ASA 7v7 Football Rules and Policies

Spring 2021

I. ASA SPORTS PHILOSOPHY

The ASA sports program strongly emphasizes the child first, the sport second. We are interested in each child as an individual and our desire to help them develop their own personality through our sports program and through the role modeling of our coaches.

II. RULE ADMINISTRATION

The ASA Football Board and/or Football Commissioner Reserves the right to modify, change, or create any rule that is in the best interest of the ASA Football Program and/or its participants. Any changes are subject to approval of the ASA Competition Committee. ASA Football Rules will be used as the general guidelines for the operation of this league. The officials will use their best judgment to address any issues that may come up.

III. ASA SPORTSMANSHIP

The ASA Football Program regards bad sportsmanship as unnecessary and completely intolerable.

V. SPECTATORS

All spectators will also be expected to demonstrate positive sportsmanship. Spectators who cannot demonstrate proper sportsmanship will be asked to leave the game site and will not be allowed at the next game. Failure to leave the game site after being asked to do so by game officials or an ASA representative can result in the game being forfeited. Spectators shall adhere to field guidelines.

VI. COACHES

All coaches representing ASA teams should demonstrate positive sportsmanship in respect to his players, team parents, opposing team players, coaches, board members and the officials. Coaches who are unable to demonstrate proper sportsmanship are subject to game stoppage, and forfeit along with suspensions and termination. They may also be denied future coaching assignments.

Any coach who is dismissed from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct will be unable to participate in any team activity for one week, nor coach in the next game (this includes playoff games). The ejection will be reviewed by the Football Commissioner, 7v7 League Director and/or the Football Board to determine what further steps up should be taken, including possible permanent removal as a coach. Coaches are responsible in assisting officials with the sportsmanship of all playing and non-playing team members, spectators, parents and assistant coaches. Any person who is ejected from a game or an event for unsportsmanlike conduct is required to leave the facilities immediately. Coaches may never argue with officials or make negative or hostile comments to coaches or players from the other team. Questions to officials can only come from the head coach.

VII. COACHING ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION

The Football Commissioner will approve all coaching applicants and a background investigation process will be utilized. If approved by the commissioner, returning coaches will be able to move up each year with their previous year’s team. Only coaches who have not had their coaching privileges revoked and are in good standings with the league will be considered for coaching opportunities. Coaching any ASA football program is considered a privilege and is not a right. Coaches who are bringing players to ASA from other leagues must receive a favorable reference from each league that they have participated with in the past. These past leagues will be contacted for a sportsmanship reference.

Coaches who have participated in other leagues that are bringing in a team or any part of a team must be approved to play in ASA football. Teams that participated in other leagues may apply to enter ASA football with the following considerations as part of the evaluation of whether to allow the team into the league:

1- The team was formed in a way that is similar to ASA football team formation rules.

2- None of the players on the team participated in any Fall/Winter select football league (Spring select football participation will be carefully evaluated for the overall good of the league).

3- The team did not have an excessive score margin in the most recent season. Excessive score margin is winning by more than 30 points on more than 2 occasions. Winning by more than 40 points one or more times. Winning by 45 or more points ever.

Based on the needs of the league, a coach in ASA football can be assigned more than one Head Coach Position.

In the case of a complete ASA fall tackle team who has enough players to split the team into 2 different spring 7v7 teams the Head Coach of the Tackle team may not be the head coach of both of the spring flag teams in the same division. If this applies the head coach must turn in a separate roster for each team and players may only participate on the team that they are assigned.

Consistent with UIL rules, no high school or middle school coach may serve as a 7v7 team coach or stand with the team on the sideline. High school and middle school coaches must watch games from the end zones or stands. A team may not have more than 4 coaches on the .

VIII. TEAM FORMATION GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

Team formation for 7v7 football is done through Open Registration of players, or pre-formed teams. Pre-formed team formation is at the discretion of the Head Coach. He or she may recruit any eligible player to play Spring 7v7 football. Open Registration players are players that sign up through the ASA office and are not on a team. The Football Board will assign open registration players at their discretion. The is to assign them to teams by school attendance zones when possible.

Players who play ASA fall tackle or fall may be asked to join a Spring 7 v 7 team but must return to their regular fall tackle or flag team in the fall/tackle season. Players may not be recruited during the 7v7 season to change teams from their regular fall football team.

All players and coaches must be registered before they can play in a game. Violations of this rule will result in the removal of the player, forfeiture of games as applicable, and removal of the Head coach.

