Lee s Summit Football Association 2

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2 Welcome... 3 General Rules... 4 I. Game... 5 II. Terminology... 6 III. Eligibility... 7 IV. Equipment... 7 V. Field... 8 VI. Rosters... 9 VII. Timing... 9 VIII. Scoring IX. Coaches X. Live Ball/Dead Ball XI. Running XII. Passing XIII. Receiving XIV. Flag Pulling XV. Offensive Adjustments XVI. Defensive Adjustments XVII. Unsportsmanlike Conduct XVIII. Penalties XVIV. Grade League Rule Exceptions Lee s Summit Football Association 2

3 Parents, Coaches, Players & Supporters, Similar with past spring seasons the league s goals are to keep our players active during the offseason, develop skills and to promote the learning of alternate positions. To support these initiatives, scoring is not kept during the spring season and coaches are highly encouraged to allow all players to participate in positions which they may not be accustomed to. The spring season is also a time when LSFA focuses on our next generation of referees. These future leaders are generally high school aged and have varying degrees of experience. The spring is a dedicated time for them to hone their skills as well as for the league to test different rules to support the fall program. Please keep this in mind when interacting with our young officials and support us by offering them lots of encouraging support! 2019 is our first season of Hybrid Flag. This new program is a graduated approach to begin familiarizing our 2 nd 7 th grade NFL Flag players with the full tackle game. Players will be introduced to wearing traditional tackle equipment, playing from a stance, allowing lineman to conduct limited blocking and rushing, and allowing the quarterback to directly advance the ball. Tackling is not allowed and contact outside of the lineman is limited to normal NFL Flag rules. Additionally, all players remain eligible to receive the ball. If you were to have additional questions after reviewing the rule book, please direct these to admin@lsfootball.org. Thank you for your continued support and participation in LSFA! Lee s Summit Football Association Lee s Summit Football Association 3

4 Rules Not Directly Addressed Within this Rule Book: Will follow normal NFHS guidelines. Rule Modifications: LSFA reserves the right to modify any rule within this rulebook at any time. This includes in-game adjustments which may be necessary for safety or competitive reasons. Game Official Player Position Requests: It may be necessary from time-to-time for an official to request for a player who is eligible to initiate contact to play a different position within a specific game for safety/competitive reasons. Game Intensity: HYBRID FLAG IS MEANT TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHERE PLAYERS CAN WORK ON NEW SKILLS. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT MEANT TO BE PLAYED WITH THE SAME INTENSITY AND/OR CONTACT LEVEL AS THE FALL TACKLE SEASON. Game officials reserve the right to control intensity of all games. Player-to-player Tackling: Under no circumstances will any coach allow tackling of any kind to occur in games or at practices. Failure to comply may lead up to and including suspension from the league. Personal Fouls: All personal foul penalties include an immediate substitution from the field for a minimum of one play to allow coaches to address misconduct or improper play and to promote good sportsmanship. This is a cooling off/instructional period. Minimum Practice Contact Requirements: Hybrid Flag players are restricted to the first 2 practices of helmets only with no contact, the 3rd practice will be helmet/shoulder pads with no contact and starting the 4th practice, players can start having contact with bags and blocking. All Hybrid Flag players must comply with this schedule and coaches are responsible to ensure that all players have met this requirement. Practice Duration, Frequency & Temperatures: NFL Flag and Hybrid Flag leagues can practice once or a max of two times per week in the spring. Max practice length is 90- minutes per practice. Minimum temperature to practice is 40 degrees. All head coaches must review the league s website daily ( to see if there are any practice restrictions for the day. Lee s Summit Football Association 4

