2018 freeland flag football league
PONY & PEE WEE DIVISIONS
2018 FREELAND FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
RULES & REGULATIONS
AGES: M YEARS OLD 5-10
FREELAND WHIPPETS FOOTBALL
Table of Contents SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 2 – PLAYING TIME .......................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 3 – FIELD REQUIREMENTS & EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................... 1 SECTION 4 – PONY & PEE WEE GAME REGULATIONS................................................................................... 1 SECTION 5 – OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINES ........................................................................................... 2 SECTION 6 – OFFENSIVE PLAYERS ................................................................................................................. 2 SECTION 7 ‐ BLOCKING .................................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 8 – DEFENSIVE PLAYERS ................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 9 – DE‐FLAGGING ........................................................................................................................... 3 SECTION 10 – DROPPED FLAGS ..................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 11 – BALL CARRIERS ....................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 12 – SPOTTING THE BALL ............................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 13 – KICKS AND PUNTS .................................................................................................................. 4 SECTION 14 – POINTS .................................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 15 – HUDDLE AND PLAYCLOCK ...................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 16 – DOWNS AND POSSESSIONS ................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 17 – MAN‐IN‐MOTION ................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 18 – COACHES ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 19– OFFICIALS ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 20 – YARDAGE AND PENALTIES ...................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 21 – PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIP ............................................................................................ 6 SECTION 22 – FIELD LAYOUT ......................................................................................................................... 6
2018 PONY & PEE WEE FLAG FOOTBALL BY‐LAWS SECTION 1 ‐ GENERAL INFORMATION
Age groups pertaining to these by‐laws are as follows: i. PONY: Ages 5‐7 ii. PEEWEE: Ages 8‐10 **NOTE** A child's age on April 1 is his/her age for the season. Cleats (soft rubber) are allowed, except metal spikes. Inspections must be made prior to game. Official team jerseys, belts, and flags must be worn during play. Shirts may not interfere with visibility and access to flags. Shirts are to be tucked in during all games. Games may be stopped by officials to have players tuck in their shirts. All players must wear a protective mouth piece during game play. NO EXCEPTIONS. If a player does not have a mouthpiece, team jersey, and flag/belt, they cannot play.
SECTION 2 ‐ PLAYING TIME
Each player must play substantial time in every game. If a team has more than 10 players, coaches must strive to provide equal time for all players present.
SECTION 3 ‐ FIELD REQUIREMENTS & EQUIPMENT
Field size will be 60 yards long (end zone to end zone) by 25 yards wide, including two 10‐yard end zones, one at each end of the playing field. The field will have the following lines/markers; side lines, goal lines, end lines, mid field line, 5‐yard line, and extra point dash at 10 yards from end zone, and 10‐yard end zones. Players will use an Under Armour Pee Wee size ball for the Pony and Pee Wee divisions.
SECTION 4 ‐ PONY & PEE WEE GAME REGULATIONS
Each team will have a minimum of 6 regular season games scheduled. There are no kick‐offs or punts. Play will start with the ball spotted on the offenses’ first zone line, i.e. the 5‐yard line. Games will be played 5 on 5. a. In the event a team is short of 5 players; teams may play either: 1. 4 on 5 2. 4 on 4 (with no center) Both run and passing plays are allowed at these levels. The center for each team is considered an eligible receiver once the ball is snapped. At the start of the game, choice of first possession and field ends are determined by the flip of a coin. 1
• •
The team listed first on the schedule is considered the away team and will call heads or tails. Each game will consist of two (2), 20‐minute halves. Clock will stop only on time‐outs, two‐ minute warning, injuries, half time, or official time outs. • Teams will be given 2 time outs per half, one minute in length. Time‐outs do not carry over. There will be two (2), two‐minute warnings at the two‐minute mark in each half. •
There will be 5 minutes at the half, during which time positive reinforcement and coaching is to be rendered. Refreshments are also recommended. • After halftime, the teams will switch ends of the field. We suggest coaches practice this with the kids. • Substitutions, due to injuries, may be made at any time, during the next dead ball. • All games will take place at Della Croce Field and be played on Sundays only. The 2018 season length is from Sunday April 15th – Sunday June 10th. (dates subject to change due to weather)
SECTION 5 – OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINES
OFFENSIVE LINE: A team must have one (1) player on the Line of Scrimmage, and can have as many as four (4) while on offense.
