VIII. Run Game Rules

1. Unlimited runs in the 1st-2^nd Grade Division. (NO direct QB runs).
2. One (1) run per possession in the 3^rd-4^th Grade Division. (NO direct QB runs).
3. No runs are allowed in the 5th - 6th or 7th - 8th Grade Division.
4. A play will be considered a run play, when the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, or if a player takes a hand-off from the quarterback, and does not cross the line of scrimmage in the allotted time. A play in which a player takes a hand-off from the quarterback, and then throws a forward pass will be considered a pass play, and not count as a team’s run play.
5. If a team has used their run and QB gives the ball to the RB, the RB must make a pass attempt before the 4 second sack count.
6. In 3^rd- 4^th grade division, a handoff that is fumbled between the QB and another player will not count as their run play (but can result in loss of down and yardage).
7. There are NO RUNS five yards of the goal line in the 3^rd – 4^th Grade Division. Runs are allowed at the midfield line.
8. The ball carrier can spin to avoid their flag being pulled but cannot flag guard. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull. Players spinning out of control will be called for flag guarding
9. Run plays do NOT have to get across the LOS by allotted sack count time (3, 4 or 6 seconds)
10. No live ball fumbles (a fumble is dead and placed at the spot of the fumble with the offensive team retaining possession).
11. Players who do not have a flag on or lose a flag during the play may participate, but can not advance the ball after a catch and will be down on a run play if they have the ball.
12. The play is dead when the following occurs to the ball carrier:
    • Flag is pulled
    • Runner’s knee touches the ground
    • Runner steps out of bounds
    • Runner loses his flag
    • Runner dives, jumps or leaps; ball is spotted where the runner left his feet.