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ART. 2…….The game of flag football is played with an inflated ball by two teams on a rectangular field 300 by 120 feet (100 by 40 yards). While the ball is alive, an interval called a down is in progress and the team in possession attempts to advance the ball by carrying, kicking, or passing it. If a foul occurs, the penalty loss, if not declined, is enforced during the interval between downs. The team in possession has a series of four downs numbered 1,2,3, and 4 to advance the ball to the line-to gain. Points are scored by touchdown, successful try, safety, or defensive return of a try.

ART. 3…….Each team must begin the game with at least 6 players, but each team normally plays with 7 players.

ART. 4…….The game is administered by officials whose duties are stated in Rule 8. The use of three officials is recommended, but the game shall never be officiated with less than two officials unless the players are under the age of 10. The titles of the field officials are: (1) referee, (2) line judge, (3) back judge.

ART. 5…….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.6...........Protests are not recognized by the FFFA.

ART. 1……. The field shall be a rectangular area with dimensions, lines, zones, goals and markers as shown on the accompanying diagram. It is recommended there be a slope of ¼ inch per foot from the center of the field to each sideline.

ART. 2……..Yard line markers, constructed of soft, pliable materials, are placed on the sideline by the game officials. One marker is to mark the line of scrimmage, and the other marker is to mark the closest point the defense may line up opposite the ball.

1. Lines shall be marked with a noncaustic material. Neither lime, hydrated lime, or other chemical derivatives of lime, nor caustic material of any kind may be used.
2. End lines and sidelines should be at least 4 inches wide. All other field dimensions lines should be marked 4 inches in width. All yard lines inside the boundaries shall stop 4 inches from each sideline.
3. Team boxes shall be marked on each side of the field between the 20 yard lines. All players and team representatives shall remain in this area during the game.

Note: It is not required that each team have its own team box. The teams may share one team box.

ART. 4…….Measurements shall be from the inside edges of the boundary marks, such marks being out-of-bounds.

ART. 5…….Each goal line mark shall be entirely in its end zone so the edge toward the field of play and its vertical plane is the actual goal line.

ART. 6…….A soft, flexible pylon, which shall not constitute a safety hazard, 4 inches square and 18 inches high, orange or red in color, is recommended to be placed at the inside corner of each of the intersections of the sidelines with the goal lines and the end lines, as well as with each intersection of the inbounds lines extended and the end lines. When properly placed, the goal line pylon is out-of-bounds at the intersection of the sideline and the goal line extended. A soft, flexible cone orange or red in color may be used as a replacement for the above mentioned pylon.

ART. 1……..The ball shall meet the following specifications:

1. A cover consisting of 4-panels of a pebbled-grain, tan cowhide or approved composition case without corrugations other than those formed by the natural seem grooves and the lace on one of the grooves.
2. One set of either 8 or 12 evenly spaced laces. The length of the lace shall be confined to within 3 ¾ inches from each end of the ball.
3. Two 1-inch white or yellow stripes 3-3 ¾ inches from each end of the ball to the nearer edge of the stripe. The stripes shall be located only on the two panels adjacent to the laces, or continuous solid white or yellow stripes 3/8 inch wide running parallel to and ¼ inch from each side of each seam to 1 inch from the laces.
4. Conforms to the shape and dimensions as shown in the diagram.
5. Weigh between 12 and 15 ounces.
6. Inflated to a pressure of 12 ½ to 13 ½ pounds

1. All measurements shall be made after the ball is inflated to 13 pounds.
2. The long circumference should be measured 90 degrees from lace around the ends of the ball, over the groove but not in the groove.
3. The long axis should be measured from end to end but not in the nose indentation.
4. The short circumference should be measured around the ball, over the valve, over the lace, but not over a cross-lace.

ART. 2……..Each team may use any legal ball of its choice to free kick or start a new series of downs. If a touchdown occurs following a change of possession and the scoring team did not put the ball in play, any legal ball may be used for the try.

ART. 3……..The referee shall decide whether the ball meets specifications. If the field is wet, he may order the ball changed between downs.

ART. 4……. A kicking tee made of pliable material which elevates the lowest point of the ball no more than 2 inches above the ground may be used.

ART. 5…… Yard line markers which are provided by the game officials will be used to mark the offensive line of scrimmage and the defensive line.

ART. 6…….. A timing device refereed to as "the game clock" or "the clock" shall be provided by the game officials. The clock operator will be a game official designated by the referee.

1. The players flagbelts must be the "triple threat" flagbelts. This flagbelt may never be altered or secured other than according to the manufacturers instructions. Any alterations to or improper securing of the flagbelt is prohibited.
2. The flagbelt must be worn only on the waist. The flags must hang loosely below the waist on each side and down the back of the player.
3. The flags must sharply contrast with the color of the player’s shorts or pants. It is recommended that opponents wear different colored flags.
4. The entire flagbelt assembly must be completely visible at all times. No part of the flagbelt may be obscured or camouflaged except when a player may wear a hand towel tucked in the front part of the waist and flagbelt area.

1. Team players must wear like colored jerseys, and preferably each jersey should have different player numbers permanently attached to the jersey. The jersey must be made only of cloth materials.
2. The jersey must be either cut off no lower that the solor plexis area or kept tucked inside a player’s shorts or pants.
3. A coin flip is used to decide which team will change shirts in the event opponents are wearing similar colored shirts. In tournament play, the higher seeded team will receive the choice.

1. Players must wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets, belts, belt loops, or any other items that could cause injury to a player attempting to pull an opponents flag.
2. It is not required that teammates wear matching or similar colored shorts or pants.
3. It is not required that opponents wear different colored shorts or pants.

1. A player must wear either molded bottom cleats or soft bottom sneakers or jogging shoes, and the shoes may have cleats that screw into a recessed hole in the bottom of the sole area.
2. Any shoe that has steel tipped cleats or steel reinforced toe or heel, or a squared toe is prohibited.
3. No player may participate barefooted or sock footed.

1. A player may wear a hand towel tucked in the front part of the waist and flagbelt area.
2. If the player’s hand towel is pulled instead of the flagbelt, it will constitute a legal tackle.
3. The offensive team may have a full sized towel in the huddle between downs. During plays, the towel may remain on the field only if kept at least 5 yards behind the furthest offensive player.
4. The defensive team may have a full sized towel in the huddle between downs. Leaving the towel on the field during a play is prohibited.

1. A player may wear any type of cloth cap or hat.
2. If a player chooses to wear a hard bill cap while playing, he must turn the hat around.
3. Players on the sidelines may wear any type of hat, providing it is not dangerous or offensive in nature.

1. Tape and any type of bandage worn on the hand or a finger may only be worn to protect an existing injury.
2. Gloves are permitted.
3. Ace bandages, "wet suit" rubber wraps, and similar materials are permitted.
4. Knee braces or knee supports are permitted provided all exposed metal is covered by some type of cloth material.
5. Soft padding is permitted.
6. Hard plastic surfaced or hard plastic reinforced pads or equipment are prohibited. No helmets, shoulder pads, thigh or forearm pads, or other devices are permitted.
7. Any type of hard cast that covers any part of a player’s arm, wrist, or hand is not permitted.
8. No player may wear any pad, brace, support, splint, or any type of device that has exposed metal.

