Mar 13 2026
BCFFL Full Rules
THE FIRST AND LAST RULE OF THE LEAGUE IS RESPECT!
Teams or individuals who show a lack of respect to the officials, staff, players and/or spectators of the league may have to forfeit all games and will not be allowed to return. Teams are responsible collectively for the actions and behavior of their players, coaches, parents and fans on the fields as well as in the Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex and on Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex property. Berks County Flag Football League, herein referred to as the “BCFFL,” will NOT tolerate fighting, profanity or any other action seen as unsportsmanlike conduct or offensive to others in any way, shape or form. BCFFL reserves the right to suspend, expel and terminate play by an individual, team, a competition or a league based on inappropriate behavior by one or all parties involved. Some detailed rules will follow according to this facility's policy. Trash talking will be allowed, but no getting personal or attempting to fight.
Contact Person for BCFFL: Antonio Flores
610-587-7980 bcffl2025@gmail.com
Indicates rules changes or addendums
Age Divisions: Must be 18 years of age or older.
Rosters: Each team will consist of a 18 player league roster, which is due prior to the start of the league. No players may be added/dropped after week 1 (Rosters will be verified at this point). Players listed on the roster may compete at any point during regular play of the league. A player must play in at least 4 regular season games in order to be eligible for the playoff roster, which will be provided to each team by the league director and will be based upon the players listed during the course of the regular league. Individuals can NOT roster on two or more teams in the same session. *Teams will be required to complete individual game rosters for all regular season games.* Photo Ids and insurance cards may be required based on roster conflicts or inappropriate modifications to rosters. Only players appearing appearing on the official roster form shall be counted as players. Coaches, photographers and videographers do NOT count towards the roster limit but will be capped to only 2; they are also allowed in the player's box as well (roster will be capped at 18 with these inclusions)
Captains: Captains will be designated prior to the game- 1 offensive on the field and 1 defensive on the field. Captains will be the only players allowed to talk to referees. Any other player approaching a referee may be assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. CAPTAINS CAN GET FLAGGED FOR BENCH GRIPING.
Team Benches: Team benches are allowed a maximum of 2 coaches/photographers/videographers in any combination on or behind the bench. Players, coaches, photographers and videographers are the ONLY personnel allowed in the player's box! No children, wives, girlfriends, parents or others not on the roster are allowed in the player's box! Due to safety and insurance reasons, this rule will be STRICTLY ENFORCED to provide spectators with a safe environment to watch the game. Please check and clean your player boxes after every game. Teams that don't clean this area might be subject to a fine by Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex.
Uniforms: No player may compete in the league without a matching team uniform shirt! Team shirts are required to have a number on the middle back of the shirt and teams are required to have matching colors. NO STREETWEAR TO BE WORN ON THE FIELD. MUST BE ATHLETIC APPAREL WITH PLAYER NUMBER, TEAM NAME, TEAM LOGO AND SIMILAR COLORS. (It is strongly recommended that teams have 1 dark and 1 light colored uniform.) The number must be a minimum of 6” in height and contrasting color of the shirt. Please be advised that players without proper uniforms after Week 1 will forfeit any games in which they do not have sanctioned attire. However, pinnies may be used as an alternative, provided they receive prior league approval. Please note that the pinnies cannot be the same color as those worn by the opposing team.
Uniforms & Equipment:
1) UNIFORMS: Athletic Apparel- Should be matching and have minimum 6” numbers on the back. Should have team name and/or logo as well. Should be full length and tucked in at all times. Half jerseys are allowed but must NOT cover flags. Each team member must wear athletic apparels of the same color and must be long enough so they remain tucked in during the down or short enough so they are 4” above the player's waistline. All players must wear an athletic shirt!! HATS OF ANY KIND, GAITERS AND SHIESTYS ARE NOT ALLOWED on the fields at any time!! Shorts and pants must NOT have pockets, pouches or resemble tear-away pants. Pants and shorts must be solid in nature. No zippers or designs that allows fingers to be caught in when attempting to pull a flag.
