CITY OF VACAVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT YOUTH SPORTS

FLAG FOOTBALL

REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

*Updated 9/21/17*

GAME DAY WEATHER QUESTIONS WILL BE UPDATED AS NEEDED CALL 469-4035

Youth Sports- Recreation League Rule Book

The main goal of our league is to have fun, and learn about the game. Standings will not be kept and there are no playoffs.

Vacaville Community Services reserves the right to amend, add, or delete and rule for the safety of the participants and the betterment of the league.

It is the responsibility of all coaches, assistant coaches, officials and scorekeepers to know and adhere to these rules.

1. PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES a. Each team fields seven (7) players for play. Should a team find itself short of players, they should borrow from the other team. WE DO NOT FORFEIT GAMES. b. Games will be played with even teams – example, if one team can only field six players, the opposing team must play with six. No exceptions c. Offensive player: a player on the team with possession of the Offensive players may include center, guard/tackle, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and quarter back. d. Defensive player: a player on the team without possession of the ball Defensive players may include defensive guards, tackles, ends, linebackers, and defensive backs. e. There are no limits to free substitution, except that subs may enter the game only when the ball is dead. ALL PLAYERS MUST PLAY AT LEAST HALF OF EACH GAME (two complete quarters) regardless of ability. The only exceptions are injury or discipline, and this must be reported to the officials and the other coach.

2. THE GAME a. Each game will begin with a coin flip. The captains of each team and the officials will meet at midfield for the flip. The visiting team will call heads or tails. The winner of the toss will elect to a) receive the kick, b) kick and defend a goal, or c) defer his/her choice until the start of the second half. If the winner of the coin flip chooses either (a) or (b) prior to the start of the first half, the opposing team will have the same choice prior to the start of the second half. b. Each game consists of 4 quarters. For the 1-2 grade division- each quarter will consist of 15 offensive plays or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first. For the 3-4 and 5-6 grade divisions- each quarter will consist of 15 offensive plays or 20 minutes, whichever occurs first. Kick-offs, extra point attempts, and punts are not counted as offensive plays. Live ball penalties (penalties that occur while the play is being run) count as a play but penalties do not count as plays. c. There will be a one (1) minute break between quarters and a five (5) minute break at half time. The half or game cannot end on a defensive penalty. d. Each team is allowed three (3) - 1 minute time outs per game. Two time outs cannot be taken consecutively. A play must be executed after each time out before an additional time out can be taken. e. A five (5) minute grace period will be allowed for each game. A team must have at least 5 players on the field at the end of the grace period to start the game. If a team does not have five players at the end of the grace period. Players from the opposing team will be borrowed to start the game. f. Play ends when the official(s) blow their whistle(s) g. The use of a 3-point stance is prohibited for all players h. There are no ! The ball is dead at the spot it is dropped, except on kickoffs inside the 15 yard line and exchanges between the center and . i. One coach per team is allowed on the field in the 1/2nd grade and 3/4th grade divisions. This is to help move the game along. j. In the result of a tie game, there is no or sudden death playoff. The game is over. k. If a team with a nine (9) point or more lead obtains possession of the ball with four (4) or fewer plays remaining in the game, the game is over.

3. SCORING 1/2 Grade Division – seven (7) points – when a member of a team has possession of the ball on or beyond the opponent’s goal line.

There will be no extra point conversions.

3/4, 5/6 & 7/8 Grade Divisions Touchdown – six (6) points – when a member of a team has possession of the ball on or beyond the opponent’s goal line.

Extra points – a conversion from the three yard line – one (1) point A conversion from the six yard line – two (2) points

Interceptions on extra points will be a dead ball and considered a failed attempt for the offensive team. There will be no points awarded to defensive teams on extra points.

All Divisions Safety – two (2) points - for the defensive team when an offensive player is flag tackled behind their own goal line, runs or ball goes out of the back of the . Offensive team will have the option to or kick-off from their 15 yard line.

Safety- two (2) points will be awarded to the kicking team if the receiving team touches the ball between the goal line and the 15 yard line in the field of play and the ball rolls into the endzone and is either downed or the player’s flag is pulled.

4. OFFENSE At least four (4) players must be on the for each play. Only three players may be in the backfield. All players are eligible to receive a pass. The center may only the ball to any backfield player.

Each team will have 25 seconds to snap the ball after the official marks the ball ready to play.

