South-City Classic Official Rulebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Definitions

2. The Game

3. Periods and Timing

4. Live Ball and Dead Ball

5. Series of Downs and Line to Gain

6. Snapping and Passing the Ball

7. Scoring

8. Conduct of Players and Fouls

9. Penalty Enforcement

10. Officials and Their Duties

11. The Playing Field and Equipment

 

RULE 1 - DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1. Spots

ARTICLE 1. Enforcement Spot
An enforcement spot is the point from which the penalty for a foul is enforced.

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ARTICLE 2. Dead Ball Spot (DB)
The dead ball spot is the point at which the ball becomes dead.

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ARTICLE 3. Spot of Foul (SF)
The spot of the foul is the point at which that foul occurs. If out of bounds, it is the adjacent spot on the sideline. If behind the goal line, the foul is in the end zone.

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ARTICLE 4. Out-of-Bounds Spot
The out-of-bounds spot is the point at which the ball becomes dead due to being out of bounds.

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SECTION 2. Foul, Penalty and Violation

ARTICLE 1. Foul
A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed by rule. A flagrant foul is a rule infraction that places an opponent in danger of injury.

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ARTICLE 2. Penalty
A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team that has committed a foul and may include one or more of the following: loss of yardage, loss of down, automatic first down, or disqualification. If the penalty involves loss of a down, the down shall count as one of the four in that series.

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ARTICLE 3. Violation
A violation is a rule infraction for which no penalty is prescribed; it does not offset a foul.

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ARTICLE 4. Loss of a Down (LOD)
"Loss of a down" means the current down counts as used and the offense advances to the next down in the series. The offense loses the right to replay the current down.

Example: If a penalty with "loss of down" occurs on 2nd down, the next play will be 3rd down (the offense has lost the opportunity to replay 2nd down). The down number advances by one.

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SECTION 3. Shift and Motion

ARTICLE 1. Shift
A shift is a simultaneous change of position by two or more offensive players after the ball is made ready for play and before the snap. The shift ends when all players have been stationary for one full second.

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ARTICLE 2. Motion
A motion is a change of position by one offensive player after the end of a shift and before the snap.

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SECTION 4. Handling of the Ball

ARTICLE 1. Hand-off
A hand-off is a successful transfer of possession from one teammate to another that does not involve a pass. A fake hand-off is any movement of the runner with the hands towards a nearby teammate that simulates a transfer of possession. A faked pass (pump or simulated pitch) or the runner turning the body towards a teammate without movement of the hands is not a fake hand-off.

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ARTICLE 2. Pass
A pass is any intentional act to throw the ball in any direction or drop it to the ground. A pass is identified by a period where the ball is not in any player's possession. A pass starts with the final release after firm control during an intentional movement of the hand or arm. A pass continues to be a pass until it is completed to a player or the ball becomes dead.

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ARTICLE 3. Fumble
A fumble is any act other than passing or successful handing that results in loss of player possession. A fumble can only occur after a player gains possession of a ball.

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ARTICLE 4. Possession
Possession means firmly holding or controlling a live ball. A change of team possession (COP) occurs when an opponent gains possession of the ball.

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ARTICLE 5. Batting
Batting the ball is intentionally striking it with the hands or arms.

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ARTICLE 6. Kicking
Kicking the ball is intentionally striking it with the knee, lower leg, or foot and is illegal.

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SECTION 5. Passes

ARTICLE 1. Forward and Backward Pass
A pass is forward if the ball first touches anything beyond the spot where the ball is released. All other passes are backward passes, even if lateral (parallel to the scrimmage line). A snap becomes a backward pass when the snapper releases the ball. If a snapper loses control of the ball as they begin the snap, it is an illegal snap.

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ARTICLE 2. Crosses Scrimmage Line
A legal forward pass has crossed the scrimmage line when it first touches anything beyond the scrimmage line in bounds.

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ARTICLE 3. Catch and Interception
A catch is the act of firmly establishing and maintaining control of a live ball in flight. A catch of an opponent's pass or fumble is an interception. A player who leaves the ground to make a catch or interception must have the ball firmly controlled when first returning to the ground with any part of the body touching the ground in bounds and then maintain complete and continuous control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground to complete the pass. If the player loses control of the ball and the ball touches the ground before the process of the catch is completed, then it is not a catch.

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ARTICLE 4. Sack
A sack is the removal of a flag (flag pull) from the quarterback behind the scrimmage line who is in possession of a live ball. A player is in possession of the ball until the ball is completely released.

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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.

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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.

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ARTICLE 3. Contact
Contact is touching an opponent with impact. Touching with no impact is not a foul.

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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, Flag Guarding, Jumping, Dipping, Spinning and Diving

ARTICLE 1. Flag Pull
A flag pull is the removal of one or more flags from an opponent with one or more hands. The ball shall be spotted at the location of the ball when the flag is pulled, not at the location of the ball-carrier's hips or body.

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ARTICLE 2. Flag Guarding
Flag guarding is an attempt by the runner to avoid a flag pull by covering the flag with any part of the body (hand, arm, or leg) or with the ball. Flag guarding is also leaning the upper body forward (diving) or stretching out a hand, with or without the ball, towards the opponent to make it more difficult for the defender to reach the flag.

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ARTICLE 3. Jumping
Jumping is an attempt by the runner to avoid a flag pull by pushing off the ground and thus raising the level of the flags significantly compared to regular running. Jumping is a type of flag guarding and illegal.

