Flag Football Manual and Rule Book

NCCU INTRAMURAL

FLAG FOOTBALL

RULEBOOK

FLAG FOOTBALL IS A CONTACT SPORT AND INJURIES ARE A POSSIBILITY. THE DIVISION OF

CAMPUS RECREATION INTRAMURAL SPORTS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURIES.

HOWEVER, BASIC FIRST AID WILL BE AVAILABLE.

THE GAMES WILL BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THE 2003 & 2004 NIRSA FLAG AND TOUCH

FOOTBALL RULES BOOK & OFFICIALS MANUAL.

* RULE CHANGES AND POINTS OF EMPHASIS ARE IN BLUE.

MENS AND WOMENS LEAGUES

GENERAL RULES

RULE 0. ON-CAMPUS RULES

SECTION 1. STARTING THE GAME

Article 1. Scoring.

An intramural sports staff member will keep the official score on each field. Each team may have an observer

at the scorer’s area.

Article 2. Score Cards.

All players must have their names on the scorecard for each game. They must show their Ohio University

student ID before their name will be put on the scorecard. Late arriving players must have their name added

to the scorecard upon arrival by a staff member before they can participate.

Article 3. Field Rules.

Only officials, players, and one coach are permitted on the field. TOBACCO use on the intramural fields is

PROHIBITED. Failure to comply with all Intramural Rules and Regulations for the fields by spectators will

result in immediate expulsion of the spectators and possible forfeiture of the game. Teams and their fans are

not permitted to bring glass or metal containers onto the field. No alcoholic beverages will be consumed

during the games. Violators will be removed from the intramural sports facilities with the possibility of forfeiting

the game.

Article 4. Blood Rule.

If and when an official observes that a player is bleeding, has an open wound, or has an excessive amount of

blood on his or her uniform, the player will be directed to leave the game. The injured player is not to return

until the bleeding has stopped, the open wound is covered, and excessively bloody uniform is changed.

RULE 1. THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. The Game – Men, Women

The game shall be played between 2 teams of 7 players each. Five players are required to start the game and

avoid a forfeit.

SECTION 3. GAME EQUIPMENT

Article 1. The Ball.

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 and Corecreational games.

SECTION 4. PLAYER EQUIPMENT – REQUIRED

Article 1. Jersey.

The visiting team is responsible for the avoidance of similarity of colors, but if there is any doubt, the Referee

may request the home team to change. Jerseys must be either:

A. Long enough so they remain tucked in the pants/shorts during the entire down or

B. Short enough so there is a minimum of 4” from the bottom of the jersey to the player’s waistline. The

Referee will use a fist to measure the distance between the waistline and the bottom of the jersey.

Article 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.

Article 3. Flag Belt.

Each player must wear a one-piece belt, without any knots, at the waistline with three flags permanently

attached, one flag on each side and one in the center of the back. The flags must be of a contrasting color to

their opponent’s flags. The referee must KNOW that a player was not wearing a flag belt during the down inorder to penalize that team.

Article 4. Shoes.

Cleats are limited to studs or projections that 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.

SECTION 5. PLAYER EQUIPMENT – OPTIONAL

Article 2. Gloves.

Players may wear gloves consisting of a soft, pliable and nonabrasive material.

Article 3. Headwear.

A. Players may wear a knit or stocking cap. The cap will have no bill. It can have a knit ball on top.

B. Players may wear a headband no wider than 2” thick.

Article 5. Play Books.

Players may carry a playbook inside their clothing as long as it is not made of an unyielding material.

Article 7. Sunglasses.

Players may wear pliable and non-rigid sunglasses.

SECTION 6. PLAYER EQUIPMENT – ILLEGAL

Article 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 containing any hard, unyielding, stiff material, including billed hats, or items containing exposed

knots.

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 or the cleat.

E. Shirts or 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 knotlike

protrusion or creates a tear-away jersey.

F. Pants or shorts with any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s) or exposed drawstring(s).

G. Leg and knee braces made of hard, unyielding material, 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. This includes “O” or “D” rings used to secure flag belts.