ART. 8……..All jewelry other than medical and/or wedding bands are prohibited.

ART. 9 ……Each player shall properly wear the mandatory equipment outlined above while the ball is alive.

ART. 2………Live ball , or ball in play, is a term which indicates that the ball has been legally snapped or free kicked and that a down is in progress. A live ball is always in possession of a team.

ART. 3………A loose ball is a pass, fumble or a kick. The terms "pass," "fumble," and "kick," are sometimes used as abbreviations when the ball is loose following that acts of passing, fumbling or kicking the ball. A loose ball which has not yet touched the ground is in flight. A grounded loose ball is one which has touched the ground. Any loose ball continues to be a loose ball until a player secures possession of it or until it becomes dead by rule, whichever, comes first.

SECTION 2: BATTING is intentionally slapping or striking the ball with the arm or hand.

ART. 1……..A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball in flight. If a player attempts a catch, interception, or recovery while in the air , he must contact the ground inbounds with the ball in his possession prior to touching out-of-bounds, unless an opponent’s contact causes him to first touch out-of-bounds. 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.

ART. 2…….A simultaneous catch is a catch in where there is joint possession of a live ball by opposing players who are inbounds.

SECTION 4: DEFENSIVE CHARGING occurs when a defensive player runs into the offensive player and makes either no attempt to dislodge the flag if the offensive player is in possession of the ball, or the defensive player makes no attempt to avoid a teammate of an opponent who has the ball.

ART. 1…….A down is action which starts with a legal snap (beginning a scrimmage down) or when the ball is kicked on a free kick (beginning a free kick down). A down ends when the ball next becomes dead.

ART. 2…….Loss of a down is the loss of the right to replay a down.

SECTION 6: ENCROACHMENT is a term to indicate a player is illegally in the neutral zone during the time interval starting when the ball yard markers are placed in the proper position by the referees and before the ball is snapped. For the purposes of enforcing encroachment restrictions, an entering substitute is not considered to be a player until he is on his team’s side of the neutral zone.

SECTION 7: EXTENDING THE BALL is an illegal act by the ballcarrier to elongate the forward progress by the ballcarrier.

ART. 1…….A fair catch is a catch by a receiver of a free kick in the field of play, after a valid signal, under conditions in which the receiver forfeits his right to advance the ball in return for the clock to be stopped until the snap if the game time is under 2 minutes in either half.

ART. 2…….A valid fair catch signal is the extending and lateral waving of one arm, at full arm’s length above the head, by any member of the receiving team.

ART. 3…….An invalid fair catch signal is any signal by a receiver before the kick is caught or recovered:

1. That does not meet the requirements of a valid signal.
2. After the kick has touched a receiver..

ART. 1……The end zones are 10-yards in depth and are located one at each end of the field between the goal line and the end line. The goal lines are in the end zone and a team’s end zone is the one it is defending.

ART. 2…….The field of play is the area within the boundary lines other than the end zones.

SECTION 10: FIGHTING is any attempt by a player or nonplayer to strike or engage an opponent in a combative manner unrelated to flag football. Such acts include, but are not limited to strike an opponent(s) with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s), or foot (feet), whether or not there is contact.

ART. 1……During a free kick it is first touching if the ball is touched by any kicker before it crosses the receivers free kick line and before it is touched there by any player on the receiving team.

ART. 2……During a punt it is first touching if the ball is touched by any kicker in the field of play and beyond the neutral zone before it is touched by the receiving team and before the ball has come to rest.

ART. 1……Force is the result of energy exerted by a player which provides movement of the ball. The term force is used only in conjunction with the goal line and in only one direction, i.e. , from the field of play into the end zone. Initial force results from a carry, fumble, kick, pass or snap.

ART. 2……Responsibility for forcing the ball from the field of play across a goal line is attributed to the player who carries, snaps, passes, fumbles or kicks the ball.

ART. 3……The muffing or batting of a pass, kick or fumble in flight is not considered a new force.

ART. 4……Force is not a factor when a backward pass or fumble is declared dead in the end zone of the opponent of the player who passes or fumbled, with no player possession.

ART. 1……A scrimmage formation requires a minimum of six team members on or behind the line of scrimmage at the snap. NOTE: If only 6 players are actively participating, only 5 players are required to be behind the line of scrimmage.

ART. 2……All offensive players must be within 15 yards of the ball at the snap.

ART. 3……A team may run a "no huddle" offense without informing game officials or opponents prior to the snap.

ART. 4……It is not required to have anyone other than the snapper on the line of scrimmage at the snap.

ART. 5……A free kick formation is a formation used for a free kick down. During a free kick down:

1. All receiving team players must be behind their free kick line and at least 3 receiving team players must be within 5 yards of their free kick line prior to the kick.
2. All kicking team players, other than the kicker and holder, must be behind their free kick line until the ball is kicked.

ART. 1……Forward progress is the end of advancement of a runner toward the opponent’s goal and determines the dead ball spot.

ART. 2……When an airborne player makes a catch, forward progress is the furthest point of advancement after he possesses the ball if contacted by a defender.

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

1. Dead ball - a foul which occurs in the time interval after a down has ended and before the ball is next snapped or free kicked.
2. Double - one or more live ball fouls (other than unsportsmanlike) committed by each team at such a time that the penalties offset.
3. Live ball - a foul which occurs during a down.
4. Multiple - two or more live ball fouls (other than unsportsmanlike) committed by the same team at such a time that the offended team is permitted a choice of penalties.
5. Nonplayer or unsportsmanlike - a noncontact foul while the ball is dead or during the down which is not illegal participation and does not influence the play in progress.
6. Player - a foul (other than unsportsmanlike) by a player in the game hereafter referred to as a foul.
7. Simultaneous with the snap - an act which becomes a foul when the ball is snapped or free kicked.

ART. 3……No foul causes loss of the ball.

ART. 4……No live ball foul causes the ball to become dead.

ART. 5.…Game situations which procedure results somewhat similar to penalties, but which are not classed as fouls are: disqualification of a player, first touching of a kick by the kicking team, incompletion of a forward pass, and forfeiture of a game.

SECTION 16: A FUMBLE is any loss of player possession other than by legal kick, passing, or handing.

ART. 1…..Handing the ball is transferring player possession from one player to a teammate in such a way that the ball is still in contact with the first player when it is touched by the teammate. Handing the ball is not a pass.

ART. 2…..Forward handing is when the runner releases the ball when the entire ball is beyond the yard line where the runner is positioned.

ART. 3…..Backward handing is when the runner releases the ball when any part of the ball is on or behind the yard line where the runner is positioned.

SECTION 18: HUDDLE is two or more players of the same team grouped together before a snap or free kick.

SECTION 19: HURDLING is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over an opponent WITHOUT CONTACT who is contacting the ground with no part of his body except one or both feet.

SECTION 20: AN INTERCEPTION is the catch of an opponent’s fumble or pass.

ART. 1…..A kick is the intentional striking of the ball with the knee, lower leg, or foot.

ART. 2…..A kick ends when a player gains possession or when the ball becomes dead.

