Official Rules

Basic Information

Field size: 60 yards long.

End zones: 10 yards deep.

Ball placement: Each drive will begin with the ball placed at the 10-yard line.

First Downs: The field will be divided into three 20-yard sections, each marked with cones. Teams will have four downs to get to the next first down marker.

Team Size: 7 on 7 or 8 on 8 depending on how many total players there are – will be decided prior to game time.

Time:
- Four 20-minute quarters.
- Running clock (regardless of incomplete passes or running out of bounds) until the final two minutes of each half. There will be a two-minute warning, and the remaining time will be under college rules, where incomplete passes, players running out of bounds, spiking the ball, and first downs will stop the game clock.
- The game clock will stop outside of the two-minute warning if any questions regarding rules (or heaven forbid, injuries) arise.
- Teams can huddle to call a play for 30 seconds. Otherwise, there is no play clock. Note: 30 seconds is not hard and fast, it’s just a goal so that we can keep the game moving along at a good pace. Keep it reasonable.
- Both teams will have three timeouts per half that can be used at any time.

Offensive/Defensive Line: A minimum of 3 players must be on the line for both sides. All offensive linemen may release to receive a pass. The center can snap the ball any way he or she chooses.

Extra Points: Teams can attempt to convert from the 5-yard line for 1 point or the 10-yard line for 2 points. They can either pass or rush—the point value won’t be different.

Overtime: College rules. Teams alternate possessions, beginning with the ball at the opponent's 20-yard line. First possession is determined by coin flip. Both teams have one timeout. All regulation scoring rules are in effect. There is no game clock.

Rules & Regulations

Referees: There will be no referee, unless someone would like to volunteer. Nick, Matt, and Scott will make any final calls regarding questionable plays. The goal is not for us to be in charge of to police the game, but for people to keep themselves/each other within the rules. At least for the first game, Laura will be keeping time.

Opening possession will be determined by a coin flip. The opposite team will start with the ball the next half.

Light Blocking: Pass rushers do not need to count and can rush at will. However, they must start approximately 3 yards away from the line of scrimmage. They can be blocked between the neck and waist. Shoving and holding by the offensive linemen are not allowed. Note the “light” in blocking … think of it as blocking with your body, not using your hands to push/pull/grab/etc. the other person. This also counts for receivers downfield, punt returns, etc.

“Tackling” (De-flagging)
- The ball will be spotted where the flag is removed.
- Players can be run out of or lightly pushed out of bounds.
- Flag guarding of any kind (e.g., stiff-arms, smacking hands away) is not allowed. See below for an example of illegal flag guarding:

- If a player loses flags accidentally or his/her entire flag belt and has possession of the ball, they may be “tackled” via two-hand touch.

Kicking
- There will be no kick-offs. Drives following scores will begin at the team’s own 10-yard line.
- Teams can choose to punt on fourth down. The punter will start with the ball (without a snap) about 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Regular formation rules apply (at least three linemen on each side), the defense cannot attempt to block, and neither team can move until the ball is punted. Otherwise, regular punt rules apply (can be returned, fair caught, punts can be muffed and recovered by the kicking team).

Turnovers: Fumbled balls are live and can be recovered by either team, and interceptions can be run back by the defense. However, intentionally stripping the ball is NOT allowed. If the defensive player is not wearing a flag belt, two-hand touch will count them as down.

Misc.
- There are no restrictions on rushing: quarterbacks may run at any time, handoffs and pitches are allowed, laterals are allowed but are considered fumbles if dropped. Forward passes may only be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
- Receivers may catch the ball with just one foot in bounds.
- QB kneels are not allowed. (Where’s the fun in that?)
- If a player with the ball has his or her knee or elbow touch the ground, they may be "tackled" by being touched by a defensive player.
- Cleats are encouraged, but please don’t bring ones with metal spikes.

Penalties

We will NOT be looking to call penalties—this is just so we have a reference if anything happens or needs to be called!

All penalties can be declined by the benefiting team.

No “half the distance to the goal”—ball will be placed at the goal line if there’s no more room.

Penalty (Offense/Defense/Loss of Down)
Delay of Game (5 yards/5 yards/Yes)
Holding (10 yards/10 yards/No)
Pass Interference (10 yards/ball placed at spot of the foul/No)
Off Sides/False Start (5 yards/5 yards/No)
Tackling (--/20 yards/No)
Running Through a Defender (10 yards/--/No)
Flag Guarding (play stopped, 5 yards from spot of foul/--/No)
Clipping/Chop Block (20 yards/--/Yes)
Block in the Back (10 yards/--/No)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (10 yards/10 yards/No)
Setting a Pick (10 yards/--/No)