2016 BSSC FALL FOOTBALL GAME RULES

Transcription

1 2016 BSSC FALL FOOTBALL GAME RULES SEC. 1 - EACH TEAM MUST PROVIDE A LINE JUDGE A. All teams participating in football must provide a line judge to assist the BSSC staff member on your field for either the game before or after the game throughout the season. The HOME team is the determining factor on whether your team provides a line judge before or after the game. B. If you are the HOME team, you must provide a line judge that week. Exception: The 3pm VISITING team line judges the 4pm games. The 4pm teams will NOT have to line judge. C. The team listed FIRST on the schedule is considered the HOME team Ex. 25 vs is the HOME team D. If you are the HOME team, please use the chart below to determine the time of your line judge responsibility. If you would like help, please COPY your regular season schedule (include coach, team # and league) and send to mikec@baltssc.com. We will highlight the weeks you are to provide a line judge. SEC. 2 - LINE JUDGE DUTIES A. Following the schedule above, the line judge should introduce themselves to the BSSC staff on the field on which they play. B. The BSSC staff will provide the line judge with all materials needed. C. A line judge's responsibilities include the following: 1. The line judge will loudly count off the five second rush in this manner, "ONE-THOUSAND-ONE," "ONE- THOUSAND-TWO," etc., to "ONE-THOUSAND-FIVE." The count must be loud enough for all players to hear. 2. BSSC Staff will provide a whistle. The line judge MUST blow the whistle after every play. 3. The line judge is also responsible for calling any penalties he/she may see during the game. NOTE: Line judges that are deemed to be intoxicated or conduct themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner will be removed from that game and will sit out their team's next scheduled game. Line judge duty is to be taken seriously. Please ensure that the line judge from your team has a basic knowledge of BSSC and regular football rules. If your game begins at this time: 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 3pm ( visitors ) You must provide a line judge at this time: 11am 10am 1pm 12pm 3pm 2pm 4pm SEC. 3 - PENALITY FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE A LINE JUDGE A. If a team is scheduled to provide a line judge and fails to do so a loss will be recorded for that day. B. If a team is scheduled to provide a line judge for the game after their game, fails to do so, and has lost their game; the team will have a loss recorded for their next scheduled game. C. Teams will lose their end of year voucher and have a loss recorded if a line judge is not provided at the last regular season game. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 1

2 SEC. 4 - POST SEASON LINE JUDGE DUTIES A. Teams will follow the above format for providing a line judge in the postseason unless otherwise informed by the BSSC (see SEC. 3). B. Teams that DO NOT provide a line judge when required will forfeit their postseason game and will not advance to the next round. If a team loses and does not provide a line judge, their team will be suspended for a season. C. If a team's coach has a question about their responsibility to provide a line judge, please contact the BSSC during the week. SEC. 5 NEUTRAL ZONE FOR PLAYERS A. A painted dashed line will create a "neutral zone" border that runs 10 yards from the sideline between each two point conversion line. ONLY the current team players and line judge are permitted within this "neutral" zone border. Players may NOT cross into the non-neutral zone that is located near the goal line or end zone. 1. For reasons involving safety of participating players whose actions may carry them out of bounds, the border rule must be observed by all players. 2. ALL equipment, coolers, strollers, equipment bags, spectators, etc., MUST stay behind the dashed line at all times. 3. If players are outside of the Neutral Zone, a penalty will be assessed (See Penalties). SEC. 6 - FIELDING A TEAM A. There is a maximum of 8 players allowed on the field at one time (standard - 5 men and 3 women). 1. There is no limit to the number of women allowed on the field at one time (8 women - 0 men). 2. No more than 5 male players are allowed on the field under any circumstances. B. To start a game, a team must have a minimum of 6 players, 2 of whom must be women. C. When starting a game with 2 women, a team is still allowed to have 5 men on the field. D. If a team is playing either a man or woman short, any players arriving late may enter the game at any time. E. If less than the minimum players are present at game time (See SEC. 9), a forfeit fine will be assessed. F. If one team has only 6 or 7 players; the opposing team may choose to play 6 on 6 (or 7 on 7) or may play with a full team of 8 against 6 or 7. SEC. 7 - START OF GAME A. BSSC officials will bring the line judge and the home and visiting coaches together for the "Coin Toss." The BSSC official will place a hand behind his/her back and the home team coach will choose an odd or even number. If he/she chooses incorrectly, the visiting team will win the "coin toss." B. The winning coach of the "coin toss" will have one of THREE choices (you may NOT defer to the second half): 1. Start the game on Offense. 2. Start the game on Defense. 3. Choose the direction your team would like to go in the first half. If direction is selected, then the opposing coach will have the choice to start the game on offense or defense. C. The first offensive possession will start on the 2-point conversion line of the chosen end zone. NOTE: Teams will reverse direction and possession to start the second half of the game. SEC. 8 - FORFEIT MINIMUM A. The minimum number of players to start the game is 6 (2 of the players MUST be women). If the minimum has not been met by the official game time, a forfeit will be called and a $50 fine assessed. SEC. 9 - FORFEIT NOTICE A. In order to avoid a forfeit fine, the coach/representative must contact the BSSC by NOON on the Friday prior to your game. This deadline will allow the BSSC to contact the opposing coach and players. B. Once a forfeit has been called into the BSSC office, the opposing team is notified and the game results are recorded. If a called in forfeit game is rained out, the game WILL BE made up at a later date. This DOES NOT include games that a forfeit was called at game time. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 2