DEFENSIVE LINE: There must be at least one (1) defensive player on the line of scrimmage, but all five (5) players may be on the line, while on defense.
SECTION 6 ‐ OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
Players on the Offensive line must be set for at least one second prior to the center snap. There can be no more than three (3) players in the backfield at one time. No player will play more than one half of the game in one position. Alternating the quarterback on alternating plays is permissible. It is illegal for the quarterback to change the inflection of the snap count for the purpose of drawing the defense offside. The first infraction will be penalized with a warning and a repeat of the down. Later infractions will be penalized with a five‐yard penalty and the repeat of the down. Offensive players may be split to any width on the playing field. The offense will have 5 seconds from the snap of the ball to run a play. If a sweep, hand off or pass is not completed before the 5 second time allowed, the defense may rush in to pull the quarterbacks flags. It is up to the players and coaches to keep track of these 5 seconds, do not depend of the referee to keep track for you. Once the ball is handed off, the 5 second rule is no longer in effect and the defense may cross the line of scrimmage. All offensive plays must begin with a clear center and quarterback exchange. Traditional or side snaps will be accepted. The Quarterback cannot run with the ball unless it is handed back off (i.e. reverse) or thrown to them as a forward pass that is received across the line of scrimmage. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. No QB sneaks. a. THE QUARTERBACK MAY RUN THE BALL IF A DEFENSIVE PLAYER CROSSES THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. Multiple handoffs and pitches behind the line of scrimmage are allowed, but forward laterals are prohibited. Shovel passes are allowed but must be completed across the line of scrimmage. 2
The player receiving a handoff may throw the ball while remaining behind the line of scrimmage. All forward passes must cross the line of scrimmage. Catches must be made with a minimum of one foot clearly in bounds. There are no fumbles, if the ball comes out of a runner’s/receiver’s hand during play; a. Forward fumble: the ball is dead where the runner’s feet were when possession was lost. b. Backward fumble: the ball is dead at the spot where the ball lands.
SECTION 7 ‐ BLOCKING
Blocking is allowed, with open hands, between the shoulders and the waist. You may not use your forearms, elbows, or shoulders while blocking, whether on offense or defense. Pass routes with the intention of running interference with a defensive player (i.e. picks) are not permitted. No pushing a ball carrier that is running near the sidelines for the purpose of knocking the ball carrier out of bounds. All players begin each down in a two (2) point stance. No three or four‐point stance allowed by offensive or defense players. Any activity directed toward the face or eyes (i.e. face guarding) by a defensive player other than normal de‐flagging will be considered a penalty.
SECTION 8 ‐ DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
No rushing or blitzing is allowed within these divisions. The defense must maintain a presence on the Line of Scrimmage, with at least one (1) player on the line at all times. The defense must not cross into the neutral zone at any time. Penalties will result after first warning. TACKLING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Tacklers may be subjected to an immediate, forced substitution or ejection by a game official. Players on Defense must be lined up 1/2 yard to the side of the center or at least 3 yards away from over the top of any center. Interceptions are allowed and are eligible to be advanced. The defense may only cross the line of scrimmage in the event of the expiration of the 5 second rule or a hand off (QB to RB exchange) is completed.
