Women's rules that differ from the men's game are noted. Copyright Ó NCFFA 1987-2000 - All rights reserved.

01 - The game is non-contact, or screen block, flag football offered in the following formats with the type of flags (flag belts) and size football recommended by the league.

1. Men's 8 on 8 - Sonic Pop Flags - Wilson Official NFL Football
2. Co-Rec 8 on 8 - Triple Threat or Rip Flag Belts - Wilson TD Football.
3. Women's 7 on 7 - Triple Threat or Rip Flag Belts - Wilson TD or TDY Football.

02 - In 8 on 8 flag football - six (6) players are required to avoid a forfeit. In 7 on 7, five (5) players are required to avoid a forfeit.

03 - In Co-Rec play, teams typically consist of four- (4) male and four (4) female players on offense and defense.

No more than four male players may be on the offense and defense at any given time. Six (6) players are required to avoid a forfeit with no less than three (3) of those players being female on offense and defense.

04 - The following general rules apply to 8 on 8 screen flag football.

1. On kicking downs, a minimum of five (5) players must be on the line scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
2. On non-kicking downs, a minimum of four (4) players must be on the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
3. Motion plays are permitted with the motion player moving parallel, or away from, the line of scrimmage.
4. In screen flag football, all kicks are protected. Punts must be declared.

05 - In 7 on 7 Women's flag football, minimum of 4 players on line of scrimmage on kicking downs and 3 players on line of scrimmage on non-kicking downs. Motion plays permitted.

01 - Regulation Football Field: Size - 160' (53 1/3 yards) wide x 360' (120 Yards) long divided into (5)

02 - Abbreviated Field: Size - 135' (45 yards) wide x 300' (100 yards) divided into (4) 20-yard zones

03 - Field / Equipment Inspection - Prior to start of play, the referee or officiating crew, shall inspect

04 – Side Line Markers, Ball Spotters, Goal Post - Only soft, flexible, cones or sideline markers shall

01 - Regulation Clock: The game time shall be 60 minutes (two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time). Regulation clock stops on: a penalty, incomplete pass, out of bounds, touchdown, touchback, field goal, safety, change of possession, free time out, and referee's discretion. The referee will stop the clock and make the announcement of the two-minute warning – the clock will restart at the snap. Each team will have three, one minute, free time outs per half. Two hours and 30 minutes must be allotted for each game.

02 - Abbreviated Clock: When time does not permit a regulation clock, an abbreviated clock shall be used. The game time shall be 48 minutes (two 24-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime). The clock shall run continuously except for during a try for extra points, the two minute warning, extension of an overtime period, free time out, and referee's discretion. A regulation clock shall be used during the last two minutes of each half. One hour and fifteen minutes must be allowed for each game to be played.

03 - Tournament Clock: During tournament play, the game time will be 44 minutes (two 22-minute Halves with a five-minute half time). One hour must be allotted per game.

04 - Shortening Periods: Before the start of the game, playing time may be shortened by mutual agreement of the Field captains and referee.

05 - Extension of Periods: A quarter, or half, may be extended by an untimed down only when if during the last timed down, one of the following occurred:

1. If a touchdown was scored, the try-for-point is attempted as part of the same quarter.
2. If there was an inadvertent whistle and the down is to be replayed.
3. If there is a defensive foul and the penalty is not declined, the period must be extended.
4. If there was a fair catch interference, the options are (1) the offended team accepts an awarded fair catch, the quarter may be extended, and the ball put in play by a free kick or a snap. Or, if this occurs at the end of the first or third quarter, the offended team may choose to start the next quarter by a free kick or a snap; or, (2) if the offended team accepts the distance penalty, the quarter must be extended and down replayed.

06 - Overtime procedure: In the case of an overtime period, there will be a one-minute intermission

1. In regular season play the game will be extended by one possession for each team. The ball shall be spotted on the 20-yard line with four downs and goal to go. A coin toss shall determine who has first possession. Only a regular season game can result in a tie game.
2. On fields where goalpost are available and field goals are kicked, the ball will be spotted at mid field and each team will receive 4 downs.
3. In tournament play, or playoffs, the game will be extended until a winner is declared. In games where time is a factor, after the first extended period, the officials can use the advancement of the ball to determine a winner.

