Flag Football League Rules Rule 1: Alcoholic Beverages a.) Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, and any violation could result in a team termination. Rule 2: Attire a.) All players must have matching colored jerseys with numbers by the 2 nd week of the season. After such time the player is not eligible to play. b.) Jersey must be tucked in pants/shorts or cut 4 inches above the waist line. c.) Caps may be worn, only in reverse direction. d.) The following is not allowed: no contact football equipment, no metal cleats, casts, pockets, or belt loops. Only soft braces with padding are allowed. e.) Mouth pieces are optional. f.) Teams are responsible for supplying their own flag belts. Only one piece triple threat flag belts are allowed. Rule 4: Ball Carrier a.) A ball carrier may get up and advance if he/she falls, unless touched while down. The flag does not have to be pulled if the ball carrier is down on the ground. b.) The ball carrier must never do the following: - shield the flag with hand or ball (10 yard penalty from spot of foul) - Crawl or dive to advance (10 yard penalty from spot of foul) - Toss the ball in the air to avoid flag pull while possession of the ball (ball is dead at the spot of foul) c.) If the ball carrier loses his flag belt (without being pulled) the one-hand touched shall be enforced. d.) When the ball carrier flag is pulled by a defender the ball is dead at belt separation. e.) If the jersey hangs over flag belt, the one hand touch rule is enforced by official judgment. f.) If the ball carrier uses the ball to prevent him or herself from falling, ball is dead at the spot of infraction. g.) All fumbles bring play to an end. h.) Ball carrier can use a stiff arm only in Division A. Stiff arm to the face is illegal and a 10 yard penalty. i.) Ball carrier cannot swipe the hands or arms of the defenders before the flag belt is pulled. The call is flag shielding and it results in a 10 yard penalty. Rule 5: Ball Retrieval a.) The defense is responsible for retrieving the ball and giving it to official (result in a delay of game, 5 yard penalty). Rule 6: Blitzing a.) Teams are allowed one free blitz every four downs (can t rush on extra points) b.) The blitz must happen at the snap, and defense can blitz unlimited rushers. c.) If a bad snap hits the ground before the QB has possession during a blitz, it will not count as a blitz. d.) When the QB moves outside the tackle box, or the offensive line initiates contact first, a free blitz is allowed by the defense. (5 yard penalty) Rule 7: Blocking a.) Open-handed blocking from the chest out only! Open hands are to be thrust outward from the elbows, not up from the sides. All blocks must be from the waist and shoulders and not below the waist and shoulders. Contact must be at the opposing player s front side, not the back. You cannot block with crossed arms or closed fists. (10 yard penalty).
Rule 9: Blood Rule a.) Any player who is bleeding or has an excessive amount of blood on the uniform shall be removed. He will not be allowed back in until bleeding stops. Rule 10: Cancellation of Games a.) Any team that must cancel a game for ANY reason after the schedule is announced will lose the game 7-0. b.) However, any team that must cancel their game may do so without losing the forfeit bond if the coach calls the office 48 hours before the game. Rule 11: Coin Toss a.) Prior to game captains will meet for coin toss. b.) Team that wins has the choice to: receive, kickoff, direction; or defer. c.) Better record is home team, away calls the coin toss. Before the toss this is where you hand in roster form (every game) and $50 to each official. Rule 12: Conversions a.) One Point Spotted at the three yard line. b.) Two Point Spotted at the seven yard line. c.) Conversions that are intercepted and run back counts as two points for the defense. d.) Cannot fake extra points, once the offense is set they must go for Rule 13: Defensive Audible a.) The defense is not allowed to simulate offensive calls trying to sound like the Q.B. Rule 14: Delay of Game a.) The offensive team has 30 seconds from the ball being spotted to be snapped or it will result in a 5 yard penalty. Rule 14: Ejection and Suspension Procedures a.) Any player thrown out of a game by an official/league official is not eligible to play the next game must leave the park or a forfeit will take place. b.) Any player assaulting an official is permanently banned from the league. A team termination may result and all fees will be taken away. c.) Any player that verbally abuses official, opposing teams, and fans are subject to immediate suspension, ejection, and possible permanent ban from the league. d.) Coach s are responsible for their players and fans and could be penalized for not controlling the situation. e.) Any player fighting with another player or team will result in the following: 1.) 