Section I. Field of Play

Flag Football Rules (effective 04/01/2017) Section I. Field of Play a. The playing field is 50 yds. X 30 yds. (2 25 yd. Zones + 10 yd. end zones). Ultimate flag football is played on 80 yds. X 45 yds. (2-40 yd. Zones + 10 yd. end zones). b. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 10-yard line and has 4 plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has 4 to score a touchdown. c. If the offensive team fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 10-yard line. d. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts the drive from their own 10-yard line. All possession changes, EXCEPT interceptions, start on the offense s 10-yard line. e. In the 7-12 divisions you must pass on all downs inside of 5 yards at mid field and the goal line. Section II. General Rules a. Games are to be played with two 25 minute half s and a 5 minute halftime. The clock only stops for time outs, halftime, and if a team scores within the final minute of a half to allow for a final drive of the half. If a drive begins inside of 1 minute of the half and/or the end of the game, the entire drive is to be completed and will be the last drive of the half/game. A drive means that a team will continue with the ball until they score, it is intercepted, or they lose the ball on downs. A team may get a first down by crossing midfield and continue the drive. See example scenario 1 in the scenario section for further clarification. b. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 45 seconds to snap the ball. Failure to snap the ball within the 45 second timeframe will result in a 5 yard delay of game penalty. c. A coin toss determines first possession. The Home team calls it. d. Teams in the 5-12 divisions will play 6 on 6. e. Each team gets one false/fumbled snap per half in divisions 5-6 only (re-do play, do not re-huddle). Does not apply to 7-12 divisions. 7-12 divisions will be a loss of down. 1

f. Two coaches per team will be allowed on the playing field during the game in 7-12 divisions. Three coaches per team will be allowed on the playing field during the game in 5-6 divisions. All coaches must move 10 yards behind the formation prior to giving direction to begin the snap count. They are responsible to make sure they are out of the way and should not interfere once the formation is aligned. g. All teams 5-12 must attempt one pass play every 4 plays in their current drive. 5-6 division teams will notify the defense of all pass plays. If the offensive coach fails to notify the defense of a pass play, the defense can have the down will be replayed or take the result of the previous play (5-6 only). Once a change of possession occurs the play count restarts for the team at 1. See example scenario 2 in the scenario section for further clarification. h. Protective mouth piece must be worn at all times while players are on the field, no exceptions. i. All players must have their jersey tucked in at all times. Includes the flag belt tucked in at all times. Section III. OT/Scoring a. Scoring Touchdown.. PASS Extra Point (from the 10-yard line) RUNNING Extra Point (from the 10-yard line) Safety. Defense Intercepted Extra Point Returned 6 points 2 points 1 point 2 points 2 points b. If a player fumbles in the end zone it is not a safety. It is a loss of down and the ball is to be spotted at the 1 yard line. c. If a team scores on the last play of the game they get their attempt to complete the conversion. d. For regular season, if score is tied after second half, the game will end a tie. For tournament play and playoffs, teams will move directly into overtime. A coin toss will determine first possession (home team calls the toss). All possessions will begin at midfield, unless there is an interception. If an interception occurs, the intercepting team can choose to begin their drive at the spot the inception play ended or at midfield, whichever is more advantageous. Each team will have at least one offensive turn with the ball, after which, sudden death rules apply. The next team to score wins (the coin flip will be important). There are no time-outs. All regulation period rules are in effect. Exceptions: Any player is eligible to score a TD even if they scores two TD during the regular game UNLESS the offensive player scored the teams only offensive TD s. A player may only score one offensive TD in OT. If a player scores a second offensive touchdown in OT by getting a hand off or a pass thrown to them it should be called back. It will be a loss of down. If it is an inadvertent pass deflection (immaculate reception) the play will stand. See example scenario 3 in the scenario section for further clarification. e. Safety Defensive team receives 2 points and obtains possession at the opposite end of the field at their own 10-yard line (just as in change of possession plays after a score by the offense). 2

