Continental Indoor Football League. Official Rulebook 2010 Season

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1 Official Rulebook 2010 Season

2 Official Rulebook 2010 Season Contents Rule 1 The Game Field, Equipment, and Players...2 Rule 2 Periods, Timing, Substitutions...6 Rule 3 Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out of Bounds...12 Rule 4 Series of Downs...15 Rule 5 Kicking...16 Rule 6 Offense, Passing...22 Rule 7 Linebacker Free Zone, Defense...28 Rule 8 Scoring...31 Rule 9 Conduct of Players and Non-Players...33 Rule 10 Application of Penalties...39 Appendix A Summary of Penalties...42 Appendix B Officials Signals...43 Appendix C Instructions for Timers...44 Revised All rights reserved. 1

3 Rule 1 The Game, Field, Equipment, and Players SECTION 1 THE FIELD A) The field shall be 28 yards wide and a minimum of 60 yards long. If this regulation cannot be met in an arena due to physical size limitations, the field shall be marked as closely as possible to regulation, subject to the approval of the League. B) The bounds of the field shall be defined as the wall, which shall be covered with a foam pad. C) The area bounded by the wall shall be called the field of play. D) The wall behind each goal line shall be called the end zone wall. The wall may be curved due to various arena configurations. E) The area bounded by the goal line and end zone wall shall be called the end zone. F) The non-end zone section of the field shall be 50 yards in length. The end zones shall be a minimum of 5 yards in depth, and may be rounded due to various arena configurations (mainly hockey). G) Goal posts shall be placed and centered on each end zone wall in the same vertical plane as the inside edge of the wall. The top of the crossbar shall be 12 feet above the ground. Uprights shall be 10 feet apart, inside to inside. The uprights shall extend a minimum of 15 feet above the crossbar. The diameter of each post shall be between 3 and 4 inches. Goal posts may be either hung from the ceiling or attached to the ground via a wishbone or single-shaft assembly, so long as they conform to these standards. Goal posts shall be the same size regardless of the size of field. 2

4 SECTION 2 LINE MARKINGS A) The field of play shall be marked every 5 yards with lines extending from wall to wall, parallel to the goal lines. B) Hash marks, 12 inches in length and 5 feet from the center of the field, are placed on both sides of the field every five yards perpendicular to the yard line. C) The walls surrounding the field serve as the sidelines. There are no painted sidelines. D) Numbers shall be placed 5 yards from the sideline at their base and be 36 inches in height. E) Tape shall be placed on the wall at the goal lines and extend from the playing surface to the top of the wall. The tape must be clearly visible and in a contrasting color to that of the wall and any advertising signage. SECTION 3 THE FOOTBALL Teams shall use the official Adidas CIFL football for all league contests. A) The Home Team will supply enough league-approved game footballs to complete the game. A minimum of 40 approved footballs shall be used in a game and changed at the discretion of the Referee. The footballs must be kept clean and in playable condition. In the event the Home Team s supply of footballs is depleted, a fine of $250 will be levied by the League. The Home Team shall reimburse the Visiting Team for any of their footballs that were used and lost due to promotional activities. B) The Visiting Team must bring at least 10 approved footballs to replace any game ball that a Visiting Team player keeps, throws into the stands, or is awarded by his coach. Failure for the visiting team to provide 10 game balls WILL result in a fine. See operations manual. If the visiting team does not supply game balls, it CANNOT throw any balls into the stands, take any to the bench, or give any to their coaches. C) All footballs, both Home and Visitor, must be in the officials dressing room 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to kickoff to be checked. D) Each team shall mark the tip of their footballs with their team initials if there are no team logos present on the football. Use the first letter of the first name and first letter of team nickname on the balls. Example: the Wisconsin Wolfpack should use WW. E) Any football lost into the field during the game and recovered by a person attending the game shall be considered a souvenir for the person that recovered it. Footballs lost into the field during practice times and during in-game contests can be recovered by the team. SECTION 4 TEAM UNIFORMS A) All players shall be numbered 1 through 99. No two players on the same game day roster may have the same number. Numbers 0 and 00 are illegal numbers and will be considered illegal equipment. B) A player s uniform number may not be changed during the game to deceive the opposing team. Uniforms may only be changed during a game if they are damaged. If a change is necessary, the number change shall be reported to the Referee and the information also given to the opposing team and all game statisticians. C) Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors. All players on a team must wear jerseys of the same color and design. Jerseys must cover all pads worn under the jersey. The jersey must be full length and tucked into the pants when a player assumes a normal standing position. Any alteration to the jersey is prohibited. A player wearing an altered jersey will not be permitted to participate until the jersey is restored to comply with this rule. D) Teams may choose to have player surnames on the backs of their jerseys. If a team chooses to do so, all players must have their surname on their jersey. If a team has players with the same surname active for the game, each player s first initial (or total number of initials to be able to differentiate the player) must appear before the surname on the back of the game jersey. 3

5 E) All players of a team shall wear pants of the same color and design. F) All players must wear visible socks or leg coverings that are of the same color, length, and design. Any taping or spats over the shoes and/or ankles shall be the same color for all members of a team, that color correspondence with a team s colors. G) All players, other than a kicker lined up to attempt a free kick or scrimmage kick, must wear shoes suitable for football and turf activities. No slippers, boots, or other shoes not designed for football or turf activities may be worn in a game. The umpire is the sole judge of the legality of equipment. H) If worn, gloves or hand pads must be gray in color, or may be the appropriate colors of the team s jersey. All members of a team must wear the same colored gloves or hand pads. I) Hip, tailbone, thigh, and knee pads are optional and by the discretion of the coaching staff and the team s ownership. J) All players must wear the following mandatory equipment: 1. Helmets and facemasks, commercially manufactured for professional, college or high school football. All players of a team shall wear helmets of the same color and design. 2. Shoulder pads. 3. An intra-oral mouthpiece. Penalty: Improper Equipment Charged time out or 5 yards if no time outs are available. SECTION 5 ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT: A) Any equipment that is, in the judgment of the umpire, dangerous to other players. B) Hard, abrasive or unyielding substances worn on the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, unless covered with adequate foam padding as approved by the umpire. C) Any metal or other hard substance that may be dangerous to a player or his opponent. D) Helmets, jerseys or gloves that will conceal the ball by closely resembling the ball s color. E) Adhesive material, paint, grease or any other slippery surface applied to a player s body or clothing that may affect the ball or an opponent. F) Any adornment to the uniform which serves no football purpose, but serves only to highlight the individual s appearance. Players may wear a white towel of reasonable size, subject to the umpire s approval. G) Any equipment or substance that may make a player s hands, arms, legs, or any other part of the body sticky to make it easier to catch the football. H) Dark-in-color eye shields on the helmet, unless approved by the league due to a doctor s excused medical clearance. Such clearance must be approved by the league office. Dark eye shields worn for aesthetic reasons are not permitted. All players wearing a dark eye shield must have approval from the league office. A list of approved players will be sent to the officiating crews by the Director of Officiating each week. If a player is observed wearing a dark eye shield and is not on the approved list, he must remove the eye shield and replace it with a clear one or play without an eye shield until approval from the league office is granted. Refusal to remove the dark eye shield will result in the player not playing the game that week. I) The umpire is the sole judge of legal and illegal equipment, and may rule on such without appeal. 4

6 J) The Head Coach shall certify to the Referee prior to the game that all of his players are equipped properly according to the aforementioned uniform rules. Penalty: Illegal Equipment 10 yards from the previous spot SECTION 6 TEAMS The game is played by two opposing teams of eight players each. For reference: The team that puts the ball in play will be identified as the Offense (Team A). The other team will be called the Defense (Team B). SECTION 7 TEAM CAPTAINS A) At all times, each team must have on the field a player designated as captain, and so identified to the Referee. Teams should have both an offensive and defensive captain. The captain shall be the only communicator between the team and the officials, and he may appeal to the Referee only on questions of interpretations and application of rules. Such consultations should be held apart from other players on the field. The Referee s decision cannot be disputed. A captain is entitled to an explanation of any decision, but no prolonged discussion is to be allowed. B) In case of a foul, the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty or the option provided. C) The captain may request the Referee to call in the yardsticks to determine whether a first down has been made, or how much distance is required to make a first down. If, in the judgment of the Referee, the position of the ball is within one yard of the first down marker, he may signal time out and call for the measurement. Otherwise, he shall refuse the request and order play to continue. When the yardsticks are called from the sidelines to determine whether a first down has been gained, the on-field captain for each team shall be the only player permitted in the vicinity of the measurement. 5

7 Rule 2 Periods, Timing, Substitutions SECTION 1 REGULATION TIMING RULES A) General 1) A game shall consist of four quarters, each 15 minutes in length. 2) Halftime shall be a minimum of 12 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes in length. The Home Team shall notify both the Visiting Team and Officials of the projected time needed for any halftime activities. 3) Team timeouts shall be 60 seconds in length. Second and fourth quarter timeouts after the one-minute warning shall be 30 seconds in length. 4) The one-minute warning shall be two minutes in length. It doubles as a media timeout. 5) Media timeouts shall be 90 seconds in length and taken after the first change of possession or PAT under the eight-minute mark in each quarter. No play or possession should be stopped to take this media timeout. 6) Time between the first and second quarter and between the third and fourth quarter shall be 90 seconds in length. B) Start of the Game 1) The game shall start promptly at the scheduled time. 2) If a team is late appearing on the field at the start of the first or third quarter, the team shall be penalized for delay of game. Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards, enforced on the first scrimmage down after kickoff. 3) Before the start of the game, the captains of both teams shall meet the Referee at midfield. The Referee or a dignitary shall toss a coin with the captain of the visiting team making the heads or tails call before the toss. The captain of the team winning the coin toss has the following options: a) Defer his choice to the second half b) Receive c) Kickoff d) Defend Goal The captain of the other team shall have first choice at the start of the second half, when both captains shall again meet the officials at center field to inform them of their choices. C) Playing and Rest Periods 1) The length of a game shall be 60 minutes of actual playing time, divided into four periods of 15 minutes each. The scoreboard clock is the official time kept for the game, and shall be operated by the timekeeper under the direction and control of the Referee. If the scoreboard clock is not functional, the Line Judge shall keep official time on a stopwatch or similar item. 6

