FLAG FOOTBALL RULES:

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: Each team should start the game with 7 players; a minimum of 5 is needed to avoid a forfeit. Teams should have no more than 11 players (7 on field and 3 reserves)

 

LENGTH OF GAME: Playing time shall be 30 minutes, separated into two halves of 12 minutes. Half-time shall be 2 minutes. There will be a running clock for the first 11 minutes of each half. The last minute of the half will be played with stoppage.  A coin toss will determine who shall receive the choice of possession or side at the beginning of the game.

 

SCORING: Touchdowns = 6 points

Extra Points = 1 point if successful from the 3 yard line

Extra Points = 2 points if successful from the 10 yard

Safety = 2 points

Defensive Conversion on Extra Point Attempt = 3 points

 

TIME-OUTS: 1 per half

 

MERCY RULE: If a team is 27 points or more ahead (25 points in Co-ed) when the Referee announces the two-minute warning for the second half, the game shall be over.

 

OVERTIME (TIE GAME): Coin to determine possesion.

Each team gets 4 plays from 20 yard line to score.

Whoever has most points after possession win the match. (Like NCAA rules)

 

PUNTING: On fourth down the offensive team has to announce whether or not they are kicking or going for it.  No fakes or quick kicks.

 

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE: 2 players on the line at all times, they are eligible receivers.

 

BLITZING: Blitzing can occur on every down.  Maximum of 2 players can blitz.

 

BLOCKING:  Blockers can block without tripping or using hands.

 

FUMBLES: Any ball that is fumbled is a dead ball.   You can throw a backwards pass at anytime, but if it's dropped the ball is dead.

 

PASS INTERFERENCE: Pass interference is at officals discretion.  This will then be a spot foul.

 

PERSONAL FOULS: Any act listed below or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul. Players shall not :

• Punch, strike, strip, steal, or attempt to steal the ball from a player in possession.

• Trip an opponent.

• Contact an opponent who is on the ground.

• Throw the runner to the ground.

• Hurdle another player.

• Contact an opponent either before the ball is put in play or after the ball is declared dead.

• Make any contact with an opponent that is deemed unnecessary.

• Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player.

• Clip an opponent.

• Position themselves on the shoulders of a teammate or opponent to gain an advantage.

• Tackle the runner. (may warrant ejection)

Foul language is considered a personal foul and is prohibited.

 

SCREEN BLOCKING: Legally obstructing an opponent without using any part of the body to initiate contact. Screen blocking shall take place without contact. The blocker shall have their hands and arms at their sides or behind their back. A screen blocker cannot use their hands, arms, elbows, legs or body to initiate contact. If they do use contact it will be called a Personal Foul.

Screen blockers may not:

• Take a position closer than a normal step when behind a stationary opponent.

• Make contact when assuming a position at the side or in front of a stationary opponent.

STIFF ARMING: Stiff arming is not allowed.

 

OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER: A defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of the runner when attempting to remove the flag belt.

 

THE FLAG BELT: All shirts must be tucked in, and are not permitted to hang over the flag belt. Should a player loose their flag belt legally or illegally during a down and should that player gain possession of a live ball, that player will be considered down when a legal tag (one hand touched by the defense between the shoulders and knees, including the hand and arm) is made.

 

GUARDING THE FLAG BELT: Runners shall not flag guard by using any part of the body or ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Flag guarding includes but is not limited to:

• Swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from deflagging.

• Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from deflagging.

• Lowering the shoulders in such a manner that flag guards.

 

OFFICIAL'S AUTHORITY: Whatever the ref says goes.  Arguing with the official's calls, this could result in a personal foul and loss of  10 yards.