Lee's Summit Football Association Spring Season Hybrid Flag Rule Book

Welcome ...... 3 General Rules...... 4 I. Game...... 4 II. Terminology...... 5 III. Eligibility...... 6 IV. Equipment...... 6 V. Field...... 7 VI. Rosters...... 12 VII. Timing ...... 12 VIII. Scoring ...... 12 IX. Coaches...... 13 X. Live /...... 14 XI. Running...... 15 XII. Passing...... 15 XIII. Receiving...... 16 XIV. Flag Pulling ...... 16 XV. Offensive Adjustments...... 16 XVI. Defensive Adjustments...... 18 XVII. Unsportsmanlike Conduct...... 19

XVIII. Penalties...... 20 XIX. Grade League Rule Exceptions… ...... 20

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Parents, Coaches, Players & Supporters,

Similar with past spring seasons the league’s goals are to keep our players active during the offseason, develop skills and to promote the learning of alternate positions. To support these initiatives, scoring is not kept during the spring season and coaches are highly encouraged to allow all players to participate in positions which they may not be accustomed to.

The spring season is also a time when LSFA focuses on our next generation of referees. These future leaders are generally high school aged and have varying degrees of experience. The spring is a dedicated time for them to hone their skills as well as for the league to test different rules to support the fall program. Please keep this in mind when interacting with our young officials and support us by offering them lots of encouragement!

2021 is the second season of Hybrid Flag. This new program was instituted in 2019 to provide a graduated approach to begin familiarizing our 2nd – 4th grade NFL Flag players with the full tackle game. Players will be introduced to wearing traditional tackle equipment, playing from a stance, allowing players to conduct limited blocking and rushing, and allowing the to directly advance the ball. Tackling is not allowed and contact outside of the line-of-scrimmage is limited to normal NFL Flag rules. Additionally, all players remain eligible to receive the ball.

If you were to have additional questions after reviewing the rule book, please direct these to [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support and participation in LSFA!

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• Hybrid Flag is a learning experience where players can work on new skills. This program will not be played with the same intensity and contact level as Fall tackle football. Game officials reserve the right to control intensity of all games. Game officials may also request a player who is eligible to initiate contact to play a different position within a specific game for safety or competitive reasons. • Rules not directly addressed within this rulebook will follow MSHSAA guidelines. • LSFA reserves the right to modify any rule within this rulebook at any time. This includes in-game adjustments which may be necessary for safety or competitive reasons. • No Tackling. • No THUD drills in practice. • No intentionally driving players into the ground. • Coaches may bring playbook aides onto the field of play. Aides must always be in the possession of the coach (not placed on the field during play) • Players may wear arm/wristbands to help with play call. • Two practices are required with players in helmets & shoulder pads before advancing to player-to- player blocking drills. Coaches are responsible to ensure that all players have met this requirement. • Teams may practice up to 3 times per week in the Spring season. Max practice length is 90 minutes per practice. Minimum temperature to practice is 40 degrees. All head coaches must review the league’s website daily (www.lsfootball.org) to see if there are any practice restrictions for the day.

At the start of each game, head coaches and captains from both teams meet at midfield. The head referee will first inspect that: • Players are properly equipped (helmet, shoulder pads, mouthpiece and flags). NOTE: NFL Flag belts have been tucked or trimmed to ensure that no excess belt length is hanging from the players. • Coaches have ID badges visibly displayed.

The visiting team will call the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball.

The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the game on defense.

The offensive team takes possession on the 10-yard line and has four (4) plays to gain 10 yards.

On 4th , a team may elect to “”. The punt is not a live play and the team that was on defense now starts the next offensive possession from their own 10-yd line.

A failed 4th down conversion attempt will result in turnover on downs. The team that was on defense Lee’s Summit Football Association 4 will start their offensive possession from where the last play ended.

A failed 4th & Goal scenario will result in the turnover on downs. The team that was on defense will start their offensive possession from their own 10-yd line.

