2017 {MIFL} Major - RULES & REGULATIONS

Rule I. THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS & EQUIPMENT

SECTION 1-GENERAL GAME PROVISIONS

Article 1- The game shall be played between two (2) teams of no more than eight (8) players on the field of play for each team (offense and defense). This shall be done on a properly shaped field (50 yards long by 30 yards wide… eight [8] yard deep end zones…hash marks are 4 & ! feet from field center) with a properly inflated . Each team has 10 yards to gain a First , and (4) downs in which to do it. The offensive team must go for a first down (and/or ) in any fourth down scenario. There is no punting or auto- provision. Also, the Side LINE (no more than 3 inches wide) is now classified as “IN BOUNDS” (per the 10/24 15 league meetings).

Winning Team and Final Score

Article 2a- The teams are awarded points based on values established by these rules. Forfeited games are given a different value and depending on the circumstances may alter the outcome of the game. A forfeited game’s final score is 7-0, in favor of the Non-Forfeiting team.

Article 2b- The game is ended and the score is final when the referee declares the game complete.

Supervision/Officiating

Article 3a- The game is conducted under the supervision of four (4) outside/3rd party officials

(i.e., PIAA/NJISAA and/or similarly agreed-to officials) who will have (access to) copies of and will have

reviewed these rules so as to be able to enforce & execute them to the best of their abilities.

Article 3b- Officiating crews will be outside/3rd party Referees (i.e., PIAA, NJISAA, etc.) paid- for/arranged by the HOME Team. Arranged/paid-for, as needed, by League Officials when needed and/or appropriately agreed-to by both the home & away team(s) in question and the MIFL.

Should there be an unforeseen circumstance preventing Paid Officials to be present, this should be made known immediately. With that, the MIFL Commissioner, MIFL President AND the opposing team’s leadership should be notified at once. The MIFL and/or the affected, specifically participating teams will, at that point, work towards supplying officiating crews of 4 officials

(per the above).

Team Managers and Captains

Article 4a- Each team shall designate to the officials, one or more players as its field captain(s) and one player on offense, defense and/or special teams who shall speak for the team in all penalty dealings with the referee. Also, the coach(es) are also to remain in communication with officials when and as is necessary throughout the course of game play.

Article 4b- The field captains’ first announced choice of any penalty options explained to him for his team shall not be reversed.

Article 4c- Any player that participated in the last play, and is still on the field of play after play has ended may request a time-out. Coaching Staff members may also request a time-out.

Persons Subject to the Rules

Article 5- All players, captains, managers, or persons should ensure that the game ball is available to the nearest official. Any unwanted or deliberate acts to delay the game by misuse of the ball will be penalized accordingly. In adverse weather conditions, it is the responsibility of the game officials to keep the ball as dry as is reasonably possible.

SECTION 2 – THE FIELD

Dimensions, Markings and Area Designation

Article 1a – Field should be 50 yards long, from goal line to goal line.

1b - Field should have two (2) opposing end zones, both 8 yards deep.

1c – Field should be 30 yards wide and should have discernable hash marks (Left & Right) 4 & 1/2 feet from field center.*

1d – Yard Lines should be clearly lined in either 5-yard and/or 10 yard increments including the

Mid-Field/25 Yard Line. And, the use of cones or yard line markers along the to signify these lines, as well as pylons or alternately shaped cones/yard markers for End Zones, is highly recommended/encouraged.

There MUST be designation between Yard Line and Goal Line/ markers. Bottom- weighted blaze-orange pylons are strongly recommended for End Zone/Goal Line designation.

*In the case of utilizing an INDOOR facility, the yardage from sideline dasher-board to sideline dasher-board shall serve as the field width. Similarly, end zones should be 8-yards deep, in an indoor scenario, but other reasonable yardage(s) will suffice.

Any MINIMAL &/OR REASONABLE variances of the aforementioned field dimensions, whether it be an

INDOOR or OUTDOOR Facility, should be made known to the league and other opposing teams ASAP by the team using said facility, after securing the venue for game play.

1e – Teams shall use opposite sides of the field to use as their team area during the game. The team area stretches from fifteen (15) yard line to fifteen (15) yard line and no less than ten (10) yards deep off of the playing field. Only the team Coach(es)/Manager(s), captains and players are allowed within the team area. No one is to be on the sidelines from the 15 yard line down to the

Goal Line(s) and/or around the back(s) of the End Zones. Any/all persons, however associated with the team (including fans, spectators, friends, family, etc.) and who are not a Coach/Manager, captains or players must be removed from the immediate areas surrounding the playing field 10 yards back from the sidelines from the 15 yard line around the back of end zones and up to the opposing 15 yard line…or, the perimeter of the field) and team area(s). Game play will be ceased until any/all such persons are where they should be, per the above.

In the case of using an INDOOR facility, Team Areas will be as-designated at the given venue.

This may or may not be an “opposite side” scenario.