3 SEC GAME CLOCK Play will be divided into 20-minute halves. BSSC staff will provide remaining time updates of minutes throughout both halves. There will be a 5 minute half-time. A. FIRST HALF: The first 19 minutes of the first half of the game will be a "running-clock". An official time out will be called for the 2-minute warning. The BSSC official will communicate the current score and remaining time outs for each team. After this information has been relayed to both teams, the official will indicate Ready for Play and the game clock will start. 1. LAST 1 MINUTE OF PLAY (FIRST HALF): a. With one minute or less remaining in the 1st half, the game clock will ONLY stop for a Touchdown (Untimed Extra Point), time out, penalty (see Sec. C) or a change of possession. b. The official will allow 1 minute after an attempted conversion/change of possession for teams to substitute players in the last minute of the first half. c. The clock will begin and the offense may snap the ball only after the official has given the ready for play signal. d. If a foul by the defense has occurred and time has run out, the offensive team may choose to extend the period by one down (enforcement as usual). e. If time expires at the end of either half and the ball is in play, then time will not be called until the completion of the play. f. If a touchdown occurs during a play in which the time expires, the touchdown will count and an untimed extra point conversion will be allowed. B. SECOND HALF: In the second half of the game, the clock will be a "running-clock" for the first 18 minutes. 1. LAST 2 MINUTES OF PLAY (SECOND HALF): a. A 30 second official time out will be called for the 2-minute warning, after the completion of the previous play from scrimmage (Ex. Play starts with 2:10 on the clock and continues until 1:52 is left on the clock. The 2-minute warning will be given with 1:52 remaining on the clock). The official will communicate the current score and remaining time outs for each team. The game clock will start on the next snap by the offensive team. b. The game clock is stopped for 2-minute warning, touchdowns, dead balls, out of bounds, incomplete passes, change of possession, penalties (See Sec. C), injuries, and time outs. The game clock will start on the next snap by the offensive team. c. After a touchdown, the extra point attempt will be untimed. The clock will begin on the next offensive snap, after the change of possession and the official has given the ready for play signal. d. The official will allow 1 minute after the change of possession for teams to substitute players. NOTE: If a team is ahead by 18 points or more, the clock will continue to run. If the team that is behind, scores after the 2-minute warning to go down less than 18 points OR if the score difference becomes 18 points or more, the clock will still continue to run. No time-outs can be called during the above "running clock" situation. C. LAST 1 MINUTE - 1st HALF/LAST 2 MINUTES - 2nd HALF (CLOCK ENFORCEMENT) 1. If a penalty is committed by the OFFENSE during the last minute of the 1st half OR the last 2 minutes of the 2nd half, 15 seconds will be removed from the clock. The offensive team may NOT call a time out to avoid the 15 second run off. The game clock can expire during the run off. NOTE: The defense has the option to decline the 15-second penalty. a. The BSSC official will stop the clock, mark off the penalty and get into ready for play position, while removing 15 seconds from the clock (See NOTE). Within that time frame, the offensive team must be on the line of scrimmage and snap the ball on the officials ready for play whistle (No huddle allowed). 2. Any penalty committed by the DEFENSE in the last minute of the 1st half/last 2 minutes of the 2nd half, the game clock will stop for the penalty mark off. The game clock will begin on the next snap of the ball. 3. If the defensive team commits a foul when it has no time outs left in the final 30 seconds of the 1st or 2nd half, the offensive team can decline the penalty and have the game clock expire. 4. If a foul by the defense has occurred and time has run out, the offensive team may choose to extend the period by one down (enforcement as usual) OR decline the penalty. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 3

4 5. In the final minute of the 1st half, or last 2 minutes of the second half, should the official decide that a player has intentionally committed a penalty, the player will automatically be ejected and an additional 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be assessed. The opposing team will also have the option to elect to enforce a 30 second run-off on the clock (in addition to the 15 second run off for the penalty if the foul was on the offense). SEC OFFENSIVE "READY FOR PLAY" A. After the immediate completion of a play, the back/line judge will place the ball marker on the current scrimmage line. In order to expedite this process, the quarterbacks are asked to retrieve the ball marker to be placed on the new line of scrimmage. B. At the beginning of a new possession, once the ball has been signaled "ready for play" by the official, the offensive team has 20 seconds to snap the ball. The ball cannot be snapped by the offensive team until declared "ready-for-play by the official. C. After the play, once the ball marker has been placed on the new line of scrimmage, the 20 second play clock will begin and the offense may snap the ball. SEC TIMEOUTS A. Each team is allowed 2 one-minute timeouts per game. B. Time outs cannot be called by either team with 2 minutes left in the game if a team is ahead by 18 points or more entering the 2-minute period. C. The team that calls a timeout has the option of denoting the timeout as a "clock stoppage only" timeout and play will continue immediately without a one minute pause. The clock will stop at the time the timeout is called, and start again on the subsequent snap of the ball. D. The 20-second play clock will start when the ball is made "ready for play" by the official. E. The team calling the timeout will be charged with one of their two timeouts. NOTE: Both teams will be allowed to make any necessary substitutions before the ball is snapped. SEC SCRIMMAGE LINE A. Centers may adjust the ball, including picking it up to reposition before each play as long as he/she does not move the ball in a manner to intentionally draw the defensive players off sides. B. The offensive formation must include 5 players on the line of scrimmage. C. All offensive players must be inside the designated hash marks before the ball is snapped. D. All offensive players (except a motion player) must be set (remain motionless) for one full second before ball is snapped. E. The player in motion may initially move towards the line of scrimmage, but must be in a parallel or backward motion to the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is snapped. F. There is no blocking at the line of scrimmage (see SEC. 18, "BLOCKING"). SEC DEFENSIVE RUSH COUNT A. Defensive players may rush at the end of the five-second count by the line judge. ONE THOUSAND ONE, ONE THOUSAND TWO etc. B. If the defense crosses the line before the end of the five-second count, Defensive Offsides will be called AFTER the played has been completed. SEC PLAY LIMITS/FIRST DOWN A. Extreme & Super-X Leagues 1. The field will be divided into halves by cones at mid-field. 2. The offensive team has a limit of one first down and four additional plays to cross midfield. 3. An automatic first down is awarded once the ball crosses mid-field. 4. The offense then has a limit of one first down and four additional plays to score a touchdown. 5. A first down is earned by completing two passes beyond the line of scrimmage or crossing midfield. 6. If a team fails to earn a first down by completing two passes or crossing mid-field, or if a team fails to score within the downs allotted, the other team will assume possession of the ball. 7. The offensive team may elect to punt on fourth down. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 4

