League Sports / Flag Football / 4-on-4 Rules

4-on-4 Rules

(revised 01/07/08)

RULE 1. THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

ART. 1…The Game.  The game shall be played between two teams of 4 players each.  3 players are required to start the game and avoid a forfeit. 

NOTE: If in doubt, continue the game.

PENALTY: Illegal Participation, 5 yards (S28).

ART. 3…Supervision.  The game shall be played under the supervision of 3 officials and an intramural supervisor.

ART. 4…Team Captains.  Each team shall designate to the Referee the team captain(s).  If more than one player is designated, a speaking captain must be selected to make all decisions.

ART. 5…Persons Subject to the Rules.  Players, substitutes, replaced players, coaches, trainers, spectators and other persons affiliated with the team are subject to the Rules of the game and shall be governed by decisions of officials assigned to the game.

ART. 6…Referee’s Authority.  The Referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the Rules.  The Referee’s decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.

ART. 7…Game Official’s Authority.  The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, as soon as they are able to be present.  The official’s jurisdiction extends through the Referee’s declaration of the end of the second half or overtime.

NOTE: The supervisor’s jurisdiction extends beyond that of the officials.

 

SECTION 2. THE FIELD

ART. 5…Goal Line.  The entire width of each goal line shall be a part of the end zone.

ART. 6…Team Box.  On each side of the field a team box is designated for the teams, coaches and authorized team attendants.  This team box shall be located 2 yards off of the sideline and between the 10 yard lines.

ART. 7…Pylons.  Soft, flexible pylons shall be placed at the intersection of the sideline with the goal lines and end lines, and at the intersection of the end lines and inbounds line extended.

 

SECTION 3. GAME EQUIPMENT

ART. 1…The Ball.  The official ball shall be pebble-grained leather or rubber covered and meet the recommendations of size and shape for a regulation football.  There are no requirements regarding ball pressure and markings.  Men shall use the regular size ball only.  The regular, intermediate, youth or junior size football shall be used for Women’s games.  The Referee shall be the sole judge of any ball offered for play and may change the ball during play at his/her discretion.  During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when in possession

ART. 2…Ball Spotters.  Two soft and pliable ball spotters are required.  One, orange, will mark the offensive scrimmage line.  The second, yellow, will mark the defensive scrimmage line.  The ball spotters will always be 1 yard apart.

 

SECTION 4. PLAYER EQUIPMENT - REQUIRED

ART. 2…Pants/Shorts.  Each player must wear pants or shorts without any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s) or exposed drawstrings.  The pants or shorts must be a different color than the flags.

ART. 3…Flag Belt.  Each player must wear the flag belt provided by UF IM Sports.

PENALTY: Live Ball Foul, Failure to have the flag belt legally attached at the snap, 3 yards from the previous spot (S23).

ART. 4…Shoes.  Shoes shall be made of a canvas, leather or synthetic material which covers the foot attached to a firm sole or leather, rubber or composition material which may have cleats or be cleatless.  Among the items which do not meet these requirements are gymnastic slippers, ski and logger boots, and other apparel not intended for football use.  Cleats are limited to studs or projections which do not exceed ½ inch in length and are made with nonabrasive rubber or rubber-type synthetic material which does not chip or develop a cutting edge.

PENALTY: (Section 4) Failure to wear required equipment.  Live Ball (Previous Spot) or Dead Ball (Succeeding Spot) Foul.  3 yards (S23).

 

SECTION 5. PLAYER EQUIPMENT - OPTIONAL

ART. 1…Ace Bandage.  Players may use an ace bandage no more than two turns thick in any given area.  It can be anchored at each end by tape not to exceed two turns.

ART. 2…Gloves.  Players may wear gloves which must consist of a soft, pliable and nonabrasive material.

ART. 3…Headwear.  Players may wear a headband no wider than 2” and made of non-abrasive cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather or rubber.  Rubber or cloth elastic bands may be used to control hair.

ART. 4…Knee Pads.  Players may wear soft, pliable basketball or wrestling knee pads on the leg, knee and/or ankle.

ART. 5…Mouth and Tooth Protector.  It is strongly recommended that a mouth piece be worn by all players.

ART. 6…Play Books.  Players may carry a play book inside their clothing as long as it is not made of an unyielding material and is not visible.  If carried on the field, a player must keep it rather than throw it on the ground.

ART. 7…Sunglasses.  Players may wear pliable and non-rigid sunglasses.

 

SECTION 6. PLAYER EQUIPMENT - ILLEGAL

ART. 1…Illegal Equipment.  A player wearing illegal equipment shall not be permitted to play.  This applies to any equipment which, in the opinion of the Referee, is dangerous or confusing.  Types of equipment or substances which shall always be declared illegal include:

a.        Headwear other than the 2” headband.

b.       Jewelry.

c.        Pads or braces worn above the waist.

d.       Shoes with metal, ceramic, screw-in, or detachable cleats

EXCEPTION: Screw-in cleats are allowed if the screw is part of the cleat.

e.        Shirts of jerseys which do not remain tucked in.  Any hood on a coat, sweatshirt, or shirt which does not remain tucked in.  Tear-away jerseys or jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like protrusion or creates a tear-away jersey.  Jerseys which have an arm opening more than 4” below the armpit.  The Referee will use a fist to measure the distance of the jersey opening.

f.         pants or shorts with any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s) or exposed drawstrings.

g.       Leg and knee braces made of hard, unyielding material unless covered on both sides and all edges overlapped, and any other hard substance unless covered with at least ½” of closed cell, slow recovery rubber or other material of similar thickness and physical properties.

h.       Any slippery or sticky foreign substance on any equipment or exposed part of the body.

i.         Equipment which includes computers or any electronic or mechanical devices for communication.

j.         Exposed metal on clothes or person.

k.        Towels attached at the player’s waist.

PENALTY: Unsportsmanlike Conduct.  5 yards (S27).

 

SECTION 7. PLAYER EQUIPMENT - MISSING OR ILLEGAL

When any required player equipment is missing or when illegal equipment is found on any incoming substitute or player, correction must be made before participation.  An official’s time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of equipment which becomes illegal or defective through use.

 

RULE 2.  DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1. BALL – LIVE, DEAD, LOOSE, POSSESSION

ART. 1…Live Ball.  A live ball is a ball in play and a dead ball is not in play.  A pass or fumble which has not yet touched the ground is a live ball in flight and can be caught and advanced by either team.

ART. 2…Loose Ball.  A loose ball is a live ball not in player possession, i.e., any punt, pass or fumble.

ART. 3…In Possession.  A player is in possession of a live ball when he/she is holding or controlling the ball.  A team is in possession:

a.     When one of its players is in possession.

c.     While a forward pass thrown by one of its players is in flight.

d.     When it was last in possession during a loose ball.

ART. 4…When the Ball is Ready for Play.  A dead ball is ready for play when the Referee:

a.     If the clock is running, sounds the whistle and signals “ready for play” (S1).

b.     If the clock is stopped, sounds the whistle and signals either “start the clock” or the “ball is ready for play” (S2) or (S1)

 

SECTION 2. BAT

ART. 1…Bat.  A bat is intentionally slapping, striking, or redirecting the ball with the hand or arm.

 

SECTION 3. CATCH, INTERCEPTION, SIMULTANEOUS CATCH, TOUCHING

ART. 1…Catch.  A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds or being contacted by an opponent in such a way that he/she is prevented from returning to the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.

a.     If one foot first lands inbounds and the receiver has possession and control of the ball, it is a catch or interception even though a subsequent step takes the receiver out-of-bounds.

b.     A catch by any kneeling or prone inbounds player is a completion or interception.

c.     A loss of the ball simultaneously with returning to the ground is not a catch or interception.  NOTE: If in doubt, it is a catch.