1 st Offense 6 game suspension 2.) 2 nd Offense Permanent ban from the league. f.) Any team that attempts to play regardless of the park closing will be ban from the league. g.) Any player ejected three times in one year will result in a ban from the league. h.) Any player or team that is terminated will forfeit all MONEY PAID. i.) If a player is ejected and the team has nobody to replace the ejected player a forfeit takes place. j.) The Bronx i9 Sports League Office reserves the right to reduce or increase a suspension on a case-by-case basis. Rule 15: Eligibility of Players a.) A player must come out of the huddle to be eligible. b.) All players are required to complete the team roster form and sign the liability release waiver prior to participating. c.) An individual is NOT eligible to participate unless they have signed both the team roster form and liability release form. d.) Any team that allows an illegal participant to play will forfeit the game. If caught twice in one season the team will forfeit the rest of the season. e.) Women are eligible to play in men s leagues. Rule16: End Zone Celebration Rule a.) No excessive celebration and all calls are based on official judgment.
Rule 17: Fair Catch a.) A legal fair catch signal is extending the arm and waiving it from side to side. Rule 18: Fake Attempts a.) There are no fake attempts allowed. All decisions must be announced at the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. Rule 19: Field Dimensions a.) 8 0n 8 Games will be played on a 80 x 40 yard field. b.) End Zones are 10 yards deep. Rule 20: Field Goal Attempts a.) In division B there is no rush on a field goal attempt, and the free blitz CAN NOT be used. If the ball is not kicked by a 5 X call by official the play is dead. Rule 21: First Down Markers a.) The first down markers are set at the 20, 40, and 20 yard line. Rule 22: Flag Belts a.) One piece triple threat flag belts are the only approved flag belts in i9 Sports League. b.) Knotting the flag belt will result in an injection in the game and a 10 yard penalty. c.) Flag belts must be contrasting color to pants or shorts. d.) Teams are responsible for providing flag belts. Rule 23: Football a.) Teams are responsible for their own football. b.) Each team must use an official NFL football. Rule 24: Forfeits a.) If your team is not there at the start of the game a ten minute grace period will start. Every 5 minutes of the grace period that goes by, your team loses a timeout. After the 10 minutes the game clock will start every 5 minutes that pass you lose another timeout and the other team gets 7 points. If the 1 st half runs out you forfeit and lose 28 0. b.) The minimum # of players to start a game is 7 players. c.) Any team that forfeits twice in one season may be terminated from the league, and lose all league fees. d.) If a team starts with seven players and a player is ejected, the team will forfeit the game. Rule 25: Free Blitz a.) Each team is entitled to one free blitz per set of downs. Rule 26: Fumbles a.) There are no fumbles; ball is dead when it hits the ground. Rule 27: Game Length a.) Games are split into two, 24 minute halves. Before the 2 minute warning the clock will only stop during time-out. Inside the 2 minute warning the clock will stop on out of bounds plays and incomplete passes. b.) Halftime consists of 3 minutes. c.) If there is an inadvertent whistle, the clock stops, and ball is dead at the sound of the whistle. Rule 28: Inclement Weather a.) All rain outs will be posted online @ i9sports.com. You can also call 516-353-8555, if there is no posting online and you did not get a call from a league director your team MUST GO TO THE FIELD for a game. Rule 29: Injuries a.) Personal liability and insurance is not included in the league fee. If a team would like to take out coverage contact the main office and insurance will be provided for an additional charge. b.) Any injury that happens on ANY an i9 Sports field must be reported within 24 hours. c.) If a team starts with 7 players and a player gets injured and cannot continue it will result in a forfeit. d.) Each team must fill out a liability waiver before the first game. Rule 30: Kickoff a.) There will be a kickoff after every score.