5 8. A first down cannot be carried over from one half to the other. 9. BSSC staff will announce the down situation on the field. 10. If the defense commits a penalty which carries with it an automatic first down and the offense has not gotten a first down by completions on that half of the field, then the offense will still have the opportunity to gain a first down by completions on that half of the field. See examples below: On 3 rd and 2, the defense commits pass interference. The down/distance resets to 1 st and 2 4 th and 1, Resets to 1 st and 2 3 rd and Mid, Resets to 1 st and Mid 4 th and Goal, Resets to 1 st and Goal B. Social League 1. The field will be divided into halves by cones at mid-field. 2. The offensive team is permitted to gain one first down by completing two forward passes beyond the line of scrimmage. A first down can be gained on either the offense or opponents side of the field. Example # 1: The offense used 4 plays to acquire 2 completions on their half of the field. The down & distance will now be 1 st and mid-field. Once the offense crosses mid-field, the down & distance will now be 1 st & Goal with NO chance to earn another first down by completions. Example # 2: On first down of their possession, the offense crosses mid-field. The down & distance will now be 1 st & 2 with a chance to earn another first down by completions and then 4 downs to score. Example # 3: On first down of their possession, the offense completes a pass and is tagged short of mid-field. On second down of their possession, the offense completes a pass over mid-field. The down & distance will now be 1 st & 2, with a chance to earn another first down by completions and then 4 downs to score. 3. Once the ball crosses mid-field an automatic first down is awarded to the offensive team. 4. If a team fails to earn a first down by completing two passes or crossing mid-field, or if a team fails to score within the downs allotted, the other team will assume possession of the ball. 5. The offensive team may elect to punt on fourth down (see "PUNTS" below). SEC PUNTS A. If the offensive team decides to punt, they must inform the opposing team and the BSSC staff. B. No fake punts are allowed. C. All punts must be kicked and the receiving team may not attempt to block the punt in any way D. The punting team must stay on the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted. E. Five players from the receiving team must be on the line of scrimmage. F. The receiving team may call for a fair catch or catch and advance the ball. G. If the ball hits the ground it becomes a dead ball and the ball will be spotted where it hit the ground. H. The ball will be spotted at the exit point of where it traveled out of bounds. I. The ball will be placed on the 2-point conversion line, if it travels outside / downed in the end zone. J. No blocking is allowed (see SEC. 18 "BLOCKING"). K. Game clock will start when the ball is kicked. SEC BLOCKING A. No blocking or contact of any kind is allowed in BSSC touch football. 1. This includes: a. Downfield "blocking" of any kind including "picks." b. Blocking during punts or interceptions. c. At the line of scrimmage. d. While guarding a receiver. NOTE: All players MUST AVOID CONTACT with the opposing team at all times during the game. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 5