ART. 2…Interception.  An interception is the catch of an opponent’s fumble or pass.

ART. 3…Simultaneous Catch or Recovery.  A simultaneous catch or recovery is a catch or recovery in which there is joint possession of a live ball by opposing players who are inbounds.

ART. 4…Touching.  Catching is always preceded by touching the ball; thus, if touching causes the ball to become dead, securing possession of the ball has no significance.  Touching refers to any contact with the ball.

 

SECTION 4. DOWN AND BETWEEN DOWNS

ART. 1…A down is a unit of the game which starts, after the ball is ready for play, with a legal snap and ends when the ball next becomes dead.  Between downs is the interval during which the ball is dead.

 

SECTION 5. ENCROACHMENT

ART. 1…Encroachment is a term used to indicate a player is illegally in the neutral zone.  An entering substitute is not considered to be a player for encroachment restrictions until he/she is on his/her team’s side of the neutral zone.

 

SECTION 6. FIGHTING

ART. 1…Fighting is any attempt by a player or nonplayer to strike or engage an opponent in a combative manner unrelated to football.  Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to strike an opponent(s) with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s), or foot (feet), whether or not there is contact.

 

SECTION 7. FOUL

ART. 1…A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed. 

NOTE: If in doubt, it is not a foul.

 

SECTION 8. FUMBLE

ART. 1…A fumble is a loss of player possession other than by handing, passing, or punting the ball.

 

SECTION 9. GOAL LINES

ART. 1…Each goal line is a vertical plane separating the end zone from the field of play.  The plane of the goal line extends beyond the sideline.

 

SECTION 10. HANDING THE BALL

ART. 1…Handling the ball is transferring player possession from one teammate to another without throwing or punting it.

 

SECTION 11. HUDDLE

ART. 1…A huddle is two or more offensive players grouped together after the ball is ready for play and before assuming scrimmage formation prior to the snap.

 

SECTION 12. HURDLING

ART. 1…Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over an opponent who is contacting the ground with no part of his/her body, except one or both feet.

 

SECTION 13. KICKS

ART. 2…Illegal Kicks.  Kicking the ball in any manner is illegal.

 

SECTION 14. LOSS OF DOWN

ART. 1…“Loss of a down” means “loss of the right to repeat the down.”

 

SECTION 15. MUFF

ART. 1…A muff is an unsuccessful attempt to catch a ball, the ball being touched in the attempt.

 

SECTION 16. NEUTRAL ZONE

ART. 1…The neutral zone is from the forward point of the football one yard to the Team B scrimmage line and extended to each sideline.  It is established when the ball is marked ready for play.

 

SECTION 17. PASSER

ART. 1…The passer is the player who has thrown a legal forward pass.  He/she remains the passer while the ball is in flight or until he/she moves to participate in the play.

 

SECTION 18. PASSES

ART. 1…Passing.  Passing the ball is throwing it.  In a pass, the ball travels in flight.  A pass continues to be a pass until it is caught, intercepted, or the ball becomes dead.  The initial direction determines whether a pass is forward or backward.

ART. 2…Forward and Backward Pass.  A forward pass is thrown with its initial direction toward the opponent’s end line.  A backward pass is a pass thrown with its initial direction parallel with or toward the passer’s end line.  A pass continues to be a pass until it is caught or strikes the ground.  A backward pass or fumble that strikes the ground is ruled dead at that spot.

 

SECTION 19. PENALTY

ART. 1…A penalty is a result imposed by Rule against a team or team member that has committed a foul.

 

SECTION 20. REMOVING THE FLAG BELT

ART. 1…Flag Belt Removal.  When the flag is clearly taken from the runner in possession of the ball, the ball is declared dead and the down shall end.  An opponent who removes the flag belt from the runner should immediately hold the flag belt above his/her head to assist the official in locating the spot where the capture occurred.  If a flag belt inadvertently falls to the ground, a one hand tag between the shoulders and knees constitutes capture.  A player may leave his/her feet to remove the flag belt.

ART. 2…Contact.  In an attempt to remove the flag belt from a runner, an opponent may contact the body and shoulders, but not the face, neck or any part of the head of the runner with their hands.  An opponent may not hold, push, or knock the runner down in an attempt to remove the flag belt.

 

SECTION 21. SCREEN BLOCKING

ART. 1…Screen blocking is legally obstructing an opponent without using any part of the body to initiate contact.

 

SECTION 22. SCRIMMAGE

ART. 1…Scrimmage Line.  The scrimmage line for Team A is the yard line and its vertical plane which passes through the forward point of the ball.  The scrimmage line for Team B is the yard line and its vertical plane which passes one yard from the point of the ball nearest its own goal line.  Team B’s scrimmage line may extend into their end zone.  A Team A player is on his/her scrimmage line when facing his/her opponent’s goal line with his/her head or foot breaking the plane of the imaginary line drawn through the waistline of the snapper and parallel to the scrimmage line.  The snapper is a line player.

ART. 1…Backfield Line.  To be legally in the backfield a Team A player’s head or foot must not break the plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the nearest Team A player, except the snapper, on the scrimmage line.

 

SECTION 23. SHIFT

ART. 1…A shift is the action of one or more offensive players who, after a huddle or after taking set positions, move to a new set position before the ensuing snap.

 

SECTION 24. TAGGING

ART. 1…Tagging is placing one hand anywhere between the shoulders and knees of an opponent with the ball.  The tagger may leave his/her feet to make the tag.  Pushing, striking, slapping, and holding are not permitted.  If the player trips the runner in his/her attempt to make a diving tag, it is a foul.

 

SECTION 25. TEAM AND PLAYER DESIGNATIONS

ART. 1…Disqualified Player.  A disqualified player is one who becomes ineligible for further participation in the game.

ART. 2…Line Player and Backfield Player.  A line player is any person on his/her scrimmage line when the ball is snapped.  A backfield player is any person who is legally behind that line when the ball is snapped.

ART. 3…Offensive and Defensive Team.       The offensive team is the team in possession or the team to which the ball belongs.  The defensive team is the opposing team.

ART. 4…Player.  A player is any one of the participants in the game.

ART. 5…Runner.  The runner is the player in possession of a live ball or simulating possession of a live ball.  Once a player catches or intercepts a pass, he/she becomes a runner.

ART. 6…Snapper.  The snapper is the player who snaps the ball.  He/she is a line player.

ART. 7…Substitute.  A substitute is a team member who may replace a player.

ART. 8…Team A and B.  Team A is the team which snaps the ball.  The opponent of Team A is Team B.  A player of Team A is A-1 and teammates are A-2 and A-3.  Other abbreviations are B-1 for a player of Team B, K-1 for a player of the kickers and R-1 for one of the receivers.

 

RULE 3. PERIODS, TIME FACTORS, SUBSTITUTIONS

SECTION 1. THE START OF EACH HALF

ART. 1…Coin Toss.  Three minutes before the start of the game the Referee shall designate which captain shall call the fall of the coin, then toss a coin in the presence of the opposing captains.  All officials shall be present for the coin toss.

The captain winning the toss shall have a choice of options for the first half or shall defer his/her option to the second half.  The options for each half shall be:

a.        To choose whether his/her team will start on offense or defense.

b.       To choose the goal his/her team will defend.  The captain, not having the first choice of options for a half, shall exercise the remaining option.