ART. 3…..A free kick is any legal kick which puts the ball in play to start a free kick down. After the ready for play signal and before the kick, each player other than the kicker and holder must be behind his free kick line. A free kick is used for a kickoff, for a kick following a safety, and is used if a free kick is chosen following a fair catch or awarded fair catch.

ART. 4…..A kickoff is a free kick which puts the ball in play at the beginning of each half of the game, and after any try. A placekick can be used for the kickoff.

ART. 5…..A punt is a legal kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it before it has touched the ground. A punt may be used for a free kick following a safety.

ART. 1…..The line of scrimmage for each team is a vertical plane of the yardmarker nearest the team’s goal line. It is determined when the yard markers are set on the sidelines by the game officials.

ART. 2…..An offensive player is on his line of scrimmage when he faces his opponent’s goal line with the line of his shoulders approximately parallel thereto and with his head or foot breaking the plane of an imaginary line drawn parallel to the line of scrimmage through the waist of the snapper.

ART. 3…..A defensive player is on his line of scrimmage when he is within 1 yard of his scrimmage line at the snap.

ART. 1…..The boundary lines are the end lines and sidelines and are out-of-bounds.

ART. 2…..The end line is the outer limit of each end zone.

ART. 3…..A goal line is the vertical plane which separates the field of play the field of play from the end zone. When related to a live ball in a runner’s possession (touching inbounds) while the ball is over the out-of-bounds area, the goal line includes the extension beyond the sidelines. A team’s own goal line is the one it is defending.

ART. 4….The line-to-gain is the yard line (20,40, or goal line) that is closest to the offensive team’s direction of advancement.

ART. 5….The sideline is the lateral limit of the field of play and the end zones. It extends from one end, line to the other.

ART. 6…..A yard line is any line and its vertical plane parallel to the end lines. The yard lines, marked or unmarked, in the field of play are numbered in yards from a team’s own goal line to the middle of the field.

SECTION 24: A MUFF is the touching of a loose ball by a player in an unsuccessful attempt to secure possession. An accidental kick is a muff.

SECTION 25: NEUTRAL ZONE is the space between to two free kick lines during a free kick and between the two scrimmage lines during a scrimmage down. For a free kick, the neutral zone is a maximum of 20 yards wide and also 5 yards or less for a scrimmage down and is established by the yard line markers positioned by the game officials.

ART. 1……A player or other person is out-of-bounds when any part of him is touching anything, other than another player or game official, who is on or outside the sideline or end line.

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

ART. 3……A loose ball is out-of-bounds when it touches anything, including a player or game official, who is out-of-bounds.

ART. 1……Passing the ball is throwing it. In a pass, the ball travels in flight. The initial direction determines whether a pass is forward or backward.

ART. 2……A forward pass is a pass thrown with its initial direction toward the opponent’s end line.

NOTE: Prior to releasing the ball on a pass, if the potential passer is contacted, and the ball is released, it is a forward pass if his arm was moving forward on contact.

ART. 3……A forward pass has gone beyond the neutral zone if at any time during the pass, the entire ball is beyond the neutral zone.

ART. 4……A forward pass ends when it is caught, touches the ground or is out-of-bounds.

ART. 5…...A backward pass is a pass thrown with its initial direction parallel with or toward the runner’s end line.

ART. 6…….A backward pass ends when it is caught, recovered, or is out-of-bounds.

ART. 1…….A player is one of the 14 team members who is designated to start either half of the game or who replaces another player. A player continues to be a player until a substitute enters the field and indicates to the player that he is replaced, or when the substitute becomes a player.

ART. 2…….A player of A is A1 and teammates are A2 and A3. Other abbreviations are B1 for a player of B, K1 for a player of the kickers and R1 for one of the receivers.

ART. 3…….A back is any Team A player, except for the player under the snapper, who has no part of his body breaking the plane of an imaginary line drawn parallel to the line of scrimmage through the waist of the nearest teammate who is legally on the line.

ART. 4…….A captain of a team is a player designated to represent his team during:

1. The pregame toss ceremony.
2. Penalty decisions following a foul.

ART. 5……A disqualified player is a player barred from further participation in a game.

ART. 6……A holder is a player who controls the ball on the ground or on a kicking tee.

ART. 7……A kicker is any player who legally punts. He continues to be the kicker until he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance.

ART. 8……A lineman is any Team A player legally on his line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

ART. 9……A nonplayer is a coach, trainer, or other attendant, or a substitute who does not participate by touching the ball, hindering an opponent, or influencing the play. See 9-5 for illegal participation.

ART. 10….A passer is a player who throws a forward pass. He continues to be a passer until the pass ends or until he moves to participate in the play.

ART. 11….A replaced player is one who has been notified by a substitute that he is to leave the field. A player is also replaced when the entering substitute becomes a player.

ART. 12….A runner is a player who is in possession of a live ball or is simulating possession of a live ball.

ART. 13….A snapper is the player who snaps the ball.

ART. 14….A substitute is a team member who may replace a player. A substitute becomes a player when he enters the field and communicates with a teammate or an official, enters the huddle, is positioned in a formation, or participates in the play. An entering substitute is not considered to be a player for encroachment restrictions until he is on his team’s side of the neutral zone.

ART. 1…..A loose ball play is action during:

1. A free kick or punt.
2. A legal forward pass.
3. A backward pass (including the snap) or fumble made by A from in or behind the neutral zone prior to a change of possession.
4. The run or runs which precedes such legal forward pass, legal kick or fumble.

ART. 2…..A running play is any action not included in Article 1.

ART. 1…..A ball in player possession is a live ball held or controlled by a player after it has been handed or snapped to him, or after he has caught or recovered it.

ART. 2…..A ball in team possession is a live ball which is in player possession or one which is loose following loss of such player possession.

SECTION 31: READY-FOR-PLAY is a term which signifies the referee has signaled the ball may be put in play by a snap or free kick.

ART.1.....The defensive restraining line is 5 yards closest to the goal line of team "B" except:

1. If the line to gain is less than 5 yards, the defense’s restraining line is ½ the distance between the line of scrimmage and the next line-to-gain.
2. On a 1 point try, the goal line is the defense’s restraining line.
3. On a 2 point try, the 5 yard line is the defense’s restraining line.

SECTION 33: A RULE is one of the groups of regulations which govern the game. A rule sometimes states what a player may do, but if there is no such statement for a given act, it is assumed that he may do what is not prohibited. In like manner, a rule sometimes states or implies that the ball is dead or that a foul is involved. If it does not, it is assumed that the ball is alive and that no foul has occurred to affect the given situation. If a foul is mentioned, it is assumed that it is not part of a double or multiple foul unless so stated or implied.

SECTION 34: SCRIMMAGE is the action of the two teams during a down which begins with a snap.

SECTION 35: 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.

ART. 1……A snap is the legal act of passing or handing the ball backward from its position on the ground.

ART.2…….The snap begins when the snapper first moves the ball legally other than in adjustment. In a snap, the movement must be a quick and continuous backward motion of the ball during which the ball immediately leaves the hand(s) of the snapper and touches a back or the ground before it touches a Team A lineman.

ART. 3……The snap ends when the ball touches the ground or any player.

ART. 1……The basic spot is a point of reference for penalty enforcement. It is the previous spot for a loose ball play and the end of the run for a running play.

