Sport City Flag Football Rules

First and foremost all Sport City leagues are designed to make sure everyone has fun. We expect individuals to respect the league’s culture of fair and fun play. Foul language and rough play will not be tolerated and individuals who cannot adhere to our standards of fair play and sportsmanship may be asked to leave the league. Sport City wants everyone to have a fun and be social while enjoying a great sport. Sport City will do whatever they can to make sure all players are having fun.

1. Eligibility

a. 8v8 Screen Coed Flag Football teams must consist of 2 females on the field at the same time or be subject to forfeit. A typical team would consist of 5 males and 3 females, but you may use more female’s than required, but no less than 2. As long as you have 2 females and a minimum of 6 total players on the field you are eligible for play. If you only have 2 females then you can only play with 5 males.

b. Game Ball: Teams can use the regular, intermediate, junior, or a youth size football.

2. GAMEPLAY

To ensure coed participation, before the ball is snapped the Head Referee will let everyone know if the play is “Open” or “Closed” (see a penalty will ensue if the offensive team fails to use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs. The penalty for running 3 consecutive plays without a female as an Operative Player will be loss of down (i.e. if it was 1st down during the penalty, it is now 2nd down, and the ball brought back to the line of scrimmage) and the female must now be the operative player on the next play. An Operative Player is defined as a player who:
• is the intended receiver in the eyes of the official
• runs the ball as the primary runner (does not have to cross line of scrimmage)
• receives the snap as the QB and must attempt to be the person who initiates the ball crossing the line of scrimmage – unless she is sacked.
• receives the snap and immediately spikes the ball at her feet in order to stop the clock in the last 2 minutes of either half.

An Operative Player is NOT defined as a player who:
• hands off the football
• snaps the ball into play
• receives a hand-off only to give it back to a male before crossing the line of scrimmage

Examples:
• a pass deflected by a male and caught by a female is a female play
• a pass intended for a female (in the eyes of the referee) that is deflected by a female, and caught by a male counts as a female play
• a pass thrown by a male, received by a male and immediately pitched to a female (the “hook and ladder”) will not constitute a female play – no matter how far the female advances with the ball after the pitch
• a pass intentionally grounded by a female in the last two minutes of either half in order to stop the clock DOES count as a female play
• if a female pitches the ball to a male behind the line of scrimmage this will not result in a female play.

A. Open or Closed- Illegal Forward Pass:

i. The term “closed,” means a male player may not throw a forward pass completion to any

other male player. The term “open” means any player can complete a forward pass to

any other player.

ii. During the offensive team’s possession there may not be three consecutive forward pass

completions from a male passer to a male receiver. This rule also applies for all try

(point after touchdown) attempts. If the previous scoring play was male to male, the try

will be closed.

iii. If a male passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver for two straight completions,

the next forward pass completion must involve either a female passer or female receiver for

positive yards. Thespot where the ball becomes dead by rule must be beyond the offensive

team’s scrimmage line (marked by the orange disc). There is no foul for a female receiver being

deflagged behind the offensive scrimmage line. The next forward pass completion remains

“closed.”

iv. If a female passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver behind the scrimmage line

who then runs beyond this scrimmage line, it is an illegal forward pass.

v. Penalty: Illegal forward pass, 5 yards from the spot where the pass is released, and a loss

of down. One example of an illegal forward pass is the third consecutive male-to-male

completed forward pass.

vi. Any foul, whether accepted or declined, will have no effect on whether the next forward

pass completion is “open” or “closed.”

g. Running the Ball: An offensive male runner cannot penetrate through the offensive line of scrimmage

with the ball. Penalty: Illegal procedure, 5 yards. There are two exceptions to this rule:

i. A male runner may advance the ball through the offensive line of scrimmage after the

ball has been previously advanced legally beyond the line. Ex(pass to receiver who then pitches it back to qb, rb, or wr who is still behind the line of scrimmage)

ii. Females have no limitations on their advancement behind or beyond the line of scrimmage

3. THE GAME & FIELD OF PLAY

a. The game shall be played between 2 teams of 8 players each. Five players are required to start the

game and continue a game.

b. The Field

The field is 80 yards with two 10-yard end zones. In some instances the field might be shortened by 5 or

10 yards do to field conditions. Lines at both 20-yard lines and the 40-yard line (mid-field) will be marked

off. Cones on the side of the field will also mark these lines. Cones will also mark the end zones. Hash

marks for extra points will be at 5 yards (1 point conversion) and at 10 yards (2 point conversions).

c. Proper identification must be presented to an official prior to the beginning of the game. Teams are

encouraged to show up early for their assigned games in order to allow as much playing time as

possible.