K. Towels attached at the players waist.

RULE 2. DEFINITIONS OF PLAYING TERMS

SECTION 3. CATCH, INTERCEPTION, SIMULTANEOUS CATCH, TOUCHING

Article 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 have possession and control of the ball, it is a catch or

interception even though a subsequent step or fall takes the receiver out-of-bounds.

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

C. A loss of the ball simultaneously with returning to the ground is not a catch or interception.

Article 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.

SECTION 14. LOSS OF A DOWN

Article 1.

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

SECTION 18. PASSES

Article 2. Forward and Backward Pass.

A forward pass is a pass 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 hits the ground is ruled dead at

that spot.

SECTION 20. REMOVING THE FLAG BELT

Article 1. Flag Belt Removal.

If a flag belt inadvertently falls to the ground, a one-hand tag between the shoulders and knees constitutes

capture.

Article 2. Contact.

In an attempt to remove the flag belt from a runner, defensive players may contact the body and shoulders,

but no the face, neck or any part of the head of an opponent with their hands. A defensive player may not

hold, push, or knock the runner down in an attempt to remove the flag belt.

SECTION 21. SCREEN BLOCKING

Article 1.

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

RULE 3. PERIODS, TIME FACTORS, SUBSTITUTIONS

SECTION 1. THE START OF EACH HALF

Article 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 at 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.

Article 2. Change Periods.

Between the first and second and between the third and fourth periods, the teams shall change goals. Team

possession, number of the next down, and zone line-to-gain remain unchanged.

Article 3. Forfeit Time.

Game time is forfeit time.

Article 4. Start Each Half.

Unless moved by penalty, the ball shall be snapped on the “14” yard line to start each half.

SECTION 2. GAME TIME

Article 1. Playing Time and Intermissions.

Playing time shall be 48 minutes, divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each. There will be NO

intermission at the end of the first or third quarters. The Intermission between halves shall be 5 minutes.

Article 5. First 22 Minutes.

The clock will start on the snap. It will run continuously for the first 22 minutes 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.

C. End of first or third period – starts on the snap.

Article 6. Two Minute Warning.

Approximately 2 minutes before the end of the second and the fourth periods the Referee shall stop the

clock and inform both captains of the playing time remaining in that half. 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 2 minutes.

Article 7. Last 2 Minutes.

During the final 2 minutes of the second and fourth periods 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 – dependent 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 – dependent on the previous play.

K. Team B is awarded a new series – starts on the snap.

L. Either team is awarded a new series following a legal punt – 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.

SECTION 4: TIME-OUTS

Article 3. Charged Time-Outs.

Each team is entitled to 2 charged time-outs during each half. Time-outs do not carry over into following

halves or overtime periods.

Article 4. Length of Time-Outs.

A charged time-out requested by any player, which is legally granted, shall be one minute and can be

shortened if both teams are ready.

Article 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 1 down unless the halftime or overtime intermission occurs. A player

who is bleeding, or has an open wound, or has, as excessive amount of blood on the uniform shall be

considered an injured player.

SECTION 5: DELAYS

Article 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 into 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. 5 yards from the succeeding spot.

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

SECTION 1: A SERIES – HOW STARTED, HOW BROKED, RENEWED

Article 3. Zone Line-to-Gain.

The zone line-to-gain in any series shall be the zone in advance of the ball, unless 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.

Article 5. Rule Decisions Final.

No rule decision may be changed after the ball is next legally snapped.

RULE 6. KICKING THE BALL

SECTION 1. PUNT

Article 2. Punt

Prior to making the ball ready for play on fourth down, the Referee must ask the Team A captain if he/she

wants to punt. The Referee must communicate this decision to the Team B captain and the other officials.

The Team a captain may request to punt on any down. After such announcement, the ball must be punted.

[EXCEPTION: If (a) a Team A or B time-out is called, or (b) a foul occurs anytime prior to or during this down

again, the Referee must ask the Team A captain whether or not he/she wants to punt and communicate this

decision to the Team B captain].

Article 3. Formation and Snap.

Neither K nor R may advance beyond their respective scrimmage line until the ball is punted. Penalty: Illegal

Procedure, 5 yards from the previous spot. NOTE: All scrimmage line rules regarding the snap,

encroachment, false start, minimum line players, motion, and shift Rules 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 apply to the punt.

Article 5. After Being Punted.

