usa football flag tournament rules
Our 9th - 12th Grade division will play by the USA Football official tournament rules. This will give our 16U players the opportunity to play in USA Football sanctioned tournaments. Certain aspects of these rules may be adjusted to suite the league.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Definitions
BOUNDARY LINES LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
The outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines and back of the end zone
lines.
(LOS) an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the
field.
LINE-TO-GAIN RUSH LINE
The line the offense must pass to get a first down or score.
An imaginary line running across the width of the field seven yards (into the defensive side) from
the line of scrimmage.
OFFENSE The team with possession of the ball.
DEFENSE The team opposing the offense to prevent it from advancing the ball.
PASSER The offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the quarterback.
BLITZER
The Identified Defensive Player that is at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage assigned to
rush the quarterback to prevent him/ her from passing the ball by pulling his/her flags or by
blocking the pass.
RUSHER DOWNS (1-2-3-4)
Any player who legally crosses the line of scrimmage.
The offensive team has four attempts or “downs” to advance the ball. It must cross the line to gain
to get another set of downs or to score.
LIVE BALL
Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regard to penalties.
Live ball penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is
considered complete.
DEAD BALL Refers to the period of time immediately before or after a play.
WHISTLE
Sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the
action for reporting a penalty, a timeout, halftime or the end of the game.
INADVERTENT WHISTLE Official’s whistle that is performed in error.
CHARGING
An illegal movement of the ball-carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position
on the field. This includes lowering the head or initiating contact with a shoulder, forearm or the
chest.
FLAG GUARDING
An illegal act by the ball-carrier to prevent a defender from pulling
the ball-carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking access to the runner’s
flags with a hand or arm or ball.
SHOVEL PASS
UNSPORTSMANLIKE
CONDUCT
A legal pitch attempted behind the line of scrimmage.
A rude, confrontational, physical or offensive behavior or language.
RIGHT OF PLACE (ROP)
Right of place is given to any stationary players who maintains normal player posture and make no
movements in any horizontal direction to change their position. A purely vertical movement,
including a lift from the ground, in order to throw or catch a pass does not mean that a previously
established right of place has been lost. Right of place supersedes right of way when determining
who is guilty of a foul.
RIGHT OF WAY
Right of way is given to a player according to rule who has established a direction of movement in
a regular manner and does not alter that direction. A player with right of way has a higher
privilege when determining who is guilty of a foul than all other players except those with right
of place.
FLAG FOOTBALL 5V5 TOURNAMENT RULEBOOK
RULE 1: GAME, FIELD, BALL, AND EQUIPMENT
SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Coin Toss
a. At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to
determine who starts with the ball. The visiting team calls 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. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the
game on defense. Teams change sides after the first half.
Article 2. Possession and Change of Possession
a. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four plays to cross
midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown. Crossing midfield
is the only opportunity for an offense to gain a first down within a single possession.
b. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team starts its
drive on its own 5-yard line.
c. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition
starts its drive from its own 5-yard line.
d. If the defense intercepts the ball, a defensive player can attempt to return it until down or
out of bounds.
e. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
Article 3: Coaches
a. For the 6U division, one coach is allowed on the field to call plays and direct players
according to need. Once the quarterback begins his or her cadence, however, coaches can no longer
speak and must be behind the deepest offensive and defensive players and out of the action.
b. For the 6U division, Coaches can assist in the alignment of their players to facilitate a fast-
paced game, but coaches on the field may not provide extra instruction or make audibles to play
calls once the huddle is broken. Coaches on the sidelines can provide this information to players
on the field.
c. 2 coaches ONLY permitted on sideline.
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SECTION 2: ROSTERS
Article 1: Team Rosters
Teams must consist of at least five players with a maximum of 12 players.
Article 2: Uniform Colors
Home teams wear dark color jerseys. Visiting teams wear light color jerseys.
Article 3: On Field Participants
Teams must start tournament with a minimum of five players. In the event of an injury, a team with
insufficient substitute players may play with four players on the field but no fewer than four.
SECTION 3: POSITIONS
Article 1: Offense
The five players on offense consist of a center, a quarterback and three eligible receivers.
a. Center. This player is responsible for snapping the ball and is eligible to go out for passes,
once they have snapped the ball.
b. Quarterback. The quarterback is the offensive player who first gets possession of the ball after
the snap. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball across the line of scrimmage without
first handing the ball off to a teammate and then receiving a second handoff back or receiving
a pass.
c. Receiver/back. Any player who does not initiate the snap nor receive the snap is considered an
eligible receiver/back and can either receive a handoff or catch a pass.