2) FOOTWEAR: PLATIC MOLDED CLEATS ONLY! NO METAL SPIKES OR SCREW IN CLEATS ALLOWED!! Gym, turf, or football shoes may be worn but absolutely NO barefoot participants!!!
3) EQUIPMENT: Other equipment- No tackle shoulder pads allowed! Exception: integrated padded girdles and integrated padded shirts, shorts and pants. Soft shell helmets may be worn. Mouth guards are recommended for player's safety. Athletic taped hands are allowed (by linemen and receivers). Receiver gloves are allowed as well. No stick-um, no spray and no paste! Teams MUST provide their own flags and footballs. (One should be designated the kicking ball and the other should be the game ball). Footballs must be equivalent to an official HS size or collegiate football or arena ball.
4) JEWELRY: Should not be worn on the field. This warning will be the only received and this is for your own protection.
Officials: Officials will be paid by the participating teams. OFFICIALS WILL ACCEPT CASH AS WELL AS ANY OTHER PAYMENT BY ANY TEAMS.
Prizes: BCFFL will offer a first place trophy to the winning team owner, rings for the players and a cash prize and a plaque to commemorate our champions, that stays with the league. We will host an MVP Vote meeting for the captains on 2/28 for the all star game.
Regular Season Game Play:
TEAMS: Teams consist of not more than 7 players on the field. A team must have at least a minimum of 5 on field players to play the game. 7v7, 2 down linemen.
AGE LIMITS: All players will 18 and older. If 17, must be turning 18 when the league season starts.
TIME/LENGTH OF PERIODS: (Game length may be modified based on number of teams and available field space). 2-20 minute halves will be kept. *During the last 2 minutes of the second half the clock will be stopped for the following: change of possession, incomplete passes, interceptions, 4th down failed attempts, safety, kickoff, punt, touchdown, timeout, defensive penalty, extra point conversion, injury, and referee conferences lasting more than 15 seconds in duration (clock will start with the spot of the ball). Half time will be 5 minutes if time allows. Games start every 60 minutes or earlier if both captains agree. Start time is the the listed game time. No overtimes for regular season games. League games will result in 3 points for a win or 1 point for a tie.
*Mercy Rule- 24 point mercy with 2 minutes left to go. If a team is up by 24 points or more to 0 with 2 minutes left to go, the game will be called on a Mercy Rule.
LATENESS:
1) Teams may start and play with 2 less player than a regular starting line up (7). A team is subject to BCFFL league probation, suspension or expulsion for failure to produce a team on a continued basis.
2) If a team fails to produce the minimum required starters (5) by the start of the game, which is the scheduled time, that team will forfeit that competition and follow the procedures noted below.
3) A game will be forfeited if a team fails to meet the minimum number of players by game time. All ref fees MUST be paid prior to next scheduled game.
FORFEITS:
1) When a forfeit is declared, the score shall be recorded as 21 and all statistics (herein referred to as stats and other than the team's and coach's win/loss records) shall be voided, unless 30 mins of playing time has been completed on the game clock. In that case, the score at the end of the play shall stand and all other stats shall count.
2)When the team that is behind in the score book is to be declared the winning team, that score shall be marked with an asterisk in the official stats; and it shall be noted that the game was won by forfeit.
3)When a game is interrupted because of events beyond the control of the responsible administrative authorities, it shall continue from the point of interruption unless the teams agree otherwise or there are applicable conference, league or association rules.
TIMEOUTS: 2 time outs per half. Time outs will be 30 seconds in duration. NO timeouts for overtime. Unused time outs do NOT carry over. There will be an automatic 30 second time out at the 2 minute warning.
PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTIONS:
1) Seven players from each team are allowed on the field at one time.
2) Each team must have a minimum of five players to begin the game and must always maintain a minimum of five players in the game. If a team should drop below five players, the game is forfeited, unless the other team agrees to keep playing.
3) Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. No player may enter while a play is in progress. A player that leaves the field may not return until after the end of the following play. Should a team choose to huddle,no player may enter the game without first being in said huddle.
PERSONAL FOULS/UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT PENALTIES:
1) Personal fouls/unsportsmanlike penalties assessed will result in an automatic 1st down and 15 yards from the end of the play. The player assessed the foul will be removed from the game for the remainder of that half. If a coach or manager is assessed a foul, the offending individual will be required to remain seated until the completion of the game and no communication with officials or scorekeepers will be allowed unless required for request of subs or timeouts.
2) When a 2nd foul is assessed to an individual (cumulative during the league), that individual will be required to remove themselves from the game and Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex premises. If the individual refuses, the game will result in a forfeit, local authorities will be called and the team responsible for the forfeit fees ($100) prior to the next game. The coach or captain of the team has the final responsibility to make sure this happens. The offending individual will also serve a 1 game suspension and will be reviewed by the league board and Body Zone Sports Director on whether the individual can return to competition.
3) If a 3rd foul is issued to an individual at any point, cumulatively during the league, the individual will be expelled from the league and no longer be able to compete in the current league and any future leagues until approved by the Sports Director. 3rd fouls on an individual results in same penalty as 2nd foul as outlined in the previous bullet.
4) All fouls are cumulative throughout the season and into the playoffs. Fouls do NOT start fresh every week.
5) A foul may be called if a team bench contains any food and/or drinks excluding water, Gatorade, powerade, propel, etc. If a spill occurs and delays the game, the team will also be assessed a foul which will be assesses to the team captain.
6) A referee has the right to call a game after 2 fouls by 1 player or by 1 team. The offending team will forfeit the game at that point. This will only be determined if there is a threat of further disruptive behavior or offensive actions. In the result of a fight, upon review by referees and Sports Director, both teams may be assessed losses for that game.
7) Verbal Abuse of any kind will NOT be tolerated when it is directed towards officials, scorekeepers or players. No matter if it coming from the field or from the spectators. If it is from a spectator, they will be asked to leave. If anyone asked to leave refuses to leave, including spectators, all play will stop until they do and the police may be called. If police are called, the people involved will be removed and will be permanently banned from the venue.
8) TAUNTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!!
EJECTED PLAYERS: Any player that is ejected from a game for any reason will be asked to leave the playing area and the building and serve a one game suspension. During that one game suspension, the player is NOT allowed to be in the building for that game. EVEN JUST TO WATCH OTHER GAMES.
FIGHTING:
FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED WHATSOEVER!!
-Any player instigating a fight, throwing a punch,taunting or verbally abusing a player, spectator, game official or BCFFL employee or representative will be immediately disqualified from the game.
- ***** ANY PLAYER ENTERING THE FIELD FROM THE BENCH DURING AN ALTERCATION ON THE FIELD WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME. THEY WILL BE TREATED THE SAME AS THE PLAYER INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT EVEN IF THEY GET PHYSICALLY INVOLVED IN THE ALTERCATION.
-Note: Any player disqualified for the above offenses will be suspended for the remainder of the season and may be subject to additional local law enforcement procedures. In addition, at sole discretion of BCFFL, they may be permanently banned from future participation.
PROTESTS:
BCFFL does not recognize or allow protests. A meeting can be set up with a Director and a captain to discuss the issue but it will not be changed. The change could be in affect the next season if it would affect the league.
PLAYOFF GAMES:
Top 6 teams will make playoffs. Playoff week 1 will be 2/28/26 quarter and semi finals. Playoff week 2 is 3/7/26 for the chip and all star games.
Equipment:
1) FLAGS: Teams must provide their own flags and footballs. Please take this into consideration when assembling your teams to purchase your own flags, footballs and kicking tees.
2) PADDING: No tackle shoulder pads allowed. Exception: integrated padded girdles and integrated padded shirts, shorts and pants. Soft shell helmets may be worn.