ART. 2…….The dead ball spot is the spot under the foremost point of the ball when it becomes dead by rule.

ART. 3…….The inbounds spot is the intersection of the inbounds line and the yard line:

1. Through the foremost point of the ball when the ball becomes dead in a side zone.
2. Through the foremost point of the ball on the sideline between the goal lines when a loose ball goes out-of-bounds.
3. Through the spot under the foremost point of the ball in possession of a runner when he crosses the plane of the sideline and goes out-of-bounds.

NOTE: If a penalty measurement leaves the ball in a side zone, the new inbounds spot is fixed by the yard line through the spot of the ball after measurement.

ART. 4……The out-of-bounds spot is where the ball becomes dead because of going out-of-bounds.

ART. 5……The spot of a foul is where the foul occurs. If a foul occurs out-of-bounds, the spot of the foul is at the intersection of the inbounds line and the yard line extended on which the foul occurs.

ART. 6…….The previous spot is where the ball was last snapped or free kicked.

ART. 7…….The spot where the run ends is where the runner loses player possession or where the ball becomes dead in his possession.

ART. 8…….The succeeding spot is where the ball would next be snapped or free kicked if a foul had not occurred.

SECTION 38: TACKLING is the detaching of the ballcarrier’s flagbelt by a defensive player.

ART. 1……The offense is the team which is in possession of the ball, the opponent is the defense.

ART. 2……Team A is the team which puts the ball in play, the opponent is Team B.

ART. 3……Team K is the team which legally kicks the ball during the down, the opponent is Team R.

SECTION 40: TOUCHING refers to any contact with the ball: i.e., either by touching or being touched by it. Touching by an official in the field of play is ignored.

SECTION 41: TRIPPING is the illegal contact of the lower leg or foot by a player to obstruct an opponent below the knee who is either a runner or a teammate of a runner.

ART. 1…….The clock running time for a game shall be 44 minutes with halves and intermissions as indicated. If, at the end of the second half, the teams have identical scores, an attempt to resolve the tie will be utilized. The overtime is considered part of the second half.

ART. 2……The playing time for each half will be as follows:

1. The first 20 minutes of the game the clock will continuously run. The only times the clock will be stopped during this time is for team time outs, also for injuries that keep a player from being removed immediately, and for any other unusual situations that may occur. The 2 minute warning will then be issued to both teams by the referee. However, once the teams have been notified, the 25 second ready for play clock will start.
2. The final 2 minutes of the half the clock will stop on incomplete forward passes, scoring plays, penalty enforcement’s, out-of-bounds situations, once a punt has been announced, time outs (official or team), and first downs achieved. The clock will not start until the snap in all above situations except for first downs achieved. In this circumstance, the clock will begin on the referee’s ready for play signal.

ART. 3……Halftime intermission will be 4 minutes. At 3 minutes, the referee will blow his whistle to inform both teams that they need to be on the field, ready to play in 1 minute.

ART. 4…….Charged time outs shall be 45 seconds in length.

ART. 5..….The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 10 minutes prior to the scheduled game time, or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

ART. 6……A period or periods may be shortened by any emergency by agreement of the team captains and the referee. By mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee, any remaining period may be shortened at any time or the game terminated.

ART. 7……Games interrupted because of events beyond the control of the responsible administrative authority shall be continued from the point of interruption unless the teams agree to terminate the game with the existing score, or there are conference or league rules which apply.

ART. 8…….When weather conditions are construed to he hazardous to life or limb of the participants, the crew of officials is authorized to delay or suspend the game.

ART. 9……..The referee shall have authority to correct obvious errors in timing if discovery is prior to the second live ball following the error unless the period has officially ended.

ART.10…….If one team is ahead by 17 points or more during the last 2 minutes of the 2^nd half, the game will be terminated.

ART. 1……..Each half of the game shall be started by a kickoff. Before the scheduled game starting time the referee, in the presence of the field captains, shall toss a coin which the visiting captain shall call. If the coin toss is held on the playing field, it shall be held 3 minutes prior to the scheduled game starting time.

ART. 2…….Not more than two captains from each team may be present at the coin toss and only one from each team shall be designated as its spokesman. All team personnel on the playing field, other than the captains involved in the coin toss ceremony, shall be restricted to their respective team box areas or well away from the vicinity of the toss.

ART. 3…….The winner of the toss shall have first choice of options for the first half or to defer and have first choice in the second half. The loser shall have the first choice of options for the half the winner of the toss did not select. The options for each half shall be:

1. To choose whether his team will kick or receive.
2. To choose the goal his team will defend.

The captain not having the first choice of options for a half shall exercise the remaining option.

ART.1…….Approximately 2 minutes before the end of each half, the referee shall notify the field captains of the time remaining. If time is not out, the referee shall order the clock stopped while he does this.

ART.2…….If time for any period expires during a down, play shall continue until the down ends. No time signal shall be sounded while the ball is alive.

ART.3…….A period must be extended by an untimed down, except for unsportsmanlike or nonplayer fouls, if during the last timed down, one of the following occurred:

1. There was a foul by either time and the penalty is accepted.
2. There was a double foul.
3. There was an inadvertent whistle and the down is to be replayed at the spot of where the play was blown dead.
4. If a touchdown was scored, the try is attempted unless the touchdown is scored during the last down of the 2^nd half and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game or play-off qualifying.

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

ART.4……If a dead ball occurs after time expires for any period, the penalty shall be measured from the succeeding spot.

1. If a half begins with a kickoff when the kick is touched, other than first touching by K.
2. If a half begins with a snap, when the ball is legally snapped.

ART.2……The clock shall run continuously for the first 20 minutes of each half except for the following situations:

1. For an official’s time out.
2. For a team’s time out
3. Because of an inadvertent whistle that causes an unusual delay in the game.
4. An injury that causes a player not to be immediately removed.

ART.3…..The clock shall be stopped and shall not start until the snap or when any free kick is touched, other than first touching by K, providing the time remaining for each half is under 2 minutes because:

1. The ball goes out of bounds.
2. A fair catch is made.
3. The ball becomes dead behind the goal line.
4. A forward pass is incomplete.
5. Once a punt has been announced.
6. A request for a charged time out is granted.
7. The penalty for a delay of game foul is accepted.

ART.1….Two (2) time outs only may be charged to a team during each half of a regulation game. Unused 1^st half time outs may not be utilized in the 2^nd half. Only one (1) time out is permitted during overtime games during the regular season, and one (1) time out is permitted for each additional overtime period during the playoffs.

ART.2….A charged time out occurs when the ball is dead and a player’s request is legally granted.

ART.3….A single charged time out shall not exceed 45 seconds in length. Charged time outs shall be reduced only if both teams are ready to play prior to the 25 second ready for play signal by the referee.

ART.4….Successive charged time outs may be granted during the same dead ball period. When a team’s permissible charged time outs during a half have been used, its captain should be notified.

ART.5….After a team has used its permissible charged time outs in a half, any subsequent request shall be denied.

ART.6….An official’s time out occurs during a dead ball without a time out being charged to either team:

1. When captains are notified of 2 minutes left in each half.
2. For a player who appears to be injured, bleeding, has an open wound, or has an excessive amount of blood on his uniform.
3. For unusual heat or humidity which may cause a health risk to the players and/or officials.
4. Approaching inclement weather conditions.
5. After a scoring play.