SECTION 9 ‐ DE‐FLAGGING
Players must have shirts tucked in pants and flags properly displayed. Flags may not be wrapped around belt loops or the belt. Every player must wear a flag belt. Flags should be a different color than a player’s shirt and pants color if possible. Removing flags from potential receivers before they have possession of the ball is illegal. A ball carrier’s progress can only be stopped by de‐flagging, dropping of the ball, dropped flag, penalty or running out of bounds. The ball will be marked at the point on the field where the flag was removed. Ball carriers may not use their hands or the football in any way against defenders reaching for their flags. The defense may not intentionally impede the progress of the ball carrier by holding, tripping or any other means. If, in the opinion of the referee, the impediment prevented a score, the ball will be placed on the 1‐yard line with a first down. 3
SECTION 10 ‐ DROPPED FLAGS
Should a player’s flag fall off during play in the back field, the ball is dead and spotted at the line of scrimmage. If a player’s flag falls off after the line of scrimmage the ball carrier is considered down at the point of the fallen flag. If a player’s flag falls off before a pass is caught, the player is considered down and the ball is spotted at the point of the catch.
SECTION 11 ‐ BALL CARRIERS
Players running the ball are not allowed to: lower or butt their head, hurdle another player or run directly at an opposing player. Delayed runs between the guards are allowed, but the ball must be received by the quarterback and must be handed off. No player may play in the backfield for more than a half, this includes the quarterback position. A rotation of players throughout the game at these positions is ideal. No one player may carry the ball three consecutive times in any series of downs.
SECTION 12 ‐ SPOTTING THE BALL
If the ball is not cleanly snapped between the center and the quarterback when the quarterback is under center, the quarterback can retrieve the ball and the play will continue. Fumbles: − Forward fumble: the ball is dead where the runner’s feet were when possession was lost. − Backward fumble: the ball is dead at the spot where the ball lands. Forward pass dropped, spot at line of scrimmage. Pulled flag, spot at the point of the player’s feet at the time of the pulled flag. Where the defender drops the flag has no bearing on the spot of the ball. Ball carrier goes out of bounds; spot at the point the sideline was crossed.
SECTION 13 ‐ KICKS AND PUNTS
There will be no kick‐offs or punts. On a turnover of downs, the ball is spotted on the opposing teams first zone line, 5‐yard line, to start the possession.
SECTION 14 ‐ POINTS
A touchdown is six (6) points. Extra Points: − One (1) Point Conversion: the ball is placed on the 5‐yard line. Any run or pass into the end zone will be counted as 1 point. − Two (2) Point Conversion: the ball is placed on the 10‐yard hash. Any run or pass into the end zone will be counted as 2 points. A safety is 2 points. The ball must break the plane of the goal line to be scored a touchdown. 4
SECTION 15 – HUDDLE AND PLAYCLOCK
The offensive team will have no longer than 45 seconds from the time the ball is spotted by the referee until it must be hiked.
SECTION 16 ‐ DOWNS AND POSSESSIONS
Teams will have four downs to advance the ball from zone to zone. Each possession, beginning at the first zone line (5‐yard line), begins as a first down. A second first down may be achieved by crossing the midfield line. The maximum first downs any team may have during a possession is three (3). For this to occur, the third first down would be achieved by a penalty called in the end zone, this will result in a first down from the 5‐yard zone line. Otherwise, one first down is awarded to start the series and the second is awarded upon crossing the midfield mark once a possession. If a team fails to cross the midfield line within 4 downs, possession is awarded to opposing team at their 5‐yard line, beginning with a first down. All possessions begin at the offense’s 5‐yard line, except for interceptions. Interceptions, which may be returned, are spotted at place of de‐flagging. (Unless returned for a touchdown.)
SECTION 17 ‐ MAN‐IN‐MOTION
There is to be no movement by any players at these age divisions.
SECTION 18 ‐ COACHES
Coaches may be present on the actual playing field to assist players in positioning themselves in huddles, directions, etc... Coaches may not interfere in any way with the actual play. Coaches should refrain from directing players once the ball is snapped. However, cheering and encouragement are permitted and desirable. The final decision on a coach’s vocalization is made by the game officials. Coaches should teach their players to return the ball to a coach or official immediately after the whistle at the end of a play. Each team is permitted 3 coaches. They will consist of one (1) Head Coach and two (2) assistants.
