|
 The
Basics
-
A coin toss
determines first possession.
-
The offensive team
takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line
and has three plays to cross midfield. Once a
team crosses midfield, it has three plays to
score a touchdown. If the offense fails to
score, the ball changes possession and the new
offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.
-
If the offensive
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.
-
Teams change sides
after the first 20 minutes. Possession changes
to loser of coin toss and the clock does not
stop.
Players/Game Schedules
Teams must field a
minimum of five players at all times.
Teams consist of 10 players – five on the field,
with five substitutes.
Timing/Overtime
Games are played to 40
minutes running time. If the score is tied at the
end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into
overtime. The first team to score wins.
Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds
to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning
before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second
time-out per half.
Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
Scoring
Touchdown:
6 points
Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)
Safety:
2 points
Running
The quarterback cannot
run with the ball.
Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage
are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
“No-running zones” located five yards from each end
zone and five yards on either side of midfield are
designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running
situations.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball
from behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, 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.
Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are
allowed.
Receiving
All players are eligible
to receive passes (including the quarterback if the
ball has been handed off behind the line of
scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion
at a time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when
making a reception.
Passing
Shovel passes are
allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If
a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play
is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off,
the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at
the point of interception. Interceptions are the
only changes of possession that do not start on the
5-yard line.
Dead Balls
The ball must be snapped
between the legs, not off to one side, to start
play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
— Ball carrier steps out of bounds
— Touchdown or safety is scored
— At the point of an interception (interception
returns are not allowed)
— Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground
— Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is 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 game will be stopped and the player 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 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.
Penalties
All penalties will be
called by the referee.
Defense:
Offsides
Five yards and automatic first down
Interference
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal contact
(holding, blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal FLAG pull
(before receiver has ball)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
10 yards and automatic first down
Offense:
Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards and loss of down
Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down
Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards and loss of down
FLAG guarding
10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and loss of down
Delay of game
Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down
Referees determine incidental contact that may
result from normal run of play. All penalties will
be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
Only the team captain may ask the referee questions
about rule clarification and interpretations.
Players cannot question judgment calls.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the
offense declines it.
Attire
Cleats are allowed,
except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made.
All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there
are no exceptions.
Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn during play.
Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is
allowed.
Download NFL Flag Football Rules as PDF
|