07 - Downs Clock: When the ball is ready for play, the referee will sound the whistle and signal ready for play - the offense will have 25 seconds to snap the ball without a 5-yard delay of game penalty.

08 - Delay of Start of Game: All teams must have their players on the field for the opening play at the scheduled

09 - Illegal Delay of Game: The ball must be put in play promptly and legally and any action, or inaction, by

10 - Unfair Tactics: The referee may stop or start the game clock whenever he/she feels either team is trying to

deliberately delay or consume game time as an obviously unfair tactic.

Penalty: 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.

11 - Coin Toss - Coin toss to begin game. The choices are:

12 - Two Minute Warning - The referee shall stop the clock and announce the two minute warning - the clock will resume on the next snap.

13 - Substitutions: Substitute players may enter freely between downs or during a dead ball foul provided they are

14 - Game Clock Starts:

1. Touchdown – starts when kickoff is legally touched.
2. Extra Point – starts when kickoff is legally touched.
3. Penalties and their administration – dependent on the previous play.
4. Time Out – starts at the snap.
5. At the two-minute warning – starts at the snap

   The referee shall signal and the game clock will start when the ball is ready for play if it was stopped for:

6. A penalty resulting in a play would not have stopped the clock during the last two minutes.
7. A change of possession.
8. Referee's discretion.

   The referee does not signal and the game clock starts when the ball is snapped if it had been stopped:

9. By a team time out.

   During the final two minutes of each half the clock stops for:

10. Incomplete pass – starts at the snap.
11. Out-of-bounds – starts on the snap.
12. Penalty and administration – dependent on the previous play.
13. Touchdowns – starts when kick-off is legally touched.
14. Team time-outs – starts at snap.
15. First downs – dependent on the previous play.
16. Referee's discretion – starts at his discretion.
17. Fair Catch – starts at the snap.

IV - Officials: Required number of officials, terms, enforcement philosophy, and penalties.

01 - The Game shall be played under the supervision of from two to three officials: The officials are jointly

responsible for the enforcement of all rules. Minimum number of officials required to call a game is two. Each official must be familiar with the rules of play, carry a whistle, a penalty flag, and be properly attired. Each crew must have ball spotters and a timepiece. Three officials are recommended per field. They are:

1. Referee - The referee has general oversight and control of the game. He is the sole authority for the score, sole judge of forfeiture of the game by rule, and his decision is final. His position is located in the offensive backfield well clear of the players and with full view of the field.
2. Linesman - the linesman has primary jurisdiction of the neutral zone and infractions of the scrimmage formation. On a three-man crew, he has responsibility of the nearest sideline. Under the supervision of the referee, the linesman marks the progress of the ball and keeps count of the downs.
3. Field Judge - The field judge has primary jurisdiction over the timing of the game. The field judge must be particularly alert to cover and rule on down field play. The position of the line judge is on the side of the field opposite the linesman and may be on or beyond the scrimmage line.

02 – All Live Ball Fouls (fouls that occur while play is in progress) are captain's choice All Dead Ball Fouls

(fouls that occur prior to a snap or free kick; or after the ball has been blown dead) will automatically be marked off. If a live ball foul occurs during a down, followed by a dead ball foul, both fouls will be enforced even if they are against opposing teams. If live ball fouls are committed by opposing teams during the same down, they are offsetting.

03 – The referee or official making the call, is obligated to give the player's number and act they committed

(without discussion) to the penalized team captain. The referee will then give the opposing team captain his / her options on the penalty. Only the captain of the penalized team may discuss the call with the official. Judgment calls are not up for discussions, only rules of play and player eligibility.

04 - Previous Spot - previous line of scrimmage.

05 - Succeeding Spot - end of the run or where the play ends.

06 - Enforcement Philosophy (Defenses) - Any illegal act committed by the defense on a runner, or potential

receiver will be considered to have denied the offense the opportunity to legally gain a first down, and a first down will automatically be awarded to the offense.

02 - Ball Carrier:

03 - Ball Handling: A player may hand the ball backward at anytime. During a scrimmage down, a player may

04 - Batting: Batting of the ball is intentionally striking a loose ball with the arm or hand.

06 - Center: Center must snap the ball back between legs in a quick, continuous motion.