4. EQUIPMENT

a. Regulation, intermediate, youth, or junior football can be used. The team on offense has its choice of what ball it would like to play with. Game balls will not be provided.

b. All members of each team are REQUIRED to wear their Sport City shirts.

Jerseys must be tucked in and remain tucked in or short enough so there is a significant gap

from the bottom of the jersey to the player’s waistline. Jerseys also cannot have sleeve openings of

more than 4” under the armpit. All guidelines are written for the safety of all players and will be

strictly enforced.

c. Flag belts will be provided for each team.

d. Players must wear shorts or pants without belt loops or pockets. Shorts with pockets may NOT be

turned inside out or taped.

e. Each player must wear shoes. Regulation rubber soled cleats, plastic cleats, detachable rubber cleats

that screw into the shoe, and tennis shoes are the only permissible footwear. Sandals, street shoes,

hiking boots, combat boots, or metal spikes are not allowed. No steel cleats, metal tips or shoes with

detachable steel cleats that screw onto the shoes may be worn. 5-finger shoes are not allowed.

f. Players may wear soft, pliable pads or braces on the leg, knee, and/or ankle. Braces made of any

hard material must be covered with at least one-half inch padding for safety reasons.

g. Tape and bandages on the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow are prohibited except to protect an injury.

This must be approved by the medic on duty before the game begins. Under no circumstances will a

player wearing a cast or splint be allowed to play.

h. If eyeglasses are worn, they must be unbreakable. Each player is responsible for the safety of his/her

own glasses.

i. Any slippery substance of a foreign nature on equipment, clothing, or an exposed part of the body is

illegal.

j. Players may wear a knit or stocking cap (no caps with bills) and/or soft, pliable, non-abrasive gloves.

Bandanas which are tied with a knot are not permitted.

k. Jewelry: Participants are not permitted to wear any visible jewelry. If participants choose to wear

jewelry, it must be completely covered BEFORE arriving at the game site, with a band-aid or

athletic tape. The Department of Recreational Sports WILL NOT provide band-aids or athletic tape

to cover jewelry items. If covered, jewelry must remain flush with the skin and not be protruding

out; this is for the protection of all participants.

5. DEFINITIONS

a. Flag Belt Removal: When the flag belt is clearly taken from the runner in possession of the ball,

the ball is declared dead and the down shall end.

i. In an attempt to remove the flag belt from a runner, an opponent may contact the body

and shoulders, but not the face, neck, or any part of the head of the runner with their

hands.

ii. An opponent may not hold, push, or knock the runner down in an attempt to remove the

flag belt.

iii. If a flag inadvertently falls to the ground, a one-hand touch between the shoulders

and knees constitutes a ‘tackle’.

iv. A runner is also down if any part of that runner touches the ground other than the feet,

hands or the ball while in the hand of the runner.

b. Offensive Scrimmage Line: The offensive scrimmage line is the yard line and its vertical plane

which passes through the forward point of the ball.

c. Defensive Scrimmage Line: The defensive scrimmage line is the yard line and its vertical plane

which passes one yard from the point of the ball nearest its own goal line.

d. Minimum Line Players: The only offensive player required to be on the line of scrimmage is the

snapper. The remaining players may be on their scrimmage line or in their backfield.