IX. PLAYERS

All players must demonstrate positive sportsmanship at all times. Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship of his players. Good sportsmanship is a priority in the development of ASA athletes. Players who cannot demonstrate proper sportsmanship will be dismissed from the game and be subject to discipline at the discretion of the Football Commissioner.

X. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

The ASA Spring 7on7 football program is for girls and boys in proper Divisions for Second (2nd) through Twelfth (12th) Grades who are registered on an official ASA 7on7 team roster. It is the responsibility of each Head Coach to ensure that all of the players on a team roster are eligible to play in the Division that the team is registered in. The Head Coach must be able to certify proper eligibility upon request by any ASA Football Board member at any game.

To play in Division 2, the player must be in the 2nd grade or lower.

To play in Division 3, the player must be in the 3rd grade or lower.

To play in Division 4, the player must be in the 4th grade or lower.

To play in Division 5, the player must be in the 5th grade or lower.

To play in Division 6, the player must be in the 6th grade or lower.

To play in Middle School Division, the player must be in the 8th grade or lower.

To play in High School I Division, the player must be in the 10th grade or lower.

To play in High School II Division, the player must be in the 12th grade or lower.

Home school and non-traditional schooled students shall be considered to be in the grade of their peers as determined by age, regardless of the grade level recognized by the academic program. Questions regarding grade placement should be made prior to registration. Decisions made by the Football Commissioner, 7v7 Director and/or the Football Board on proper grade classification are final.

XI. MINIMUM PLAYING RULE

Division 2 through Division 5 - Except for injuries, all players must have a starting position on either offense or defense for the entire game. A player may play offense in one half of a game, and defense in the other half and still satisfy this rule. There are no minimum play time requirements in any period.

Divisions 6 through High School - Except for injuries, all players must play in no fewer than two full series per half. A “series” is defined as a period of team offense or defense at the beginning of a half or following a change of possession, and ending at the subsequent change of possession. The number of “plays” in a series is not determinative. To satisfy this rule, a series may be on offense or defense or both, and the player must play the entire series. Playing time for all players exceeding the minimum rule is encouraged, but at the discretion of the Head Coach. There are no minimum play time requirements in any overtime period.

Example: Team A starts the game on offense and Player X starts the game and plays on all “downs” before Team A scores. Player X then immediately starts on defense and intercepts the on the first play by Team B, returning possession to Team A. Player X has satisfied his first half requirement of playing two series, and any additional playing time in the first half is at the discretion of the Head Coach of Team A.

XII. BALL SIZE

Each team may use its own football for their offense to use during a game. Non-Wilson brand footballs must be equivalent to the Wilson standard sizing appropriate for the Division of play.

Division 2-4 Wilson K2 (Pee Wee) or TDJ, at the coaches’ discretion.

Division 5-6 Wilson TDJ (Junior) or TDY, at the coaches’ discretion.

Middle School Division Wilson TDY (Youth) or Official size, at the coaches’ discretion.

High School I and II Divisions Wilson Official size.

XIII. UNIFORMS

Teams must provide their own uniforms which shall consist of t-shirts of the same color, numbered on the back. In the event of a jersey color discrepancy, the Visitor team shall be responsible for an alternative uniform color or “pennies” to wear over their normal jersey. Playing without shirts is not an option. Parents should not be asked to pay unreasonable amounts of money to provide uniforms. A standard 7v7 football uniform cost should not exceed $50.00. All players must wear a mouth guard.

XIV. PRACTICES

Once teams are formed, and rosters are final, teams may practice at the Head Coach’s discretion. Practices become mandatory after all registration periods close. Regular season practices are limited to 4 Hours per week maximum, and a practice may not last beyond 8:00 P.M. Any team found in violation of this rule will be subject to the possibility forfeiting their next game and the coach will be held accountable before the Football Board.

XV. SEASON FORMAT

Each team will play an 8 game regular season and there will be a elimination playoff tournament at the conclusion of the regular season for each Division. All teams will be in the tournament and will be seeded according to their regular season win-loss records. The following standards will be used to determine team ranking and act as tie breakers:

1. Win and loss record overall

2. Head to head record

3. Fewest Points allowed head to head

4. Coin Flip

XVI. GAME RULES

FIELD RULES AND BOUNDARIES

Division 2 through Division 4

Field Length -- 30 yards long

Field Width -- 160 feet (60 feet to hash mark, 40 feet between)

End Zone -- 10 yards deep

Field is marked at 10 yard intervals with cones. (3 first downs without a penalty would result in a TD).

Divisions 5 through High School

Field Length -- 45 yards.