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ARTICLE 4. Dipping
Dipping is an attempt by the runner, with continuous movement, to avoid a flag pull by extra bending of the knees and lowering the level of the flags significantly compared to regular running. Dipping is legal.

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ARTICLE 5. Spinning
Spinning is an attempt by the runner to avoid a flag pull by rotation of the body along the vertical axis. Spinning is legal if the height of the flags is not significantly raised. Spinning combined with dipping is legal; combined with jumping is illegal.

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ARTICLE 6. Diving
Diving is an attempt by the runner to avoid a flag pull by leaning the upper body forward, with or without jumping, dipping, or spinning. Diving is a type of flag guarding and is illegal.

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SECTION 8. Right of Place and Right of Way

ARTICLE 1. Right of Place (ROP)

Right of place is given to any stationary players who maintain 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.

ARTICLE 2. Right of Way (ROW)

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.

 

RULE 2 - THE GAME

SECTION 1. The Teams

ARTICLE 1. Team Composition

Each team shall have exactly 5 players on the field at a time. A team may have additional players on its roster who serve as substitutes.

ARTICLE 2. Participation

Participation by more than five players of one team is illegal.
PENALTY - 5 yards, spot of foul is the scrimmage line, enforced from the scrimmage line.

ARTICLE 3. Minimum Team Size

A team must have at least 5 players to begin and continue a game. If a team cannot field 5 players, the game shall be forfeited.

ARTICLE 4. Team Captains

Each team shall designate a team captain before the game begins. The team captain is the only player who may address officials regarding interpretations of rules. Team captains represent their team during the coin toss.

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SECTION 2. Substitutions

ARTICLE 1. Substitution Procedures

 

 

• Any number of legal substitutes may enter the game to replace teammates after the ball is dead. The offense may substitute until the snapper touches the ball. The defense may substitute until the ball is snapped.

• After the ball has been snapped, no substitute from either team shall enter the field of play.

  • PENALTY - 5 yards, spot of foul is the scrimmage line, enforced from the scrimmage line.

• No offensive player shall enter or leave the field of play after the snapper has touched the ball.

• No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents.

  • PENALTY - Ball remains dead, 5 yards, enforced from the scrimmage line.

 

RULE 3 - PERIODS AND TIMING

SECTION 1. Playing Time

ARTICLE 1. Length of Play and Intermission

The total playing time shall be 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each, with a 3-minute intermission between halves.

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ARTICLE 2. Extension of Periods

A period shall be extended until a down has been played which is free from live ball fouls (without loss of down) for which the penalty is accepted. If offsetting fouls occur during a down in which time expires, the down will be repeated. No period shall end until the ball is dead and the Referee declares the period ended.

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ARTICLE 3. Timing Devices

The game clock shall be kept by a game operator and the 25-second play clock shall be kept by a referee.

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ARTICLE 4. When Clock Starts

When the game clock has been stopped by rule, it shall be started when the ball is next legally snapped.
Exception: The game clock will start at the ready for play when it was only stopped at the Referee's discretion.

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ARTICLE 5. When Clock Stops
The game clock shall be stopped when each half ends, for a charged team timeout, for an injury timeout, or at the Referee's discretion.

The game clock shall run continuously except during the last 1 minute of the first half and the last 2 minutes of the second half.

Within the last 1 minute of the first half and the last 2 minutes of the second half, the clock shall stop for:

1. Incomplete pass

2. Active ball-carrier stepping out of bounds

3. Penalties

4. To award a first down, also after a change of team possession

5. When a score is made and during and after the following try

6. When a charged timeout is granted

The game clock shall not run during an extension of a half or overtime.

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ARTICLE 6. Running Clock
If the score difference is 30 points or more at the Referee's notification, the clock will not stop for situations it normally would do so for in the last 2 minutes. The Referee will inform both teams at the Referee's notification that the clock will no longer be stopped (running clock) for the remainder of the half. After the Referee's notification, the status of the clock (standard or running) will not change even if the score difference goes below 30 or reaches 30 or more points.

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ARTICLE 7. Offensive Penalties During the Final Minutes

If the offense commits a penalty that causes the clock to stop during the final 1 minute of the first half or the final 2 minutes of the second half, and the offense has no timeouts remaining, there shall be a 10-second runoff from the game clock in addition to the yardage penalty.

Applicable Penalties: The 10-second runoff applies to the following offensive fouls when committed with a running clock:

• False start

• Delay of game

• Illegal substitution

• Encroachment/Offside by offense

• Any other offensive penalty that stops the clock

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Exception: The defense may decline the 10-second runoff and accept only the yardage penalty.

Timeout Option: The offense may avoid the 10-second runoff by using a charged timeout, if one is available. If the offense has no timeouts remaining, the runoff is mandatory (unless declined by the defense).

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Example: With 45 seconds left in the game and the clock running, the offense commits a false start with no timeouts remaining. Result: 5-yard penalty, replay of down, and 10 seconds run off the clock (new time: 35 seconds).

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SECTION 2. Timeouts

ARTICLE 1. Number of Timeouts

Each team is allowed one 30-second timeout per half.

ARTICLE 2. Timeout Duration

Each timeout shall last 30 seconds. The Referee shall notify both teams when 20 seconds have elapsed and when the timeout has ended.

ARTICLE 3. Requesting Timeout

A timeout may be requested by any player on the field or the team captain. The request must be made to an official before the ball is snapped. Once the ball is ready for play, a timeout request must be made immediately.

