A coin toss determines first possession.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard
line 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 its 5-yard line.
If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the
ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard
line.
All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the
offense’s 5-yard line.
Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes. Possession
changes to loser of coin toss and the clock does not stop.
Players/Game Schedules
Teams must field a minimum of five players at all times.
Teams consist of 10 players – five on the field, with five
substitutes.
Timing/Overtime
Games are played to 40 minutes running time. If the score is
tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into
overtime. The first team to score wins.
Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap
the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-
game penalty is enforced.
Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out
per half.
Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
Scoring
Touchdown:
6 points
Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)
Safety:
2 points
Running
The quarterback cannot run with the ball.
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
and five yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid
short-yardage, power-running situations.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from
behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are
eligible to rush.
Spinning is allowed, but players cannot 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.
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.
The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is
not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of
down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no
longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of
interception. Interceptions are the only changes of possession
that do not start on the 5-yard line.
Dead Balls
The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one
side, to start play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
— Ball carrier steps out of bounds
— Touchdown or safety is scored
— At the point of an interception (interception returns are not
allowed)
— Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground
— Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball
hits the ground.
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.
Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling,
elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act,
the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from
the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine
offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to
officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash
talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues,
the player or players will be ejected from the game.
Penalties
All penalties will be called by the referee.
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
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
Referees determine incidental contact that may result from
normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line
of scrimmage.
Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about
rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question
judgment calls.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense
declines it.
Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must
be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there
are no exceptions.
Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn during play.
Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.
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