b.) If the weather is bad scrimmage rules could be in effect (based on official s judgment). Scrimmage rules are no kickoffs and returns, even on punts. The ball is dead on catch (like a fair catch). c.) Teams will kick off on their own 20 yard line. Return team must start at the forty yard line. d.) No onside kick, the ball must be in the air and go over the 40 yard line to for the kicking team to regain possession. If the ball is kicked out of bounds receiving team has the option to take the ball on the forty or a re-kick from the 10 yard line. e.) Any kick that results in a touch back will be spotted at the 20 yard line. f.) If the ball travels over the 40 yard line and the return team fails to touch the ball, the kicking team can poses the football. (It is not returnable) Rule 31: League Fees a.) All league fees and deposits are non refundable under any circumstances. b.) All league fees have to be paid by full before registration deadline. c.) Any team that is band from the league will lose all fees. Rule: 33 League Rulings a.) Teams that do not comply with i9 Sports rules will be terminated from the league. b.) Any matter regarding i9 Sports will be made by league officials and their decisions are final. c.) League officials reserve the right to revise rules at any time. Rule: 34 Line Formations a.) Offensive line must consist of three players (center in the middle) all are ineligible receivers. b.) Defensive line must consist of three players (must line up head up over the offensive line man). On the snap the defensive linemen will have the option of staying head up with their offensive counterpart, or dropping back into coverage. If the defensive lineman crosses the line of scrimmage before the 3x count, it will be considered a blitz. If the blitz has been used it s a 5 yard penalty and a do over down. Rule 35: Litter a.) All litter must be cleaned up by the responsible team before leaving park grounds. Failure to do so can end up with $150 fines or termination from the league. b.) If an area was littered before your team takes the sideline, you must tell official right away so your team is not held responsible. Rule 36: Make Up Games a.) If a team cancels a game. They will receive a 28-0 lose. b.) Regular season games may or may not be made up based upon availability of fields, permit time, etc. Rule 37: Mercy Rule a.) 21 point differential at the 2 nd half 4 minute warning or a 42 point differential at any point of the game will end the game immediately. Rule 38: Offensive Line a.) Offensive line must have the center in between the tackles, with each lineman within arm s length of the linemen next to them. Offensive linemen are ineligible to take hand offs and catch pass s unless first tipped by a defensive player. If the offensive lineman goes over the line of scrimmage an illegal man down field will be called. b.) Only one man can be in motion when the ball is snapped. This motion cannot be toward the opponent s goal line. Rule 39: Official Fees a.) Each team pays one official $50 before the start of each game. Rule 40: Out of Bounds a.) An offensive player without the ball that steps out of bounds on his own is ineligible to possess the ball during that play. b.) If a ball is caught in bounds and an opposing team pushes the out of bounds, it will be ruled a catch, a 10 yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Rule 41: Overtime a.) All tied games will be decided by the shootout method, not sudden death. According to the shootout method, teams get the ball the same number of times until there is a difference in score. Every possession starts at the opposing team s 20 yard line. You have four downs to score, the other team has four downs to match or do better to tie or win the game. Interceptions can only win the game if they are returned (After two possessions eachand the score remains a tied the game will be ruled a tie). Rule 42: Pass Defense a.) The defense is allowed only one bump of a receiver (between the waist and shoulders) within the first five yards. The defender cannot use contact to break up a pass or shield the receiver s eyes (pass interference). The hands must be withdrawn after the initial contact. Rule 43: Passing a.) Only one forward pass is allowed per play. A second forward pass or intentional grounding will result in a 5 yard penalty from the spot and a loss of down. A forward pass is a ball thrown or handed forward. Rule 44: Place Kicks a.) After announcing a place kick, the offense