Official League Policies: Each player, coach, official, team/league participant MUST SIGN a roster/waiver/rules release acknowledging that they are participating in a SEMI CONTACT flag football event and agree not to hold BCFFL, its agents, officials, sports venue (fields included) liable for any injuries or harm that may result from their participation. Each player, coach, official, team/league participant may get their own medical insurance but it is not obligated to have it to participate in the BCFFL. Any player not on the roster is considered an illegal player and that team WILL LOSE the game.
GAME RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Officials will be paid by the participating teams.
2) BCFFL & staff will be responsible for running clock and recording scores on scoreboard and reporting scores.
3) Each team should have all the players sign the scorecard. If a player doesn't sign the card, they may be ineligible to play in the playoffs. A player must play at LEAST 4 games to be able to play in the playoffs.
4) We do not provide liability insurance for BCFFL players and STRONGLY SUGGEST that teams and players provide liability insurance and supplemental player medical insurance. Liability insurance for the league's operation is included in the player registration cost.
League Game Play:
GENERAL:
1) All games will start promptly every 60 minutes, earlier if both captains and officials agree. No warm-up time is guaranteed.
2) The winner of the toss shall have a choice of possession or to defer to the second half' the loser decides on the remaining option or goal. These choices are reversed om the 2nd half.
3) TRASH TALKING IN MODERATION IS ALLOWED. ANYTHING SUPER DISRESPECTFUL OR INSTIGATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
NOTE: Any player disqualified from a game will be suspended from the next game and p prohibited from Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex until suspension has been completed.
Actions will be reviewed by the Director for further disciplinary action.
I. Kicking
A. Kickoffs
1) Kickoffs have returned. No one moves until the ball is in player's hand.
a) Kicking team will line up with four players on the front line at the red hash mark before the middle. There will be three players in the back, with one of them licking the ball. 2) Receiving Team
a) Receiving team will line up with four players on the front line at the red hash mark before the middle. There will be three players in the back, with one of them accepting the kick. 1. In the case of an onside kick, the ball must contact the ground past the forward edge of the center circle (midfield) in order to be a live ball.
2. An onside kick has to be declared.
a. There is no limit on the amount of times it is declared in the final 2 mins of a game, but the losing team must be within one score of tying the game with the winning team in order to declare onside kicks.
B. Punts
1) There are no more punts. Punts will be taken at the touchback red hash.
a) “Kicking” team players must line up ready to begin play as normal. 2) Receiving Team
a) Must line up ready to play as normal.
C. Safety Kicks (Punts)
1) Safety kicks are kicked from the front of the end zone. All safety kicks are punts.
2) Both teams (kicking and receiving) are in the same positions as a kick off.
II. Offense
A. General Play
1) The ball is live until a player's flags (does not have to be both, one is fine) are pulled or the ball contacts an object connected to the ceiling or the walls, netting, etc.
2) First down is accomplished by gaining yardage past the midfield white line. Teams have 4 downs to advance the ball past the midfield mark. After that, teams have 4 more downs to get into the end zone.
3) Only players with flags are eligible to receive a pass or advance a fumble. Only 1 linemen can wear flags per play. Different linemen, except center, can wear flags. Once a player not wearing flags comes in contact with the ball, the play is dead and not able to advance the ball. If the entire belt falls, the play is dead where that belt is.
4) There will be no QB run zones at the red hashes before the end zone areas. The red hashes at the midfield will NOT be ignored, meaning that the QB can NOT run at the red hash before mid field.
B. Offensive Line
1) The offense MUST have 5 players on the line of scrimmage to start the play.
a) Two (2) down linemen must be line up together side by side.
b) Two (2) wide receivers on the line. Receiver may line up as TE. (only one player may go in motion)
c) One (1) quarterback
d) One half back or slot receiver. (only one plater at a time may go in motion)
2) Receivers can go in motion.
