I. Game Setup and Flow:1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of direction. There is no option to defer. Teams will automatically switch sides of the field and the team that started the game with possession will begin the 2nd half on defense.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to score a touchdown. • If the offensive team fails to cross midfield after 3rd down and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession of the ball changes and the opposing team will start a new possession from its own 5-yard line. If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not cross midfield, the opposing team will start a new possession from the spot where 4th down ended. • Any time there is a ‘PUNT or PLAY decision on 4th or 3rd down, the referee WILL ask the offense’s Head Coach to declare ‘Punt or Play’. The coach MUST make an immediate decision or risk a delay of game penalty. • Teams may use a timeout to change the declaration of “Play” at any time prior to the expiration of the play clock. • After crossing midfield, if the offense fails to score on 3rd down, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team starts at its 5-yard line.
II. Equipment Checklist:
1. All players must wear official NFL FLAG belts and flags. Game balls should be age specific.
2. Players must wear shoes. Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations. This will be specified by your league organizer or site director. However, cleats with exposed metal are never allowed and must be removed.
3. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
4. Players must remove all jewelry and hats. Headbands or winter beanies are allowed.
5. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants, if they hang below the belt line.
6. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets or belt loops. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape their pockets.
7. Participants must bring their own official NFL FLAG belts and mouth guards to the field mouthguards are not required but recommended. Extra belts may be available for purchase.
8. NFL FLAG footballs will be provided. • Flag belts and flags cannot be the same color as the player’s shorts or pants.
9. LEAGUE & TOURNAMENT PLAY: Electronic communication between any player with their coach or spectator for their team is prohibited. If a team or individual is using electronic communication with a player or coach, at any time, that team will be disqualified immediately from play. This does not limit possible additional discipline at the sole discretion of the local league organizer OR NFL FLAG Tournament staff.
III. Timing and Overtime:
Officials will stop the clock for team timeouts, player injuries and at their discretion.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, an overtime period will be used to determine the winner. Overtime format is as follows:
Home team calls the coin toss to determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.
If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime. This process continues with teams alternating the choice to be on offense or defense to start every round of overtime.
The referee will determine which end of the field the entire overtime will be played.
1st OVERTIME: Each team will get one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point or the defense’s 10-yard line for two points.
TOURNAMENT PLAY: 2 – 12 min running clock halves
1 MINUTE HALFTIME IN TOURNAMENT PLAY
TOURNAMENT PLAY: A 25-second PLAY CLOCK will be used once the ball is spotted.
TOURNAMENT PLAY: Teams will have 3 – 30 second timeouts for the entire game.
IV. Scoring Guide:
1. Touchdown: 6 points
2. PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line)
• A 1 point extra point is pass only; 2 point extra point can be a run or pass.
3. Interceptions returned for scores during a regulation scrimmage down are worth 6 points. 1 and 2 pt. extra point conversions or overtime interceptions returned are worth 2 points.
4. Safety: 2 points
• A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone. Runners can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, a flag falls out, they step out of bounds, their knee or arm touches the ground, a fumble occurs in the end zone or if a snapped ball lands in or beyond the end zone.
5. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-point conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line). Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty.
6. REGULAR SEASON PLAY: When 1 team is winning by 35 points or more, the game is over.
TOURNAMENT PLAY: When 1 team is winning by 28 points or more, the game is over.
7. 6U Scoring will not be turned on but will be kept by referees.
7. Forfeits will be scored 35-0 for the winning team.
TOURNAMENT PLAY score will be 28-0.
8. The coaches, officials and scorekeeper must verify the score sheet. If a coach does not verify the score sheet before leaving the field, the scorekeeper will note on that score sheet and the score will be FINAL.
V. Coaching Guidelines:
1. Only two coaches are permitted on the sidelines to coach.
2. Coaches must remain on the sideline, except to attend to an injured player. 6U and 8U may have one coach on the field at a time.
3. Teams may huddle on the sideline with their coach to get a play call, but the play clock will not stop once the ball is signaled ‘Ready for Play’.