6 SEC OPEN PLAY A. The official will announce an "OPEN PLAY" and the ball may be thrown to EITHER a male or female receiver on the next play from scrimmage. 1. OFFICIAL'S ANNOUNCEMENT - EXAMPLE: "1st down and 2, open" (1st down, 2 completions needed to get a first down and any gender may catch the ball). Alternatively, "3rd down and mid, open" (3rd down, ball must cross mid-field to get a first and any gender may catch the ball). SEC GENDER PLAY A. The official will announce a "GENDER PLAY" and a female player must be an operative player on the next play from scrimmage. OFFICIAL'S ANNOUNCMENT EXAMPLE: "2nd down and goal, GENDER PLAY" (2nd down, team must score and a female must be involved in the play. Alternatively, "3rd down and mid, GENDER PLAY" (3rd down, ball must cross mid-field to get a first and a female must be involved in the play). 1. Gender Play a. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. A female may be used at any time during the offensive possession. b. Once a female has been used as an operative player (judged to be the intended receiver, primary runner for positive yards or throws the ball as a quarterback for positive yards), then the gender count is reset by the official. The official will announce "GENDER IS GOOD" and the next play is an "OPEN PLAY" (see below). c. The gender count will extend from the previous series to include extra point conversions. 2. Forced Gender Play a. A forced gender play will result when the offense has not used a female within the last 2 plays (judged to be the intended receiver, primary runner for positive yards or attempts to throw the ball as a quarterback for positive yards). The official will announce "GENDER PLAY" and a female player must be involved in the next play from scrimmage. b. If a female is in the backfield/slot position, she MUST receive the snap from center as the quarterback. The ball cannot be snapped past the slot position on a forced gender play. c. If a female has been declared the quarterback, the official will announce "OPEN PLAY." The offensive team MUST allow the defensive team time to adjust out of their "forced gender" formation. d. If the quarterback (male or female) is sacked/fumbles the snap from center, the next play MUST also be gender. e. On a forced gender play, a male player must snap the ball to the quarterback. 3. Legal Gender Play Examples a. In the judgment of the official, a forward pass is thrown by a male quarterback intended for a female receiver. The pass must result in an attempt for positive yards, but does not have to be caught by the female receiver. b. A female runner who receives a hand-off/pitch must gain positive yards. c. A female quarterback who attempts a forward pass (in the judgment of the official) for positive yards. The forward pass may be thrown to a male or female receiver. d. A female runner receives hand-off/pitch from a male quarterback, and then throws it to a female offensive player in an attempt to gain positive yards (does not have to be caught by the female receiver). e. A female runner receives hand-off/pitch from a male quarterback, who in turn hand-off/pitch to a female offensive player must gain positive yards. 4. Illegal Gender Play Examples a. In the judgment of the official, a forward pass thrown by a male quarterback intended for a female receiver that does NOT (or would not have) result in positive yards. b. In the judgment of the official, a forward pass thrown by a male quarterback that is NOT intended for a female receiver. c. A female who runs with the ball (receives hand-off/pitch) in which the play does NOT result in positive yards. d. A female receiver who transfers the ball to a male runner during a gender play (hook & ladder). Play will be called dead by the official. e. A female runner who receives hand-off/pitch from a male quarterback, who in turn throws/hands-offs to mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 6

7 a male offensive player. f. A female snaps (or hikes) the ball. g. A pass that is deflected by a male and caught by a female. h. A male/female quarterback who deliberately throws the ball into the ground, to stop the clock or has no intentions for a play to result in positive yards. i. A male QB is sacked on a forced gender play. 5. MALE COVERAGE for a Forced Gender Play a. Male defensive players must set up in "man-to-man" coverage before the ball is snapped, with only ONE defender guarding the quarterback. Males may never cover a female on a "forced gender play" (see EXCEPTION # 6 "MALE COVERAGE When the Defense is Short Females" below). b. Male defensive players are NOT obligated to cover their opposing male receivers if they run a pattern on forced gender. c. ONLY after the ball is caught by a female receiver, may the male defensive players leave their man-toman assignments to tag her down. If the play results in a hand-off/pitch, the male defensive players must wait until the female has gained positive yards to tag her down. Only the female defender may tag in the backfield in this scenario. d. A male defender may NOT knock down/intercept a ball that is thrown/deflected or on a hand-off/pitch. e. If the offensive formation includes MORE than 3 women, the offense must designate which 3 females will have gender play protection. The remaining female(s) in the formation will not have gender protection and can be covered by a male using "man-to-man" coverage. These male defenders may knock the ball down, but cannot intercept the ball. 6. MALE COVERAGE When the Defense is Short Females a. If the defensive team is playing with 2 female players, a male defender may cover the 3rd female. 1. The offense will choose which female receiver will be covered and by which male defender. b. The defensive MALE player will begin the play, 10yds from the female receiver and must stay behind her at all times. He may mirror the female receiver s pattern, but may NOT tag her until she has caught it. c. At no time may a male defended intercept or knock the ball away. d. Exception. A thrown ball into the end zone from anywhere on the field, may be knocked down by the male defender in this scenario. 7. FEMALE COVERAGE a. There is no pre snap restriction as to where the female defenders can be aligned. b. If the offensive team only has 2 females on the field, the 3rd female can be used to play zone or set up as a safety. Double-team coverage may NOT be used in this scenario. c. A defensive woman MAY intercept or knock down a ball on forced gender. d. If the defense is playing with more than 3 women on the field (ex. 4 men and 4 women), only 3 women are allowed in defensive coverage. Any women in excess of three will be governed by the rules for Male COVERAGE for a Forced-Gender play. 8. Penalty Assessment on Gender Play a. If the foul is on the defensive team, the offense must accept one of the following: 1.Accept the penalty and repeat the gender play. Penalty from the current line of scrimmage. 2. Decline the penalty and take the result of the play (Completion gained more yards than assessed penalty or resulted in a TD or extra point). b. If the foul is on the offensive player, the penalty will be assessed and the next play will be gender. SEC PASSING A. Complete/Incomplete Pass 1. A forward pass is completed when caught by any player of the offensive team who has at least one foot in-bounds and is past the line of scrimmage. 2. If an offensive and defensive player catches the ball simultaneously, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the passing team at the spot of the catch. 3. If a player goes out-of-bounds and comes back in-bounds to catch the ball, it is an incomplete pass (penalty assessed). 4. The center may run a pass pattern at any time, but is an ineligible receiver until the line-judge counts 3. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 7