8 2.) The kickoff to start the second half shall take place no later than 20 minutes after the conclusion of the first half. A team shall be subject to penalty if the players are not lined up on the field ready to start the second half. D) Clock Stoppage Time shall start when the ball is touched by the receiving team following the kickoff at the start of a half and shall continue until the ball is ruled dead and an official signals to the timekeeper. Time shall stop for any of the following reasons: 1.) For the application of penalties. 2.) For delay caused by player injury 3.) When a player requests a team timeout. 4.) On a change of possession that requires a kickoff to resume play (PAT attempt, successful field goal, safety). The game clock will resume when the ball is touched by the receiving team following the kickoff. 5.) On incomplete passes after the one-minute warning has been given in any half. The clock does not stop for incomplete passes during the previous 29 minutes of any half. 6.) On a player being ruled down because of contact with another player and then the wall after the one-minute warning has been given in any half. The clock does not stop for this out-of-bounds play during the previous 29 minutes of any half. 7.) On the ball carrier exiting the field of play (i.e. going over the wall) after the one-minute warning has been given in any half. The clock does not stop for out-of-bounds plays during the previous 29 minutes of any half. 8.) When the offense is awarded a first down after the one-minute warning has been given in any half. The official will start the game clock and 25-second play clock once the ball and yardsticks have been properly placed. The clock does not stop for first downs during the previous 29 minutes of each half. 9.) On a team change of possession after the one-minute warning. The game clock will start again on the snap. The clock does not stop for changes of possession during the previous 29 minutes of each half. 10.) When the quarterback immediately spikes the ball to stop the clock after the one-minute warning has been given in any half. 11.) When time expires at the end of each period. 12.) If a touchdown is scored on the last play of a period. The clock shall remain at 0:00, and the period shall be extended to include the point after touchdown attempt. A PAT attempt is not required if the outcome of the game is already determined. 13.) When the Referee deems it necessary to suspend play. 14.) After the one-minute warning has been given in the fourth quarter, when the team on offense is leading by 21 or points or less and does not advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. The clock will start again on the snap. If a team is ahead by more than 21 points, it can take a knee. Any time after the one-minute warning has been given, if the team on offense is either tied or trailing and has no timeouts remaining, and an injury occurs to a member of that team which requires stopping the clock, a 10 second run off will be deducted from the clock prior to resuming the game. 7

9 E) Expiration of Time and Penalty Occurs If in any period, time expires during a play in which a foul occurs, the offended team may: 1) Decline the penalty and accept the play which has ended the period 2) Accept the penalty, in which case the team entitled to possession shall be required to put the ball into play. Only the second and fourth quarters are extended for an accepted penalty. If the additional play is terminated by an official s whistle prior to the ball being put into play, the penalty shall be applied and the period extended for another play. F) Running Clock 1) After a stopped clock for any reason, time shall start again on the ready for play signal. With the exception of a delay of game penalty, the Referee will start the game clock following the enforcement of any penalty. After the one-minute warning has been given, any penalty on either team that is intentional for the purpose of stopping the clock will be enforced with a charged time out or ten second run off if no timeouts are available. 2) After a stopped clock for any reason, the time will start on the snap of the ball: G) Delay of Game a) After a delay of game foul b) Following a team timeout or a media timeout. c) Following a play during which possession changed after the one-minute warning has been given. d) Following an incomplete legal forward pass after the one-minute warning has been given. e) Following an out-of-bounds (over the wall) play after the one-minute warning has been given. The game shall not be delayed except with permission of the Referee. Any unauthorized delay shall be subject to a penalty. 1) If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while a player in the game has repair done to his equipment, that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of one play. If the player does not leave the field of play, the team is charged with a timeout. 2) If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while an injured player receives medical attention on the field, that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of one play. If the player does not leave the game, the team is charged with a timeout. 3) If a receiving team player interferes with the placement of the ball after it has been declared ready for play by the Referee, his team shall be penalized. Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards, marked on the first play from scrimmage after the kick. 4) During play, any player who delays the game by spiking, rolling or tossing the ball away from an official shall be subject to penalty. Penalty: Dead Ball Delay of Game 5 yards from the succeeding spot. 5) Any player that throws/tosses the ball into the stands on a non-touchdown play shall be subject to penalty. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yard penalty SECTION 2 SECOND AND FOURTH PERIODS Between the first and second periods, and between the third and fourth periods, the teams shall defend opposite goal lines. The ball shall be relocated at a spot corresponding exactly, in relation to goal lines and sidelines, to its location at the end of the preceding period. Possession of the ball, the number of the down and the distance to be gained shall remain unchanged. 8

10 SECTION 3 TIMEOUTS A) Team During a half, a team shall be permitted to call three timeouts, subject to the following: 1) Team timeouts may be requested by any player or coach on the field and may be directed to any official on the field. 2) Team timeouts shall be 60 seconds in duration. Additional length may be added in the case the game is to be shown on television. 3) The game time will resume on the ensuing snap after the timeout. 4) A team may not call consecutive timeouts during the same dead ball period. B) Media 1) During each quarter, one media timeout may be utilized for on-field promotions, contests or performances, or to air radio and television advertisements. 2) Media timeouts will be taken at the first clock stoppage after the clock has passed 8 minutes left in each of the four quarters, and at the one-minute warning in the second and fourth quarters. All media timeouts will be taken at a change of possession or following a score and are at the sole discretion of the Referee. 3) A media timeout will be administered in the same manner as a team timeout. One coach may enter the field to consult with his team, or the team may assemble in front of the team bench and consult with more than one coach. 4) A media timeout shall be 90 seconds in length. 5) Media timeouts are required, so plan on-field activities during these time outs. With the implementation of the CIFL Radio Network, all games will be broadcast over the internet. Because of this, the use of all six media time outs is a must, as it will allow for additional advertising revenue to be generated with the stoppage of play and the time out. SECTION 4 SUBSTITUTION A) A substitute may enter the field of play at any time the ball is dead. A substitute may not enter the field at anytime the ball is not dead, even if a team has less than seven players on the field at that time. B) If the substitute enters the game to the extent that he can communicate with a teammate on the field, he must remain in the game for at least one play. The officials are the sole interpreters of this rule. C) A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the sideline on which his bench is located and exit the field of play to his bench as quickly as possible. D) A team is not permitted to use player substitution as a means of deceiving an opponent. E) If a team breaks its huddle with more than eight players, it shall immediately be penalized. Such penalty is a one-time infraction, not compounded by multiple players over the eight (i.e. the penalty is not enforced twice if a team breaks its huddle with ten players). Penalty: Illegal Substitution 5 yards. F) If a team has more than eight players on the field at the snap of the ball, it subject to penalty. Penalty: Illegal Participation 5 yards. 9

11 SECTION 5 OVERTIME Overtime shall be defined as play after 60 minutes of game time has expired. Overtime is played only if the score is tied at the end of the 60-minute game. A) Coin Toss 1) After the 60 minutes of game time have expired, there shall be a two-minute intermission, followed by the overtime. Prior to the start of the overtime, the captains of both teams shall meet the officials at midfield to inform them of their choices for the coin toss. 2) The Referee shall toss a coin, with the visiting team s captain making the call. The winner of the toss may not defer his choice. The captain of the team winning the toss shall choose one of the following options: a) Offense or defense, with the offense receiving a kickoff to start its possession b) Which end of the field will be used for both series of that overtime period 3) The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first overtime period, and shall have first choice of the two options for subsequent even-numbered periods. The winner of the coin toss shall have first choice of the two options for subsequent odd numbered periods. No additional coin toss is conducted in additional overtime periods. B) Overtime Period(s): An overtime period shall consist of a series by each team. The team that is designated to play defense first will begin the overtime period with a free kick from its goal line. The receiving team will retain possession of the ball during its series until it either scores or fails to make a first down. It will then kick off to the other team, and the same rules will apply. The ball remains alive after a change of possession until the down is ended; however, team A cannot earn a news series once B gains possession during a down. The team with the most points after both teams have had a possession shall be declared the winner. Should the game still be tied following the first overtime period, the game will continue with alternating teams on offense first under the previously stated rules until the score is not tied after both teams have an overtime possession. Following two overtime periods, if there is a need for a third overtime, any point-after-touchdown attempts must be a two-point attempt via a play from scrimmage. Place kicks and drop kicks will not score points. The game clock will not run during overtime. The 35/25-second play clock, however, will continue to be used in the same manner as it was during the previous 60 minutes. C) Overtime Fouls After Both Teams Have Had A Possession 1) Distance penalties by either team are automatically declined if the play it occurred on ended the second team s possession (Exception: Dead ball fouls and live ball fouls enforced as dead ball fouls). 2) Scores by the fouling team are cancelled. 3) If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B s possession, the down is not replayed. 4) Penalties for flagrant personal fouls committed after a change of possession carry over to the next possession series within that period, or on to the next period. Penalty: Flagrant Personal Foul 10 yards and ejection of player, if warranted. 10

12 D) Timeouts in Overtime 1) Each team will have one timeout in each overtime period. Timeouts do not carry over from the second half or from any previous overtime period. All team timeouts will be 30 seconds in length, and cannot be extended for media purposes. 2) Media timeouts are not permitted during any overtime period, nor may team timeouts be extended for media purposes. However, there shall be a two-minute intermission between overtime periods that can double as a media timeout. Interpretations 1) Team B intercepts a pass, recovers a fumble, or blocks a scrimmage kick and returns it for a touchdown. Ruling: The overtime period and game are over. 2) During the first possession of an overtime period, Team B intercepts a pass, recovers a fumble, or blocks a scrimmage kick and is downed immediately. Ruling: Team A s possession is ended, and Team B will begin its possession by receiving a free kick from Team A. 3) Team A s scrimmage kick is blocked. Team A recovers behind the line of scrimmage and advances for an apparent first down. Ruling: Team A s ball, first and 10. 4) Team A s scrimmage kick travels 10 yards, touches the ground, and is recovered by the kicking team. Ruling: Team A s ball, first and 10. 5) During the first possession of an overtime period, Team B intercepts a pass and then fumbles. Team A recovers and runs for a touchdown or is downed immediately. Ruling: Team A s possession is ended. Team B will begin its possession by receiving a free kick from Team A. 6) During the first possession of an overtime period, a Team B player recovers a fumble, carries the ball into his own end zone, and is tackled for a safety. Ruling: Score two points for Team A. Team B will begin its series by receiving a free kick from Team A. 7) Team A recovers its free kick to Team B. Ruling: Team B s possession is ended. If Team A has already had its series for this overtime period, the period is over. If Team A has not yet had its series, Team B will free kick to Team A. 8) During the second overtime period, Team A runs for an apparent touchdown but is flagged for holding. Team B commits a facemask foul. Ruling: The penalties offset, but the down is not replayed. If the play occurred on fourth down, Team A s possession is ended. 11

13 Rule 3 Ball In Play, Dead Ball, Out Of Bounds SECTION 1 BALL IN PLAY A) The ball is considered in play from the point that it is snapped or kicked (in cases of a free kick) until it is dead by rule or an official stops the action by sounding his whistle. B) The game shall not be stopped because of injury of a player until the ball is dead. Exceptions will be made in circumstances where the injury is obviously extreme and further playing of the down can result in major bodily injury or worse to a player. In such cases, the clock will stop and play will resume as if the play in which the injury occurred did not happen. C) The Referee shall not stop the game to impose a penalty until the ball is dead. SECTION 2 DEAD BALL The live ball becomes dead: A) When an official sounds his whistle. If an official sounds his whistle inadvertently or otherwise signals the ball dead during a down: 1) When the ball is in player possession, then the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where declared dead or replay the down. 2) When the ball is loose from a fumble, backward pass or illegal pass, then the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where possession was lost or replay the down. 3) During a legal forward pass or a free or scrimmage kick, then the ball is returned to the previous spot and the down replayed. 4) After Team B gains possession on the try or during an overtime period, then the try is over or the overtimeperiod series is ended. B) When a touchdown, touchback, safety, field goal or successful PAT occurs. C) When the ball goes out-of-bounds. D) When a forward pass is declared incomplete. E) When the kicking team recovers a kick. F) When a fan interferes with a loose ball. G) When a ball strikes a goal post assembly other than a scrimmage kick that scores after touching the uprights or crossbar. 12

