FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

Game Play:

Game will consist of (2) 20 minute halves, with a 5 minute half time. The Clock will be a continuous running clock except for the last 2 minutes of the 2nd half. Inside 2 minutes of the second half the clock will only stop on incomplete pass or if the runner runs out of bounds. Each team will have (2) one minute time outs per half. Time outs can be used to stop the clock. Time outs will not carry over between halves. In the event of overtime, each team will get 2 downs from the 10 yard line to score. If they score, they will elect to go for 1 or 2. Each team will get a possession, and if the score is tied after each team has had the ball, overtime will continue until a team has won. If the defense returns an interception for a TD, they win the game

Game will be 5v5. Coin toss will decide who has the ball first. Winner of coin toss will decide if they want ball 1st or second half, the other team will decide which end of field they want to defend or start on. Each team will start each possession from their own 5 yard line. The only 1st down is at mid field. The offense will get 4 downs to either get a 1st down or score a touchdown. In the Event that the offense doesn’t get a 1st down, or touchdown, the opposing team will get the ball at their own 5 yard line. Every possession will start on their own 5 yard line, unless there is an interception. If there is an interception the team will get the ball where the interceptor’s flag was pulled. Once the Ball has been spotted, the offense has 30 seconds to snap the ball. If they do not get the snap off in time, a warning will be given, but if it happens again a 5 yard penalty will be given.

Once the ball is snapped the QB has 7 seconds to throw the ball. If he does not get the ball off in time the QB will be called down. The intention is not to be super picky if it is close, but will be called if it continues to happen.

There are no fumbles. In the event that a fumble occurs, the ball will be dead where it is dropped.

There is no blocking, and no running with a receiver after he has caught the ball to try and stay between a defender, and your teammate.

On offense there will be a snapper, a QB, and 3 Receivers / Running Backs. The snapper must snap the ball between his legs. Every player on offense is eligible to receive a pass, including the snapper. All passes must go forward, there are no laterals beyond the line of scrimmage, but a lateral can occur behind the line of scrimmage.

The QB can not run past the line of scrimmage unless it is 4th down. The offense can hand the ball off to a RB, and then pitch back to the QB and he will then be eligible to run on any play.

If a player's flag falls off while running, they will then be downed if they are touched but can continue to run if not touched after the flag falls off.

The receiver must have 1 foot in bounds for it to be a catch. Any part of Line is out. The receivers can not run “pick plays” to affect the running path of the defender.

There is no “Flag Guarding”. The runner can not use his hands to block the defense from pulling his flag. The runner can not jump, run through the defender, or dive with the ball. They may reach the ball out ahead to get extra yardage, but can not leave their feet. Player is allowed to spin

Scoring:

Each Touchdown is worth 6 points. After a team scores a touchdown they will decide if they want to go for 1 point, or 2 point conversion. A 1 point conversion will be from the 5 yard line, and 2 point will be from the 10 yard line. If the defense gets an interception they can return the extra point try into the opposite end zone, and it will be worth 2 points.

On defense there is no “jamming” on the receivers.

The rusher will start 20 feet, or 7 large steps off from the line of scrimmage. The offense cannot get in the way of the rusher. The rusher has the right away on all rushes. The defense can have only 1 rusher. However if a WR starts on the line of scrimmage, and runs into the backfield to receive a handoff, the cornerback can run into the backfield to follow the receiver, he just can not pull the flag of the QB, unless the ball has been handed off / thrown. On 4th Down the defense can have 2 rushers

Roughing the Passer is if the rusher makes forcible contact with the QB’s arm, head, or body.

Pass Interference is if a player significantly hinders an eligible receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball. Pass interference can be called on the offense or defense.

The intention with the penalties is not to be picky, but to try and talk to players about them to avoid flag guarding, leaving their feet, roughing the passer. However if it is an egregious penalty the ref can call it.

Pass interference - 15 yard penalty

Flag Guarding - 5 yards from the spot

Lunging for pylon or leaving feet to gain yards - 5 yards from the spot

Roughing the Passer - 10 yards

Interfering with the Rusher - 5 yards

The opposing team can decline a penalty

All Flags including the belt must be clearly seen. A player's shirt can not hang over the flags.