5 1. At the start of each game, head coaches and captains from both teams meet at midfield. The head referee will first inspect that: A. Players a. Are wearing a protective mouthpiece b. NFL Flag belts have been tucked or trimmed to ensure that no excess belt length is hanging from the players B. Coaches a. Are wearing their ID badges b. Rotation sheets have been filled out c. NOTE: The head coach will not be allowed to coach from the sideline until both the ID badge and rotation sheet are available. Spare rotational sheets may be obtained from the concession stand. The visiting team will call the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. 2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the game on defense. 3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball on the 35-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross the 20-yard line. Once a team crosses the 20-yard line, it has four (4) plays to score a touchdown. 4. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team starts on the 35-yard line (note, play only occurs in one direction during the spring season). 5. If the offensive team fails to cross the 20-yard line, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from the 35-yard line. 6. All possession changes start on the offense s 35-yard line. Lee s Summit Football Association 5

6 Boundary Lines The outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines and back of the end zone lines. Line of Scrimmage (LOS) an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field. Line-to-Gain The line the offense must pass to get a first down or score. Offense The team with possession of the ball. Defense The team opposing the offense to prevent it from advancing the ball. Downs (1-4) The offensive team has four attempts or downs to advance the ball. It must cross the line to gain to get another set of downs or to score. Live Ball Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regard to penalties. Live ball penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete. Dead Ball Refers to the period of time immediately before or after a play. Whistle Sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the action for a timeout, halftime or the end of the game. Inadvertent Whistle Official s whistle that is performed in error. Passer The offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the quarterback. Offensive Lineman Offensive player playing the guard, center or tight end position. These players will begin play in a three-point stance and may initiate contact with a defensive lineman Defensive Lineman Defensive player playing directly across a guard or tight end. These players will begin play in a three-point stance and may initiate contact with an offensive lineman Charging An illegal movement of the ball-carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the head or initiating contact with a shoulder, forearm or the chest. Flag Guarding An illegal act by the ball-carrier to prevent a defender from pulling the ballcarrier s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking access to the runner s flags with a hand or arm. Shovel Pass A legal forward pitch to an offensive player. Lateral A backward or sideway toss of the ball by the ball-carrier. Unsportsmanlike A rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language. Conduct Personal Foul An act of unnecessary roughness or unsafe game play Lee s Summit Football Association 6

7 1. All players legal guardians must agree to the online waiver form submitted during registration at 2. Game playing time may be restricted to players who do not attend at least 50% of the team s organized practices or for disciplinary reasons. The head coach will make this determination and communicate this decision to the player and his/her guardians prior to game time. 3. Additional eligibility requirements are outlined within the LSFA Formation Guidelines posted at 1. The league provides each player with a tackle helmet and shoulder pads, game jersey and an official NFL Flag belt. Because of the all players, all positions, all skills philosophy, there are no restrictions on jersey numbers. Players will need to furnish their own practice jersey. 2. NFL Flag belts will need to be trimmed or tucked to avoid hanging off the players in excess of 6 inches. Belts which hang in excess of 6 inches will be considered flag guarding. 3. Teams will use footballs provided by the league. Pee Wee size balls will be used for 2 nd - 3 rd grade games; whereas, junior size balls will be used for 4 th - 7 th grade games. 4. Players must wear shoes. Cleats may be worn; but, must be rubber molded. 5. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed. 6. Players must remove all jewelry. 7. Players game jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants. 8. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants with belt loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up pockets. 9. Players will not be allowed to wear any tackle football pants and/or pants with football type padding. 10. Players must wear mouthguards during all practices and games. Mouthguards are not furnished by the league and must be purchased separately. Lee s Summit Football Association 7