Article 2: Defense
a. Blitzer. A defender who lines up with all parts of their body more than 7 yards away from the
scrimmage line at the snap can establish themselves as a blitzer with a legal signal by raising one
hand clearly above the head at least during the last second prior to the snap. This grants them
right of way which supersedes the general right of way for the offense, because they are pursuing
the runner. The rush of a blitzer shall be immediately after the snap, quick and straight towards
the point where the quarterback receives the snap in order to retain the right of way. If a blitzer
is rushing late, slowly, towards a different spot, changing direction during the rush or just does
not rush the quarterback, the player loses the right of way but still can participate as any other
defender. If a blitzer is forced to change direction due to an offensive foul (shielding), the
blitzer will not lose their right of way for a further direct rush to the point where quarterback
received the snap.
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b. Rusher. A defender who does not give a signal and legally crosses the line of scrimmage.
Following a legal handoff, any member of the defense can cross the line of scrimmage.
SECTION 4: EQUIPMENT
Article 1: Uniforms and Flag Belts
a. Teams are permitted to wear their own uniforms. Uniforms must match and have a dark and light
jersey option. White USA Football flag belts will be provided to each player at team
check-in and required to be used during game play. Game balls will be provided at game fields by
officials.
b. All teams will be provided WHITE USA Football flag belts and flags. Players shall wear flag belt
tightly fit with every effort to be made to keep one flag on each hip of player. The sockets shall
be facing outwards and downwards. The flags shall be clearly visible, hang down freely and must not
be covered in any way by the player’s uniform. The flags and sockets may not be greased, glued or
altered in any way. Any player who deliberately manipulates their flags shall be disqualified.
Article 2: Footwear
Players must wear shoes or cleats. Cleats with exposed metal are not allowed.
Article 3: Additional Equipment
Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee
pads. Braces with exposed metal are not allowed.
Article 4: Uniform Standards
a. Players must remove any jewelry and head wear requested to be removed by official. (acceptable
head wear includes: soft shell helmets (secured properly), headbands, sweatbands and beanies. non
acceptable head wear includes hats will bills.)
b. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the belt line.
c. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants with belt
loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up pockets.
- Shorts or pants cannot be white as they must be a different color than the white USA Football
belts provided.
Article 5: Mouthguards
All players must wear mouth guards while on the playing field.
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SECTION 5. THE BALL
The ball shall be made of four panels of pebble-grained leather in natural tan color with eight
equally spaced lacings and new or nearly new with no alterations. The ball shall be an ellipsoid
spheroid of regulation dimensions and inflated to a pressure of between 12.5 and 13.5 psi (0.85 –
0.95 bar).
Article 1. Types of Football
Dimensions Adult Junior Youth
Length
Length circumference Diameter
Cross circumference Weight
11.00 to 11.50 inches
(27.9 – 29.2 cm)
27.00 to 28.00 inches
(68.6 – 71.1 cm)
6.25 to 6.75 inches
(15.9 – 17.2 cm)
20.00 to 21.00 inches
(50.8 – 53.3 cm)
14 to 15 ounces
(400 – 425 g)
10.50 to 11.00 inches
(26.7 – 27.9 cm)
26.00 to 27.00 inches
(66.0 – 68.6 cm)
6.00 to 6.50 inches
(15.2 – 16.5 cm)
19.00 to 20.00 inches
(48.3 – 50.8 cm)
12 to 13 ounces
(340 – 370 g)
10.25 to 10.75 inches
(26.0 – 27.3 cm)
25.00 to 26.00 inches
(63.5 – 66.0 cm)
5.75 to 6.25 inches
(14.6 – 15.9 cm)
18.00 to 19.00 inches
(45.7 – 48.3 cm)
11 to 12 ounces
(310 – 340 g)
Article 2. Sizes
a. For men’s or co-ed games, adult size balls shall be used.
b. For women’s games, use Youth Ball dimensions. (example: USA Football Youth or Wilson TDY)
c. For junior games aged under-17, youth sized balls shall be used. (example: USA Football Youth or
Wilson TDY)
d. For youth games aged 9-13, junior size balls shall be used. Balls need not be leather. (example:
USA Football Junior or Wilson TDJ)
e. For youth games aged under-8, peewee size balls shall be used. Balls need not be leather.