8 B. Reception in the End Zone 1. A touchdown will be signaled by the official when BOTH the football and player's entire body has broken the plane of the opponent's goal line. a. If a player does not have complete possession and ball travels outside of the end zone, the ball will be spotted where possession was gained. EXAMPLE: If a player extends the ball with their arm into the end zone, but their body is tagged on the 1 yard line, the ball will be placed on the 1 yard line. C. Reception at Mid-Field 1. A first down will be signaled by the official, when the player s entire body and ball has broken the plane of the mid-field line at the completion of a play. (Example: On 3 rd and Mid, the ball carrier crosses midfield with the ball, then returns behind the midfield line and is tagged. The next down will be 4 th and Mid). D. Turnovers 1. A change of possession can only occur due to downs or an interception of a pass. a. A catch of an opponent's pass or fumble before it hits the ground is an interception. 2. A fumble is not a turnover (the ball is dead at the spot of the fumble). 3. A lateral is not a forward pass and cannot be advanced if intercepted (the ball is dead at the spot of occurrence and possession awarded to the intercepting team). 4. A player must be in bounds and have control of the ball before an interception is called. E. Hook & Ladder Play 1. FORCED GENDER with Male Involved a. The ball is dead at the point of release by the female (the hook) to the male (ladder). The official will call "GENDER IS GOOD" for the completed pass to a female and no penalty will be assessed. On a forced gender play, a male cannot be the "hook." 2. OPEN PLAY a. If you execute the hook and ladder (female is either one) on an "open play", the play is legal, however, it does not satisfy the gender requirement. 3. ANY PLAY a., If you execute this play with females being BOTH the hook and the ladder the play will be allowed to continue w/o interruption. It will be a completed pass, the ball will NOT be called dead at the spot of the lateral and it will count as a gender play. If a TD is scored as a result of this play with the line of scrimmage outside of the one-point conversion line (5 yards), then 8 points will be awarded. SEC RUNNING THE BALL A. Quarterback (QB) limitations 1. If the offensive line of scrimmage is BEFORE mid-field, the QB may run at any time. 2. If the offensive line of scrimmage is in the opposing team s half of the field, then the QB CANNOT run for positive yards unless a defensive player crosses the line of (This includes extra point attempt plays). B. A team may at any time execute a running play from scrimmage with the following guidelines: 1. The QB rule above applies until the ball is transferred to another player. 2. At the time the QB transfers the possession of the ball to another player, the 5 second rush protection is lost. Transfer of possession is executed by: a. Hand-off b. Pitch/Lateral c. Forward pass caught behind the line of scrimmage. 3. A ball that is transferred from the QB to another player behind the line of scrimmage may be advanced across the line of scrimmage regardless of where the line of scrimmage originates. 4. If the ball is transferred to another player and then back to the QB, the 5 second rush protection is NOT regained. 5. A ball that has been transferred may still be thrown down field unless: a. The ball has traveled past the line of scrimmage. b. A forward pass of any kind has been thrown. 6. Forward hand-offs or passes that occur beyond the line of scrimmage are illegal. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 8

9 SEC STOPPAGE OF PLAY A. When an opponent touches the ball carrier with two hands. 1. This does not have to occur simultaneously if the offensive player has not taken more than 2 steps. 2. Once the ball has contacted carrier, they are eligible for downed contact. 3. The football is considered part of the body if the ball is touched in a tag situation. B. Ball carrier leaves the field of play or scores. C. Receiver catches the ball in the end zone to score a touchdown or extra point. 1. A player that has ball control and is pushed out of the end zone or sideline before his/her feet touch the ground will be considered in bounds. D. An eligible receiver becomes ineligible if he/she goes out of bounds (prior to or during a pass) and remains ineligible for the remainder of the play. 1. A penalty will be assessed if the ineligible receiver catches the ball. EXCEPTION: If the eligible receiver is forced out of bounds, he will become eligible to legally catch a pass as soon as he/she returns in bounds. E. Ball touches the ground because of a fumble, punt or incomplete pass. F. Ball carrier slips or falls and any part of this body (except feet or hands) are touching the ground. G. Timeout is called. H. If an inadvertent whistle is blown the ball becomes dead immediately. 1. If this happens during a running play or after a player has caught the ball, the offensive team has the following 2 options: a. Ball will be placed at the spot of the runner/receiver at the time of the whistle. b. Replay the down. 2. If a forward pass is in flight, or during a punting or hiking situation, the down will be replayed. I. A QB is permitted to stop the game clock legally to save time, if immediately upon receiving the snap, throw the ball directly into the ground. NOTE: Spiking the ball to stop the clock is legal on an OPEN play only (See Penalties if this occurs on a gender play). SEC SCORING A. Six points are awarded for a touchdown (see "C. Gender Exceptions" below). B. After a touchdown, the offensive team will attempt an extra point conversion. 1. The gender count will extend from the previous series to include extra point conversions. 2. Teams receive 2 points for a 10-yard conversion (2-point conversion line) and 1 point for a 5-yard conversion (1-point conversion line) (see "C. Gender Exceptions" below). 3. An intercepted extra point conversion attempt cannot be run back. C. Gender Exceptions: 1. On an OPEN PLAY with the line of scrimmage outside the one-point conversion line (5 yards), if a womanto-woman pass results in a touchdown, that team will receive 8 points (instead of 6). On a FORCED GENDER play, the touchdown will result in 6 points. a. Teams will still then have the option for a one or two point conversion. 2. ON EITHER AN OPEN OR FORCED GENDER PLAY- If you execute the hook and ladder play with the line of scrimmage outside of the one-point conversion line (5 yards) with females being BOTH the hook and the ladder that results in a touchdown, then 8 points will be awarded. a. Teams will still then have the option for a one or two point conversion. 3. On an OPEN play, a woman-to-woman pass from the 2 point conversion line will result in 3 points being awarded. On a FORCED GENDER play the conversion will result in 2 points. 4. On an OPEN play, a woman-to-woman pass from the 1 point conversion line will result in 2 points being awarded. On a FORCED GENDER play, the conversion will result in 1 point. D. Two points are awarded for a safety when one of the following occurs in the end zone: 1. Any offensive penalty occurring in the end zone. 2. The ball carrier or QB is tagged in the end zone (not on a punt or intercepted pass). 3. The ball carrier or QB runs out of bounds in their own end zone. 4. The center snaps the ball out of the end zone. 5. A player fumbles in their own end zone. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 9