Section IV. Participation Guidelines a. Players can not score more than two offensive TD s a game. Extra points and defensive scores do not count toward this limit. Exception: Rule III (d) as it applies to OT games. b. Each player must get an attempt to carry or catch the ball a minimum of 2 times each game. Handling the ball or throwing the ball does not count as an attempt. c. A player cannot carry or catch the ball more than 2 times in a row. d. The TD participation guideline can be enforced. If a player scores a third offensive touchdown by getting a hand off or a pass thrown to them it should be called back. It will be a loss of down. If it is an inadvertent pass deflection (immaculate reception) the play will stand. Exception: Rule III (d) as it applies to OT games. Section V. Snaps/Dead Balls/Fumbles a. The ball must be snapped by a center either between the legs or from one side to start play in divisions 5-6. In divisions 7-12 the ball must be snapped between the legs. All snaps must start from the ground. b. Shot gun snaps are permissible, however if a shot gun snap is fumbled the play is dead and the ball is spotted at the spot of the fumble. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. As previously stated, 5/6 division gets one false/fumbled snap per half (re-do play, do not re-huddle). c. Play is ruled dead when: Ball hits the ground. Ball carrier s flag is pulled or falls out Ball carrier s belt is hanging down and pulled Ball carrier steps out of bounds Ball carrier leaves their feet Ball carrier s knee hits the ground Touchdown, PAT or safety is scored d. There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground. e. You can t take the ball from an offensive player. Defense must go after the flags (No fumbles). Exception: If a defensive player is attempting to deflect a pass made by the QB when rushing. See example scenario 4 in the scenario section for further clarification. Note: 5-6 divisions will not rush the QB. f. In the case of an inadvertent whistle the offense has two options. Take the ball where the whistle blew or replay the down from the original line of scrimmage. Section VI. Offensive Rules a. In the 5-6 division No Tackle Box. In divisions 7-12 (5 yard tackle box) All Rushing must be outside the tackle box area. b. The QB cannot run with the ball and cannot hand it back to the center. c. The QB has 7 seconds to pass the ball on passing downs. An offensive coach is responsible for counting 7 seconds and in giving the QB a warning at the 7 second mark to initiate a pass. If a pass is not initiated, the play is a ruled a sack and the ball will be placed at the QB s spot on the field at the time of the sack. You should be liberal with the 7 seconds and issue a warning on the first offense. 3

d. In the 5-12 division Offense may use multiple handoffs. e. In the 5-12 divisions pitches, laterals and screens behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. f. In the 7-12 divisions a five yard passing zone will be established at mid-field and the end zone. You must pass on every down once inside this zone. g. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is. Receiving a. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). b. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. c. A player must have at least ONE foot inbounds when making a reception. Passing a. One forward pass is permitted to include screens and shovel passes. Must be a separation seen when the shovel pass is attempted. NO UNDERHAND PASSES will be considered a pass. Really looking for the QB to make the effort to throw over hand to a receiver. b. Interceptions change the possession of the ball and they can be returned. Interceptions are the only time a change of possession doesn t start on the 10-yard line. Offense (Screening) a. An offensive player may screen block a defensive player by maintaining a position of arm s length away in the defenders path. b. Screen blockers can be utilized in a stationary or moving position as long as the screening blocker beats their opponent to a spot and maintains an arm s length away. c. Offensive players may screen block but shall not hold, grasp, or push the opposing player. Doing so will result in an offensive blocking penalty. Offense (Straight Arms, Flag guarding, Leaving feet) a. Runners cannot utilize straight arms or slapping away the defensive player trying to grab the flag. b. Ball carriers cannot leave their feet at any time. Play will be called down at the spot their feet left the ground. NOT where the ball is during or at the end of the play. Section VII. Defensive Rules a. Illegal Contact Similar to offensive screen blockers it is the defenders responsibility to beat the runner or screener to a spot to avoid contact. The player that gets beat to a spot must let their opponent pass. Defenders are not allowed to run through screen blockers or ball carriers. 4

