Official Big D Sports Flag Football League Rules
Shirts must be long enough to tuck in so that they remain tucked in the pants/shorts during the entire down or short enough so there is a minimum 4" from the bottom of the shirt to the player’s waistline.
Pants or shorts with BELT LOOPS or POCKETS are prohibited.
Towels may not hang form a player’s waist or otherwise interfere with the possible removal of a flag. Towels however may be used and kept on the ground on the ball before the snap.
All jewelry must be removed including watches, earrings, bracelets, etc. Players may wear soft, pliable basketball or wrestling knee pads on legs, knees and/or ankle.
The game shall be played between two teams of 8 players (5 men & 3 women) each on a rectangular field. Each team must have 6 players on the field in order to begin the game. At least 2 of those players must be female. If a team does not have the minimum number of players to begin, the team at full strength shall be awarded 7 points and the team that is short shall have 5 minutes to field the minimum number of players so a game can be played. If at the end of that 5 minute period the team that was penalized still does not have the required minimum number of players, a forfeit shall be called. BE ON TIME!
The field is divided into 6 zones of 10 yards each and 2 end zones of 10 yards each.
Each team shall designate a captain to act as team spokesperson and make decisions. Only the captain may talk to officials. Team representatives including players, spectators, team managers, coaches, and group members are subject to the rules. Players ejected from a game are required to leave the park unless otherwise instructed by the officials.
The use of dangerous equipment is prohibited. Shoes must be worn; Rubber cleated shoes will be allowed. No metal screw-in cleats, open toe, open heel or hard soled shoes will be allowed. All billed hats or visors must be worn backwards.
Referees will not handle the football; the offense is responsible for the ball at all times.
Players uniforms: Uniforms are not required but teams designated as wearing light or dark must wear those respective colors for that game. Teams should avoid wearing gray shirts at all times.
Periods, Time Factors, Substitutions
The winner of the pre-game toss shall have the first choice of options: offense/defense, which goal to defend, or to defer their choice of A or B until the second half. During playoffs, the higher seeded team has first half choice.
Playing time and intermissions:
A game shall consist of 2 halves with a 5-minute intermission. Each half shall consist of 20 minutes. The clock will run continuously during the first half and the first 18 minutes of the 2nd half. During the first half, the clock will only stop on called time outs. Clock will start on the next timed play. (Time out called after a touchdown shall have the PAT as an un-timed play.) During the last 2 minutes of the 2nd half, the clock will stop in the following situations: (college clock)
Incomplete legal or illegal forward pass - starts on the snap
Out of bounds - starts on the snap
Safety – starts at the snap of the ball for new offense
Team time-out - starts on the snap
First downs - dependent on the previous play
Touchdowns - starts on the snap (after the try)
Penalties - dependent on the previous play
Touchback - starts on the snap
Inadvertent whistle - starts on the ready
Either team awarded a new series - starts on the snap
Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 17 points at the two-minute warning in the second half, the game is over.
Start of play: The ball will begin each half on the offensive team’s 10 yard line. After every score the ball will be placed on the new offensive team’s 10-yard line with a first down.
Each team is allowed two (2) timeouts per half (1-minute time-outs); time-outs not used in the first half are not carried over into the second half. The clock will stop during time-outs in both halves.
Free substitution is allowed after any whistle provided the substitution does not delay the game. However, no offensive substitute may enter unless he joins the huddle and is part of the huddle at the time when it breaks.
The offensive team has 35 seconds to put the ball in play after referee signals "ready for play." This 35 second play clock will begin immediately following the whistle ending the previous play.
Penalty: 5 yards for delay of game
When playoffs start, only players on your roster that have played in a regular season game will be able to play in playoff games. A player can not be on more than one (1) roster for playoffs. During the regular season, teams may pick up subs from other teams in their division in order to avoid forfeiting their game. Players from a higher division may not sub with a lower division and vice versa. Players are limited to playing in only one division of play per night.
Tie Games: Tie games at the end of regulation during the regular season will not be played out. Ties at the end of regulation during the playoffs will be broken by the "Tie Breaker" rules listed below:
Play will begin on the 10-yard line and teams will have 4 plays each.
A coin toss will precede "Tie Breaker". The team winning the toss has 3 options: Offense, Defense, or Direction. The opposing team then has the remaining choice.
The object is to score a touchdown and subsequent extra point (1 or 2 points). After team A scores, team B then has 4 plays within which to score. If no team has scored after their respective plays the process is repeated.
When a pass is intercepted the defense becomes the offense and begins their series of 4 plays. If the interception is returned for a touchdown, the game is over.
