Rules

rules & policies

9-11 FLAG FOOTBALL RULES (updated as of 3/10/2023)

The Coin Toss

  1. The Visiting team will get the ball in the first half, home team will get the ball in the 2nd half.    
  2. Teams will switch sides for the start of the 2nd half.
  3. Home team chooses direction. 

Equipment

  1. Players must always tuck their Jerseys into shorts/pants.
  2. Players must remove all jewelry deemed hazardous by the officials.
  3. Players may hang towels from their waist, but if it is pulled it is treated as if the flag was pulled.
  4. All players must wear sneakers or cleats.  
  5. Metal cleats are prohibited.
  6. Players are encouraged to wear goggles or sports glasses with straps, however metal frames should be avoided unless you have commissioner approval.
  7. All players must use a mouthpiece. 

Schedule

  • In the event a team has less than 5 players, there is a five-minute grace period with no penalty. At the end of the five-minute grace period, the team missing its players must begin to use their three time outs. After 10 minutes, the game clock will start and the team with its full complement of players is awarded 6 points. After 15 minutes, if the team is still missing its players, the game will result in a forfeit. 

Timing:

  1. Games are 50 minutes running time (25 minutes each half). 
  2. First half - at the 1-minute warning the clock stops, the clock will restart on the next snap. No pro clock in the first half, a timeout will stop the clock and the clock will stop for administration of a penalty and then will restart on the ready whistle. 
  3. Second Half - at the 1-minute warning the clock stops and does not start until the snap. The clock will then run as a Pro Clock meaning it stops at change of possession, incomplete passes, out of bounds and penalties. Each team gets three (3) time outs per half.
  4. Halftime is 2 minutes long (Teams change sides of the field).
  5. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
  6. The defensive player must wait for the referees’ (4) count before crossing the line of scrimmage. Each team is entitled to one blitz per series (once every set of downs), after the (2) count. If there is a penalty on the blitz play, you get the blitz back if it’s a repeat down or on an awarded new series only. You can’t blitz on the extra point, so you use it or lose it.
    1. The defensive player can cross the line of scrimmage prior to the referee finishing the 4 count, only if there is a handoff, or a forward pass, or a blitz.
    2. The defense cannot blitz when a team is frozen, on the extra point attempt or on the onside kick. (updated 3/11/23)
  7. There are handoffs allowed on fourth down, except when a team is frozen.
  8. In the event of an injury, the clock and play clock will stop and restart after the injured player is off the field and the referee sets the ball for play. The injured player must remain out for at least one play.
  9. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion at any point during the game. 
  10. There is no overtime in the regular season. Games may end in a tie.
  11. Overtime is for the playoffs only and is in a format similar to college. Meaning there is a 2nd coin flip that the home team calls. The winner of the coin flip decides whether they want to start on offense or defense. The other team decides which side of the field they want to begin on offense or defend. Teams will not rotate to the other side of the field. There is no game clock, only a 30 second play cock. Each team will have 1 time out and four downs to score from their own 10-yard line per overtime period. Offensive teams may elect to run or pass until they enter the no run zone or on fourth down. Defensive teams may blitz anytime the offensive team is not frozen or on the Extra Point. If the Offensive team scores a touchdown, they can decide whether to go for one or two. If the score is tied after an OT period, the two teams will move to the next overtime until a winner is declared.
  12. PreK and K will play 4-12minute quarters. The visiting team will have the ball for the whole 1st and 3rd quarters and the home team will get the ball for the 2nd and 4th quarters. 
  13. ALL divisions will declare on 4th down from the 1st grade up to 8th grade.

