• All games are to be purely instructional and non-competitive.

• All players must be between 5 and 7 years of age, inclusive.  Proof of age must be on file with each program.
• Teams may have up to 5 coaches on the field at one time.
• An honest attempt must be made to have as many players as possible touch the ball during every game.  Players should be rotated through various positions whenever possible.
• All players must use a mouth piece and wear a cup.
• Extra points will be attempted from the 2 yard line
• All fields will be 80 yards in length.
• First downs will be obtained by advancing 10 or more yards in 4 plays.
• All flags must be 18 inches long and be a contrasting color to the player’s uniform.
• If a fumble occurs behind the line of scrimmage, ball will be placed back at original line of scrimmage.  If a fumble occurs beyond the line of scrimmage, ball will be placed at spot of fumble.
• All fumbles will result in an immediate dead ball, except when the fumble occurs between the QB and Center.  Only QB is permitted to pick up the ball after the fumble.  The play may continue after the ball is picked up by QB.
• Play is ruled “dead” when a players knee hits the ground, looses the ball (unless on an exchange between Center and QB or QB to RB) or if the ball carriers flag is pulled.
• All player jerseys must be tucked in at all times.
• A 1 yard neutral zone must exist between offensive and defensive down linemen.
• Penalties:  10 yards – hazardous, 5 yards – non-hazardous
• Each team will select 1 coach from a non-playing team to serve as a referee.  If a coach is unavailable, a parent may be used.
• The starting yardage for kickoffs will be the 30 yard line.
• If the ball is turned over on downs or a punt results inside the opposing team’s 20 yard line, ball is to be placed at 20 yard line. 

Offensive Rules:

• Each team will play with 7 offensive linemen:  one center, two guards, two tackles, two ends.
• No flag guarding.
• All linemen must be in a 3 point stance.
• Maximum time between plays will be 1:30.
• 20 yards will be walked off for all punts.
• QB must run outside of tackles.
• RB must run outside of guards.
• No rushing over or between offensive guards.  All runs must be outside of offensive guards.
• No stiff arms.
• No unbalanced lines.
• Modified shield/drive blocking is permitted within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage at point where running play will take place.

Defensive Rules:

• All defensive alignments will have 6 linemen and 5 defensive backs.
• No defensive rush between offensive guards.
• No defensive linemen over center.
• All defensive linemen will be in a 3 point stance.
• No tackling (this includes intentionally running into the ball carrier and causing them to fall to the ground).
• Defensive players must make an honest and sincere attempt to only grab ball carrier’s flag.
• Defensive players are not permitted to grab and/or hold any offensive player’s clothing or any part of their body.
• No tripping.
• No blitzing.  Only the 6 down linemen are permitted to rush once the ball is snapped.  No linebackers or defensive backs are permitted in the backfield during the initial QB to RB exchange. Linebacker must be lined up 2 yards behind offensive line.
• Interceptions are permitted and will result in a change of possession.  The player that makes the interception can advance the ball.

Scoring/Time Keeping:

• If at any point during the game, one of the teams is trailing by 18 or more points, the opposing team will continue to possess the ball until the point differential is less than 18 points.  If a first down is not obtained, the team with the ball will receive a new set of downs from the previous spot.  They will not be required to return to their own 30 yard line.
• Clock will only stop for injuries, timeouts, halftime and end of game.
• Length of all games will consist of four quarters, each 15 minutes in length.
• Halftime will be 10 minutes.
• The following scoring system will be used:  TD – 6 points, extra point – 1 point, safety – 2 points.
• A touchdown or extra point conversion will be considered successful when the ball crosses the goal line while in possession of the player. Should the player loose control of the ball once across the goal line the touchdown or extra point conversion will be ruled successful.
• Each team will receive 2 timeouts per half.

Other Notes:

• Whenever possible, flag games are to be scheduled before upper level games.
• All coaches must be certified (Rutgers or NAYS).
• All programs must have a standing player’s, parent’s and coach’s code of conduct.
• There will be a ZERO tolerance rule for unsportsmanlike conduct for both players and coaches. This is set to eliminate fighting, pushing, swearing and taunting and to insure the safety of the players. Anyone, coach or player not abiding by these rules may be ejected from the game (see “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” section).

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

• If a Coach or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player may be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the coach, referee’s and/or Flag Director’s discretion. No appeals! FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. Coach, referee and/or Flag Director has the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the offending individual will be given one warning. If it continues, the player(s) or coach(es) will be ejected from the game and the Directors of each town will discuss possible future game suspensions.
• Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
• It is the coaches responsibility to see that the fans adhere to good sportsmanship:

·        Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials, coaches or other teams.

·        Keep comments clean and profanity free.

·        Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.

·        Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly:

·        Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents away from the sidelines.

·        Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.