SECTION 3 – THE BALL

Specifications

Article 1

-Each team should use the BADEN-Made/MIFL Football (contingent upon Delivery/Arrival of said footballs from BADEN).

-Should an unforeseen circumstance arise whereby the BADEN-Made MIFL Footballs are not available for game play by a given team(s), said team(s) should use a the opposing team’s BADEN-Made MIFL football. If both teams are unexpectedly without the BADEN-Made MIFL Football, a previously approved football should be used (i.e., NFL “Duke” Football) … OR a similar football that is agreed-to by BOTH Teams & that game’s Officials.

-Prior to the game’s opening kickoff, the (home & away) team[s] must provide the official game football(s) to the official[s] for inspection. Proper inflation pressure is approximately 12 to 13 p.s.i., or as-indicated ON each football.

Administration and Enforcement

Article 2 – If both participating teams somehow do NOT have a BADEN-Made MIFL Football, they may choose the same ball (i.e., the NFL “Duke” Football … Under Armour SPONGETECH 295 football), then a “common” football will be used (supplied by the home team with the visiting team’s ball available if and/or as needed), with a backup/secondary football available if/as needed.

Otherwise the BADEN-Made MIFL Football should be used.

Footballs used for kickoffs can be designated as separate from Game Balls. It is not necessary to separate “Game Balls” from “Kickoff Balls.” That will be left to each team’s discretion. After inspection, the ball should be kept to the proper inflation during the game. After a play is over, players shall either leave the ball on the ground or hand it to an official. If the ball is found to have been altered during game play, and the act deemed deliberate, the offending team will be assessed a “delay of game” penalty.

SECTION 4-PLAYING EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

Uniforms:

Article 1a - Auxiliary equipment (rib pads, back pads/plates, knee braces, soft casts, etc.) shall be at each team’s and/or player’s discretion as long as it does not include any inordinately hard, sharp or unyielding surface(s). Anything “questionable” must be agreed to by BOTH Head/Lead

Coaches before game play begins with that specific piece of Auxiliary Equipment.

Article 1b (Jerseys) - All members of the same team must wear the same color and style of jersey with non-duplicated numbers (0, 00, 1-99) including at least an 8 inch number on the front & back.

Article 1c (Pants/Helmets) - All members of the same team should wear the same colored pants and helmets. If there is a discrepancy, this should be acknowledged and either okayed or denied by both teams’ leadership prior to kickoff, relative to Pants. No Sweats, warm-ups or shorts will be permitted to serve as “game pants.”

With regards to helmets, if “Player A” has a helmet that does not match, color-wise, that player should correct it prior to the start of the game OR use another player’s (i.e., “Player B”) helmet when that player is not on-field. Otherwise said player will not be permitted to participate in game play until the helmet issue has been addressed.

Additional “standard” padding (knee, hip, tail bone, thigh, lower back) is strongly recommended.

It is also highly recommended that chinstraps be fully snapped and that mouthpieces be worn, but it is not mandatory.

Article 1d (Jewelry) – Jewelry is permitted with the exception of dangling chains that are and/or can be easily exposed. These are NOT allowed and must be taken off or taped to the player’s body so as not to fly out, become exposed and/or be grabbed on to during a play.

Playing Equipment and Uniform Enforcement

Article 2- if any player has improper, unapproved and/or different game attire than his team mates, said player may not participate in the game until he A} gets approval from team leadership

(i.e., different color pants or helmet due to an equipment issue or something similar [this will be on a case-by-case basis]) or B} complies with these rules. If discovered during the game without any prior approval, the offending player must be removed from play until agreement and/or compliance occurs. Violation of this results in a 5 yard penalty for the team whose player has had this infraction.

RULE 2 – ROSTERS, ACTIVE COACHES, PLAYERS, ELIGIBILITY & CONDUCT

SECTION 1 – TEAM & PLAYERS Eligibility

Article 1a– Team Roster: Teams’ Game-Day/Playing/Suiting-Up rosters shall not exceed thirty

(30) players. Teams’ TOTAL roster number has no cap for 2017.

1b – The 2016 Weekly Game Day Roster(s) is reportable to the League Commissioner and

Deputy Commissioner each week. Deadline is 9pm on the Friday before that weekend’s game.

This should be done IN DETAIL and can be submitted via e-mail ([email protected] and/or [email protected]), FaceBook (To: “Mifl Commissioner” and/or “Rio Prisco”), text message to either The League Commissioner (John Theillon) and/or League President (Rio Prisco), phone or in-person with a Hard, Printed copy. This also includes rosters that have no changes from the previous week. If this is NOT received from each team, by the MIFL President and Commissioner, a

$50.00 Fine is imposable on the non-complying team(s). If/when fined, that team MUST pay that $50.00 fine before playing the following week, or additional fines of $50.00 will accrue for every week the initial fine is not paid and/or every subsequent week a Game Roster is not submitted.

