Flag Football Rules

Flag Football Rules

 1) Team info/ Player rules

• Teams should field a minimum of five (5) players. Games will be played and are official if a team can field at least four (4) players.  Games will be called ten minutes after the scheduled start time if a team does not have at least 4 players, and a 14-0 score will be recorded.

• Teams consist of approximately 7-10 players player rosters will be checked throughout the season. 

• Only one offensive coach is permitted on the field or in the huddle while on offense. Once a play begins, the coach must step back and not interfere.  .

• Only one defensive coach is permitted on the field to setup their defense prior to the play. Once a play begins, the coach must be on the sidelines before the offense play starts. 

2) Procedures:

• A coin toss determines first possession; The visiting team will call the toss. The winner of the toss will either accept the ball and begin on offense or elect to go on defense. Whichever team plays defense to begin the game will have the ball on offense to begin the 2nd half.

• Ball Size: Age groups with max age 9 and under will use a pee wee ball. Age groups including ages 10 and above will use a junior size ball. All older divisions will use a junior or youth size ball.

• An offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross midfield. On fourth down the offensive team has the ability to go for the first down or "punt." If the offense chooses to go for it on fourth down, and does not convert, there will be a change of possession and the other team goes on offense where the attempt happened or where the play ended short of the first down.

When an offensive team crosses midfield, it has three (3) new downs to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the other team takes over on its own 5-yard line. When a team turns the ball over on downs past midfield, the opposing team begins their drive at their own 5-yard line unless the offensive team throws an interception and the opposing team will take over possession wherever the play ends; (interceptions can be returned for touchdowns).

• 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 receives two (2) timeouts per half.

• Game Play consists of two 20-minute halves. The clock will stop in the 1st and 2nd half at the 1-minute warning. Under 1 minute in the 2nd half, (pro clock) timeouts, changes of possession, incomplete passes, out of bounds, injuries or official timeouts will stop the clock.

• Fields will be clearly marked with painted lines, cones & discs. Field dimensions are 64x30 yds or 64x25 yds. This is 50 yds from goal line to goal line, with 7 yd end zones.

Note: There are no kickoffs, no punts and no blocking is allowed.

3) Scoring

Touchdown: 6 points

Extra point: 1 point (played from 5-yard line no-run zone) or 2 points (played from 12-yard line)

Note: Interceptions on an extra point can be returned for 2 points.

Safety: 2 points (plus defense gets possession of the ball on their own 5 yd line)

4) Timing/Overtime

• Games are played with two 20 minute halves with a 5 minute half-time.

• If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes of regulation, teams move directly into overtime with a coin toss for possession. Overtime format is Texas shootout with the ball placed at the 5-yard line. Each team will have 1 down to score. If the game is still tied after the 1st OT, the team who had the ball 2nd will start with the ball and will have 1 down to score from the 12-yard line. If the game is still tied after 2nd OT, the team who had the ball 2nd will start with the ball and each team will have 1 play to produce the most net yards from scrimmage from the 5-yard line (heading towards the opposite endzone). If the ball carrier's flag is pulled in the backfield, the loss of yardage will be noted. If both teams score on their possession in the 3rd OT, proceed to OT4. Which will repeat the rules of the 3rd OT (etc.) No extra points are to be attempted in the 3rd OT and beyond.

• 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 (1) time out in overtime.  
• Officials can stop the clock if needed.
• The clock will stop in the 1st and 2nd  half at the 1-minute warning. Under 1 minute in the 2nd half (pro clock) timeouts, changes of possession, incomplete passes, out of bounds, injuries or official timeouts will stop the clock.
• Inside the last 1 minute of the 2nd half, if a TD is scored the clock will stop. An untimed PAT will be attempted. The clock will resume upon the snap of the next offensive play.
• If a touchdown is scored as time expires, a one or two point try will ensue.  However, if the score takes place at the conclusion of a game (2nd half), the try will only be attempted if the result of the try has an implication on the outcome of the game.  No exceptions.

5) Passing

• Lateral and/or backward passes and pitches are allowed behind the line of scrimmage only. Only one forward pass per down.

• When receiving a pass, the center must be at least one yard beyond the line of scrimmage. Centers are not eligible to receive a direct handoff.

• The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, the play is ruled dead. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.

• Interceptions change the possession of the ball and are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. Interceptions are allowed, and can be run back. Completion of an interception is NOT a dead ball.

6) Running

• Quarterback sneaks or runs are not permitted. 

• The quarterback is defined as the person that receives the snap.

• Direct hand offs, laterals, pitches and screen passes ARE allowed behind the line of scrimmage.

• If the ball hits the ground on a snap, it is placed where it hit the ground.

• “No-run zones” are located 5 yards from each end zone. 

• multiple players can be in motion simultaneously; one player may be in motion in which he can move in any direction as long as he/she is not behind the quarterback.

• A player who takes a handoff, pitch or backward pass may elect to pass if he/she has not yet crossed the line of scrimmage.

• Once a ball has been handed-off, pitched, or passed, all defensive players can immediately cross the line of scrimmage.

• Spinning is allowed, but players cannot dive to advance the ball or avoid a defensive player. Diving is not allowed by any offensive player except when attempting to catch a pass.

• The ball must be snapped between the legs of the center and clearly change possession to the QB. The ball cannot be handed directly back to the QB in sideways fashion (some exceptions apply)

• The ball is spotted where the player’s flag is pulled. The forward most point of progress is marked by the BALL.

7) Receiving

• All players are eligible to receive passes.

• A player must have at least one foot inbounds with complete control of the ball when making a reception.

• Receivers can leave their feet to catch a pass.

