RULES

 

The Basics

  • Home team (dark jersey/white shoulders) starts with the ball. In the second half, visiting team (white jersey/dark shoulders) gets the ball. Offensive team always faces the Varsity Field end zones.
  • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at the start of possession mark (see diagram) and has three plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on start of possession mark.
  • If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from the start of possession mark.
  • Interceptions may be returned for a touchdown. If defender is stopped before scoring, that team begins its possession at the start of possession mark.
  • The ball is dead when it hits the ground (fumbles are not live)
  • Player with the ball is declared “down” when: (1) player’s flag is pulled out (2) player’s flag falls out (3) player steps out of bounds (4) player’s knee or hand touches ground (5) player loses possession of ball (including fumbles and laterals)
  • The coaches of each team (or parent volunteers) will officiate the game. Any disputed calls will be determined by the home team coach
  • There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.
  • Players should be rotated/substituted every 1-2 plays rather than every series to ensure no one sits out for too long
  • Every player should pass, run, and pass the ball multiple times per game – coaches should make sure every player is involved
     

Timing/Overtime

  • Games are played to 40 minutes running time (two 20 minute halves). If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. A coin flip determines first possession and the first team to score wins.
  • Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball (the coach of the offense will keep track of this time).
  • Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half (the clock will stop during a time out).
  • Home team coach is official time keeper

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 points
  • Extra point: 1 point (if played from 5-yard line) or 2 points (if played from 12-yard line)
  • Safety: 2 points (this results from a ball dropped in own end zone or player “downed” in end zone)
  • Mercy Rule: if one team is up by 30 or more points, the team trailing will get one possession: (1) if the trailing team scores, regulation play continues (2) if the trailing team does not score, then the game enters scrimmage mode (the final score is locked in at this time)
  • Scrimmage Mode: (1) possession will alternate 3-1 in favor of the trailing team (trailing team gets three possessions in a row before the team leading gets a possession) (2) points scored in scrimmage mode do not count toward final score

Running

  • The quarterback cannot run with the ball (must hand-off or pass).
  • Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
  • No-running zones” located five yards from each end zone are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
  • Any player who takes a handoff behind the line of scrimmage can throw the ball as long as they have not crossed the line of scrimmage.
  • Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
  • Spinning is allowed, but players cannot use their hands to block a defender from taking their flag or leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
  • The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
  • Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed after crossing line of scrimmage.

Receiving

  • All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
  • As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
  • A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing

  • Shovel passes are allowed.
  • Defensive pass rushers must start 10 yards off line of scrimmage. Once the ball is snapped, this defender can rush the quarterback – there is no "5-Mississippi pass clock.” Once the ball is handed off, all defenders can cross the line of scrimmage.
  • Interceptions may be returned for a TD.

Dead Balls

  • Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
  • Player with the ball is declared “down” when: (1) player’s flag is pulled out (2) player’s flag falls out (3) player steps out of bounds (4) player’s knee or hand touches ground (5) player loses possession of ball (including fumbles and laterals)

Rushing the Quarterback

  • All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
  • Any number of players can rush the quarterback.
  • Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
  • Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage.
  • Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.
  • For the K-1 & 2-3 division, defensive players must start 5 yards off the line of scrimmage and no player shall cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is handed off or thrown

Sportsmanship/Roughing

  • If either coach witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be removed from the game for the remainder of the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
  • Trash talking is illegal. If trash talking occurs, the coaches will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be removed from the game for the remainder of the game.

Penalties

  • All penalties will be called by the referee (parent volunteer or coach).
  • Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
  • Players cannot question judgment calls.

Defense

  • Offsides: Five yards and automatic first down
  • Interference: 10 yards and automatic first down
  • Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.): 10 yards and automatic first down
  • Illegal FLAG pull (before receiver has ball): 10 yards and automatic first down
  • Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker): 10 yards and automatic first down
  • Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

Offense

  • Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.): Five yards and loss of down
  • Illegal forward pass (pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage): Five yards and loss of down
  • Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender): 10 yards and loss of down
  • FLAG guarding: 10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and loss of down
  • Delay of game: Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down

Attire

  • Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made by coaches prior to start of game
  • All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.
  • Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn during play.

Diagrams

  • NFL Flag Football Field at Scappoose High School