SECTION 19 ‐ OFFICIALS
Pony and Pee Wee Division games are to be refereed by the coaches of both teams. Each game will utilize a minimum of one game “official,” a referee. A volunteer parent may be utilized for the yard/down marker. This equipment and volunteer is mandatory. The ball should be returned to an official or coach at the end of the play.
SECTION 20 ‐ YARDAGE AND PENALTIES
Any of the following instances will result in a 5‐yard penalty from the line of scrimmage or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. − Off sides, encroachment, illegal procedure, illegal motion, delay of game, 3‐point stance, center plunge, quarterback snap count and illegal formation. Flag guarding, de‐flagging players without the ball and intentional grounding: 5 yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down. 5
Defensive holding (on receivers), unsportsmanlike conduct, offensive pass interference, roughing the passer, and personal fouls: 10 yards from the spot of the foul or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. Offensive holding, illegal block, clipping, tripping, tackling, unnecessary roughness, straight arming, head butting, hurdling, pushing the ball carrier out of bounds: 10 yards from the spot of the foul or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. Defensive pass interference: first down at the spot of the foul or the 1‐yard line. Flags tied on the ball carrier: 10 yards from the spot of foul and loss of down. **Note: A penalty may never score points. When you are in the last zone; use the lesser of penalty yardage or ½ the distance to the goal. (Exception: intentional grounding in the end zone is a safety and equals two points.)
SECTION 21‐ PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIP
25 YARDS
All teams are automatically in the playoffs. Playoffs are a single elimination bracket, with teams being seeded by overall record at the conclusion of the regular season. All games for the playoffs, including the championship will be held on the last two (2) weeks of the season.
SECTION 22 ‐ FIELD LAYOUT 20 YARDS 10 YARDS
10 YARDS
FREELAND ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 1 PT CONVERSION ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 2 PT CONVERSION ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
1ST ZONE
FLAG FOOTBALL 15 YARDS 10 YARDS
@ 5 YARDS @ 10 YARDS
5 YARDS
MIDFIELD
60 YARDS
6
2018 FREELAND FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
RULES & REGULATIONS
AGES: M YEARS OLD 5-10
FREELAND WHIPPETS FOOTBALL
Table of Contents SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 2 – PLAYING TIME .......................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 3 – FIELD REQUIREMENTS & EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................... 1 SECTION 4 – PONY & PEE WEE GAME REGULATIONS................................................................................... 1 SECTION 5 – OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINES ........................................................................................... 2 SECTION 6 – OFFENSIVE PLAYERS ................................................................................................................. 2 SECTION 7 ‐ BLOCKING .................................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 8 – DEFENSIVE PLAYERS ................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION 9 – DE‐FLAGGING ........................................................................................................................... 3 SECTION 10 – DROPPED FLAGS ..................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 11 – BALL CARRIERS ....................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 12 – SPOTTING THE BALL ............................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 13 – KICKS AND PUNTS .................................................................................................................. 4 SECTION 14 – POINTS .................................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 15 – HUDDLE AND PLAYCLOCK ...................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 16 – DOWNS AND POSSESSIONS ................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 17 – MAN‐IN‐MOTION ................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 18 – COACHES ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 19– OFFICIALS ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 20 – YARDAGE AND PENALTIES ...................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 21 – PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIP ............................................................................................ 6 SECTION 22 – FIELD LAYOUT ......................................................................................................................... 6
2018 PONY & PEE WEE FLAG FOOTBALL BY‐LAWS SECTION 1 ‐ GENERAL INFORMATION
Age groups pertaining to these by‐laws are as follows: i. PONY: Ages 5‐7 ii. PEEWEE: Ages 8‐10 **NOTE** A child's age on April 1 is his/her age for the season. Cleats (soft rubber) are allowed, except metal spikes. Inspections must be made prior to game. Official team jerseys, belts, and flags must be worn during play. Shirts may not interfere with visibility and access to flags. Shirts are to be tucked in during all games. Games may be stopped by officials to have players tuck in their shirts. All players must wear a protective mouth piece during game play. NO EXCEPTIONS. If a player does not have a mouthpiece, team jersey, and flag/belt, they cannot play.