6. TIMING & SUBSTITUTIONS

a. Game Length: A game will consist of two halves with a 3 minute intermission. Both halves will be 20

minutes in length. In all leagues, the clock will run continuously in the first half. In the second half, the

clock will run continuously until the last 2 minutes, when we will proceed according to 2-minute

mechanics.

b. 2-Minute Policies and Mechanics: The clock will stop in the final 2 minutes of the second half for a:

i. Team time-out - clock restarts on the snap

ii. Incomplete legal or incomplete illegal forward pass - starts on the snap

iii. Out-of-bounds - starts on the snap

iv. Safety - starts on the snap

v. First down - depends on the previous play

vi. Touchdown - starts on the snap (after the Try)

vii. Penalty and administration - dependent on previous play (EXCEPTION: Delay of game

ALWAYS starts on the snap)

viii. Referee’s time-out - starts at his/her discretion

ix. Touchback - starts on the snap

x. Team A is awarded a new series - dependent on previous play

xi. Team B is awarded a new series - starts on the snap

xii. Either team is awarded a new series after a legal punt - starts on the snap

xiii. Team attempting to conserve time illegally - starts on the ready whistle

xiv. Team attempting to consume time illegally - starts on the snap

xv. Inadvertent whistle - starts on the ready whistle

c. Mercy Rule: If a team is 25 or more points ahead when the referee announces the 2-minute warning for the second half, the game is over.

i. Prior to applying the Mercy Rule, there must be a down free of any accepted live ball

fouls.

ii. If a team scores during the last two minutes of the second half and that score creates a

point differential of 25 or more points, the game will end at that point.

d. Forfeits: A team will forfeit a game when it is not ready to play by 10 minutes after the scheduled

game time. The following penalties will be enforced during the 10 minute grace period. Teams will

play an entire game even if they are late.

i. 3 minutes: Team ready for play will be awarded a 6 pt. touchdown.

ii. 6 minutes: Team ready for play will be awarded a second 6 pt. touchdown making the

score 12-0.

iii. 9 minutes: Team ready for play will be awarded a third 6 pt. touchdown making the

score 18-0.

iv. 10 minutes: Team ready for play will be awarded 1 extra point and the game will be

declared a forfeit with a final score of 19-0.

e. Coin Toss: Each game will begin with a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss shall have the option of

starting on offense, defense, defending a goal or deferring the options until the second half. The

remaining options will be given to the opposing captain.

i. Unless moved by penalty, play starts at the beginning of each half with the ball placed on

the offensive team’s 14-yard line.

f. Tie Game: A coin flip will determine the options. All overtime periods shall be played toward the same goal line.

i. An overtime period consists of one possession by each team.

ii. Unless moved by penalty, each team will start first and goal from the 10-yard line. Each

team will have a series of downs to score a touchdown.

iii. If the score is still tied after one overtime period, as many period as necessary will be

played to determine a winner.

iv. Try for points will be attempted and scored during overtime.

v. When B (defense) secures possession, the ball is dead and the series is over. The ball

will be placed at the B 10 yard line, and the original defense will begin their series of 4

downs, if available.

vi. Each team is entitled to one timeout for the entire overtime session, and time outs do not

carry over from regulation.

vi. If the score remains tied after two possessions the extra point will be moved back to the 10

yd line and points will be awarded accordingly

g. Timeouts: Each team is entitled to 3 timeouts per game. A charged timeout requested by any player

will not exceed one minute. Timeouts cannot be carried from half to half, nor into overtime during the

playoffs. The clock stops during all timeouts.

h. Delay of Game: After a ball is declared ready for play, the offensive team has 25 seconds after the

Referee has sounded the whistle to put the ball in play. Penalty: Delay of Game, 5 yards.

i. The official may order the clock to be stopped/started when, in his/her opinion, either

team is trying to conserve or consume playing time using tactics in his/her judgment to be

unfair.

i. Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed at any time that the ball is dead, but games must not be

delayed by them. Each substitute shall be in uniform and ready for play with flags in position.

7. BALL IN PLAY, DEAD BALL, & OUT OF BOUNDS

a. Ball declared dead:

i. It goes out of bounds.

ii. Any part of the runner other than the hand(s) or foot (feet) touches the ground.

iii. A touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful try is made.

iv. The ball strikes the ground following first touching of a punt by receiving team.

v. Kicking team player catches a punt which is beyond the neutral zone; when an untouched punt comes to rest on the ground and no player attempts to secure it.

vi. A forward pass strikes the ground or is caught simultaneously by opposing players.

vii. A backward pass or fumble by a player strikes the ground or is caught simultaneously by

opposing players.

