NFL Flag Football 2012

NFL Flag Football 2012

Game Rules

General Rules

· A coin toss determines first possession.

· The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four (4) plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.

· If the team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

· All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.

· There are no kicks of any kind.

· NO Flag guarding.

· Offensive team retains possession of the ball following a “SAFETY.”

Players/Game Schedules

· Teams consist of five (5) players during game play. Teams must field a minimum of five (5) players at all times, or it constitutes a forfeit by that team.

· Every participant must set-out at least one series of plays unless the team only has five players due to absences or injuries.

· Coaches are allowed on the field of play at all times. He/she must be 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage of their respective teams’ backfield.

Timing

· Games are played in two (2) twenty (20) minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime.

· The clock runs during game play. Exceptions: when a time-out is used or an official stops the clock. During the last minute of the game, clock will be stopped to reset the ball. Once ball is set, clock starts.

· Each time ball is spotted a team has 30 seconds, to snap the ball. Teams receive one warning before a delay-of –game penalty is enforced.

· Each team has two 60-second timeouts per half.

Running

· The quarterback CANNOT run the ball.

· Laterals ARE NOT permitted.

· Pitches/Sweeps ARE permitted by the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage

· “No-running zones” located 5 yards from each end zone and 5 yards from either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations (running plays cannot be executed in these zones).

· If the offensive team receives a penalty in the no-run zone that forces them outside the no-run zone, the team WILL NOT be permitted to run again.

· Once the ball has been handed off or pitched, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

· Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).

· The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.

Receiving

· All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off or pitched behind the line of scrimmage).

· Only ONE player is allowed in motion at a time.

· A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing

· All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.

· Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

· The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock”]. If a pass is not thrown within seven (7) seconds the play is dead and loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second or ten-second rule no longer is in effect.

· Interceptions CAN be returned

Dead Balls

· In all divisions, the ball can be snapped off to one side or between the legs.

· Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.

· Play is ruled dead when:

Ball carrier’s flag is pulled

Ball carrier’s flag falls off

Ball carrier steps out of bounds

Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground

Touchdown or safety is scored.

At the point of an interception (no returns allowed except AFL Division)

NOTE: THERE ARE NO FUMBLES. The ball is “dead “and spotted where the ball hits the ground.

Rushing the Quarterback

· All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.

· Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember no blocking or tackling is allowed.

Sportsmanship/Roughing

· If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the player will be warned and his/her team will be assessed a penalty. If it occurs again by that person or any other member on that person’s team the game will be stopped and the player responsible will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

· Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is any talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game and player will be suspended from play for the next game.

· Any player, coach or fan ejected for un-sportsman like conduct will be suspended for a minimum of one game and will be unable to attend practice during the suspension. Repeated offenses or gross misconduct may result in a termination of playing or spectator privileges for the season.

Penalties

· All penalties result in 5 yards, the exceptions are pass interference, sportsmanship and roughing penalties, which result in 10 yards, and a loss in down or an automatic first down, which ever applies.

· Half-distance near goal rule is applied.

Attire

· Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes.

· Jerseys MUST BE tucked in.

· Absolutely no jewelry can be worn.

· Official NFL Flag jerseys must be worn during game play.

· Coaches are responsible to ensure participants adhere to these guidelines.

It cannot be stressed enough that this is a NON-CONTACT league. No contact is allowed in any manner. As a coach, it will be your job to make the players understand the rules, many of which are needed for safety. It also will be your job to ensure that rules, formations and penalties do not overwhelm fun, activity and learning.

Field layout

1. The following diagram is what will be used for all divisions.