Once the ball is punted, any R palter may block the kick. If the blocked punt hits the ground, it is dead at that

spot. If the punt is blocked by any R player and then caught by any K player behind the Team a scrimmage

line (first ball spotter-orange), they may advance. R may advance the punt anywhere in the field of play or

end zone. A K player cannot punt the ball to himself/herself or any other K player. Team K may punt the ball

once only per down. Penalty: Illegal Kicking, 10 yards.

Article 6. Eligible.

When a punt, which has crossed K’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter-orange), touches a player from either

team and then hits the ground, the ball is dead and belongs to R. If it hits an R player and then is caught in

the air, R can advance it. If caught by K, the ball is dead and belongs to K, and a new series begins for K.

Article 8. Punt Out-of-Bounds Between the Goal Lines or at Rest.

If a punt goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines or comes to rest inbounds untouched and no player

attempts to secure it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team at that spot.

RULE 7. SNAPPING, HANDING AND PASSING THE BALL

SECTION 1. THE SCRIMMAGE

Article 2. Ball Responsibility.

Team A players are responsible for retrieving the ball after a down. The snapper will bring it from the huddle

to the Team a scrimmage line (first ball spotter – orange). A towel may be placed under the ball.

SECTION 2. PRIOR TO THE SNAP

Article 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 on

the ball, it is encroachment for any players to break the scrimmage line plane, except for the snapper’s right

to be over the ball. Penalty: Dead Ball Foul, Encroachment, 5 yards from the succeeding spot. During the

interval between downs when the defensive team commits two or more consecutive encroachments fouls,

the penalty will be 10 yards for the subsequent encroachment fouls.

Article 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 resultant

encroachment shall be cancelled. Penalty: Dead Ball Foul, Illegal Procedure, 5 yards from the succeeding

spot.

Article 3. Snap.

The snapper shall pass the back from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion of the

hand.

SECTION 3. POSITION AND ACTION DURING THE SNAP

Article 2. Minimum Line Players.

The offensive team must have at least 4 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 4 on the

scrimmage line. Penalty: Illegal Procedure, 5 yards.

Article 3. Motion.

One offensive player may be in motion, but not in motion towards the opponent’s end line, during the snap.

Other offensive players must be stationary in their positions without movement of the feet, body, head or

arms. Penalty: Illegal Motion, 5 yards.

Article 4. No Direct Snap.

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 Procedure, 5 yards.

Article 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, 5 yards.

SECTION 4. HANDING THE BALL

Article 1. Anytime.

Any player may hand the ball forward or backward at anytime.

SECTION 6. BACKWARD PASS AND FUMBLE

Article 3. Simultaneous Catch.

If a backward passes or members of opposing teams inbounds catch fumble in flight simultaneously, the ball

becomes dead at the spot of the catch and belongs to the offensive team.

Article 4. Out-of-Bounds.

A backward pass or fumble which goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines belongs to the offensive team

at the out-of-bounds spot. If out-of-bounds behind a goal line, it is a touchback or safety.

Article 5. Ball Dead When It Hits the Ground.

A backward pass or fumble which touched 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

Article 1. Legal Forward Pass.

All players are eligible to touch or catch a pass. During a scrimmage down and before team possession has

changed a forward pass may be thrown provided the passer’s feet are behind Team A’s scrimmage line (first

ball spotter – orange) when the ball leaves the passer’s hand. Only one forward pass can be thrown per

down.

Article 2. Illegal Forward Pass.

A forward pass is illegal:

A. If the passer’s foot is beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter – orange) when the ball leaves

his/her hand.

B. If thrown after team possession has changed during the down.

C. If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to save loss of yardage.

D. If a passer catches his/her untouched forward or backward pass.

E. If there is more than one forward pass per down.

SECTION 10. FORWARD PASS INTERFERENCE

Article 2. Offensive Pass Interference.

After the ball is snapped, and until it had been touched by a receiver, there shall be no offensive pass

interference beyond Team A’s scrimmage line. Penalty: Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards from the

previous spot and loss of down.

Article3. Defensive Pass Interference.

After the pass in thrown, and until it is touched, there shall be no defensive pass interference beyond Team

A’s scrimmage line while the ball is in flight. Penalty: Defensive Pass Interference, 10 yards from the

previous spot, automatic first down.

