Updated: April 2016 Miller Activity Complex Arena Football League 5 vs 5 Men s League Rules & Policies ADULT LEAGUES General Information 1. No food, drink, gum, sunflower seeds (any seed casings) or spitting allowed on the turf. 2. Tennis shoes, flats, turf shoes or molded cleats allowed. No metal cleats allowed. 3. The Field Supervisor and/or Town of Castle Rock Athletic Staff shall act upon any and all situations not covered explicitly in these rules. All decisions will be final. 4. Town of Castle Rock reserves the right to re-classify a team at any point in the season in order to maintain a fair balance of competition. This will only be done with the cooperation of the teams involved. (if applicable) 5. Town of Castle Rock reserves the right to expel any team from the league for reasons of conduct, failure to observe rules, regulations and procedures and/or failure to field a team for 1 or more games. Written notifications of such actions will be provided to the individual and/or team manager. 6. Teams are responsible for knowing the rules. 7. All spectators must be in the spectator area and are not permitted to play on any of the facility amenities without purchase of a pass. 8. No spectators (including children) are allowed in the player bench area. 9. Any team caught intentionally kicking a ball at the light fixtures above the field will result in a $100 fine. 10. Any player spitting on the turf, walls, cement, or any place other than the designated trash cans will be subject to a $25 fine. Inclement Weather Conditions Miller Activity Complex: 720-733-2222 1. Please check the website for updates at www.teamsideline.com/castlerock 2. Teamsideline newsfeeds will not be placed until 2 hours prior to the 1 st scheduled game. Call no earlier than 2 hours prior to game time. Updates are made as necessary. 3. We do not call any teams. Please call if there is any doubt about playing. 4. Officials can only delay a game. Only the Field Supervisor can officially cancel a game(s).
1. Roster a. Must be provided to League Supervisor by first game. Any changes or additions to your roster must be completed on the official roster form that the League Supervisor keeps on file. b. Minimum of 4 players and Maximum of 10 players. c. Rosters are locked by 4 th week of the season. d. Players may drop and add to another team once before the 4 th week of the season. e. Eligible players any person 18 years or older i. Player Protests If a player who is participating in the game cannot produce a valid picture ID the team will forfeit the game, no matter what time the check was performed. ii. If a roster is checked before the game and a player is found to be ineligible or unable to produce a picture identification, they will not be allowed to play; all eligible players can play as normal. iii. All roster challenges must be made before the end of the game. iv. All players must be on the team roster before participating in tournament play. If a player is not listed on the roster and has not played during the regular season, the player cannot play the tournament games. 2. The Field 3. The Game a. A coin toss determines first possession. b. The offensive team takes possession of the ball on the 5 yard line and has 3 plays to cross mid-field. c. Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have 3 plays to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their 5 yard line. d. If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from the 5-yard line. e. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense s 5-yard line. f. Teams change sides after 25 minutes (halftime) possession and direction does change. g. Teams can start and play with 3 players. Teams will be allotted a five minute running clock grace period, after time expires game will result in a forfeit. h. The out of bounds will be the white out of bounds lines until the goal line. At that time the wall becomes the out of bounds provided no player uses the wall to gain an unfair advantage (referee s discretion).
4. Game Plays & Time-Outs a. The game will consist of two halves 25 minutes each. The clock will start on the referee s ready for play whistle. b. Stop clock for games 8 points or less at the 2 minute mark of the second half. The clock will remain a stopped clock or running clock no matter the score after the 2 minute mark. The clock will be stopped for first down and will start on the ready for play whistle. The clock will remain stopped until the snap for: penalties, out of bounds, incomplete pass and change of possession. c. Time outs: Each team is entitled to two time outs per half. A charged time out shall not exceed one minute. Only one time out will be given for overtime games. d. Half time will not exceed 3 minutes. e. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 20 seconds to snap the ball. Penalty: Loss of Down. f. Mercy Rule: If a team is down by 40 points with 4 minutes left or 24 points with 2 minutes left the game will be called. 5. Overtime a. If the score is tied after the 2 nd half, teams move directly into overtime. A coin toss will determine the offensive team. Each team will have one possession (3 plays). Whichever team has the most points with conversion in 3 plays (starting at mid-field) wins. b. Double Overtime second possession team with the most yardage will be the winner. Use bean bag to mark the progress. 6. Passing a. If you have a double pass the rushers can rush immediately. b. The QB has a 7 second pass clock. If the pass is not thrown within 7 seconds, play is dead with a resulting loss of down. Once the ball is handed off or double pass, the 7- second rule is no longer in effect. When 5 seconds is up the official will announce 5, 6, and blow play dead on 7. c. Interceptions change possession of the ball at the point of occurrence. Interceptions can be returned. This is the only change of possession that does not start on the 5 yard line. 7. Receiving a. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB if the ball is handed off behind the line of scrimmage). b. Only one person is allowed in motion at a time. c. Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch. The first foot must be in! d. Two players must start on the line of scrimmage (center counts as 1).
