ROCKLAND FLAG FOOTBALL
SUMMARY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
THE GAME:
-Teams are 5 v 5 or 6 v 6 (depending on division and subject to change)
-The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has 3 plays to cross mid-field. Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have 3 plays to score a touchdown. If the offensive team fails to score or get a first down, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their 5-yard line.
-Game consists of two twenty minute halves with one minute for halftime. The clock only stops for timeouts (1 per half) or at the discretion of the referee (injury, etc).
-Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
-There is NO overtime during the regular season.
SCORING:
-TD=6 points, Extra Point=1 point (5 yards out); 2 points (10 yards out), Safety=2 points; Interceptions on a PAT are not returnable and the play is dead.
-Bad snaps/dropped snaps are dead balls, spot at the line of scrimmage (i.e. no safety if dropped in end zone) RUNNING PLAYS:
-The Quarterback CANNOT run the ball.
-Only direct handoffs and laterals/pitches behind the line of scrimmage are legal; no laterals or pitches of any kind beyond the line of scrimmage.
-The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage.
-Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
-No-Run Zones: Within 5 yards of midfield or the endzone; designed to prevent power run plays. (Not applicable in youngest division)
RECEIVING:
-All players are eligible to receive passes; Only one player is allowed in motion at a time;
-Players must have at least 1 foot in bounds when making a catch.
PASSING:
-All passes (including shovel passes) must be forward.
-QB has 7 seconds to pass or the play is dead; once the ball is handed off the 7 second rule is not in effect.
DEAD BALLS:
-Ball is ruled dead when: offensive players flag is pulled or falls out, ball carrier steps out of bounds, ball carrier’s knee hits the ground. -There are NO FUMBLES; ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground or changes possession (bad snaps are spotted at LOS).
-Interceptions can be returned for a TD (not on a PAT), ball is spotted where the interceptor’s flag was pulled, went out of bounds or hits the ground.
RUSHING THE QB:
-All players that rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage(LOS) when the ball is snapped. A referee will designate the 7 yards from the LOS.
-Players not rushing the QB may defend at the line of scrimmage (except Division A) but cannot go over the LOS until the ball is handed off. PENALTIES:
-All penalties will be called by the referee. No roughing or unsportsmanlike acts towards the opposing team or referee will be tolerated
-NO JAMMING at the line of scrimmage (illegal contact) and NO TACKLING (intentional 15 yards and first down; inadvertent tackling is not a penalty, i.e. defender is making a clear attempt at the flag).
-NO BLOCKING is allowed. Offensive team cannot run with the ball carrier to interfere with Defensive players. Play is to be ruled dead. Once the ball is completed, offensive players without the ball must stand still.
-Ball carrier cannot try to run over the defender.
-Referees determine incidental contact which may result from normal run of play. Penalties are assessed from the LOS.
ATTIRE: No Metal Spikes, Belt/Flags must be over shirt; Nothing can hang from belt except flags (i.e. slack of belt must be tucked in or removed); Mouthpieces must be worn by all players.
The League Commissioners reserve the right to change or supplement these rules and regulations as necessary.