RULE 8. SCORING PLAYS AND TOUCHBACK

SECTION 2. MERCY RULE

Article 1. Two Minute Warning.

If a team is 19 or more points ahead when the Referee announces the 2-minute warning for the second half,

the game shall be over.

Article 2. After 2 Minute Warning.

If a team scores during the last 2 minutes of the second half and that score creates a point differential of 19 or

more points, the game shall end at that point.

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

Article 1. 1 or 2 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 to the team scoring a touchdown.

Article 4. Next Play.

After a Try, the ball shall be snapped by the opponent of the scoring team at their own “14” yard line, unless

moved by penalty.

SECTION 6. MOMENTUM, SAFETY, AND TOUCHBACK

Article 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 Team B player intercepts a forward pass or 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 Team B at the spot where

possession was gained. This is known as the momentum rule.

B. A player punts, 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 defense 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.

D. After a safety the ball shall be snapped by the scoring team at their own “14” yard line, unless moved by

penalty.

Article 2. Touchback.

It is a touchback when:

A. R downs a punt that touches anything while the ball in on or behind the R’s goal line.

B. K downs a punt that touches anything while the ball is on or behind R’s goal line, or if no one attempts to

secure the ball.

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 team’s own goal line, and the attacking

team is responsible.

D. After a touchback the ball shall be snapped at the nearest “14” yard line, unless moved by penalty.

RULE 9. CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS

SECTION 1. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

Article 1. Noncontact Player Acts.

No player shall commit noncontact acts during a period or intermission.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

A. Refusal to comply or abide by the requestor decision of an official.

B. Using words similar to the offensive audible 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. Intentionally kicking at any opposing player.

F. Intentionally swinging an arm, hand or fist at any opposing player.

G. Participate while wearing illegal player equipment.

Article 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.

Article 3. Prohibited Acts.

There will 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.

G. Fighting an opponent.

H. Leaving the team area an entering the playing field during a fight.

Article 4. Second Unsportsmanlike Foul.

The second unsportsmanlike foul by the same player or nonplayer results in disqualification.

SECTION 3. PERSONAL FOULS

Article 1. Player Restrictions.

No player shall commit a personal foul during a period or an 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 player in possession by punching, striking or stealing.

B. Contact an opponent who is on the ground.

C. Throw the runner to the ground.

D. Hurdle any other player.

E. Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is declared dead.

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.

G. Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player.

H. Position himself/herself on the shoulders or body of a teammate or opponent to gain an advantage.

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.

Article 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 beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (first ball spotter – orange). Penalty: Roughing the

Passer, 10 yards, and automatic first down.

SECTION 4. BLOCKING

Article 1. Offensive 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.

Article 2. Screen Blocking Fundamentals.

A player 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, 10 yards.

Article 4. Use of Hands or Arms by the 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 the 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, 10 yards.

SECTION 5. RUNNER

Article 1. 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 the 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 shoulders in such a manner, which places the arm over the flag belt.

Penalty: Flag Guarding, 10 yards.

Article 2. 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, 10 yards.

SECTION 8. FLAG BELT REMOVAL

Article 1. Basic Tenets.

There are rules, which are established for flag football because of legal or illegal removal of the flag belt.

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 accidentally, inadvertently, or on purpose, play continues. The

deflagging reverts to a one-hand tag of the runner between the shoulders and knees.

C. In circumstances where a belt is removed illegally, play should continue with the option of a penalty after

the play. Penalty: Personal Foul, 10 yards.

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

Personal Foul, 10 yards.

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, 10 yards.

RULE 10. ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES

SECTION 1. PROCEDURE AFTER A FOUL

Article 3. Dead Ball Foul.

When a foul occurs during a dead ball with 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.

SECTION 2. TYPES OF PLAY AND BASIC ENFORCEMENT SPOTS

Article 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 to the snap, is penalized from the previous spot.

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

Article 2. All-But-One Enforcement Principle.

Enforcement philosophy is based on the fact that a team is given the advantage of the distance, which is

gained without assistance of a foul. It is assumed that the only foul that 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.

Article 4. Loose Ball Play.

A loose ball play is action during:

A. A punt.

B. A legal forward pass.

C. A backward passes, 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 a 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.