Run and pass plays are allowed.

Forward passes or handoffs in front of the body are only permitted behind the line of scrimmage and one (1) time per .

Laterals and backward passes are permitted anywhere on the field and can happen an unlimited amount of times.

The or passer is downed if their flag is pulled while he/she still has possession of the ball, even if they are in a throwing motion.

Direct runs within an 8 foot lane up the middle (4 feet on either side of the center) are not allowed. A direct run is any run by a ball carrier on a handoff, pass, or direct snap. It does not include a run or broken play that extends out beyond the 8 foot lane and then cuts back toward the center of the field. This is a judgment call on the official’s part.

The offensive team has 4 downs to advance the ball to or beyond the next down line. If successful, they are awarded a first down and have four more downs to reach the next down line or the goal line. If they fail to do advance the ball to the next down line on third down they have the choice of going for it on fourth down or punting the ball to the defensive team.

5. DEFENSE: Defensive players are not allowed to jump or dive (Superman) for a flag. A lunge (a sudden forward thrust of the body, typically with an arm outstretched to seize the flag) that may bring the pursuing player to the ground is not considered a jump or dive.

Players may not line up over center and the quarterback. All rushers must come from over or outside the offensive “tackle”

Defensive players must pull the ball carriers flag. There is no tackling or stripping the ball. This includes going after the quarterback or passer’s arm.

Once a flag has been pulled, the defensive player must return the flag to the offensive player.

6. BALL CARRIERS Hurdling, jumping, spinning (180 or 360 degrees), stiff arming, and flag guarding to avoid having their flag pulled are prohibited.

It is the responsibility of the ball carrier to avoid contact with the defensive players.

7. DOWNING THE BALL CARRIER A ball carrier is considered down when any of the following happen:  Their flag belt is pulled off by another player  Their flag belt falls off (down at the spot of the flag falling off)  Any part of the body other than the hands or feet touch the ground  When the ball hits the ground. Except on kickoffs inside the 15 yard line and exchanges between the center and punter.  When they go out of bounds  If a receiver or intercepting players flag falls off before he catches the ball, the play will be blown dead at the point where the catch is made. The officials will spot the ball at the “down” location, which becomes the new line of scrimmage.

Players intentionally dropping or pulling flags of non-ball carriers during game action will be accessed a five yard penalty.

8. KICK OFFS There are no on-side kicks

Kick-offs are made from the 15 yard line in the 1-4 grade divisions and the mid- field line in the 5-6 grade division.

No kicking team player may cross line prior to the kick.

The receiving team must line up behind the 15 yard line and may not cross the 15 yard line prior to the kick.

A muffed ball by the receiving team may be advanced if the ball is muffed inside the receiving team’s 15 yard line. Outside the 15 yard line, a muffed ball is dead at the spot of contact with the ground.

A kick-off that goes out of the end zone is dead and the offensive team will begin their drive at their own 15 yard line.

If the kick-off goes out of bounds the ball is spotted on the mid field line (5-6 grade division) or 15 yard line (1-4 grade divisions) and the receiving team takes over.

A safety will be awarded to the kicking team if the receiving team touches the ball between the goal line and the 15 yard line in the field of play and the ball rolls into the endzone and is either downed or the player’s flag is pulled.

If the kicking team touches the ball first the ball will be called dead at the spot of the touching and the offensive team will take over at that spot.

After a safety, the kicking team will have the option to punt or kick-off from their own 15 yard line

9. PUNTING No fake punts- Offensive team must declare they are punting to allow the defense to set up.

The offensive and defensive teams must remain behind their line of scrimmage until the ball is punted.

The defensive team must have at least five (5) players on the line of scrimmage before the ball is kicked.

If the punter’s flag falls off when he/ she receives the ball and before he/she punts, the kick is allowed with no penalty.

The punter must be in punt formation – he/she may not take the ball from under center and walk back to kick. Penalty – 5 yards and re-kick.

All grades – center may turn and toss the ball to the punter, no snapping.

A muffed punt is a dead ball at the spot of the dropped ball. If the ball bounces before the receiver fields the ball cleanly he/she is allowed to advance the ball.

10. BLOCKING The players’ hands must be confined to the chest area. Blocking guidelines are as follows:  Closed or cupped hands, palms facing opponent.  The forearms are extended no more than 45 degrees from the body.  No full extension of arms.  Blocks to the head and neck will result in an illegal use of hands penalty.  No thrown body blocking or crack-back blocks will be allowed (below waist or in the back).