07 - Charging: Charging is when an offensive player runs through a defensive player who has established

08 - Chucking Receiver: Chucking or contact with the receiver leaving the line of scrimmage is not permitted.

10 - Diving: Diving to pull flag is legal. Diving to block is illegal. Diving to advance the ball is illegal.

14 - First Down - Four (4) downs to advance the ball 20 yards for a first down.

15 - Forfeited Game: The score in a forfeited game is recorded as 7 – 0.

16 - Fumbles - Dead at spot.

23 - Pass Rushing – Rushers must go around and not through the screen blockers. Rushers cannot extend their

24 – Pass Completion: One foot in bounds and control of the ball.

26 - Player's Conduct and Participation: Please read carefully. No team or player is permitted to participate

30 - Roughing the Passer - A rusher attempting to block a pass must remain upright and maintain control of

31 - Rule Interpretation / Official's Call: Team Captains may question rule interpretation and player eligibility

33 - Scrimmage Line: Minimum Players on Line of Scrimmage is four (4) during non-kicking downs. Five (5)

34 – Scoring:

36 - Shift: In a snap preceded by a huddle or shift, all offensive players must come to a complete stop and remain

37 - Sleeper Plays: Sleeper plays are not allowed. No player may line up closer than 5 yards from the sideline

unless he came out of the huddle or was on the field of play during the previous down.

38 - Snaps: Snaps that hit ground are playable if fielded cleanly by QB / Holder / Punter.

39 - Sportsmanship: Officials can disqualify a player for unsportsmanlike conduct. This includes verbal abuse

40 - Stripping: It is illegal to strip the ball from the player in procession.

41 - Time Outs - Each team will have three (3) time outs per half of one minute each.

42 - Uniforms: Matching jerseys and pants are required. Pants with pockets and belt loops are not allowed. No

In Co-Rec play, any combination of male / female players may be used on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.

Jerseys - Must be matching with numbers on front and back.

Pants - Must be matching. No belt loops or pockets.

Bandanna's/Hats - Not allowed on the field at anytime.

Jewelry/Sunglasses - Not allowed at anytime.

Shoes - No metal spikes allowed.

2 - EQUIPMENT:

Pads - No pads allowed. EXCEPTION: To protect injury.

Mouthguards - Mandatory for players' safety.

Stick-Um - Spray OK. Paste is illegal.

1 - Game Summary Sheets: When provided, a game summary sheet must be filled out and returned to head referee or tournament director before game will be considered official.

2 - Insurance: It is the responsibility of the individual players to carry, and maintain, their own health and accident insurance. The league accepts no responsibility in this matter.

3 - Player/Team Waiver: Each player, coach, and official must sign a waiver release acknowledging that they are participating in an flag football event and that they are covered by their own medical insurance and agree not to hold the United States Flag Football League, the North Carolina Flag Football Association, it's officers or officials, liable for any injuries or harm that may result from their participation.

RULE 2: For protest occurring after the conclusion of a regularly scheduled game, then the following rule applies. Any team wishing to protest a game must first notify the head official or referee during the current game, or the attending league official immediately after the game, and post a $25 protest fee. Regular season protest must be filed in writing under Rule 3. During tournament play, the protest must be filed immediately, and play halted (See Rule 1). All tournament protest will be handled prior to the start of the next scheduled game or during the currently protested game. Regular season protest that occurs after the conclusion of the game will be decided under Rule 3.

RULE 3: For regular season games, the protesting team, or player, must submit the protest in writing to the USFFL director, via fax (919) 894-4517 or email usffl@usateamsports.com, within 72 hours. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of the right to protest the game or player eligibility and the results of the game shall remain unchanged. If the petition is submitted on time, and is found to have merit, the review panel will investigate the matter. If the panel's findings indicate that an error had been made on the part of the officials, the game in which the incident had occurred should be replayed or the player in question will be reinstated and the petitioners shall be refunded their protest fee. However, if the panel fails to find sufficient evidence in petitioner’s complaint to render a review of the matter, the game cited in the complaint shall stand as is, and the $25.00 protest fee will not be refunded.

Rule 2: Player Ejection / Suspension. Any player ejected during the course of the game for unsportsmanlike conduct may also be suspended for the next scheduled game if the act was judged flagrant, or the player has a history of rough and unsportsmanlike play.