Article 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 foul occurs during a running play, the basic enforcement spot is the spot where the related run ends.

SECTION 3. SPECIAL ENFORCEMENTS

Article 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 great than this, the ball is placed halfway between the enforcement spot

and the goal line.

Article 10. Double Foul.

It is a double foul if both team commit fouls, other than unsportsmanlike or nonplayer, during the same live

ball period 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: 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 in not prior to the final change of possession and it

declined the penalty for its opponents foul(s), other than unsportsmanlike or nonplayer. This exception is

commonly referred to as the principle of “clean hands.” NOTE: This Rule does not apply to double fouls

during a Try or overtime period.

Article 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 or nonplayer conduct fouls are administered from the succeeding spot as a dead ball foul.

Article 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.

Article 13. Loss of Down Fouls.

Fouls by Team, A which include loss of, down are:

A. Illegal Backward Pass.

B. Illegal Forward Pass.

C. Forward Pass Interference.

D. Illegally Secured Flag Belt

Article 14. Automatic First Down Fouls.

Fouls by Team B that give Team A an automatic first down is:

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.

COED

All of the above general rules apply with the following exceptions, and clarifications:

RULE 1. THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 2. The Game – Corecreational Rule Only.

The Corecreational game shall be played between 2 teams of 8 players, 4 men and 4 women. Teams with 7

players shall be 4 men and 3 women or 4 women and 3 men. Six players, 3 men and 3 women, or 4 women

and 2 men, are required to start the game and avoid a forfeit.

SECTION 3. POSITION AND ACTION DURING THE SNAP

Article 2. Minimum Line Players.

The offensive team must have at least 5 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 4 on the

scrimmage line. Penalty: Illegal Procedure, 5 yards.

SECTION 7. LEGAL AND ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS

Article 3. Illegal Forward Pass – Corecreation Rule Only.

A. The term “closed,” means a male player may NOT throw a legal forward pass completion to any other

male player. The term “open” means that any other player can complete a pass to any other player. Note: All

illegal forward pass fouls are classified as fouls during a running play. Thus, illegal forward passes do not

change the “open/closed” status of a down.

B. If the crew of officials erroneously indicates the “open/closed” status of a down, the play is nullified and

the down will be repeated.

C. During the offensive team’s possession there may not be 2 consecutive legal forward pass completions

from a male passer to a male receiver. This rule applies to the Try.

D. If a male passer completes a legal forward pass to a male receiver, the next legal forward pass must

involve either a female passer or a female receiver for positive yards. The spot where the ball becomes dead

by Rule must be beyond the Team a scrimmage line (first ball spotter – orange). There is NO foul for a

female receiver being tagged or deflagged behind the Team a scrimmage line. The next legal forward pass

completion remains “closed.”

E. There are no other restrictions concerning a male passer completing legal forward passes to a female

receiver, or female to female, or female to male.

F. Any foul, whether is accepted or declined, shall have no effect on whether the next forward pass

completion is “open” or “closed.”

Article 4. Illegal Forward Pass – Corecreation Rule Only.

If a female passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver behind the Team a scrimmage line and any

Team a male runs beyond this scrimmage line, it is an illegal forward pass. Penalty: Illegal Forward Pass, 5

yards from the spot of the pass and loss of down.

RULE 8. SCORING PLAYS AND TOUCHBACK

SECTION 2. MERCY RULE

Article 1. Two Minute Warning.

If a team is 25 or more points ahead when the Referee announces the 2-minute warning for the second half,

the game shall be over.

Article 2. After 2 Minute Warning.

If a team scores during the last 2 minutes of the second half and that score creates a point differential of 25

or more points, the game shall end at that point.

SECTION 3. TOUCHDOWN = 6 OR 9 POINTS

Article 1. Touchdown Values.

If a female scores a touchdown, the point value is 9. If a female player throws a legal forward pass and a

touchdown is scored by any Team a player, the point value is 9. All other touchdowns are 6 points.

SECTION 4. ON – CAMPUS RULES

Article 1. Corecreational Male Advancing the Ball.

If the play is OPEN there are no restrictions on who can advance the ball through the line of scrimmage. The

resulting play will be closed. If the play is closed all current rules/current language apply.