ARTICLE 4. Charged Timeouts

A charged timeout is one of the timeouts allowed per half. When a team has used its allowed timeout, no additional timeouts may be granted except for injury or official's timeout.

ARTICLE 5. Injury Timeout

An official may grant an injury timeout when a player is injured and requires attention. If the injured player's team has a timeout remaining, it may be charged as a team timeout. If no timeouts remain, the game clock shall stop while the injured player receives attention and is removed from the field. The injured player must miss at least one play.

ARTICLE 6. Official's Timeout

The Referee may call an official's timeout at their discretion for game administration purposes, including but not limited to: equipment repairs, field maintenance, or resolving timing or scoring discrepancies. Official's timeouts are not charged to either team.

ARTICLE 7. Timeout Procedures

When a timeout is granted:

a. The game clock shall stop
b. Players may go to their team's sideline
c. Coaches may confer with players
d. The ball shall be placed at the spot where it became dead or will be put in play

SECTION 3. Overtime

ARTICLE 1. Overtime Structure
If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the game shall enter overtime. Each team will be given 3 attempts on offense to score either a 1-point or 2-point conversion.

ARTICLE 2. Starting Overtime
A coin toss shall determine which team has the choice of possessing the ball first or second. Teams will alternate offensive possessions.

ARTICLE 3. Scoring in Overtime
Offenses may elect to attempt either a 1-point conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line) on each of their three attempts. Teams may choose differently on each attempt.

ARTICLE 4. Determining the Winner
The team with the most points scored during their 3 attempts shall win the game.

ARTICLE 5. Tied After Overtime
If teams are tied after each has had 3 attempts, additional overtime periods shall be played using the same format until a winner is determined.

 

RULE 4 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL

SECTION 1. Definitions

ARTICLE 1. Live Ball
The ball is live at the snap (when the center legally moves the ball to the quarterback) and remains live until an official's whistle blows the ball dead. During a live ball, the play is in motion. Players can advance the ball, pass, run, and on defense, pull flags or intercept the ball. Penalties that occur during a live ball (e.g., pass interference, illegal rushing, holding) are enforced at the end of the down.

ARTICLE 2. Dead Ball
A dead ball is a ball not in play. It refers to the period immediately before the snap (between plays) or after the play has been whistled dead.

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SECTION 2. When Ball Becomes Dead

ARTICLE 1. Dead Ball Becomes Alive

For the next down, the ball shall be put in play at the spot midway between the sidelines, laterally in line with the spot where the ball was when it became dead by rule (where the ball was located when the flag was pulled, not where the ball-carrier's body was), or at the spot where the ball has been placed following completion of an accepted penalty or to award a new series. After a dead ball is made ready for play, it becomes a live ball with the start of a legal snap. A ball snapped before it is made ready for play or is illegally snapped remains dead. A foul before the ball is snapped (delay of game, encroachment, false start, disconcerting signal, illegal blitzer signal) will cause the ball to remain dead.

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ARTICLE 2. Live Ball Becomes Dead
A live ball becomes dead by rule and an official shall sound a whistle when:

a. The ball hits the ground (including incomplete passes and fumbles)
b. The ball-carrier's flag is pulled
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds
d. Any part of the runner's body except their hand or foot touches the ground
e. A runner simulates placing the knee on the ground
f. A player with fewer than two flags is in possession of the ball
g. A player with flags not positioned correctly is in possession of the ball and the player themselves is responsible
h. The ball-carrier's flag falls off before being pulled and they are touched by a defender
i. A touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful try occurs
j. The 6-second pass clock expires
k. A foul which causes the ball to become dead (e.g., illegal kick or delay of pass) occurs
l. An official blows the whistle

On an inadvertent whistle by an official, the ball becomes dead and the team in possession may elect either to put the ball next in play where it was declared dead or to replay the down.

 

RULE 5 - SERIES OF DOWNS AND LINE TO GAIN

SECTION 1. Series of Downs

ARTICLE 1. Number of Downs

A team in possession shall have four consecutive downs to advance to the line to gain.

ARTICLE 2. Line to Gain

The line to gain in any series shall be the midfield line (40-yard line) for teams starting from their own 5-yard line. Once midfield is reached, the line to gain becomes the opponent's goal line.

ARTICLE 3. Award of New Series
A new series of downs shall be awarded when:

a. A team crosses midfield (first down)
b. After a change of team possession
c. After a penalty that includes an automatic first down
d. After a touchdown
e. After a safety or touchback

ARTICLE 4. Turnover on Downs

If the offense fails to reach the line to gain after four downs, the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at the spot where the ball became dead on the fourth down.

ARTICLE 5. Punt Option

Teams may elect to "punt" on any down. When a team elects to punt, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team on that team's 5-yard line. There is no physical punting; this is a strategic option to give possession to the opponent.

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SECTION 2. Measurements

ARTICLE 1. Measurement Procedures
The Referee shall determine if the line to gain has been reached. When a measurement is required, it shall be made at the forward point of the ball when it became dead.

ARTICLE 2. Crossing Midfield
A first down is awarded when the ball crosses the midfield line (40-yard line). The ball must break the plane of the midfield line for a new series to be awarded.

ARTICLE 3. Goal Line as Line to Gain
Once a team has crossed midfield, the opponent's goal line becomes the line to gain. Teams have four downs to score a touchdown.