Rule 3: Alcohol / Drug Use: Consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or drugs by players, team representatives, or officials during the game is prohibited and disqualification from participation will be immediate. All an official or league director has to do is smell alcohol and you are gone!

Rule 4: Game Forfeits. In a game forfeiture, the score is recorded as 7-0. A team forfeiting a game must pay a $30 forfeit fee prior to their next scheduled game. Game officials will be paid one half their regular pay rate for the game (not to exceed $30 for the crew). Two consecutive forfeits will result in team suspension.

Rule 5: Player / Team Conduct: Any verbal badgering of officials by players, or derogatory language directed at a player or official, will result in a warning from the referee. A second offense will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct call and possible player ejection. Sideline players and team officials (coaches, trainers, etc.) are subject to the same rule as players on the field. If a team captain cannot control the actions of his/her players, the game may be forfeited. Players and teams are responsible for their conduct of their fans, or representatives, that accompany them to games. If a player is ejected, he/she must leave the field immediately. It is the responsibility of the team captain to see that a player, or unruly fan, that is ejected leaves the field or area - failure to do so will result in game forfeiture. Team captains must police their area after the conclusion of their game and leave the area clean for the next team. Failure to do so can result in a $25 league fine.

Rule 6: Fines and Late registration Fees: All league imposed fines, forfeit fees, or player registration fees must be paid prior to the next scheduled game or before player participation.

Contact Tim Langdon at (919) 894 7976 for information. Fax (919) 894-4517

The following rules apply to four on four, screen flag football. Penalties are highlighted in red. For rules not covered by this

• Flag Guarding
• Obstruction
• Spinning in place
• Stiff-Arm
• Chucking
• Illegal Pick
• Defensive pass interference – 10 yard's and automatic first down.
• Offensive pass interference – 10 yards and loss of down.
• Roughing the passer; flagrant, rough contact; or un-sportsmanlike conduct – 10 yards, automatic first down and may result in player ejection.

• False Start, Offside's (Defensive Encroachment), Delay of Game

Equipment - Matching numbered Jerseys and pants. No metal cleats or spikes. Mouthpiece required.

Flags - Triple Threat or Rip Flag

The Game

No contact allowed

A coin toss determines first possession

The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has three plays to cross mid-field. Once a team crosses mid-field they have three plays to score. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession.

If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field, the ball changes possession.

All drives start from the 5-yard line except interceptions.

Game Clock Format

Each game is 30 minutes long. Two 14-minute halves and a 2-minute halftime.

The clock will not stop unless a time out has been called or the official feels it is necessary.

Each time the ball is spotted the offensive team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. (Officials will warn the offense when there are 10 seconds left to snap the ball).

Teams may not snap the ball until the officials are set. (No Quick Snaps)

Time Outs

Each team has two time outs per game.

Time outs will only stop the game clock for 30 seconds. The offense must snap at the completion of the time out.

If time out is called after a touchdown the clock will not run during the extra point.

Attire

Shirts must be tucked in.

Flags must be worn on each side of the players’ hips.

Scoring

TD = 6 points

Extra point- 5 yards out = 1 point, 12 yards out = 2 points.

Safety = 2 points

Rushing the Quarterback

Players that rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

Players that are not 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped may not enter into the backfield until there has been a change of possession.

The official will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.

The rusher is allowed a direct line to the quarterback as long as he rushes from either side of the field and not up the middle.

The offense must avoid interfering with the rusher.

Running

The quarterback may not run unless the ball has been handed off to him.

Teams may handoff, pitch, or throw back the football in the backfield only. The player who receives the pitch or handoff may throw the ball as long as he is not beyond the line of scrimmage.

No run zones are located 5 yards before mid-field and 5-yards before the end zone.

The ball is spotted where the flag was pulled.

The flag must break the plane of the midfield or goal line to be considered a first down or touchdown.

Players may not block at any time. Once a player begins to run all other players must stop.

Passing

The quarterback has 5 seconds to pass the ball if there is no rush. If the ball is not thrown, the play is dead, resulting in a loss of down. The ball returns to the line of scrimmage. (Once the ball has been handed off or pitched there is no 5-second count).