(example USA Football peewee)
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SECTION 6. THE FIELD
Article 1: Field Dimensions
Field dimensions are 25 X 70 yards in total with two 10- yard end zones and a 50 yard field of
play. No-run zones are only before the goal line. However, some locations may use smaller fields
due to available field space.
Article 2: No-Run Zone's
A No-run zone is in place to prevent teams from conducting run plays. While in the No-run zones (a
5-yard imaginary zone before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion.
All plays must be pass plays, even with a handoff.
Article 3: Field Setup Diagram
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RULE 2: TOURNAMENT PLAY
SECTION 1. CLOCK SETTINGS
Level of Play Total Length of Game Length of Halftime Clock Settings
Youth (5-12 years old) Junior (13-18 years old)
Adult divisions
Two 12-minute halves Two 12-minute halves
Two 15-minute halves
2 minutes
2 minutes
2 minutes
Running clock
Running clock- first half Pro clock- second half Running clock- first half Pro clock- second half
SECTION 2. CLOCK STOPPAGE
Article 1. General Clock Stops
1. The clock stops for timeouts or injuries only, though officials can stop the clock at their
discretion for injury, to stop a team from delaying or other unsportsmanlike conduct.
Article 2. Delay of Game
2. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one
warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
Article 3. Timeouts
3. Each team has one 30-second timeout per half.
Article 4. Injury Stoppage
4. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed
from the field of play and both teams are lined up ready to restart the play.
Article 5: Pro-Clock Operation
PRO-CLOCK CLOCK STOPS
1. To award a first down, also after a change of team possession.
2. To complete a penalty.
3. When the ball or the runner goes out of bounds.
4. When a pass or fumble (forward or backward) strikes the ground.
5. When a score is made and during and after the following try and onside snap.
6. When a charged timeout is granted.
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Article 6. Tournament Play Overtime
1. A coin toss will determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.
a. If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to
choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime. This process continues
with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on offense or defense to start out during every
round of overtime.
b. The official will determine on which end of the field the overtime will take place.
2. Each team will take turns getting one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point or
the defense’s 10-yard line for two points. Whether to go for one or two points is up to the
offensive team. Whether or not the team that begins on offense converts, the team that started on
defense gets a chance on offense to win or tie by converting a one- or two-point play of its own.
a. Example: Team A starts on offense and chooses to go for one point from the 5-yard line and is
successful. Team B is then on offense and can choose to either go for one point from the
five-yard line to tie and force a second round of overtime or to go for two points from the 10-yard
line for the win.
b. If the second team on offense in an overtime round fails to beat or match the team that went
first, the team that went first wins.
3. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
4. There are no timeouts in overtime.
RULE 3: LIVE BALL / DEAD BALL
SECTION 1. LIVE BALL
Article 1: Live Ball Definition
The ball is live at the snap and remains live until an official’s whistle blows the ball dead.
Article 2: Ball Spot
The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage by spotting the ball before each
play and signaling ready for play with a short whistle.
a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone.
In regard to the neutral zone, an official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone
notification prior to the snap to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.
Article 3: Pre-Snap Defense
The defense may not mimic the offensive team’s signals by trying to confuse the offensive players
while the quarterback is calling signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike
conduct penalty.
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Article 4: Possession
A player who gains possession of the ball is considered inbounds as long as one foot comes down in
the field of play. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
SECTION 2. DEAD BALL
Article 1: Dead Ball Definition
Any official can whistle the play dead. Play is ruled “dead” when:
a. The ball hits the ground.
i. If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is then placed where the ball
hit the ground.
b. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
d. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
e. Any part of the body other than feet or hands touches the ground.
f. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
g. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s).
h. An inadvertent whistle.
Article 2: Inadvertent Whistle
In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options:
a. Take the ball where it was when the whistle blew, and the down is consumed.
b. Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
Article 3: Ruling Challenges
a. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the
official’s ruling is correct, the team is charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted
incorrectly, the timeout is not charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should
all agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call.
b. A team with no timeout remaining cannot challenge a rule interpretation, though officials can
come together independently and reverse a call by unanimous decision.