is responsible for supplying two people two hold up the portable goal post. b.) The place kick holder must be at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage. c.) The kicking team may not advance a block kick. d.) The defense may advance a blocked field goal if it does not hit the ground. e.) If extra point is missed, there will not be a kick off and the change of possession will start at the 20 yard line. Rule 45: Protests a.) All protests must be called in 24 hours after the game. b.) YOU CAN NOT PROTEST AN OFFICIALS CALL. Rule 46: Punts All punts must be declared. The punter must be 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Bad snaps are dead where they hit the ground. The punting team must have a minimum of four men on the line of scrimmage. The center must snap the ball through his/her legs. Once a punt is declared you must use a time out to change your decision. The return team must have four men on the line of scrimmage head up with the offensive linemen. No pooch punts. Have 5 seconds to kick the ball after the catch has been made by the punter before it is ruled a dead ball. Rule 47: Receiving a.) Two feet must in bounds for a legal catch. b.) A receiver who steps out of bounds is out of play (becomes in eligible) unless he is pushed out by the defender after 5 yards. Rule 48: Rosters a.) Team rosters must be handed in before the first game of the season. b.) Roster changes can be made up to the 4th game of the season. c.) Team roster must consist of a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 18 players. d.) If an illegal player is found a forfeit will occur. If it happens twice the team is terminated from the league. Rule 49: Rushing the QB a.) Rush with one free blitz is allowed per set. The QB may run the ball at any time whether the defense crosses the line of scrimmage or not. b.) After the 2x count is applied by official you are allowed to engage. Rule 50: Schedule Requests a.) All schedules that are distributed at the start of the season are final, request will be considered.
Rule 51: Snaps a.) A snap that hits the ground is considered a fumble (dead ball). Rule 52: Time Between Plays a.) Once ball is set and whistle is blown you have thirty seconds to snap the ball. Rule 53: Time-Outs a.) Each team receives 3 time-outs per half (they do not carry over if you do not use them). b.) Injury to a player 2 minutes or less on the clock by the team that is losing will be charged a time out. c.) At the 2 minute warning if a team has all three time outs left they will lose 1. d.) Each time out is 30 seconds long. PENALTIES 1.) Assisting the Runner = 5 yard penalty 2.) Ball Stripping/batting/slapping = 10 yard penalty 3.) Clipping = 15 yard penalty 4.) Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty and automatic 1 st down 5.) Defensive Pass Interference = Automatic 1 st down at the spot of the foul 6.) Delay of Game = 5 yard penalty 7.) Dive or Crawl = 10 yard penalty from spot of foul 8.) Fair Catch Interference = 15 yard penalty 9.) False Start = 5 yard penalty 10.) Hurdling = 10 yard penalty 11.) Illegal Block = 15 yard penalty 12.) Illegal Flag Removal = 15 yard penalty 13.) Illegal Formation/Motion/Procedure/Man Down Field = 5 yard penalty 14.) Illegal Forward Pass/Touch = 5 yard penalty 15.) Illegal Snap = 5 yard penalty 16.) Illegal Use of Hands/ Hands to Face = 10 yard penalty 17.) Initiating Offensive Calls = 5 yard penalty 18.) Ineligible Receiver = 5 yard penalty 19.) Intentional Grounding = 5 yard penalty 20.) Offensive Charging/Lowering Head/Shoulder = 10 yard penalty from the spot and loss of down 21.) Offensive Holding = 10 yard penalty 22.) Offensive Pass Interference = 15 yard penalty 23.) Offsides = 5 yard penalty 24.) Pass Defense Push after The 1 st 5 yards = 5 yard penalty 25.) Personal Foul = 15 yard penalty 26.) Pushing Out-Of-Bounds = 10 yard penalty and automatic first down 27.) Quick Snap = 5 yard penalty 28.) Roughing the Kicker/Punter/Holder/Snapper 15 yard penalty and an automatic 1 st down 29.) Roughing the Passer = 15 yard penalty and an automatic 1 st down 30.) Shielding the Flag = 10 yard penalty from the spot 31.) Shielding the Receivers Eyes = Pass Interference 32.) Tackling = See tackling rule 33.) Tied Flag Belt = 15 yard penalty and ejection 34.) Too Many Players = 5 yard penalty 35.) Tripping = 15 yard penalty 36.) Unnecessary Roughness = 15 yard penalty and possible ejection 37.) Unsportsmanlike Conduct = 15 yard penalty (possible ejection)