Penalties are assessed similar to the regular game. A team shall be given a new series of 4 plays when an automatic first down penalty is accepted. Dead ball penalties after a touchdown are penalized on the extra point attempt. Live ball penalties committed by either team after team B gains possession during an attempt or an overtime shall be enforced at the succeeding spot. Dead ball penalties following a successful attempt will be penalized from the succeeding spot, the team B 10-yard line, if accepted.
Beginning with the 2nd overtime, teams must go for 2 point conversions after touchdowns.
Teams are awarded one time out per overtime period (no carryover).
Definition of Playing Terms
Removal of flag: When the flag is clearly taken from the ball carrier the down shall end and the ball is declared dead. A player who removes the flag from the ball carrier should immediately hold the flag above his head to assist the official in locating the spot where the capture occurred. A player may dive to remove a flag as long as no contact is made with the opposing team. So that there is no question as to the legality of a team’s flags, only flags provided by Big D Sports will be allowed on the field during the course of a game.
The position of the ball when a player is deflagged determines the spot of the next line of scrimmage.
A defensive player may not hold, push, or knock down the ball carrier in an attempt to remove the flag, nor shall an offensive player hold, block via moving screen, or run through a defensive player trying to remove the flag.
When a runner loses his/her flag, either accidentally or inadvertently, play continues. The deflagging reverts to a one-hand tag of the runner.
Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to remove the flag
Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag to prevent an opponent from deflagging.
Placing the ball in possession over the flag to prevent an opponent from deflagging.
Lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the flag to prevent an opponent from deflagging. Penalty: Flag Guarding, 10 yards and loss of down.
An offensive player may not stiff arm to ward off an opponent. Penalty: Personal Foul, 10 yards.
Scrimmage line: The scrimmage line for team A is the yard line and its vertical plane which passes through the point of the ball nearest its own goal line. The scrimmage line for team B is the yard line and its vertical plane, which passes one yard from the point of the ball nearest its own goal line. A colored disc will signify each.
Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out-Of-Bounds
A live ball becomes dead when:
A) The ball touches the ground:
1) on a fumble
2) on a lateral
3) on a pass or
4) on a punt (dead at the spot where the ball hits the ground)
5) on a snap from the center (dead at the spot where the ball hits the ground)
6) as a means to regain/maintain balance (dead at the spot where ball hits the ground)
B) When the ball carrier carries the ball out-of-bounds
C) A legal de-flagging occurs by the defense
D) The ball carrier touches the ground with any part of their body other than the hands or feet
E) A touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful try is made
F) When an official sounds his/her whistle inadvertently during a down (Ball dead at that spot )
The sideline and end lines are considered out of bounds. (Only one foot needs to touch in bounds in order for a pass to be complete but it must be the “first foot.” If at the time of the reception a foot is already out of bound and the second is drug in bounds, then the receiver is considered out of bounds.)
Once an offensive or defensive player intentionally steps out of bounds, that player is no longer eligible to touch the ball. Any reception made will be ruled incomplete.
Series of Downs, Number of Downs
In a series of 4 downs, the ball must be advanced forward two cones from the spot of the original first down in order for a new series of downs to be awarded.
A female must be used as an "operative" player at least once every three plays. To be considered an Operative Player, the woman must be the passer (pass must cross the line of scrimmage), receiver (of a pass beyond the line of scrimmage) or runner of a play that makes positive yardage. If the "hook & lateral" is run, the woman must catch the initial pass. A woman catching the lateral pitch from a male is not considered as an operative player. A female must be used as an "operative" player at least once every three plays. If during a forced female/closed play, a female is NOT used as an operative player, the next play remains a female/closed play.
Kicking the Ball
If a punt is to be made, the team punting must announce it before the down starts. After the announcement, the punt must actually be made, and neither team may move until after the ball has been punted. Defensive and offensive teams must have 4 players on the line of scrimmage until the punt is made. After receiving the ball the punter must put the ball in play within 5 seconds. Quick kicks are illegal. Penalty: Delay of game.
The defensive team may not build a pyramid or support each other in any manner in order to block or attempt to block a kick. Penalty: 5 yards from the previous spot.
Snapping, Handling, and Passing the Ball
The ball may be snapped between the legs or to the side of the snapper. The center, after assuming the position for the snap and adjusting the ball, may not move nor change the position of the ball in a manner simulating the beginning of a play. The ball must be snapped in one continuous motion from the ground. Penalty: Illegal Procedure – 5yds
The player who receives the snap must be at least 2 yards behind the offensive scrimmage line. Direct snaps to players on the line of scrimmage are illegal. A player in motion may take a direct snap but they too must be 2 yards off the line of scrimmage.
It must be clear who the eight offensive players are on each play. The intent of this rule is to eliminate all sleeper or hideout plays. Penalty: 10 yard penalty for illegal participation.
Only one offensive player may be in motion at the time of the snap. This motion must not be toward the opponents goal line. (If two or more players go in motion before the snap, then this is considered a shift and all players must come set for one full second prior to the snap).