1c – Players must be 18 or older to participate in MIFL play (16 and older with a parent’s and/or legal guardian’s signed permission).

1d – Each Team may have a MAXIMUM of FIVE (5) Active/Game-Day Coaches on that team’s

Sideline Area/Team & Coaches “box” participating in that game’s events (i.e., A} Head Coach, B}

Offensive & Defensive Coordinators & C} Offensive/Defensive/Special Teams Assistants).

1e – POST SEASON &/OR ALL STAR Eligibility. Players must have played in at least

FOUR (4) out of EIGHT (8) games during the REGULAR SEASON to be eligible for both Post

Season/Playoff and League Championship games AND for any scheduled ALL STAR Game (which, if

scheduled, would be played the week after the Championship Game).

1g – IN-Season Roster Additions. Game-Day roster is “Up to 30 players.” If/when adding a player, in-season, any team doing so must notify the MIFL Commissioner AND MIFL Deputy

Commissioner. This can be done via weekly roster submissions. This must be done/sent to the League

President & Commissioner by/before 9pm Friday prior to the Saturday/that Weekend’s game.

REMEMBER: To be eligible for PLAYOFFS/POST-SEASON and/or any scheduled ALL STAR Game, a

player MUST play in no fewer than FOUR (4) Regular Season Games.

League/Team Contract and/or Player Agreement should be completed, signed and submitted, prior to the beginning of the regular season (or A.S.A.P. if a player joins a team in-season).

When done, submit to the League Commissioner AND League President. This is strongly recommended, and is a vehicle to ensure that rostered players are documented as much as possible, so as to be OKed for MIFL play during that upcoming / current season and/or post-season.

1h – In-Season Player Releases/Cuts, Player Additions and Team Hopping. A team may release/cut a given player during the season. This action MUST be cleared with the League

Commissioner AND League Deputy Commissioner. That player may then be picked up by a 2nd team.

That player’s season status begins with the next game played (with the 2nd team) being the player’s FIRST GAME of the Season. Basically, the player is starting as if it is “Game #1” of that season, and must also have participated in no fewer than four (4) regular season games with that 2nd team to be eligible for any/all post season play (including any scheduled All-Star games/events).

Further, should the 2nd team release/cut that same player, with League Commissioner’s & League

President’s approval, and the 1st team opts to claim the player for a 2nd stint with their team, that player, once again, is starting at Game-One for that season. Any/All game(s) previously played with their 1st/original team will NOT count towards Post-Season Play.

There IS NO “TEAM HOPPING” in the MIFL. If “Player X” is playing for “Team Y,” that’s how it is until or unless said player is officially released by the Owner and/or Head Coach of

“Team Y” and said released has been made known to the MIFL President and Commissioner.

Other MIFL Teams and/or their Owners, Leaders, Team Heads and Head Coaches are NOT, under any circumstances, to recruit or “suggest” a player that is NOT on their team to Team-

Hop, so as to play for their team. Should this be found to have occurred, the team with the player(s) who Team-Hopped from their initial team and are, or have been, actively participating on a new/different team, without being released via the proper channels/actions (per the above), shall forfeit all games won with the illegally obtained, Team-Hopped player in question (7-0

Score/Loss) and be fined $100.00.

Also, any/all stats accrued by the player, on the team they have “hopped to” illegally, shall be considered null and void, including the “participating in one play, minimum, in at least 4 games” to be eligible for Post Season play and/or the All Star Scuffle.

The Team-Hopping player may (or may not) be made eligible to play, once again, on their initial team during that current season. This can occur ONLY if the Player’s INITIAL Team Owner and

Head Coach permit it/clear it, and have it approved by the MIFL President and Commissioner.

Here again, that player would begin the next game they participate in, on the INITIAL team, as if it was Game #1 of the season for them. If this re-instatement is not unanimous by the aforementioned parties, the player(s) in question is ineligible for MIFL Play during the remainder of the current season. They may (re-)join an MIFL team for the following season.

Any/all players must be suited-up and on the 30-Man Game Day Roster for no fewer than four (4) games to be eligible for post-season play.

Team and Player Enforcement

Article 2– Any team or players found violating any of these rules shall forfeit all games played/participated in by the ineligible player(s) and/or coach(es).

SECTION 2- PLAYER CONDUCT

Players(s) Behavior:

Article 1a- Any inappropriate verbal badgering or berating of officials or derogatory language between opposing players towards each other, others on and/or beyond the sidelines (spectators, etc.) or towards officials after officials have asked for the team captain(s) or coaches to control their respective players can result in the player or players involved in the action in question to be disqualified from that game.

If it is a “fan” causing a disturbance, and they are not a part of either team but is part of a non- participating MIFL team, that person/player will be removed from the game area. Then, that person/player will be suspended from their next game AND the player will incur a $75.00 fine which MUST be paid before being eligible to return to active/game-day roster designation.