Field Width -- 160 feet (60 feet to hash mark, 40 feet between)

End Zone -- 10 yards deep

Field is marked at 15 yard intervals with cones. (3 first downs without a penalty would result in a TD). All Divisions

All football coaches and players must remain in the area between the two twenty (20) yard lines. Coaches should be no closer than one yard (3 feet) and players no closer than two yards (6 feet) from the out of bounds line.

All spectators must remain five yards (15 feet) beyond the out of bounds line. On fields where stands are available, all non-coaching spectators must remain in the stands. Spectators who are beyond the twenty (20) yard lines or behind any end zone may not coach or instruct players in any manner. They can cheer, but not instruct. Coaches are not allowed onto the game field unless exceptions are outlined in this document.

All players and coaches must meet at mid-field to shake hands at the conclusion of the game. Failure to do so will result in a Football Board hearing. This rule will not be enforced during the COVID-10 pandemic.

On fields where spectator seating is available on both sides of the field, the “Home” and “Visitor” sides are as reflected by the scoreboard.

XVII. COACHES ON THE FIELD

Except for Division 2 through Division 6, no coach may be on the field during any part of a game except during an injury time-out. During an injury time out coaches cannot instruct the team. Coaches may only make adjustments with the player who is going to replace the injured player.

Division 2 through Division 6: One coach will be allowed on the field for offense only. The coach may assist the players in calling their plays in the huddle and in lining up the players in their proper positions. Once the players are lined up all communications verbal and non-verbal from the coach on the field is prohibited. The coach on the field must remain 5 yards behind their deepest player at all times.

XVIII. STARTING THE GAME

The “Visitor” team will have first possession to start the game. The “Home” team will have first possession in the 2nd half. If a team is losing by 21 or more points at halftime, that team will be on offense to start the 2nd half.

XIX. TIME

20-minute halves with a continuous running clock for each half. All games at a site will play according to the same clock.

No time outs. (EXCEPTION: Injuries. All games will halt until injured player(s) can be safely removed from

the field).

5-minute halftime/15 minutes between games (the between games may be shortened if games are running behind schedule). IMPORTANT: All games at a site start/end at the same time. If a team(s) is(are) late and cannot start when the game officially starts, they will be penalized 7 points and begin play with whatever time is left on the game clock.

(Not to exceed 10 minutes of 1st half. Forfeit will occur after 10 minutes of the 1st half). Injury time outs may reduce the amount of time between halves and/or between games to maintain the game schedules.

XX. FORMATIONS

The offense and defense shall each have 7 players on the field at a time. Teams may not play with fewer than 6 players.

The defense may utilize any defensive formation.

The offense must have a , Center and 5 eligible Receivers / Ball Carriers. All plays must start with a Center . Offense must have 3 offensive players on the to start a play including the Center, and one Receiver to each side of the Center.

Snapping of the ball by the center must be between the legs with the center facing forward in a traditional snap either under center or in shotgun.

The Quarterback and Center are not eligible receivers/ball carriers at any time (example: no hook and ladder, or throwback plays to the Quarterback).

Special Formation Rules for Divisions 5 through High School Only:

No offensive player other than the Center and Quarterback may be within the “tackle box” at the time the ball is snapped. The “tackle box” is defined as the area roughly three yards to each side of the center and three yards behind the center. (The formation should represent those formations and plays that would be utilized if a full offensive line were present and a pass play was called in a tackle football game under NCAA rules). (Example: if a slot receiver starts in motion behind the Center prior to the snap, then that receiver must run all the way through the tackle box before the ball is snapped). Receivers are ineligible to receive a pass if they are “covered” by another receiver at the time the ball is snapped. (Example: If two receivers line up on the line of scrimmage on the same side of the Center, then the inside receiver is ineligible to catch a pass because he is “covered” by the outside receiver).

XXI. MOVING THE BALL

Division 2 through Division 4:

Possession always begins at the 30 yard line at the right hash. NO PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED IN EXCESS OF THE 30 YD. LINE. LOSS OF WILL BE ASSESSED INSTEAD.

Example:

• First Down - and offensive penalty results in the next down being 2nd down.

• Second down - incomplete pass and offensive penalty results in the next down being 3rd down.

Offenses always move in the same direction. (The game is played on ½ of a regulation football field with the offense always moving toward the end zone). Each team will have 25 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game penalty will be a 5-yard penalty. Two successive delay of game penalties will result in the ball being turned over to the opposing team’s offense.

The offense must gain at least 10 yards within 4 plays or the defense takes over. (There is no kicking).