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RULE 4: GAME PLAY
SECTION 1: SCORING
Article 1: Touchdown Touchdown: Six 6 points Article 2: Extra Points
PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line).
a. Because of the No-run zone, a one point PAT is pass only; two point PAT can be run or pass.
i. Defense touchdown on a try - 2 points.
ii. Safety - 2 points
iii. Safety on a try - 1 point.
b. A team that scores a touchdown must declare prior to the snap whether it wishes to attempt a
one- or two-point conversion. Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point,
requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty. Interceptions can be
returned for a safety (2 points) .
Article 3: Safety 2 points
a. A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in his or her own end zone. Runners can
be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, a flag falls out, they step out
of bounds, a knee or arm touches the ground, a fumble occurs in the end zone or if a snapped ball
lands in or beyond the end zone. A penalty in the end zone (i.e. flag guarding) can also be ruled a
safety.
Article 4: Mercy Rule
a. After one team is leading by 30 points or more, the game is over and no PATs are attempted.
b. Forfeits will be scored 30-0.
SECTION 2: RUNNING
Article 1: Spotting the Ball
The spot of the ball is the position of the ball when the flag is pulled, not the location of the
hips.
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Article 2: Legal Running Plays
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 take place behind the line of scrimmage. The
offense may use multiple handoffs. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball.
a. The “center sneak” play is not allowed as centers are ineligible to receive handoffs.
b. Any player who receives a handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
c. Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, all
defensive players are eligible to rush.
Article 3: No Run Zone
No-run zone are located five yards before the end zone in the direction the offense is headed. They
are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in this
zone.
Article 4: Flag Guarding
a. 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.
b. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping to avoid a flag
pull is considered flag guarding.
c. 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.
d. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid
collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced.
e. Flag obstruction – All jerseys must be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the
player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag
guarding.
Article 5: Blocking / Screening
No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
Article 6: Running With the Ball-Carrier
Offensive players without the ball must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of
scrimmage. There is no running with the ball-carrier.
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SECTION 3: PASSING
Article 1: Forward Pass
A pass is considered a forward pass if the ball first touches anything beyond the spot where the
ball is released. All other passes are backward passes, even if it is lateral (parallel to the
scrimmage line).
a. The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. The pass must go beyond the line of
scrimmage and be in the vicinity of a receiver.
b. Quarterbacks cannot spike the ball dead unless the ball travels beyond the line of scrimmage and
is in the vicinity of a teammate.
c. Any player who has received a legal handoff can throw the ball forward as long as they are still
behind the line of scrimmage.
Article 2: Shovel Pass
Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.
Article 3: Seven Second Clock
A seven-second pass clock begins upon the snap and continues until there is a handoff or pass. If
the seven-second clock expires while the quarterback still has the ball, the play is blown dead, a
down is lost and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage as if an incomplete pass occurred.
SECTION 4: RECEIVING
Article 1: Eligible Receivers
All players – are eligible to receive passes.
Article 2: Legal Reception
A player must have at least one foot inbounds to make a legal reception.
Article 3: Simultaneous Possession
In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is
awarded to the offense.
Article 4: Interceptions
Interceptions are returnable and are the only changes of possession that do not result with
starting on the 5-yard line.
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SECTION 5: BLITZER AND RUSHER
Article 1: Blitzer
All Blitzers must be a minimum of seven yards behind the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped
and must declare themselves by raising their hand. Players not blitzing the quarterback can defend
on the line of scrimmage. No more than two players may establish themselves as Blitzers on a given
play.
Article 2: Rusher
Once the ball is handed off, the 7-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go
behind the line of scrimmage. At this point players crossing the line of scrimmage are Rushers.
Article 3: Legal Blitzing
A marker, or the official, will designate a rush line seven yards from the line of scrimmage.
Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position and identify themselves before
every play.
a. A legal blitz is:
i. Any rush from a point 7 yards from the defensive line of scrimmage.
ii. If a blitzer leaves the rush line early (breaks the 7-yard area), they may return to the rush
line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback.
iii. If a blitzer leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before he/she crosses the
line of scrimmage, he/she may legally rush the second receiver.
b. A penalty may be called if:
i. The Blitzer leaves the rush line before the snap crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff
or pass – illegal rush (5 yards from the line of scrimmage and first down).
ii. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – offsides (5
yards from line of scrimmage and first down).
iii. Any defensive player not lined up at the rush line or declared crosses the line of scrimmage
before the ball is passed or handed off – illegal rush (5 yards from the line of scrimmage and
first down).
iv. A maximum of 2 players may establish themselves as a blitzer. If a player who signals is less
that 7 yards from the line of scrimmage or if a player is giving an invalid signal or if more than
2 players simultaneously keep their hand raised after the snapper has touched the ball, its a foul
for illegal signal. Foul - 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.
c. Special circumstances:
i. Teams are not required to rush the quarterback with the seven second clock in effect.
ii. Teams are required to identify their Blitzer before the play.