SECTION 2 ‐ PLAYING TIME
Each player must play substantial time in every game. If a team has more than 10 players, coaches must strive to provide equal time for all players present.
SECTION 3 ‐ FIELD REQUIREMENTS & EQUIPMENT
Field size will be 60 yards long (end zone to end zone) by 25 yards wide, including two 10‐yard end zones, one at each end of the playing field. The field will have the following lines/markers; side lines, goal lines, end lines, mid field line, 5‐yard line, and extra point dash at 10 yards from end zone, and 10‐yard end zones. Players will use an Under Armour Pee Wee size ball for the Pony and Pee Wee divisions.
SECTION 4 ‐ PONY & PEE WEE GAME REGULATIONS
Each team will have a minimum of 6 regular season games scheduled. There are no kick‐offs or punts. Play will start with the ball spotted on the offenses’ first zone line, i.e. the 5‐yard line. Games will be played 5 on 5. a. In the event a team is short of 5 players; teams may play either: 1. 4 on 5 2. 4 on 4 (with no center) Both run and passing plays are allowed at these levels. The center for each team is considered an eligible receiver once the ball is snapped. At the start of the game, choice of first possession and field ends are determined by the flip of a coin. 1
• •
The team listed first on the schedule is considered the away team and will call heads or tails. Each game will consist of two (2), 20‐minute halves. Clock will stop only on time‐outs, two‐ minute warning, injuries, half time, or official time outs. • Teams will be given 2 time outs per half, one minute in length. Time‐outs do not carry over. There will be two (2), two‐minute warnings at the two‐minute mark in each half. •
There will be 5 minutes at the half, during which time positive reinforcement and coaching is to be rendered. Refreshments are also recommended. • After halftime, the teams will switch ends of the field. We suggest coaches practice this with the kids. • Substitutions, due to injuries, may be made at any time, during the next dead ball. • All games will take place at Della Croce Field and be played on Sundays only. The 2018 season length is from Sunday April 15th – Sunday June 10th. (dates subject to change due to weather)
SECTION 5 – OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINES
OFFENSIVE LINE: A team must have one (1) player on the Line of Scrimmage, and can have as many as four (4) while on offense.
DEFENSIVE LINE: There must be at least one (1) defensive player on the line of scrimmage, but all five (5) players may be on the line, while on defense.
SECTION 6 ‐ OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
Players on the Offensive line must be set for at least one second prior to the center snap. There can be no more than three (3) players in the backfield at one time. No player will play more than one half of the game in one position. Alternating the quarterback on alternating plays is permissible. It is illegal for the quarterback to change the inflection of the snap count for the purpose of drawing the defense offside. The first infraction will be penalized with a warning and a repeat of the down. Later infractions will be penalized with a five‐yard penalty and the repeat of the down. Offensive players may be split to any width on the playing field. The offense will have 5 seconds from the snap of the ball to run a play. If a sweep, hand off or pass is not completed before the 5 second time allowed, the defense may rush in to pull the quarterbacks flags. It is up to the players and coaches to keep track of these 5 seconds, do not depend of the referee to keep track for you. Once the ball is handed off, the 5 second rule is no longer in effect and the defense may cross the line of scrimmage. All offensive plays must begin with a clear center and quarterback exchange. Traditional or side snaps will be accepted. The Quarterback cannot run with the ball unless it is handed back off (i.e. reverse) or thrown to them as a forward pass that is received across the line of scrimmage. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. No QB sneaks. a. THE QUARTERBACK MAY RUN THE BALL IF A DEFENSIVE PLAYER CROSSES THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. Multiple handoffs and pitches behind the line of scrimmage are allowed, but forward laterals are prohibited. Shovel passes are allowed but must be completed across the line of scrimmage. 2
The player receiving a handoff may throw the ball while remaining behind the line of scrimmage. All forward passes must cross the line of scrimmage. Catches must be made with a minimum of one foot clearly in bounds. There are no fumbles, if the ball comes out of a runner’s/receiver’s hand during play; a. Forward fumble: the ball is dead where the runner’s feet were when possession was lost. b. Backward fumble: the ball is dead at the spot where the ball lands.