 

RULE 6 - SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL

SECTION 1. The Scrimmage

ARTICLE 1. Ball Ready for Play

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Ready for Play
No player shall put the ball in play before it is ready for play.
Note: If the ball is snapped after the ball is declared ready but before all the officials are ready, any official shall stop the play immediately without penalty and the Referee will order the down to be replayed. The Referee shall take care only to declare the ball ready for play if all officials are ready and in position.

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Delay of Game
The ball shall be put in play within 25 seconds after the Referee has declared the ball ready for play.
PENALTY - Ball remains dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the dead ball spot, replay down.

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6-Second Clock Violation
The quarterback has 6 seconds to pass or hand-off the ball after the snap. If this limit is exceeded, the ball becomes dead at the scrimmage line. The play may continue if the quarterback's arm is in motion at the count of 6.
PENALTY - Loss of down at the scrimmage line.

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ARTICLE 2. Offensive Team Requirements
There is no minimum or maximum number of players required to be on the scrimmage line at the snap.

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A. Offside
After the snapper touches the ball and before the ball is snapped, all offensive players shall be in bounds and behind their side of the scrimmage line (encroachment if on defense).
PENALTY - Play is blown dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the original dead ball spot, replay down.

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B. False Start
No offensive player shall make a false start or make any abrupt movement that simulates the beginning of a play.
PENALTY - Ball remains dead, 5 yards enforced from the dead ball spot, replay down.

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C. Illegal Shift
When the snap starts, one offensive player may be in motion, but may not be moving toward the opponent's goal line. When the snap starts and two or more players are moving, it is an illegal shift. This is not the NFL, so WRs are allowed not to be perfectly still, but two may not be in real movement at the same time.
PENALTY - Ball remains dead, 5 yards enforced from the dead ball spot, replay down.

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D. Illegal Rush (QB)
The quarterback cannot run with the ball beyond the scrimmage line unless the defense has first crossed the line of scrimmage in an effort to rush. If the QB runs without a defensive player crossing the line, it is an illegal rush.
PENALTY - Play is blown dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the original dead ball spot, replay down.

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E. Illegal Rush (RB)
When the ball is snapped on or inside the 5-yard line going towards the opponent's end zone or first down line (no-running zone), the offense shall only make a forward pass play. Teams are allowed to hand off and pitch the ball backwards behind the line of scrimmage within the no-run zone, but only the original QB may run if rushed. If the QB pitches the ball to another player within the no-running zone, that player may not cross the line of scrimmage, but they may throw the ball.
PENALTY - Play is blown dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the original dead ball spot, replay down.

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ARTICLE 3. Handing the Ball

a. The offense may hand off or pitch the ball multiple times and still pass the ball as long as all involved players are behind the scrimmage line and all pitches have been backwards.

b. Forward hand-offs still allow for a pass to be completed; forward pitches count as an offense's one forward pass per play.

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ARTICLE 4. Defensive Team Requirements

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Offside/Encroachment
Before the ball is snapped, all defenders shall be in bounds and behind their scrimmage line (offside).
PENALTY - Play is blown dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the original dead ball spot, replay down.

Distracting
No defender shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents when they are preparing to put the ball in play (intentional distracting sounds).
PENALTY - Play is blown dead, 5-yard penalty enforced from the original dead ball spot, replay down.

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Legal Rushing and Illegal Early Rush
The referee will call out the 6-second clock aloud for the entire field to hear. After "2" has been completed, any amount of defenders may cross the line of scrimmage to rush the passer.

If the offense hands the ball off or pitches the ball, the defense may cross immediately and not wait for "2" to be completed.

If a defender crosses the line of scrimmage before "2" has been completely said aloud, it is an illegal early rush. This includes being drawn offside by a fake hand-off.
PENALTY - Play is allowed to continue; if accepted - 5 yards enforced from original line of scrimmage, replay down.

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Roughing the Passer
No defensive player may rush the passer and create contact. All rushers must either avoid contact outright or only go for the QB's flags. If the QB cannot step into the throw because the defender is airborne in their path, that is also roughing the passer, even if the QB avoids the contact.
PENALTY - Once play is dead, if accepted - 5 yards enforced from original line of scrimmage, replay down.

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SECTION 2. Passes and Fumbles

ARTICLE 1. Backward Passes and Pitches
A runner may pass/pitch the ball backwards at any point. The pass must be clearly backwards. All close to horizontal pitches will be called as down at the spot.

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ARTICLE 2. Complete Pass
Any pass caught by an eligible player touching the ground in bounds is completed and the ball continues in play unless completed in the opponent's end zone.

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ARTICLE 3. Incomplete Pass
Any pass is incomplete if the ball touches the ground when not firmly controlled by a player. It also is incomplete when a player jumps and receives the pass but first lands on or outside a boundary line. When a forward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing team at the previous scrimmage line, which is the dead ball spot. When a backward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing team at the spot of the last player's possession, which is the dead ball spot.

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ARTICLE 4. Fumble
When a fumble hits the ground, the ball is dead and belongs to the fumbling team at the spot where the fumbler lost possession; this is the dead ball spot. If the fumbler or an opponent gains possession before the ball becomes dead, the ball continues in play. If the fumble is forward, no teammate of the fumbler may advance the ball.

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ARTICLE 5. Illegal Touching
All inbound players are eligible to touch, bat, or catch a pass.

No offensive player who goes out of bounds voluntarily during a down shall touch a pass first.

If an offensive player is forced out of bounds due to a foul and immediately returns to the field of play or end zone, the player remains eligible to touch or catch a pass.
PENALTY - Loss of down at the scrimmage line.

