Official Game Rules
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1. Field Dimensions
a. Field Length- 45 yards
b. Field Width- 50 yards
c. Endzones- 10 yards length 50 yards width
2. Starting the game
a. Each game is 25 minutes long with NO HALFTIME and NO TIMEOUTS
b. Each game will have a field official and an official timekeeper/ ball spotter
c. The home team will start with the ball 1st
d. The ball will be placed at the 45 yard line on the right hash
e. Each team will use their own ball (SEE BELOW for FOOTBALL SIZING)
f. The visiting team will begin the game on defense
g. The game will begin when the official spots the ball and sounds the start of the 25 second clock with the sound of his whistle
3. Players
a. Teams must field a minimum of 7 players throughout the duration of game
b. Team rosters must consist of a minimum of 10 but a maximum of 15 players
c. 7 offensive and 7 defensive players are on the field at all times
4. Equipment
a. Each team is required to provide their own football.
i. 6th & 7th Grade: YOUTH, 8th Grade: You can either use YOUTH or Official High School, 9th Grade: Official High School
b. Players must have the same color jersey
c. Players must have athletic shorts and tennis shoes (or cleats)
d. No metal spikes are allowed
e. Players are required to use a protective mouth piece
f. No hard casts or pads can be worn during game play
g. No jewelry; No Hats
h. Protective headgear is recommended but not required
5. Substitutions
a. Each team may substitute after a play has ended
b. Substitutions must be completed by each team before the start of the next play
6. Scoring
a. Offensive scoring:
i. A Touchdown is worth 6 points
ii. The scoring team has the option to take an automatic 1 Pt or they may go for 2 points
iii. The offensive team going for a 2 point conversion will be given one play with the ball placed on the 10 yard line
b. Defensive Scoring:
i. The defense will be awarded a TD if an interception is returned beyond the 45 yard line; a PAT will follow.
ii. If the defense does not return the interception for a TD, 3 points will be awarded to the defense
7. Overtime
a. Each team has 1 play to score from 3 yd line then must go for 2 pt from 10 yd line.
b. If the game is still tied the outcome will be a tie (Unless it is playoff or championship game)
8. Offense
a. 7 players on the field at all times
b. There is NO run plays, No Laterals, and No Double Passes
c. There is a 25 second play clock that starts once the ball has been spotted.
d. The official blows his whistle to initiate the start of the 25 second clock and the offensive team will have 25 seconds to run their next play once the clock has started.
e. The offense does NOT have to wait for the defense to get set. Once the ball has been spotted and the official sounds his whistle for the 25 second clock the next play may begin.
f. If the offensive team crosses the 30 yardline within 3 downs they are awarded a 1st down. The team is then awarded a 1st down if the team crosses the 15 yardline. The team will then have 4 downs to score.
g. All passes must cross the line of scrimmage or it will be counted as incomplete and a loss of down
h. There must be 3 players on the line of scrimmage(Center is included in the 3) prior to the snap of the ball
i. There may only be one player in motion
j. No motion can be moving towards the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball
k. The center is NOT eligible to receive a pass
l. The QB has 4 seconds to release the ball once the ball is snapped
m. If the ball hits the ground during the snap, the QB is allowed to pick it up and continue play but the 4 second clock will continue to run beginning at the snap of the ball.
n. There are NO fumbles. The ball is ruled dead once it touches the ground(**Exception: when the ball touches the ground during the snap the QB may field the ball and continue play**)
9. Defense
a. 7 players on the field at all times
b. Linebackers must play at linebacker depth (4-5 yards from the line of scrimmage)
c. No jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage
d. The defensive player must touch the ball carrier (**with one or two hands**) for that player to be ruled down.
e. NO rushing the QB
f. NO TACKLING
10. Penalties – For all Offensive and Defensive penalties, each teams will hold the right to Accept or Decline any penalty that has been called on the other team.
a. Offensive Penalties:
i. False start: 1st time warning then loss of down.
ii. Blocking- 10 yards and loss of down
iii. Offensive Pass Interference- 10 yards and loss of down
iv. Delay of game is considered a sack. (offensive team does not begin their next play within the 25 seconds given) It will be a loss of down and the ball will be re-spotted back at the line of scrimmage.
v. Illegal Formation - Too many players on the field- Loss of down.
b. Defensive Penalties
i. If defensive player uses Excessive Force by shoving, pushing, or striking a blow penalized by 5 yards and automatic 1st down
ii. Defensive Pass Interference – 10 yards and repeat down
iii. Press Coverage is allowed but NO JAMMING. Players will be warned and if continued the defensive player must sit for a play.
iv. Illegal formation too many players on the field- Loss of 5 yards and repeat down
c. Substitution Penalties
i. If the offensive or defense starts a play with too many players on the field it will be a 5 yard penalty and repeat down.
d. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
i. Unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT be tolerated
ii. If a player or coach are accused, by an official, of unsportsmanlike conduct they will be dismissed from the game.