14 H) When the ball carrier is tackled and his forward progress has been halted. Tackling is defined as the act of grasping or encircling a ball carrier with hands and arms such that the ball carrier is either not standing or has had his forward progress stopped. I) When the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage is firmly in the grasp and control of a tackler to the extent that he cannot throw the ball. J) When a ball carrier is tackled and driven back towards his own goal line, the official must assume that he was attempting to advance the ball and that only the contact with an opponent prevented an advance. Therefore, the most forward point of advance shall be considered the point where the ball became dead. K) When the ball carrier is contacted by an opponent and loses his balance such that a portion of his body, other than his hands or feet, touches the ground or the wall, the ball shall be dead at the point where it was held when the ball carrier touched the ground or wall. A player is not down if he falls and is not contacted. He must be contacted to cause a dead ball. L) When the quarterback or any other player in possession of the ball intentionally kneels on the ground. M) When the quarterback, in possession of the ball, dives in a feet-first sliding motion, the ball shall be declared dead at the point it was held when another part of the quarterback s body, other than his hands or feet, touched the ground. N) When a ball carrier, in the judgment of the official, is not attempting to advance the ball, the official shall immediately declare the ball dead. O) When a player in possession of the ball is down and makes no attempt to regain his feet, particularly if the player is vulnerable to a hit by a defensive player, the official shall immediately declare the ball dead. SECTION 3 OUT OF BOUNDS A) Definitions: 1) The wall is to be considered an extension of the ground. Therefore, should a player be in contact with the wall while making a catch, he is to be considered in bounds and any catch or recovery is legal. Exception: a player must return to the ground and contact the field of play with at least one foot to complete a catch or recovery. A player who catches or recovers the ball and then goes over the wall, either intentionally or as a result of contact with an opponent, without first touching the field of play is considered out of bounds, and any pass shall be ruled incomplete. 2) Walls are in play for a player in possession of the ball unless contact is made with a wall as a result of contact with an opponent, or no attempt is made to gain yardage and play is blown dead. 3) Other than a forward pass, a ball that makes contact with the wall or top of the wall is live and playable. If a loose ball (kick, fumble, muff, backward pass, or bat) touches the wall or top of the wall, the ball is live and may be recovered by a player. If a forward pass comes in contact with the wall, the ball shall be declared dead and the pass incomplete. 4) A player who stands at the top of the wall or utilizes a wall to enhance his vertical height shall be ruled out of bounds and the pass shall be ruled incomplete. Interpretations Out Of Bounds 1) The ball shall remain in play when it is knocked or batted back into the field of play by a player who is off the ground and who has not touched the ground or anything out of bounds. A player shall be considered in bounds when doing this if he is not using the wall to enhance his height. 13

15 2) If a player gains possession of the ball while off the ground in bounds and is contacted by an opponent in a manner which causes him to land out of bounds, the player shall be ruled out of bounds. 3) If a player gains possession of the ball near the sideline and then touches the ground in the field of play with his first step, he shall retain possession even if his next step takes him out of bounds. A player that gains possession, touches the wall with one foot, and lands on the other side of the wall shall be ruled out of bounds. B) Fumble Out of Bounds When the ball is fumbled out of bounds or touches a player in the field of play and then goes out of bounds between the goal lines, it shall belong to the team that last had possession of the ball in the field of play. If the ball is fumbled backwards, the ball is spotted at the point where the ball went out of bounds. If the ball is fumbled forward, the ball belongs to the fumbling team at the spot of the fumble. A fumbled ball that comes in contact with the wall or rests on top of the wall is in bounds. It must completely leave the field of play to be ruled out of bounds. C) Fumble Out of Bounds in Opponent s End Zone 1) When a player fumbles the ball from the field of play into his opponent s end zone, where it goes out of bounds by leaving the field of play, it is a touchback and the ball is awarded to the opposing team at its own 5-yard line. The ball has to completely leave the field of play for this to occur. If the defense commits a foul in the end zone, the enforcement is from the 5-yard line. 2) If the defense recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass in the end zone and does not advance the ball out of the end zone before the ball declared dead, the defensive team is awarded a touchback and shall have possession at its own 5-yard line. D) Lost Possession Into Own End Zone When a player fumbles or directs the ball from the field of play into his own end zone, where the ball goes out of bounds without possession being gained by either team, a safety shall be awarded to the fumbling team s opponent. E) Fumble On Fourth Down or PAT On fourth down or a PAT attempt by run or pass, before a change of team possession, only the Team A player who fumbles the ball may recover and advance. If any Team A player other than the fumbler recovers the ball in advance of the fumble, the ball is dead and will be returned to the spot of the fumble. If any Team A player other than the fumbler recovers the ball behind the spot of the fumble, the ball is dead at that spot. Any Team B player may recover and advance. 14

16 SECTION 1 SERIES OF DOWNS A) Downs Rule 4 Series Of Downs, Line To Gain The offensive team shall have a series of four downs to gain a distance of 10 yards. A down shall be repeated following the application of a penalty, unless the penalty requires a loss of down or automatic first down. If in a series of four downs the offensive team has not gained the required 10 yards, the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at the point where the ball became dead on fourth down. If the required 10 yards are gained, a new series is awarded to the offensive team. This series of four downs may be interrupted: 1) When the offensive team does not make its 10 yards to earn a new series. 2) When the offensive team kicks the ball out of bounds or a defensive player recovers a kick from scrimmage. 3) When the ball is intercepted or otherwise recovered by the defense. 4) At the conclusion of a half or game. SECTION 2 LINE TO GAIN The line to gain for a series shall be established 10 yards in advance of the most forward point of the ball; but if this line is in the opponent s end zone, the goal line becomes the line to gain. A) Forward Progress The most forward point of the ball when it becomes dead shall be the determining point in measuring distance gained or lost by either team during any down. The ball shall always be placed with its length axis parallel to the sideline before measuring. (Exception: When an airborne pass receiver of either team completes a catch inbounds after an opponent has driven him backward and the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch, the forward progress is where the player received the ball) 15

17 Rule 5 Kicking SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS A) Kick 1) A kick is the result of an intentional striking of the football by a player s foot or leg below the knee. 2) If a ball accidentally strikes a player s foot or leg, it is not ruled as a kick. B) Place Kick 1) A place kick is a legal kick made by kicking the ball after it has been placed in a fixed position on the ground. The ball may be held in position on the ground by a teammate of the kicker. No substance or device may be used to improve the kicker s footing. 2) A place kick may be used for a kickoff, scrimmage kick, or free kick following a safety. 3) On a kickoff or free kick, the ball may be placed on a one-inch tee. On a point after touchdown or scrimmage kick, a kicking tee may not be used. C) Drop Kick 1) A drop kick is a legal kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it as it touches the ground or is rising from the ground. D) Punt 2) A drop kick may be used for kickoff, a scrimmage kick or a free kick following a safety. 1) A punt is an illegal kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it before it strikes the ground. 2) Punting is a live ball foul which causes the ball to become dead. Penalty: Illegal Kick 10 yards, loss of down. E) Loose Ball 1) A loose ball occurs when the ball is kicked or blocked during a kick on a kickoff or a kick from scrimmage or during a pass or fumble. It continues to be a loose ball until a player secures possession of the ball or it becomes dead by rule, whichever comes first. 2) Once a kicked ball has touched the ground and traveled 10 yards towards the opponent s end zone, it may be recovered by either team. Only the receiving team may advance such a kick. Should a scrimmage kick travel more than 10 yards and cross the line to gain, the kicking team will be awarded a first down upon recovering the football. The ball cannot be advanced by the kicking team and will be marked dead at the point of recovery. 16

18 3) During a free kick, no kicking team player shall touch the ball before it goes 10 yards in distance from the point of the kick and before any receiving team player has touched it. Illegal Touching Violation Receiving team may take possession of the ball at the spot the ball at the spot of the illegal touching or accept the result of the play. 4) During a scrimmage kick, no kicking team player shall touch the ball before it goes 10 yards in distance from the line of scrimmage and before any receiving team player has touched it. Illegal Touching Violation Receiving team may take possession of the ball at the spot the ball at the spot of the illegal touching or accept the result of the play. If the offense legally recovers a loose ball, it does not interrupt the continuity of downs. 5) If the kicked ball is not touched and a player of the receiving team fakes an attempt to recover the ball, he may be tackled without penalty. If a player of the kicking team touches the ball before it has traveled 10 yards in distance while a player of the receiving team fakes an attempt to recover the ball, it is still illegal touching by the kicking team, and the same rules apply. F) Fair Catch 1) A fair catch is a catch of a free kick or scrimmage kick by a Team B player who has given a valid fair catch signal. Team A players are prohibited from blocking or tackling an opponent who has completed or is attempting to complete a fair catch. Penalty: Kick Catch Interference Receiving team s ball 10 yards from the spot of the foul. Team B players who give a valid or invalid fair catch signal are prohibited from blocking an opponent. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. The ball becomes dead when Team B gains possession of the kick after giving a valid or invalid fair catch signal. 2) A valid fair catch signal is defined as one arm extended above the head and waved side to side. Such signal must be made before the kick is caught, strikes the ground, or touches another player. Penalty: Invalid Fair Catch Signal 5 yards SECTION 2 FREE KICK A) Definition A free kick is a place kick or drop kick from any point on the kicking team s goal line at the beginning of each half of the game, after a successful field goal, after a point after touchdown attempt, and after a safety. All free kicks must occur from the goal line. Any penalty which otherwise might be enforced on the succeeding play will be enforced on the first scrimmage play following the free kick (in-the-bank enforcement). B) Rules of Free Kick 1) No kicking team player shall block or contact a receiving team player until the receiving team has touched the free kick or the kick has traveled 10 yards. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. 2) No kicking team player may contact a receiving team player attempting to catch a kick or interfere with him in any manner, with or without contact, before the kick touches the ground. Penalty: Kick Catch Interference 10 yards 3) If the kicked ball is first possessed in the receiving team s end zone, a receiving team player must make an attempt to return the ball from the end zone. If a receiving team player does not return the ball from the end zone for any reason, it is a touchback and the ball shall belong to the receiving team at its own 5-yard line. 4) If the kicked ball is simultaneously recovered by players from both the kicking team and receiving team, the ball belongs to the receiving team at the point where it was recovered. 5) If a kicked ball strikes the opponent s goal post assembly in flight before making contact with a player of either team or the ground, the ball shall be declared dead and awarded to the receiving team at the 25-yard line. 17