Boundary Lines The outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the and back of the lines. (LOS) an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field. Line-to-Gain The line the offense must pass to get a first down or score. Blocking Zone Area of the field where direct blocking can be initiated at or beyond the line of scrimmage. Protection Zone Area of the field behind the line of scrimmage where direct blocking can occur from a player with an established position. Offense The team with possession of the ball. Defense The team opposing the offense to prevent it from advancing the ball. Downs (1-4) The offensive team has four attempts or “downs” to advance the ball. It must cross the line to gain to get another set of downs or to score. Live Ball Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regard to penalties. Live ball penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete. Dead Ball Refers to the period of time immediately before or after a play. Whistle Sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the action for a timeout, halftime or the end of the game. Inadvertent Whistle Official’s whistle that is performed in error. Passer The offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the quarterback. Offensive Lineman Offensive player playing the center, guard, tackle, or tight end. These players will begin play in a three-point stance and may initiate contact with a defensive lineman Defensive Lineman Defensive player playing directly across a guard, tackle, or tight end. These players will begin play in a three-point stance and may initiate contact with an offensive lineman Charging An illegal movement of the ball-carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the head or initiating contact with a shoulder, forearm or the chest. Flag Guarding An illegal act by the ball-carrier to prevent a defender from pulling the ball- carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking access to the runner’s flags with a hand or arm. Shovel Pass A legal forward pitch to an offensive player. Lateral A backward or sideway toss of the ball by the ball-carrier. Unsportsmanlike Conduct A rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language.

Personal Foul An act of unnecessary roughness or unsafe game play

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1. All players’ legal guardians must agree to the online waiver form submitted during registration at www.lsfootball.org 2. Game playing time may be restricted to players who do not attend at least 50% of the team’s organized practices or for disciplinary reasons. The head coach will make this determination and communicate this decision to the player and his/her guardians prior to game time. 3. Additional eligibility requirements are outlined within the LSFA Formation Guidelines posted at www.lsfootball.org.

1. The league provides each player with a tackle helmet and shoulder pads, game jersey and an official NFL Flag belt. Because of the, “all players, all positions, all skills” philosophy, there are no restrictions on jersey numbers. Players will need to furnish their own practice jersey. 2. NFL Flag belts will need to be trimmed or tucked to avoid hanging off the players in excess of 6 inches. Belts which hang in excess of 6 inches will be considered flag guarding. 3. Teams will use footballs provided by the league. Pee Wee size balls will be used for 2nd -3rd grade games; whereas, junior size balls will be used for 4th - 6th grade games. 3rd grade teams may elect to use junior sized balls when playing 3rd or 4th grade teams. 4. It is highly advised, but not mandated, for players to wear rubber molded cleats. 5. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed. 6. Players must remove all jewelry. 7. Players’ game jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants. 8. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants with belt loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up pockets. 9. Players may wear tackle football pants and/or pants with football type padding (girdles), but padded pants are not required. 10. Players must wear mouth guards during all practices and games. Mouth guards are not furnished by the league and must be purchased separately.

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1. Games will be played in both directions on a 60-yard field. 2. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds. 3. Home and away teams will be on designated sidelines. Home teams will be on the sideline closest to the spectator stands. Fans MUST sit on the same side of the field as the team they are rooting for resides. Referees will not be allowed to start any games until both teams and their fans are on the appropriate sidelines. Unsportsmanlike penalties may be accessed once the game begins if fans are not observing this LSFA policy. 4. COACHES/PLAYERS AREA – Coaches and players NOT on the field must stay within the team boundary markers between the 10-yard lines on their sideline. Only players or coaches may be within the team boundary markers during gameplay.

Unsportsmanlike penalties may be accessed once the game begins if fans are not observing this LSFA policy. 5. Yard Markers: The home team is responsible for operating the chains. Two volunteers are needed to operate the distance markers and one volunteer is needed to operate the down marker. A coach is not allowed to work the yard markers and coach at the same time.

Hybrid Field Zone Concepts: The Blocking Zone is the 3-yard area past the line of scrimmage where physical blocking may occur between certain offensive and defensive players. Offense Restrictions: 1. To be eligible to block, the offensive player is lined up on OR within 1-yard of line of scrimmage at the of the ball 2. Blocks will only occur against defensive players who are within the blocking zone and have lined up no more than 1 yard to either side of the offensive player initiating the block at the snap of the ball. 3. All blocking will occur with the hands only. Leading with the head, shoulder blocking or using anything other than the hands is illegal. All hand blocking must occur to the body. Hand blocking an

