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2010 Rules
(Revised
August 23, 2010)
PARKLAND FLAG FOOTBALL 2010 RULES
DEFINITIONS:
LOS - Line of Scrimmage
PARKLAND FLAG FOOTBALL 2010 RULES
The game will be played in the manner and spirit of the F.H.S.A.A.
with the exception of the following rules:
A.
GENERAL
1.
Flag Football is a game of skill, both offensively and
defensively. Rough tactics are NOT to be used. Plays
and tactics should be designed to employ speed and deception rather
than violent contact.
2.
Maximum of three (3) practices per week will be allowed prior
to the start of the season. Once the season has started, a maximum
of one practice per week will be allowed. Any coach found violating
this rule will be suspended for one (1) game per violation.
3.
No team may have more than three (3) coaches - one (1) Head
Coach and two (2) Assistants on the sideline during the game. All
coaches must be submitted to the Board of Directors prior to the
season.
4.
MANDATORY SUBSTITUTION POLICY -
Provided that a team has extra
players when starting a game, the coach must sit all players through
the line-up until each player has sat out six (6) consecutive
plays. (A play shall be defined as any play from scrimmage,
including kickoffs, punts and penalized plays).
If a team starts a game with the
minimum number of players and a player arrives late, the
substitution rotation will begin immediately from whatever point the
additional player(s) enters the game.
No player shall sit twice
until ALL players have been properly rotated.
Once your team has rotated
all players for the minimum six (6) consecutive plays, you may
implement any substitution pattern for the balance of the game with
no player sitting more than four (4) consecutive plays from that
point on.
Any coach found violating this
rule will be subject to the following penalties:
-
1st offense - Warning during the regular season.
-
2nd offense - One game suspension.
-
During the playoffs - Automatic one game suspension.
Violating this policy will
seriously impact your standing with respect to future coaching
consideration.
Discipline cases which occur
during the game day must be handled at the Head Coach’s discretion.
5.
Each team must have a minimum of six (6) eligible players to
play the game. Otherwise, the team will forfeit that game except in
the 5 year old division where a team can play with five (5)
players. During the regular season, the teams will play to even
strength.
6.
All non participating players, parents and coaches must stay
between the ten (10) yard lines and off the playing field, except to
attend to an injured player. Only one coach from each team will be
permitted inside the ten (10) yard line to the goal line.
Sidelines for teams and spectators will
be designated with all coaches being informed. Only
league recognized coaches and players are allowed on the team
sideline. The referee will not begin, or continue, a game
until this policy is adhered to.
7.
Home team must recruit three (3) people for sideline
duty - one to hold the down the marker and two to hold the yard
stick. Please attempt to recruit adults for this responsibility.
8.
Any rule not covered by the Parkland Flag Football Rules,
will be covered as set forth by the F.H.S.A.A.
9.
No smoking is permitted in city parks, effective 2005. We
ask for everyone’s cooperation.
10.
In the spirit of good sportsmanship, all air horns, whistles
and other disruptive devices are not to be used during games and
playoffs. Positive encouragement and cheering is recommended, yet
we seek to maintain proper displays that demonstrate respect for all
players, coaches and parents.
B.
UNIFORMS
1.
All players must wear league approved uniforms. Players must
wear black shorts without pockets or stripes on side.
Players without the proper shorts will not be eligible to
participate in games. Shorts without pockets are required for
practices and games to help avoid injuries
2.
Rubber-soled cleats are recommended. No metal spikes.
3.
Unaltered mouthpieces must be in the player’s mouth once the
center touches the ball. No exceptions shall be made.
4.
Shirts must be tucked into the shorts/pants.
5.
No jewelry is permitted to be worn.
6.
Unaltered, current year issued, league approved flags shall
be worn by all participating players.
Penalties to be assessed for
violation of the above rules:
(a)
Violation for a player wearing metal spike shoes - the
offending team will be charged 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike
conduct and the player ejected from the game until he wears the
proper foot attire.
(b)
Violation due to a player’s failure to wear a mouthpiece,
failure of a player to tuck his/her shirt into the shorts/pants, or
player wearing jewelry:
1st Violation will
be a warning to the offending team.
2nd Violation will
be a 5 yard penalty to the offending team.
Any Violation thereafter will
be a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
7.
A 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty will be assessed to the
offending team should any of their players be caught altering, tying
or improperly securing the flags to the belt.
C.
PLAYING FIELDS
1.
The 5 year old division will play on a field that is 70 yards
long including the end zones and 45 yards wide.
2.