If a disruption comes from a non-descript person (Meaning: not formally associated with the

MIFL and/or any of its teams), there will be no team penalty and/or fine incurred. However, should it be necessary, Police or other applicable authorities may be contacted to affect that person’s removal from the game/field area, should it become necessary to do so. That person is subject to any legal charges (i.e., disturbing the peace, etc.) that could come from any such authorities.

1. The FIRST derogatory action or language on the field/by a player results in a 5 yard penalty and the captain(s) and coaches warned. Offending player(s) are removed from the game for a cooling down period of TWO Offensive series for that team. Further, the sideline (coaches, managers, staff and fans included) can get a sideline warning first with no distance penalty awarded. Any subsequent sideline penalties will result in a 5 yard penalty.

2. The SECOND derogatory action or language by a player will cause said player(s) and/or other sideline participants and/or spectators/fans in question to be ejected from the game and/or the area of, near and adjacent to the field of play. This would also include removal from the venue, en toto, should that venue be an Indoor Facility. Play will cease until the person(s) involved physically leaves the field/venue AND any/all immediate surrounding area(s). Also, a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty will be assessed to the team with the player, coach/manager and/or fan who has caused this action to occur. If it’s a non-descript person/fan that causes the disturbance, there is NO team penalty assessed.

Authorities are to be contacted for removal of the fan/person in question, if necessary, to assist in the removal process.

FIGHTING OF ANY SORT (including punching, head-slapping, intentional kicking [and other similar actions/infractions] towards another person) IS AN IMMEDIATE

DISQUALIFICATION/GAME EJECTION FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE GAME, AND UP

TO AN ENTIRE SEASON (8 consecutive regular season games which may span more than one regular season’s time frame). THIS IS FOR THE PLAYER(S) IN QUESTION AND

INCLUDES A $75.00 FINE PAYBLE BY THE PLAYER(S) IN QUESTION. THE

SECOND INCIDENT RESULTING IN EJECTION/GAME DISQUALIFICATION IS AN

ADDITIONAL $75.00 FINE, PAYBLE FROM THE PLAYER(S) IN QUESTION, ALONG

WITH MANDTORY SUSPENSION OF THE PLAYER(S) FOR AT LEAST THE

REMAINDER OF THAT CURRENT SEASON, INCLUDING ALL POST-SEASON

PLAY, AND COULD BE AS MUCH AS EIGHT (8) CONSECUTIVE REGULAR SEASON GAMES (these 8 consecutive regular season games may span more than one regular season’s time frame). ALL FINES MUST BE PAID-IN-FULL BEFORE CONSIDERATION FOR

RE-INSATEMENT AS AN ACTIVE PLAYER CAN OCCUR. ALSO, A 15 YARD

PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED FOR THAT PLAYER’S TEAM. FURTHER, ANY/ALL

PLAYER(S) INVOLVED WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR AT LEAST 1 GAME AND UP TO

AN ENTIRE SEASON (8 consecutive regular season games which may span more than one regular season’s time frame) AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY INFRACTION (including a

“first offense”).

ALL OF THE AFORMENTIONED IS SUBJECT TO THE MIFL COMMISSIONER’S &/OR MIFL DEPUTY

COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW AND DETERMINATION. ALL SUCH DETMINATIONS WILL BE FINAL.

SHOULD A LEAGUE ADMINISTATOR NOT BE ON-HAND FOR AN EJECTION/GAME DISQUALIFICATION

INCIDENT, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, THE OFFICIALS/REFERREES FROM THAT GAME (not the Team(s)

Representatives) SHALL CONTACT THE MIFL COMMISSIONER AND/OR THE MIFL DEPUTY

COMMISSIONER SO AS TO REVIEW THE INCIDENT AND ARRIVE AT A FINAL DECISION RELATIVE TO

SUSPENSION(S) AND/OR OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.

THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ARE THE ONLY 15-YARD PENALTIES IN THE MIFL RULES/REGS.

If captain(s) and coaches of the penalized team cannot control the actions of their players, the game can be forfeited at the on-site Officials’ and/or League Administrators’ (if present) discretion.

RULE 3 – DEFINITIONS/PLAYING REGULATIONS

SECTION 1- Length of Games, scoring, Time-Outs and Coin Toss.

Article 1- At the beginning of the game, a coin toss will be held at mid-field observed by the game officials and respective teams. At this time, the referee may conduct pre-game points of emphasis with the respective captain(s) and will be in charge of the coin toss. The winner of the toss will have the following (4) options: kick, receive, defer or defend. The loser of the opening toss will have choice of the remaining options for the first half and will have first choice of all options for the second half. The winner of the opening toss has all remaining second half options.

Article 2- The kickoff will start the game and will begin at the kicking team’s Goal Line.

Touchbacks will be placed at the 10 yard line.

RULE 4- PENALTY ENFORCEMENT

Section 1- Penalty Information

Article 1a- All penalty distances will be enforced with the standard distances (5 & 10 yards).