VI. Live Ball/Dead Ball Regulations:
1. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage.
• It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. The game officials may give teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.
3. A player who gains possession of the ball in the air is considered in bounds, as long as the first foot or a body part other than the hand contacts the ground in the field, while maintaining possession.
4. Substitutions may be made during any dead ball period.
5. The defense may not simulate the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. Other unfair acts would be; not returning five (5) eligible players to the field of play after halftime, a team or officials' time out prior to the ‘Ready to Play’ signal by the referee. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Head Coach.
6. Any official can whistle the play dead.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
a. The ball hits the ground.
• If the ball hits the ground as a result of a snap, backwards pitch or lateral, the ball will be
placed where the ball hit the ground.
b. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
d. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
e. The ball-carrier’s knee, shin, leg, forearm or arm hits the ground.
f. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
g. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of 1 or 0 flag(s).
h. The 7 second pass clock expires.
i. Inadvertent whistle
j. Ball-carrier leaves their feet to dive, jump or hurdle a player.
(Exception: A PLAYER CAN DIVE TO CATCH A PASS OR PULL A FLAG)
NOTE: Fumbles / loss of possession: Ground contact must be made for the play to be dead at that spot.
A fumble is loss of possession by a player, resulting in the ball contacting the ground.
8. If an inadvertent whistle occurs, the team in possession has two options:
Take the ball where the whistle blew and the down will count
Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage
If an IW occurs on the last play of the half or game, the offense will be awarded one untimed down and given those two options.
9. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the official’s ruling is correct, the team will be charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the timeout will not be charged and the proper ruling will be enforced.
VII. Ruling Game:
1. The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
2. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball across the Line of Scrimmage. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap under center directly or in shotgun formation.
3. Direct handoffs, pitches, and laterals are permitted behind the line of scrimmage only. If this takes place, after the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, the play is to be blown dead by the official.
The ball shall be placed at the spot possession was lost for the next play.
• “Center sneak” play is NOT allowed.
• Any player who receives a handoff, backward pass, pitch or lateral can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
• Once the ball has been handed off, in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, or a backward pass, pitch or lateral has occurred, the 7-second passing clock is eliminated and all defensive players are eligible to rush.
4. Definition of a “Legal Handoff” - Total loss of possession directly from 1 offensive play to another.
5. Teams are not allowed to run in the ‘NO RUN ZONES’:
Each offensive team approaches no-run zones in each drive – one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and 5 yards after midfield. Then another one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD.
6. Runners are not permitted to jump, leap or hurdle, in the officials' judgement, while advancing the ball. The play is to be blown dead and the ball spotted where the jump, leap or hurdle occurred.
7. Ball carriers may leave their feet, and the play will continue for spinning, jump cuts, QB’s passing or if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid a collision with another player. The play will continue without stoppage. However, if while leaving the ground, illegal contact is made, a penalty may be enforced by the official.
8. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
9. Offensive players in close proximity of the ball carrier must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball carrier.
10. 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.
11. Once the ball is advanced beyond the LOS, the current ball carrier is the only player allowed to have possession of the ball until the play is dead.
12. One designated rusher may rush the quarterback at the snap from the 7-yard rush line. 8u division & up ONLY
- The rusher must check in with a referee before each play to be recognized as the official rusher.
- Only the designated and approved rusher may cross the 7-yard mark at the snap to pursue the quarterback.
- Any additional players crossing the rush line at the snap will result in an illegal rush penalty.
VIII. Passing:
1. Only 1 forward pass, thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, is permitted each offensive play.
The ball must be released prior to crossing the line of scrimmage. There can be unlimited backward passes behind the line of scrimmage.
• There is no intentional grounding. The quarterback may throw the ball anywhere across the line of scrimmage to avoid a sack.
• All forward passes that do not cross the line of scrimmage are illegal forward passes, unless touched by a defender. All forward passes must go beyond the line of scrimmage.
2. Shovel passes are allowed and must be a forward pass, from behind the line of scrimmage, and received beyond the line of scrimmage.