19 7) If a kicked ball makes contact with a player of either team or the ground and then strikes the opponent s goal post assembly, the ball shall be declared dead and awarded to the receiving team at its 5-yard line. C) Free Kick Out of Bounds If an arena cannot house a 50-yard field due to size constraints, the 25-yard line shall be interpreted to be midfield. For example, if the field s length is 40 yards, the 25-yard line shall be interpreted as the 20-yard line. In some arenas, objects may be suspended from the walls and the ceiling. Appropriate ground rules shall be adopted prior to the season in these instances. 1) When a free kick goes out of bounds through the end zone without making contact with the wall, ground, or a player of the receiving team, the ball shall belong to the receiving team at midfield. A free kick touching the wall, or top of the wall, at any point on the field is still in play. 2) When a free kick goes out of bounds through the end zone after first touching the wall, ground, or a player of the receiving team, it is a touchback and the ball shall belong to the receiving team at its 5-yard line. Note: A kick is still live when it touches the end zone wall. 3) When a free kick goes out of bounds through the sideline after crossing the 25-yard line without touching the ground or a player of the receiving team, the ball shall belong to the receiving team at the 25-yard line. 4) When a free kick goes out of bounds through the sideline before crossing the 25-yard line without touching the ground or a player of the receiving team, the ball shall belong to the receiving team at the out of bounds spot. 5) When a free kick goes out of bounds through the sideline after touching the ground or any player before possession is gained, the ball shall belong to the receiving team at the out of bounds spot. Note: A kick is still live when it touches the wall. 6) When a free kick hits the ceiling or any fixed object suspended from the ceiling of the arena, the ball is immediately dead and shall belong to the receiving team at the 25-yard line or the spot where the ball struck the object, whichever is more advantageous to the receiving team. Note: fixed objects do not include flags or banners loosely hung from the ceiling. A loosely hung flag does not impede the progress of a kicked ball reasonably enough to consider it an obstruction. D) Onside Kick After the one-minute warning has been given in the fourth quarter, it is illegal for a team that is leading by 14 points or more to attempt an onside kick. An onside kick is defined as a kick that does not travel at least 10 yards before touching the ground. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards from the end of the kick and the receiving team is awarded possession at the succeeding spot. D) Offside on Free Kick: Kicking Team No player of the kicking team may be beyond the goal line when the ball is legally kicked. If a player advances beyond the goal line before the ball is kicked, the kicking team is subject to penalty. Penalty: Offside 5 yards following the result of the free kick or R may choose a re-kick. Exception: If the kicking team is offside and subsequently recovers the kick, the receiving team is awarded possession at the succeeding spot. E) Offside on Free Kick: Receiving Team After the Referee has given the ready for play signal and until ball is legally kicked, all players of the receiving team must be at least 10 yards from the kicking team s goal line. Penalty: Offside 5 yards following the result of the free kick or K may choose a re-kick. 18

20 F) Blocking By the Receiving Team Players of the receiving team may block opponents in bounds from the moment the ball is kicked until the ball is declared dead. Such blocks may be made only above the waist and from the front or side of the opponent. Blocks below the waist or from behind the opponent are subject to penalty. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. G) Blocking by the Kicking Team 1) No kicking team player may block or contact a receiving team player until the receiving team has touched the free kick or the kick has touched the ground and traveled 10 yards. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards from the succeeding spot or 10 yards after a re-kick if K is in possession at the end of the down. 2) After the ball is possessed: a) By the receiving team, any kicking team member may block opponents above the waist in accordance with the rules. b) By the kicking team, the ball is immediately dead. Note: If the kicking team recovers a fumble, it may advance the ball and may block opponents above the waist in accordance with the rules. SECTION 3 SCRIMMAGE KICK A) Definition A scrimmage kick is a place kick or drop kick by the offensive during one of its scrimmage downs or plays from scrimmage. It can be used for a field goal attempt, point after touchdown attempt, or as a means to place an opponent at a disadvantage in field position. B) Scrimmage Kick Formation: Offense 1) An offensive scrimmage kick formation for a place kick consists of five linemen, a place kicker, a holder, and an additional back lined up inside the offensive ends (see figure 5.1). If the kicking team intends to use a drop kick, the additional player may line up as a receiver instead of as a holder. 2) No kicking tee or pad is permissible. 3) No player may be in motion prior to the snap. 4) The offensive team is not required to kick from a scrimmage kick formation and may fake a kick. 5) Normal pass eligibility rules apply in a scrimmage kick formation. Eligibility is determined by position and number. C) Scrimmage Kick Formation: Defense Figure 5.1: Legal scrimmage kick formation 1) The defensive scrimmage kick formation consists of four linemen, who must be in a three- or four-point stance. No defensive lineman may line up directly over the offensive center. The defensive ends must line up either head-to-head with the ends on the offensive line or in the gaps between the offensive linemen (see figure 5.1). Penalty: Illegal Formation 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul, automatic first down. 2) The remaining four defensive players must line up outside of the Linebacker Free Zone following the normal rules for the LFZ, lining up either five yards beyond the line of scrimmage or on the goal line. Penalty: Illegal Defense 5 yards, automatic first down. They may return or block for a return on an 19

21 unsuccessful field goal attempt. They may jump or otherwise attempt to block a scrimmage attempt while beyond the line of scrimmage. 3) No defensive player may stand, step, or jump on an opponent in an attempt to gain an advantage. Penalty: Pyramiding 5 yards, automatic first down. 4) No defensive player who runs forward from beyond the neutral zone and leaps from beyond the neutral zone in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try may land on any offensive or defensive player(s). Note: it is not a foul if the leaping player was aligned in a stationary position within 1 yard of the line scrimmage at the time of the snap. Penalty: Leaping 5 yards, automatic first down. 5) The four down linemen are the only players that may rush the kicker. If any non-lineman rushes the kick, or a non-lineman rushes the kick outside of the defensive line, the defensive team is subject to penalty. Penalty: Illegal Blitz 5 yards, automatic first down. D) Roughing A player who kicks a scrimmage kick or who holds for a scrimmage kick cannot be contacted while the kick has a possibility of being successful. A defensive player blocked into the kicker or holder will not be penalized unless, in the opinion of the Referee, there is intent to injure. Touching of scrimmage kicks behind the defensive line of scrimmage is not a factor in this determination. However, the restriction on contacting the kicker or holder is removed if the scrimmage kick is blocked or partially blocked, unless such contact could have been avoided by the defensive player. If the kicker or holder is knocked to the ground as a result of such contact: Penalty: Personal Foul Roughing the Kicker or Holder 10 yards, automatic first down. If the kicker or holder is contacted but not knocked down: Penalty: Running Into the Kicker or Holder 5 yards. E) Contact with the Snapper Defensive players may not contact the snapper until his head is up and he is in a position to defend himself. Penalty: Personal Foul 10 yards, automatic first down. F) Spotting of the Ball Regardless of field position, the ball may be spotted up to three yards outside of either hash mark or any point between the inside and outside hash mark to avoid having a kicked ball hitting the ceiling or a fixed object suspended from the ceiling. If the ball is on the left hash, it may be moved only to the left, and if on the right hash, it may be moved only to the right. If the ball is between the two inside hash marks, it may be moved only in the direction to which it is closer. If the ball is in middle of the field, the kicking team has the option to move it to either side. The officials are the sole judges of where the ball may be spotted. A team must make the request before the ready-for-play whistle unless a timeout is called to request movement of the ball. G) Blocking 1) Once a scrimmage kick has been made, a player on the receiving team may block any player on the kicking team, provided that contact is above the waist and from the front or side. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards from the succeeding spot. 2) Once the snap has been made on a scrimmage kick play, a player on the kicking team may block any player on the receiving team up to one yard in advance of the defensive line of scrimmage. After the ball has been kicked, kicking team players may use their hands and arms to ward off blockers of the receiving team. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards from the succeeding spot, automatic first down. 3) No kicking team player shall make contact with a receiving team player attempting to catch a kick or interfere with him in any manner, with or without contact, before the kick touches the ground. Penalty: Kick Catch Interference 10 yards 20

22 H) Scrimmage Kick Out of Bounds For the purposes of scrimmage kicks, beyond the 25-yard line is defined as being on the receiving team s side of the field. Behind the 25-yard line is defined as being on the kicking team s side of the field. The same ground rules and smaller-field rules apply as with free kicks. 1) When a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds through receiving team s end zone, it is a touchback and the ball shall belong to the receiving team at the 5-yard line. Note: The end zone wall is not out of bounds. For the ball to be out of bounds, it must completely leave the field of play. 2) When a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds through the sideline at any point on the field, whether or not it touches the ground or a member of the receiving team, the ball will be awarded to the receiving team at the out of bounds spot. Note: A ball making contact with the sideline wall is not out of bounds. 3) When a scrimmage kick hits the ceiling or any fixed object suspended from the ceiling of the arena, the ball is immediately dead and shall belong to the receiving team at the spot where the ball struck the object. Any kick that strikes the ceiling or a fixed object inside of the 5-yard line shall be placed at the 5-yard line. Note: fixed objects do not include flags or banners loosely hung from the ceiling. I) Scrimmage Kick Blocked 1) A blocked kick is a kick from scrimmage which, after being kicked, is prevented from crossing the defensive line of scrimmage because of contact with an opponent of the kicking team. 2) If the kick is blocked without going out of bounds and does not cross the defensive line of scrimmage, it may be recovered and advanced by a player of either team. 3) If a kick is blocked in the field of play or the end zone and goes out of bounds in the kicking team s end zone without being touched, a safety shall be awarded. This also applies if immediately prior to the ball going out of bounds in the end zone, a player of the receiving team in the end zone last touches it. J) Field Goal or PAT A) If a scrimmage kick passes between the uprights above the crossbar without first touching the ground, it scores points in accordance with the scoring rules. B) If a scrimmage kick strikes the goalpost in flight and then proceeds between the uprights above the crossbar, it remains a live ball and scores points in accordance with the scoring rules. Any chains or cables from which the goalpost may be suspended are extensions of the uprights. C) If a scrimmage kick strikes a solid obstruction, such as a beam or pipe, in the plane of the goalpost (between the uprights and above the crossbar) and in the judgment of the official would have scored points if not for the obstruction, the kick shall be ruled good. If a scrimmage kick strikes a solid obstruction outside the plane of the goalpost, the ball is dead and does not score points. 21