After a penalty is called, the referee will ask the calling official for the penalty and players number. The opposing captain will be called by the referee and have the result of the play and options explained to him. The captain’s first choice will be final. During the penalty phase, the game clock (on-field) will stop until the penalty has been enforced and then be restarted after the penalty has been announced and play has been whistled & “wind-milled” as ready to resume.

Article 1b- In the judgment of any game official, if the following acts are deliberate or flagrant, the player(s) involved shall be disqualified from the game: a) using fists, kicking, or kneeing b) any deliberate act that can cause injury c) any act of unsportsmanlike conduct (2 separate acts committed by same individual results in automatic disqualification) d) abusive, profane, inappropriate or insulting language e) undue harassment of officials and/or other players f) inappropriate helmet removal (not including Time-Outs and/or Injuries) and/or using the helmet as a “weapon.”

There is a league minimum of a one (1) game suspension and a $75.00 fine, which must be paid before said player can participate in any subsequent MIFL game(s) in that current season and/or future seasons. This applies to any person/player ejected from a game for any reason.

Individual Team rules may differ and/or be more severe.

Article 1c- penalties which are greater than the distance to the goal line are marked off and classified as “half the distance to the goal.”

The following are comprised of rules from NFHS (Federation), NCAA, NFL and .

These rules shall apply with emphasis on the following: a) One foot in-bounds for a legal catch (Sideline is IN bounds 3” Wide Line/OUTDOOR Fields …or… to dasher-boards and/or padding, for INDOOR Fields) b) There is intentional grounding. Passes must go beyond the . The QB/Passer must be outside the T/TE “box” to have an to no nearby receiver NOT classified as intentional grounding. Any such-thrown passes will be called Intentional Grounding, and have an accompanying 5-yard penalty. c) There is an “un-catchable ball” rule (to counter any would-be pass interference calls). This would be when any passed ball while in the general area of the receiver & defender, is deemed

“out of reach” not due to any alleged/possible contact, but due to trajectory. d) If ball carrier is not down by contact or touched by opposing player while on the ground, he may get up and proceed. e) No “sideline hangers.” This applies when a team prepares for their next play. Players must report to their team’s huddle. Failure to do so will result in a 5 yard foul. Or, if player participates in the play, a 10 yard illegal participation foul is assessed. This does NOT apply with a no-huddle scenario and/or formation. f) NO CUT BLOCKING / CHOP BLOCKING. Meaning: initiating/starting a block below the waist, inside the T/TE Box. If done, penalty is according to the rules. g) There is to be no intentional leg-whipping/tripping. Any “tackle” made by these means is subject to a flag, play (and clock) stoppage, review...BY OFFICIALS ONLY... and a possible 10-

Yard “Personal foul, Tripping/Leg-Whipping penalty” if deemed intentional. h) NFL style blocking is permitted. Hands can be used to “grab” inside the frame-work of the

FRONT of an opposing player’s body. Any “grabbing” on to the sides of the shoulders around to the opposing player’s back WILL be construed as “Holding” and that penalty will be called. i) Defensive Off-sides/Encroachment: When a defensive player goes across the line of scrimmage with no contact and gets back before , there will be no penalty. When a defensive player goes across the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an offensive player, there shall be an immediate stoppage of play and a dead ball penalty. When the defensive player goes across the line of scrimmage and the ball is snapped (with no contact), play continues and will then be called as a Live Ball penalty. Here, the option for the Offensive team is either 1} a Free Play, and have the penalty assessed and then repeat the down, or 2} decline the penalty and keep any gain(s) made on that play.

Game Time

Article 2a – and Regulations -15 Min. Quarters, continuously running clock:

1. Game clock will start each half when the ball is touched by the receiving team.

2. After a team time-out, the game clock will start at the snap of the ball.

3. While the game clock is a continuously-running clock, it does stop after a TD, and during PAT attempts, and will re-start on the ensuing kickoff when the ball is touched by the receiving team.

4. The game clock will stop for team time-outs, official time-outs, injury time-outs, penalties, and otherwise at the discretion of the official. 5. Halftime – A minimum of 5 minutes … A maximum of 15 minutes.

6. During the last Two (2) Minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarter ONLY, plays that culminate and/or plays that end up with an incomplete pass shall also stop the game clock. The game clock will re-start with the snap of the ball following such plays.

7. The shall allow for 35 Seconds from the time the ball is set (by the official) from the previous play to when the next play should start from the snap of the ball. Any play not starting within the 35-Second PLAY CLOCK parameters will result in a 5-Yard Penalty on the offensive team and a re-play of that down.

The Coaching Staff, On-Field Captain or ONLY may request the amount of time left in the game from the officials at any time. Officials will give the current time remaining in that quarter.

Also, any rules/regs question(s) can be made by either the official(s) with the question OR by the

Head Coach of either team with a rules/regs question. The Game Clock will stop during such

“Rules/Regs Q&A” periods as well.. The Game Clock will resume when clarity has been achieved with a “wind-mill” motion by the head official, with no time-out being charged to either team.