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Article 4: Roughing the Passer
Players blitzing the quarterback may attempt to block a pass; however, NO contact can be made with
the quarterback in any way. Blocking the pass or attempting to block the pass and then making
contact with the passer will result in a roughing the passer penalty.
Article 5: Impeding the Blitzer
The offense cannot impede the Blitzer in any way. The Blitzers have the right to a clear path to
the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap. If the “path or line” is
occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility to avoid the
Blitzer. Any disruption to the Blitzer's path and/or contact will result in an impeding the blitzer
penalty. If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the Blitzer's
responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.
Article 6: Quarterback Sack
A sack occurs if the quarterback’s flag are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed
where the quarterback’s feet are when flag is pulled.
a. A safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.
SECTION 6. HOLDING, SHIELDING, CONTACT AND AIMING
Article 1: Holding
Holding is grasping an opponent or their equipment, not releasing immediately and impacting the
opponent.
Article 2: Shielding
Shielding is obstructing an opponent without contact by moving into their path. A moving player
without right of way who impedes an opponent from running a pass route, getting to the runner or
impedes a legal blitzer is guilty of shielding. A player standing still (with the right of place)
is not shielding, even if the player is obstructing an opponent.
Article 3: Contact
Contact is touching an opponent with impact. Touching with no impact is not a foul.
Article 4: Aiming
Aiming is to target and initiate contact with an opponent or to run into an opponent on purpose,
even with right of way. Aiming is any deliberate or avoidable contact with excessive force, even in
an attempted flag pull or while playing the ball during a pass. Aiming is to attack a ball in
possession or take away the ball from the runner.
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SECTION 7. FLAG PULLING
Article 1: Legal Flag Pull
A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.
Article 2: Diving and Holding
Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball-carrier when
pulling flags.
Article 3: Stripping
It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.
Article 4: Inadvertent Loss of Flag
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. The ball is placed where the flag lands.
Article 5: Illegal Flag Pull
A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of
the ball.
a. If a defender makes a good-faith flag pull while a receiver bobbles or juggles what will be a
completed catch, the ball is down where possession is made.
SECTION 8. FORMATIONS
Article 1: Offensive Formations
Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and any number of
players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
a. One player at a time may go in motion 1 yard behind and parallel to the line of scrimmage.
EXAMPLE: An offensive player lined up 3 yards deep in the backfield can never go in motion. A
player in motion must either start from a set position on the line of scrimmage or 1 yard off to
adhere to the rule.
b. No motion is allowed toward the line of scrimmage.
Article 2: False Start
Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion
is considered a false start.
Article 3: Legal Snap
The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player
in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
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SECTION 9. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Article 1: Intentional Contact
If the field monitor or official witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots,
blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player 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!
a. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
b. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
c. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
Article 2: Offensive Language
Offensive or confrontational language is not allowed. 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.
Article 3: Spectator Conduct
Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
b. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
c. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
Article 4: Field Safety
Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid-friendly:
a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the
field in the end zone area.
b. Stay in the end zone area, not between fields. The Administrative Zone is reserved for league
administration, game officials, medical personnel, coaches and players only.
c. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
Article 5: Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty
Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
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RULE 5: OFFICIAL DUTIES
SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1: Jurisdiction of Officials
Jurisdiction of Officials - The officials’ jurisdiction begins with the coin toss and ends when the
Referee declares the score final.
Article 2: Number of Officials
Number of Officials - The game shall be played under the supervision of 2 (R and FJ), 3 (R, DJ and
FJ) or 4 (R, DJ, FJ and SJ) officials.
a. If officiating crews contain 2 or 3 officials, the other job responsibilities are to be split
accordingly.
SECTION 2. REFEREE
Article 1: Position
The initial position of the Referee is behind and to the side of the FJ in the offensive backfield.
On a 2-man crew, the Referee is positioned and working like Down Judge.