8 1. There will be a 5-yard end zone behind the offense and a 10-yard scoring end zone. There is also a midfield line-to-gain. No-run zones precede each line-to gain by 5 yards. First down markers will be positioned at the 20 yard line. 2. Games will be played from the 35 yard line to the end zone. Two games will be played, going in opposite directions, on each field. Note: The area segregating the two fields will only be accessible to players & coaches actively participating on those game fields, referees and league officials. All spectators must use the designated walking paths to access the fields. 3. No-run zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays. While in the no-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion. All plays must be passing plays and the ball must be thrown beyond the line-of-scrimmage. Passing plays made behind the line of scrimmage will be considered intentional grounding. 4. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds. Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, and one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD). 5. Home teams will be on the sidelines closest to the concession stands; whereas, away teams will be furthest away from the concession stands. Fans MUST sit on the same side of the field as the team they are rooting for resides. Referees will not be allowed to start any games until both teams and their fans are on the appropriate sidelines. Unsportsmanlike penalties may be accessed once the game begins if fans are not observing this LSFA policy. 6. COACHES/PLAYERS AREA Coaches and players NOT on the field must stay within the team boundary markers between the 10 yard line and the 30 yard line on their sideline. Only players or coaches may be within the team boundary markers during gameplay. Lee s Summit Football Association 8

9 Unsportsmanlike penalties may be accessed once the game begins if fans are not observing this LSFA policy. 7. Yard Markers: The home team will supply 2 persons to run the yard markers. A coach is not allowed to work the yard markers and coach at the same time. 1. NUMBER OF PLAYERS: The maximum number of players on the field per team is eight (8), and the minimum is seven (7) players. There is no maximum number of players per team. 1. Games are two 20-minute halves with NO clock stoppages. 2. TIMEOUTS: Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per half. Timeouts will not carry over into the second half. Timeouts will be 30 seconds in length and the game clock will continue to run during this time. 3. TIME OF THE GAME: The time for each half will be kept by the OFFICIAL. The official is responsible for letting both teams know when there is 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and 2 minutes remaining in the half if no game clock is present. 4. HALFTIME: There will be a halftime lasting three (3) minutes. 5. PLAY CLOCK: The offensive team has 25 seconds in which to snap the ball once the referee has spotted the ball. Officials will initiate an audible 5 second count after 20 seconds to notify the offense. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced. 6. PLAYING TIME: It is the coach s responsibility to allow each player to play as close to half of the game time as possible. Ideally, this is 10 minutes per half; but, times could differ depending upon the number of players on a team. It is the head coach s responsibility to ensure this is tracked. Failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action by the league. 7. PLAYER TARGETS: Each player on a team must be targeted as a receiver or ball carrier at least ONCE per game. It is the head coach s responsibility to ensure this is tracked. Failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action by the league. Lee s Summit Football Association 9

10 1. SCORING Scores will not be kept, but teams can attempt an extra point pass play (from the 5 yard line) or run or pass play (from the 10 yard line) after a score. Note: PAT kicks are not being allowed during the spring season to maximize playing time. 2. There are no special teams. a. There are no kickoff or punts. Each possession starts with the ball on the 35-yard line, regardless of whether there is a score, turnover or turnover on downs. 3. Safeties If the defensive team causes a safety (the ball carrier is downed in the end zone or intentional grounding by the QB) the defense will be awarded the ball and begin offensive play from the 35-yard line. 1. Coaches are expected to adhere to LSFA Hybrid Flag philosophies, coaching guidelines and code of conduct. 2. Coaches are responsible to address the conduct of their sidelines and fans. If a coach requires assistance with addressing their fans, then a field monitor or Executive Board member should be requested to assist via the field radio. Officials may issue 1 warning for unsportsmanlike conduct to a sideline coach or fans. Warnings will be communicated to the Head Coach and any further infractions will result in unsportsmanlike penalties and/or ejections. Note, a referee may decide to eject a fan or coach at any time, but an ejection will be mandated if a sideline obtains a third unsportsmanlike penalty within the same game. Coaches are allowed on the field and to interact with play as outlined in the Grade League Rule Exceptions section. 3. Coaches SHOULD NOT directly interact with opposing coaches during the game. Questions or issues should always be conducted through the referee. 4. Coaches SHOULD limit their interactions with officials during games. Coaches ARE NOT allowed to challenge any official ruling. Questions or clarifications on what a call was can be requested, but the original play shall stand as called and future play will not be interrupted. Any complaints about officiating may be communicated to the Executive Board in writing no earlier than the Monday after the game. Coaches are also asked to grade officials of their game of the team s player tracking sheet which is handed in and reviewed by the LSFA Board after each game. Any attempt to intimidate, influence future calls, persistent complaining or other conduct Lee s Summit Football Association 10