23 Rule 6 Offense, Passing SECTION 1 LINES OF SCRIMMAGE AND SCRIMMAGE ZONE The lines of scrimmage are imaginary lines that extend from sideline to sideline, parallel to the goal lines and passing through the foremost and rear-most points of the football. The area between the lines of scrimmage (the length of the football) is the neutral zone. The offensive line of scrimmage is on the offensive team s side of the football, while the defensive line of scrimmage is on the defensive team s side of the football. Both offensive and defensive players are considered to be on their respective lines of scrimmage when they are within one yard of their respective lines. SECTION 2 OFFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS A) After the ready for play signal from the official and just prior to the snap, all offensive players are either on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. An offensive player is considered in the backfield when no part of his body intersects with an imaginary line drawn parallel to the goal lines through the waist of the snapper (the player who snaps the ball). B) At least four offensive players shall be on the line of scrimmage at the snap. Offensive players may set in two, three, or four point stances. To be considered on the line of scrimmage, offensive players must be within one yard of the offensive line of scrimmage, with their bodies facing substantially forward. Penalty: Illegal Formation 5 yards. C) Two offensive players (guards) must line up within two yards directly to the left and right of the snapper. D) At least one offensive player besides the quarterback must be lined up in the backfield between the outside feet of both offensive guards. This player must be stationary at the snap. Penalty: Illegal Formation 5 yards. E) One offensive player may be in motion towards, parallel to, or away from the line of scrimmage at the snap. F) No more than four players, including the quarterback, may be in the offensive backfield at the snap. All backfield players must be in a set position for at least one second prior to the snap. Failure to do so will result in a dead ball penalty. Note: A player in motion parallel to the line of scrimmage is not considered to be in the backfield and can receive a handoff from the quarterback after the snap. Penalty: Illegal Motion 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. SECTION 3 SCRIMMAGE PLAY A) Ready for Scrimmage Play The offensive team has 35 seconds in which to put the ball in play by means of a scrimmage snap or scrimmage kick following the end of the previous play. The covering official shall raise his arm above his head or signal an incomplete pass to indicate the end of a play, at which point the play clock will be reset to 35 seconds and started. Exception: the play clock will be set to 25 seconds and started on the referee s ready-for-play whistle after an administrative stoppage such as penalty enforcement, measurement, change of possession, try for point, safety, free kick, the start of each period or overtime possession, or any timeout. Note: if an injury timeout occurs for a defensive team member, the play clock will be reset to 35 seconds. Neither team shall delay in returning to their 22

24 respective lines of scrimmage and huddle once play has ceased. If there is no play clock in an arena, the Back Judge shall keep the time on a stopwatch or similar item. He shall raise his arm when there are 5 seconds left on the 35/25- second play clock. Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. B) Scrimmage Snap The offensive team may put the football into scrimmage play by means of a scrimmage snap once the Referee has given the ready for scrimmage play signal. A scrimmage snap is initiated by the snapper taking his position over the football, facing his opponent s goal line. He shall put the ball in play by snapping it back between his legs in one continuous motion to another offensive player who is behind the line of scrimmage in the backfield. The ball must leave the snapper s hands, and he shall not touch the ball again until it has been in the possession of another player. Penalty: Illegal Procedure 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. C) Illegal Movements 1) The snapper shall not fake a snap or, having assumed his stance over the ball, bob his head, move his shoulders, flex his knees, or make any other movement simulating a snap in an effort to draw the defense across its line of scrimmage. Penalty: False Start 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 2) After the line of scrimmage is set, no player of the offense may be in the neutral zone prior to the snap. Penalty: Offside 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 3.) A player in motion towards the line of scrimmage may not block the defensive end. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards 4) A player in motion towards the line of scrimmage from the backfield may not move toward the gap between the center and guard without first moving parallel to the line of scrimmage. Penalty: Illegal Motion 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. Interpretations: 1) The offensive team may have one player in lateral or forward motion toward its opponent s goal line prior to the scrimmage snap, as long as: a) The player clearly started the motion while being on his side of the line of scrimmage. b) There are four players on the line of scrimmage in a stationary position when the ball is snapped. c) With the exception of the one offensive player in motion, all other offensive players remain stationary for at least one second prior to the scrimmage snap. Penalty: Illegal Motion 5 yards, Dead Ball foul. 2) No offensive player on the line of scrimmage may make any movement that simulates the start of the play prior to the scrimmage snap. All offensive players on the line of scrimmage must remain motionless for at least one second immediately prior to the scrimmage snap. Penalty: False Start 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 3) No offensive player in the backfield shall simulate the start of the play prior to the scrimmage snap. This includes the quarterback, having assumed his position under the center (or in a shotgun-type formation), bobbing his head, moving his shoulder or flexing his knees, making any quick movement, or any movement or signal which is an attempt to simulate the start of the play. Penalty: False Start 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 4) An offensive player in motion at the snap may block only above the waist. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. 5) An offensive player in motion at the snap may not block the defensive end. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. 23

25 SECTION 4 POSSESSION OF THE FOOTBALL A) Possession shall be defined as having the ball firmly in hand or hands, in arm or arms, or under the body. B) When players of opposing teams both have possession of the ball, it shall belong to the player who first gained possession and who has not lost possession. C) If players of both teams legally gain possession of the ball simultaneously, it shall belong to the team that previously had possession. A ball not in the possession of a player is still in play. A ball will be considered a fumble if the last player in possession of the ball has lost control of it. SECTION 5 HANDOFF A) A handoff is made on a scrimmage play when the ball is handed by one offensive team player to another behind the offensive line of scrimmage. There is no restriction on the number of handoffs that can be made during any one scrimmage play. B) The snapper is the only offensive player not eligible to receive a handoff. The offensive guards and all other players are eligible to receive handoffs on a given play. SECTION 6 LATERAL OR BACKWARD PASS A) Definition: A lateral or backward pass is one thrown, batted, or fumbled by a player parallel to or in the direction of his own end line. B) Determinants of a Lateral or Backward Pass: The initial direction and the point at which the ball is caught, strikes another player, an official, the ground or goes out of bounds is the factor which determines whether a pass is forward or backward, regardless of the direction the ball goes afterwards. C) Pass Striking the Ground: A lateral or backward pass striking the ground remains alive and may be recovered and advanced by either team. D) Pass Out of Bounds: When a lateral or backward pass goes out of bounds in the field of play, the ball shall be put in play by scrimmage snap at the nearest hash mark from the point where the ball went out of bounds. SECTION 7 FORWARD PASS A) Definition A forward pass is one thrown by any offensive player from a point behind the defensive line of scrimmage, towards the opponent s end line, to any eligible receiver or receivers. The location of the passer s forward foot determines whether or not the player passing the ball is behind or beyond the defensive line of scrimmage. B) Legal Forward Pass The offense shall make only one forward pass during a scrimmage down, and it must be thrown from behind the defensive line of scrimmage. Penalty: Illegal Forward Pass 10 yards from previous spot, loss of down. C) Possession During a forward pass, the ball is considered to be in possession of the offense until the pass is ruled complete or incomplete. 24

26 D) Eligible Receivers 1) All offensive players wearing eligible numbers and occupying a position either in the backfield or on the end of the line at the snap are eligible receivers. Exceptions: The snapper is ineligible regardless of number or position. If the quarterback receives a handto-hand snap from under the center, he is ineligible. If he receives a snap from shotgun formation, he is an eligible receiver. (See figure 6.1) 2) A player in motion does not cover up a player on the line of scrimmage. If a player in motion keeps his feet moving, the player inside him is not covered and remains an eligible receiver. If the player in motion stops at the line of scrimmage, then he does cover any players between him and the center, making them ineligible. Figure 6.1: Center and left guard are ineligible by position in this formation. Right guard is uncovered and eligible. 3) Eligible offensive players, whether on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, must wear an eligible receiver number. This includes the two offensive guards that may or may not occupy eligible receiver positions on a given play. a) Eligible receivers shall be numbered 1-49, Offensive guards with eligible receiver numbers are eligible on every snap, provided they are not covered up by another player on the line of scrimmage. If they have an ineligible number (50-79), they are ineligible unless they report to the Referee prior to lining up on each play. The referee shall then report that player s eligibility to the defensive team. b) Ineligible receivers shall be numbered The snapper must wear a number from this list. Offensive guards wearing these numbers are ineligible unless they report to the Referee prior to lining up. 4) All defensive players are eligible to touch or catch a forward pass. 5) If a forward pass is touched by or touches a defensive player, all offensive players become eligible receivers. E) Exceptions to Player Eligibility Numbering 1) An offensive player wearing an eligible receiver number may enter the game as the center, upon notification of the Referee. Despite wearing an eligible receiver number, the snapper is an ineligible player, and applicable rules shall apply. 2) An offensive player wearing an ineligible player number may be declared as an eligible receiver by reporting to the referee prior to the play. F) Restrictions for Ineligible Players 1) No ineligible player shall deliberately touch or catch a legal forward pass until it has touched an opponent. Penalty: Illegal touching or catching a forward pass 5 yards from the previous spot and loss of down. 2) On any pass play in which the pass crosses the line of scrimmage, no ineligible player may be more than three yards downfield before the pass crosses the line of scrimmage. Such restrictions end if the pass is touched by a defensive player. Penalty: Ineligible Player Downfield 5 yards from the previous spot. G) Complete Forward Pass A pass is completed under the following conditions: 1) When caught by an eligible receiver who has at least one foot inbounds or by two or more such receivers simultaneously. 25

27 2) When caught by a defensive player, or simultaneously by defensive players, or when such a pass is touched by or touches a defensive player and is then caught by another player. 3) When caught simultaneously by players of each team who both maintain possession until the ball is dead. In this situation, the ball shall be awarded to the offense at the spot in which it became dead. 4) When caught by an eligible receiver of either team while off the ground and in bounds who returns to the ground and contacts the field of play with at least one foot. If the ball contacts any wall prior to being touched by a player, the pass is incomplete. Any forward pass that first strikes a player and then strikes the wall before a player gains possession shall be ruled incomplete. I) Incomplete Forward Pass A forward pass shall be declared incomplete and the ball next be put in play at the point of the last scrimmage snap, with downs continuing, under the following conditions: 1) When the ball strikes the ground or any fixed overhead obstruction (excluding flags or banners loosely hung from the ceiling). 2) When the ball goes out of bounds, even if touched by a player in the field of play. 3) When the passer has commenced his forward passing motion with the ball moving forward and as a result of contact with an opponent, the ball leaves the passer s hand and strikes the ground. 4) When the forward pass comes in contact with any wall surrounding the playing field. 5) When a player catches the ball and then goes over the wall, either intentionally or as a result of contact with an opponent, without first touching the field of play. J) Intentional Grounding If an offensive player deliberately throws the ball for the purpose of avoiding loss of yardage either out of bounds or to an area in which there is not an eligible receiver, his team shall be subject to penalty. Penalty: Intentional Grounding Loss of down at the spot of foul (the point at which the pass was thrown). If the illegal pass is thrown inside the offensive team s end zone, a safety shall be awarded to the defense. Note: It is not intentional grounding if the quarterback is outside the pocket and throws the ball towards the line of scrimmage, provided the ball first touches the ground or goes out of bounds beyond the line of scrimmage. The pocket is defined as the area behind the line of scrimmage and between the outside feet of the two offensive guards. K) Pass Interference 1) Pass interference restrictions for the offense begin at the snap. Offensive pass interference occurs when contact by an offensive team player interferes with a defensive team player after the scrimmage snap. Offensive team players contacting defensive team players within 1 yard of the defensive line of scrimmage shall not be subject to this penalty. Offensive pass interference cannot occur if the pass does not cross the line of scrimmage. Penalty: Offensive Pass Interference 10 yards from the previous spot, loss of down. Exceptions to this rule include: a) An offensive player may contact an opponent anywhere inbounds after the pass has been completed. b) Prior to the pass being completed or declared incomplete, an offensive player may contact an opponent anywhere within bounds provided that the pass is thrown to a receiver behind the offensive line of scrimmage. 26

