 second time-out per half. -Officials can stop the clock at their discretion. -In the event of an injury the clock will stop and then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play. -If the score is tied at the end of the 40 minutes, the game will go into overtime. -In tournament or playoff situations, an overtime period will be used to determine a winner in all divisions. -Overtime: There will be a coin toss. Each team will go for 1 point (no-run zone). If still tied, each team will go for 1 point again. If still tied after the 2nd time, each team will go for 2 points (run or pass) until someone wins. Teams will stay on the same side of field during overtime. 8. Scoring -Touchdown: 6 Points -PAT (Point After Touchdown) : 1 Point (5 Yard line) 2 Points (12 Yard line) -Note: 1 point PAT is PASS ONLY / 2 point PAT can RUN or PASS Safety: 2 Points -A Safety occurs when the ball carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone. They can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, their flags fall out, they step out of bounds or they hit the ground with their knee or arm. The ball is dropped in the end zone. A Safety also occurs when there is an offensive penalty in the end zone. -A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-pt conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-pt conversion (from the 12-yard line). Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timed out. Decision cannot be changed after a penalty. Interceptions on conversions can be returned. If an gets returned to the other end zone, that team receives 1 point if the team tries a 1 point conversion and 2 points if team tries a 2 point conversion. -Mercy Rule: After one team is winning by 28 points or more, the losing team gets (1) offensive series to continue regulation play. If they do not score, the game will go into scrimmage mode. -Scrimmage Mode: The losing team gets the ball for up to (3) possessions. Each possession lasts until the team scores or turns it over on downs. After (3) possessions the game is over. 9. Coaches -Coaches are typically volunteer parents or family members helping the players learn and enjoy the game. -Coaches are allowed on the field to direct players in ONLY the 3-4 grade divisions. ONLY (1) coach may be on the field at a time. -Coaches are to adhere to Game On Sports philosophies, coaching guidelines and codes of conduct. 10. Live Ball / Dead Ball -The ball is LIVE at the snap of the ball and remains LIVE until the official whistles the ball DEAD. -The official will indicate the neutral zone and the line of scrimmage. In regards to a neutral zone infraction, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” to allow their players to move back beyond the line. -The play is still live when a “neutral zone” infraction occurs. After the play, the team without the infraction will make a decision on whether to accept the penalty. -A player who gains possession in the air is considered in bounds as long as (1) foot comes down in the field of play. -The defense may not mimic the offensive team while the QB is calling out signals to start the play. -Substitutions may be made on ANY dead ball. -Any official can whistle the play dead. -Play is ruled DEAD when: -the ball touches the ground -the ball carrier’s flag is pulled -the ball carrier steps out of bounds -a touchdown, PAT or safety is scored -the ball carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground -the ball carrier’s flag falls out -the receiver catches the ball while in possession of one flag -an inadvertent whistle is performed (at the spot where the ball was whistled dead) -In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options: take the ball where the whistle blew or replay the down from the original line of scrimmage There are no . The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground. If the ball carrier fumbles forward the ball is spotted where the fumbled occurred. If the ball is fumbled backward the ball is spotted where it lands. 11. Running -The ball is spotted where the runner’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball. If one foot is in front of the other, the forward foot marks the spot. -The quarterback cannot DIRECTLY run with the ball in any grade division. -In the all grade divisions, the QB CAN run only if the defense crosses the LOS when rushing from the RUSH LINE (12 yards back) and the LOS is not in the no run zone. -The QB cannot directly hand the ball back to the center after the snap. For the center to take the hand-off, he/she will need to roll behind the QB. -Offense may use multiple hand offs. -Laterals are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. -“No run zones”, located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield, are to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Teams are NOT allowed to run in these zones, NO exceptions. -The player who takes the hand off can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. -Once the ball has been handed off in front or behind the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. -Runners may not leave their feet when running with the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping is considered flag guarding. -Spinning is allowed but not if player jumps or leaves both feet, players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. -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. -Flag obstruction – ALL jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags -MUST be on the players’ hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding. 12. Passing -All forward passes must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. -The quarterback has a 7- second “pass clock”. If a pass is not thrown within the 7- seconds the play is still LIVE. A will be thrown but the play continues just in case the defense intercepts the ball after the play has been completed. -Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule is NO LONGER in effect. -Lateral passes are allowed but only behind the line of scrimmage.

