HIGH SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

HIGH SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL RULES TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL LEAGUE POLICIES 1.1 Eligibility 1.2 Uniforms 1.3 Jewelry 1.4 Rosters 1.5 Scheduling 1.6 Playoff Tournament and Tiebreakers 2. GAME DAY POLICIES 2.1 Game Duration 2.2 Forfeits 2.3 Overtime period 2.4Equipment 2.5 Sportsmanship 2.6 Protest 2.7 Filming 2.8 Scoring 3. GAMEPLAY RULES 3.1 Possessions 3.2 Field/No run Zone 3.3 Play is ruled dead when 3.4 Contact blocking is not allowed 3.5 Offense 3.6Defense 3.7 Flags 3.8Coaches 3.9 Penalties 3.10 Fans 3.11 AED/ CPR 1 P a g e

1. GENERAL LEAGUE POLICIES 1.1 Eligibility a) A student athlete is eligible for participation in softball if they are enrolled in and attend a CSAA member school and meet all of CSAA s age, residence, and grade requirements. It is the responsibility of the member school to ensure all of the eligibility requirements are met. Please refer to CSAA Student-Eligibility Guidelines for further information. b) For participation in varsity softball competition, a student shall only be eligible while enrolled in grades 9-12 up until their 20th birthday. Any student who will reach the age of 20 before or during the softball season (before June 1 of the current school year), cannot participate. c) Students in grade 8 may participate in varsity competition if their school does not participate in junior high school competition. d) If a student in grade 8 participates in varsity competition for a school that participates in junior High school competition, that student is ineligible to participate in junior high school competition. 1.2 Uniform a) Players must wear sneakers. Football rubber cleats are encouraged; however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed. b) Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads, and kneepads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed. c) Player must wear Sweatpants or shorts on the playing field. d) Players must wear team jersey with a number on the back. e) Playerjerseys must be tucked into their pants if they hang below the belt line. f) All players are required to have jerseys and mouth guards, no exception. 1.3 Jewelry a) All earrings, facial piercings, body piercings, and bands must be removed before start of game. b) Players are not allowed to wear watches or jewelry (chains, earrings). c) Prescription eye glasses only may be worn; lenses made of glass are not permitted d) Metal framed glasses are not permitted e) Plastic framed glasses, providing they are strapped around the head, and sports goggles (wraparound type, made of plastic) are permitted; any other type of eyewear that the referee deems could be dangerous is not permitted. f) No player will be allowed to play with a cast. A doctor's release note must be presented to the league before they can play again. 1.4 Rosters a) All team rosters are due by team s 1 st game of the season. b) All team roster will consist of a maximum of 25 players and must contain the following information: Name of school Names and telephone numbers of head coach and assistant coaches Legal first and last name of each player Grade, age, month and year of birth for each player ( day not needed) Uniform number of each player Signature of each player 2 P a g e

c) It is the responsibility of each school member to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on the league roster. The information provided on the submitted roster is considered official and will be he evidential basis of any eligibility challenges. d) Changes to the Roster cannot be made after it is submitted to the league office without the written consent of the Director of Athletics. Roster changes will be approved or denied at the sole discretion of the Director of Athletics in accordance with the hardship provision. 1.5 Scheduling a) All schools must be prepared to play on Monday, Friday and Saturday, plus the following holidays: Rosh Hashanah Yom kipper Columbus Day Veterans Day b) Before the draft schedule is released, CSAA will request that each participating school submit ten (10) blackout dates to the league office (not including the CSAA Holiday blackout dates). The league will not schedule games on these blackout dates. c) All schools must be prepared to play Saturday games throughout the course of the season. No team is only more than 1 blackout day per season. (If you use a blackout day on Saturday you must play a double-hitter on a Saturday during the season). Saturday playoff schedule is a must. d) It is the responsibility of each participating school to ensure that the blackout dates are inclusive of ANY foreseen conflicts that the school may have with playing games on that day. These conflicts include (but are not limited to): Field trips Parent teacher conferences School plays/concerts Open school night Voting dates and the day after (only for home school) Half a day Testing e) Schools will be expected to play on any day that is not listed as a blackout date. Any schedule conflicts presented to the league after the final schedule has been released will be reviewed and a final decision on whether to reschedule the game will be made at the sole discretion of the Director of Athletics. 1.6 Playoff Tournament and Tiebreakers a) Due to the length of the season, CSAA will have to revise the playoff schedule to the top four (4) teams in each division making the playoffs. b) CSAA will determine the playoff dates and seeding one the regular season is complete using the following criteria: Overall Head to Head Point Against 3 P a g e