ART.1……The ball is ready for play when the whistle is blown by the referee signaling the end of the previous play, or when the referee gives the ready for play signal after:

1. An official’s time out.
2. Penalty enforcement.
3. An inadvertent whistle.
4. A charged time out to either team.

ART.2…..The ball shall be put in play within 40 seconds from the time the last play has ended. If the referee gives a ready for play signal, then the time to put the ball in play is reduced to 25 seconds.

ART.3…..Failure of a team to play within 2 minutes after being ordered to do so by the referee shall result in forfeiture.

ART.1…..No substitute shall enter during a down.

ART.2…..Between downs any number of eligible substitutes may replace players. Replaced players shall leave the field immediately.

ART.3…..A replaced player, or a substitute who has been unable to complete the substitution, is required to leave the field at the side on which his team box is located and go directly to his team box.

ART.1…..During regular season play only one (1) overtime procedure will be permitted by the referee. If the score remains tied at the end of the overtime period, the game will end in a tie. During the playoffs the teams will continue with additional overtimes until the teams do not have identical scores at the end of an overtime period. There shall be a 1 minute break between the last play of the second half until the opposing captains are required to be present during the subsequent coin toss to begin the overtime. No additional breaks between overtimes are permitted unless a team is granted a time out.

ART.2….The team in possession of the ball at the end of the last play during the second half shall call the coin toss.

ART.3….The winner of the toss shall have first choice of options for the overtime. The loser shall have first choice of options for the overtime the winner of the toss did not select. If any additional overtimes are played, the loser of the toss during the first overtime will have the choice. The options for each overtime shall be:

1. To choose whether his team shall be on offense or defense first.
2. To choose which end zone the overtime will be played in. Both teams will attempt to score in the same end zone.

ART.4….The ball shall be placed at the opponents 20 yard line for team "A" to attempt to score a touchdown. If, at the end of the possession, the team fails to score, they lose possession and team "B" acquires possession. The ball is then returned to the 20 yard line for their attempt to score a touchdown. If team "B" then fails to score, the game will end in a tie.

ART.5….If the opposing team intercepts the ball or recovers a fumble during an attempt to score a touchdown, the play is automatically over. No runbacks are permitted. Once possession has been lost, the series is over.

ART.6….If a team scores a touchdown during overtime, a try for point is permitted providing the try has a direct influence on the outcome of the game.

ART.7….After a touchdown is scored, a team may select to go for 2 points on a try, or for 1 point on a try. If the team selects a try for 2 points, the ball will be placed on the 10 yard line. If the team possesses the ball in the end zone after the play is completed, the points are awarded. If the team selects a try for 1 point, the ball will be placed on the 5 yard line. If the team possesses the ball in the end zone after the play is completed, the points are awarded.

ART.8….If the opponents intercept the ball during a try for point, the try for point is concluded.

ART.9….Each team receives 1 time out during each overtime.

ART.2…..A snap shall put the ball in play when a free kick is not specified.

ART.3…..A snap or free kick shall be started between the inbounds lines.

ART.4…..After being put in play, the ball remains alive until the down ends.

ART.5…..The ball remains dead and a down is not begun if a free kick is attempted before the ball is ready for play, or there is an illegal snap or other snap infraction.

ART.1…..An official shall indicate the ball remains dead by sounding his whistle immediately when a foul occurs before a snap or free kick.

1. When a runner goes out-of-bounds, or his flag becomes unattached from his body by a defensive players grasping his flags, or allows any part of his person other than hand or foot to touch the ground.
2. When a live ball goes out of bounds.
3. When any forward pass (legal or illegal) is incomplete or is simultaneously caught by opposing players.
4. When any legal kick (punt or free kick) touches anything while the kicked ball is on or behind R’s goal line (plane).
5. When any loose ball:

1. Is simultaneously caught or recovered by opposing players.
2. Is on the ground motionless and no player attempts to secure possession.
3. Touches, or is touched by, anything inbounds other than a player, substitute, replaced player, an official, the ground, or authorized equipment. In this case the ball will be put in play in accordance with the procedure for an inadvertent whistle as in 4-2-3b.

1. When the kickers catch or recover any free kick anywhere, and the kickers catch or recover a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone and when the kickers are first (i.e. before any touching by the receivers) to touch a punt after it has come to rest beyond the neutral zone and between the goal lines.
1. Following a valid or invalid fair catch signal given by any member of the receiving team when a punt or free kick is caught or recovered by any member of the receiving team beyond, in, or behind the neutral zone.
2. When a touchdown occurs.
3. When an official sounds his whistle inadvertently.

ART.3…..Inadvertent Whistle. During a down, or during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined, if an inadvertent whistle occurs while:

1. A legal forward pass or snap is in flight, or during a legal kick, the down shall be replayed.
2. The ball is loose following a backward pass, fumble, illegal forward pass, or illegal kick, the team last in possession may choose to put the ball in play where possession was lost or replay the down.
3. The ball is in player possession, that team may choose to accept the play at that spot or replay the down.

SECTION 3: OUT-OF BOUNDS AND INBOUNDS SPOT

ART.1….When a loose ball goes out-of-bounds, the out-of-bounds spot is fixed by the yard line where the belt became legally detached by a defensive player. When the ball becomes dead in the field of play because of touching a person who is out-of-bounds, the out-of-bounds spot is fixed by the yard line through the belt line of the player in possession of the ball.

ART.2….When the out-of-bounds spot is between the goal lines, the ball shall be put in play at the inbounds spot unless a forward pass is involved. If the out-of-bounds spot is behind a goal line, it is a safety, or touchback. If the ball touches a pylon, it is out-of-bounds behind the goal line.

ART.3….When a runner goes out-of-bounds, the inbounds spot is fixed by the yard line through the belt line of the player in possession of the ball at the time the runner crosses the plane of the sideline.

ART.4….When the ball becomes dead between the inbounds lines, play is resumed at the dead ball spot, unless it is a legal forward pass incompletion in which case the ball is returned to the previous spot.

ART.5….When the ball becomes dead in the side zone or is awarded to a team there or is left there by a penalty, play is resumed at the inbounds spot. This does not apply to:

1. A legal forward pass incompletion.
2. A replay due to inadvertent whistle.
3. A replayed try.
4. A free kick or snap which follows a fair catch or awarded fair catch in a side zone.

ART.6…..Before the ready-for-play signal. Team "A" may designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the inbounds lines:

1. For a kickoff.
2. Following a safety.
3. Following a fair catch.
4. Following an awarded fair catch.
5. Following a touchback.
6. For the start of each series using the 20 yard line overtime procedure.

ART.2…..When a scrimmage down ends with the ball in the field of play or out-of-bounds between the goal lines, a new series is awarded to:

1. Team "A", if the ball belongs to "A" on or beyond the line-to-gain.
2. Team "B", if the ball belongs to "B" at the end of any down.
3. Team "B", at the end of the 4^th down, the ball belongs to "A" behind the line-to-gain.
4. The team in possession at the end of the down, if there is a change of team possession during the down, unless the penalty is accepted for a foul which occurred before the change of possession.
5. Team "R", if "K" legally kicks during any scrimmage down and the ball is recovered by "R", is in joint possession of opponents, or goes out-of-bounds, or becomes dead with no player in possession.
6. The team in possession at the end of the down, if "R" is the first to touch a punt while it is beyond the expanded neutral zone, unless the penalty is accepted for a foul which occurred before the kick ended.