During the interval between downs, when 2 or more consecutive encroachments are committed by the same team, the penalty will be 10 yards for the second encroachment foul.
The offensive team must have a minimum of five players on the line of scrimmage.
All players are eligible for a forward pass. The passer may pass from anywhere behind the LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. For a catch to be considered legal, the pass receiver must come down with at least one foot in bounds (first foot-NCAA like rule). A catch by a kneeling or prone player shall be considered legal and down at that spot. If a pass receiver loses the ball simultaneously with returning to the ground, a legal catch will not be awarded.
The passer shall not intentionally ground the ball in order to avoid a sack. Penalty: 5 yards and loss of down.
It is defensive pass interference if an eligible receiver is deflagged prior to touching the ball on a forward pass attempt.
No run zone: Any play that begins within the last 10 yards going into the end zone (including the 10 yd line) can not be a running play. All plays beginning within the last 10 yards must be forward pass plays. Penalty: Loss of Down, previous spot (offensive run play in the no run zone)
Rushing the QB. Any defensive player may rush the passer after the referee has given the "One, two, three, four, go!" (or similar 4-count plus “go”). Any defensive player breaking the line of scrimmage before "go" is announced is penalized for encroachment. EXCEPTION: Once (1) per half, a team may blitz the offensive team in violation of the 4-count rush. The defense must wait until the quarterback has touched the ball during the snap before they can break the neutral zone. Defenses can not blitz in the no-run-zone. Penalty: 5 yards.
A runner may pass the ball backwards or lose player possession by a fumble anytime. Ball will be considered dead if/when it hits the ground.
A backward pass or fumble may be caught or intercepted in flight by any player and advanced.
A backwards pass or fumble into the offensive team’s own end-zone will result in a safety. If the ball is fumbled into the opponent's end-zone the result is a touchback (opponent's ball on their 10 yard line).
Scoring Plays and Touchbacks
A touchdown is awarded when a loose ball is caught by a player behind the opponent’s goal line or when a runner advances so that the ball penetrates the vertical plane of the goal line. The body does not have to cross the line, just the tip of the ball.
Touchdown Verification: The official has the right to verify a touchdown scored by requiring the player scoring the touchdown to raise his/her arms so the official can deflag the player. If the player is not deflagged with one good pull, and the official determines the flag belt has been secured illegally, the touchdown is disallowed. The player is disqualified, and it is a foul. Penalty: 10 yards from the previous spot and a loss of down.
A team is given the choice of going for 1 or 2 points after scoring a touchdown. Once the captain makes the choice, it may only be changed if a time out is called. Ways of scoring a successful point-after-attempt: A) By passing from 3 yards = 1 point. B) By passing from 10 yards = 2 points. Two point attempts can be returned by the defensive team for a score (2 pts).
Any dead-ball penalty on the defense occurring during a touchdown or a successful PAT will be assessed on the next play from scrimmage at the 10 yard line when the defense becomes the offense.
Play after safety. After a safety is scored, the team that is awarded 2 points will automatically gain possession at their own 10-yard line.
Players' Conduct
It is illegal to steal or attempt to steal (strip) the ball from a player in possession, trip an opponent, contact an opponent who is on the ground, make unnecessary contact with an opponent, deliberately dive or run into an opponent or tackle the ball carrier or push the ball carrier out of bounds to stop the play. This is considered a non-contact league so all players should do their best to avoid contact. When running passing routes, contact will be viewed like basketball; the player with initial position does not have to move. Penalty: Personal foul, 10 yard from the end of the run (flagrant offenders will be ejected).
Roughing the passer. Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer after it is clear that the ball has thrown and may not make contact with the throwing arm. Any contact with the quarterback shall be flagged. Penalty: 10 yards and automatic first down, tack on the end of the play (if positive yards have been gained), if not, 10 yards from the original spot and automatic first down.
Guarding the flag belt. Ball carriers shall not guard their flags by blocking, with arms, hands or ball, the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag. Penalty: 10 yards, loss of down
The defensive player shall not (intentionally or accidentally) hold, grasp, or obstruct forward progress of a ball carrier when in the act of removing the flag. Penalty: 10 yards.
The flag removal. Intentionally pulling or removing a flag from an offensive player without the ball by a defensive player is illegal. Penalty: 10 yards.
Offensive screen blocking. The offensive screen block shall take place without contact. The screen blocker shall have his/her hands and arms at his/her side or behind his/her back. Any use of the arms, elbows, legs, or knees to initiate contact during an offensive player's screen block is illegal. A blocker may use his/her feet in order to gain position before, during and after screen blocking. (Again, think basketball screens.) The offensive screen blocker must remain set once the defender is within 2 steps of the blocker. Penalty: 10 yards.