2. GAME DAY POLICIES 2.1 Game Duration a) Two 16-minutes halves running time. Teams switch sides of the field at half time. b) (2) Time-outs per half (60 seconds). c) Quarterbacks will be a 5 Mississippi or Five Rush count to release the ball. d) Stop time starts the last (1) minute of each half. The Clock moves on extra point, except for the last minute of each half. e) Teams have 25 seconds to hike the ball between plays (or delay of game penalty). f) Teams have a 15- minute grace period before a forfeit is called. g) Half time is 5 minutes long 2.2Forfeits a) All forfeited games are entered into the standings as a 6-0 loss. b) A fifteen (15) minute forfeit time is allowed for all games. This will be STRICTLY ENFORCED by the referees unless extra time is authorized by Director of Athletics. c) Any team forfeiting 3 games in a season will be dropped from the schedule without refund of league fees. d) Any team with an outstanding balance of forfeit fees will be ineligible for playoffs until fees are paid to CSAA. 2.3 Overtime Period a) Each team will have 1 possession (1-down) to score a touchdown. b) The ball will be placed on the 10-yard line to score 6-points. Extra point will be taken from the ten (10) yard line. c) First team to score the most points after dual possessions wins. d) Maximum possessions in O.T will be three (3). After three possessions are completed, and if the score is still tie the score is FINAL!!! 2.4 Equipment a) The league provides each player with a flag belt. But we recommend that you purchase your own it saves time and for Practice needs.https://www.walmart.com/ip/sonic-boom-42-flag- Belt/4016404 2.5 Sportsmanship a) Is shown by walking across the field, and giving hi-five greeting before and after each game.. (No exceptions) b) Players who fail to comply with the rule will be suspended one (1) game. c) If a referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the players will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee s discretion. No appeals will be considered. Foul play will not be tolerated! d) Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game. e) Players may not physically or verbally abuse an opponent, coach or official. 4 P a g e

2.6 Protest a) Protests of Referee s judgment calls will not be allowed. b) Teams that wish to Protest a game must first. Notify head official at the game about the protest. Protest must be emailed to CSAA Directors within 24 hours. 2.7 Filming a) CSAA does have policies and restrictions on filming of league games and future opponents. b) Video recordings are not allowed by A.D s or coaches c) A.D s and coaches that violate this policy will forfeit two (2) games. d) Parents and spectators are allowed to film. e) Filming will on be used in case an altercation or a player gets injured. 2.8 Scoring a) Touchdown six (6) Points. b) Point after Touchdown (PAT) conversion (1) point is from the 10 yard line. c) Two (2) Points conversion is from 20 yard line. d) Safety (2) Points. e) PAT can be return (interception) for Two (2) pts. f) Players must have both feet and ball across end zone to score a touchdown. g) Mercy rule after one team is trailing by more than 30 points in the second half. h) The team trailing by more than 30 points will be giving one final opportunity to score and continue the game. 3. GAMEPLAY RULES 3.1 Possessions a) At the start of each game, captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who shall stat with the ball. The visiting team shall call the toss. b) The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of direction. Teams may not choose to defer to the second half. c) The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) downs to score a touchdown. d) If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team starts its drive on its own 5-yard line. e) (6) On (6) flag football league. No rushing the quarterback. 3.2 Field/No run Zone a) The field dimensions are approximately 60 yards long 30 yards wide with two 10-yard end zones, and a midfield line-to-gain. No-Run Zones precede each line-to-gain by 5 yards. However, field size may vary based on field availability for each league. b) No-Run Zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power running plays. c) While the No-Run-Zones are placed 10 yards from each end zone, teams cannot run the ball in any fashion. All plays must be pass plays, even if its handoff. d) No first down in the high school division. Teams must play the entire field. 5 P a g e