11 unbecoming of a youth coach will result in unsportsmanlike penalties and/or ejections. NOTE: Officials have been instructed to call unsportsmanlike penalties when negative interactions occur with coaches to curb poor behavior which has occurred in previous seasons. 5. Disputes are handled by the LSFA Executive Board and are not to be handled between individual coaches. All disputes may be filed in writing following the Monday after a game (admin@lsfootball.org). 1. The snap must occur between the center s legs and be received by the QB. 2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage. a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. In regard to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a courtesy neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage. 3. A player who gains possession in the air is considered inbounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play. 4. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. 5. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. 6. Play is ruled dead when: a. The ball hits the ground i. If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is not dead but must be picked up by the QB for the play to resume. ii. There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball-carrier s feet were at the time of the fumble. b. If a ball carrier or receiver loses possession of the ball and a defender catches the ball prior to ball contacting the ground. The ball is spotted where the ball-carrier or receiver s feet were at the time that possession was lost. Note, this rule should not be confused with a deflected or tipped pass where the ball carrier has not yet gained possession which would be ruled as an interception. c. The ball-carrier s flag is pulled. d. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds. e. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored. f. If any other part of a ball-carrier s body other than the feet or hands contacts the ground. knee or arm hits the ground. g. The ball-carrier s flag falls out. Lee s Summit Football Association 11

12 h. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s). i. Inadvertent whistle. j. An interception occurs. 1. The ball is spotted where the runner s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball. The player s front foot will measure forward progress. 2. The quarterback CAN directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap. 3. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind or to the side of the offensive player but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs. a. The center and any other player who begins a play from a three-point stance are ineligible to receive a direct handoff. These players will always include the center, two guards and tight end(s). 4. Laterals are allowed; but, may only be conducted on the first exchange of the ball from a QB to another player. Laterals cannot occur within a no-run zone. 5. No-run Zones are located 5 yards before each end zone and 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 in each drive one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD). 6. Any player who receives a handoff or a lateral may throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage if the play is not within a no-run zone. 7. Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. Additionally, once a quarterback runs outside a guard with possession of the ball all defensive players are eligible to rush. 8. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding. 9. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. a. Players spinning out of control will be called for flag guarding. 10. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced. Lee s Summit Football Association 12

13 11. All offensive blocking/defensive contact will be initiated between players who are in three-point stances and in accordance to the rules outlined in the offense and defense adjustments sections. All blocking will cease once the blocker is 3 yards past the line of scrimmage. Blocking may not occur between any other players. 12. Offensive players who are not legal blockers and who are NOT running with the ball will stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier. 13. 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. 14. No running play will occur between the gap of the center and the guards ( A gap). Running plays may only be run in the gap between the guards and the tight end(s) ( B gap), immediately outside the tight end(s) ( C gap), or outside the C gaps. This includes quarterback sneaks/running plays where the quarterback must also run in the B, C or outside the C gaps. 1. All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage. 2. The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. The pass must go beyond the line of scrimmage; otherwise, the quarterback will be ruled down at the spot the pass was thrown. 3. Shovel passes are allowed; but, must be received beyond the line of scrimmage in a norun zone. 4. There is NO five-second pass clock in Hybrid Flag (like there is in NFL Flag). Lee s Summit Football Association 13

14 1. Offensive linemen (defined in the offense and defense adjustment sections) must be at least 3 yards past the line of scrimmage to be eligible to receive a pass. All other players do not have the 3-yard restriction (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). 2. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception. 3. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense. 4. Interceptions change the possession of the ball. Interceptions are not returnable; the play will be whistled dead by the referee when an interception occurs. The defensive team which made the interception will be awarded the ball and will begin on offense on the 35-yard line. 1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball. 2. Defenders can dive from the front or the side only to pull flags (no diving from behind). 3. Defenders cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags. 4. If a defender inadvertently grabs a jersey or other item while attempting to pull a flag AND immediately releases this item then no foul has occurred; however, if the defender does not immediately release this item and causes an advantage to occur to the defender the defensive holding will be called. 5. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier s possession at any time. 6. If a player s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands. 7. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off a player who is not in possession of the ball. 8. 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, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey. Lee s Summit Football Association 14