SECTION 7 ‐ BLOCKING
Blocking is allowed, with open hands, between the shoulders and the waist. You may not use your forearms, elbows, or shoulders while blocking, whether on offense or defense. Pass routes with the intention of running interference with a defensive player (i.e. picks) are not permitted. No pushing a ball carrier that is running near the sidelines for the purpose of knocking the ball carrier out of bounds. All players begin each down in a two (2) point stance. No three or four‐point stance allowed by offensive or defense players. Any activity directed toward the face or eyes (i.e. face guarding) by a defensive player other than normal de‐flagging will be considered a penalty.
SECTION 8 ‐ DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
No rushing or blitzing is allowed within these divisions. The defense must maintain a presence on the Line of Scrimmage, with at least one (1) player on the line at all times. The defense must not cross into the neutral zone at any time. Penalties will result after first warning. TACKLING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Tacklers may be subjected to an immediate, forced substitution or ejection by a game official. Players on Defense must be lined up 1/2 yard to the side of the center or at least 3 yards away from over the top of any center. Interceptions are allowed and are eligible to be advanced. The defense may only cross the line of scrimmage in the event of the expiration of the 5 second rule or a hand off (QB to RB exchange) is completed.
SECTION 9 ‐ DE‐FLAGGING
Players must have shirts tucked in pants and flags properly displayed. Flags may not be wrapped around belt loops or the belt. Every player must wear a flag belt. Flags should be a different color than a player’s shirt and pants color if possible. Removing flags from potential receivers before they have possession of the ball is illegal. A ball carrier’s progress can only be stopped by de‐flagging, dropping of the ball, dropped flag, penalty or running out of bounds. The ball will be marked at the point on the field where the flag was removed. Ball carriers may not use their hands or the football in any way against defenders reaching for their flags. The defense may not intentionally impede the progress of the ball carrier by holding, tripping or any other means. If, in the opinion of the referee, the impediment prevented a score, the ball will be placed on the 1‐yard line with a first down. 3
SECTION 10 ‐ DROPPED FLAGS
Should a player’s flag fall off during play in the back field, the ball is dead and spotted at the line of scrimmage. If a player’s flag falls off after the line of scrimmage the ball carrier is considered down at the point of the fallen flag. If a player’s flag falls off before a pass is caught, the player is considered down and the ball is spotted at the point of the catch.
SECTION 11 ‐ BALL CARRIERS
Players running the ball are not allowed to: lower or butt their head, hurdle another player or run directly at an opposing player. Delayed runs between the guards are allowed, but the ball must be received by the quarterback and must be handed off. No player may play in the backfield for more than a half, this includes the quarterback position. A rotation of players throughout the game at these positions is ideal. No one player may carry the ball three consecutive times in any series of downs.
SECTION 12 ‐ SPOTTING THE BALL
If the ball is not cleanly snapped between the center and the quarterback when the quarterback is under center, the quarterback can retrieve the ball and the play will continue. Fumbles: − Forward fumble: the ball is dead where the runner’s feet were when possession was lost. − Backward fumble: the ball is dead at the spot where the ball lands. Forward pass dropped, spot at line of scrimmage. Pulled flag, spot at the point of the player’s feet at the time of the pulled flag. Where the defender drops the flag has no bearing on the spot of the ball. Ball carrier goes out of bounds; spot at the point the sideline was crossed.
SECTION 13 ‐ KICKS AND PUNTS
There will be no kick‐offs or punts. On a turnover of downs, the ball is spotted on the opposing teams first zone line, 5‐yard line, to start the possession.