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SECTION 3. Forward Pass

ARTICLE 1. Legal Forward Pass
A team may make one forward pass during each scrimmage down before team possession changes, provided the pass is thrown from a point behind the scrimmage line.

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ARTICLE 2. Illegal Forward Pass
A forward pass is illegal:

a. If thrown by an offensive player who is fully beyond the scrimmage line when the ball is released
b. If thrown after a runner has gone beyond the scrimmage line
c. If it is the second forward pass by the offense during the same down
d. If thrown after team possession has changed during the down

PENALTY - 5 yards, also loss of down if by offense prior to change of team possession, enforced from the spot of foul.

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ARTICLE 3. Pass Interference

Pass interference is physical contact on a legal forward pass play up to the point where the pass is touched by a player or falls incomplete. Pass interference is contact that interferes with an opponent whilst the ball is in the air. It is the responsibility of the defender to avoid the opponents. It is not pass interference when two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and fair attempt to touch, bat, or catch the pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball, but it is the responsibility of the player in the disadvantageous position to avoid the opponent. (If you can't block it cleanly, give up the ball and go for flags.)
PENALTY - 15 yards enforced from the original line of scrimmage. Loss of down for fouls by offense. Automatic first down for fouls by defense.

Note: Contact on a pass play before the pass has been thrown or if the pass does not cross the scrimmage line is a foul for illegal contact.

 

RULE 7 - SCORING

SECTION 1. Value of Scores

ARTICLE 1. Scoring Plays
The point value of scoring plays shall be:

• Touchdown: 6 points

• Successful Extra Point Attempt from 5 yards: 1 point

• Successful Extra Point Attempt from 10 yards: 2 points

• Safety: 2 points (points awarded to opponent)

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SECTION 2. Touchdown

ARTICLE 1. How Scored
A touchdown shall be scored when:

a. The ball in possession of a runner advancing from the field of play penetrates the plane of the opponent's goal line when their flag is pulled.
b. A player catches a pass in the opponent's end zone

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SECTION 3. Extra Point Attempts

ARTICLE 1. How Scored

The points shall be scored according to the point value elected to be attempted if the extra point try is successful.

ARTICLE 2. Opportunity to Score
An extra point attempt is an extra down with the opportunity for the offensive team to score 1 or 2 points.

A. The ball shall be put in play by the team that scored a 6-point touchdown. If a touchdown is scored during a down in which time expires, the try shall be attempted. The scoring team shall decide to go for 1 or 2 points prior to the ball being declared ready for the attempt.

B. The attempt begins when the ball is made ready for play.

C. The snap shall be midway between the sidelines on the opponent's 5-yard line (1 point) or 10-yard line (2 points).

D. The attempt ends when either team scores or the ball becomes dead by rule.

E. Accepted defensive penalties on extra point attempts will require either repeating the try or the try results in a score or the end of the try. If the try is repeated after a penalty, it is still worth the same value as before. (1-point attempts are now attempted from the 2-yard line; 2-point attempts are now attempted from the 5-yard line.)

F. Accepted offensive penalties on extra point attempts result in a failed attempt.

ARTICLE 3. Next Play

After an extra point attempt, the ball shall be put in play by the opponent on its own 5-yard line if no penalty will be enforced.

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SECTION 4. Safety

ARTICLE 1. How Scored
It is a safety when the ball becomes dead with any part on or behind the goal line, except for an incomplete pass or fumble from outside the end zone, and the team defending this goal line is responsible for the ball being there.

ARTICLE 2. Snap After a Safety
After a safety, the ball shall be put in play by the scoring team at its own 5-yard line.

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SECTION 5. Touchback

ARTICLE 1. When Declared
It is a touchback when:

• The ball becomes dead with any part on or behind the goal line, except for an incomplete pass or fumble from outside the end zone, and the team attacking this goal line is responsible for the ball being there

• A defender intercepts a pass between their own 5-yard line and their goal line and their original momentum carries the player into the end zone and the ball remains in the end zone where it becomes dead

ARTICLE 2. Snap After a Touchback
After a touchback, the ball shall be put in play by the defending team at its own 5-yard line.

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SECTION 6. Onside Kick Alternative

ARTICLE 1. When Allowed

A team may only attempt an "onside kick play" if they are losing and the game is within its final 2 minutes.

ARTICLE 2. Onside Kick Play Setup

The offense will receive one opportunity from their own 15-yard line to convert a first down (reach midfield).

ARTICLE 3. Successful Conversion

If the offense successfully reaches midfield and gains a first down, they retain possession and continue with a normal offensive series.

ARTICLE 4. Failed Conversion

If the offense fails to convert a first down, the opposing team will receive the ball at the spot where the offense was declared down on their final attempt.

 

RULE 8 - CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND FOULS

SECTION 1. Contact Fouls

ARTICLE 1. Illegal Contact (IC)

• No player shall intentionally contact an opponent or an official

• No player shall step, jump, or stand on another player

• No player shall hold another player

• All stationary players have the right of place and opponents shall avoid contact

• The runner has no right of way and is fully charged with avoiding contact with opponents

• All offensive players have the right of way as long as a legal forward pass is still possible and defenders shall avoid contact. When the forward pass is in the air, all players have the right to play the ball, but not by aiming (playing through) an opponent

• All defensive players rushing have the right of way and offensive players shall avoid contact

• No player shall commit aiming

Note: If there is no contact, it could still be a shield by the offensive player.