ART. 3…Forfeit Time.  A team must have 3 players present at game time to avoid a forfeit. 

ART. 4…Start Each Half.  Unless moved by penalty, the ball should be snapped on the 10 yard line to start each half.

 

SECTION 2.  GAME TIME

ART. 1…Playing Time and Intermissions.  Playing time shall be 40 minutes divided into 2 halves of 20 minutes each.  The intermission between halves shall be 3 minutes.  In the tournament, there will be a 1 minute intermission between the end of the 2^nd half and the start of the tiebreaker.

ART. 2…Unusual Situations.

a.        A period or periods may be shortened in an emergency by mutual agreement of the supervisor, Referee, and the opposing captains.

b.       By mutual agreement of the opposing captains and the Referee, any remaining periods may be shortened at any time or the game terminated.

c.        Games interrupted because of events beyond the control of the UF IM Sports Staff in the regular season will not be made up.  If such a game has reached halftime, the score is official.  If not, it is treated as no contest.  In the postseason, the game shall be made up from the point of interruption unless it is after halftime and the score is not tied.

ART. 3…Extension of Periods.  A period must be extended by an untimed down (S1), if during the last timed down, one of the following occurs:

a.        There was a foul, other than unsportsmanlike or non-player or fouls which specify loss of down, by either team and the penalty is accepted.  In the latter case, any score by the team which fouled is cancelled.

b.       There was a double foul.

c.        There was an inadvertent whistle.

d.       If a touchdown is scored, the Try is attempted unless the touchdown is scored during the last down of the second half and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game.

If a, b or c occurs during the untimed down (S1), the procedure is repeated.

NOTE 1: The period shall not be extended further when the defense fouls during a successful Try and the offended team accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot.

NOTE 2: Apply the “extension of periods” Rule prior to enforcing the Mercy Rule (8-2).

ART. 4…Game Timer.  Playing time will be kept by the Back Judge.

ART. 5…First 19 Minutes of the First Half, First 18 Minutes of the Second Half.  The clock will start on the snap.  It will run continuously for the first 19 minutes of the first half and first 18 minutes of the second half unless it is stopped for a:

a.        Team time-out - starts on the snap.

b.       Referee’s time-out - starts on the ready for play.

ART. 6…1 Minute/2 Minute Warning.  Approximately one minute before the end of the first half and two minutes of the second half, the Referee shall stop the clock and inform both captains of the time remaining in that period.  The clock starts on the snap.  The Back Judge will announce to the captains the remaining time and status of the clock after every play during the final thirty seconds of each half.

ART. 7…Last 1 Minute/2 Minutes.  During the final one minute of the first half and two minutes of the second half the clock will stop for a:

a.        Incomplete legal or illegal forward pass - starts on the snap.

b.       Out-of-bounds - starts on the snap.

c.        Safety - starts on the snap.

d.       Team time-out - starts on the snap.

e.        First down - dependent on the previous play.

f.         Touchdown - starts on the snap (after the Try).

g.       Penalty and administration - dependant on the previous play

EXCEPTION: Delay of game - starts on the snap.

h.       Referee’s time-out - starts at his/her discretion.

i.         Touchback - starts on the snap.

j.         Team A is awarded a new series - dependant on the previous play.

k.        Team B is awarded a new series - starts on the snap.

m.      Team attempting to conserve time illegally - starts on the ready.

n.       Team attempting to consume time illegally - starts on the snap.

o.       Inadvertent whistle - starts on the ready.

ART. 8…Correct Timing Errors.  The Referee shall have authority to correct obvious timing errors if discovery is prior to the second live ball following the error unless the period has officially ended.

ART. 9…Ending a Period.  Following a delay to ensure:

a.        No foul has occurred.

b.       No obvious timing error has occurred.

c.        No request for a coach-referee conference has occurred.

d.       No other irregularity has occurred.

The Referee shall hold the ball in one hand overhead to indicate the period has officially ended (S14).

 

SECTION 3. TIE GAME (POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT ONLY)

ART. 1…Mandatory Meeting.  If a postseason tournament game ends with a tie score, the officials must bring all players and coaches of both teams to the center of the field.  They will discuss the tie breaker procedures and answer all questions prior to the coin toss.  After this meeting the captains will stay while the remaining players and coaches return to their respective team box.

ART. 2…Coin Toss.  A coin will be flipped by the Referee to determine the options as in the start of the game.  The team captain which did not call the toss at the beginning of the game shall call the overtime coin toss.  There will only be one coin toss during overtime.  If additional overtime periods are played, captains will alternate choices.  The winner of the toss shall be given options of offense, defense, or direction.  The loser of the toss shall make a choice of the remaining options.  ALL OVERTIME PERIODS ARE PLAYED TOWARD THE SAME GOAL LINE.

ART. 3…Tie Breaker.  Each team will attempt to score by passing from the 3 yard line for 1 point, from the 10 yard line for 2 points or from the 20 yard line for 3 points.  If the defense intercepts a pass or fumble and returns it for 3 points, the game is over and the defense wins.

ART. 4…Fouls and Penalties.  They are administered similar to the regular game.  Dead ball fouls following a successful Try and live ball fouls following a change of possession will be penalized from the succeeding spot.

 

SECTION 4. TIME-OUTS

ART. 1…How Charged.  The Referee shall declare a time-out when he/she suspends play for any reason.  Each time-out shall be charged either to the Referee or one of the teams.

ART. 2…Referee’s Time-Out.  The Referee shall declare an official’s time-out when an excess time-out is allowed for an injured player.  The Referee may declare an official’s time-out for any contingency not covered elsewhere by the Rules.  If a time-out is for repair or replacement of player equipment which becomes illegal through play and is considered dangerous to other players, the Referee shall charge him/herself.

ART. 3…Charged Time-Outs.  Each team is entitled to 1 charged time-out during the game and including the tiebreaker.  If the ball is dead and a team has not exhausted its charged time-outs, the Referee shall allow a time-out and charge that team or complete a coach-referee conference.

ART. 4…Length of Time-Outs.  A charged time-out requested by any player or head coach which is legally granted shall be one minute and can be shortened if both teams are ready.  Other time-outs may be longer only if the Referee deems it necessary.

ART. 5…Coach-Referee Conference.  When a team requests a time-out for misapplication or misinterpretation of a rule, the Referee will confer with the team captain or head coach.  The request must be made prior to the time the ball becomes live following the play to be reviewed unless the half has officially ended.  If the Referee changes his/her ruling, it is an official’s time-out.  If the ruling is not changed, it is a charged time-out.  If the team has used its available time-outs, a delay of game penalty will be assessed.

ART. 6…Notification.  The Referee shall notify both teams 5 seconds before a charged time-out expires.  The team then has 25 seconds to put the ball in play.  When 2 time-outs have been charged to a team in a game, the Referee shall notify all players and officials.

NOTE: The Referee will communicate the number of team time-outs remaining for each team to both captains and all officials after each charged time-out is taken.

ART. 7…Authorized Conferences.  There are two types of authorized conferences permitted during charged time-outs and following a score or Try.

a.        One or more players and one or more coaches may meet directly in front of the team box within 5 yards of the sideline; or

b.       One coach may enter the field at his/her team’s huddle on the inbounds hash mark to confer with his/her players.

ART. 8…Injured Player.  An injured or apparently injured player who is discovered by an official while the ball is dead and the clock is stopped shall be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime or overtime intermission occurs.  A player who is bleeding or has an open wound, or an excessive amount of blood on the uniform shall be considered an injured player.