LAST PERSON RULE- When there is only 1 defensive player left between the ball carrier and the end zone, if that defensive player tackles, holds or pushes the offensive player out of bounds to avoid a touchdown, the penalty is an automatic touchdown for the offense.

11. SPORTSMANSHIP/ROUGHING If the referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocks, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player(s), coaches, or spectators will be ejected from the game.

12. PENALTIES/ YARDAGE GRADES 1-4

PENALTIES - OFFENSE Note: Any penalty yardage resulting from infractions after or PAT’s will be assessed on the following kickoff. 1. Any flag violation (Spinning/ guarding 3 yards from point of foul 2. Hurdling or jumping 3 yards from point of foul 3. Illegal procedure (motion, offside, delay 3 yards from line of scrimmage of game, illegal , formation) 4. Holding 5 yards from point of foul 5. Illegal block or use of hands on line 5 yards from line of scrimmage 6. Straight-arm/ charging by ball carrier 7 yards from point of foul 7. Blocking (above shoulder/below belt, 7 yards from point of foul Clipping, leaving feet, pushing downfield) 8. Pass interference (offensive) 7 yards from line of scrimmage

PENALTIES - DEFENSE 1. Offside/ Encroachment 3 yards from line of scrimmage 2. Holding 3 yards from point of foul and automatic 1st down 3. Diving or jumping for flag 5 yards from point of foul 4. Pushing runner out of bounds 7 yards from point of foul 5. Roughing the passer 7 yards from the line of scrimmage 6. Pulling receiver’s flag before catch 7 yards from point of foul 7. Tackling/Stripping 7 yards from point of foul 8. Pass interference (defensive) Ball is spotted at point of foul – plus automatic first down. If interference occurs in the end zone, the ball will be spotted at the one yard line

PERSONAL FOULS – 7 yards from line of scrimmage 1. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any player or coach 2. Unnecessary roughness 3. Disrespect toward officials, coaches or other players 4. Foul, abusive, inappropriate language by players, coaches or spectators 5. Any show boating, taunting or talk directed toward the other team by coaches, players, spectators *Offensive penalty is 7 yards from LOS and loss of down, * Defensive penalty is 7 yards from LOS and automatic first down for offense

13. PENALTIES/ YARDAGE GRADES 5-8

PENALTIES - OFFENSE Note: Any penalty yardage resulting from infractions after touchdowns or PAT’s will be assessed on the following kickoff. 1. Any flag violation (Spinning/ guarding 5 yards from point of foul 2. Hurdling or jumping 5 yards from point of foul 3. Illegal procedure (motion, offside, delay 5 yards from line of scrimmage of game, illegal forward pass, formation) 4. Holding 10 yards from point of foul 5. Illegal block or use of hands on line 10 yards from line of scrimmage 6. Straight-arm/ charging by ball carrier 15 yards from point of foul 7. Blocking (above shoulder/below belt, 15 yards from point of foul Clipping, leaving feet, pushing downfield) 8. Pass interference (offensive) 15 yards from line of scrimmage

PENALTIES - DEFENSE 1. Offside/ Encroachment 5 yards from line of scrimmage 2. Holding 5 yards from point of foul and automatic 1st down 3. Diving or jumping for flag 10 yards from point of foul 4. Pushing runner out of bounds 15 yards from point of foul 5. Roughing the passer 15 yards from the line of scrimmage 6. Pulling receiver’s flag before catch 15 yards from point of foul 7. Tackling/Stripping 15 yards from point of foul 8.Pass interference (defensive) Ball is spotted at point of foul – plus automatic first down. If interference occurs in the end zone, the ball will be spotted at the one yard line

PERSONAL FOULS – 15 yards from line of scrimmage 1. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any player or coach 2. Unnecessary roughness 3. Disrespect toward officials, coaches or other players 4. Foul, abusive, inappropriate language by players, coaches or spectators 5. Any show boating, taunting or talk directed toward the other team by coaches, players, spectators *Offensive penalty is 15 yards from LOS and loss of down, * Defensive penalty is 15 yards from LOS and automatic first down for offense

14. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY, REGISTRATION AND WAITING LISTS 1. 1-8 grade boys and girls will be eligible to register 2. Players must be registered for the specific season to be eligible to participate in any practice or game 3. Upon the close of registration, waiting lists will be established.  The waiting lists will be kept and maintained by the Youth Sports office.  Parents interested in placing children on the waiting list may call 469-4035 or email [email protected]  Waiting list participants will be added to teams on a first-come, space available basis.  Coaches and/or parents cannot bypass the waiting list through special request.  Coaches will be notified of waiting list roster additions via the “WL” listed on their printed roster, or via phone or email from the Youth Sports office.  Coaches may contact WL participants to give them team information, but cannot allow them to participate until they are registered.  Coaches will receive notification from the Youth Sports office when WL participants have completed registration and are eligible to play.

15. LEAGUE AND TEAM ROSTER FORMATION 4. Four leagues will be established:  1-2 grades  3-4 grades  5-6 grades  7-8 grades 5. Players must be registered to be eligible to participate in any game and/or practice. 6. Team rosters will be established by the Youth Sports office based on the following criteria:  Friend request: requests must be one-to-one, and must be reciprocal.  School of attendance  Other criteria as needed 7. Players cannot request specific coaches. Coaches cannot request specific players. 8. Changes to team rosters will be made by the Youth Sports office only. 9. Coaches cannot add or delete players at any time. Coaches cannot make cuts of any kind. 10. Children will remain on the team roster unless they have requested a refund. 11. If you have a child that quits, contact the Youth Sports office. 12. League schedules will be created by the Youth Sports office. 13. Coaches cannot make changes to the league schedules.

16. FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS a. Games and practices are held at: 1-4 grade- Al Patch. 5-8 grade- Keating b. 1-4 grade field is 60 yards (end line to end line) by 24 yards (sideline to sideline). The field has 3- 15 yard zones and 2- 7.5 yard endzones. c. 5-6 grade field is 80 yards (end line to end line) by 40 yards (sideline to sideline). The field has 4- 15 yard zones and 2- 10 yard endzones. d. Ball sizes are as follows: 1-2 grade- Pee Wee. 3-6 grade- Junior. e. All players must wear a mouth guard. f. Rubber or molded cleats may be worn. Metal spike or tipped cleats are prohibited. g. City of Vacaville reversible jerseys must be worn, tucked in at all times, for games. Home team wears blue. Visiting team wears white. h. All players are required to wear a flag belt outside of clothing around their waistline, clipped, and not tied. i. Players must wear shorts or pants with no pockets, belt loops. Jeans, hats and jewelry are not permitted. j. All equipment will be provided by the Vacaville Community Services Department. Jerseys must be provided by each player. k. Coaches are responsible for returning all issued equipment to the City of Vacaville at the end of the season.

17. PRACTICE, COMMITMENT, & DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES 1. Coaches and/or parents should not approach any school or facility to obtain practice locations. 2. Our youth players are at the mercy of their parents/ guardians to get them to practices and games on time, so parents are asked to communicate with the coach if they will not be attending practices and/or games. Coaches that run into chronic tardiness or absence of a player should inform the Youth Sports office. 3. Uncooperative and distracting players’ parents should be informed of their behavior as soon as it arises. Coaches have the right to remove players from games and/or practices due to behavioral issues and sit the player one whole rotation. In this event the staff on site should be informed immediately of the situation and will document the incident. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform the parents at the beginning of the season of their expectations of players and disciplinary actions.

18. INJURIES 1. All injuries at practices or games must be reported to a staff member. There will be ice packs and band-aids on site. 2. Players will not be allowed to play in a game if they are bleeding. Once bleeding is stopped, the player may re-enter the game. 3. Players with casts will not be allowed to play.

19. OFFICIALS Officials will be provided by the Vacaville Community Services Department. One or two officials will be provided per game. When a foul is committed, the official will explain the penalty and options to the captain of the team that was fouled, who may accept or decline the penalty. The officials will enforce the penalty before the game continues and will signify to each sideline of the violation and the decision. Official’s judgment is final and not grounds for a protest. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. Only team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

The Referees’ Responsibilities A referee can act as a teacher by explaining a rule or call that is made Make calls consistent with the level of play. Insist that the playing field and equipment are safe for the children. Use good judgment in assessing weather conditions (e.g. cancel games immediately in the event of lightning). Promote good sportsmanship through respectful behavior to both coaches and teams.