All other divisions will play on a field that is 90 yards
including the end zones and 45 yards wide.
D.
TIMING
1.
A game will consist of two (2) halves.
(a)
5 year old division will have 22 minute running halves.
(b)
All other divisions will have 22 minute halves with stopped
time as set forth below.
(c)
In all divisions, at a point near the half way mark of each
half an official timeout will be called for a mandatory water break.
2.
Ready for play
(a)
In the 5 year old division - 40 seconds
(b)
All other divisions - 30 seconds
(c)
The ready-for-play signal will not be marked until all
offensive players are on their side of the ball.
3.
Each team in each division will be allowed two (2) one minute
time-outs per half.
4.
The clock will run continuously except as follows:
(a)
Official timeouts - clock starts on the snap.
(b)
Team timeout - clock starts on the snap.
(c)
At the two minute warning of each half - clock starts on the
snap.
(d)
During the final two minutes of each half when:
-
There is an incomplete pass.
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A runner runs out of bounds.
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A penalty is called (However, the clock will continue to run
if the stoppage of the clock benefits the penalized team. The clock
will then immediately start upon placement of the ball.
-
A score occurs - the clock shall start on the ensuing
kick-off or within 45 seconds of the score.
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Change in possession.
-
First down - clock starts on the set of the ball and chains.
Effect: clock
starts on the snap of the ball.
E.
KICKOFFS
1.
Kickoffs will be from the kicking team’s yard line.
(a)
The 5s and 6/7s year old divisions: midfield.
(b)
8/9s, 10/11s, G 8/10s and G 11/14s: 30 yard line.
(c)
12/13s and 14/17s: 25 yard line
2.
Kickoffs must be off a kicking tee.
3.
If the kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team has the
choice of putting the ball in play at either:
(a)
The inbounds hash mark where the ball went out of bounds.
(b)
10 yards from the kicking teams free kick line in the 6/7,
8/9, 10/11, G 8/10 and G 11/14 divisions. In the 12/13 and 14/17
divisions the option is 15 yards from the kicking teams free kick
line.
(c)
Re-kick from five yards behind original kick.
4.
The receiving team must have a minimum of four players
between ten and fifteen yards from the free kick line.
Players in this area cannot move out of this are until the ball has
been kicked.
5.
Anyone on the receiving team may advance the ball. If the
ball has struck a player and is dropped or bounces off the player, a
muff, only the player who initially touched the ball may pick the
ball up and attempt to advance the ball. If that player drops the
ball a second time or another player picks the ball up after the
initial “muff”, the ball is dead at the point the ball is
either dropped a second time or picked up by a second player.
6.
There is NO blocking during the kick-off. Players may run to
spots to set up a wall, or position themselves so the tackler has to
run around them. However, they cannot “escort” the ball carrier
down field. Foul 5 yards from POF or result of play.
7.
Players from the kicking team may not make any contact with
the members of the receiving team that do no have the ball.
8.
The kick-off must go at least ten (10) yards before any
player on the kicking team is permitted to touch the ball. If the
ball does not go ten (10) yards, then the receiving team obtains
possession of the ball at the point where the kick-off occurred.
9.
Onsides Kicks – Eliminated in all age divisions as of 2007
season
F.
PUNTS
1.
The offensive team must notify the referee of their intent to
punt. The referee will then advise the defensive team and allow
time to set up for a return. Once a team declares its intent to
punt, it may not change the play unless a team time-out is called
and the defensive team is informed of the change.
2.
After the ball is snapped, the ball must be kicked within
eight (8) seconds. If not, the ball is dead where it is when the 8th
second elapsed.
3.
Anyone on the receiving team may receive and advance the
ball. If the ball has struck a player and then the ground, (a
muff), only the player who initially touched the ball may pick the
ball up and attempt to advance the ball. If that player drops the
ball a second time or another player picks the ball up after the
initial “muff”, the ball is dead at the point the ball is either
dropped a second time or picked up by a second player.
4.
No player on the punting team may move forward, except for
the kicker, until the ball has been kicked.
5.
The defensive team must have three (3) players between
five and ten yards from the line of scrimmage. All
other players may position themselves anywhere on the field of play
behind those players.
6.
There is NO blocking by either team during the punt.
Players may run to spots to set up a wall, or position themselves so
that the tackler has to run around them. However, the receiving
team cannot “escort” the ball carrier down the field.
G.
OFFENSE
1.
There must be a minimum of three (3) players on the LOS.
(A player is on the LOS if their feet are within one (1) yard of the
LOS).