ART. 9…Unconscious or Apparently Unconscious Player.  A time-out occurs when an unconscious or apparently unconscious player is determined by the game officials.  The player may not return to play in the game without written authorization from a physician. 

 

SECTION 5. DELAYS

ART. 1…Delay of Game.  The ball must be put in play promptly and legally and any action or inaction by either team which tends to prevent this is delay of game.  This includes:

a.        Failure to snap within 25 seconds after the ball is declared ready for play.

b.       Putting the ball in play before it is declared ready for play.

c.        Deliberately advancing the ball after it has been declared dead.

d.       Coach-Referee Conference after all permissible charged time-outs for the coach’s team have been used, and during which the Referee is requested to reconsider the application of a rule and no change results.

PENALTY: Dead Ball Foul, Delay of Game, 3 yards from the succeeding spot (S7 and S21).

 

SECTION 6. CONSERVING OR CONSUMING TIME

ART. 1…Illegally Conserving or Consuming Time.  The Referee may order the game clock started or stopped whenever, in his/her opinion, either team is trying to conserve or consume playing time by tactics obviously unfair.

 

SECTION 7. SUBSTITUTIONS

ART. 1…Eligible Substitutes.  Between downs any number of eligible substitutes may replace players provided the substitution is completed by having the replaced players off the field before the ball becomes live.  An incoming substitute must enter the field directly from his/her team area.  A replaced player must leave the field at the sideline nearest his/her team area prior to the ball being snapped.  An entering substitute shall be on his/her team’s side of the neutral zone when the ball is snapped.

PENALTY: Substitution Infraction, 3 yards (S22).  If it is a dead ball or non-player foul, 3 yards from the succeeding spot (S7 and S22).

ART. 2…Legal Substitutions.  During the same dead ball interval, no substitute shall become a player and then withdraw, and no player shall withdraw and then re-enter as a substitute unless a penalty is accepted, a dead ball foul occurs, there is a charged time-out, or a period ends.

PENALTY: Substitution Infraction, 3 yards from previous spot (S22).

 

RULE 4.  BALL IN PLAY, DEAD BALL, OUT-OF-BOUNDS

SECTION 1. BALL IN PLAY - DEAD BALL

ART. 1…Dead Ball Becomes Live.  A dead ball, after having been declared ready for play, becomes a live ball when it is snapped legally.

ART. 2…Ball Declared Dead.  A live ball becomes dead and an official shall sounds the whistle or declare it dead:

a.        When it goes out-of-bounds.

b.       When any part of the runner other than a hand(s) or foot (feet) touches the ground.

c.        When a touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful Try is made.

f.         When a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught simultaneously by opposing players.

g.       When a backward pass or fumble strikes the ground or is caught simultaneously by opposing players.  A ball snapped, which hits the ground before or after getting to the intended receiver, is dead at the spot where it hit the ground.

NOTE: If in doubt, a snap close to the ground is live.

h.       When a forward pass is legally completed, or a loose ball is caught by a player on, above, or behind the opponent’s goal line.

i.         When a runner has a flag belt removed legally by an opponent.  A flag belt is removed when the clip is detached from the belt.

j.         When a runner is legally tagged with one hand between the shoulders and knees, including the hand or arm, by an opponent on the flag belt is no longer attached.

l.      When a passer is deflagged/tagged prior to releasing the ball.

NOTE: If in doubt as to the release or not, the ball is released.

n.     When an official sounds his/her whistle inadvertently during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined, when:

1.     The ball is in player possession - the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where declared dead or replay the down.

2.     The ball is loose from a fumble, backward pass, illegal kick, or illegal forward pass - the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where possession was lost or replay the down.

3.     During a legal forward pass - the ball is returned to the previous spot and the down replayed.

If a foul occurs during any of the above downs, an accepted penalty shall be administered as in any other play situation.  When the foul is accepted, disregard the inadvertent whistle.

NOTE: There is no time added to the game clock during a down with an inadvertent whistle.

 

SECTION 2. OUT-OF-BOUNDS

ART. 1…Player Out-of-Bounds. A player or nonplayer is out-of-bounds when any part of him/her touches anything other than another player or game official which is on or outside the sideline or end line.

ART. 2…Player in Possession Out-of-Bounds.  A ball in player possession is out-of-bounds when the runner or the ball touches anything, other than another player or game official, which is on or outside a sideline or end line.

ART. 3…Loose Ball Out-of-Bounds.  A loose ball is out-of-bounds when it touches anything, including a player or game official, which is out-of-bounds.

 

RULE 5.  SERIES OF DOWNS, NUMBER OF DOWN AND TEAM POSSESSION AFTER PENALTY

SECTION 1. A SERIES - HOW STARTED, HOW BROKEN, RENEWED

ART. 1…A Down is a Unit.  A down is a unit of the game which starts with a legal snap and ends when the ball next becomes dead.  Between downs is any period when the ball is dead.

ART. 2…Series of Downs.  Team A shall have 3 consecutive downs to advance to the next zone.  Any down may be repeated or lost if provided by the Rules.

ART. 3…Zone Line-to-Gain.  The zone line-to-gain in any series shall be the zone in advance of the ball, unless the distance has been lost due to penalty or failure to gain.  In such case, the original zone in advance of the ball at the beginning of the series of downs is the zone line-to-gain.  The most forward point of the ball, when declared dead between the goal lines, shall be the determining factor.

ART. 4…Awarding a New Series.  A new series of downs shall be awarded when a team moves the ball legally into the next zone or the opponent obtains possession of the ball by penalty, pass interception, or failure to advance to the next zone.

 

SECTION 2. DOWN AND POSSESSION AFTER PENALTY

ART. 1…Penalty Resulting in a First Down.  After a penalty which leaves the ball in possession of a team beyond its zone line-to-gain, or when a penalty stipulates a first down, the down and distance established by that penalty shall be first down with next zone line-to-gain.

ART. 2…Foul Before Change of Team Possession.  Following a distance penalty between the goal lines which occurs during a down and before any change of team possession during that down, the ball belongs to Team A.  The down shall be repeated unless the penalty also involves loss of a down, or leaves the ball on or beyond the zone line-to-gain.  If the penalty involves loss of a down, the down shall count as one of the four in that series.

ART. 3…Foul After Change of Team Possession.  Following a distance penalty for a foul committed after team possession has changed during that down, the ball belongs to the team in possession when the foul occurred.  The down and distance established by that penalty shall be first down with zone line-to-gain.

ART. 4…Penalty Declined.  If a penalty is declined the number of the next down shall be whatever it would have been if that foul had not occurred.

ART. 5…Rule Decisions Final.  No rule decision may be changed after the ball is next legally snapped.

 

RULE 6.  KICKING THE BALL

SECTION 1. KICKS

ART. 1…Kicking the Ball.  All kicks are illegal.

PENALTY: Illegal Kick, 5 yards (S31).

 

RULE 7.  SNAPPING, HANDING AND PASSING THE BALL

SECTION 1. THE SCRIMMAGE

ART. 1…The Start.  All plays must be started by a legal snap from a point on the inbounds line.  The ball may be moved with approval by the Referee due to poor field conditions.

ART. 2…Ball Responsibility.  Team A players are responsible for retrieving the ball after a down.  The snapper will bring the ball from the huddle to the Team A scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).  A towel may be placed under the ball.

ART. 3…Stances.  Players may use a 2, 3, or 4 point stance.