3.3 Play is ruled dead when a) When ball is dropped or fumbledby the quarterback to the ground. b) If a ball carrier fumble the ball to the ground. c) A ball carrier knee touches the ground. d) The ball carrier flag is pulled. e) A ball carrier steps out of bounds. f) A ball carrier dives into end zone or for a first down. g) The receiver catches the ball while in possession of or no flags. h) If a player jumps and leaves to avoid his/her flag being grappled, (5) Mississippi count. After 5 count, and the whistle is blown the play is dead. i) Inadvertent whistle. 3.4 Contact blocking is not allowed a) A blocker is attempted by placing your arms in front of your body in a down position, or in a cross position at your chest, while screening your body between the ball carrier and the defender. b) The offensive player must stop his block positioning by standing still when the defender is within two (2) feet of the offensive blocker. 3.5 Offense a) The quarterback cannot directly run the ball. The QB does have the ability to scramble in the back field, but cannot advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. b) Shovel pass is allowed. c) The ball is hiked by touching the ball, and simultaneously saying set-hike after the in-play whistle blows from the head official. d) Every player from the offense must be completely motionless and behind the line of scrimmage before the quarterback says says-hike. e) Only one player can go in motion at a time. f) Players are responsible for placing their flags (3) in the correct positions (two on side, one hanging from the rear). If player is missing a flag and a defender attempt to grab flag on left or right side and it s missing referee willblownplay dead. g) A runner may not leave their feet to advance the ball, diving or leaping. h) A player must have at least one (1) foot in bounds for a reception. i) A football spin moved is allowed, but players may not leave their feet. j) Absolutely no laterals. k) The ball is spotted where the runner s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball. l) Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind, or to the side of the offensive player, but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The offense may use multiple handoffs. 3.6 Defense a) No bump and run or any contact allowed with receivers. b) No running through offensive blockers. 6 P a g e

c) The defensive rusher/giver which is the player lined up directly over the ball on the line of scrimmage may not drop back more than 5 yards. d) The rusher/giver must line-up over the ball before the ball is hike to identify his or herself. Then they can move back with- in five yards or choose to move left or right as long as there behind the line of scrimmage. 3.7 Flags a) Flags must be held highin the air, if grab by defensive player at the spot of the play. b) It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball carrier possession at anytime. c) Defenders can dive to pull flags, but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball carrier when pulling flags. d) It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball carrier s possession at any time. e) If a player s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends. f) Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball carrier to obstruct the defender s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping the head, hand, arm or shoulder, or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey. g) The flags must be on the player s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding. 3.8 Coaches a) Coaches cannot step on to the playing field to call a play,unless it s a time out. But player can come over to the sideline and receive a play from the coach as long as it with-in 25 second game clock. b) Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their own fans, parents, players, etc. (15 yard penalty for conduct that is seen to be disruptive to the officials). c) Coaches cannot add a player to a roster after final roster has been turnedin without the permission of league Director. d) Coaches are responsible for making sure that all players have jerseys, and mouth guards. 3.9 Penalties a) Defensive Pass Interference (spot penalty & first down) b) Offensive Pass Interference (10 yard penalty from line of scrimmage and loss of down) c) Screen block (10 yards spot penalty) d) Off sides (5 yards) e) Encroachment (5 yards) f) Holding (5 yards) g) False start (5 yards) h) Intentional diving (5 yards) i) Illegal run within the No run zone is a 10 yards penalty from line of scrimmage and loss of down. j) Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty excessive celebration, cursing or coaches running on to the field of play during the game is a 15 yards and replay previous down 7 P a g e

k) Unnecessary roughness 15 yard penalty (2) actions deemed dangerous can lead to automatic ejection, and game suspension l) Delay of game (5 yards repeats down) m) Unnecessary roughness (15 yards) 2 calls ejection n) Coaches or players can t line up inside (10) yard line on either sideline (5 yard penalty) o) Illegal flag pull (5 yard penalty) form the spot of the infraction p) Illegal motion (5 yard penalty) and repeat the down q) Illegal Forward Pass 5 yard penalty and a loss of down r) Stripping 5 yard penalty s) Flag Guarding (spot penalty foul) and 10 yards 3.10 Fans a) Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship, as well. b) Yell to cheer on your players, not harass officials or other teams. c) Keep comments clean and profanity free. d) Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team. e) Fans are required to keep field safe and kid sfriendly. f) Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards away from the sidelines and end zones area. g) Stay in the sidelinearea, not in the back of the end zone. h) All teams please remove garbage, bottles etc, from sidelines after the game. 3.11 AED a) The Charter School Athletic Association Mandates AED/CPR Certification for All Coaches. b) Games cannot proceed unless one team is present with required AED unit. If the AED unit is NOT present, by either team the game will be a forfeit. Each teacher/coach must actively supervise team members, until they are safely away from the site of competition. 8 P a g e