b. Impeding the runner - Defensive players shall not hold, grasp, obstruct the forward progress of the runner or initiate contact when attempting to remove a flag from the flag belt. Failure to do so is defensive illegal contact. Pursuing the Ball Carrier/Rushing the Passer: a. All players must line up 7 yards or more from the line of scrimmage. b. Divisions 5-6, Will not have a Tackle box and can rush straight ahead. c. Divisions 7-12, Must rush up field OUTSIDE the designed 5 yard Tackle Box area. d. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. e. If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback. f. 7-12 division level players may immediately rush the QB. At the 5-6 division level, players may choose to rush the QB but are not permitted to obstruct or interfere with the QB during passing situations. The QB should be afforded the opportunity to pass the football. Defensive players are encouraged to rush the line of scrimmage and develop play recognition skills, by either engaging a runner in a handoff situation or dropping into coverage during passing plays. Again, at the 5-6 division level, the offensive coach will notify the defense of an upcoming pass play. Section VIII: Equipment Responsibilities: a. Players must have both flags attached at the hips and their jersey tucked in at all times. b. Players must have the flag belt tucked in at all times. If a belt does not remain tucked in the play is dead at the spot the defender touches the part of the belt hanging down. Section IX. Penalties: UNSPORTSMAN LIKE PENALTY 10 yards/(spot)/loss OF DOWN Offense: Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start) 5 yards Illegal contact (holding/blocking) 10 yard from the spot of the foul. Illegal forward pass (pass thrown beyond the line of scrimmage) - 5 yard/loss of down. Pass interference (Illegal pick/push off) - 5 yard/loss of down Flag guarding/straight arms Dead ball at the spot of the foul. Participation More than two offensive TD s. Play gets called back. Loss of down. Delay of Game (not snapping the ball within 45 seconds) 5 yards (one warning per half) Quarterback Sack (7 second violation) Dead ball at the spot of the sack. Defense: Offside 5 yards or the offense can accept the outcome of the play if snapped successfully (Defense jumps the snap) Pass interference (Holding, causing contact) - 5 yard/automatic first down Illegal contact (Holding, tackling, causing contact) 5 yard/automatic first down. 5

Section X. Officials/Coaches/Gear: a. When officials are present they will determine all calls. b. Only a head coach is able to question an official on a call or rule. c. One coach from each team should monitor the sidelines for out of bounds calls. Each team is responsible for one sideline. d. Head coaches are responsible to assure that their assistants and parents are in compliance with MYG Flag conduct principles. e. If MYG is unable to secure officials than each teams head coach is designated as officials. f. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage/unless it s a Spot foul. g. Protective mouth piece must be worn at all times while players are on the field, no exceptions. Section XI. Example Scenarios: 1. A) If Team A obtains the ball with 4 minutes left in the game and scores a TD with 45 seconds left, time will stop, they will perform their extra point attempt and Team B will receive the ball and complete one full drive as they have assumed the ball inside of 1 minute left in the half/game. B) If Team A obtains the ball inside of 1 minute left in the game, runs one play, and scores a TD. Team B will not get possession and the score will stand. The only exception would be if the game was tied, then sudden death overtime rules would be in effect. 2. If Team A has the ball and runs 3 consecutive running plays and scores a TD. They will perform their extra point and Team B will assume the ball on their own 10 yard line as normal. Once Team A obtains the ball on offense again, the number of plays necessary to throw a pass is reset at 1. They may run 3 more running plays before a pass is required, unless a change in possession occurs, then the counter would once again restart at 1. 3. A) Player A has scored two offensive TD s for Team A. The score is 12-12, which means Player A has scored both offensive TD s, therefore Player is ineligible to score a TD in the OT period. If Player A scores a third offensive touchdown by getting a hand off or a pass thrown to them it will be called back. It will be a loss of down. If it is an inadvertent pass deflection (immaculate reception) the play will stand. B) Both Team A and Team B will have one offensive series in OT. If both teams score on their first drive and the score remains tied, the game will continue with sudden death overtime and the next team to score will win the game. The exception will be if during the first drive, the defense gets a pick 6 or a safety, there would then be no need for both teams to have a possession. 4. If a defender is rushing the QB in any division and the QB is attempting a pass, the defender may attempt to deflect the pass. If the defender attempts to deflect the pass and does not control their rush and makes contact with the QB (i.e. the defender should make contact with the ball), an illegal contact penalty will be enforced (5 yard penalty and automatic first down). If the contact is minor after the player hits the ball judgement should be used. We re all adults here. We want to promote our players going for flags although having situational awareness as a defender should also be encouraged. This is not a common play/occurrence from my experience. 6