2b – Periods of play include Regulation, (P.A.T.) Point after touchdown and .

2c – Regulation Period – The game shall be played in 4 quarters of 15 minutes in length. In all games, the clock will be running per the above outlined parameters in Article 2a.

2e – With 2 minutes remaining in regulation of the first and second half, teams will be given a two minute warning. Here, the Game Clock will stop at the 2:00 mark...or as soon after the 2:00 mark as is possible, should a play be in progress. There will be a 30-second “break,” then play will resume with the start of the PLAY CLOCK. The Game Clock will start at the snap of the ball on the ensuing play.

2f – Overtime – In the event of a tie game at the end of the second half, the following method will be used:

1. After an official’s time-out of two (2) minutes, during which the officials and team captains will have a coin toss, the winner will have choice of playing offense or defense first. Both will go in the direction of the wind or if no wind, in the direction chosen by the refs, coaches and/or designated team rep.

2. O.T. FORMAT: Ball will be placed on the 15 yard line, going IN to an end zone, per item 1 (same end zone for each team). Each team will have offensive possession – based on normal game conditions -- unless terminated by an or , in which to score the most points. If, after each team has had consecutive possessions and the two teams’ scores remain tied, both teams will then have an additional consecutive possession. This Overtime Consecutive

Possession provision will continue until a winner is decided by scoring more points than the opponent, thus breaking any ties.

3. During overtime, teams will be allowed one (1) time-out each...TOTAL...regardless of how long the O.T. period(s) lasts.

4. An interception or fumble recovery by the defense terminates the offensive team chances. The defense may not advance the fumble or interception. Play stops so that the fumble-recovering or intercepting team may re-set as the offensive team.

Scoring

Article 3a: Touchdown = 6 points P.A.T.s & F.G.s… Portable Goal Posts are NOT to be used in 2017. If, however, there are “Indoor-Style” goal posts in place/available, then upon mutual agreement between the two teams’ Head Coaches, and then informing the Game Officials before the game stars, they MAY be utilized for Extra Points and/or FGs. See Below

EXTRA POINT(s) VIA THE RUN OR PASS - One (1) point from the 2-Yard Line, via a run OR pass play.

- Two (2) points from the 4-Yard Line, via a run OR pass play.

Prior to the P.A.T. Play, the team performing the P.A.T. must inform the official(s)

as to whether they plan on originating from the 2 or 4 yard line.

EXTRA POINT(s) VIA THE KICKED EXTRA POINT (per the above)  - One (1) point with the L.O.S. being the 3-Yard Line, with the ball being Long-Snapped

and then placed down at the 10-Yard Line for the X-Point Kick

There is NO return of Extra Points by the Defense. Any turnover by the offensive team, recovered by the defensive team, on a fumble that is recovered or on a missed/caught kicked X-Pt attempt will be blown dead by the official(s).

 FIELD GOALS (per the above) 

-On 4th Down ONLY, the team on Offense may opt to either go for the 1st Down, the Touchdown OR, a 3-Point .

Regarding A} IF a missed FG is returnable or not … and/or … B} IF there is a limit as to how long a FG can be (i.e., from ONLY mid-field or closer …OR… from any location on the field, etc.) and other similar provisions; these details are, once again, to be discussed and agreed-to by BOTH Head Coaches, and communicated to the Game Officials BEFORE the game starts

Safety:

THERE ARE NO POINTS AWARDED TO THE DEFENSIVE TEAM FOR A SAFETY. But, THAT

TEAM, HAVING JUST AFFECTING THE “Safety,” gets possession of the football at

the Opposing Team’s THREE (3) Yard Line (“FIRST & GOAL FROM THE 3”).

Forfeited Game = Score 7-0, with the NON-Forfeiting team getting the WIN.

Article 4a:

1. Each team shall have (3) timeouts per half

2. Each timeout will be (1) minute in length

3. Each team will have (1) timeout in Overtime

4. A timeout may be called by any player who participated during the previous play. Player must have been on the field during the previous play.

Said player may not have left the field and returned prior to the request.

The Coaching Staff may also request a timeout.

Article 4b- Officials may call additional timeouts at their discretion (i.e., the above-mentioned rules/regs question scenario).

Article 4c- During a team charged timeout, only one (1) team representative may confer with their team on the playing field.

SECTION 3 – LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, ELIGIBLE RECEIVERS, SUBSTITUTION,

BLITZING/RUSHING, ILLEGAL PLAY(s)…

Article 1– No less than three (3) linemen may be on the offensive or defensive line of scrimmage at the snap. On Offense, linemen may use a 2-point OR a 3-point stance. On Defense, linemen may utilize a 3-point OR a 4-point stance (there is NO upright/2-point stance for D-Linemen). Rushing and/or Blitzing the passer/backfield by the defense may only be done by the (one) “MAC”

Linebacker who has raised their hand prior to that play’s snap of the ball…and every play…indicating their eligibility to blitz. This blitzing MUST occur within the Offensive Tackle/TE Box

(Wing Backs, etc. placed near the T/TE, but not on the L.O.S., do not constitute a “Box” player…only

T/TE and/or players on L.O.S.).