Once the team has entered the final 10-yard segment of the field, the offense must score within four downs. The QB is allowed 6.0 seconds to throw the ball or hand it off as described below. The starts a stopwatch on the snap of the ball from center and stops the watch as soon as the QB releases the ball.

1. If release is under 6.0 seconds, the play goes on.

2. If the referee sees that the clock has hit or exceeded 6.0 seconds, he waits until the play is over (the play is not blown dead), then brings the ball back to the original line of scrimmage with loss of down. A play in which the QB clearly does not intend to release the ball after 6.0 seconds will be blown dead by the Referee (example: a winning team in the final minute of the game in which the ball is snapped and held by the QB with no apparent attempt to complete a pass or hand the ball off).

ALL PLAYS ON FIRST OR SECOND DOWN MUST BE PASSING PLAYS. ON THIRD OR FOURTH DOWN EITHER PASS OR RUN PLAYS MAY BE CALLED.

ALL PASSES MUST BE FORWARD. A pass caught behind the line must be forward (a pass to a running back out of the backfield will be considered a for the purpose of this rule). The only laterals that will be allowed will be laterals that occur AFTER the completion of a forward pass AND AFTER the ball crosses the line of scrimmage (there is no lateral to a receiver pass allowed). If a defensive player tags the ball carrier behind the 30 yard line, the play is a SAFETY (2 points).

IN DIVISIONS 2-4, AN CANNOT BE RETURNED BY THE DEFENSE FOR A SCORE. THE BALL BECOMES DEAD AND TURNED OVER TO THE OPPOSING TEAM.

MOVING THE BALL

Division 5 through High School:

Possession always begins at the 45 yard line at the right hash. NO PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED IN EXCESS OF THE 45 YD. LINE. LOSS OF DOWN WILL BE ASSESSED INSTEAD.

Example:

• First Down - incomplete pass and offensive penalty results in the next down being 2nd down.

• Second down - incomplete pass and offensive penalty results in the next down being 3rd down.

Offenses always move in the same direction. (The game is played on ½ of a regulation football field with the offense always moving toward the end zone). Each team will have 25 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game penalty will be a 5-yard penalty. Two successive delay of game penalties will result in the ball being turned over to the opposing team’s offense. The offense must gain at least 15 yards within 3 plays while the offense is in the first two thirds of the field (the first two 15 yard segments of the field) or the defense takes over. (There is no kicking). Once the team has entered the final third of the field (the third 15-yard segment of the field), the offense must score within the first four downs. The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. The Referee starts a stopwatch on the snap of the ball from center and stops the watch as soon as the QB releases the ball.

1. If release is under 4.0 seconds, the play goes on.

2. If the referee sees that the clock has hit or exceeded 4.0 seconds, he waits until the play is over (the play is not blown dead), then brings the ball back to the original line of scrimmage with loss of down.

ALL PLAYS MUST BE PASSING PLAYS

ALL PASSES MUST BE FORWARD. A pass caught behind the line must be forward (a pass to a running back out of the backfield will be considered a forward pass for the purpose of this rule). The only laterals that will be allowed will be laterals that occur AFTER the completion of a forward pass AND AFTER the ball crosses the line of scrimmage (there is no lateral to a receiver pass allowed). If a defensive player tags the ball carrier behind the 45 yard line, the play is a SAFETY (2 points). may be returned for a score by the defense in Divisions 5 through High School. However, defensive players may not block anyone subsequent to an interception. If an interception is returned beyond the 45-yard line (the offensive origination point) it is a and point after attempt should ensue. Interceptions returned past the 45-yard line on PAT attempts are 2 points.

XXII. GENERAL RULES OF PLAY – ALL DIVISIONS

No blocking of any kind.

No “bump and run” or other type of defensive contact is allowed other than incidental contact and contact made to tag a ball carrier.

Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or both hands. (Excessive force by shoving, pushing, or striking a blow will be penalized by automatic first down and 5 yards. Player will be expelled if ruled unsportsmanlike & flagrant). are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap (or hand-off in divisions allowing running from the backfield) is NOT a / so long as the ball does not cross the line of scrimmage. The 4.0 second count remains in effect on snaps.

Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul (1st down at the spot).

Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense. There will be NO chucking, or deliberate bumping or grabbing. These actions will result in a "tack on" penalty at the end of the play (5-yard penalty).

Offensive pass interference is the same as NCAA rules.

Offensive team is responsible for retrieving and returning the ball to the previous spot or the new scrimmage spot. Clock does not stop and any delay by offense in retrieving and returning the ball TO THE REFEREE will result in a delay of game and will be a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot.