• A receiver’s route cannot be cut off or blocked by a defensive player. However, a rusher maintaining a direct line to the quarterback has the right of way. 

• The center (snapper) is eligible for a pass when going beyond the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, there can be no offensive exchanges of possession.  Ex:  No "hook and ladder" or laterals or down field handoffs.  

8) Dead Balls

• The ball must be snapped between the legs (direct or shotgun), not off to one side, to start play. (Snapping to the side is permitted, we highly recommend snapping between the legs)

• Substitutions can be made at the beginning of a new possession or after any dead ball.

• Play is ruled “dead” when:

— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.

— Ball carrier steps out of bounds.

— Touchdown or safety is scored.

— Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.

— Ball carrier’s are touched with one hand after flag falls off.

— The referee blows the whistle

Note: There are no fumbles. If a ball is fumbled it is the offense’s ball at the spot of the ball hits the ground. If fumbled forward the ball is spotted where the ball came loose. 

9) Rushing the Quarterback

• All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  Officials will mark the 7-yard rush point. There is no penalty if you do not rush.

• Any number of players can rush the quarterback.

• Rushers cannot approach the quarterback with his/her hands up.

• Players not rushing the quarterback may defend as far forward as the line of scrimmage.

• Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage.

• A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage.

Note: Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

10) Sportsmanship

• N Zone Sports Flag Football requires coaches to provide all participants an opportunity to develop their skills, regardless of ability. Coaches are required to actively include every member of his/her team that is eligible to play.  This requirement applies to every player listed on a team roster, every regular season game and playoff games. The exception to this is if a player is sick, injured, or does not want to play.

•If an official witnesses any acts of tackling, taunting, cheap shots, elbowing, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game.

FOUL PLAY AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FROM PLAYERS AND COACHES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ONE WARNING WILL BE ISSUED. IF CONDUCT CONTINUES THE PLAYER/COACH WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME AND FACE POSSIBLE DISCIPLINE FROM THE LEAGUE UP TO AND INCLUDING REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE.

• N Zone Sports exists to provide a positive environment for everyone present.  All players, coaches, parents and fans are expected to show good sportsmanship at all times, and respect others on and off the field. The league, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to eject, suspend or dismiss anyone from the property for inappropriate behavior detrimental to the league.

• If the official determines that a defensive player tackles an opponent to the ground in an attempt to pull the flag, the defensive player will be warned and a 10 yard penalty will ensue.  A second similar infraction will result in an ejection from the game (for the duration of the game), and there will be a 10 yard penalty assessed from the point of infraction.

• Trash talking is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

11) Attire

• Non-metal cleats are allowed.  Inspections will be made.

• Highly recommend that all players where a mouth piece but its not required. 

• Official N Zone Flag jerseys must be worn and tucked in, during play. No jeans, no pockets, no jewelry and no hats with lids (worn backwards is allowed) will be allowed on the field during play.

• A Player's shorts cannot be the same color as their flag.

12) Penalties

Defense: Most defensive penalties will result in 5 yards and automatic first down

Off-sides: Player lined up across the line of scrimmage when ball is snapped

Pass Interference: contact with the receiver before the ball arrives (Spot Foul). If a defensive PI penalty occurs in the end zone, the ball is spotted at the 1 yard line, 1st down.

Illegal contact: holding, blocking, bump & run guarding. Penalties will also be enforced when a rusher makes contact with the quarterback’s arm in effort to block a pass.

Illegal flag pull: pulling a receivers flag before the receiver takes possession of the ball (Spot foul. 5 yds or half the distance to the goal, whichever is more, from spot of foul and automatic first down)

Holding: pulling a player down by or grabbing a hold of a ball carriers clothing. (Spot foul. 5 yds or half the distance to the goal, whichever is more, from spot of foul and automatic first down)

Illegal rushing: starting rush inside 7-yard marker before snap and breaching line of scrimmage. If the rusher does not cross the line of scrimmage there is no penalty.

Offense: Dead Ball Offensive penalties will result in a 5 yard penalty enforced from the line of scrimmage, with NO LOSS OF DOWN.  The only spot fouls are defensive pass interference (See above) and flag guarding is a spot infraction foul AND Loss of down.

Illegal motion: false start. Multiple players may be in motion simultaneously 

Illegal forward pass: Only one forward pass is allowed per play. Penalty is a dead ball and loss of down. 

Flag guarding: using hands to swat or elbows to block defensive players' hands from pulling a flag. Flag guarding is a spot infraction foul and loss of down.

Delay of game: There is a 30 second play clock. One warning is issued before a 5 yard penalty. The following offensive penalties result in a 5 yard penalty and a loss of down:

Offensive pass interference: illegal pick, pushing off defender

Illegal Blocking: moving screens and picks are not allowed

Impeding the rusher:

• Any movement towards the rusher that impedes his direct path to the ball carrier. 
• A change of direction by the rusher that results in contact is considered incidental contact
• Incidental contact may be called at the official’s discretion. Penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage. THE RUSHER HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY.

• Halves and/or games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless declined by the offense.

• Teams may elect to decline penalties called against the opposing team.

• All penalties will be called by the referee. PLEASE RESPECT THEIR DECISION. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee for an explanation or rule clarification during a game. Players and parents can not question an official’s call.

14) Playoff Criteria

Division Playoffs (for each age group)

Final playoff standings will be determined by record.  In the event of a tie, it is broken in this order:

1) Head-to-Head

2) Fewest points allowed ("PA")

3) N Zone Sports Staff Decision

NOTE: The league reserves the right to modify rules during the season.  N Zone Sports reserves the right to ask player’s parents/guardians to produce valid proof of age in the form of a birth certificate or other forms of legal identification.