 

SECTION 2. PRIOR TO THE SNAP

ART. 1…Encroachment.  Following the ready for play and until the snap, no player on defense may encroach, touch the ball, nor may any player contact opponents or in any other way interfere with them.  This includes standing in the neutral zone to give defensive signals, or shifting through the zone.  After the snapper has placed his/her hand(s) on the ball, it is encroachment for any player to break the scrimmage line plane, except for the snapper’s right to be over the ball.

PENALTY: Dead Ball Foul, Encroachment, 3 yards from the succeeding spot (S7 and S18).  During the interval between downs when two or more consecutive encroachment fouls are committed by the defensive team, the penalty will be 5 yards for subsequent encroachment fouls.

ART. 2…False Start.  No offensive player shall make a false start.  A false start includes simulating a charge or start of a play.  An infraction of this rule may be penalized whether or not the ball is snapped and the penalty for any resulting encroachment shall be canceled.

PENALTY: Dead Ball Foul, False Start, 3 yards from the succeeding spot (S7 and S19).

ART. 3…Snap.  The snapper, after assuming position for the snap and adjusting the ball, may neither move nor change the position of the ball in a manner simulating the beginning of a play until it is snapped.  An infraction of this provision may be penalized, whether or not the ball is snapped, and the penalty for any resultant encroachment foul by an opponent shall be canceled.  When over the ball the snapper shall have his/her feet behind his/her scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).  The snapper shall pass the ball back from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion of the hand(s).  The ball shall leave the hand(s) in this motion.

PENALTY: Dead Ball Foul, Illegal Snap, 3 yards from the succeeding spot (S7 and S19).

 

SECTION 3. POSITION AND ACTION DURING THE SNAP

ART. 1…Legal Position.  Anytime on or after the ball is marked ready for play, each Team A player must momentarily be within 10 yards of the ball before the snap.

PENALTY: Illegal Formation, 3 yards (S19).

ART. 2…Minimum Line Players.  The offensive team must have at least 2 players on their scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) at the snap.  The remaining players must be either on their scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) or behind their backfield line.  All players must be inbounds.  A player in motion is not counted as one of the two on the scrimmage line.

PENALTY: Illegal Formation, 3 yards (S19).

ART. 3…Motion.  Only one offensive player may be in motion, but not in motion toward the opponent’s goal line at the snap.  Other offensive players must be stationary in their positions without movement of their feet, body, head or arms.

PENALTY: Illegal Motion, 3 yards (S20).

ART. 4…Illegal Snap.  The snapper may not snap the ball to him/herself.  The player who receives the snap must be at least two yards behind the offensive scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).  Direct snaps are illegal.

PENALTY: Illegal Snap, 3 yards (S19).

NOTE: If in doubt, the player receiving the snap is two yards back.

ART. 5…Shift.  In a snap preceded by a huddle or shift, all offensive players must come to a complete stop and remain stationary in legal position without movement of feet, body, head, or arms for at least one full second before the snap.

PENALTY: Illegal Shift, 3 yards (S20).

 

SECTION 4. HANDING THE BALL

ART. 1…Anytime.  Any player may hand the ball forward or backward at any time.

 

SECTION 5. RUNNER

ART. 1…A Team A runner cannot advance the ball through the Team A scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).  There are no restrictions after a change of possession or once a legal forward pass has been caught beyond Team A’s scrimmage line.  This rule also applies to a legal forward pass which is caught behind the Team A scrimmage line and run through the scrimmage line.

PENALTY: Illegal Advancement, 3 yards (S19).

 

SECTION 6. BACKWARD PASS AND FUMBLE

ART. 1…Anytime.  A runner may pass the ball backward or lose player possession by a fumble anytime except if intentionally thrown out-of-bounds to conserve time.

PENALTY: Illegal Pass, 3 yards from the spot of the pass or fumble and loss of down (S35 and S9).  Referee will start the clock on the ready for play.

NOTE 1: If in doubt, the pass is backward.

NOTE 2: See Rule 9, Batting and Kicking.

ART. 2…Caught or Intercepted.  A backward pass or fumble in flight may be caught or intercepted by any other player inbounds and advanced.  A player may not throw an untouched backward pass to him/herself.

PENALTY: Illegal Pass, 3 yards from the spot of the pass and loss of down if by Team A before possession changes during a down (S35 and S9).

ART. 3…Simultaneous Catch by Opposing Players.  If a backward pass of fumble in flight is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams inbounds, the ball becomes dead at the spot of the catch and belongs to the offensive team.

ART. 4…Out-of-Bounds.  A backward pass or fumble which touches the ground between the goal lines is dead at the spot where it touches the ground and belongs to the offensive team unless lost on downs.

 

SECTION 7. LEGAL AND ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS

ART. 1…Legal Forward Pass.  There must be a legal forward pass each down.  The receiver must catch the ball beyond Team A’s scrimmage line.  Team A has 7 seconds to release the ball on a forward pass.  If not, it is a loss of down and the ball is next snapped at the previous spot.  The Referee will sound his/her whistle at 7 seconds if the passer has possession of the ball.

NOTE 1: If in doubt, the pass is backward.

NOTE 2: If this occurs within the final 30 seconds of either half, the clock shall continue to run.

ART. 2…Illegal Forward Pass.  A forward pass is illegal:

a.        If the passer’s foot is beyond the plane of Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) when the ball leaves his/her hand (S35 and S9).

b.       If thrown after team possession has changed during the down (S35).

c.        If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to save loss of yardage (S36 and S9).

d.       If a passer catches his/her untouched forward pass (S35 and S9).

e.        If there is more than one forward pass per down (S35 and S9).

PENALTY: Illegal Pass, 3 yards from the spot of the pass and loss of down if by Team A before possession changes during a scrimmage down (S35 and S9).

NOTE: If in doubt, the pass is legal.

 

SECTION 8. COMPLETED OR INTERCEPTED PASSES

ART. 1…Pass Caught or Intercepted.  A forward pass is completed when caught by a member of the passing team inbounds.  A forward pass is intercepted when caught by a member of the opposing team inbounds.  It is counted as a completion or interception as long as the first part of the person to make contact with the ground after the catch, usually one foot, touches inbounds.

ART. 2…Simultaneous Catch or Recovery.  If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams inbounds, the ball becomes dead at the spot of the catch and belongs to the offensive team.

 

SECTION 9. INCOMPLETE PASSES

ART. 1…Becomes Dead.  When a forward pass touches the ground or anything out-of-bounds, it becomes dead.

 

SECTION 10. FORWARD PASS INTERFERENCE

ART. 1…Interference.  During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) contact which interferes with an eligible receiver who is beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange) is pass interference unless it occurs when 2 or more eligible receivers make a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch, or bat a pass.  Hindering an opponent’s vision without making an attempt to catch, intercept or bat the ball is pass interference, even though no contact was made.  It is also pass interference if an eligible receiver is deflagged/tagged prior to the pass being thrown beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

ART. 2…Offensive Pass Interference.  After the ball is snapped, and until the pass has been touched by any Team A player, there shall be no offensive pass interference beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

PENALTY: Offensive Pass Interference, 5 yards from the previous spot and loss of down (S33 and S9).

ART. 3…Defensive Pass Interference.  After the pass is thrown, and until the pass has been touched by any Team A or B player, there shall be no defensive pass interference beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

PENALTY: Defensive Pass Interference, 5 yards from the previous spot and automatic first down (S33 and S8).

NOTE: In Arts. 2 and 3, if the pass interference by either player is intentional or unsportsmanlike, his/her team shall be penalized an additional 10 yards (S27).

ART. 4…Not Interference.  Action by Team B which is not a foul and which is obviously away from the direction of the pass is not defensive pass interference.

