Major Rule Distinctions & Summary
6U & 8U:
-Blue footballs (peewee sized)
-4 downs to cross midfield
10U:
-Blue footballs (peewee sized)
-3 downs to cross midfield
12U & 14U:
-Brown footballs (junior sized)
-3 downs to cross midfield
Distinctions from NFL Flag Rulebook
-Games are 45 minutes long: 22-minute first half, 23-minute second half. The clock will only stop during the last 2 minutes of the second half or dead ball stoppages (incomplete passes, out of bounds, first down, change of possession)
-1 timeout in 1st half, 2 timeouts in 2nd half; no rollover
-The overtime system used in the rulebook will not be used in this league. We will follow an OT procedure similar to the NCAA. No regular season overtime!
-Extra Points: 1pt from the3yd line, 2pts from the 10yd line. The 1pt try must be a pass as the try will take place within the “No Rush” zone.
-“Fumbles” will be spotted where the ball initially hits the ground, NOT where the runner’s feet were at the time of the fumble.
-The ball is spotted where the ball carrier possessed the ball at the instant his/her flag is pulled. Forward progress is NOT measured by where the flag was pulled.
-All passes must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage and travel forward, but need not travel pass the line of scrimmage (e.g., behind the line of scrimmage shovel passes are allowed).
-QB cannot run unless backfield handoff has been made. Unlimited backwards handoffs are allowed; only one forward handoff allowed. No pitches or laterals of any kind.
-There is no QB “timer” – the QB has as long as he wants to complete a pass.
-The offense must have a minimum of two players on the line of scrimmage.
-Home team picks the jersey color of their preference (light or dark). Away team must wear opposite color scheme unless home team consents.
PENALTIES: ALL DIVISIONS
- COMMON & SPOT FOULS
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Major) / Line of scrimmage: 15 Yard Penalty + Ejection (discretionary)
Offensive Holding/Illegal Screen/Block / Line of scrimmage: -5 Yards + Loss of Down
Defensive Holding / Minor: +5 Yards to end of run;
Major: +10 yards to end of run & Automatic 1st Down
Intentional Stripping / Spot foul: +5 Yards + Automatic First Down
Offensive Charging / -10 Yards + Loss of Down
Flag Guarding / -5 Yards from spot of foul + result of play
Runner Leaping, Jumping, Hurdling, Diving / -5 Yards from spot of foul + result of play
- DEFENSIVE PENALTIES
Offsides / 5 Yards from LOS + Replay Down or Offense can accept result of play
Encroachment (Lining up in Buffer Zone) / 5 Yards from LOS + Replay Down or Offense can accept result of play
Roughing the Passer / From line of scrimmage: 10 yards &Automatic First Down
Defensive Pass Interference / From line of scrimmage: 10 yards & Automatic First Down
- OFFENSIVE PENALTIES
False Start / 5 Yard Penalty + Repeat Down
Illegal Forward Pass (Two forward passes or pass attempt beyond line of scrimmage) / 5 Yard Penalty + Loss of Down
Illegal Motion (2 players in motion at the same time OR player moving forward before snap) / 5 Yards + Repeat Down
Delay of Game / 5 Yards + Repeat Down
Offensive Pass Interference / From line of scrimmage: -10 yards & Loss of Down