3. The quarterback has a 7 second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within 7 seconds, the play is dead, the down counts and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, pitched or lateraled behind the line of scrimmage, the 7 second rule is no longer in effect.
• If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7 second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS) and it will be the next down.
• If the quarterback throws the ball and then catches it, the play is dead and treated like an
incomplete pass.
IX. Receiving:
1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off, pitched or lateraled behind the line of scrimmage).
2. A player must have at least one foot or other body part in-bounds, contacting the ground first with possession.
3. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.
4. Interceptions are returnable. If returned for a score during regular game play, the score will be worth six points, two points if returned during conversions and/or overtime.
X. Flag Pulling:
1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.
2. Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.
3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball carrier’s possession at any time.
4. If a player's flag inadvertently falls off during a play while that player has possession, the player is down immediately and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.
5. If a player who has one or no flags on their belt takes possession of the ball, the play is dead at that spot on the field.
6. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flag(s) off a player who is not in possession of the ball.
7. 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, ball, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey.
XI. Formations:
1. Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and up to four players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
2. Movement simulating the snap, by a player who is set, is considered a false start.
3. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
**Only one player is allowed in motion when the ball is snapped. The player MUST be in motion, off the line of scrimmage. All motion must be parallel or backwards to the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
**Players may shift positions on offense at any time, all players must still reset for 1 second, prior to the snap.
XII. Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
If the field monitor or game officials witness any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the game officials’ discretion. No appeals will be considered.
INTENTIONAL PHYSICAL PLAY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED!
Offensive or confrontational language is NOT allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the officials will penalize for unsportsmanlike conduct and determine if an ejection is warranted.
Players or Coaches may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or game official.
Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players and are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags. Offensive players may NOT initiate contact at the line of scrimmage with defenders.
Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
• Fans should cheer on their players only, not harass officials or opposing teams.
• Comments must be clean and profanity free.
• Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
1. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly and adhere to league requirements for seating:
• Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in
the end zone area.
• Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.
• Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
XIII. Penalties:
Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
• Defensive penalty +10 yards from the dead ball spot and an automatic first down
Offensive penalty -10 yards from the dead ball spot and a loss of down
• Two (2) unsportsmanlike penalties on any player or coach in a game result in a disqualification and
may lead to additional discipline.
Defensive unnecessary roughness +10 yards and automatic first down
Defensive unsportsmanlike conduct +10 yards and automatic first down
Offside / illegal substitution +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal rush (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker) +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal flag pull (Before the receiver has the ball) +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Roughing the passer +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Taunting +10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Offensive unnecessary roughness -10 yards and loss of down
Offensive unsportsmanlike conduct -10 yards and loss of down
Offside / false start / illegal substitution
Illegal forward pass (Any pass received or lands behind the line of
scrimmage or throwing a pass after crossing the line of scrimmage) -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Offensive pass interference -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal motion (More than one person moving) -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Delay of game -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Impeding the rusher -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Taunting -10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal Procedure -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
iii. Offensive spot fouls
ii. Defensive spot fouls
Defensive pass interference Automatic first down
Holding/Illegal Contact +5 yards and automatic first down
Stripping +5 yards and automatic first down
Screening or blocking -5 yards and loss of down
Charging -5 yards and loss of down
Holding/Illegal Contact -5 yards and loss of down
Flag guarding -5 yards and loss of down
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
The game officials will administer all penalties.
The officials will determine incidental contact that may result from the normal run of play.
All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted. (Spot fouls)
Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.
Games or halves may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete.
Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.
Spot fouls administered in the end zone: Defensive (Ball on one-yard line, first down) / Offensive (Safety)
XIV: TOURNAMENT PLAY:
NFL FLAG belts and flags will be issued to ALL Teams at check-in. Teams MUST wear the equipment they are issued at check-in for all games played. NO EXCEPTIONS. Game balls will be provided by NFL FLAG and maintained by the officials for each game.
Teams not prepared to play at Game Time due to equipment compliance issues will have
their team timeouts used, up to 3, for the time taken to get compliant.
Equipment Check – All players must be checked prior to the start of every game by the game officials, or they will be ruled ineligible to play in the game.