Tri-County Youth Football League Website: www.middlefieldohio.com Mighty Mites Flag Football Rules and Regulations
Table of Contents Number of Players on the field..3 Equipment.3 Playing field 3 Scoring.3 Timing..3 Basic Rules....4 Running Plays..4 Passing Plays..4 Receiving.5 Rushing the Quarterback..5 Offensive Penalties...5 Defensive Penalties.6 Flagrant Fouls.6 2
Tri-County Youth Football League Flag Football Rules and Guidelines Guidelines 1. Number of Players on the field The number of players allowed on the field is intended to be 4 on 4, but depending on the number of players on each team; more players can be used. For example: If team A has 7 players and Team B has 5 players than Team A must place the same number of players on the field as Team B (in this case 5). Team A s extra players must be rotated in and out of the game on dead ball situations. Please make every attempt possible to play a game. Teams may borrow players from the opposing team in case of a shortage. A minimum of two (2) players is required to avoid forfeit 2. The Equipment The ball that is used shall be the junior size football Flags will be issued on game days Cleats are allowed, but they must be rubber. No metal cleats are allowed. Jerseys must be tucked into pants, shorts, etc. Flags must be outside of clothing. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece. 3. Playing Field 4. Scoring 5. Timing The playing field is 40 yards long and 25 yards wide Each end zone will extend beyond the field of play by 10 yards. No Run Zones exist 5 yards out from each end zone. A touchdown = 6 points A Safety = 2 points After a touchdown, the scoring team has two options for the point-after-touchdown conversion. They may attempt a pass from the 5 yard line, or they may attempt a running or pass play from the 15 yard line. A successful attempt from the 5 yard line = 1 point. A successful attempt from the 15 yard line = 2 points. (Note: Once a team has declared their intent to go for 1 or 2 points, they cannot change even if a penalty should occur.) Division 1 games (Kindergarten-2 nd grade) consist of a total of 30 minutes divided into 2 halves of 15 minutes each. Each team has 1 60 second time-out per half. Each time the ball is spotted, the offense has 25 seconds to snap the ball. 3
Basic rules of flag football 1. A coin toss shall begin each game. The team winning the toss shall choose on of the following options: To start game as offense of defense To designate which goal his/her team will defend. After the team who won the toss makes their choice, then the losing team makes their choice. For example, Team #1 won the toss and elected to be offense. Team #2 then gets to select which goal they will defend. Like wise, if Team #1 wins the toss and elects to defend a particular goal, then Team #2 chooses whether to start as offense or defense. 2. All drives and possession changes start from the 20 yard line. 3. Each team is allowed four (4) downs to try for a first down. A first down is considered 20 yard line or more yards. If a team gains twenty or more yards in their attempt they start again with a first down. 4. The ball is ruled dead when: A fumble hits the ground (no fumble recoveries are allowed. A knee of a ball carrier touches the ground. At the point of interception. Interception returns are not allowed. When a ball carrier steps out of bounds. When a ball carrier s flag(s) are legally removed. Note that if a ball carrier s flag(s) fall off inadvertently, play shall revert to a 2 hand touch between the shoulders and knees. 5. There is no blocking or contact allowed anytime, anywhere. Running Plays 1. The quarterback can run with the ball, but only after a 10 second delay. 2. Only direct, backward hand-offs are allowed. All hand-offs must take place behind the line of scrimmage. Players do not have to line up behind the quarterback to receive a hand-off. 3. No running plays can be initiated in the No Run Zones. 4. The player who takes a hand-off can elect to pass the ball as long as he or she does not cross the line of scrimmage. 5. Once the quarterback hands the ball off all defensive players are eligible to rush. Passing 1. All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage. 2. Shovel passes are allowed but must be beyond the line of scrimmage. 3. Interceptions change the possession of the ball. Interceptions may not be returned. Receiving 1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback after the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). 2. A player must have at least one foot in bounds to make a legal reception. Rushing the Quarterback 1. There is a 10-second delay before the defense can rush the quarterback. 2. A ball spotter shall be used to mark the line of scrimmage. A rush spotter shall be used to enforce the 10-second rush delay. 3. Rushers must go for the quarterback s flag and are not allowed to make contact. 4
Penalty Enforcement Note: All penalties are enforced from the line of scrimmage Offensive Penalties Name Description Penalty Illegal Motion More than 1 person moving before 5yds and loss The snap, false start, illegal shift of down Illegal motion. Illegal Forward Pass receiver behind the line of 5yds and loss Pass scrimmage or pass thrown from of down Beyond the line of scrimmage Offensive Pass Illegal pick play, pushing off or 10yds and loss Interference away from the defender of down Delay of Game More than 25 seconds elapses 5 yds and clock From time ball is spotted stops until next legal snap Encroachment Lining up beyond the line of 5yds and loss of Scrimmage down Illegal contact Holding, blocking 10 yds and Automatic first down Note: All defensive penalties result in automatic first down for the offense unless otherwise noted. Defensive Penalties Penalty Title Penalty Description Enforcement Offside Lining up beyond the line of Scrimmage 5yds Defensive Pass Using illegal contact to interfere with the 10 yds Ability of the offensive player to catch ball Illegal Contact Holding, blocking 10 yds Illegal Flag Pull Pulling runner s flags before he/she has 10 yds Ball Illegal Rushing Rushing the quarterback before the 10 yds 10 second delay is up ** If the play results in a touchdown, the offense may decline the penalty Flagrant Fouls Any flagrant conduct whatsoever (tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, taunting or similar unsportsmanlike conduct) will not be tolerated. The official shall stop the game, eject the player from the game, and administer a 10 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage with an automatic first down (defensive penalty) or loss of down (offensive penalty). The coach will be given a verbal warning foul play will not be tolerated. 5
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