If the defensive team rushes the quarterback there is no 5-second count.

Interceptions may be returned. The ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.

The rusher may not hit the quarterbacks’ arm, or knock the ball out of the quarterbacks’ hand. The rusher must play the flags.

Receiving

All players are eligible to receive a pass, including the quarterback, if the ball has been pitched back or handed off behind the line of scrimmage.

Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.

Dead Balls

Only one player may be in motion prior to the snap.

Players may not be moving forward when the ball is snapped.

The ball must be snapped between the legs to start the play.

Play is ruled dead when:

The offensive players flag is pulled. Note if defensive player pulls the offensive players flag before they receive the ball, the defense must pull the second flag to end the play.

The 5-second play clock expires. Note there is no 5 second play clock if there is a rush or if the ball has been handed off

Ball carrier steps out of bounds

Touchdown is scored

Ball carriers’ knee touches the ground

Incomplete pass

Ball hits the ground

The ball carriers flag falls off

If a player starts the play without a flag they are down where they touch the ball.There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hit the ground.

Defensive Penalties:

Offside-Illegal Rush

Interference

Illegal contact (holding, bump and run, blocking) * Note the officials will determine incidental contact.

Roughing the quarterback

All defensive penalties are five yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down except holding which is added on to the end of the play.

Offensive Penalties:

Illegal motion

Offensive pass interference (illegal pick, pushing off defender).

Impeding the rush (the offensive players must avoid the rusher).

Flag guarding (players must keep their hands above their waist).

Delay of game

All offensive penalties are five yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down except flag guarding which is from the point of infraction.

Sportsmanship / Roughing

If the official witnesses any act of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, or any other sportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game.

The tournament director will determine whether or not to eject the player from the tournament.

FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

Trash talking is illegal. The official has the right to determine language that is offensive. (Trash talking is language that may be considered offensive to the official, opposing team, or spectators).

The official may eject players from the game for trash talking.

Overtime

A coin flip determines first possession

Each team starts with the ball at mid-field and has two plays to advance the ball as far as possible.

The team that advances the ball furthest wins.

If the team starting with the ball scores on the first play, possession changes and the other team must score on the first play. If both teams score on the first play. Both teams will run one additional play.

If both teams score on their second play the game goes into a second overtime

The winning team in overtime is awarded one additional point

Playoff Seeding Tie Breakers

If two teams have identical records at the end of round robin play tie breakers will be determined by head-to-head competition.

Strength of division points

Top Gun – 25 Div A – 20 Div B – 15 Div C – 10 Div D – 5 Div E – 0

Attire

1. Players may not wear metal spikes

2. Players may not wear pants or shorts with pockets

3. Shirts must be tucked in at all times

Uniforms

1. All teams must have uniforms by the start of the season in order to receive stats for the year.

2. Uniforms must be the same color with numbers printed on the back. Numbers may not be taped or written on with marker.

3. All players on the roster must be assigned a number by the first game.

4. Players not in uniform will not receive stats for the week. All stats for that week will be placed under guest.

Stats

1. Only players in uniform will receive stats.

2. Stats will be used to determine all-stars and the league MVP at the end of the season.

3. Team and player stats will be posted on www.FASPORTS.COM weekly.

4. Players are responsible for verifying that their stats are accurate after each game. No corrections will be made to the stats once the stat sheets are turned in.

Forfeits

1. If a team forfeits more than one game they will be dropped from the league, without a refund.

2. If a team is not on the field and ready to play by game time, the game may be forfeited.

3. In order to play the game, a team must have at least three players from their own team.

5. A team may pick up one player, during the regular season, from another team. The player must be approved by the other team.

6. If the fourth player shows up during the game, the substitute player may no longer play.

7. If a team has four or more players at the game, they cannot pick up another player from the league.

8. Forfeited games will not be stated.

9. To avoid penalizing players and teams involved in forfeits, individual and team stats will be averaged at the end of the season.

10. Teams who show up have the option to play another team. The game will not be stated, but must be paid for.

Rescheduling Games

1. Due to the number of teams in the league and the inconvenience to other teams, only games with extreme circumstances will be rescheduled. (Your best player being out of town is not considered an extreme circumstance).