Lee’s Summit Football Association 7 opposing player’s neck or head area is illegal. All blocking violations will be flagged as a 15-yard personal foul. 4. Trap, kick-out, chop, crack back blocks, or any other blocking scheme not initiated directly with the hands and/or against players not within 1 yard to either side of the offensive player who initiated the block at the snap fo the ball is illegal. All blocking violations will be flagged as a 15-yard personal foul. 5. See the Offensive Adjustments section for additional position specific restrictions Defense Restrictions: 1. To be eligible to be blocked, the defensive player has lined up within the blocking zone 2. All blocking will occur with the hands only. Leading with the head, shoulder blocking or using anything other than the hands is illegal. All hand blocking must occur to the body. Hand blocking an opposing player’s neck or head area is illegal. All blocking violations will be flagged as a 15-yard personal foul. 3. See the Defensive Adjustment section for additional position specific restrictions

For run plays, offense to defense contact must be initiated within 3 yds of the line of scrimmage against a defensive player who started in the blocking zone as outlined above. Blocks initiated in the blocking zone may continue downfield outside of the blocking zone as long as contact is maintained. If contact is lost, blocking cannot be reinitiated downfield outside of the blocking zone. No offensive player may run downfield to block a defensive player who did not start inside the blocking zone.

Examples of lost contact: • A defensive player turning away from the offensive player to pursue a runner or receiver down field • A defensive player intentionally disengaging to drop into coverage outside of the blocking zone • A player falling to the ground

Protection Zone is the area behind the line of scrimmage where a slot receiver, running back, tight end, or quarterback (after initial hand off) can assist with blocking from an established position behind the line of scrimmage. Established position being defined as the area 1 yard to either side of offensive player at the time the snap occurred for all players except for running backs lining up in the backfield where established position extends to the entire tackle box (area between the two offensive tackles). Players starting in the protection zone cannot act as lead blockers and initiate blocks on defensive players outside of the protection zone.

Lee’s Summit Football Association 8 Example 1: 4-3 Defense Scheme The 4 players lined up on the defense line and the 2 cornerbacks lined up in the blocking zone are eligible to be blocked downfield with contact being initiated in the blocking zone. The line backers and safeties are all lined up outside of the blocking zone and are not eligible to be blocked by the offense.

Coaching Tip: Focus here is to instruct linebackers and safeties to work on getting around teammates being blocked (after handoffs) and flowing with the play. The running back, Tight End, and Z (slot receiver) are all eligible to help with blocks from an established position in the protection zone.

Coaching Tip: The defensive line is the only position eligible to past the line of scrimmage after the snap until the QB releases the ball. Having the running back help with protection in the backfield on non-running plays or running plays where multiple running backs are used will help with adjusting to player mismatches on the line and potentially give the offense more time for the play to develop.

Lee’s Summit Football Association 9 Pre-Snap

Post-Snap 1

For this example, the play is a sweep to the right side. The Tight End is eligible to help block the defensive lineman Lee’s Summit Football Association 10 crossing the line of scrimmage in the Protection Zone. Player Z (slot receiver) is not eligible to block a linebacker or safety since they all started outside of the Blocking Zone. Player Z runs a route to try and clear the linebacker out. The Y receiver is able to block the cornerback in the Blocking Zone. Linebackers and safeties outside of the Blocking Zone are all eligible to read and react to the ball carrier without contact.

Post-Snap 2

For this example, the play is still a sweep to the right side. Except the defense decided to bring a safety down and man the slot receiver. Player Z (slot receiver) is now eligible to block the safety covering him inside the Blocking Zone. The Y receiver is able to block the cornerback in the Blocking Zone. Remaining linebackers and safeties outside of the Blocking Zone are all eligible to read and react to the ball carrier without contact.

Coaches are encouraged to try different looks to keep all players engaged during the play. No blitzing is allowed. The goal of this program is to keep a mentality and start introducing 11-man football blocking concepts. If you have questions about specific situations, feel free to email [email protected].

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1. NUMBER OF PLAYERS: The maximum number of players on the field per team is eleven (11), and the minimum is ten (10) players. There is no maximum number of players per team.

1. Games are two 20-minute halves with NO clock stoppages. 2. TIMEOUTS: Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half. Timeouts will not carry over into the second half. Timeouts will be 30 seconds in length and the game clock will continue to run during this time. 3. TIME OF THE GAME: The time for each half will be kept by the OFFICIAL. The official is responsible for letting both teams know when there is 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and 2 minutes remaining in the half if no game clock is present. 4. HALFTIME: There will be a halftime lasting three (3) minutes. 5. : The offensive team has 25 seconds in which to snap the ball once the referee has spotted the ball. Officials will initiate an audible 5 second count after 20 seconds to notify the offense. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced. 6. PLAYING TIME: It is the coach’s responsibility to allow each player to play as close to half of the game time as possible. Ideally, this is 10 minutes per half; but, times could differ depending upon the number of players on a team. It is the head coach’s responsibility to ensure this is tracked. Failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action by the league. 7. PLAYER TARGETS: Coaches are encouraged to move players to various positions and target as many players in the offense as possible.