The LONE declaring/Hand-Raised “MAC” Linebacker should line up, prior to/at the snap, no further back than 5 yards and, not closer than “The Daylight Rule.” MEANING: There MUST be

“daylight” between the rear end of the D-Linemen and the MOST FORWARD-LEANING (body) Part of the MAC/BLITZING Linebacker. This should be done in either of the “A-Gaps” ONLY.

ALSO, the “MAC” must remain stationary until the snap of the ball, lest there be a “neutral zone infraction” penalty.

In a “Goal Line” scenario, the “MAC” Linebacker will line up, up to 3 yards back…also employing “The Daylight Rule.”

The “MAC” Linebacker, once again, MUST report his possible blitz intentions each and every play by raising his hand in a manner that can clearly be seen by the Officials. Failure to

“report via a hand-raise” will result in a 5-Yard penalty. If the “MAC” does NOT blitz, he is restricted to

the tackle box (no more than 5yds deep and no wider than the tackles).

The other, or “JACK”, Linebacker is eligible to roam the field, side-to-side. He can also drop in to

LIMITED coverage, no more than 7 yards back (i.e., “traditional Indoor Football Rules”). And, the

“JACK” LB must begin each play, prior to/at the snap, in the “box” no more than 5 yards from the

L.O.S., in the OPPOSITE “A-” from the “MAC” Linebacker.

ANY/ALL declared blitzing shall be limited to the inside /”A” gaps within the Tackle/Tight End box. Linebackers may the L.O.S. in a Head-Up manner ONLY.

Stunts & twists (inside) are permitted by the DEFENSIVE LINEMEN ONLY (DE’s & Nose Tackles). With that, the Defensive Ends MUST engage the opposing Offensive Lineman/Player, with 2 hands, on ALL plays, except when executing an inside defensive stunt and/or twist.

D-Linemen, specifically, D-Ends, can be NO Wider than their side shoulder to the O-Lineman’s OUTside

Shoulder. AND, Nose Tackles must be lined up HEAD-UP to the Center.

A Defensive Back and/or the “JACK” LB can rush the L.O.S. outside the offensive T/TE Box area

ONLY after the Offensive ball-carrier has exited their T/TE Box area (i.e., running towards the sideline, a /toss, or screen pass reception). IN THE CASE OF OFFENSIVE PLAY-ACTION SITUATION, IF THE D-BACK(S) RUSHING THE L.O.S. DO

NOT BACK OFF OR CEASE FORWARD PURSUIT ONCE IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE OFFENSIVE

PLAY WAS, IN FACT, PLAY ACTION, THEY WILL INCUR A 5-YARD PENALTY.

IF THE D-BACK(S) CONTINUES AND MAKES CONTACT WITH THE OFFENSIVE QB, THAT WILL BE A

“PERSONAL FOUL” 10-YARD PENALTY.

Again, a Wing Back, Running Back and/or additional TE lined up near the T/TEs, but not on the Line of Scrimmage is NOT defined as part of the T/TE Box.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

1} Can back-pedal with the offense being IN-MOTION prior to the snap.

2} May “engage” with an opposing offensive player during the first FIVE (5) Yards of play ONLY.

2A} Officials WILL enforce this engagement, as is deemed necessary and warranted, from

play to play.

Article 1A- The QB. Once the QB runs with the football laterally outside of the T/TE Box, that player is live & subject to pursuit and tackling by ANY defensive player. Similarly, once the football leaves the QB’s hands via pass, pitch, hand-off, or fumble, any defensive player is now able to cross the line of scrimmage thus entering the (former) “Box” area to engage the opposition.

Roughing the passer rules/penalties still apply whether inside or outside the (former) “Box” area.

Article 2- There will be free substitution as long as the players being substituted for are off the field prior to the next snap. Players leaving the field must proceed towards their respective sidelines quickly.

Article 3- TWO (2) offensive player(s), NOT including LINEMEN and/or RUNNING BACKS in the backfield, may be in motion/moving towards the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap. The play is legal as long as said players do not cross the line of scrimmage before the snap occurs. Players other than the aforementioned TWO (2) types of offensive players in motion at the time of the snap

MUST be set for at least a full second prior to the offensive snap.

Article 4- There is NO FOUR (4) RECEIVER Offensive alignment permitted in the MIFL in any way, shape, manner or formation.

Article 5- There is NO “Center Sneak” or “FumbleRuskie” play in the MIFL. The football

MUST be snapped by/from the Center…away from the Center…and then handled by a “skill position player” (i.e., QB, RB, WR) whether as a run play or a pass play.