2.
At the snap, all players on the LOS must be set for one (1)
second. If they go into a set position, they cannot have
their hands below the knees. They must rest or position
their hands on their knees or above.
3.
Three (3) or four (4) point stance is not allowed.
Effect: 1st time - “warning; 2nd time
- “lose a team time-out”; 3rd time - “5 yard delay of
game penalty”.
4.
Only one person may call signals after the center has put
their hands on the ball.
(a) The fumblerooski is a legal play in
all divisions. To execute the fumblerooski, the quarterback must be
set under center and must touch the ball after the snap takes
place. Once the quarterback touches the ball the play is now live
and another offensive player may take the ball from the center’s
hands. Please note, the center can not move, once the ball is
snapped, until the ball is removed by an offensive player.
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If the ball falls to the ground, when the quarterback is
touching it, then it shall be considered a “muff” and only the
quarterback may pick the ball up to continue the play.
-
If the ball falls to the ground, after being touched by
anyone other than the quarterback, than the play shall be whistled
dead.
-
If the ball is touched by a defensive player while still in
possession of the center than the play shall be whistled dead.
(b) The center may do a
direct snap to any player in the backfield, whether stationary
or in motion. The player the ball is snapped directly to does
not have to be the player calling out the signals (quarterback).
5.
Any player or coach can request a timeout.
6.
The ball is ruled dead when it hits the ground, except:
(a)
On the snap, the ball hits the ground first before reaching
the quarterback.
(b) The snap hits the quarterback and is
muffed.
Effect: The quarterback has only one (1) chance
to pick up the ball and continue the play. However, if the player
receiving the snap has possession of the ball and takes two (2)
steps and then loses the ball, the ball will become dead at the spot
where the ball hits the ground.
(c) On punts, if the snap hits the ground, the
punter may pick up the ball and punt. However, they still have the
eight (8) second count.
7.
The ball carrier cannot run through a defensive player. They
must attempt to evade the “Tackle”. Effect: 15 yard
unsportsmanlike conduct from the spot of the foul.
8.
It is illegal for the ball carrier to hack, push, or straight
arm another player; or run with his head lowered.
Effect: 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct from the spot of
penalty.
9.
Flag guarding shall be defined as any intentional or
unintentional action which results in contact by either hand ball or
elbow of the ball carrier with the defensive player’s arm or hand
while the defensive player’s arm or hand is reaching for the ball
carrier’s flag, and/or any action which impedes the defensive
player’s ability to pull the flag.
10.
If the ball carrier falls down, the play is dead at that
point. The player is down if any part of the body, except the hand,
makes contact with the ground.
11.
A situation may occur where a flag, or flag belt, falls off
accidentally during the play. If this happens the play will continue
until a defensive player touches the ball carrier with one hand.
The play shall be whistled dead at the point of the “touch”.
(a)
If there is a defensive player in the vicinity of where the
flag questionably falls off, it shall be the discretion of the
referee to determine whether the flag was touched by the defensive
player or the flag indeed fell accidentally. If determined a
defensive player may have touched the flag the play shall be
whistled dead. If inconclusive then the defensive player should
proceed to “touch” the flagless ball carrier to stop the play.
(b)
An offensive player may lose his/her flags prior to gaining
possession of the ball. If this player gains possession then the
defensive player shall only be required to provide a one handed
“touch” to stop the play.
12.
If a player purposely removes his/her flags, while in
possession of the ball, the play will become dead at the spot where
the flags were removed and a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty will be
assessed from the POF.
(a) If a player is seen purposely removing their flags,
prior to gaining possession of the ball, the play will become
dead at the spot where possession was gained and a 15 yard
unsportsmanlike penalty will be assessed from that point.
13.
Any player is eligible to catch a pass.
(a) A player is considered eligible if they break the
huddle or are lined up within where the “hash”
marks would be on a playing field so as to be recognized by the
defense. A player may not come off the
sideline (“hidden player”) to catch a pass or be
an active participant (ball carrier) in a play.
Effect: Loss of down and ball is returned to
previous spot.
14.
No center sneak play is allowed. Effect: Loss of
down and ball is returned to previous spot.
(a) See Rule G 4a for the definition of a fumblerooski.
15.
No blocking outside the free blocking zone. Effect:
5 yard penalty from line of scrimmage.
16.
The free blocking zone is five (5) yards on either side of
the LOS, and from side line to side line wide of the ball in both
directions.
16A. There will be no blocking allowed in the 12/13, 14/17, G
8/10 and G 11/14 divisions.