PENALTY - 5 yards enforced from the spot of the foul. Automatic first down for fouls by defense. Loss of down for offense (goes to next play).

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ARTICLE 1A. Defensive Holding

Holding will be called whenever a defensive player grabs and substantially turns, slows down, or trips up an offensive receiver during their route, before the ball has left the QB's hands.
PENALTY - 5 yards from the original line of scrimmage, automatic first down.

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ARTICLE 1B. Flag Pull Holding
Flag pull holding is holding or contact occurring during a flag pull attempt. There are two levels of flag pull holding penalties:

Level 1: Minor Holding
Minor holding includes:

• Brief jersey holding and tugging

• Gently pushing a receiver out of bounds

• Wrapping up field arm around runner

• Running into a ball carrier - minor contact during a flag pull attempt

PENALTY - 5 yards from the spot of the foul, no automatic first down. If minor holding occurs on 4th down, the penalty results in a replay of 4th down (not an automatic first down).

Level 2: Excessive Holding
Excessive holding includes:

• Grabbing and holding onto a jersey

• Forcefully pushing a runner down or out of bounds rather than attempting a clean flag pull

• Stripping the ball from the receiver's hands

• Tackling the ball carrier

PENALTY - 5 yards from the spot of the foul, automatic first down.

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ARTICLE 1C. Unnecessary Roughness

Any excessive physical action against an opposing player during or after the play. Includes: wrapping up, tackling, or grabbing and holding a ball carrier when trying to pull a flag, hitting a quarterback's arm as a rusher, or roughly pushing an offensive player out of bounds. Any player who receives two unnecessary roughness penalties in one game shall be ejected from the game.
PENALTY - Defensive unnecessary roughness: 15 yards from the original line of scrimmage, automatic first down. Offensive unnecessary roughness: 15 yards from the original line of scrimmage, loss of down.

ARTICLE 2. Game Interference

No spectator, coach, or substitute shall contact or interfere in any way with the ball, a player, or an official during the game.

PENALTY - 15 yards, also loss of down if by offense prior to change of team possession, enforced from the basic spot. Automatic first down for fouls by defense.

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SECTION 2. Non-Contact Fouls

ARTICLE 1. Unsportsmanlike Acts

• Use of abusive, threatening, or obscene language or gestures, or engaging in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning

• If a player is neither returning the ball to the next spot nor leaving it near the dead ball spot

• If a player is neither immediately returning a pulled flag to the opponent nor leaving it near the spot where it has been pulled. It is preferable for players to return the flag to the opponent

Any player or coach who commits two unsportsmanlike acts during the same game shall be ejected.
PENALTY - 15 yards enforced from the dead ball spot, administered as a dead ball foul.

 

ARTICLE 2. Unfair Acts

 

• No player shall shield/block an opponent.

• PENALTY - 5 yards enforced from the spot of the foul.

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• Blocking: Once an offensive player has caught the ball, all other offensive players must stop and are only allowed to be in the defense's way if their feet are planted. Any active movement to obstruct a defender constitutes blocking.

• PENALTY - 5 yards from the spot of the foul, loss of down.

 

• Charging: It is the offensive player's responsibility, when running with the ball, to move out of the defense's path. Any intentional or unintentional contact by the offense to "go through" a defender will be called as charging.

• PENALTY - 5 yards from the spot of the foul, loss of down.

 

• No runner shall commit jumping or diving.

• PENALTY - 5 yards, also loss of down if by offense prior to change of team possession, enforced from the spot of foul.

 

• No runner shall commit flag guarding.

• PENALTY - 5 yards, also loss of down if by offense prior to change of team possession, enforced from the spot of foul.

 

• No player shall pull a flag from an opponent other than the runner, an opponent who simulates being the runner, or when an opponent has touched the ball in flight.

• PENALTY - 5 yards enforced from the basic spot.

 

• No player shall intentionally kick a pass or a fumble. This foul does not change the status of the ball, except if a teammate of the fumbler kicks the ball.

• PENALTY - 5 yards enforced from the basic spot.

 

• Participation by more than 5 players of one team is illegal.

• PENALTY - 5 yards, spot of foul is the scrimmage line, enforced from the scrimmage line.

 

• No player wearing illegal equipment or missing mandatory equipment shall be permitted to play. A player with a bleeding wound shall leave the field. Players shall leave the field immediately after being ordered to do so by an official.

• VIOLATION - Charged timeout for the offending team.

• PENALTY - 5 yards if no timeouts remain.

 

RULE 9 - PENALTY ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 1. Basic Principles

ARTICLE 1. Penalty Acceptance and Declination

The captain of the offended team has the option to accept or decline any penalty. Some penalties (such as offside, false start, delay of game) result in a dead ball and are automatically enforced.

ARTICLE 2. Basic Spot

The basic spot is the spot where the run or related run ends. For loose ball plays (passes, fumbles), the basic spot is the previous spot (line of scrimmage). For running plays, the basic spot is the dead ball spot.

ARTICLE 3. Enforcement Spots
Penalties are enforced from one of the following spots:

a. Previous Spot: The spot where the ball was put in play (scrimmage line)
b. Spot of Foul: The yard line where the foul occurred
c. Dead Ball Spot: The spot where the ball became dead
d. Succeeding Spot: The spot where the ball would next be put in play

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SECTION 2. Types of Fouls

ARTICLE 1. Live Ball Fouls

A live ball foul is a foul that occurs during a down. Live ball fouls are enforced at the end of the down unless they cause the ball to become dead immediately.