viii. A ball snapped, which hits the ground before or after getting to the intended receiver, is

dead at the spot where it hits the ground.

ix. A forward pass is legal completed or a loose ball is caught by a player on, above, or

behind the opponent’s goal line.

x. A runner has a flag belt removed legally by an opponent.

xi. A runner is legally tagged if the flag belt has fallen off prior to being deflagged.

xii. A passer is deflagged/tagged prior to releasing the ball.

xiii. A muff of a punt strikes the ground.

xiv. Kicking team punt breaks the plane of Receiving team’s goal line.

xv. Defensive team secures possession during a Try or overtime.

xvi. An inadvertent whistle by an official.

b. Out-of-Bounds: A ball in player possession is out-of-bounds when either the ball or any part of the

runner touches the ground or anything else, except a player or game official, which is on or outside a

boundary line. If the runner in-bounds bumps into or is touched by player or an official on the sidelines

out-of-bounds, the ball is still in play.

8. SERIES OF DOWNS & LINE TO GAIN

a. Series of Downs: A team in possession of the ball shall have four (4) consecutive downs to advance to

the next zone by scrimmage.

b. Zone Line to Gain: The zone line to gain in any series shall be the zone in advance of the ball, unless

distance has been lost due to penalty or failure to gain. In such case, the original zone in advance of the

ball at the beginning of the series of downs is the zone line to gain. The zones formed by the marking of

the twenty and forty yard lines are used to determine the distance to be gained. The most forward point

of the ball, when declared dead between the goal lines, shall be the determining factor.

9. KICKING/PUNTING THE BALL

a. Prior to putting the ball in play on fourth down, the offensive team must declare whether it chooses to go

for a first down or punt. If the offensive team chooses to kick, the ball must be kicked.

i. The offensive team may put the ball in play with a punt on any play, but it must notify the

defensive team. There are no quick kicks.

ii. The snap must be received at least two yards back and the kick must be executed behind

the scrimmage line within a reasonable time. There are no fake punts.

iii. After receiving the snap, the kicker must kick the ball immediately and in a continuous

motion.

iv. No player may cross the line of scrimmage until the ball has been kicked.

v. Kick out of bounds - If the kicked ball goes out of bounds between the goal lines or

comes to rest in bounds untouched and no player attempts to secure it, the ball becomes

dead and belongs to the receiving team at that spot.

vi. A punt that touches anything while the ball is on or behind the receiving team’s goal line

can be downed by the receiving team and is a touchback.

vii. Opportunity to catch a kick - A player of the receiving team who is within the boundary

lines and who is so located that he/she could have caught a kick which is beyond the

scrimmage line while such a kick is in flight must be given an unmolested opportunity to

catch the kick. Penalty: Kick Catch Interference, 10 yards.

viii. The defensive team may attempt to block a punt as long as team members do not cross

the plane of the defensive restraining line. A blocked punt that is caught behind the line

of scrimmage (on the offender’s side) may be advanced by the offense.

ix. When a punt, which has crossed the line of scrimmage, touches a player from either team

and then hits the ground, the ball is dead and belongs to the receiving team. If it hits a

player on the receiving team and then is caught in the air, it can be advanced by the

receiving team. If it is caught by the kicking team (after the ball contacts a receiving

team player), the ball is dead, belongs to the kicking team, and a new series begins for the

kicking team.

b. Once a punted ball breaks the plane of the receiving team’s goal line, the ball is declared dead and a

touchback is awarded.

c. There are no fair catches.

10. SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL

a. I.The ball must be snapped backwards and off the ground. The ball need not be snapped between the center’s legs, but the center cannot have his/her feet over the scrimmage line. In a legal snap, the movement must be a quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands backwards. Once the ball leaves the ground, the defense may rush.