13. Receiving -All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB if the ball has been handed off behind the LOS) -Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the -LOS and no motion is permitted towards the LOS. -A player must have at least (1) foot inbounds when making a reception -In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense. -Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. Interceptions are returnable. 14. Rushing the Passer -All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of (12) yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the QB. - Players not rushing the QB may defend on the line of scrimmage. -Once the ball is handed off, the 12-yard line rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may go beyond the line of scrimmage. -A special marker, or the referee, will designate a RUSH line (12) yards from the line of scrimmage. Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position with the official on every play. -A legal rush is: -Any rush from 12-yards from the defensive line of scrimmage -A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the QB -If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the QB. -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 offensive player. -A safety is awarded if a sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone. 15. Flag Pulling -A legal flag pull takes place when the ball carrier is in full possession of the ball. -Defenders can dive to pull flags, but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball carrier when trying to pull his/her flag. -It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball carrier’s possession at any time. -If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball. -A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball. -Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff-arming, dropping of the head, extending the hand, arm or shoulder, jumping or intentionally covering a path to the flag is flag guarding. flags with the football or jersey. 16. Formations -An offensive team must have a minimum of 1 player on the line of scrimmage (center) and have up to 4 players on the LOS. The QB must be off the line of scrimmage. -One player at a time may go in motion, 1 yard beyond and parallel to the line of scrimmage. -No motion is allowed towards the line of scrimmage. -Offensive players must come to a complete stop for 1 second before the ball is snapped, unless he/she is the one player in motion. -Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs towards the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a . -The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the back field,- (exception to this rule for grades 3-6) and the ball must completely leave his/her hands. 17. Unsportsmanlike Conduct -If a referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. -Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give a warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game. -Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent or official. -Ball carriers must make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position. -Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags. -Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship. -Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams -Keep ALL comments clean and profanity free. -Compliment ALL players, not just one child or one team. -Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid friendly -Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs, and tents away from the sidelines. -If a coach/fan/parent is asked to leave the game because they have been unsportsmanlike and they do not leave, the game WILL BE forfeited. 18. Penalties General: -The referee will call ALL penalties -Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal course of play -Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about the rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls. -Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, UNLESS the offense declines it. -Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal. -If an offensive penalty occurs in the “no-run” zone, the penalty will be enforced and the offense will still be considered in the “no-run” zone. Offense MUST pass. -All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage except as noted for spot fouls. -If the offense incurs the penalty the defense will have 2 options: 1)take the penalty and the offense will get to replay the down or decline the penalty and let the play stand. -If the defense incurs the penalty the offense will have 2 options: 1)take the penalty and an automatic first down 2)decline the penalty and let the play stand. Penalties include the following and are 5 yards from LOS: -Illegal equipment -Offside -Illegal motion (more than 1 person moving, false start) -Illegal (throwing beyond the line of scrimmage) -QB pass clock expires (QB has 7 seconds to pass) -Offensive (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) -Screening, Blocking, or Running with the ball carrier - -Illegal contact (holding, blocking) -Illegal Flag Pull -Illegal rushing (starting to rush from inside the 12-yard marker) - -Taunting -Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Spot Fouls- These are Penalties that are assessed 5 yards from the spot of the penalty and the play stands with no replay of the down. -Flag Guarding - Any attempt to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff-arming, dropping of the head, hand, arm or shoulder, jumping or intentionally covering flags with the football or jersey includes any diving, leaping or jumping where a player leaves his feet) Spinning is allowed if the player doesn’t leave both feet and uses a pivoting move with one foot on the ground not a jumping move. -Charging – Any attempt by a player to run over a player that has already established his position on the field. Players must avoid this contact by running around a player that is set in position. -Defensive Pass Interference - Interfering with an offensive player’s attempt to catch a pass.