ARTICLE 2. Dead Ball Fouls

A dead ball foul is a foul that occurs after the ball is dead or before it becomes alive. Dead ball fouls are enforced from the succeeding spot.

ARTICLE 3. Pre-Snap Fouls

Fouls that occur before the snap (delay of game, encroachment, false start, offside) cause the ball to remain dead and are enforced from the dead ball spot with a replay of the down.

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SECTION 3. Multiple Fouls

ARTICLE 1. Offsetting Fouls

When both teams commit fouls during the same down, the fouls offset and the down is replayed from the previous spot. No penalty yardage is assessed.

ARTICLE 2. Double Fouls

When both teams commit fouls during the same down and one or both fouls occur after a change of possession, the team last gaining possession retains the ball. All fouls are declined by rule and the down is not repeated.

ARTICLE 3. Multiple Fouls by Same Team

When one team commits more than one foul during the same down, the offended team may choose which penalty to enforce. Only one penalty may be enforced.

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SECTION 4. Special Enforcement

ARTICLE 1. Half-Distance Enforcement

When a penalty would move the ball more than half the distance to the offending team's goal line, the penalty shall be half the distance from the spot of enforcement to the goal line.

ARTICLE 2. Automatic First Down
The following defensive fouls result in an automatic first down in addition to yardage penalties:

a. Pass interference (15 yards)
b. Defensive holding (5 yards)
c. Roughing the passer (5 yards)
d. Unnecessary roughness (15 yards)
e. Unsportsmanlike conduct (15 yards)
f. Flag pull holding - Excessive (5 yards)

ARTICLE 3. Loss of Down Penalties
The following offensive fouls result in a loss of down in addition to any yardage penalties:

a. Illegal forward pass (5 yards)
b. Illegal touching (at scrimmage line)
c. Pass interference (loss of down, ball returns to original line of scrimmage)
d. Unsportsmanlike conduct (10 yards)
e. Charging (5 yards from spot of foul)
f. Flag guarding (5 yards from spot of foul)
g. Jumping/Diving (5 yards from spot of foul)

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SECTION 5. Penalty Summary

ARTICLE 1. 5-Yard Penalties
The following fouls result in 5-yard penalties:

• Delay of game (replay down)

• Offside/Encroachment (replay down)

• False start (replay down)

• Illegal shift (replay down)

• Illegal rush by QB (replay down)

• Illegal rush by RB (replay down)

• Illegal early rush by defense (replay down if accepted)

• Roughing the passer (automatic first down)

• Illegal forward pass (loss of down)

• Illegal contact (automatic first down if defense; loss of down if offense)

• Shielding (from spot of foul)

• Charging (from spot of foul, loss of down)

• Flag guarding (from spot of foul, loss of down)

• Jumping/Diving (from spot of foul, loss of down)

• Illegal flag pull (from basic spot)

• Intentional kicking (from basic spot)

• Illegal participation (more than 5 players)

• Illegal equipment (if no timeouts remain)

• Blocking (from spot of foul, loss of down)

• Defensive holding (automatic first down)

• Flag pull holding - Minor (from spot of foul, replay of down on 4th down)

• Flag pull holding - Excessive (from spot of foul, automatic first down)

ARTICLE 2. 15-Yard Penalties
The following fouls result in 15-yard penalties:

• Pass interference by defense (automatic first down)

• Game interference (automatic first down if defense; loss of down if offense)

• Unsportsmanlike conduct (automatic first down if defense; loss of down if offense)

• Unnecessary roughness (automatic first down if defense; loss of down if offense)

ARTICLE 3. Loss of Down Only

• Illegal touching of forward pass (at scrimmage line)

• 6-second clock violation (at scrimmage line)

ARTICLE 4. Half-Distance to Goal
When defensive pass interference occurs in the end zone, the ball is placed half the distance to the goal line.

 

RULE 10 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES

SECTION 1. The Officials

ARTICLE 1. Number and Positions
Games shall be officiated by a minimum of two officials: a Referee and a Line Judge. Additional officials may be used when available.

ARTICLE 2. Jurisdiction
The officials' jurisdiction begins 30 minutes before the scheduled kickoff and ends when the Referee declares the score final. Officials have authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in the rules.

ARTICLE 3. Crew Composition
The officiating crew consists of:

a. Referee: The Referee has general oversight and control of the game
b. Line Judge: Monitors the line of scrimmage, counts the 2-second rush clock aloud, and assists with timing

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SECTION 2. Duties of Officials

ARTICLE 1. Referee Duties
The Referee shall:

a. Have general control of the game
b. Make final decisions on all matters not assigned to other officials
c. Declare the ball ready for play
d. Declare when each period ends
e. Enforce all penalties
f. Notify teams when the running clock rule is in effect
g. Make all measurements for first downs
h. Resolve disputes regarding rule interpretations
i. Maintain game time (or designate the game operator/stream operator to do so)

ARTICLE 2. Line Judge Duties
The Line Judge shall:

a. Monitor the line of scrimmage for offside and encroachment violations
b. Count aloud the 2-second rush clock for defensive rushers
c. Monitor the 6-second live play clock
d. Assist in spotting the ball
e. Monitor for illegal contact and blocking
f. Assist the Referee with game administration

ARTICLE 3. Authority to Enforce Rules
Any official may call any foul. Officials should confer when necessary to ensure correct enforcement. The Referee makes the final decision if officials disagree.