1. SCORING – Scores will not be kept, but teams can attempt an extra point pass play (from the 5-yard line) or run or pass play (from the 10-yard line) after a score. Note: PAT kicks are not being allowed during the Spring season to maximize playing time. 2. No kickoffs or live punt plays. 3. Safeties – If the defense causes a safety (the ball carrier is downed in the end zone or intentional grounding by the QB) the defense will be awarded the ball and begin offensive play from the 10-yard line.

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1. Coaches are expected to adhere to LSFA Hybrid Flag philosophies, coaching guidelines and code of conduct. 2. Coaches are responsible to address the conduct of their sidelines and fans. If a coach requires assistance with addressing their fans, then a field monitor or Executive Board member should be requested to assist via the field radio. Officials may issue 1 warning for unsportsmanlike conduct to a sideline coach or fans. Warnings will be communicated to the head coach and any further infractions will result in unsportsmanlike penalties and/or ejections. Note, a referee may decide to eject a fan or coach at any time, but an ejection will be mandated if a sideline obtains a third unsportsmanlike penalty within the same game. Coaches are allowed on the field and to interact with play as outlined in the Grade League Rule Exceptions section. 3. Coaches SHOULD NOT directly interact with opposing coaches during the game. Questions or issues should always be conducted through the referee. 4. Coaches SHOULD limit their interactions with officials during games. Coaches ARE NOT allowed to challenge any official ruling. Questions or clarifications on what a call was can be requested, but the original play shall stand as called and future play will not be interrupted. Any complaints about officiating may be communicated to the Executive Board in writing no earlier than the Monday after the game. Any attempt to intimidate, influence future calls, persistent complaining or other conduct unbecoming of a youth coach will result in unsportsmanlike penalties and/or ejections. NOTE: Officials have been instructed to call unsportsmanlike penalties when negative interactions occur with coaches to curb poor behavior which has occurred in previous seasons.

5. Disputes are handled by the LSFA Executive Board and are not to be handled between individual coaches. All disputes may be filed in writing following the Monday after a game ([email protected]).

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1. The snap must occur between the center’s legs and be received by the QB. 2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage. a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. In regard to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage. 3. A player who gains possession in the air is considered inbounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play. 4. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. 5. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. 6. Play is ruled “dead” when: a. The ball hits the ground, including but not limited to: i. A bad snap (includes shotgun snaps where the QB misses/drops the ball). The ball is spotted at the original line of scrimmage. ii. A . NOTE: are not treated as change of position and cannot be recovered by the team on defense. If a runner fumbles the ball, the offensive team retains possession, and the ball is spotted where the ball-carrier’s feet were at the time of the fumble (unless it was a 4th down play which didn’t result in a first down, then it is a turnover on downs). b. If a ball carrier or receiver loses possession of the ball and a defender catches the ball prior to ball contacting the ground. The ball is spotted where the ball-carrier or receiver’s feet were at the time that possession was lost. Note, this rule should not be confused with a deflected or tipped pass where the ball carrier has not yet gained possession which would be ruled as an . c. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled. d. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds. e. A , PAT or safety is scored. f. If any other part of a ball-carrier’s body other than the feet or hands contacts the ground. knee or arm hits the ground. g. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out. h. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s). i. Inadvertent whistle. j. An interception occurs.

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1. The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled. 2. The quarterback CAN directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap. 3. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind or to the side of the offensive player but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs. 4. Offensive lineman are ineligible to receive a hand off or advance the ball in any way. 5. Laterals are allowed 6. Any player who receives a handoff or a lateral may throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. 7. Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. Additionally, once a quarterback runs outside a guard with possession of the ball all defensive players are eligible to rush. 8. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding. 9. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. a. Players spinning out of control will be called for flag guarding. 10. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced. 11. Offensive line blocking and defensive line contact will be initiated between players who are stationary, and within 3 yards of each other on the snap of the ball. Blocking may continue downfield as long as the block was initiated in the blocking zone and is maintained.