28 2) Pass interference restrictions for the defense begin when the ball crosses the line of scrimmage. Defensive pass interference is contact by a defensive player on an eligible offensive player after the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. Such interference must by ruled as intent by a defensive player to impede an eligible offensive player or prevent an eligible offensive player from receiving a catchable forward pass. When a pass crosses the defensive line of scrimmage, a defensive player shall not interfere with an eligible offensive player who is not threatening his defensive position. Also, a defensive player shall not interfere illegally with an eligible offensive player s attempt to catch the ball. Penalty: Defensive Pass Interference Ball is awarded to the offense at the spot of the foul, automatic first down. If the infraction occurs in the defensive end zone, the ball will be placed on the opponent s 1-yard line. If the previous spot was inside the 2-yard line, it will be a first down, halfway between the previous spot and the goal line. Exceptions to this rule include: a) A defensive player may contact an offensive team player in an area 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. b) Prior to a pass being thrown beyond the defensive line of scrimmage, a defensive player occupying a position beyond the line may use his hands or arms to ward off an opponent who threatens his defensive position as a potential blocker. c) Defensive pass interference cannot occur if the pass does not cross the line of scrimmage. d) After a pass has been caught by the defense, any defensive player may contact an opponent, provided that contact is made legally above the waist of the opponent and from the front or side. 3) A defensive player may not contact an eligible receiver who is more than 5 yards beyond the defensive line of scrimmage and is no longer a potential blocker. Such action is subject to penalty. The location of where the ball is thrown is immaterial to this violation. Penalty: Illegal Contact 5 yards, automatic first down. 4) Pass interference shall not be penalized if in the judgment of the official: a) During the pass, offensive or defensive players make contact in a simultaneous effort to catch the ball. b) During the pass, the ball has previously been touched by an eligible player. c) The pass is clearly uncatchable. d) The pass does not cross the line of scrimmage. L) Interception in the End Zone 1) An intercepted ball that is downed in the defensive team s end zone is dead without a score. It is a touchback, and the ball is awarded to the defensive team at its 5-yard line. 2) An intercepted ball that is fumbled in the defensive end zone may be legally recovered by the offense for a touchdown. 3) For any personal fouls by the offensive team in the field of play or in the defensive end zone after the defense intercepts a pass in its own end zone where the ball is ruled dead, the foul is administered from the defensive team s 5-yard line (where the ensuing scrimmage snap would have taken place). The penalty would be announced Personal Foul 10 yards enforced from the 5-yard line. The ball will be placed on the 15-yard line. 27

29 Rule 7 Linebacker Free Zone, Defense SECTION 1 LINEBACKER-FREE ZONE (LFZ) AND DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS A) Linebacker Free Zone (LFZ) 1) The Linebacker Free Zone is designated as an area within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Its boundaries are the defensive line of scrimmage and an imaginary line five yards beyond the line of scrimmage on the defensive side (see figure 7.1). A player is in the LFZ when his entire body is within the zone. At least one defensive player, designated as a linebacker, must stay outside the LFZ until the snap. 2) The LFZ is five yards in depth, unless the line of scrimmage is within 5 yards of the defensive team s goal line (i.e. the offense is inside the defense s 5-yard line). In that case, the goal line shall be the boundary of the LFZ and linebackers may line up as far forward as the goal line. All other LFZ rules apply in the same manner. Linebacker Free Zone Figure 7.1: The linebacker free zone extends from the line of scrimmage 5 yards deep. 3) After the ball has been snapped, the LFZ ceases to exist for that play. B) Positioning of Defensive Players 1) After the ball is ready for play, all defensive players must be on their side of the line of scrimmage. 2) At least three defensive linemen must be on the line of scrimmage aligned head-to-head or shoulder-to-shoulder with the offensive linemen adjacent to the center at the snap. One defensive lineman must be aligned head-to-head with the offensive center. Penalty: Illegal Formation 5 yard penalty, Dead Ball Foul, automatic first down. Figure 6.2: Legal formation with five 3) Defensive linemen may not drop into pass coverage unless the defensive players on the line of scrimmage offensive linemen they are covering release for a pass. They are and two linebackers outside the LFZ. not required, however, to drop into pass coverage in this situation. Penalty: Illegal Defense 5 yard penalty from the previous spot, automatic first down. 4) Defensive players may stunt, either in an individual stunt or an intentional act involving two or more players, after making contact with an offensive player. Individual twists and other defensive techniques are permitted. 5) Up to two defensive backs may line up on the line of scrimmage, head-to-head with an offensive player who is either on the line of scrimmage or in motion (see figure 6.2). If the offense has only four players on the line of scrimmage and the rest in the backfield between the guards, a second defensive back may line up with the first defensive back on the line of scrimmage opposite the single receiver. 28

30 6) Defensive players may line up inside the LFZ and off of the line of scrimmage to cover offensive players who are lined up outside of the offensive guards (see figure 6.3). 7) One defensive player may line up in the LFZ between the offensive guards, head-to-head with a second offensive player in addition to the quarterback lined up in the backfield between the guards (see figure 6.4). If the offense lines up only one backfield player between the guards besides the quarterback, no defensive players may be in the LFZ between the guards (see figure 6.3). Penalty: Illegal Defense 5 yard penalty from the previous spot, automatic first down. Figure 6.3: Legal formation with five defensive players on the line of scrimmage and two linebacker outside the LFZ. 8) No more than five defensive players (three defensive linemen and two defensive backs) may line up on the line of scrimmage at the snap. Penalty: Illegal Defense 5 yard penalty from the previous spot, automatic first down. 9) At least one defensive linebacker must line up outside of the LFZ. Linebackers may move freely on the field, provided they are outside of the LFZ. Interpretations 1) Three defensive linemen must be on the defensive line of scrimmage: two aligned head-to-head or shoulder-to-shoulder with the offensive guards, and one head-to-head with the offensive center (see figure 6.5). Figure 6.4: Legal formation with five defensive players on the line of scrimmage and one linebacker mirroring a second running back. 2) Defensive linemen may be in a 2-, 3-, or 4-point stance at the snap. They may also stand straight up. 3) Defensive backs up on the line of scrimmage must be lined up headto-head with an offensive player at the snap (see figure 6.6). The offensive player cannot be an interior lineman or the quarterback. 4) At least one defensive player must line up at least 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. He can line up anywhere beyond 5 yards, or anywhere from sideline to sideline, but must be at least 5 yards from the line of scrimmage or on the goal line. Figure 6.5: Illegal formation with a defensive end lined up outside the offensive guard. 5) A defensive player cannot line up in the LFZ without covering an offensive player who is lined up outside of the guards (see figure 6.6). Penalty: Illegal Defense 5 yard penalty from the previous spot, automatic first down. 6) Inside the defensive team s own 5-yard line, the LFZ rules require that at least one defensive player must line up inside his own end zone. Figure 6.6: Illegal defense with a defensive back on the line of scrimmage who is not head-to head with a receiver who is either on the line or in motion and one player in the LFZ not covering an offensive player who is lined up outside of the guards. 29

31 SECTION 2 BLITZING A) A blitz is defined as a rush against the quarterback by a defensive back or linebacker. No more than one defensive player may blitz during a scrimmage play. Such blitzing may only occur by a player that is outside the LFZ at the snap. This includes players that prior to the snap lined up inside the LFZ. A defensive player is not required to announce his eligibility to blitz. There is no requirement that a defensive player blitz on a particular play. B) Blitzing can start from anywhere outside the LFZ and does not have to occur between the defensive linemen. The blitzing player may not enter the LFZ until after the ball is snapped. C) If a non-lineman inside the LFZ blitzes, or more than one player blitzes, the defense is subject to penalty. Penalty: Illegal Blitz 5 yards from previous spot, automatic first down. Interpretations 1) The quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back. A defensive back or linebacker reads run and crosses the line of scrimmage to tackle the running back. Ruling: legal action by the defense to defend against a running play or run fake. SECTION 3 ILLEGAL MOVEMENTS A) No defensive player may be in the neutral zone at the time of the snap. Penalty: Offside 5 yards, Live Ball foul. B) After the line of scrimmage is set, no defensive player may make contact with an offensive player prior to the snap, nor be in a pathway unabated to the quarterback. Penalty: Encroachment 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. C) Defensive players may not contact the offensive center until he has resumed a football position after snapping the football and can defend himself. Such action is subject to penalty. Penalty: Personal Foul 10 yards from previous spot, automatic first down. Interpretations 1) A defensive player jumps in the neutral zone but gets back without making contact with an offensive player and returns to his three- or four-point stance. Ruling: no penalty. 2) A defensive player jumps through the neutral zone with no contact with an offensive player, but has a clean shot at the quarterback. Ruling: Shut down play Penalty: Offside, unabated to the quarterback 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 3) A defensive player jumps into the neutral zone, and an offensive player flinches. Shut down play. Penalty: Encroachment 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 4) A defensive player jumps into the neutral zone and makes contact with an offensive player. Ruling: Shut down play. Penalty: Encroachment 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 5) A defensive player jumps into the neutral zone, does not make contact, but the ball is snapped before he can get back on his own side of the field. Ruling: Allow play to continue. Penalty: Offside 5 yards, Live Ball Foul. The offense gets the choice of accepting the penalty or the result of the down. 6) A down defensive lineman fakes a charge as if play has started but does not violate the neutral zone, and an offensive player flinches. Penalty: Encroachment 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. 30

32 SECTION 1 TOUCHDOWN (TD) 6 POINTS Rule 8 Scoring A) A touchdown is scored when a player, with the ball in his possession: 1) Is in his opponent s end zone, or 2) Crosses or touches the plane of his opponent s goal line. It is a touchdown when the ball crosses or touches the plane of his opponent s goal line. B) The ball becomes dead at the instant a touchdown is scored. SECTION 2 FIELD GOAL (FG) 3 POINTS / 4 POINTS A) A field goal is scored when a player kicks the ball: 1) By drop kick from scrimmage kick formation between the opponent s uprights and over the crossbar (scores 4 points for the kicking team) 2) By place kick from scrimmage kick formation between the opponent s uprights and over the crossbar (scores 3 points for the kicking team). The ball, once having been kicked, cannot touch the ground before breaking the plane of the uprights. B) Touching of a field goal kick in flight is permissible, unless it is in interference with a receiving team player s ability to catch the ball and advance it. SECTION 3 SAFETY (S) 2 POINTS A safety is scored, and 2 points are awarded to the opponent, when: A) A player causes the ball to be anywhere behind his team s goal line by his carry, kick, fumble, bat, backward pass, or snap and subsequently the ball is declared dead there in his team s possession. Exception: if a Team B player catches a kick, intercepts a pass, or recovers a fumble inside his own 5-yard line, and his momentum carries him into his own end zone, where the ball is ruled dead in his team s possession, the ball belongs to Team B at the spot where the kick, pass, or fumble was first possessed, 1st down and 10. B) An offensive penalty occurs inside a team s own end zone during a scrimmage play. Such penalties include holding and intentional grounding. 31