Article 2: Basic Responsibilities
Basic Responsibilities:
a. The Referee has general oversight and control of the game, has final authority for the score and
their decisions upon rules and other matters pertaining to the game are final.
b. The Referee shall inspect the field and report any irregularities to game management, coaches
and other officials.
c. The Referee has jurisdiction over player equipment.
d. The Referee shall indicate that the ball is ready for play, award new series of downs and
administer penalties.
e. The Referee shall notify both head coaches of any disqualifications.
f. After the snap, the Referee shall be responsible for ruling on the play behind the scrimmage
line around the ball.
g. The Referee is responsible for coverage of the quarterback.
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SECTION 3. DOWN JUDGE
Article 1: Position
The initial position of the Down Judge is on the scrimmage line at the side line with the down
indicator.
Article 2: Basic Responsibilities
Basic Responsibilities:
a. The Down Judge is responsible for the operation of the down indicator.
b. The Down Judge shall keep count of the downs.
c. The Down Judge has jurisdiction over the scrimmage line and their side line.
d. Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Down Judge shall be responsible for ruling on
the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.
SECTION 4. FIELD JUDGE
Article 1: Position
The initial position of the Field Judge is 7 yards deep at the side line opposite to the down
indicator.
Article 2: Basic Responsibilities
Basic Responsibilities:
a. On a 2 or 3-man crew the Field Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game
clock operator.
b. The Field Judge has jurisdiction over their side line.
c. Once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, the Field Judge shall be responsible for ruling on
the play around the ball and forward progress on their side of the field.
SECTION 5. SIDE JUDGE
Article 1: Position
The initial position of the Side Judge is 7 or more yards deep at the side line with the down
indicator.
Article 2: Basic Responsibilities
Basic Responsibilities:
a. The Side Judge is responsible for timing the game or supervising the game clock operator.
b. The Side Judge shall be responsible for observing receivers on deep routes for ruling on long
passes and the status of the ball and forward progress in their area.
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RULE 6: PENALTIES
SECTION 1.
General Provisions
The officials will call all penalties.
Game officials determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties
will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted (spot fouls).
Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and
interpretations. Players may not question calls.
Games may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play
is considered complete.
Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more
than half the distance to the goal.
SECTION 2.
Defensive Spot Fouls
Holding Stripping
Illegal flag pull (Before the receiver has the ball)
Illegal Equipment
Automatic first down
+10 yards and automatic first down
+5 yards from the spot
+5 from the spot.
*Further infractions may result in unsportsmanlike conduct up to ejection.
SECTION 3.
Offensive Spot Fouls
Screening, blocking or running with the ball Charging
Flag guarding Illegal Equipment
-10 yards and loss of down
-10 yards and loss of down
-5 yards and loss of down
-5 yards from the spot of the foul.
*Further infractions may result in unsportsmanlike conduct up to ejection
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SECTION 4.
Defensive Penalties
Defensive pass interference Defensive unnecessary roughness Defensive unsportsmanlike conduct
Offsides
Illegal rush (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
Illegal Signal Roughing the passer
Taunting
+10 yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down
+10 yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down
+10 yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down
+5 yards from line of scrimmage
+5 yards from line of scrimmage
+5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Live ball foul
+5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
+5 yards & automatic first down
SECTION 5.
Offensive Penalties
Offensive unnecessary roughness Offensive unsportsmanlike conduct Offsides / false start
Delay of game
Illegal forward pass (Any pass received or lands behind the line of scrimmage or throwing a pass
after crossing the line of scrimmage)
Offensive pass interference
Illegal motion (More than one person moving)
Impeding the Blitzer Taunting
Center Sneak Backwards pass
-10 yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down
-10 yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down
-5 yards from line of scrimmage
-5 yards from line of scrimmage
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
-10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
-5 yards and loss of down
-5 yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down
-5 yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down
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SECTION 6. OFFICIALS SIGNALS
S 1
Ready for play S 8
First Down S 18
Offside Illegal Blitz S 27
Unsportsmanlike conduct
S 43
Shielding
S 3
Stop the clock S 9
Loss of down S 19
False start Illegal procedure S 33
Pass Interference S 47
Disqualification
S 5
Touchdown S 10
Incomplete pass S 21
Delay of game Delay of pass S 35
Illegal forward or backward pass S 51
Jumping Diving
S 6
Safety S 14
End of period S 22
Illegal participation Illegal substitution S 38
Illegal contact S 52
Flag guarding Illegal Flag pull
**THIS MANUAL REPRESENTS PRACTICE AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES BASED ON OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF
KNOWLEDGE. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS MORE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION BECOMES
AVAILABLE.**
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