SECTION 14 ‐ POINTS
A touchdown is six (6) points. Extra Points: − One (1) Point Conversion: the ball is placed on the 5‐yard line. Any run or pass into the end zone will be counted as 1 point. − Two (2) Point Conversion: the ball is placed on the 10‐yard hash. Any run or pass into the end zone will be counted as 2 points. A safety is 2 points. The ball must break the plane of the goal line to be scored a touchdown. 4
SECTION 15 – HUDDLE AND PLAYCLOCK
The offensive team will have no longer than 45 seconds from the time the ball is spotted by the referee until it must be hiked.
SECTION 16 ‐ DOWNS AND POSSESSIONS
Teams will have four downs to advance the ball from zone to zone. Each possession, beginning at the first zone line (5‐yard line), begins as a first down. A second first down may be achieved by crossing the midfield line. The maximum first downs any team may have during a possession is three (3). For this to occur, the third first down would be achieved by a penalty called in the end zone, this will result in a first down from the 5‐yard zone line. Otherwise, one first down is awarded to start the series and the second is awarded upon crossing the midfield mark once a possession. If a team fails to cross the midfield line within 4 downs, possession is awarded to opposing team at their 5‐yard line, beginning with a first down. All possessions begin at the offense’s 5‐yard line, except for interceptions. Interceptions, which may be returned, are spotted at place of de‐flagging. (Unless returned for a touchdown.)
SECTION 17 ‐ MAN‐IN‐MOTION
There is to be no movement by any players at these age divisions.
SECTION 18 ‐ COACHES
Coaches may be present on the actual playing field to assist players in positioning themselves in huddles, directions, etc... Coaches may not interfere in any way with the actual play. Coaches should refrain from directing players once the ball is snapped. However, cheering and encouragement are permitted and desirable. The final decision on a coach’s vocalization is made by the game officials. Coaches should teach their players to return the ball to a coach or official immediately after the whistle at the end of a play. Each team is permitted 3 coaches. They will consist of one (1) Head Coach and two (2) assistants.
SECTION 19 ‐ OFFICIALS
Pony and Pee Wee Division games are to be refereed by the coaches of both teams. Each game will utilize a minimum of one game “official,” a referee. A volunteer parent may be utilized for the yard/down marker. This equipment and volunteer is mandatory. The ball should be returned to an official or coach at the end of the play.
SECTION 20 ‐ YARDAGE AND PENALTIES
Any of the following instances will result in a 5‐yard penalty from the line of scrimmage or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. − Off sides, encroachment, illegal procedure, illegal motion, delay of game, 3‐point stance, center plunge, quarterback snap count and illegal formation. Flag guarding, de‐flagging players without the ball and intentional grounding: 5 yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down. 5
Defensive holding (on receivers), unsportsmanlike conduct, offensive pass interference, roughing the passer, and personal fouls: 10 yards from the spot of the foul or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. Offensive holding, illegal block, clipping, tripping, tackling, unnecessary roughness, straight arming, head butting, hurdling, pushing the ball carrier out of bounds: 10 yards from the spot of the foul or half the distance, within the 5‐yard zone line. Defensive pass interference: first down at the spot of the foul or the 1‐yard line. Flags tied on the ball carrier: 10 yards from the spot of foul and loss of down. **Note: A penalty may never score points. When you are in the last zone; use the lesser of penalty yardage or ½ the distance to the goal. (Exception: intentional grounding in the end zone is a safety and equals two points.)
SECTION 21‐ PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIP
25 YARDS
All teams are automatically in the playoffs. Playoffs are a single elimination bracket, with teams being seeded by overall record at the conclusion of the regular season. All games for the playoffs, including the championship will be held on the last two (2) weeks of the season.
SECTION 22 ‐ FIELD LAYOUT 20 YARDS 10 YARDS
10 YARDS
FREELAND ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 1 PT CONVERSION ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 2 PT CONVERSION ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
1ST ZONE
FLAG FOOTBALL 15 YARDS 10 YARDS
@ 5 YARDS @ 10 YARDS
5 YARDS
MIDFIELD
60 YARDS
6