33 SECTION 4 POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN (PAT) 1 POINT/2 POINTS A) After scoring a touchdown, the offense will have an opportunity to score again by a run, pass or kick attempt from the 2-yard line. 1) A place kick scores one point. 2) A drop kick scores two points. 3) A two-point attempt may be tried from a scrimmage formation, or may be attempted by a fake (place or drop) kick formation. Two points are awarded upon running or passing successfully into the end zone. B) If the defense gains possession of the ball either by fumble recovery, pass interception, or blocked kick recovery during the PAT attempt, it may advance the ball and score two points by advancing it into the opposite end zone. A backward pass or lateral can be recovered as a fumble and advanced as such. C) A PAT attempt is not required if the outcome of the game is already determined. D) After two overtime periods, if the game is still tied, the only PAT attempt that can be scored is one from a scrimmage formation. A PAT by place kick or drop kick can be attempted, but even if successful, will not result in points for the kicking team in the third overtime and beyond. SECTION 5 DECLARING A WINNER BASED ON SCORING The team having scored the most points at the conclusion of the game is declared the winner. The conclusion of the game is defined as a point after 60 minutes of game time or at the end of an overtime period where both teams have had a possession, and the score is not tied. Subsequent overtime periods will be played until there is a winner. 32

34 Rule 9 Conduct of Players and Non-Players SECTION 1 ILLEGAL TACTICS A) Batting Batting the ball is intentionally striking it or intentionally changing its direction with the hands or arms. B) Holding 1) While a pass is in flight, any player eligible to touch the ball may bat it in any direction. (Exception: A backward pass in flight shall not be batted forward by the passing team in an attempt to gain yardage. Penalty: Illegal Batting 10 yards.) 2) Any player may block a scrimmage kick in the field of play or the end zone. 3) No player shall bat other loose balls forward in the field of play or in any direction if the ball is in the end zone. Penalty: Illegal Batting 10 yards 4) A ball in player possession may not be batted forward by a player of that team. Penalty: Illegal Batting 10 yards. Holding occurs when a player uses the hands and/or arms to grasp, encircle, or hinder an opponent that is not the ball carrier. Holding hands or interlocking arms during any play is prohibited. Penalty: Holding 5 yards, automatic first down if by the defense. C) Clipping Clipping occurs when a player blocks an opponent, other than the ball carrier, from the rear in such a manner that the player makes contact across the back of the opponent s legs. The application of a penalty is determined by the initial contact, which must be observed by the official. Penalty: Clipping 10 yards. Exceptions to this rule include: 1) The block occurs in the area between the offensive guards, within two yards of either side of the line of scrimmage and is executed by an offensive player who, at the scrimmage snap, was positioned within this area. 2) The initial contact is made on the side of the opponent. 3) The opponent could see the blocker approaching and deliberately turned his body in order to be contacted from behind. D) Block in the Back A block in the back occurs when a player is blocking an opponent that is not the ball carrier, from the rear in such a manner that the player contacts the opponent s back, above the waist. The application of a penalty is determined by 33

35 the initial contact, which must be observed by the official. Penalty: Block in the Back 5 yards. Exceptions to this rule include: 1) The block occurs in the area between the offensive guards, within two yards of either side of the line of scrimmage, and is executed by an offensive player who, at the scrimmage snap, was positioned within this area. 2) The initial contact is made on the side of the opponent. 3) The opponent could see the blocker approaching and deliberately turned his body in order to be contacted from behind. E) Crack Back Blocking An offensive player is not permitted to move laterally toward the ball, and contact an opponent, unless the block is in front and above the waist. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. F) Chop Blocking A chop block is a block at the knees or below against an opponent who is already physically engaged above the waist with a teammate of the blocker. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. G) Blocking Below the Waist Blocking below the waist is making initial contact below the waist with an opponent, other than the runner, who has one or both feet on the ground. Players are prohibited at all times from blocking below the waist. Penalty: Illegal Block 10 yards. H) Contacting the Kicker or Holder 1) It is illegal to contact the kicker when he is in the act of kicking from scrimmage or the holder for a scrimmage kick. Such action is subject penalty, depending on the level of severity of the contact between the defensive player and the kicker or holder. If the kicker or holder is contacted but not knocked down: Penalty: Running into the kicker 5 yards. If the kicker or holder is knocked to the ground as a result of such contact: Penalty: Personal Foul Roughing the kicker 10 yards, automatic first down. Exceptions to this rule include: a) If prior to kicking the ball, the kicker has recovered a loose ball on the ground, or made a motion to pass or run with the ball, the kicker is not entitled to protection under this rule. b) An opponent who blocks the kick or otherwise touches the ball shall not be penalized for contacting the kicker. c) An opponent shall not be penalized when a blocker of the kicking team causes the opponent to contact the kicker. If, in the Referee s opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kick makes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the kicker or the play, and the kicker is only dislodged, it shall be penalized as running into the kicker. 2) The act of kicking begins when the kicker s kicking foot leaves the ground and ends when his foot returns to the ground after kicking, or attempting to kick, the ball. I) Pyramiding It is illegal for a player to use the body of another player in any manner to elevate himself in an attempt to block a scrimmage kick or point-after touchdown attempt. Penalty: Pyramiding 5 yards, automatic first down. 34

36 J) Tripping A player shall not use his leg below the knee to hinder the progress of an opponent other than the ball carrier. Penalty: Tripping 10 yards. K) Aiding the Runner It is illegal for a player to assist the forward progress of a ball carrier by providing impetus either from behind or in front. Penalty: Aiding the Runner 5 yards. L) Facemask Twisting, turning or pulling an opponent s facemask or helmet opening shall be subject to penalty. Penalty: Personal Foul; Facemask 10 yards, automatic first down if committed by a defensive player. M) Personal Fouls or Unnecessary Roughness A player shall be penalized for any personal foul or act of unnecessary roughness against an opponent unless, in the opinion of the officials, the contact is caused by the movement of the opponent. Personal fouls/acts of unnecessary roughness are live ball fouls and include, but are not limited to: 1) Piling on a player who falls or jumps on the ball carrier after the play has terminated. 2) Contacting an opponent out of bounds in any manner. 3) Contacting the passer unnecessarily. 4) Contacting the kicker or holder before the kick is either successful or unsuccessful. 5) Contacting the snapper before his head is up and he is in a position to defend himself. 6) Using the helmet to butt, ram, or spear an opponent. This includes, but is not limited to, action on a passer, a receiver in the act of catching a pass, and a ball carrier already down not attempting to advance. 7) Contacting an opponent above the shoulders. 8) Grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down (horse collar tackle). This does not apply to a runner who is in the backfield or to a quarterback who is in the pocket. 9) Any other act of roughness or unfair play not deemed excessive enough to warrant disqualification. Note: Any player who assaults another player, a coach, an official, a member of the media, a fan, or any other person will be ejected from the game and suspended immediately and indefinitely by the CIFL without exception. All personal foul penalties will be announced as: Penalty: Personal Foul 10 yards. If by a defensive player, automatic first down. If the infraction is flagrant in the judgment of the official, the player shall be ejected from the contest. Note: Three personal foul penalties by an individual player in a single game will result in ejection from the contest and possible suspension following a review by the league. N) Coaches on the Field 1) During a timeout, only one coach is allowed on the field in the team huddle. If the team comes to the sideline in front of the team box, there is no limit to the number of coaches who may confer with the team. 2) Except during timeouts or other stoppages, coaches are not allowed on the field. Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards, Dead Ball Foul. SECTION 2 FAN & NON-PLAYER INTERFERENCE When a ball in the field of play is touched by a fan or other non-player, the ball immediately becomes dead and is next put in play according to the following: 1) If a fan interferes with a forward pass and in the judgment of the official the pass was catchable, the down will be replayed. 35

37 2) If a fan interferes with a forward pass and in the judgment of the official the pass was either not catchable or could have been intercepted by the defense, it shall be ruled as an incomplete pass. 3) If a fan interferes with a kicked ball in the field of play that has not touched the ground or the wall, the ball shall be re-kicked. 4) If a kicked ball hits in the field of play and a fan then interferes with the football, the ball will be spotted where the fan interference took place. 5) If the fan interference was blatant in an attempt to help one of the teams, that fan will be moved from the sideline seat into a seat in which the fan cannot interfere with the game on the field. If the fan resists this action, he or she shall be ejected. 6) If there is interference by anyone from either team not competing at the time (in any of these scenarios), the opposing team shall receive the benefit of what may have been the result of the play. SECTION 3 MUSIC OR PUBLIC ADDRESS INTERFERENCE A) If in-arena music, lights, the scoreboard or the public address system interferes with the team in any way, the Referee shall give the home team one warning and thereafter shall penalize the home team. In-arena music and public address announcements must be concluded by the time the offensive team reaches the line of scrimmage. Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards. B) If in-arena music, lights, the scoreboard or the public address system continue to interfere with the team or playing of the game, the Referee may also take away the sideline privileges of the home team s coach. Violations after the sideline privileges have been removed will result in penalty. In extreme cases, the Referee has the option to remove the public address announcer for the remainder of the game. Penalty: Removal of Coach s Sideline Privileges. After the coach has been removed: Penalty: Delay of Game 5 yards. C) Any in-arena music that is offensive towards officials or the opposing team can result in a delay of game penalty and the removal of sideline coaching privileges should the music continue. The league promotes fun; let s not create it at someone else s expense. 1st Offense: Delay of Game Penalty 5 yards. 2nd Offense: Removal of Coach s Sideline Privileges. 3rd Offense: Delay of Game Penalty 5 yards and league imposed fine on team committing penalty. SECTION 4 UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOULS The CIFL has determined that rough play and unnecessary roughness are unacceptable forms of football play for the family and fan-friendly atmosphere that the league is attempting to provide. Officials are instructed that this type of play is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct fouls are to be enforced as dead ball fouls. A) General Application 1) The penalty for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul is always applied at the spot where the ball would next be put in play (succeeding spot). 2) If the foul occurs during a scoring play, the score shall count and the penalty shall be applied at the spot where the ball would next be put in play. a) During a touchdown, the non-offending team may choose to have the penalty enforced on either the point after touchdown or the first scrimmage play after the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). b) After a successful point after touchdown or field goal, the foul shall be enforced on the first 36