The loss of down aspect of a penalty has no significance following a change of possession or if the line-to-gain is reached after enforcement.

 

 

 

ART.3…When a free kick down ends with the ball in the field of play or out-of-bounds between the goal lines, a new series is awarded to:

1. Team "R" at the inbounds spot if "R" is the last to touch the kicked ball before it goes out-of-bounds.
2. The team in possession of the ball when the down ends if the ball is recovered beyond "R" ’s free kick line with no first touching by "K".
3. Team "R" at the spot of recovery if "K" recovers the kicked ball before a player of team "R" gains possession.
4. Team "R" if there is joint possession by "R" and "K" of a recovered kick.

ART.4….If the kickers recover a punt in or beyond the neutral zone and the ball had not been in player possession of team "R" , the ball remains alive and belongs to "R" and the down counts at the spot of first touching by "K".

ART.1….When a penalty is declined, the number of the next down is the same as if the foul had not occurred. If a double foul occurs during a down, the number of the next down is the same as that of the down in which the foul occurred. After a distance penalty, the ball belongs to the team in possession at the time of the foul. Team possession may then change if a new series is awarded.

ART.2….When a foul occurs during a scrimmage down and before any change of team possession, and before a receiver is first to touch a punt while it is beyond the neutral zone, the ball belongs to "A" after enforcement. The number of the next down is the same as that of the down during which the foul occurred unless penalty acceptance includes a 1^st down or loss of down, or the enforcement of the advance results in a 1^st down.

ART.3….When a foul occurs prior to a scrimmage down, or simultaneously with the snap, the number of the next down after enforcement is the same as the number established before the foul occurred unless enforcement for a foul by "B" results in a 1^st down.

ART.4…..When a foul occurs prior to or during a free kick down and before any change of team possession, the down which follows enforcement is a free kick down, unless following a fair catch or an awarded fair catch, a scrimmage down is chosen for the penalty.

1. The acceptance of the penalty includes the award of a 1^st down.
2. Acceptance or declination of any penalty leaves "A" in possession beyond the line-to-gain.
3. Declination of any penalty leaves "A" in possession behind the line-to-gain after 4^th down.
4. Declination of any penalty leaves "B" in possession.
5. There is acceptance or declination of the penalty for any foul which occurs after team possession changes during the down, or after "R" is first to touch a punt while it is beyond the neutral zone, unless the foul occurs before the kick ends and the penalty is accepted.
6. Acceptance of a penalty on 4^th down which carries a loss of down leaves "A" in possession behind the line-to-gain.

After a series of down ends, a new series with 1^st and the next line-to-gain (either Team "A" ’s 20 yard line, or the 40 yard line, or Team "B" ’s 20 yard line) is awarded unless one of the following is involved: a try; or a free kick after a safety or fair catch or awarded fair catch. The 1^st down is awarded to the team in possession when the foul occurs unless, declining the penalty leaves the other team in possession, or as in [c] and [f], accepting or declining the penalty leaves the other team in possession after 4^th down.

ART.1…..The line-to-gain is Team "A" ’s 20 yard line, the 40 yard line (midfield), and team "B" ’s 20 yard line when a new series of downs is awarded. The line to gain is established at the end of the down in which a new series is awarded and after considering the effect of any act which occurs during that down other than a nonplayer or unsportsmanlike foul. The line-to-gain than remains fixed until the series ends and a new line-to-gain is established.

ART.2…..To start a new series of downs, the "tackle" by the defensive team must be on or ahead of the line-to-gain. To start a new series of downs after:

1. A change of team possession, which does not involve a 4^th down incomplete forward pass, a safety or touchback, the foremost point of the ball at the time it became dead becomes the rear point when the direction of the offense is changed.
2. A 4^th down incomplete forward pass, the ball is placed as it was at the start of the down so the rear point becomes the foremost point.
3. A safety or touchback, the foremost point of the ball is placed on the 20 yard line.

ART.3……A ball touching the goal line plane, when it becomes dead is in the end zone, even though it is moving away from the nearer end line and has its foremost point in the field of play. When any kick is touched near "R" ‘s goal line, the ball becomes dead only if it is in behind the goal line plane at the time it is touched except as in 4-2-2d. In doubtful cases, the ball should be considered behind the goal line.

1. Its 20 yard line for a kickoff or a safety
2. The yard line through the spot of the catch after a fair catch.
3. The yard line through the spot of an awarded fair catch.

ART.2….A free kick shall be made from any point between the inbounds lines and on "K" ‘s free kick line. Once designated, "K" must kick from that spot. When a punt is used following a safety, the ball must be kicked within one step behind "K’ ‘s free kick line. The kicker may kick the ball from anywhere along the line, but not past the free kick line.

ART.3….If at least 3 "R" players are not within 5 yards of their free kick line after the ball is declared ready-for-play and until it is kicked, it is a free kick infraction.

ART.4….Any receiver may catch or recover a free kick in the field of play and advance, unless any member of the receiving team has given a valid or invalid fair catch signal, "R" may catch or recover a free kick in "K" ‘s end zone.

1. A foul occurs prior to a change of possession and the penalty acceptance requires a replay of the down.
2. There is a double foul.

ART.7….A kickoff or free kick which goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines untouched inbounds by "R", or not last touched inbounds by "R", is a foul. "R" has the following choices:

1. Decline the penalty and put the ball in play at the inbounds spot.
2. Select to place the ball at "R" ‘s 30 yard line.

ART. 9…The kicking team has the choice of selecting to place the ball at their own 20 yard line in lieu of kicking the ball. The receiving team will then begin their series at that yard line with 1^st and goal to go. However, once this choice has been made anytime during the game, the kicking team must continue this procedure on any subsequent kickoffs.

ART.1….The offensive team must announce their intention to kick the ball at least 20 seconds prior to any punt.

ART.2….Team "A" may punt from in or behind the neutral zone before team possession has changed.

ART.3….No offensive player may go downfield until the ball is kicked by the punter.

ART.4….Any receiver may catch or recover a punt in the field of play and advance unless any member of the receiving team has given a valid or invalid fair catch signal. "R" may catch or recover a punt in "K" ‘s end zone.

ART.5….When any scrimmage kick is out-of-bounds between the goal lines or becomes dead inbounds between the goal lines while no player is in possession, or inbounds anywhere while opponents are in joint possession, the ball is awarded to "R". Following an out-of-bounds, the ball is put in play at the inbounds spot unless "R" chooses a spot of first touching.

ART.6….The front 3 defensive players may not leave the defensive line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked, or rush the punter.

ART.7.....The center, after snapping the ball may move away from the punter to avoid being accidentally contacted by the punter or the ball.

ART.1….If any free kick or punt touches anything while the kicked ball is on or behind "R" ‘s goal line or goal line plane, it becomes dead and is a touchback.