 

RULE 8.  SCORING PLAYS AND TOUCHBACK

NOTE: The Referee will communicate the current score to all players and officials after each touchdown, Try, and safety.

SECTION 1. FORFEITED GAME

ART. 1…Forfeited Score.  The score of a forfeited game shall be: Offended Team-1, Opponent-0.  If the offended team is ahead at the time of the forfeit, the score stands.

 

SECTION 2. MERCY RULE

ART. 1...Half Time. If a team is 50 or more points ahead at the end of the first half or any point there after, the game is over.
ART. 1…Two Minute Warnig.  If a team is 19 or more points ahead when the Referee announces the 2 minute warning for the second half, the game is over.

ART. 1…After Two Minute Warning.  If a team scores during the 2 minutes of the second half and that score creates a point differential of 19 or more points, the game will end at that point.

 

SECTION 3. TOUCHDOWN = 6 POINTS

ART. 1…Touchdown Value.  All touchdowns are worth 6 points.

ART. 2…How Scored.  It is a touchdown when a runner advances from the field of play so that the ball penetrates the vertical plane of the opponent’s goal line.  It is a touchdown when a loose ball is caught by a player while the ball is on or behind the opponent’s goal line.

ART. 3…Player Responsibility.  If an official believes that a scoring player’s flag belt may be secured illegally, he/she will go to that player and attempt to deflag him/her.  If the player is not deflagged with one pull and the official determines the flag belt has been secured illegally, the touchdown is disallowed.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards from the previous spot and disqualification (S38 and S47).  If by Team A, loss of down (S9).  If by Team B, automatic first down (S8).

 

SECTION 4. TRY = 1, 2, OR 3 POINTS

ART. 1…1, 2, or 3 Points.  An opportunity to score 1 point from the 3 yard line, 2 points from the 10 yard line, or 3 points from the 20 yard line by running or passing only shall be granted the team scoring a touchdown.

NOTE: If a touchdown is scored on the last timed down of the 2^nd half, the Try is not attempted unless it would affect the outcome of the game.

ART. 2…Referee’s Responsibility and Defense Scores 3 Points.  The Referee must speak to the field captain only, asking him/her whether the Try shall be from the 3, 10 or 20 yard line.  Once the Team A captain makes the choice, he/she may change the decision only when a Team A or B charged time-out is taken.  A team’s choice cannot be changed if a penalty should occur.  Enforcement of yardage penalties does not change the point value of the Try.  The point(s) shall be awarded if the Try results in what would have been a touchdown.  If Team B intercepts a pass or fumble during the Try and returns it for a touchdown, they score 3 points.

ART. 3…Fouls During a Try Before Team B Possession.  If a double foul occurs during the down, the down shall be replayed.  When a distance penalty is incurred by Team A during a successful Try, the down will be repeated, if accepted.  However, if a Team A penalty carries a loss of down, the Try has ended and will not be repeated.  No points are scored for Team A, if accepted (see 10-3-8 and 10-3-9).

ART. 4…Next Play.  After a Try, the ball shall be snapped by the opponent of the scoring team at their own 10 yard line, unless moved by penalty.

 

SECTION 5. FORCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

ART. 1…Responsibility.  The team responsible for a ball being on, above, or behind a goal line is the team whose player:

a.        Carries the ball to or across the goal line.

b.       Imparts to the ball an impetus which forces it to or across that goal line.

c.        Incurs a penalty which leaves the ball on or behind the goal line.

ART. 2…Force.  The force imparted by a player who punts, passes, snaps, or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball’s progress in any direction even though its course is deflected, or reversed, after striking the ground or after striking the player of either team.  However, the initial force is considered expended and a new force provided if a loose ball is illegally kicked or batted or if it is contacted again after coming to rest.

 

SECTION 6. MOMENTUM, SAFETY AND TOUCHBACK

ART. 1…Safety = 2 Points.  It is a safety when:

a.        A runner carries the ball from the field of play to or across his/her own goal line, and it becomes dead there in his/her team’s possession.

EXCEPTION: When a defensive player intercepts his/her opponent’s forward pass, fumble, backward pass, or a Team R player catches a punt between his/her 5 yard line and the goal line and his/her original momentum carries him/her into the end zone where the ball is declared dead in his/her team’s possession behind the goal line, the ball belongs to the defensive team at the spot where possession was gained.  This is known as the momentum rule.

b.       A player passes, fumbles, snaps, muffs or bats a loose ball from the field of play to or across his/her goal line and the ball subsequently becomes dead there in his/her team’s possession.  This includes when the ball is declared dead on or behind their goal line.  However, it does not apply to a legal forward pass which becomes incomplete.

c.        A player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and measurement is from a spot in his/her end zone; or throws an illegal forward pass from his/her end zone and the penalty is declined in a situation which leaves him/her in possession at the spot of the illegal pass and with the ball having been forced into the end zone by the passing team.

After a safety, the ball shall be snapped by the scoring team at their own 10 yard line, unless moved by penalty.

ART. 2…Touchback.  It is a touchback when:

c.        The ball is out-of-bounds behind a goal line (except from an incomplete forward pass), when the ball becomes dead in possession of a player on, above or behind the player’s own goal line, or when the ball becomes dead not in possession on, above or behind that team’s own goal line, and the attacking team is responsible.

After a touchback, the ball shall be snapped from the nearest 10 yard line, unless moved by penalty.

 

RULE 9.  CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS

SECTION 1. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

ART. 1…Noncontact Player Acts.  No player or nonplayer shall commit acts of unsportsmanlike conduct.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

a.        Refusal to comply or abide by the request or decision of an official.

b.       Using words similar to the offensive audibles and quarterback cadence prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with Team A’s signals or movements.

c.        Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during a punt.

d.       Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or with permission of the Referee.

e.        Participate while wearing illegal player equipment.

PENALTY: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 5 yards (S27).  If flagrant in 1A-D, the offender shall be disqualified (S47).

ART. 2…Dead Ball Player Fouls.  When the ball becomes dead in possession of a player, he/she shall not:

a.        Intentionally kick the ball.

b.       Spike the ball into the ground.

c.        Throw the ball high into the air.

PENALTY: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 5 yards (S27), and if flagrant, the offender will be disqualified (S47).

ART. 3…Prohibited Acts.  There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes, coaches, or others subject to the Rules.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

a.        Attempting to influence a decision by an official.

b.       Disrespectfully addressing an official.

c.        Indicating objections to an official’s decision.

d.       Holding an unauthorized conference, or being on the field illegally.

e.        Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.

f.         Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the game by persons subject to the Rules (DQ).

g.       Fighting an opponent (DQ).

h.       Leaving the team area and entering the playing field during a fight (DQ).

PENALTY: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 5 yards (S27), and if flagrant, the offender shall be disqualified (S47).  In Article 3F-H, the offender will be disqualified.

ART. 4…Second Unsportsmanlike Foul.  The second unsportsmanlike foul by the same player or nonplayer results in ejection.

ART. 5…Player Ejection.  If a player is ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she must leave the field area.  The field area is defined as “out of sight, out of sound.”  An ejected player is ineligible for the postseason tournament in that sport.  If the ejected player refuses to leave after a reasonable amount of time, the Referee will inform the captain/coach that the game may be forfeited. 

ART. 6…Second Ejection.  If two players are ejected in the regular season, a team will be excluded from the postseason tournament.  If a team’s second ejection of the year comes in the postseason tournament, that tournament game will be immediately ended and forfeited to the opposing team.