10 NOTE: After a safety, the offensive team will punt a free kick from the 2 point conversion line. SEC UNABATED RUNNER A. Once a player running unabated has crossed the opposing team's 2 point conversion line they have 5 seconds to perform one of the following 3 options: 1. Score a TD. 2. Take a knee 3. Run out of bounds. B. If the runner has not scored a TD, taken a knee or gone out of bounds within the 5 second limit or stops before the 2 point conversion line, the official will blow the play dead and the clock will stop. 1. The runner may be ejected from the game and a 15 yard dead ball unsportsmanlike penalty will be called. Penalty will be enforced from the spot that the player stopped running. SEC BALL PLACEMENT FOR PENALTIES A. Dead-Ball Foul 1. Succeeding Spot - The spot where the ball next would be put in play if no distance penalty were to be enforced. EXAMPLE: Receiver catches the ball and runs out of bounds. While out of bounds, the defender pushes the receiver. The ball will be spotted where the receiver went out of bounds, and a 15 yard unsportsmanlike dead ball penalty will be added to the play because of the penalty. B. Live-Ball Foul 1. Previous Spot - The spot where the ball was put into play. EXAMPLE: Receiver catches a long pass and is touched at the 5 yard line. However, on the play, one of the offensive players holds a defensive player. This is a 'live ball' foul for holding and 10 yards is assessed from the original line of scrimmage, NOT at the 5 yard line where the receiver was downed. C. Double Foul 1. If there is a double foul during a down in which there is a change of possession, the team last gaining possession may keep the ball unless the foul was committed prior to the change of possession. 2. If double foul occurs after change of possession, the defensive team retains the ball at the spot of its foul or dead ball spot. 3. If one of the fouls of a double foul involves disqualification (ejections/suspensions) player(s) must be removed, but no penalty yardage is to be assessed. D. Loss of Down 1. After a loss of down penalty (prior to fourth down) the number of the ensuing down is one greater than that of the previous down. If it occurs on fourth down, it is a loss of the ball to the defensive team unless it is a combinations penalty, in which case the distance penalty is enforced in addition to the loss of the ball. SEC DECEITFUL PLAY A. Any deceitful play to circumvent/undermine the rules or the spirit of the BSSC will be called dead immediately. The player(s) involved will be ejected by BSSC staff and could be subject to suspension depending on the severity of the infraction. SEC OVERTIME (POST SEASON ONLY) A. BSSC officials will bring the line judge, home and visiting coaches together for the "Coin Toss". The BSSC official will place a hand behind their back and the home team coach will choose an odd or even number. If they choose incorrectly, the visiting team will win the "coin toss". The winning coach of the "coin toss" will have one of TWO choices: 1. Start the OT on Offense. 2. Start the OT on Defense. 3. If a team starts on offense then they will start on defense if a round 2 is needed. B. ROUND 1: 1. Each team will have FOUR downs to score from 2-point conversion line using the same end zone. 2. If a team scores, they will have the opportunity to go for one or two on the PAT. The female to female PAT rule will still be in effect. 3. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. A female may be used at any time during the offensive possession. 4. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 10

11 C. ROUND 2: If a tie occurs after the first round, then teams will begin round Each team will have THREE downs to score from 2-point conversion line using the same end zone. 2. If a team scores, they MUST go for two on the PAT. The female to female PAT rule will still be in effect. 3. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. A female may be used at any time during the offensive possession. 4. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points. D. ROUND 3: If a tie occurs after the second round, then teams will begin round Each team will have TWO downs to score from 2-point conversion line using the same end zone. 2. If a team scores, they MUST go for two on the PAT. The female to female PAT rule will still be in effect. 3. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 2 consecutive downs. A female may be used at any time during the offensive possession. 4. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points. E. ROUND 4: (and all subsequent rounds) If a tie occurs after the third round, then teams will begin round 4 1. Each team will have ONE down to score from 2-point conversion line using the same end zone. THIS MUST BE A GENDER PLAY. 2. If a team scores, they MUST go for two on the PAT as an open play. The female to female PAT rule will still be in effect. 3. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 2 consecutive downs. A female may be used at any time during the offensive possession. 4. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points. SPORTSMANSHIP BSSC is an organization that encourages members not to take winning or losing too seriously, and stresses that the social aspects of the league are really more important than a win or a loss. We expect all participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off of the field. We strive to ensure that each member "shows that he or she has qualities of fairness, courtesy, and grace in winning and in losing." SEC PENALTY FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BSSC staff has the right to have any player(s) sit-out for a series if necessary for a "cooling-off period." However, if the player's actions are considered unsportsmanlike; they will be removed from the game. The decision on whether to have a player sit-out or be ejected/suspended is dependent upon the severity of the infraction. Cooling Off Period: Teams may replace the player on the field during a "cooling-off" period. Ejected Player(s): Teams will lose a position on the field for any player who has been ejected for the duration of the game and may not be replaced. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed). Suspended Player(s): Teams will lose a position on the field for any player who has been suspended for the duration of the game and may not be replaced. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed). Suspended player(s) MUST leave the venue within five minutes of being suspended. If this is not accomplished, the suspended player's team will forfeit its game. A suspended player may not attend the game venue and participate in the next scheduled game that their team is to play. The suspension will continue if the next scheduled game is rained out or "called in" as a forfeit. A PHOTO will be taken of the suspended player for reference. If a suspended player is found playing in the next scheduled game, the team will forfeit all regular season games and a forfeit fine will be assessed. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 11