38 scrimmage play after the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). c) All kickoffs shall be from the goal line. Any penalty which would otherwise move the kickoff to another yard line shall be enforced on the first scrimmage play after the kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). B) Rough Play A player shall be penalized and disqualified from any further game participation for any act of rough play against an opponent. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards. Fouls for rough play, whether during a live ball or during a dead ball, are enforced as dead ball fouls. These include but are not limited to: 1) Striking or swinging at an opponent with a fist, hand, knee, or elbow in any manner, whether or not physical contact is made. 2) Kicking or kicking at an opponent, whether or not physical contact is made. 3) Any act or action considered by the Referee to be worthy of ejection. 4) Any player removing his helmet and using it or any other object as a weapon. This also results in an ejection. Additionally, the player shall be suspended immediately and indefinitely by the CIFL without exception. C) Objectionable/Unsportsmanlike Conduct 1) Any player or coach may be penalized for any act which, in the opinion of the officials, is objectionable conduct. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards. Objectionable/Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls are enforced as dead ball fouls. These include but are not limited to: a) Verbal abuse or objectionable gestures directed at opponents, officials, or spectators. b) Throwing the ball at an opponent, official, an occupant in the opponent s bench area, or a fan. c) Interfering with the placement of the official s flag marking the spot of a foul. d) Continued objectionable conduct after any other penalty has been applied. e) Throwing a ball overhand into the stands. No player shall hand or throw a ball into the stands except after a touchdown. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards. A ball handed to a fan or tossed underhand into the stands after a touchdown is not a foul. f) A player or coach entering the stands under any circumstance. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards and player or coach is ejected for the remainder of the game and subject to future suspension following a review by the league. 2) A second unsportsmanlike conduct foul during a game by any player is an automatic disqualification, and further suspensions may result following a review by the league. D) Sportsmanship It is unacceptable for any player or coach to use foul language at any time on the field of play or in either team s bench area. Such conduct will be subject to penalty. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards. E) Disqualifications 1) Any player may be disqualified, and substitution permitted, for any act of rough play or excessive 37

39 objectionable or unsportsmanlike conduct. 2) A player shall be disqualified for a second foul in the same game for rough play or excessive objectionable or unsportsmanlike conduct. 3) Any player ejected from a CIFL game will be fined $500 and suspended for three league games. Following the suspension, if the fine is not paid the player is not eligible to return. 4) Any player who is ejected from a second game within the same season will be fined $1,000 and suspended for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Following the season, a meeting with the league will be held to determine if the player is eligible to play in the CIFL during the next season. Should a player fail to pay the required fine, he will not be eligible for the post season meeting and will be unable to play in the CIFL until the fine is paid. 5) Any player who leaves his team bench during a fight will be ejected from that contest and will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) game. Depending on the severity of their actions a the fight, the league has the option to levy a fine against those players. Note: The definition of fighting shall be the swinging at an opponent, whether or not contact is made. The penalty for such action shall be announced as: Penalty: Excessive Unsportsmanlike Conduct 10 yards plus disqualification. Any player or coach disqualified from the game must leave the bench area and shall not return. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit of the game for the offending team. 38

40 SECTION 1 DEFINITION A) Loss of Down Rule 10 Application Of Penalties In any penalty, loss of a down means that the down upon which the foul occurred is not to be repeated. B) Spots The enforcement spots are: the previous spot, the spot of the foul, the succeeding spot, and the spot where the run or scrimmage kick ends. C) Enforcement Spots 1) Dead Ball The enforcement spot for a foul committed when the ball is dead is the succeeding spot. 2) Snap The enforcement spot for fouls occurring simultaneously with a snap is the previous spot. 3) Running Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls that occur during a running play in the field of play or end zone are as follows: a) When the run ends beyond the neutral zone, the basic enforcement spot is the end of the related run. Exceptions to this rule are enforced from the previous spot, and include the following offensive team fouls behind the neutral zone: facemask, illegal use of the hands, holding, illegal blocks, and personal fouls. If an offensive team foul occurs in the offensive team s end zone, a safety shall be awarded to the defense. b) When the run ends behind the neutral zone before a change of team possession, the basic enforcement spot is the previous spot. If an offensive team foul occurs in the offensive team s end zone, a safety shall be awarded to the defense. c) When there is no neutral zone, the basic enforcement spot is the end of the related run. 4) Pass Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward pass play is the previous spot. Exceptions to this rule include: a) Roughing the passer enforcement on a completed forward pass is from the end of the scrimmage play, or from the previous spot, whichever nets better field position for the offense. Any change of possession on a roughing-the-passer penalty is eliminated. b) If the offensive team commits a foul inside its own end zone, the defensive team is awarded a safety. 5) Scrimmage Kick Plays The basic enforcement spot for fouls that occur during a scrimmage kick play before possession is gained or regained, or before the ball is declared dead, is the previous spot. Exceptions to this rule include: 39

41 a) Interference with the opportunity to make a catch spot foul. b) Post-scrimmage kick enforcement: The enforcement spot is the spot where the kick ends when nonkicking team fouls occur: i. During a scrimmage kick play in which the ball crosses the neutral zone. ii. Three or more yards beyond the neutral zone. iii. Before the end of the kick. iv. When the kicking team does not have possession of the ball when the down ends. Non-kicking team fouls behind the post-scrimmage kick spot are spot fouls. Kicking team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding, illegal blocks, and personal fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the previous spot. If the kicking team commits a foul inside its own end zone, the non-kicking team is awarded a safety. 6) Free Kick Plays The enforcement spot for fouls occurring simultaneously with the free kick or penalties carried over from a touchdown or point after touchdown attempt is the spot where the ball will next be put in play following the kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). The enforcement spot for fouls that occur during a free kick before possession is gained, regained, or the ball is declared dead by rule is the succeeding spot. Exceptions include: a) Interference with the opportunity to make a catch spot foul. b) Offsetting fouls are declined by rule. Any resultant score is allowed. c) Return team offside on a free kick play the kicking team has the option to re-kick. d) Kicking team offside on a play when the kicking team recovers the receiving team is awarded possession at the succeeding spot. 7) Behind the Goal Line a) The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls that occur in the field of play by the opponents of the team in possession after a change of possession (except on a try) when the run ends behind the goal line of the team in final possession of the ball. b) The enforcement spot is the 5-yard line for fouls that occur in the end zone after a change of team possession (except on a try) and the ball remains in the end zone where it is declared dead. c) The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls that occur in the end zone by the opponents of the team in possession after a change of team possession (except on a try) when the run ends behind the goal line and any subsequent loose ball is recovered in the field of play. 8) Fouls During or After a Touchdown, Field Goal or Try a) Live ball fouls on scoring plays are penalized by rule. Exception: For a roughing the passer foul committed during a scoring play, the penalty may be enforced at the succeeding spot or on the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). b) Dead ball or unsportsmanlike fouls on a successful touchdown or after the touchdown and before the ball is ready for play on the try may be enforced either on the succeeding try or the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). 40

42 c) Defensive pass interference fouls on the try are penalized either half the distance to the goal line or 10 yards on the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement) in the event of a successful try. d) Fouls after a try are penalized on the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kickoff (in-the-bank enforcement). 9) Half the Distance Enforcement Procedures No distance penalty shall exceed half the distance from the enforcement spot to the offending team s goal line. This includes penalties on tries. 10) If the offensive team commits a penalty as time expires in the second or fourth quarters, no untimed down shall be played. The half or game will end on the penalty. SECTION 2 PENALTY ENFORCEMENT FUNDAMENTALS A) Any penalty may be declined, but a player disqualified is still disqualified, regardless of the non-offending team s choice on the penalty. B) Except for in-the-bank enforcements, when a foul is committed, the penalty shall be enforced before the ball is declared ready for play for the next down. C) A foul that occurs simultaneously with the snap or free kick is considered as having occurred during that down. D) When two or more live ball fouls are committed by the same team, the Referee shall explain the alternative penalties to the field captain of the offended team, who may then elect to accept either of the two penalties. Only one of the two may be accepted, or both may be declined. E) If live ball fouls are committed by both teams, they are called offsetting fouls. The penalties cancel each other and the down is replayed. F) Dead ball fouls, or live ball fouls which are administered as dead ball fouls, do not offset, and all such dead ball or live ball fouls are enforced separately and in their order of occurrence. G) When a live ball foul is committed by one team, and one or more dead ball fouls are committed by either team, both the live ball and dead ball fouls are enforced in the order of their occurrence, provided that the live ball foul is enforced first. 41

43 5 Yard Penalties block in the back delay of game false start holding: 1 st down if by defense illegal contact on receiver: automatic 1 st down illegal blitz: automatic 1 st down illegal motion ineligible downfield illegal procedure encroachment illegal substitution illegal participation illegal touching of pass: loss of down illegal formation (1 st down if on defense) illegal defense: automatic 1 st down offside invalid fair catch signal running into the kicker/holder pyramiding: automatic 1 st down leaping: automatic 1 st down aiding the runner sideline violation (second offense) coaching interference (5 yards minimum) Summary Of Penalties Automatic First Down personal foul by defense: 10 yards roughing kicker/holder/passer: 10 yards facemask: 10 yards illegal contact on center: 10 yards defensive pass interference: spot foul illegal contact on pass receiver: 5 yards illegal defense or defensive formation: 5 yards illegal blitz: 5 yards defensive holding: 5 yards pyramiding: 5 yards leaping: 5 yards kick catching interference: 10 yards Loss of Down illegal touching of pass: 5 yards, prev. spot illegal forward pass: 10 yards, prev. spot intentional grounding: no yardage, spot foul offensive pass interference: 10 yards, prev. spot illegal kick: 10 yards, spot foul Scrimmage Fouls Live Ball defense offside: 5 yards illegal defense: 5 yards, automatic 1 st down 10-Yard Penalties illegal block (crack back, chop block, with motion, early on free kick) illegal forward pass: loss of down offensive pass interference: loss of down personal foul: 1 st down if on defense (3 = DQ) roughing kicker/holder/passer: 1 st down clipping facemask: 1 st down if on defense unsportsmanlike conduct (2 = DQ) illegal contact on center: automatic 1 st down tripping illegal equipment illegal kick: loss of down kick catching interference Scrimmage Fouls Dead Ball illegal motion: 5 yards illegal snap: 5 yards false start: 5 yards offensive offside: 5 yards illegal def. formation: 5 yards, automatic 1 st down defensive encroachment, unabated to QB: 5 yards delay of game: 5 yards illegal substitution: 5 yards illegal defense: 5 yards, automatic 1 st down Spot Fouls holding: 5 yards block in the back: 5 yards illegal touching of kick by kickers defensive pass interference: automatic 1 st down intentional grounding: loss of down illegal kick: 10 yards, ball becomes dead 42

44 Touchdown, Field Goal Touchback Safety Dead Ball Time Out Start Clock Personal Foul First Down Illegal Touching, Illegal Batting Delay of Game Reset Play Clock Loss of Down Assisting the Runner Sideline Warning or Violation Offside, Encroachment Facemask Holding Block in the Back Illegal Contact Uncatchable Pass Pass Interference or Kick Catch Interference Illegal Motion Illegal Shift Intentional Grounding Illegal Forward Pass Pass Juggled Penalty Refused, Unsuccessful Scoring Attempt False Start, Illegal Defense / Blitz / Formation / Procedure Ineligible Downfield Illegal Participation Tripping Illegal Crack Back Illegal Block Player Disqualified Unsportsmanlike Conduct 43

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