II. If there is a female QB receiving the snap then defense has to delay the rush for 3 seconds which will be counted out by the head referee. If the female QB pitches it to a male player then defense can cross line of scrimmage immediately after the pitch.

b. The player who receives the snap must be at least two (2) yards behind the offensive scrimmage line.

c. Any time at or after the ball is ready for play, each offensive player must momentarily be within fifteen

(15) yards of the ball before the snap.

d. The snapper is the only A players required to be on their scrimmage line (orange ball spotter) at the

snap.

e. Offensive Player in Motion:

i. One offensive player may be in motion, but not in motion toward the opponent’s goal line

when the ball is snapped.

ii. Such a player must be behind the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

iii. A player in motion is not counted as one of the 4 on the scrimmage line.

iv. Only one offensive player may be in motion at a given time. Penalty: Illegal motion, 5

yards from the previous spot.

v. Other offensive players may not draw the defense offside.

f. Fumbles:

i. A backward pass or fumble which touches the ground between the goal lines is dead

immediately at the spot where the ball hits the ground and belongs to the team last in

possession unless lost on downs.

ii. Out of Bounds - A backward pass or fumble going out of bounds between the goal lines

remains in possession of the fumbling team at the out of bounds spot. If out of bounds

behind the goal line, it is a touchback or safety.

g. Encroachment: After the snapper has made his/her final adjustment of the ball, it is encroachment for

any player to break the plane of his/her scrimmage line (Exception: the snapper/center has the right to be over the ball.) Penalty: Encroachment, 5 yards from the previous spot.

h. Offensive players are responsible for retrieving the ball after each scrimmage down. The snapper will

bring the ball from the huddle to the scrimmage line (first ball spotter - orange). A towel may be used to

help keep the ball dry and must be placed behind the deepest offensive player at the start of each play

from scrimmage.

i. All offensive players must be motionless for one second preceding the snap, except for a (one) player

moving parallel to or away from the scrimmage line. Penalty: Illegal motion, 5 yards from the previous

spot.

j. An offensive player that shifts (other than going legally in motion) must stop for one full second before

the snap. Penalty: Illegal shift, 5 yards from the previous spot.

k. A player may hand the ball forward or backward at any time.

11. FORWARD PASS

a. All players are eligible to touch or catch a pass if the play is open. During a scrimmage down and before team possession

has changed, a forward pass may be thrown provided the passer’s feet are behind the offensive

scrimmage line when the ball leaves passer’s hand. Only one (1) forward pass can be thrown per down.

i. A forward pass is counted as a completion or interception as long as the first part or the

person to make contact with the ground after the catch, usually one foot, touches in

bounds.

ii. A forward pass is illegal:

1. If the passer’s foot is beyond Team A’s scrimmage line (orange ball spotter) when

the ball leaves his/her hand.

2. If thrown after team possession has changed during the down.

3. If intentionally grounded to save a loss of yardage.

4. If a passer catches his/her untouched forward pass.

5. If it is the second forward pass during a down.

6. Penalty: Illegal forward pass, 5 yards from the spot, loss of down, if prior to

change of possession.

iii. After the ball is snapped, and until it has been touched, there shall be no offensive pass

interference beyond the offensive scrimmage line when the legal forward pass crosses the

offensive scrimmage line (orange ball spotter). Penalty: 10 yards from the previous spot.

iv. After a legal forward pass is released by the passer and until it is touched, there shall be

no defensive pass interference beyond Team A’s scrimmage line while the ball is in flight

which crosses the Team A scrimmage line. Penalty: 10 yards from the previous spot.

v. If the pass interference by either player is intentional or unsportsmanlike, his/her team

shall be penalized an additional ten yards and the player may be ejected.

b. Simultaneous Catch: If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams, the

ball becomes dead and belongs to the team that snapped the ball at the spot of the catch.

12. SCORING PLAYS

a. Touchdown Values: All touchdowns are six (6) points if no females are involved. All touchdowns

scored by females and touchdowns following a legal forward pass completion with a female passer

count 9 points.

b. Try for 1, 2, or 3: An opportunity to score one (1) point from the 3-yard line, two (2) points from the

10-yard line, or three (3) points from the 20-yard line by running or passing only shall be granted the

team scoring a touchdown. Once the offensive captain has declared his/her choice (try for 1, 2, or 3), he

may change the decision only when a charged timeout for either team is taken. A team’s choice cannot

be changed if a penalty should occur. If the defensive team intercepts a pass or fumble during the try,

the try shall be ended.

c. Safety: A safety results when a runner carries the ball from the field of play to or across his/her own

goal line, and it becomes dead there in his/her team’s possession. A safety results in two (2) points for

the defensive team.

