General Game Rules

1. General Game Rules Timing -Game is played 7v7 -All players can catch a pass -All players (except center) can take a handoff, pitch, etc. -There are no special teams plays -Two 25 Minute Halves (Continuous Clock) -Clock stops ONLY after a score -An offense that has advanced the ball beyond midfield when a half expires will be allowed to finish their drive. -Overtime will follow a HS/College football format

2. Playing Time & Substitutions -All players must START on either offense or defense during 1 half of the game. -Starting consists of playing for a unit’s first 2 possessions of a half. -There will be no substitutions during a possession. Once a drive begins, subs are only allowed in the case of an injury. Scoring Touchdown 6 points PAT (Automatic) 1 point 2pt Conversion (pass) 2 points Safety 2 Points

3. Field Dimensions -All possessions will start on the offense’s own 5 yard line (except after a turnover) -A first down is awarded when the offense crosses midfield -No Run Zones precede the first down line and each end zone by 5 yards -Lines running the length of the field will indicate an interior box where defenders must line up 7 yards off the LOS.

4. Important Offensive Rules Important Defensive Rules Any rusher (only 1) must start 7 yards off the LOS- even if he’s outside the box Defenses must field a safety, who plays behind the 7 yard line until the ball leaves the QB’s hands Defenders lining up inside the box must start 7 yards deep (except on ‘No Run’ plays) The QB is not allowed to rush the ball unless a rusher crosses the LOS or engages a blocker. QBs will have 7 second pass clock Plays that start in a No Run Zone must be a forward pass. Offenses must have 4 players on the LOS & 3 players in the backfield. Only players in the backfield may go in motion

5. Turnovers are the only instance in which the new offense will not begin their drive at the 5 yard line Interceptions Fumbles Fumbles may only occur downfield, when the offense has advanced the ball beyond the LOS Fumbles behind the LOS will be an immediate dead ball at the spot the ball hits the ground and loss of down. A safety will be ruled if this occurs in the end zone. Fumbles are returnable or can be advanced as long as the player does not go to the ground to recover To be ruled a fumble, a player must clearly lose possession of the ball before his flags are pulled or a body part other than his feet hit the ground Interceptions are returnable except in overtime & on 2-point tries. The intercepting team’s offense will take over at the previous play dead ball spot Simultaneous possession will be awarded to the offense (Int & Fumble both)

6. Penalty Emphasis All penalties will be 5 yards (except unsportsmanlike conduct- 10 yds) All penalties will enforced from either the LOS spot or the dead ball spot All accepted penalties will result in a replay of the down The league’s aim on penalties is to create rules and an awareness among players & coaches so we don’t have to call many infractions. Offense Defense Defenders will be called for a charging/diving penalty if they cause unnecessary contact to the ball carrier or any other player on the field. This includes diving for a ball carrier’s flags. Keep your players on their feet. Intentionally striping the ball is not allowed. Defenders must make a clear attempt to grab a ball carrier’s flags. Non-rushing defenders who the LOS before the ball is clearly out of the QB’s hands will be called for an Early Rush penalty. Other defensive penalties include offsides, roughing the passer, pass interference, holding/jersey grab Ball carries will be called for a ‘Charging’ penalty if they lower a shoulder, leave their feet, or cause unnecessary contact with the defense A 30 second play clock will be enforced Holding will be called if a player grabs a jersey, wraps either arm around a defender’s body, or crosses arms and uses forearms/elbows to block Other offensive penalties include false start, illegal formation, pass interference, illegal forward pass, & flag guarding.