8. Running a. The ball can be snapped between the legs, or off to one side, to start play. b. Offense may use multiple handoffs or pitches. Laterals are allowed down field. c. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage. d. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush. e. Spinning is allowed but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player, this includes no diving. f. The ball is spotted where the ball is located when the flag is pulled. g. The QB cannot run the ball unless it was handed off or a lateral. h. Any offensive player cannot run in front of or to the side of ball carrier keeping the defensive team from getting to the players flags. Offensive players cannot impede or block for ball carrier which would prevent defense from pulling their flags. Penalty: Screening or Blocking 10 yards loss of down. 9. Rushing the Quarterback a. All players that rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. They must take a direct line to the QB from where they are rushing. Any number of players can rush the QB. Center must go perpendicular to the line of scrimmage. b. Offense cannot impede any rusher from 7 yards unless the rusher alters his path (ref s judgment). c. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may go on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. d. Players not rushing the QB may defend on the line of scrimmage. A defensive player on the line of scrimmage can intercept the snap that is intended for a player not directly behind the center provided the defensive player plays the ball and not the intended QB. If the snap is not intercepted than that defensive player cannot make a play or sack the intended QB. If the defensive player who attempted to intercept the snap makes a play on or sacks the intended QB than it is considered an illegal rush. e. A special marker or the game referee will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage. f. Double backfield player can be covered by the defense without being 7 yards back. 10. Dead Balls a. Play is ruled dead when: i. The offensive player s flag is pulled. ii. The ball carrier steps out of bounds. iii. A touchdown is scored. iv. The ball carrier s knee hits the ground. b. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. c. Any ball that hits the ground will be ruled dead. There are no fumbles.
11. Scoring a. Touchdowns = 6 Points b. 1 Extra Point from 5 yards out c. 2 Extra Points from 12 yards out d. Interception of an Extra Point: 2 Points e. Once you have notified the official what you are going for you will have to use a timeout if you want to change your decision. f. Safety = 2 Points g. The score of a forfeited game = 24-0 12. Penalties a. Zero tolerance for any trash-talk, verbal abuse, or rough play. Offending players will be ejected. (See player code of conduct) b. Game officials determine incidental contact, which may result from normal run of play. c. Only the team captain may ask the game official questions regarding rule clarifications and interpretations. Players cannot question a judgment call. If a non-captain player argues with an official, that player will be penalized for 5 minutes. d. Zero tolerance for intent to injure another player. Offenders will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year. This is mostly judged by shoving a player out of bounds or into boards, etc. e. Players who receive a 5 minute penalty will cause their team to play one player short. If another player on the same team receives a 5 minute penalty or ejection while time still exists for the player serving their penalty, game will be declared a forfeit. At least 3 players are required to play on the field at all times. 13. Offensive Penalties a. Illegal Motion: loss of down (more than 1 person in motion, false start, etc.) b. Illegal Forward Pass: 10 yard (from the spot of the foul) & loss of down (forward pass thrown in front of line of scrimmage) c. Flag Guarding: 10 yards (from the spot of the foul) & loss of down d. Intentional Grounding: 10 yard & loss of down e. Interference: 10 yards (from the original line of scrimmage) & loss of down f. Illegal Contact: 10 yards (from the original line of scrimmage) & loss of down g. Delay of Game: (after 1 warning): loss of down h. Leaving your feet: 10 yards from spot i. Blocking/Screening: 10 yards and loss of down j. Impeding Rusher: 10 yards and loss of down k. All players must have flags on prior to snap = 10 yard penalty l. QB must be 1 yard off the line to take the snap = loss of down (illegal formation)
14. Defensive Penalties a. Interference: at the spot & automatic 1 st down b. Illegal Contact: from the original line of scrimmage & 1 st down c. Holding: 10 yards and loss of down d. Impeding Center: 10 yards & automatic 1 st down e. Roughing the QB: 10 yards & automatic 1 st down f. Once possession has been established no players shall slap at the ball trying to cause a fumble = 10 yards & automatic 1 st down g. Illegal Rushing (starting rush from inside the 7 yard marker or jumping past 7 yard line) = 10 yards & automatic 1 st down. Cannot reestablish once you have crossed the line. 15. Game Equipment a. The ball must meet specifications of size and shape for a regulation football. During the game, each team must use a legal ball of their choice when in possession. b. Teams must have similar colored shirts. c. Tennis shoes, molded cleats and removable cleats will be allowed as long as the cleats are not worn down and metal is sticking out. d. Each player on the field must wear the provided flag belt. The flags must be of contrasting color to the pants/shorts. e. No pockets on shorts / No hats. f. Teams wearing similar shirt colors visitors must wear the provided pennies. g. Flags must be worn as intended any looping, tying, cutting or flag alteration of any kind = unsportsmanlike penalty 10 yards plus loss of down. h. No article of clothing shall cover any portion of the player s flags. Shirts must be long enough to be tucked in or short enough to a minimum height of 4 inches from the bottom of the jersey to waistline. Penalty: 10 yards.