Screen blocking fundamentals — a player who screens shall not: A.when he/she is behind a stationary opponent, take a position closer than a normal step from him or her; B.when he/she assumes a position at the side or in front of a stationary opponent, make contact with him/her; C.take a position so close to a moving opponent that his opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction. The speed of the player to be screened will determine where the screener may take his/her stationary position. This position will vary and may be one to two normal steps or strides from the opponent. D.After assuming his/her legal screening position, move to maintain it, unless he/she moves in the same direction and path of his/her opponent. Penalty: 10 yards.
Blocking and interlocked interference. Teammates of a runner or passer may interfere for him/her by screen blocking, but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one another in any manner. Penalty: 10 yards.
Use of hands or arms by the defense. Defensive players must go around the offensive player's screen block. The arms and hands may not be used to grab or push the opponent aside. The application of this rule depends entirely on the judgement of the official. A rusher may use his/her arms or hands to break a fall or retain his/her balance. Penalty: 10 yards.
There shall be no jamming, bumping, checking, or other intentional contact between a defender and an offensive pass receiver. Both offense and defense are limited to screening an opponent. Pushing a receiver/defender is not allowed. Penalty: Illegal use of hands, 10 yds
If a player attempting a diving flag removal trips the ball carrier there is a penalty of 10 yards from the spot of the foul.
Spiking, taunting, and any intentional antagonizing of the opposing team will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalty: 10 yards.
No player shall commit the following acts: Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 10 yards. If flagrant, the offender shall be disqualified.
Intentional kick the ball
Intentionally kicking at any opposing player
Intentionally swinging an arm, hand or fist at any opposing player
Prohibited acts: Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 10 yards. If flagrant the offender shall be disqualified.
Disrespectfully addressing an official
Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures
Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the game
Fighting an opponent
Personal Fouls: Penalty: 10 yards, and if flagrant, the offender will be disqualified.
Intentionally, punch, strike, strip, steal or attempt to steal the ball from a player in possession
Trip an opponent
Contact an opponent who is on the ground
Throw the runner to the ground
Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player
Clip an opponent
Tackle the runner
Summary of Fouls and Penalties
Loss of 5 Yards:
Required equipment worn illegally
Delay of game
Illegal snap
False start
Encroachment
Illegal procedures
Illegal forward pass (5 yards from point of pass and loss of down)
Intentional grounding (5 yards from point of pass and loss of down)
Helping the runner: the runner shall not grasp a teammate or be grasped, pulled or pushed by a teammate
Unfair tactics
Offensive player not within 15 yards of ball
Illegal Shift
Early Rush
Loss of 10 Yards
Delaying the start of either half
Two or more consecutive encroachments during same interval between downs. The initial encroachment is a 5 yard penalty
Illegal participation
Offensive pass interference. (Loss of down)
Defensive pass interference. (Automatic 1st down)
Illegally secured belt on touchdown. (Revoke touchdown and loss of down)
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Spiking the ball or not returning the ball to the official during the dead ball
Attempt to steal the ball from the carrier
Hurdling
Unnecessary contact of any sort
Roughing the passer (Automatic 1st down)
Defensive use of hands
Flag guarding (and stiff arming) (loss of down)
Illegal batting
Illegal flag belt removal
Personal foul
Flagrant Unsportsmanlike conduct. (Disqualification)
Flagrant personal fouls. (Disqualification)
Intentionally tampering with flag belt. (Disqualification)
General Rules
In order to participate in on-field games, all players must sign the waiver and be on a roster. Each player may be required to present a valid ID card at the check in table in order to participate any given week. No Exceptions.
During the regular season, any team may freely pick up players that are on any roster in order to fill the minimum requirements to field a team in an effort to reduce forfeits. However, during playoffs, a player may only be on one roster and can only play for that team. No exceptions.
Big D Sports & Entertainment reserves the right to a withhold a team from playoffs or disqualify a team for the remainder of the season, without refund for forfeiting 2 games during the regular season due to a lack of players or no-showing.
Good sportsmanship is a requirement of all participants. Players and coaches are to conduct themselves properly at all times. Big D Sports & Entertainment reserves the right to suspend or disqualify individuals or groups for unsportsmanlike conduct. The team captain assumes full responsibility for the conduct of the team and spectators.
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes actions which are unbecoming to an ethical, fair, honorable individual; it consists of acts of deceit, disrespect or vulgarity and includes taunting.
Team must have a satisfactory sportsmanship rating in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
The officials/supervisors will have absolute control of the game. Teams are responsible for keeping their players and spectators under control. Misconduct of players, coaches, or spectators, can result in assessment of a penalty, ejection or forfeiture of the game. Spectators must also remain in the area designated by the staff. The supervisors will have the power to make decisions on any matter or questions not specifically covered in the rules.
REVISED 9/27/10
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