17.
Blocking must be below the shoulders and above the waist. No
part of the blocker’s body, except their feet, shall be in contact
with the ground. Effect: 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty
from the spot of the foul.
18.
Blocking is only permitted in the free blocking zone. The
only blocking technique to be permitted allows the blocker with
hands open without extending the arms. No drive blocking
allowed. The blocker must use zone blocking techniques,
i.e. he can’t engage and drive the defensive player off his
position. He can change the defensive player’s direction only.
19.
Sometimes a referee will accidentally blow the whistle. The
team in possession has the option of replaying the down or take the
result of the play up to the time of the whistle.
20.
The spot of the ball will be determined as the location of
the ball carrier’s hips when his/her flags are pulled.
21.
The ball carrier may leave both his/her feet (“jump/juke”)
provided that this movement is either lateral or backwards. A
forward jump is not permitted.
22.
The ball carrier may spin to avoid a tackle.
H.
DEFENSE
1.
The defensive players must line up at least three (3) yards
off the LOS or the first down line on goal line if that is less then
the 3 yard requirement. Effect: 5 yard off side penalty
from LOS.
1A. In 12/13, 14/17 and all Girls
Divisions - Defensive players must line up at least 5 yards from LOS
or the first down line or goal line if that is less then the 5 yard
requirement.
2.
The defensive players shall not use their hands to strike,
grasp or hold any offensive player.
3.
The tackler must play for (grab) the flag. The tackler shall
not hold, push, or run through the ball carrier, but play the flag
rather than the carrier. This includes pushing the ball carrier out
of bounds, or any action against the players with the ball other
than pulling the flag.
4.
“Tackling” is defined in these rules as when a defensive
player legally pulls one of the ball carrier’s flag. The “tackler”
must stop at the spot of the tackle and hold the flag in the
air until the referee’s whistle is blown. The ball is
declared down where the flag is pulled. Showboating and spiking the
flag is illegal and will result in a 10 yard penalty for
unsportsmanlike conduct.
5.
A defensive player must not make contact with the body of the
passer in the backfield. Remember, the defensive play is supposed
to play the flag, not the ball carrier. Penalty is roughing the
passer, 15 yards from LOS and automatic 1st down.
6.
No defensive player is allowed to rush the quarterback,
or any other player attempting a pass, with their arms raised
above their head, within 2 yards of the quarterback (aka the “Halo
Rule”). If there is no contact with passer, the penalty is 5 yards
from LOS and a repeat of the down. If the defender makes contact
with the passer, the penalty is 15 yards from LOS and an automatic 1st
down.
I.
SCORING
1.
A touchdown shall be worth six (6) points. The touchdown is
determined once the hips of the ball carrier (not the ball) break
the plane of the goal line.
2.
Extra points are one (1) for a run or two (2) for a pass.
The pass must be completed in the end zone for two points to be
awarded. The try shall come from the three (3) yard line. In the
five (5) year old division, a two point try can be made if the ball
is placed at the five (5) yard line, whether it is a run or pass.
3.
A safety shall be worth two (2) points.
4.
On an extra point attempt after a touchdown is scored, if the
defense secures possession and returns it across their goal line,
two (2) points will be awarded to the defensive team.
5. The above scoring is for all divisions.
J.
OVERTIME
1.
There will be no overtime games in the regular season. All
games which end in a tie during the playoffs will be decided
utilizing the Kansas City Tiebreaker from the ten (10) yard line.
2.
In playoffs, all ties must be broken.
K.
PROTEST
1.
There are no protests allowed.
2.
If a coach feels there was an infraction of the rules, he/she
must first call a time-out. We want to minimize the questioning of
the official’s calls. The coach then must inform the referee that
he wishes to challenge the penalty. Challenges must be limited
during the game. Judgement calls cannot be challenged. A call may
only be challenged if the penalty or ruling is incorrect and the
coach is clarifying the ruling. We will not tolerate any
inappropriate actions, gestures, or language by any coach or player
towards the referees. The referees have the authority to eject any
player or coach who acts in an unsportsmanlike manner.
L.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
1.
All coaches of the Parkland Flag Football League will,
at all times, conduct themselves in a manner that the youth
of this organization can look up to and respect.
2.
At no time will unsportsmanlike conduct be tolerated by the
coaches, players or parents. A 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty will
be called on any inappropriate comments or actions by coaches,
players and parents. Coaches are responsible for the actions of the
parents and players during the game. Failure to comply with this
rule will result in at least an unsportsmanlike penalty and can
result in eviction from the park at the sole discretion of the
referees.