3) The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start the play. The snap of the ball must be between the legs and be one quick and continuous motion. A player on the LOS may not receive the snap. It can be snapped to a player other than the quarterback, but must be snapped directly behind center.
4) The ball is dead when a fumble hits the ground. Play is ruled dead when a player's knee(s) or flags come in contact with the ground.
5) A snap that hits the ground is still live and has one bounce to get to the QB. More than 1 bounce is considered a fumble and is a dead ball!
*6) QB sneaks are prohibited or direct snaps (under center) leading to a sneak (This is due to the nature of flag football).
C. Ball Carrier's Responsibility
1) Hip Dipping is allowed! (Players that do this understand the risk and are releasing everyone and anyone from any liability and are also acknowledging that the calls are strictly up to the refs)
2) No shoulder lowering!
3) No player may alter or tie flags.
4) The ball carrier may NOT stiff arm a defender or shield his flags.
5) Players must keep shirts from interfering or covering flags. If a player begins a play with his shirt untucked, a penalty will be enforced from the line of scrimmage.
6)Ball carrier may NOT initiate contact with the defense! It is the responsibility of the ball carrier to AVOID contacting a stationary defender. Any attempt by the ball carrier to run into, over or through a defender WILL result in a penalty from the LOS.
7) Ball carrier is NOT allowed to hurdle or dive, leave their feet, or extend the ball to gain yardage. If a ball carrier is falling and extends their arm, holding the ball to break their fall, it will be up to the discretion of the ref if the player is attempting to gain advantage or protect themselves from potential injury.
8) The receiver must have TWO FEET IN bounds AND control of the ball for a legal reception.
9)Teams DO NOT have to huddle but if a team calls a huddle, all players for that play MUST be in that huddle. Sleeper plays and center sneaks are NOT allowed.
10) *Shovel passes are allowed. Shovel passes fumbled behind the LOS are incomplete passes.
11) EXTRA POINTS: No kicking. NO RUNNING. 3 yards out= 1 point, 7 yards out= 2 points.
12) Flea Flickers are legal behind LOS.
13) PLAY CLOCK is 25 seconds. HUDDLE CLOCK is 15 seconds.
14) FLAGS: All players on offense, defense & special teams MUST wear flags at all times. EXCEPTION: Center and 2 guards/tackles on offensive line shall NEVER wear flags so as to designate their ineligibility.
15)Blocking:
a) The theory of blocking in arena (indoor) flag football is: a legal block is when head is up and on the front side between shoulders and hips. However, with that in mind, we will allow physical contact during blocking in the following manner-
1. Blocking MUST be above the waist and below the shoulders, executed with open hands and made within the peripheral view of the defender (i.e. not in the back). At no time may a block or physical contact (by the offense or the defense) be made by lowering the shoulder or using the forearms or elbows or extension of arms (stiff arming) in such a manner to cradle or hold a player. A player may NOT leave their feet to make a block. Any block made to the head of an opponent is an automatic first down penalty and is grounds for ejection from game.
2.*Riding a block- No riding blocks where players are knocked or pushed to the ground. Players that are off balance or are falling should NOT be ridden to the ground! Blocking should be in the form of a chuck with NO follow-through that will result in full extension of arms.
b) There will no tripping or attempting to trip.
c) There shall be no contact with a player out of play, with anyone on the ground or once the play is blown dead.
d) You may only (pass) block behind the LOS. (An offensive line may create a push down field in order to gain yards such as short yardage situation- like a run block).
III. Defense
A. General Play
1) Defense is about pulling flags, not tackling!!
2) When a flag is pulled, it is the responsibility of the defender to raise his hand above his head with the flag in it. (This will help officials call a play dead faster).
3) Defense MUST avoid contact when attempting to grab a flag.
a) Defenders should be reaching from the side to grab flags and avoid contact with ball carrier and pull flags from side or behind.
b) Charging head on (jumping in front of ball carrier) is PROHIBITED!
c) The grabbing of the ball carrier's clothing by the defense (if it allows the defense to gain an advantage- ie slows down the ball carrier) , or ripping the ball carrier's clothing down or off, will result in a MAJOR PENALTY added on to the end of the play.