15 1. Each play must include at least three offensive linemen a center and two guards (one on either side of the center). A tight end(s), if used, is also considered an offensive lineman. As previously stated, all offensive linemen are eligible for first touch as the receiver of a forward pass once they have gone 3 yards past the line of scrimmage and are ineligible to receive a direct handoff. 2. All offensive linemen must play from a three-point stance (guards, center with his/her snapping hand down & tight end(s) if used). 3. All other offensive players (receivers, slot receivers, running backs, the quarterback, etc.) will play from a two-point stance. 4. The distance between a guard and center may not exceed three feet (1 yard) but may be closer. The distance between a tight end and guard may not exceed three feet (1 yard) but may be closer. 5. Once lined up as an offensive lineman, players may not shift or go in motion to another position. 6. The quarterback-center exchange may be direct, pistol or shotgun. 7. No running play will occur between the gap of the center and the guards ( A gap). Running plays may only be run in the gap between the guards and the tight end(s) ( B gap), immediately outside the tight end(s) ( C gap), or outside the C gaps. This includes quarterback sneaks/running plays where the quarterback must also run in the B, C or outside the C gaps. 8. The offense must have five players on the line of scrimmage. No more, no less. The fourth and fifth players can be tight ends, split ends or a combination of the two. Split Lee s Summit Football Association 15

16 ends are eligible for first touching of a run or pass. The split end(s) must be in a twopoint stance. All other players on the line of scrimmage must be in a three-point stance and are designated as offensive linemen. 9. There are no unbalanced lines. The split ends/tight ends must be on opposite sides of the center. OR OR 10. The five offensive players who are not playing guards or center may be deployed in positions at the coach s discretion provided that exactly two of these players are on the line of scrimmage and are on opposite sides of each other (see rule 9). a. Multiple running backs, slot receivers, wing backs, etc., are allowed but also must be balanced. Lee s Summit Football Association 16

17 11. No trips formations are allowed. a. For purpose of Hybrid Flag, Trips is defined as any three players outside the guard-to-guard box (Illegal when the RB is outside the guard Legal when lined up directly behind or inside a guard) (Both legal: Even if outside the G-G box, there are only two players on that side of the field, not Trips) 12. Motion is allowed as long as it does not form a trips formation. 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. 13. Run Blocking may only be initiated between an offensive lineman (guards, center or tight end(s)) and a defensive lineman who is in a three-point stance and is aligned in a head up position of that player (see defensive adjustment section for more information) a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul. b. No contact will occur to any player who originally lined up in a two-point stance c. No double-team blocks are allowed (flagged as a personal foul if it occurs and mandates the 1 play on the sideline as all personal fouls do). Lee s Summit Football Association 17