ART.2….If any free kick or punt becomes dead in the kicker’s end zone while no player has possession, it is a safety or touchback, as in 8-5-2 and 3.

ART.1….Any receiver may signal for a fair catch while any legal kick is in flight.

ART.2….It is a fair catch and the ball is dead if any receiver gives a valid fair catch signal, as in Art.1, and he catches a free kick in or beyond the neutral zone and between the goal lines, or a punt beyond the neutral zone and between the goal lines.

ART.3….When a fair catch is made, the captain may choose to free kick or snap anywhere between the inbounds line through the spot of the catch. This choice remains if a dead ball foul occurs prior to the down, or a foul or an inadvertent whistle occurs during the down and the down is replayed.

ART.4….No receiver may advance the ball after a valid or invalid fair catch signal has been given by any member of the receiving team.

ART.5….No receiver shall give an invalid fair catch signal.

ART.2….Following the ready-for-play or after the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball, encroachment occurs if any player, other than the snapper breaks the plane of the neutral zone.

ART.3….The snapper may be over the ball but his feet must be behind the neutral zone and no part of his person other than a hand(s) on the ball may be beyond the foremost point of the ball.

ART.4….The snapper may lift the ball for lateral rotation but may not rotate end-for-end or move the location or fail to keep the long axis of the ball at right angles to the line of scrimmage.

ART.5….Following the ready-for-play or after touching the ball, the snapper shall not:

1. Remove both hands.
2. Make any movement that simulates a snap.
3. Fail to clearly pause before the snap.
4. Following adjustment, lift or move the ball other than in a legal snap.

An illegal snap or other snap infraction causes the ball to remain dead.

ART.6….After the ball is ready-for-play or before the snap, no false start shall be made by any "A" player. It is a false start if:

1. A shift or feigned charge simulates action at the snap.
2. Any act is clearly intended to cause "B" to encroach.

If the false start causes "B" to encroach, only the false start is penalized.

ART.7.....A team may not use more than the allotted time between plays

ART.1….No later than 10 seconds prior to the snap, each player of team "A" must have been, momentarily, within 15 yards of the ball.

ART.3….A snap shall be such that the ball immediately leaves the hand or hands of the snapper and touches a backfield player or the ground. A scrimmage down must start with a legal snap. An illegal snap causes the ball to remain dead.

ART.4….After a huddle or shift all seven players of team "A" shall come to an absolute stop and shall remain stationary simultaneously without movement of hands, feet, head, or body for at least one second before the snap.

ART.5….Not more than one team "A" player may be in motion at the snap and then only if such motion is not toward his opponent’s goal line. Except for the player "under the snapper" , the player in motion shall be at least 1 yard behind his line of scrimmage at the snap if he started from any position not clearly behind the line and did not establish himself as a back by stopping for at least one full second while no part of his body is breaking the vertical plane through the waistline of his nearest teammate who is on the line of scrimmage.

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

ART.2…..No player may hand the ball forward except during a scrimmage down before a change in possession, provided both players are in or behind the neutral zone and it is to a back or a teammate who was not the snapper, unless the snapper steps back 1 yard off of the line of scrimmage after the snap.

ART.3…..During a scrimmage down after a change of team possession, no player may hand the ball forward to a teammate.

ART.1….During any down, any player in possession may make a backward pass or may lose player possession through a fumble.

ART.2….If a fumble or backward pass is caught by a player, he may advance.

ART.3….If a fumble or a backward pass goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines or becomes dead while no player is in possession or while opponents are in joint possession, the ball belongs to the passing or fumbling team unless lost after 4^th down.

ART.4….If a fumble or backward pass is out-of-bounds behind a goal line, the ball belongs to the team defending that goal and the result is either a touchback or a safety.

ART.1….It is a legal forward pass, if during a scrimmage down and before team possession has changed, a player of Team "A" throws the ball with both feet of the passer in or behind the neutral zone when the ball is released. More than one forward pass may be thrown during the down.

ART.2…An illegal forward pass is a foul. The illegal forward passes are:

1. A pass after team possession has changed during the down.
2. A pass from beyond the neutral zone.
3. A pass intentionally thrown into an area not occupied by an offensive player.
4. A pass intentionally thrown incomplete to save loss of yardage or to conserve time. EXCEPTION: It is legal to conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving a direct hand-to-hand snap.

ART.3…If the penalty for an illegal forward pass is accepted, measurement is from the spot of such forward pass. If the offended team declines the distance penalty, it has the choice of having the down counted at the spot of the illegal incomplete forward pass or (if the illegal forward pass is caught or intercepted) of having the ball put in play as determined by the action which followed the catch.

ART.4…A forward pass, legal or illegal, is complete and the ball may be advanced when caught by any player of "A" or "B". If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by two opponents then the ball becomes dead and belongs to the passing team.

ART.5…A forward pass, legal or illegal, is incomplete and the ball becomes dead when the pass touches the ground or goes out-of-bounds. It is also incomplete when a player in the air possesses the pass and alights so that his first contact with the ground or with anything other than a player or game official is on or outside a boundary. When an incompletion occurs the down counts unless the pass is after a change in possession. If the pass is legal the passing team next snaps the ball, unless lost after 4^th down, at the spot of the previous snap.

ART.7…Pass interference restrictions only apply beyond the neutral zone and only if the legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone.

ART.8…Pass interference restrictions end when a "B" player touches the pass, or last pass if more than one.

ART.9…It is forward pass interference if any player of "A" of "B" who is beyond the neutral zone interferes with an eligible opponent’s opportunity to move forward, catch or bat the pass.

ART.10..It is not forward pass interference if unavoidable contact occurs when two or more eligibles are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch or bat the pass.

TOUCHDOWN…………………………………………………. 6 Points

SAFETY - Points awarded to the opponent……………………… 2 Points

SUCCESSFUL TRY FOR POINT (TRY)

1. Touchdown from the 10 yard line………………… 2 Points
2. Touchdown from the 5 yard line…………………. 1 Point

DEFENSIVE RETURN OF A TRY FOR POINT…………….. 2 Points

FOREFEITED GAME

Game score is: Offended Team……1; Opponent…….0

But if offended team is ahead, the score stands.

ART. 1….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.

ART.2…..It is a touchdown when a loose ball is caught or recovered by a player while the ball is on or behind his opponent’s goal line.

ART.3…..It is a touchdown when a backward pass or fumble is declared dead in the end zone of the opponent of the player who passed or fumbled while no player is in possession (other than because of an inadvertent whistle).

ART.4…..If a foul by the opponents of the scoring team occurs during a touchdown, the penalty is automatically declined and no penalty is assessed on either the try or subsequent kickoff.

ART.1….After a touchdown, the scoring team shall attempt a try during which the ball is snapped from a spot designated by Team "A" anywhere between the inbounds lines. This involves a scrimmage down which is neither numbered or timed. The ball shall be placed on the:

1. The 10 yard line, if the scoring team elects to score 2 points.
2. The 5 yard line, if the scoring team elects to score 1 point.

EXCEPTION: If a touchdown is scored during the last down of the 2^nd half, the try shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game or playoff qualifying.