2. There will be a $10 rescheduling fee.

RULES OF PLAY

Playing Field

Length: 70 yards

End Zones: 10 yards

Width: 25 yards

* The size of the playing field may change if the field site is not large enough.

First Down Mark: Mid Field

No Run Zones: Short Yardage Plays including the five yards before the first down and end zone.

Game Balls

Teams are to provide their own football. A league ball may be checked out at the sign in table if needed.

Game Clock Format

1. Each game is played in two 18-minute halves. A running clock format is used.

2. Each team receives two 30-second time-outs per game. The offense must snap the ball immediately following the conclusion of the timeout.

3. The game clock does not run during extra-points after a time out has been called.

4. There will be a two-minute break at halftime and between each game for warm-ups.

5. Offensive has 30 seconds from the time the ball is set by the official to snap the ball.

Two-Minute Rules

1. There will be a two minute warning at the end of the game regardless of the score.

2. Two-minute rules are only in effect when the score is within 8 points.

3. The only time the clock will run during the final two minutes is during a play or in between plays if a player gained positive yards and his flag was pulled in bounds.

4. The clock stops for: incompletions, penalties, out of bounds, plays that result in a loss of yards, and time-outs.

Scoring

Touchdowns: 6 points

Safety: 2 points

Extra Points 5 yards out: 1 point - no run zone

12 yards out: 2 points - running play allowed

If an extra point is intercepted and returned for a touchdown

2 points will be awarded.

Note: If the interception is not returned for a touchdown, the ball will be spotted at the 5 unless there is a penalty on the defense during the return. If there is a penalty on the defense during the return the ball will be spotted five yards from the end of the play.

Drives

1. All drives begin on the five-yard line with the exception of interceptions.

2. Drives consist of three plays to either make a first down or a touchdown.

3. Interceptions may be run back and the drive will begin where the player’s flag was pulled.

4. Interceptions on an extra point attempt that are not returned for two points will begin on the 5 yard line, unless there is a defensive penalty during the run back, in which case the ball be spotted at the point of infraction.

First Downs

The offense has three plays to advance the ball beyond mid-field for a first down. After the offense crosses mid-field they have three plays to score.

Centering the Ball

1. The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start each play.

2. Each time the ball is spotted a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. A five-yard penalty will be assessed for delay of game. Officials will warn teams when there are 10 seconds left.

3. The ball must be snapped from where it is placed by the official. If the ball is not spotted in the middle of the field the offensive team may request to center the ball.

Substitutions

Players may substitute during a dead ball but must be off the field before the next play is snapped. The offense may not have one player step off of the field and another player step onto the field in an effort to confuse the defense.

Running Plays

1. There is no limit to the number of handoffs made behind the line of scrimmage.

2. The quarterback does not have to be lined up behind the center

3. Only one lateral, pitch, or throwback is allowed behind the line of scrimmage.

4. If the pitch is forward, the recipient must run the ball.

5. No laterals or handoffs once the ball has been thrown forward.

6. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball as long as the does not pass the line of scrimmage.

7. Players who receive a handoff where the ball is placed on their back may not lateral pitch or handoff the ball.

8. Once the ball has been handed off or pitched, all defensive players are allowed to rush even if they aren’t behind the 7-yard rushing marker.

9. If the quarterback hands the ball off to the center, the center must run.

"No Run Zone"

1. The "No Run Zone" is designated to avoid short yardage power running. It is located five-yards from the mid-field first down marking and the end zone.

2. In the "No Run Zone" the offense may only advance the ball by throwing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage.

3. Handoffs are allowed in the "No Run Zone" however the player receiving the handoff may not run. He must pass the ball.

Receiving

1. All players are eligible to receive passes, including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage.

2. A player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.

Passing

1. Shovel passes are allowed.

2. The quarterback will have a five-second-pass clock if no defensive players rush. If a pass is not thrown within that five seconds, the play is dead and treated as an incomplete pass.

3. Interceptions may be run back.

4. If a lateral, pitch, or backwards pass is batted down it will be treated like an incomplete pass and the ball will return to the original line of scrimmage.

Rushing the Quarterback

1. All players that rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. However, once the ball has been handed off, all players are eligible to rush from anywhere in front or beyond the 7-yard marker.