18 d. No blocking in the back is allowed (flagged as a personal foul) e. A player may not lead with their head and first contact must occur either with their hands, forearm or shoulder area. If first contact occurs with any part of the head/helmet the player will be flagged as a personal foul. f. An offensive lineman or tight end may only block the defensive lineman up to three yards past the line of scrimmage. Once three yards has been reached the offensive lineman becomes eligible to receive a pass and is no longer eligible to continue blocking. Failure by the offensive lineman to disengage from blocking after the 3-yard blocking zone will be flagged as a personal foul. g. An offensive lineman may not impede or cause any non-incidental contact to any defensive player who did not start the down in a three-point position. h. Knocking, throwing or driving a defensive lineman into the ground is forbidden. If the offensive lineman feels the defensive lineman losing control and going to the ground during run blocking, they must give ground to allow the defensive lineman to regain control. Intentionally blocking any player into the ground will be flagged as a personal foul. 14. Pass Blocking may only be initiated between an offensive lineman (guards, center, or tight end(s) and a defensive lineman who is in a three-point stance and is aligned in a head up position of that player (see defensive adjustment section for more information) a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul b. No contact will occur to any player who originally lined up in a two-point stance c. Double-team pass blocks are allowed, but only behind the line of scrimmage (flagged as a personal foul if blocked past the line of scrimmage) d. No blocking in the back is allowed unless the defensive lineman has conducted a spin move and the offensive lineman has retained simultaneous contact with that player (flagged as a personal foul) e. A player may not lead with their head and first contact must occur either with their hands, forearm or shoulder area. If first contact occurs with any part of the head/helmet the player will be flagged as a personal foul. f. An offensive lineman or tight end may only pass block the defensive lineman up to three yards past the line of scrimmage. Once three yards has been reached the offensive lineman becomes eligible to receive a pass and is no longer eligible to continue blocking. Failure by the offensive lineman to stop blocking after the 3- yard blocking zone will be flagged as illegal man downfield. g. An offensive lineman may not impede or cause any non-incidental contact to any defensive player who did not start the down in a three-point position. Lee s Summit Football Association 18

19 h. Knocking, throwing or driving a defensive lineman into the ground is forbidden. If the offensive lineman feels the defensive lineman losing control and going to the ground during pass blocking, they must give ground to allow the defensive lineman to regain control. Intentionally blocking any player into the ground will be flagged as a personal foul. 1. In general, any physical contact outside of incidental is disallowed except between the offensive lineman and the defensive lineman. 2. Defenses will have a minimum of two defensive linemen on any play: a. If the offense is in a base set than only 2 defensive linemen are allowed b. If the offense is in a one tight end set, then the defense may add a third defensive lineman, but it is not mandatory c. If the offense in in a two tight end set, then the defensive may add either a third or a fourth defensive lineman, but it is not mandatory Base One Tight End Two Tight Ends 3. Defensive linemen must be in a three-point stance and be lined up within one yard of the line of scrimmage. 4. All other defensive players (corner backs, line backers, safeties, etc.) will be in a twopoint stance. 5. All non-defensive linemen (players not in a three-point stance) will begin each play a minimum of 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage when they are lined up directly across from an offensive lineman. (The linebacker must be a min. of 4 yards off the LOS. The outside linebacker, corner, etc. may line up on the LOS) Lee s Summit Football Association 19

20 6. Defensive linemen must be aligned on the guards and/or tight ends in a head up position. a. No shade or gap alignment b. No lining up over the center 7. Defensive lineman: a. All blocks below the waist by any player anywhere on the field are illegal and will be flagged as a personal foul b. No contact will occur to any player who originally lined up in a two-point stance c. Only one defensive lineman may be engaging with one offensive lineman at any point during gameplay d. May only engage the offensive lineman who they are in a head up position to. e. May NOT run any stunts (slants, twists, etc.). f. May perform swim, rip, bull rush or spin moves. Note, moves must be conducted directly towards or to the outside shoulder of the offensive lineman. g. Engagement will always occur directly towards the offensive lineman or to the outside shoulder of the offensive lineman. This means that the A gap should never be penetrated by a defensive lineman. Penetrating an inside gap of an offensive lineman will be flagged as a defensive offsides h. No contact in the back is allowed (flagged as a personal foul) i. May NOT lead with their head and first contact must occur either with their hands, forearm or shoulder area. If first contact occurs with any part of the head/helmet the player will be flagged as a personal foul. j. A defensive lineman must disengage an offensive lineman once the offensive lineman is three yards past the line of scrimmage (regular flag rules apply). Failure by the defensive lineman to disengage from the offensive lineman after the 3- yard blocking zone will be flagged as a personal foul. k. Knocking, throwing or driving an offensive lineman into the ground is forbidden. If the defensive lineman feels the offensive lineman losing control and going to the ground during a run or pass, they must give ground to allow the offensive lineman to regain control. Intentionally causing any player into the ground will be flagged as a personal foul. 8. If the offense aligns with no tight ends, the defense may still align with four players on the line of scrimmage, but the non-defensive lineman must be positioned over the receivers they are covering and be in a two-point stance. a. Except for the players covering the guards, the defense is not required to have additional players on the line of scrimmage but has the option to do so. Lee s Summit Football Association 20

