Flag Football Rules Keep in mind, these rules are designed to give all players an equal opportunity for success. If you have any questions concerning the following, choose to play within the spirit of the rule. In other words, avoid loopholes. Remember that we are here to teach the players caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. THE GAME • No contact is allowed • We reserve the right to reduce, shorten, or reschedule games due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. • A coin toss will determine the first possession of the game. • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 20-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross mid-field. Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have four (4) plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their 20-yard line. • If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 20-yard line. • All possession changes except interceptions start on the offensive 20-yard line. • Teams change sides after the first twenty- (20) minutes. Halftime is 5 minutes. • Each time the ball is spotted a team has: 45 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay of game penalty is enforced. • Each team has one-30 second timeout per half. ATTIRE • Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections may be made before the start of a game. • Each team will have numbered shirts. • Shirts must be tucked in shorts, pants etc. PLAYERS/TIME OF GAME • Teams will consist of 7-12 players with seven on the field. All players must have the same amount of playing time. • Games will consist of (2) twenty-minute halves with a running clock. Officials may stop the clock at their discretion. A 3-minute half time will separate the first and second halves. Teams change sides of the field after halftime. When there are two minutes remaining in the half the official will inform both coaches that there a 3 plays remaining in the half (extra points and kick-offs will not count as plays). • Each team allowed 2 time outs per half (clock does not stop). Unused timeouts do not carry over • If the score is tied at the end, the game is over and declared a tie. SCORING • TD=6 points, Extra point=1 (5 yards out) or 2 (10 yards out) • Safety=2 points RUNNING • The Quarterback CANNOT run the ball. • Only direct laterals behind the line of scrimmage are legal. • The player who takes the lateral can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage. • Spinning is allowed but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive play. • The ball is spotted where the ball carriers belt is when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is. The ball and flags must pass the plane for 1st downs and touchdowns. RUSHING THE QB • One player may rush the passer and must be a minimum of 10 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Only one player can rush the QB. • Once the ball has been lateraled all defenders are eligible to rush the ball. PASSING • All passes must be forward or received beyond the line of scrimmage. • Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. RECEIVING • All players are eligible to receive a pass (including the QB if the ball has been lateraled behind the line of scrimmage). • Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. • Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch. DEAD BALLS • Play is ruled “DEAD” when:   -Offensive players flag is pulled.   -Ball carrier steps out of bounds.   -Touchdown is scored.   -Ball carrier hand or knee hit the ground.   -Ball carriers flag falls out; a defender pulls a tag.   -Receivers flag falls out (play is dead at the point of reception). • There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hits the ground. Anytime the ball touches the ground it is ruled dead. Interceptions can be run back. PENALTIES • The referee will call all penalties. Defense:   -Offsides=10 yards   -Interference=10 yards   -Illegal contact (holding, bump and run, blocking, etc.)=10 yards   -Illegal flag pull (before the receiver has the ball)=10 yards   -Illegal rush (starting inside the 10 yard zone)=10 yards   -On extra points, all penalties are half the distance to the goal and replay the down. Offense: -Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/ away from defender)=10 yards -Stiff Arming= 10 yards -Flag guarding=10 yards from the line of scrimmage -Delay of game= clock will stop/ 10 yards • Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. • All penalties will be assessed from the original line of scrimmage. • Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.