Player Code of Conduct 1. NO PLAYER SHALL: At any time lay a hand upon, shove, strike or threaten an official, player or spectator. Officials are required to suspend the player immediately from further play and report such players to the League Coordinator. Such player shall remain suspended until his/her case has been considered by the League Director. Minimum Penalty: Suspension for two (2) games, placed on probation for the remainder of the season. Maximum Penalty: Suspension from all recreation activities for one year and probation for the following year. The case is subject to review by the Recreation Division at the start of probation. 2. NO PLAYER SHALL: Refuse to abide by the officials decision. Officials are required to suspend the player immediately from further play and report such player to the League Coordinator. Such player shall remain suspended until his/her case has been considered by the League Coordinator. Minimum Penalty: Placed on probation for the remainder of the season. Maximum Penalty: Suspension for two league games, placed on probation for the remainder of the season. 3. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of obscene gestures or objectionable demonstrations of dissent at the official s decision. Minimum Penalty: Warning by the official. Maximum Penalty: Removal from the game. 4. NO PLAYER SHALL: Discuss with an official in any manner the decision reached by such official except the manager or captain. MINIMUM PENALTY: Warning by the official. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Removal from the game.
5. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body and person of an opposing player. Officials are required to suspend players immediately from further play and report such players to the League Coordinator. Such player shall remain suspended until his case has been considered by the League Coordinator. MINIMUM PENALTY: Placed on probation for remainder of the season. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for two (2) league games and placed on probation for the remainder of the season. 6. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, official or spectator. Officials are required to suspend such players and report player to the League Coordinator. Such player shall remain suspended until his case has been considered by the League Coordinator. MINIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for two (2) league games, and placed on probation for remainder of the season. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension from all recreation activities for one year and placed on probation for the following year, plus at the beginning of the following year, his case is subject to review by the Recreation Division. 7. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon any player, official or spectator. The officials are required to suspend any player immediately from further play and report such player to the League Coordinator. Such player shall remain suspended until his case has been considered by the League Coordinator. MINIMUM PENALTY: Place on probation the remainder of the season. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension from two (2) league games and placed on probation for the remainder of the season. 8. NO PLAYER SHALL: Appear on the field of play under the influence of alcohol in such a manner as to not have control of his faculties to the extent that he is inclined to hurt himself or another player or consuming alcohol during the games. MINIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for two (2) league games and placed on probation for the remainder of the season. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for the remainder of the season.
9. NO MEMBER OF ANY TEAM SHALL: Sit in the stands before or after their games and harass or heckle other teams or game officials. MINIMUM PENALTY: Warning from the League Supervisor. MAXIMUM PENALTY: Removal from the facility and put on probation for two games. Enforcement s 1. Any player being placed on probation for the remainder of the season and reported again for violating the Code of Conduct may be suspended for the remainder of the season. 2. A suspended player must remove himself immediately from the confines of the contest area as designated by the League Supervisor. 3. If a suspended player does not remove himself from the confines of the contest area, the League Supervisor shall call the authorities. 4. One-minute clause: One minute shall be allowed for a suspended player(s) to remove himself from the designated contest area. If this time limit expires, the contest shall be forfeited to the opponents. 5. Any person on probation who violates the Code of Conduct will be placed on suspension until their case can be heard by the League Supervisor. 6. Any person wishing to appeal the decision reached by the League Supervisor should do so by calling the Recreation Division to set up an appointment and discuss situation with League Coordinator.