21 9. The defense must have one player at least 10 yards from the ball. 10. All remaining players not on the line of scrimmage or at deep safety must be four yards off the line of scrimmage. a. Defenses that choose to not match the eligible receivers on the line of scrimmage may position those players on the second level as long as they are at least 4 yards from the ball. 11. No blitzes are allowed. Players in three-point stances (defensive linemen) at the snap can penetrate upon the snap. Linebackers, safeties, cornerbacks, etc. (both on the line and at depth) can flow to the ball naturally after a handoff is made, but predetermining penetration to a specific gap is illegal. Lee s Summit Football Association 21

22 a. The offensive linemen box includes offensive players who line up within two yards of the ball and on the line of scrimmage along with the defensive players lined up directly over them. b. On pass plays, anyone outside the box on the snap cannot rush the quarterback and must remain behind the line of scrimmage in pass coverage. c. If the quarterback runs with the ball outside of the guards than any defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage to pursue the quarterback 12. Coaches are encouraged to be creative with their formations but not use the offensive linemen box to scheme an advantage. Any offense or defense schemed advantage will incur a 10-yard penalty. 13. If the ball is inside the 5-yard line, the non-defensive linemen may align on the goal line. 1. If the field monitor or referee witness any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, fighting, aggressive behavior or language which may provoke fighting, any physical contact not attributed to game play or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player, coach or fan will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee or field monitor s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY, LANGUAGE OR ACTIONS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 2. Offensive or confrontational language is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine what constitutes offensive or confrontational language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will determine severity at their discretion and either give one warning or eject the coach or player. 3. Players, coaches or spectators may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach, official or spectator. 4. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position. 5. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags. 6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well: a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams. b. Keep comments clean and profanity free. c. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team. d. Fans not adhering to the LSFA s code of conduct may be ejected from the game 7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly: 1. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area. 2. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans. Lee s Summit Football Association 22

23 3. Sit on the side of the field their team is located 8. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties: a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down 9. Ejections: All ejections incur a minimum of a 2-game suspension. If the ejection occurs during a game than that game will count 1 game towards the suspension regardless of which quarter the issue occurred. The second and/or additional suspension games will occur on the next regularly scheduled games. During suspensions, the player, coach or fan is not allowed to be on LSFA premises. When an ejection occurs, the player, coach or fan must leave the LSFA premises immediately. i. General 1. The referee will call all penalties. 2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. 3. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except spot fouls. 4. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players may not question calls. 5. Games may not 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. Lee s Summit Football Association 23

24 To assist the grade divisions with successful gameplay and the enhancement of critical skills, the following rules have been adopted during the spring season: On Field Coaches: 2 nd Grade Division: 1. Up to 2 coaches can be on the field to assist their team on offense and defense. a. On field coaches must be 10 yards behind their deepest player prior to the ball being snapped. b. On field coaches MUST REMAIN SILENT and/or REFRAIN FROM MAKING GESTURES to influence play once the quarterback starts the cadence (note, coaches on the sideline are allowed to communicate and make gestures to players on the field). Examples of on field coach infractions include; but, are not limited to: i. Directing a player through pointing ii. Communicating: run, wrong way, throw to Tommy, no, yes, etc. to a player after the offensive cadence has begun 3 rd Grade 7th Grade Divisions: Coaches are restricted to the sidelines between and during game play (exceptions include timeout periods, to tend to injury, to assist with equipment issues and as directed by the referee). Lee s Summit Football Association 24