- This is a 5-on-5, non-contact sport.
- Sportsmanship is the number one rule.
- A coin toss determines first possession… no kickoffs.
- The team that wins the coin toss, starts on offense.
- The team that loses the coin toss, picks the direction.
- The ball must be snapped between the legs (not off to one side) to start play.
- The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross midfield. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from their own 5-yard line.
- Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their own 5-yard line.
- All possession changes start on the offense’s 5-yard line (except on a downed interception).
- There are no fumbles… the ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
- MOST IMPORTANT: Support the children and have a good time… it’s only a game.
- Games have two - 20 minute halves. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, the game ends in a tie. (Except playoffs)
- Teams change directions after the first 20 minutes.
- Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
- Each team has one 60 and one 30-second time out per half.
- Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
- The quarterback can NOT just run with the ball after the snap.
- Handoffs are only permitted behind the line of scrimmage.
- All handoffs must be visible (no handing off in a huddle).
- The offense may use multiple handoffs.
- The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
- Once the ball is handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
- Spinning is allowed, but players can NOT leave their feet to avoid another player (no jumping or diving by the offence or defense).
- The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
- The ''No-Run Zones'' are located 5 yards from your goal-line and 5 yards from midfield (1st down line in your direction) and are designed to avoid short-yardage or power-running situations.
- Only passing plays can be executed in the ''No-Run Zones''.
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Offense
- All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
- The offense has 7 seconds to advance the ball past the line of scrimmage or the play is ruled dead.
- Only one offensive player is allowed in motion at a time.
- Players must have 1 foot inbounds when making a reception.
- Interceptions CAN be returned for a touchdown.
- Tackling, jumping or diving to get a flag are not permitted.
Defense
- Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
- A play is ruled ''dead'' when...
...it’s an incomplete pass.
...the ball carrier’s flag is pulled or falls out.
...the ball carrier steps out of bounds.
...the ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.
...the ball is fumbled and hits the ground.
...a touchdown/safety/extra point is scored.
- A touchdown is worth 6 points.
- An extra point try from the 5 yard line is worth 1 point and must be a passing play.
- An extra point try from the 12 yard line is worth 2 points and can be a running or passing play.
- Interceptions on extra point tries can be returned for 2 points.
- A safety is worth 2 points.
- All players who rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 (seven) yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped (any number of players can rush the quarterback).
- A special marker, or the referee, will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
- Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage but may not rush the quarterback.
- Once the ball is handed off, the 7 yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may go beyond the line of scrimmage. Remember, blocking and tackling are NOT allowed!
- If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike conduct, the game will be stopped and the player may be ejected from the game.
- Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators.)
- If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player(s), coaches or spectators will be ejected from the game or asked to leave.
FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
- All penalties will be called by the referee… not the players, coaches or spectators.
- Referees determine incidental contact that may result from the normal run of a play.
- Only the team captain or coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.
- Players, coaches and spectators cannot question judgment calls by the officials.
- Games cannot end on a defensive penalty… unless declined.
- Cleats are allowed (NO metal spikes). Inspections will be made before the game.
- All players must wear mouthguards; there are no exceptions!
- Official NFL Flag Football Jerseys and NFL Flag Belts must be worn during play.
Please read Coaches Code of Ethics.
Are you interested in signing your child up to play in the super fun Molasky Flag Football League?