 

SECTION 2. UNFAIR ACTS

ART. 1…Refusal to Play or Halving the Distance.  If a team refuses to play within two minute after being ordered by the Referee, or if a team repeatedly commits fouls which can be penalized only by halving the distance to its goal line, the Referee may enforce any penalty he/she considers equitable, including the awarding of a score.  For refusal to play, or for repeated fouls, the Referee shall, after one warning, forfeit the game to the opponents.

ART. 2…Unfair Acts.  No player, substitute, coach or others subject to the Rules shall use words or phrases or commit any act no in accordance with the spirit of fair play for the purposes of confusing the opponent.

PENALTY: Unfair Act, Live Ball Foul, 5 yards (S38).

 

SECTION 3. PERSONAL FOULS

ART. 1…Player Restrictions.  No player or nonplayer shall commit a personal foul during a period or intermission.  Any act prohibited hereunder or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul.  No player shall:

a.     Strip or attempt to strip the ball from a runner by punching, striking or stealing it (S38).

NOTE: A player who controls a pass with both feet off the ground becomes a runner when the first part of the person touches the ground.

b.     Contact an opponent who is on the ground (S38).

c.     Throw the runner to the ground (S38).

d.     Hurdle any other player (S38).

e.     Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is declared dead (S38).

f.      Make contact of any nature with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary including using fists, locked hands, elbows or any part of the forearm or hand, except according to Rule (S38).

g.     Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player (S38).

h.     Position him/herself on the shoulders or body of a teammate or opponent to gain an advantage (S38).

i.      Tackle the runner by grasping or encircling with the hand(s) or arm(s) and taking the opponent toward the ground as in tackle football (S38 and S47) (DQ).

j.      Fighting an opponent (S38 and S47) (DQ).

PENALTY: 5 yards, and if flagrant, the offender will be disqualified (S47).  In Arts. 1I and J, the offender will be disqualified.

ART. 2…Roughing the Passer.  Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown forward legally.  No defensive player shall contact the passer who is standing still or fading back as he/she is considered out of the play after the pass.  Roughing the passer restrictions do not apply if the forward pass is thrown from beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

PENALTY: Roughing the Passer, 5 yards, automatic first down (S34 and S8).

ART. 3…Screen Blocking.  The offensive screen block shall take place without contact.  The screen blocker shall have his/her hands and arms at his/her side or behind his/her back.  Any use of the hands, arms, elbows, legs or body to initiate contact during an offensive player’s screen block is illegal.  A blocker may use his/her hand or arm to break a fall or to retain his/her balance.  A player must be on his/her feet before, during and after screen blocking.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 10 yards (S38).

ART. 4…Screen Blocking Fundamentals.  A player who screens shall not:

a.        Take a position closer than a normal step when behind a stationary opponent.

b.       Make contact when assuming a position at the side or in front of a stationary opponent.

c.        Take a position so close to a moving opponent that his/her opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction.  The speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take his/her stationary position.  This position will vary and may be 1 to 2 normal steps or strides from the opponent.

d.       After assuming his/her legal screening position, move to maintain it, unless he/she moves in the same direction and path as his/her opponent.

If the screener violates any of these provisions and contact results, he/she has committed a personal foul.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

ART. 5…Blocking and Interlocked Interference.  Teammates of a runner or passer may interfere for him/her by screen blocking, but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one another in any manner.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

ART. 6…Use of Hands or Arms by Defense.  Defensive players must go around the offensive player’s screen block.  The arms and hands may not be used as a wedge to contact the opponent.  The application of this Rule depends entirely on the judgment of the official.  A blocker may use his/her arms or hands to break a fall or retain his/her balance.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

 

SECTION 4. RUNNER

ART. 1…Flag Belt Removal. 

a.       Players must have possession of the ball before they can be deflagged legally by an opponent.

b.      When a runner loses his/her flag belt either accidentally, inadvertently (not removed by grabbing or pulling), or on purpose, play continues.  The deflagging reverts to a one hand tag of the runner between the shoulders and knees by the opponent.

c.        In circumstances where a flag belt is removed illegally, play should continue with the option of the penalty or the play.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

d.       An opponent intentionally pulling a flag belt from an offensive player without the ball is illegal.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

e.     Tampering with the flag belt in any way to gain an advantage including tying, using foreign materials, or other such acts is illegal.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards from the previous spot and player disqualification (S38).  If by Team A, loss of down (S9).  If by Team B, automatic first down (S8).

ART. 2…Guarding the Flag Belt.  Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt.  Examples of flag guarding include, but are not limited to:

a.        Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt.

b.       Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt.

c.        Lowering the shoulder in such a manner which places the arm over the flag belt.

PENALTY: Flag Guarding, 5 yards (S24).

ART. 3…Stiff Arm.  The runner shall be prohibited from contacting an opponent with extended hand or arm.  This includes the use of a “stiff arm” extended to ward off an opponent attempting to deflag/tag.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

ART. 4…Helping the Runner.  The runner shall not grasp a teammate or be grasped, pulled or pushed by a teammate.

PENALTY: Helping the Runner, 3 yards (S44).

ART. 5…Obstructing the Runner.  An opponent shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of a runner when in the act of removing the flag belt or making a legal tag.

PENALTY: Holding, 5 yards (S42).

ART. 6…Charge.  A runner shall not charge into nor contact an opponent in his/her path nor attempt to run between two opponents or between an opponent and a sideline, unless the space is such as to provide a reasonable chance for him/her to go through without contact.  If a runner in his/her progress has established a straight line path, he/she may not be crowded out of that path, but if an opponent is able to legally establish a defensive position in that path, the runner must avoid contact by changing direction.

PENALTY: Personal Foul, 5 yards (S38).

 

SECTION 5. BATTING AND KICKING

ART. 1…Batting a Loose Ball.  Players shall not bat a loose ball other than a pass or fumble in flight.

EXCEPTION 1: A backward pass in flight shall not be batted or thrown forward by the passing team.

PENALTY: Illegal Batting, 5 yards (S31).

 

ART. 2…Batting a Ball in Player Possession.  A ball in player possession shall not be batted forward by a player of the team in possession.

PENALTY: Illegal Batting, 5 yards (S31).

ART. 3…Illegal Kicking.  No player shall intentionally kick a ball.

NOTE: An illegal kick shall be treated like a fumble.

PENALTY: Illegal Kicking, 5 yards (S31).

 

SECTION 6. ILLEGAL PARTICIPATION

ART. 1…It Is Illegal Participation:

a.        To have 5 or more players participating at the snap.

c.     If an injured player is not replaced for at least one down; unless the end of a period or overtime intermission occurs.

d.     To use a player, replaced player or substitute in a substitution or pretended substitution to deceive opponents at or immediately before the snap.

e.     For a player to be lying on the ground to deceive opponents at or before the snap.

f.      For a disqualified player to reenter the game.

g.     For a replaced player or substitute to hinder an opponent, touch the ball, influence the play or otherwise participate.

h.     If, prior to a change of possession, a Team A player goes out-of-bounds and returns during the down to participate, unless blocked out-of-bounds by an opponent.  If a player is blocked out-of-bounds by an opponent and returns inbounds during the down, he/she shall return at the first opportunity.  During the down, no player shall intentionally go out-of-bounds and return.

i.      When any player, replaced player or substitute enters during a down.

PENALTY: Illegal Participation, 5 yards (S28).