12 Postseason Suspensions: There are no ejections in the postseason, only suspensions. Any player suspended in the postseason will NOT be eligible to participate in any remaining postseason game(s). Suspended player(s) MUST leave the venue within five minutes from being suspended from the game. If this is not accomplished, the suspended player's team will forfeit their game. If a player that has been suspended is caught playing in a postseason game, the team will forfeit the remainder of their postseason. Removal from the League: Any player who has been ejected or suspended (or a combination of the two) two times during the season will be removed from the league. If that player is caught playing after being removed from the league, the team will not be allowed to play their remaining games for that season. Any player(s) who is involved in any physical confrontation during any BSSC activity will be banned for LIFE. If this confrontation occurs during a game, all players will be removed from the field and the game will end. If it can be determined who started the confrontation, that player's team will have a loss recorded for the game. BSSC FOOTBALL PENALTIES The BSSC is a 100 % NON-contact co-ed football league and strives to limit all incidental contact. SEC. 1 DEFENSE PENALTIES: LOSS OF FIVE YARDS (YD) /SPOT FOUL (SF) /LOSS OF DOWN (LD) A. Defensive Offsides (YD): When any part of a player s body is beyond the line of scrimmage before the five- second count is over. The play will continue without stoppage of play. 1. The offensive team has one of the following two options: a. Accept the penalty and repeat the down. Penalty assessed from the current line of scrimmage. b. Decline the penalty and take the result of the play. B. Defensive Encroachment (YD): When any part of a player's body is in the neutral zone and contacts opposing player before the snap. 1. Whistle will be blown immediately to stop play which results in a dead ball. a. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage. C. Double-Teaming a Female on a Forced Gender Play (YD): Female receivers may not be defended by two players on a forced gender play. 1. The offense will have the following options: a. Accept the penalty and repeat the gender play. Penalty assessed from the current line of scrimmage. b. Decline the penalty, and take the result of the play. EXCEPTION: When a woman is QB, the defense may double team the female receiver with either gender. D. Deflecting a Thrown Ball on a Forced Gender Play (YD): Male defenders may not deflect a thrown ball during a forced gender play. This includes the defensive player guarding the quarterback. 1. The offensive team has one of the following two options: a. Accept the penalty and repeat the down. Penalty assessed from the current line of scrimmage. b. Decline the penalty and take the result of the play. E. Male Intercepting a Thrown Ball on Gender Play (SF) - (YD): 1. The offense will regain possession where the interception occurred, an automatic first down is awarded and the next down will be gender. a. Penalty will be assessed from the spot of the interception. 2. If the male defender intercepts the ball in the end zone the offense will regain possession and gender play will be considered "good." The ball will be placed at the 1 yard line, the play will be open and an automatic first down is awarded. 3. F. Illegal Participation (YD): Defense may not have more than 8 players / 5 men on the field at one time. 1. Penalty assessed from the current line of scrimmage and down will be repeated. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 12