ARTICLE 4. Whistle Use
Officials shall blow their whistle to:

a. Declare the ball dead
b. Stop play for a foul
c. Stop play for an injury
d. Signal the end of a period
e. Stop play for any other reason requiring official intervention

SECTION 3. Official Signals

ARTICLE 1. Standard Signals
Officials shall use standard football signals to indicate:

a. Touchdown (arms raised straight above head)
b. First down (arm pointing toward offended team's goal line)
c. Timeout (hands forming T above head)
d. Penalty flag (throwing yellow flag on field)
e. Dead ball (whistle and waving arms)
f. Incomplete pass (waving arms side to side)
g. Clock stop (raising one arm straight up)
h. Start clock (circular motion with arm)

ARTICLE 2. Penalty Signals
After a foul, officials shall:

a. Throw a penalty flag at or near the spot of the foul
b. Stop play when appropriate
c. Announce the foul to both team captains
d. Indicate the penalty yardage and enforcement
e. Allow the offended team to accept or decline the penalty
f. Enforce the penalty or repeat the down as appropriate

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SECTION 4. Replay and Review

ARTICLE 1. No Replay Review
There is no instant replay or video review in this league. All official's decisions are final.

ARTICLE 2. Correctable Errors
Officials may correct obvious errors in:

a. Score
b. Down number
c. Clock time
d. Penalty enforcement

Such corrections may be made at any time before the ball is next snapped or before the period ends.

 

RULE 11 - THE PLAYING FIELD AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION 1. The Playing Field

ARTICLE 1. Field Dimensions
The playing field shall be 80 yards long and 30 yards wide. The field is divided into two halves of 40 yards each.

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ARTICLE 2. End Zones
There shall be an end zone at each end of the field. Each end zone shall be 10 yards deep and 30 yards wide.

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ARTICLE 3. Field Markings
The field shall be marked with:

a. Sidelines: Lines marking the sides of the field (30 yards apart)
b. End Lines: Lines marking the back of each end zone
c. Goal Lines: Lines separating the field of play from the end zones
d. Midfield Line (40-yard line): Line dividing the field in half
e. 5-Yard Lines: Lines marking each 5-yard increment
f. Yard Line Numbers: Numbers indicating yard lines (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40)

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ARTICLE 4. Team Areas
Each team shall have a designated team area (sideline) on opposite sides of the field. Players, coaches, and team personnel must remain in their designated area during play.

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Both team's sidelines must remain at least 10 yards away from either endzone. (No player/coach can be standing around the endzone as it disrupts the referees view)

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SECTION 2. The Ball

ARTICLE 1. Ball Specifications
The game shall be played with a regulation football appropriate for the age and skill level of participants. The ball should be properly inflated according to manufacturer specifications.

ARTICLE 2. Ball Provided
The home team shall provide the game ball. Both teams may agree to use a different ball if mutually acceptable.

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SECTION 3. Player Equipment

ARTICLE 1. Required Equipment
All players must wear: a. Flags: Each player must wear two flags, one on each hip, attached to a belt
b. Athletic footwear: Cleats or athletic shoes (metal cleats prohibited)
c. Shirt/Jersey: Each team must wear matching colored shirts or jerseys to distinguish teams
d. Shorts/Pants: Athletic shorts or pants

ARTICLE 2. Flag Specifications
a. Each player must wear two flags attached to a belt at hip level
b. Flags must be positioned one on each side of the body at the hips
c. Flags must be securely attached but designed to detach when pulled
d. Flags must be a contrasting color to the player's uniform
e. Flags must hang freely from the belt and not be tucked or secured

ARTICLE 3. Prohibited Equipment
Players shall not wear: a. Hard, unyielding, or dangerous equipment (pads, braces, helmets with hard surfaces)
b. Jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets)
c. Equipment with exposed knots, metal, or hard materials
d. Headwear with hard bills or brims
e. Anything deemed dangerous by officials

ARTICLE 4. Permitted Equipment
Players may wear: a. Soft, pliable headwear (knit caps, headbands)
b. Gloves
c. Soft knee or elbow pads
d. Mouthguards (recommended)
e. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces (must be taped down)

ARTICLE 5. Equipment Inspection
Officials shall inspect player equipment before the game and may require removal or modification of any equipment deemed dangerous or illegal. A player with illegal equipment may not participate until the equipment is corrected. If the player's team has no timeouts remaining, a 5-yard penalty shall be assessed.

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SECTION 4. Uniforms

ARTICLE 1. Team Uniform Requirements
a. All players on a team must wear matching colored shirts or jerseys
b. Teams must wear contrasting colors to distinguish from opponents
c. If teams have similar colors, the home team must change or wear pinnies

ARTICLE 2. Player Numbers
Player numbers are recommended but not required. If used, numbers must be clearly visible and unique to each player on the team.

ARTICLE 3. Uniform Modifications
Players may not modify uniforms in a way that: a. Creates an unfair advantage
b. Deceives opponents
c. Makes flags difficult to pull
d. Violates safety standards

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SECTION 5. Game Equipment

ARTICLE 1. Required Game Equipment
The following equipment must be present for games: a. Game ball
b. Penalty flags (for officials)
c. Timing device (stopwatch or visible game clock)
d. Down marker
e. First down chains or markers
f. Pylons or cones to mark goal line corners

ARTICLE 2. Optional Equipment
The following equipment is recommended but not required: a. Scoreboard
b. Line markers for yard lines
c. Sideline markers