13. BLOCKING, RUSHING, & CONDUCT

a. Offensive Screen Blocking: Screen blocking is permitted and 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

hands, arms, legs, elbows, or body to initiate contact by an offensive player is illegal. A player must be

on his/her feet before, during, and after screen blocking. This penalty is ruled on based on the

block/charge principle in basketball.

b. Defensive players must go around the offensive player’s screen block. The arms and hands may not be

used as a wedge to contact the opponent.

c. Player Restrictions:

i. No player shall make contact with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary.

ii. There shall be no clipping or tripping.

iii. There shall be no bumping the receiver. The defensive player must play the ball and

shall not interfere with a receiver. However, defensive and offensive players are equally

entitled to a passed ball.

iv. Pulling or removing the flag belt from an offensive player as the ball is snapped or before

a pass reception with the obvious intent of confusing the offensive player as an eligible

pass receiver or ball carrier is illegal. Penalty: Illegal Contact, 10 yds.

v. A defensive player may not bump or push a runner out of bounds.

vi. Offensive charging is not permitted. The ball carrier may not run through a defensive

player but must attempt to evade the defensive player. The runner is allowed to spin in

order to avoid being deflagged as long as he/she does not charge during the spin.

vii. The ball carrier shall not guard his/her flags by blocking with hands or the ball, thereby

denying an opponent the opportunity to pull or remove the flag belt. Penalty: Flag

guarding, 10 yards from the spot of the foul.

viii. Stiff arming by the ball carrier is illegal. Holding or swinging the arm near the flag to

ward of attempts to seize the flag is illegal and results in flag guarding.

ix. Defensive players may not steal or strip the ball from an offensive player once he/she has

control.

x. The flag belt is to be fastened around the waist by use of the end clip. Any tampering to

secure the flags so as to make them more difficult to pull is illegal and will result in

ejection from the game. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike conduct, 10 yards from the previous

spot, loss of down, and player disqualification.

xi. Players, coaches, and spectators are to position themselves between the 20-yard line

markers on their team’s respective sideline.

d. Pass Interference: Once a pass is in the air, the ball belongs to anyone who can get it. Any contact

which occurs between two or more players making a legal attempt to catch or bat the pass is considered

incidental. Screening a player’s eyes or waving the hands or arms in his/her face to distract a receiver is

considered interference.

e. Roughing the Passer: Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer

after the ball has been thrown. No defensive player shall contact the passer.

f. Personal Fouls: There shall be no personal fouls committed by players’ substitutes or coaches.

Personal fouls include: Using fist, foot, knee, or leg to contact an opponent; tackling the ball player

(disqualification); illegal contact; unnecessary roughness, hurdling, roughing the passer (when the

defender contacts any part of the passer during his/her motion or follow through).

g. Unfair Acts: No player or nonplayer shall use verbiage or commit any act not in accordance with the

spirit of fair play for the purposes of confusing the opponent. Penalty: Unfair act, 10 yards.

h. The fourth unsportsmanlike foul by the same team results in their forfeiture of the game.

14. ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES

a. Penalty Enforcement at the basic spot:

i. Pass play or during the punt (see exception below): basic enforcement spot is the

scrimmage line (where ball was snapped).

ii. Post Scrimmage Kick Foul: Any foul by the receiving team on its side of the expanded

neutral zone prior to the end of the kick, the receiving team shall retain possession of the

ball. The basic spot is the spot at which the kick ends and the penalty will be enforced

using the “all but one principle”.

iii. On all running plays: basic enforcement spot is the end of the run.

iv. All fouls are marked from the basic enforcement spot (Exception: An offensive foul

behind the basic enforcement spot which becomes a spot foul, or the “all but one

principle”.)

v. The only exception to the above regulations is roughing the passer; this penalty will be

added on to the end result of the play.

vi. If there is a foul by the offensive team, other than unsportsmanlike or non-player, during

a down which results in a successful touchdown or try, the acceptance of the penalty

nullifies the score.

vii. If there is a foul by the defensive team during a down that results in a score, the offense

may choose to enforce the penalty on the try or on the defense’s ensuing possession.