 

RULE 10.  ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES

SECTION 1. PROCEDURE AFTER A FOUL

ART. 1…Definitions.  A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed.  Types of fouls are:

a.     Dead Ball – A foul which occurs in the time interval after a down has ended and before the ball is next snapped.

b.     Live Ball – A foul which occurs during a down.

c.     Simultaneous with the Snap – An act which becomes a foul when the ball is snapped

ART. 2…Captain’s Choice.  When a foul occurs during a live ball, the Referee shall, at the end of the down, notify both captains.  He/she shall inform the captain of the offended team regarding the rights of penalty acceptance or declination and shall indicate to him/her the number of the ensuing down, distance to be gained, and status of the ball for each available choice.  The distance penalty for any foul may be declined.  If the penalty or there is a double foul, there is no loss of distance.  A captain’s choice of options may not be revoked.  Decisions involving penalties shall be made before any charged time-out is granted to either team.

ART. 3…Dead Ball Foul.  When a foul occurs during a dead ball either between downs or before a snap, the officials shall not permit the ball to become live.  The penalty for any foul between downs, any nonplayer foul, or any unsportsmanlike foul, is enforced from the succeeding spot.  If a dead ball foul occurs after time expires for any period, the penalty shall be measured from the succeeding spot.  The succeeding spot is where the ball would next be snapped if a foul had not occurred.

ART. 4…Live Ball/Dead Ball Foul.  When a live ball foul by one team is followed by a dead ball foul by the opponent, the penalties are administered separately and in the order of occurrence.  When the same team commits a live ball foul followed by one or more dead ball fouls, all fouls may be penalized.

ART. 5…Establishing the Zone Line-to-Gain.

a.        On a live ball foul mark off the penalty yardage first then establish the zone line-to-gain.

b.       Penalties for fouls with succeeding spot enforcement which occur prior to the ready for play signal shall be administered before setting the zone line-to-gain box for a new series.

c.        Penalties for fouls with succeeding spot enforcement which occur after the ready for play signal shall be administered after setting the zone line-to-gain box for a new series.

 

SECTION 2. TYPES OF PLAY AND BASIC ENFORCEMENT SPOTS

ART. 1…Live Ball Fouls.  Any live ball foul is penalized according to the All-But-One Enforcement Principle except:

a.        A foul which occurs simultaneous with snap is penalized from the previous spot.

b.       A nonplayer, unsportsmanlike foul, or dead ball foul is penalized from the succeeding spot.

ART. 2…All-But-One Enforcement Principle.  Enforcement philosophy is based on the premise that a team is given the advantage of the distance which is gained without the assistance of a foul.  It is assumed that the only foul which would give this aid is a foul by the offense behind the basic spot.  Therefore, all fouls but this one, that is a foul by the offense behind the basic spot, are penalized from the basic spot.  This one foul is penalized from the spot of the foul.  

NOTE: Exception: Roughing the passer – See Article 4 below.

ART. 3…Two Types of Plays.  Whenever the ball is live, 1 of 2 types of plays is in progress, either a loose ball play or a running play.  The type of play has no significance unless a foul occurs.  If a foul does occur, the officials must know whether it was during a loose ball play or during a running play.  This determines the basic spot of enforcement.

ART. 4…Loose Ball Play.  A loose ball play is action during:

b.     A legal forward pas.

c.     A backward pass, including the snap, or fumble made by A from on or behind his/her scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

d.     The run or runs which precedes such legal pass, punt, or fumble.

If a foul occurs during a loose ball play, the basic enforcement spot is the previous spot, the spot of the snap.

EXCEPTION 1: The penalty for roughing the passer on a completed forward pass will be enforced from the end of the last run when the run ends beyond the neutral zone and no change of possession has occurred.

ART. 5…Running Play.     A running play is any action which is not a loose ball play.

a.     Behind the line it includes:

1.     A run which is not followed by a loose ball behind the line.

2.     A run which is followed by an illegal pass from behind the line.

b.     Beyond the line it includes any run.  A run ends when a runner loses possession, but the related running play continues until the ball becomes dead or some player again gains possession.

If a fouls occurs during a running play, the basic enforcement spot is the spot where the related run ends:

a.        Where the ball becomes dead if the runner does not lose possession.

b.       Where the player loses possession if his/her run is followed by his/her fumble or pass.

c.        At the spot of the catch when the momentum rule is in effect.

 

SECTION 3. SPECIAL ENFORCEMENTS

ART. 1…Half the Distance.  A measurement cannot take the ball more than half the distance from the enforcement spot to the offending team’s goal line.  If the penalty is greater than this, the ball is placed halfway between the enforcement spot and the goal line.

ART. 2…Safety/Goal Line.  If the offensive team throws an illegal forward pass from its end zone or commits any other foul for which the penalty is accepted and measurement is from on or behind its own goal line which is now the basic spot, it is a safety.  For a defensive team foul, if the enforcement spot which is now the basic spot, is on or behind the offended team’s goal line any measurement is from the succeeding spot. 

NOTE: See 10-3-8 for enforcement of fouls after change of possession during a Try or overtime.

ART. 3…Disqualified Player.  A disqualified player must be removed.

ART. 4…Forfeiture of the Game.  A Referee’s decision to forfeit a game is final.

ART. 6…Foul on a Score.  If there is a foul by the offensive team, other than unsportsmanlike or nonplayer, during a down which results is a successful touchdown or Try, the acceptance of the penalty nullifies the score.  If there is a foul by the defensive team during a down which results in a successful touchdown or Try, the penalty will be enforced from the succeeding spot.

ART. 7…Foul Prior to a Try.  When a foul occurs after a touchdown and before the ball is ready for play for the Try, the enforcement is at the succeeding spot where the ball will next be snapped for the Try.

ART. 9…Fouls During a Try or Overtime Before Team B Possession.  Live ball foul(s) committed by Team B before Team B gains possession during a Try or an overtime are enforced using the All-But-One Enforcement Principle, Double Foul and Multiple Foul Rules.

ART. 10…Double Fouls.  It is a double foul if both teams commit fouls, other than unsportsmanlike or nonplayer, during the same live ball period in which:

a.        There is no change of team possession.

b.       There is a change of team possession, and the team in possession at the end of the down fouls prior to the final change of possession.

c.        There is a change of possession and the team in final possession accepts the penalty for its opponent’s foul.

In a, b and c the penalties cancel and the down is replayed.

EXCEPTION 1:  If each team fouls during a down in which there is a change of team possession, the team last gaining possession may retain the ball, provided its foul is not prior to the final change of possession and it declined the penalty for its opponent’s foul(s), other than unsportsmanlike or nonplayer.  This exception is commonly referred to as the principle of “clean hands”

ART. 11…Multiple Live Ball Fouls.  When two or more live ball fouls are committed by the same team, only one penalty may be chosen except when a foul(s) for unsportsmanlike or nonplayer conduct occurs.  In such cases, the penalty/penalties for the unsportsmanlike and nonplayer fouls are administered from the succeeding spot as a dead ball foul.

ART. 12…Multiple Dead Ball Fouls.  Penalties for dead ball fouls are administered separately and in the order of occurrence.  Dead ball fouls are not coupled with live ball fouls or other dead ball fouls to create double or multiple fouls.  Penalize all unsportsmanlike and nonplayer fouls separately.

ART. 13…Loss of Down Fouls.  Fouls by Team A which include loss of down are:

a.        Illegal Backward Pass.

b.       Illegal Forward Pass (includes Intentional Grounding)

c.        Forward Pass Interference.

d.       Illegally Secured Flag Belt.

ART. 14…Automatic First Down Fouls.  Fouls by Team B which give Team A an automatic first down are:

a.        Forward Pass Interference.

b.       Roughing the Passer who has thrown the ball from behind the Team A scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange).

c.        Illegally Secured Flag Belt.