13 2. The offense will have the option to accept or decline the penalty. SEC. 2 - OFFENSE PENALTIES: LOSS OF FIVE YARDS (YD) /SPOT FOUL (SF) /LOSS OF DOWN (LD) A. Delay of Game (YD): The offensive team must put the ball into play 20 seconds after official has signaled "ready for play". 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and down will be repeated. B. Illegal Participation (YD): Offense may not have more than 8 players / 5 men on the field at one time. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. C. Illegal QB Cadence (YD): If the player calling the cadence does not receive the snap. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. D. Offensive Offsides/ False Start (YD): When any part of the offensive player's body is beyond the scrimmage line before the ball is snapped or a player leaves the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. 1. Whistle will be blown immediately to stop play which results in a dead ball. 2. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. E. Offense Not Stationary for One Full Second (YD): All offensive players (except a motion player) must be set (remain motionless) for one full second before ball is snapped. The player in motion may initially move towards the line of scrimmage, but must be in a parallel or in backward motion to the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is snapped. 1. Whistle will be blown immediately to stop play which results in a dead ball. 2. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. F. Not Using a Female as an Operative Player in a Forced Gender Situation: A team may not run three consecutive plays without a female as an operative player. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage, loss of down will be incurred and repeat gender play. 2. If the penalty occurs on fourth down, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team. G. Not Declaring QB in a Forced Gender Situation (LD)-(YD): If a female is in the backfield or slot position on a forced gender play, the female MUST receive the snap from center. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage, the down will be repeated and the next play must be a gender play. H. Illegal Forward Pass/Lateral (LD)-(YD): The offensive team may make one forward pass from behind the line during each play from scrimmage. At no time may the ball cross the line and then return behind line and then thrown past the line of scrimmage. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and loss of down will be incurred. I. Illegal Lateral Pass (LD)-(YD): A Lateral pass must be parallel to an offensive player or pitched backwards. 1. The down will count and the penalty will be assessed from the spot of the forward lateral J. Ineligible Receiver Reception (LD)-(YD): An eligible receiver becomes ineligible if he/she goes out of bounds (prior to or during a pass) and remains ineligible for the remainder of the play. The player who snapped the ball is also ineligible until after the line-judge counts Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and loss of down will be incurred. K. QB Illegal Forward Pass (LD)-(YD): The penalty for a forward pass beyond the line will be enforced from where the ball was released when the passers entire body and ball are beyond the line of scrimmage. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and a loss of down will be incurred. L. Intentionally Grounding the Ball (LD)-(YD): Grounding will be called when a passer, facing an imminent loss of yardage because of pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of it being completed. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the spot of the forward lateral and loss of down will be incurred. EXCEPTION: A passer is permitted to stop the game clock legally to save time, if immediately upon receiving the snap; he/she throws the ball directly into the ground. Spiking the ball to stop the clock is legal on an OPEN play only. If this occurs during a gender play, 5 yard penalty and loss of down will be assessed and the gender rule will remain in effect for the next play (See Section 11 as a run off on the game clock may also apply). M. Throwing Ball at Defender during a Forced Gender Play (LD)-(YD): The passer may not intentionally throw the ball at a defender in an attempt to draw a defensive penalty. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and loss of down will be incurred and repeat gender play. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 13

14 N. Illegal Diving (LD)/ (SF)-(YD): Offensive players may NOT leave their feet in order to gain positive yards. This does NOT include diving to catch a thrown ball. 1. If foul is committed in the open field, the penalty will be assessed from the spot and loss of down will be incurred. 2. If the dive is an attempt to obtain a first down at mid-field, score a touchdown or extra point conversion, the penalty will be assessed from the original line of scrimmage and a loss of down will be incurred. O. Illegal Pre-Snap Formation Lines (YD): Before the ball is snapped, all players must line up inside of the marked lines that are found at mid-field/goal lines and continues unmarked the length of the field. This is to avoid the use of an illegal "sleeper sideline" play. 1. Whistle will be blown immediately to stop play which results in a dead ball. 2. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. P. Illegal QB Run on Opponents Side of Field (LD)-(YD): Once an offensive team has crossed the midfield line the QB may only run with the football after being rushed by a defensive player. If a QB runs without being rushed, it will be a 5 yard penalty and a loss of down. If this happens on an extra point conversion, the conversion attempt is no good. SEC. 3 - ALL PLAYERS PENALTIES: LOSS OF TEN YARDS (YD)/SPOT FOUL (SF)/LOSS OF DOWN (LD) A. Stiff-Arm (YD): A player with the ball may not use a "stiff-arm" (extended arm) to ward off any opponent attempting to touch him/her. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. B. Blocking (LD)-(YD): No player may use his hands or any part of their body to block an opponent. Players may not run down field with the intention of becoming a "blocker." 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and a loss of down will be incurred. C. Players Outside of Neutral Zone (YD): Any player outside of the neutral zone while the game is being played will be flagged and the penalty yardage will be accessed. SEC. 4 - DEFENSE PENALTIES: LOSS OF TEN YARDS (YD) /SPOT FOUL (SF) /LOSS OF DOWN (LD) A. Illegal Contact/Holding (YD): A defensive player may not use their hands/body to contact, hang-on, hook, chuck, impede or restrict a receiver as the play develops. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and a first down awarded. B. Defensive Face Guarding (YD): When a forward pass is in the air, the defender may not use their hands or arms to screen the offensive player from catching the ball while the defensive player's back is towards the ball in flight. If the defender turns around to look for the ball, it may be deflected. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the current line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. C. Defensive Pass Interference (SF): It is defensive pass interference when a defensive player takes ANY ACTION that results in contact with the intended receiver before the ball arrives. This includes any action made while playing the ball that initiates contact with the intended receiver. Whether the pass was catchable or not will have no bearing on a defensive pass interference call. 1. A 1st down will be awarded at the spot of the foul and the gender count from the previous play will be replayed. (Social League Exception: Pass Interference will also reset the 6 play count) D. Illegal Defensive Coverage on a Forced Gender Play (YD): (Zone Defense/Not Playing Man-to-Man, etc.) 1. The offense will have the following options: a. Accept the penalty (penalty is assessed from the line of scrimmage), repeat the gender play. b. Decline the penalty and take the result of the play. SEC. 5 - OFFENSE PENALTIES: LOSS OF TEN YARDS (YD) /SPOT FOUL (SF) /LOSS OF DOWN (LD) A. Illegal Contact/Holding (YD): An offensive player may not use their hands/body to contact, hang on, hook, chuck, impede or restrict a defensive player as the play develops. 1. Penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and the down will be repeated. 2. If the penalty was assessed on a gender play, the gender down will be repeated. mikec@baltssc.com BSSC Coaches Packet / Page 14