ART.2….The try begins when the ball is ready-for-play. It ends when:

1. "B" secures possession.
2. The try is successful
3. The ball becomes dead for any other reason.

ART.3….During a try, Team "A" may score 1 or 2 points from what would be a touchdown outlined in 8-1.

ART.4….If during a successful try, a loss of down foul by "A" occurs, there is no score and no replay.

ART.5….If during an unsuccessful try, a foul by "A" occurs, the penalty is obviously declined, the results of the play stand and there is no replay. If "B" fouls, the down is replayed after enforcement.

ART.6.....If a double foul occurs, the down shall be replayed.

ART.7.....When a try down is replayed, the snap may be from any point between the inbounds lines on the yard line through the spot of the ball.

ART.8.....After a try, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate which team will kick off.

ART.1....Responsibility for forcing the ball from the field of play across a goal line is attributed to the player who carries, snaps, passes, fumbles, or kicks the ball, unless a new force is applied to a grounded backward pass, kick or fumble. The muffing or batting of a pass, kick, or fumble in flight is not considered a new force.

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

EXCEPTION: When a Team "B" player intercepts a forward pass or catches a punt or free kick between his 5 yard line and the goal line and his original momentum carries him into the end zone where the ball is declared dead in his team’s possession or it goes out-of-bounds in the end zone, the ball belongs to Team "B" at the spot where the pass was intercepted or the kick was caught.

1. A player, who is either in the field of play or in his end zone, forces a loose ball from the field of play to or across his goal line by his kick, pass, fumble, snap, or by a new force with his muff or bat or illegal kick, provided the ball becomes dead there in his team’s possession (including when the ball is declared dead with no player in possession), or the ball is out-of-bounds when it becomes dead on or behind their goal line. This does not apply to a legal forward pass which becomes incomplete.
1. A player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and measurement is from a spot in his end zone; or throws an illegal forward pass from his end zone and the penalty is declined in a situation which leaves him in possession at the spot of the illegal pass and with the ball having been forced into the end zone by the passing team.

1. Any punt or free kick touches anything while the ball is on or behind "R" ‘s goal line, unless "R" chooses a spot of first touching by "K".
2. Any punt or free kick becomes dead on or behind "K" ‘s goal line with the ball in possession of Team "K" (including when the ball is declared dead with no player in possession) and the new force is "R" ‘s muff or bat of the kick after it has touched the ground.
3. A forward pass is intercepted in "B" ‘s end zone and becomes dead there in "B" ‘s possession.

ART.4....The team whose goal line is involved shall put the ball in play anywhere between the inbounds lines on its 20 yard line by a snap after a touchback and by a free kick after a safety.

1. Screen block a defensive player when the offensive player is within 4 yards of the player in possession of the ball.
2. Contact a defensive player who is making a bona fide attempt to dislodge a flagbelt of a player in possession of the ball.
3. Use his hands, arms, or legs to hook, lock, clamp, encircle or hold on in an effort to restrain an opponent.
4. Lean across the restraining line prior to the ball being snapped.

1. Use any flag guarding or shielding motion preventing or hindering the defensive team from dislodging their flagbelt.
2. Spin more than 180° when a defensive player is within 4 yards of the runner.
3. Jump or hurdle and contact a defensive player. See 9-2-2j.
4. Stiff arm an opponent.
5. Lower the ball to obscure the flags from being dislodged by an opponent.
6. Intentionally remove their flagbelt.
7. Illegally fasten their flagbelt to not permit the flags to be dislodged as designed by the manufacturer.
8. Lower their head into an opponent.
9. Hide the ball under a jersey.
10. Charge into an opponent. The player in possession must attempt to avoid contact with an opponent.

NOTE: A player in possession of the ball who touches the ground with any body part other than a hand or foot is considered down at the point of contact.

 

 

 

1. Hold or grab an opponent’s jersey.
2. Grab, push, or hold an opponent.
3. Physically tackle an opponent.
4. Attempt to strip the ball once an opponent clearly has possession of the ball.
5. "Chuck" or contact a receiver illegally.
6. Remove a flagbelt of a player who does not have possession of the ball.
7. Contact the passer, except in a clear attempt to remove the passer’s flagbelt.
8. Run through an offensive player who has established a legal position on the field.
9. Interfere with a receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball once the ball is in the air and the ball is catchable.
10. Lean across the restraining line prior to the ball being snapped.

1. Position himself on the shoulders or body of a teammate or an opponent to gain an advantage.
2. Make any other contact with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary and which incites roughness.
3. Strike an opponent with his fist, locked hands, forearm, or elbow, nor kick or knee him.

ART.3.....No player or nonplayer shall intentionally contact an official.

ART.1.....No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner during either a half or intermission. Examples are, but not limited to:

1. Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia worn which endangers ill will.

NOTE: The FFFA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin.

1. Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
1. Any delayed, excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself.
2. Using disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap in attempt to interfere with "A" ‘s signals or movements.

NOTE: Some players will make statements designed to upset or ridicule a team or official(s) such as "Good play. Run that one again" on a play that has failed. These actions along with many others should not be ignored and should be penalized accordingly.

1. Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during a legal kick.
1. Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or unless with permission of the referee.
2. Refusing to comply with an official’s directive
3. Introducing alcohol or drugs into the game.

ART.2....When the ball becomes dead in possession of a player, he shall not:

1. Intentionally kick the ball.
2. Spike the ball into the ground.
3. Throw the ball high into the air or from the field of play.
4. Intentionally delay returning the ball so the next play can continue.

ART.1.....During the down, no player shall intentionally go out-of-bounds and return.

ART.2.....No replaced player or substitute shall hinder an opponent, touch the ball, influence the play, or otherwise participate.

1. To have eight or more players participating at the snap or free kick.
2. If an injured player is not replaced for at least one down; unless the half-time or overtime intermission occurs.
3. To use a replaced player or substitute in a substitution or pretended substitution to deceive opponents at or immediately before the snap or free kick.
4. For a player to be lying on the ground to deceive opponents at or immediately before the snap or free kick.
5. For a disqualified player to reenter the game.

ART.1....No coach, substitute, trainer or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner either during a half or intermission. Examples are, but not limited to:

a. Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.

NOTE: The FFFA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin.

1. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
1. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
2. Indicating objections to an officials decision.
3. Using any unauthorized communication equipment.
4. Holding an unauthorized conference.

NOTE: Between downs, communications between players and coaches near the sideline are not an unauthorized conference.

1. The failure of a team to be ready to start either half.
1. Failure of the head coach or captain, to have his player(s) wear legal and/or required equipment.
2. Being on the field except as a substitute or replace player.
3. Introducing alcohol or drugs into the game.
4. Being outside the team box but not on the field.
5. A substitute who leaves the team box during a fight.

ART.1.....A player or nonplayer or person not subject to the rules shall not hinder play by an unfair act which has no specific rule coverage.

ART.2.....No team shall repeatedly commit fouls which halve the distance to the goal line.

ART.3.....Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the referee, tends to make a travesty of the game.

ART.1.....No player may play for more than one team in the same division. If interdivisional play is in force, then this rule is expanded to include all divisions involved.

ART.2.....Rosters are frozen after the 3^rd game, so no player may change teams after this time without permission from the league director.