Flag obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.

1. All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage. 2. The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. The pass must go beyond the line of scrimmage; otherwise, the quarterback will be ruled down at the spot the pass was thrown. 3. Shovel passes are allowed. 4. There is NO five-second “pass clock” in Hybrid Flag (like there is in NFL Flag).

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1. Offensive linemen (players lined up as Center, Guard, or Tackle in the formation) are not eligible receivers. Any other player is eligible by formation. 2. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception. 3. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense. 4. change the possession of the ball. Interceptions are not returnable; the play will be whistled dead by the referee when an interception occurs. The defensive team which made the interception will be awarded the ball where the interception occurred.

1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball. 2. Defenders can dive from the front or the side only to pull flags (no diving from behind). 3. Defenders cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags. 4. If a defender inadvertently grabs a jersey or other item while attempting to pull a flag AND immediately releases this item then no foul has occurred; however, if the defender does not immediately release this item and causes an advantage to occur to the defender the defensive holding will be called. 5. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time. 6. If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands. 7. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off a player who is not in possession of the ball. 8. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball-carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping the head, hand, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey.

1. Each play must include at least five offensive linemen – a center, two guards, and two tackles. Tight end(s), if used, are also considered an offensive lineman however they are eligible as receiver(s). 2. All offensive linemen must play from a three-point stance. 3. The distance between members of the offensive line may not exceed three feet (1 yard). May be closer if desired. 4. Once lined up as an offensive lineman, players may not shift or go in motion to another position. 5. The quarterback-center exchange may be direct, pistol or shotgun. 6. The offense must have seven players on the line of scrimmage. No more, no less. The sixth and seventh players Lee’s Summit Football Association 16 can be tight ends, split ends or a combination of the two. Split ends are eligible for first touching of a run or pass. The split end(s) must be in a two-point stance. All other players on the line of scrimmage must be in a three- point stance and are designated as offensive lineman 7. Motion is allowed. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the line of scrimmage or away from the line of scrimmage. No motion is permitted toward the line of scrimmage. 8. A shift is allowed. The offensive player moving towards the line of scrimmage in pre-snap must be set for 1 second before the ball is snapped. 9. Run Blocking

a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul. b. Double team blocks are allowed in the blocking zone, but only between offensive and defensive lineman. Coaching Tip: If the defense doesn’t match numbers of the offensive line count minus 1, recommendation is to have center and uncovered offensive lineman help block against the defensive line. All blocks must be initiated above the waist. c. No blocking in the back is allowed (flagged as a personal foul) d. A player may not lead with their head. First contact must occur with their hands. If first contact occurs with any part other than the hands, the player will be flagged as a personal foul. If intentional contact is made leading with helmet or shoulder multiple times in a game, the player will be disqualified from the contest and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the league. e. NEW FOR 2021 Receivers are allowed to block defenders lined up within 1 yard to either side of them within the Blocking Zone. Receivers must use only their hands and show a clear separation between themselves and the defender. f. Running backs may block for the quarterback or other runners inside the protection zone. No lead blocking may occur. Any attempt to "pancake", blind-side, or engage with a shoulder first approach will result in personal foul penalty. Multiple personal foul penalties in a game will result with the player being disqualified from the contest and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the league. The Spring program is intended to teach, coaches should emphasize good form to control their blocks and move the defender. 10. Pass Blocking may only be initiated between an offensive lineman (center, guard, tackle, or tight end(s)) or running back lined up within the tackle box and a defensive lineman who is in a three-point a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul b. Double-team pass blocks are allowed, but only behind the line of scrimmage (flagged as a personal foul if blocked past the line of scrimmage) c. No blocking in the back is allowed unless the defensive lineman has conducted a spin move and the offensive lineman has retained simultaneous contact with that player (flagged as a personal foul) d. A player may not lead with their head. First contact must occur either with their hands or forearm. If first contact occurs with any part of the head/helmet the player will be flagged as a personal foul. e. Knocking, throwing or driving a defensive lineman into the ground is forbidden. Lee’s Summit Football Association 17