During the Game

  1. League will be played 7 on 7
  2. In 3/4th Grade division, the official game ball will be a pee wee size ball. 
  3. In 5/6th Grade, the official game ball will be a junior size ball.
  4. In 7/8th Grade, the official game ball is a youth size. 
  5. The Referee will set the football in the center of the field. The ball may only be moved due to poor field conditions. Teams may not move the ball to the sidelines, or it will result in an offensive penalty. 
  6. The snap can be between the legs or from the side in all divisions. 
  7. Silent snaps are prohibited and will result in a penalty.
  8. Only the QB lined up behind the Center may call hike and must receive the snap.
  9. MUST Have 1 receiver on either side of the snapper on the line of scrimmage. 
  10. No hand-offs to Center on the first play. However, the Center may receive a hand-off as part of a reverse as long as the handoff occurs behind the Line of Scrimmage.
  11. The QB can ONLY run on the blitz play. If the defense blitzes a 2nd time there will be a flag for an illegal blitz. If the QB also runs during the illegal blitz there will be a flag for an illegal run (The fouls will offset and the down replayed).
  12. Players may not perform cartwheels or other moves not typical in a football game or it will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. 
  13. In the event a snap is dropped or hits the ground, the referee will whistle the play dead. The play results in a loss of down and the ball is placed at the Line of Scrimmage. A safety can only result if the ball is snapped outside of the end zone. Under 1 minute, the clock continues to run on a bad snap unless a time out is used.
  14. There is no blocking allowed at any time anywhere on the field. 
  15. There are NO pick plays.
  16. Any player who starts a play without flags is down where he or she catches the ball.
  17. There are no fumbles or strip sacks.  
  18. The ball is spotted where the ball-carrier’s hips were at the time of the fumble if the ball hits the ground. If the ball is caught by the defense in the air, it is a live ball and can be returned by the defense. This includes illegal laterals anywhere on the field. 
  19. In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options: Take the ball where it was when the whistle blew or replay the down from the original Line of Scrimmage.
  20. Teams must have a minimum of five (5) players on the field.
  21. If an offensive team decides to attempt a 4th down play and is unsuccessful, the defensive team takes over at the spot where the 4th down play ends.
  22. **Please Note** - Neither the play clock nor game clock stops while an offensive team decides what to do on fourth down unless a team calls a time out. If an offensive team does not snap the ball or declare prior to the play clock expiring, it will result in a loss of down and the defensive team will obtain the ball at the Line of Scrimmage.
  23. If an Offensive team lines up on the field in formation on fourth down, then decides it does not want to run a play, the offensive team must use a time out or it will result in a penalty, loss of down and the defensive team will obtain the ball at the Line of Scrimmage.

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6pts 
  • Extra point: 1pt (play from 5-yard line) or 2pts (played from 10-yard line) PASS ONLY by the QB
  • Any Defensive Score on Extra Point Attempt = 3 points 
  • Safety: 2 points
  1. Once an Offensive team lines up to convert a one- or two-point attempt, it must remain with that decision unless a time out is called. In the event there is an offensive or defensive penalty called, teams must remain with their initial choice.  
  2. If there is a penalty on the returner of an interception return on the Extra Point, the team who intercepted the ball will get ONE try from the 5yard line for 3 points. 
  3. If a team is up by 21 points or more, it has only three (3) downs to get a first down or touchdown. 
  4. If a team is up by 21 points or more and intercepts the ball, there is no run back. The team takes possession at their own 5-yard line. The losing team will start possessions at their 10-yard line.
  5. A team winning by 21 points or more may not blitz. However, the losing team may always blitz.
  6. If a team is losing by 18pts or more in the second half with 1 minute or less remaining, the game is over no matter who has possession of the ball. 
  7. In the event of a Mercy Rule, a team is winning by 21 or more points, the team that is losing gets all 4 downs, the winning team only gets 3 downs (THEY MUST PUNT on 4th Down).

Running

  1. The ball is spotted where the runner’s hips are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball.  Forward progress will be measured by the player’s hip.
  2. The QB can ONLY run on the blitz play. 
  3. In the event a runner loses his/her flags, the Referee must whistle the play dead. 
  4. The Quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap. 
  5. Any player who receives a handoff can throw the ball from behind the Line of Scrimmage.
  6. The “Center Sneak” play is not allowed.  The QB is not allowed to hand off to the center on the first handoff of the play.
  7. Only one player may have his/her hand under the Center.
  8. Laterals are legal anywhere on the field.
  9. No-Run Zones are located five (5) yards before each end zone and five (5) yards on either side of midfield, are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive team approaches only TWO No-run Zones on each drive -- one five (5) yards from the midfield Line-to-Gain and one five (5) yards from the goal line to score a TD. A play fake or an offensive player touching the ball is not considered a hand-off.
  10.  All defensive players are eligible to rush once the ball has been handed-off.
  11.  Runners may not charge, hurdle over a player, or dive to advance the ball. Hurdling a player is a major fould and diving to avoid a flag pull is considered a flag guard. Spinning, jumping and juking are allowed, as long as the player is in control and not lowering his/her shoulders, hands, or head. 
  12.  Runners may protect themselves if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player, without a penalty enforced against the offensive player.
  13. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
  14. Flag Obstruction –Deliberately obstructed flags is considered flag guarding. Players may not wear the same color shorts as their flags.