2. Any number of players can rush the quarterback providing they are behind the seven-yard marker at the start of the play.

3. Official will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.

4. If the rusher enters the 7-yard neutral zone before the snap, he must get back before the ball is snapped in order to rush.

5. A rusher must go for the quarterback’s flags. The rusher may attempt to block the pass but it is a penalty to make contact with the quarterbacks’ body or arm even if the ball is deflected.

6. If no one rushes, the quarterback will have 5 seconds to release the ball.

7. The rusher has a direct line to the quarterback provided they do not rush from up the middle. The center and receivers must avoid contact with the rusher.

8. The offense must avoid the rusher even if the quarterback rolls out or hands off.

9. If the rusher changes direction for any reason they must avoid contact with the center and receivers.

10. Only players who start behind the 7-yard mark may cover receivers in the backfield.

11. Defensive players who are not behind the 7-yard mark when the ball is snapped may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball has left the quarterbacks hand.

Dead Balls

Play is ruled over when:

1. The ball hits the ground

2. The defense has pulled the ball carriers flag.

3. The defense has touched a player who either:

a) started the play without a flag

b) inadvertently had the flag fall off

Note: if the defense intentionally pulls the flag prematurely they must pull the other flag to end the play.

4. When the ball carrier’s knee touches the ground

5. When the ball carrier steps out of bounds

6. If there was an inadvertent whistle.

Note: If there is an inadvertent whistle the offense has the choice of accepting the ball where it was whistled dead or replaying the down.

Overtime:

1. Overtime is a two-minute sudden death period. All two-minute rules apply.

2. A coin flip determines first possession

3. Each team will receive one time out

4. If the score is tied at the end of OT there will be an extra point shootout from the 5-yard line.

5. All stats are kept in OT

Penalties

Referees determine incidental contact, which may result from normal run of play.

Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

All interactions with captains and referees should be made in a sportsmanlike manner.

The end of the half or game cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

DEFENSIVE PENALTIES:

Off-sides

Pass interference / Illegal contact – the defense may not play bump and run.

Holding – the defense may not hold on to the rusher or the flag belt to assist in pulling the flag. It is not a penalty if the flag belt is pulled off instantaneously.

Illegal rush – players that are not lined up seven yards off the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped may not enter into the backfield until the ball has left the original quarterbacks hands.

Roughing the quarterback – the rusher may not make contact with the quarterbacks throwing hand or arm, or hit the ball while it is in the quarterbacks' hands.

*All defensive penalties are 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down except holding which is marked off from the point of infraction.

OFFENSIVE PENALTIES:

Illegal motion – more than one player moving after the ball has been set or any player moving forward when the ball is snapped.

False start – Movement by the offense that simulates a snap.

Illegal pass – passing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, or 2 forward passes.

Offensive pass interference

Pick - receivers may not set a pick to free up other receivers.

Flag guarding

Illegal block / screen

Charging - Running through a defender who has established position

Intentional grounding – Throwing the ball away to avoid a sack. The ball must cross the line of scrimmage and be in the direction of a receiver.

Impeding the rusherHurdling / Diving – Hurdling over a player on the ground or diving to advance the ball.

*All offensive penalties are 5 yards from the line of scrimmage except flag guarding which is marked off from the point of infraction. All offensive penalties result in a loss of down except illegal motion / false start.

Note: If the offense crosses midfield and commits a penalty after crossing midfield which when assessed puts them behind midfield, it will be first and goal from where the ball is placed.

UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT:

1. Excessive contact or rough play: If official decides excessive contact was "with intent to harm" the player will be ejected from game. Depending on the severity of the incident the player may be tossed out of the league. Note: excessive contact may be called even if the contact was unintentional.

2. Excessive arguing with officials

3. Using vulgar language

4. Taunting, trash talking or verbal threats.

A PROMISE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS

FastAction Sports will provide an atmosphere where players can feel comfortable bringing their friends and family members to enjoy the game. Any players or teams that jeopardize that environment may be removed from the league.

The league has a no tolerance policy. Any players involved in a fight will automatically be suspended a minimum of one week. Depending on the severity of the incident the players or teams involved may be suspended for the entire season with no refund of payment.

Sincerely,

Brian Dreyer

President, FastAction Sports Arizona