1. Defenses will have a minimum of four defensive linemen on any play: a. If the offense is in a base set then 4 defensive linemen are allowed b. If the offense is in a one tight end set, then the defense may add a fifth defensive lineman, but it is not mandatory c. If the offense is in a two tight end set, then the defensive may add either a fifth or a sixth defensive lineman, but it is not mandatory. NOTE: The defense will always have a minimum of 1 less lineman in play than the offense. The defensive lineman may lineup across from the center, guards, tackles or tight ends. 2. Defensive linemen must be in a three-point stance and be lined up within one yard of the line of scrimmage. 3. All non-defensive lineman may not rush (cross the line-of-scrimmage) until: a. The QB releases the ball either through a pass or a handoff b. The QB moves outside of the tackle box with the ball c. The QB advances the ball within 1 yard of the original line of scrimmage between the tackle box 4. Any defensive player not lined up on the defensive line or lined up within 1 yard to either side of a slot or must start the play outside of the Blocking Zone. a. Defenses that choose to not match the eligible receivers on the line of scrimmage may position those players on the second level as long as they are outside of the Blocking Zone at the start of the play. 5. Defensive lineman: a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul b. Only one defensive lineman may be engaging with one offensive lineman at any point during gameplay c. May perform swim, rip, bull rush or spin moves to either side of the offensive lineman they are engaged with d. No contact in the back is allowed (flagged as a personal foul) e. May not lead with their head. Contact must always occur with their hands. If first contact occurs with any part of the head/helmet the player will be flagged as a personal foul. f. Knocking, throwing or driving an offensive lineman into the ground is forbidden. 6. If the offense aligns with no tight ends, the defense may still align with more than four players on the line of scrimmage, but only the defensive lineman who are lined up on an offensive lineman and in a three-point stance can rush past the line of scrimmage before the: a. The QB releases the ball either through a pass or a handoff b. The QB moves outside of the tackle box with the ball c. The QB advances the ball within 1 yard of the original line of scrimmage between the tackle box 7. Except for the defensive lineman covering the offensive line, the defense is not required to have additional players on the line of scrimmage. Coaching Tip: It’s recommended to have the defensive Lee’s Summit Football Association 18 front mirror the offensive set to keep all players engaged and working on fundamentals in blocking. 8. Defensive backs can jam receivers on the line but must release after 2 yards. 9. No blitzing is allowed. a. Non-defensive linemen may line up on the goal line when the ball is inside the 5-yd line

1. If the field monitor or referee witness any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, fighting, aggressive behavior or language which may provoke fighting, any physical contact not attributed to game play or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player, coach or fan will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee or field monitor’s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY, LANGUAGE OR ACTIONS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 2. Offensive or confrontational language is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine what constitutes offensive or confrontational language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will determine severity at their discretion and either give one warning or eject the coach or player. 3. Players, coaches or spectators may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach, official or spectator. 4. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position. 5. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags. 6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well: a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams. b. Keep comments clean and profanity free. c. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team. d. Fans not adhering to the LSFA’s code of conduct may be ejected from the game 7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly: a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area. b. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans. c. Sit on the side of the field their team is located 8. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties: a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down 9. Ejections: All ejections incur a minimum of a 2-game suspension. If the ejection occurs during a game than that game will count 1 game towards the suspension regardless of which quarter the issue occurred. The second and/or additional suspension games will occur on the next regularly scheduled games. During suspensions, the player, coach or fan is not allowed to be on LSFA premises. When an ejection occurs, the player, coach or fan must leave the LSFA premises immediately.

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1. The referee will call all penalties. 2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. 3. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except spot fouls. 4. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players may not question calls. 5. Games may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it. 6. Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete. 7. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.

To assist the grade divisions with successful gameplay and the enhancement of critical skills, the following rules have been adopted during the spring season:

On Field Coaches: 2nd / 3rd Grade Division: 1. ONE coach can be on the field to assist their team on offense and defense. a. On field coaches must be 10 yards behind their deepest player prior to the ball being snapped. b. On field coaches MUST REMAIN SILENT and/or REFRAIN FROM MAKING GESTURES to influence play once the quarterback starts the cadence (note, coaches on the sideline are allowed to communicate and make gestures to players on the field). Examples of on field coach infractions include; but, are not limited to: • Communicating: “run”, “wrong way”, “throw to ”, “no”, “yes”, etc. to a player after the offensive cadence has begun

4th Grade – 6th Grade Divisions: Coaches are restricted to the sidelines between and during game play (exceptions include timeout periods, to tend to injury, to assist with equipment issues and as directed by the referee).

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