Passing

  1. Underhanded passes are allowed in all divisions. 
  2. The Quarterback may make a legal pass until his/her entire body has passed the Line of Scrimmage.
  3. Passes that do not cross the Line of Scrimmage, incomplete will result in a penalty. Intentional Grounding) If this foul occurs in the end zone, the play will result in a safety. (Only exception to the intentional grounding penalty, is if a QB is outside of the end zone and spikes the ball with under 1 minute to stop the clock)
  4. The Quarterback may throw the ball away without penalty to avoid a sack (including from the players own end zone) as long as the pass crosses the Line of Scrimmage. Under 1 minute, the clock will stop on an incomplete pass.
  5. If a pass is blocked by a defender and then caught by the QB, the QB may run with the ball. However, the QB cannot make another throw. 
  6. If the defense pulls the flag of a QB or an offensive player in the end zone, the play will result in a safety.
  7. Interceptions on any down can be returned for a touchdown. Except when the 21pt Mercy rule is in effect. 
  8. If the QB does not have a flag at the end of the 4 count or 2 count if there is a blitz, the play is dead, and the ball is returned to the original line of scrimmage and the down is consumed. If the flag falls off while scrambling the same thing happens no matter where on the field this occurs. 

Receiving

  1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the Quarterback if the ball has been handed off to another player behind the Line of Scrimmage).
  2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the Line of Scrimmage and no motion is permitted toward the Line of Scrimmage. A player can be in motion during the snap but must set if they turn to Line of Scrimmage.
  3. A player must have at least one foot/first foot inbounds when making a reception.
  4. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense. The defense may not strip the ball from an offensive player. Defensive players can only intercept and deflect the ball prior to possession. Stripping results in a 10-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
  5. If a player has 1 or no flags when receiving the ball, the ball is spotted where the player catches the ball. 

Rushing the Passer

  • NOTE: The defense may rush (blitz) the passer at the 2 (two) count once every set of downs. Except on Extra point attempts. 
  • The QB can ONLY run on the blitz play.
  •  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, all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage.

Special circumstances:

  1. Teams are not required to rush the quarterback. Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play and more than 1 is allowed to rush. 
  2.  Players rushing the Quarterback may attempt to block a pass. However, no contact can be made with the quarterback.  A defensive player that makes contact with the Quarterback (legs, arms, shoulders, hands) will result in a roughing the passer penalty and an automatic first down. 
  3.  If the offensive player intentionally impedes the rusher it will result in an Impeding the Rusher penalty regardless of where the rusher(s) line up.  Exception: If the offensive player DOES NOT MOVE after the snap, then it is the rusher’s responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact. 
  4.  A sack occurs if the Quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed where the Quarterback’s hips are when the flag is pulled. The clock continues to run under a minute unless a time out is used. A safety is awarded only if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone by a flag pull or intentional grounding. If a QB throws a pass beyond the LOS to avoid a sack in the end zone or anywhere else on the field there is no safety or intentional grounding. The pass is incomplete, and the clock will only stop under 1 minute.

1st/2nd Grade Division

  1. Coach will be the QB in the 1st half, kids will QB 2nd half.
  2. When QB is the coach offense will still have 7 players on the field.
  3. There always must be a giver on offense including when coach is QB.
  4. When the coach is the QB, the play will end after the referee gives the count of 7.
  5. When the coach is the QB, if they are in the frozen zone, there can be no handoffs and the pass must go beyond the line of scrimmage.
  6. When the children are QB, there is a 7 count. The play will be blown dead at the 7 count if a handoff or pass is not made. Defense CANNOT rush. All defenses must play a zone defense, no man defenses.
  7. When coach is the QB, they can only fake handoff to one (1) player. Can not fake handoff to multiple players.
  8. When kids are QB, coaches must be off the field. CAN NOT stand behind the QB on offense or behind the defense.
  9. NO Blitzing in this division.

Pre-K/K Division

  1. Coach will be the QB for the whole game.
  2. There will be 6 players for both teams on the field.
  3. When the coach is the QB, the play will end after the referees gives the count of 7.
  4. All defenses must play a 3/3 zone defense, no man defense. The defense must be 3 yards from the line of scrimmage.
  5. The defense CANNOT rush the QB.
  6. When coach is the QB, they can only fake handoff to one (1) player. Can not fake handoff to multiple players
  7. NO blitzing in this division.