3.
Any person ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike
conduct, will automatically be ineligible to participate in their
next game. The Board of Directors may add any additional penalties
that they see fit.
M.
PENALTIES
1.
First, penalties are either live ball or dead ball fouls.
Next, they are either player or non-player fouls.
2.
Administration of the foul is either from the point of the
foul (POF), previous line of scrimmage (LOS), or from where the spot
where the play ended.
3.
Yardage and spot of walk-off.
-
motion, 5 yards from LOS
-
offsides/encroachment, 5 yards from LOS
-
false start, 5 yards from LOS
-
holding (offense), 10 yards from LOS
-
holding (defense) 10 yards and 1st down from LOS
-
illegal use of hands, 10 yards from point of foul
-
flag guarding, ball is dead at the spot of the foul and the
down is the result of the play.
-
delay of game, 5 yards from LOS
-
illegal block, 5 yards from LOS
-
illegal forward pass, 5 yards and loss of down from LOS
-
grounding, loss of down and spot of point of foul
-
offensive interference, 10 yards and loss of down from LOS
-
defensive interference, 15 yards and 1st down from
LOS
-
illegal tackle, 5 yards and 1st down from point of
foul (Referee has discretion to award a touchdown if it is ruled
that illegal tackle was used to only prevent a touchdown).
-
Ball carrier jumping forward or leaving their feet in the
field of play in attempt to advance the ball: 5 yards from the spot
of foul and the down is the result of the play.
Unsportsmanlike fouls will be 15 yards.
-
pushing runner out of bounds - 15 yards from POF
-
intentionally trying to hurt or injure another player - 15
yards from POF, automatic ejection and one (1) game suspension.
League must be notified.
-
charging (straight arm, or push, or running with head
lowered) - 15 yards from POF.
-
striking or running into the quarterback - 15
yards from LOS and 1st down.
-
obscene or insulting language or actions - 15 yards from POF
at end of play and may result in automatic ejection of player at the
discretion of the referee).
-
intentional kicking or spiking the ball - 15 yards from POF
at end of play
-
disrespectfully addressing an official (penalty from spot at
end of play and ejection of player)
-
interference by coach on the field if intentional, then
penalty at spot from end of play
-
any flagrant infraction of the rules (penalty at spot from
end of play and ejection of player)
-
purposely altering or removing flags or flag belts
Any non-player foul shall be treated as an
unsportsmanlike foul - (15 yard penalty at spot from end of play).
4.
Any foul not covered in these rules shall be governed as set
forth in the F.H.S.A.A.
N.
STANDINGS
There are no standings during the regular season.
O.
PLAYOFFS
1.
5 year old division - no playoffs
2.
All other divisions - seeded double elimination. All seeds
determine by a blind draw.
3.
All games in all divisions will be played until one team
wins. If overtime, a coin toss will determine which team receives
the ball and which team will kick off and Kansas City Tiebreaker
will ensure from 10 yard line.
4. Playoff Substitution Policy – only during the
playoffs, if a team starts a game with the
maximum number of players to field a team (8 players), the
opposing team will have the option of not
rotating out however many players they have above the maximum
amount.
Example if Team A in the 10/11 division has eight
players:
8 vs 9 = 1 player does not have to rotate out on Team B
8 vs 10 = 2 players do not have to rotate out on Team B
8 vs 11 = 3 players do not have to rotate out on Team B
*This applies ONLY when Team A has the maximum number of
players to field a team
If this situation arises, then the players who will not be rotating
out during the game MUST be identified to the opposing coach prior
to the start of the game. It is the Head Coach’s discretion who
he/she chooses not to rotate out.
P.
COACHES ON FIELD OF PLAY
Coaches will remain on the sidelines during play, except
during time outs, in the 10/11, 12/13 and 14/17 year old divisions.
One coach will be allowed on the field for the 5, 6/7, 8/9, G 8/10
and G 11/14 divisions. They will not be allowed to “coach or
direct” any player once the offensive huddle has been broken. If
coaching or direction does occur, it will result in a 10 yard
penalty. If repeated infractions occur, the referee has the right to
prohibit that team from having a coach on the field. If this is
necessary, it will result in a one game suspension for the next
game.
The intention of allowing coaches on the field is to speed up
play and allow ALL players to participate in plays being
called. Our goal is to allow the children to learn the game, enjoy
playing and to improve their overall experience with the game.
Coaches are the keys to this goal.
(Revised August
23, 2010)
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