The center is responsible for establishing the succeeding spot as designated by the Referee. The center will be responsible for setting or re-positioning the Referee's bean bag or other marker at the line of scrimmage there are no chains or down markers indicating ball spot or “down and distance”).

No taunting or "trash talking." (5-yard penalty & expulsion if flagrant or repeated).

Any dead ball foul on a play that results in the defense getting the ball will result in a loss of down penalty, as the team cannot be penalized beyond the 45 yard line starting position. The defense - not the offense - would be starting play with 2nd down.

XXIII. SCORING

6 points for TD

1 point for PAT from 3 yard line

2 points PAT from 10 yard line

2 points for an Interception returned past the 45 yard line on a PAT attempt (Division 5-HS Only)

2 points for a Safety

Official score is kept by field referee and game manager.

XXIV. OVERTIME RULES

After coin flip to determine first possession, teams will alternate 4 down series from the 15-yard. A winner is determined when one team outscores the other team during an overtime session. Each team must go for two points on the conversion attempts beginning in the second overtime.

XXV. GAME ABANDONMENT

Officials and/or the Commissioner may stop a game for any of the following reasons: Unsafe weather conditions, Un-safe game site conditions, Unsportsmanlike conduct from any fan, player, spectator, coach or other person at the game field. The Commissioner, depending on the amount of time played and the reason for abandonment, will determine game results.

XXVI. WEATHER

In general, games will be played in light to moderate inclement weather in the absence of lightning. Games that start but are cancelled due to weather, will be considered final if the 1st half is completed. If games are cancelled due to weather or issues beyond the control of the league the games will be rescheduled at the discretion of the league and once a revision to the schedule is published it is final. Teams will need to make the needed adjustments to play the rescheduled games or take a forfeit- once a schedule is published it is considered final. No schedule requests will be taken or honored.

XXVII. FOOTBALL SCHEDULING POLICY

All league football games are scheduled by the ASA Sports Specialist. The ASA Football board does not participate in or determine regular season schedules or team match ups i.e. - who plays who. ASA Football works with the City and the local schools to make determinations about field conditions and field status on game days. At times, the City or ASA football may cancel games during times of bad weather in order to protect the playing surfaces and in an effort to provide a safer environment. Games cancellation decisions will be made at the discretion of the City or Allen or the ASA. Notification of game cancellations will be made via email and the field hotline. ASA Football games that are rained out or stopped for any reason will not be replayed and are considered final if the game has reached halftime. Games that are rained out or cancelled before halftime will be considered incomplete and be subject to rescheduling. Incomplete games will be rescheduled as soon as possible and the rest of the game from the point of stoppage will be finished. Incomplete games will be rescheduled based on needs of the league and may require teams to play twice on game days, on Sundays, or on weeknights. Anytime that a game is stopped and there is a 14 point or more difference in score that game will be considered final and will not be rescheduled regardless of the point of stoppage. In the event that a game is cancelled and is incomplete both teams head coaches must record the exact down and distance along with time remaining and ball spot and submit that to their division director immediately. Incomplete games will resume from the exact point of stoppage. In the event that games that have not started are cancelled or have to be rescheduled due to weather or other events the reschedule will be based on needs of the league, availability of game officials, and available field space. Once a game has been rescheduled it will play as scheduled or a team will take a forfeit if they cannot field a team and play. No requests for specific times or days will be honored and once a schedule is published it is final and no changes will be made other than to correct a league issue or in an effort to accommodate a league conflict that was unforeseen.

ASA football cannot schedule around specific teams and cannot schedule around other sports or events. Once a schedule is published it is final. Exceptions for scheduling are provided to coaches who HEAD COACH two teams and for ASA football Board members in an effort to both coach and to fulfill Board responsibilities on game days. Practice locations and days are at the discretion of the Head Coach. Teams may not contract with area schools to have a private practice area. Under no circumstance may teams use indoor practice facilities of any school, public or private.

XVIII. GAME PROTEST RULE

There are no protests for judgment calls by officials. No NCAA or league game rules can be protested. All protests should be addressed to the Football Commissioner There shall be a fee of $75.00, which is only refundable if the protest is allowed. A Committee appointed by the football commissioner will handle all protests. All protests must be filed in writing no later than 48 hours after the game being protested. All protests must be made to the head official at the time of the protested incident. If a protest is not made to the game official at the time of the incident it may not be submitted for review by the league. Under no circumstances will a game be replayed. Protest evidence must be a complete game film no photos or parts of film will be accepted or reviewed. Photographs will not be accepted or reviewed by the league for any reason.