B. Defensive Line
1) The defense MUST have a minimum of 2 linemen. Defense may put all players on the line for a blitz.
C. Defender's Responsibility
1) Defense is prohibited from pushing the ball carrier out of bounds. The attempt to push or physically drive a ball carrier out of bounds or a QB after a throw, will result in a penalty added onto the end of the play. NO PUSHING OR CHECKING PLAYERS into the walls or after the player is on the ground or play is blown dead.
2) Defense is allowed to leave their feet to dive for a flag (from the side or or rear of ball carrier) or attempt to block a pass but NOT TO HIT A QB'S ARM AT ANY POINT!
3) Tackling of the ball carrier is prohibited. If the ball carrier is tackled in order to prevent a TD by the last defender, the TD will be awarded to the offensive team.
4. QB Contact: Defense is NOT allowed to initiate ANY contact to the QB's upper torso, including the arms and shoulders. In an effort to protect a potentially dangerous situation, any defender pursuing a running or a throwing QB, may only pull flags. No contact is allowed on the QB's throwing arm- incidental or otherwise. Defense may leave their feet to block a pass, but if they make contact with a QB before, during or after the ball is released (regardless if the ball is tipped), it will result in a major penalty (Automatic first down and 10 yd penalty).
5. Defensive backs may come in contact against a receiver within 5 yards of the LOS. After that, if a back obstructs the receiver in a manner that would not allow the ball to be caught, it will result in a penalty.
6. *An interception that occurs in the end zone is a live ball. If a knee touches down, flag touches ground or the defender raises their hand to signal a fair catch, then it is an automatic touch back. If a player attempts to advance an interception from out of the end zone and has a flag pulled before he kneels down or signals for a fair catch, it will be considered a touch back.
OVERTIME:
1. No OT for regular season games. OT is only for playoffs.
2. The winner of the toss shall have choice of goals or possession, loser decides remaining option. The choices will be reversed for multiple OT.
3. The ball will be placed at the “2 point conversion line.” The offensive team will have 4 downs to score. At the end of the first set of downs or after a score (whichever comes first), the process will be repeated with the opponent. If after the first set of downs the game is still tied then the process is repeated except if the first team scores in a certain number of plays, the opposing ream will have an opportunity to score in the same number of downs. Example: if Team A scores in 3 plays- Team B MUST score in 3 plays or less. The process will be repeated until one team scores in less downs than their opponent.
4. Interceptions immediately end a team's possession or a fumble recovered by the defense. The defense may not score on a turnover.
5. Penalties will be in full effect.
6. No TOs during OT.
7. All other rules are the same as in regulation.
INADVERTENT WHISTLE:
1. If an inadvertent whistle sounds, the ball becomes dead immediately. The team in possession of the ball when the whistle blew shall have the option to:
a. Replay the down or b. accept the play at the point it was terminated and count the down.
2. If the whistle inadvertently sounds during a legal forward pass or kick (i.e. while the ball is in the air), the down will be played over.
FIGHTING:
*Any player instigating a fight, throwing a punch, taunting or verbally abusing a player, spectator, game official BCFFL or Body Zone employee or representative will be immediately disqualified from the game. NOTE: Any player disqualified for the above offenses will be suspended for the remainder of the season and may be subject to additional local law enforcement procedures.
INTERPRETATIONS:
RULES ARE INTERPRETED BY OFFICIALS AND ONE OFFICIAL WILL BE DESIGNATED AS HEAD OFFICIAL FOR EACH GAME. THE HEAD OFFICIAL WILL RESOLVE ANY CONFLICTS. RULES ARE BASED ON PIAA RULEBOOK WITH MODIFICATIONS NOTED ABOVE FOR THE BCFFL.
Thank you for participating in our flag football league and good luck!!!