Dead Balls

  1. The referee will whistle the play dead if any of the following happens:
    • Ball carrier’s flag is pulled. 
    • Ball carrier’s flag falls off. 
    • Ball carrier steps out of bounds. 
    • Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground (Ball is spotted where the player’s hips were at the time the knee hits the ground). 
    • Touchdown or safety is scored. 
    • There are no fumbles. No recovery of a “fumble” is necessary or should be attempted. The ball is spotted where the player’s hips were if the ball is fumbled forward or where the ball lands if it goes backwards, with the Offense keeping possession.

Penalties

  1. The referee will call all penalties.
  2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal play.
  3. All penalties will be assessed from the Line of Scrimmage, except as noted (spot fouls).
  4. Only the head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. 
  5. Games cannot 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.

Sportsmanship/Taunting

  1. There are no camera or video phone replay reviews by officials. Please do not approach or allow parents to approach the referees during or after the game showing them video of a blown call. If the field monitors or referees witness any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, in addition to a penalty, the game will be stopped, and the players will be ejected from the game. =
  2. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) 
  3. If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game. 
  4. Coaches, Parents or spectators who are ejected from the field, will be responsible for paying a fine and volunteering to clean and set-up the field.
  5. Coaches and players must remain outside of the 10-yard line and at least 3 yards from the out of bounds. 

Onside Kick Option (New 3/10/23) 3/4th grade, 5/6th grade, 7/8th grade and HS Girls ONLY

  1. The losing team ONLY, inside the last 5 minutes of the 2nd half, at their option, after they have scored and attempted the extra point, may attempt an onside “kick” play. 
  2. The losing team will try 1 play from the 30yard line (the closest 1st down marker to the end zone). 
  3. The defense CANNOT blitz on the play but can rush at the 4 count.
  4. If the offense (losing team) “scores”, they will get the ball back at their 10-yard line. 
  5. If the offense does not “score”, the defense will get the ball at the 30-yard line, where the original “onside” kick was attempted.
  6. In the event of an interception, the defense CAN return for a TD or for a spot beyond the 30yard line. 
  7. On any defensive penalty, the offense will get to replay the onside kick after the penalties are enforced. 
  8. On offensive penalties, replay down penalties will be enforced, and the onside kick will be retried. On loss of down penalties, the onside kick will NOT be retried.
  9. The clock will continue to run outside of the 1-minute warning during the play. Inside the 1-minute warning it will be an untimed play.

Defensive Penalties Spot Fouls

Pass Interference: Spot Foul + Automatic First Down (AFD)
Holding: Spot Foul,5 yards, repeat down  or take the result of the play.
Stripping: Spot Foul + 10 yards
Defensive Unnecessary Roughness: Spot Foul + 10 yards & AFD

Offensive Penalties Spot Fouls

Blocking or moving pick: -5 yards & LOD
Charging into Defensive Player: -10yards & LOD
Flag Guarding / Diving: -5 yards & LOD
Offensive Unnecessary Roughness: -10 yards & LOD
Intentional Grounding: -5 yards & LOD

Defensive Penalties

Offside: + 5 yards from Line of Scrimmage (LOS) repeat down
Illegal Rush: + 5 yards from LOS repeat down
Illegal Flag Pull: + 5 yards from spot of foul or LOS if incomplete pass and repeat the down
Taunting: + 5 yards from LOS 1st time warning, 2nd time AFD
Too Many Players on Field: + 5 yards from LOS repeat down or decline and take the result of the play
Roughing the Passer: + 10 yards from LOS & AFD
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: + 10 yards from LOS & AFD
Illegal Contact:  +10 yards from LOS & AFD
Push Out of Bounds/Tripping/ Tackling: Unnecessary Roughness +10yds AFD

Offensive Penalties

Illegal Rush/Run: - 5 yards from LOS  and loss of down and team is still FROZEN
Illegal Motion: - 5 yards from LOS repeat down
Too Many Players on Field:  5 yards from LOS repeat down
Delay of Game: - 5 yards from LOS repeat down
Impeding the rusher: - 5 yards from LOS repeat down
Illegal Forward Pass: - 5 yards from LOS & LOD
Taunting: - 5 yards from LOS 1st time warning, 2nd time LOD
Offensive Pass Interference: - 10 yards from LOS repeat down
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: - 10 yards from LOS & LOD