KICKOFFS … shall be done from the Goal Line and; A} INDOOR & OUTDOOR: will have the ball placed 1st-and-10 at the 10 yard line B} INDOOR: Ceiling “hits” get one re-kick. On the 2nd try, if the ceiling is hit, the receiving team gets the ball 1st-and-10 at the 25 yard line C} INDOOR: The “side-walls” are IN-Bounds D} OUTDOOR: ON the Side Line = IN-BOUNDS … Beyond the Side Line, off the field of play=Out of Bounds and receiving team gets the ball 1st and 10 at the 20.

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*** MIFL Player/Team Game Day NO-DRINKING POLICY ***

There will be NO consumption of any Adult/Alcoholic Beverages of ANY TYPE by players, coaches and any staff members of a MIFL Team participating in that current game before and/or during the game in question. This is regardless of whether that player/coach/staff member is classified as “active” for that current game or not. Any such beverage container[s], including kegs, bottles, cans, or any/all other containers, are subject to being summarily emptied and/or removed from the premises by Game Officials, League Administrators and, if necessary, local authorities.

Should any such actions be necessary, game play will not begin (or resume, if found during game play) until ALL such containers/items/etc. are completely emptied and/or removed from the field venue area in its entirety.

Non-compliance to the above-stated will result in a $100 Fine, payable by the team(s) in question before their next game. This fine payment status will carry over from season to season should the infraction come during that given team’s final game of the current season. Non-Payment will result in both 1} forfeiture of all subsequent games until the fine(s) is paid along with 2} accrual of an additional $100 fine for every game that the fine(s) in question is not paid.

Further, any consumption of Adult/Alcoholic Beverages by Non-Team game attendees (i.e., spectators, fans, friends, family, other MIFL league and/or team members not participating in the current game) is subject to the laws of their Borough/Township/City and State along with the rules and regulations of the Home Team’s venue. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, a total “No Drinking Policy,” a “Designated Adult (21+) Drinking Area” which MUST be clearly marked and cordoned off, and/or other similar designations at the discretion of the host/home team and/or Field/Venue Property Ownership.

MIFL: 2017 Penalties & Accompanying Yardage

5 yard penalties

-Delay of Game

-Too many men on the field

-Encroachment

-Free Kick (Kickoff) out of bounds (OR, on an out of bounds kickoff, the ball may be spotted at the return team’s 20 yard line…UNLESS…the kick went out of bounds before the return team’s 20 yard line. In which case, the ball will be placed at the [approximate] spot/yard line that the ball went out of bounds)

-Snap Infraction

-False Start

-Illegal Motion (too many men in motion [i.e., 3 or more at the time of the snap])

-Illegal (beyond the line of scrimmage … Includes loss of down)

-Intentional Grounding (Includes loss of down [while the QB is still inside the pocket/T-TE Box])

-Ineligible receiver downfield

-Incidental Face Mask

-Sideline Interference (Players, Coaches & Staff MUST be at least 1-yard BACK/OFF the sideline)

-Illegal Contact (-defense- with an offensive receiver beyond 5 yards [and an automatic first down])

-Failure to wear proper uniform (if previously unapproved if/when the player gains possession of the ball)

-Blitzing (LB/DB/DE) from outside the tackle box (automatic first down)

-Failure of the Def. Player (LB/DB) to cease fwd motion during a Play-Action scenario once determined Play Action is in play by the offense.

-Failure by the “MAC” LB to “report via a hand-raise” his eligibility to blitz … on every play.

-Illegal Defensive Alignment (when “D” is in Open Cvg. at the snao & the “O” is NOT in 4-Wide configuration)

10 Yard Penalties

-Offensive Holding (Outside the frame of the defenders body)

-Defensive Holding (curtailing the offensive, non-ball carrying player’s progress)

-Horse-collar Tackles

-Illegal Use of Hands

-Illegal Block in the Back

-Unsportsmanlike conduct

-Illegal kicking of the ball

-Offensive Pass Interference

-Illegal block originating below the waist (from the front or side of the defender)

-Clipping / Chop-Blocking -Tripping -Spearing -Head Slap(s)

-Flagrant grasping an opponent’s face mask

-Intentional Leg Whipping

-Roughing the passer (includes automatic first down)

-Illegal Participation (actually playing a down with more than eight players)

-Illegal Touching (any player coming from Out-Of-Bounds cannot be the 1st to touch the ball)

-Violation of any portion of the MIFL’s Player Code of Conduct

-Making contact (LB/DB) with the opposing QB during a Play-Action scenario by the offense.

Ball Placed at the Spot of the Infraction

-Defensive Pass Interference (includes an automatic first down).

With ALL D.P.I. Penalties that happen in the end zone, the ball shall be placed at the one (1) yard line.

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All other 10-yard penalties at the 15 yard line, or closer to the goal line, will be ½ the distance to the goal line & automatic 1st down.

There are NO 15-yd penalties in the MIFL other than previously listed Code Of Conduct infractions.