Flag Football Rules
The following Flag Football rules are governed by the 2014-2015 NIRSA Flag and Touch Football Rules Book and Officials’ Manual.
Field
The Flag Football field is located on the HPE fields located behind the HPE building.
Procedures
1. Each team should have a Captain and a team name.
a. The Captain’s responsibilities include: attending all captain’s meetings, making sure each player signs-up on-line (or
signs the team entry form), paying the team’s entry fee, guaranteeing eligibility of the players on their roster, informing
their team of the procedures and rules, being the spokesperson for their team during each game, providing their team
with the schedule or any rescheduled games, and controlling the conduct of their team.
2. Each member of the team must sign the waiver before participating, including those individuals added to the roster during
regular season play. No more than 20 individuals on a roster. No individual may be added to the roster after play-offs begin.
3. No jewelry (including rubber band bracelets), hair clips, barrettes, or caps.
4. Any player bleeding must leave the game and is not able to return until the bleeding has stopped and the wound has been
covered. If blood is on the clothes or jersey, the player must change before reentering the game.
5. A maximum of 14 intramural championship t-shirts will be given to the league champions. If teams have less than 14 players,
only the players listed on the roster will receive a t-shirt. Players need to have played in at least four intramural games to
receive a t-shirt.
6. Eligibility:
a. All LSUS undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in classes. All LSUS faculty and staff members
employed during the current semester. LSUHSC students enrolled in the current semester.
b. A valid LSUS or LSUHSC ID MUST be presented to the Recreational Sports staff at check-in. If you do not
present your ID before each game, you WILL NOT be eligible to participate.
c. A student who has received a scholarship or has participated in intercollegiate competitions shall not be eligible to
compete in that particular sport (or similar sport) for one year.
d. Only 1 ex collegiate player of the same or similar sport may participate on each team.
e. Any individual participating in a university club sport is not eligible for that sport during the same year. Athletes who
have participated at the professional level in the same sport are not eligible for three years after his/her professional
experience.
f. Players may only play on one team unless playing in a men’s or women’s league and co-rec league.
g. Players may not switch teams once their name is on a roster.
7. Entry Fees: To help eliminate forfeits and to maintain the quality of the Recreational Sports Program, Recreational Sports has
instituted fees for recreational activities. Fees are due with the entry form and must be received by the entry deadline. Failure
to pay the total fee by the entry deadline will result in the team not being scheduled. Recreational Sport’s fees vary depending
on the sport. The only time a refund may be given is when a team has paid and not enough teams sign-up to form a league.
8. Forfeits
a. If a participant or team fails to begin five minutes after the scheduled starting time, the Director of Recreational Sports
may declare the contest forfeited to the team ready to play. If neither team is ready to play five minutes after the
scheduled starting time, a double forfeit will be declared.
b. Teams will forfeit any games in which they used an ineligible player.
c. If, in the opinion of the officials or supervisor, a team is not playing the game within the spirit of the rules, or according
to acceptable fair play, the game may be stopped and a forfeit declared against one or both teams.
d. Two forfeits during a given season will result in the team being dropped from the league for the remainder of the
current sport’s season.
e. Any team that forfeits will receive a 1 for sportsmanship and the team forfeited against will receive a 5.
9. Protests
a. Protests regarding rule misinterpretations must be made by the Team Captain before the next live ball. If the protest is
the last play of the game the protest must be made before the teams leave the field. The protest must be made to a
game official who should then explain the rule interpretation. If the game official is unsure of the rule, the Director of
Recreational Sports should be notified.
b. Protests on matters of an official’s judgment will be disregarded.
c.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
All protests regarding eligibility must be made in writing to the Director of Recreational Sports by the next business
day after the infraction occurred. Eligibility protests of a single day event must be made during the working hours of
the business day following the event in question. Eligibility protests during playoffs must be made by NOON the day
following the contest being protested.
d. Regular season eligibility protests may not be filed after postseason has begun.
e. The Director of Recreational Sports, at her discretion, may hold one hearing for each protest at which all parties
involved may present their versions of the case before a decision is made.
f. Protests of playoff games must be made in writing within 24 hours or by 12:00 noon on the day of the next scheduled
game, whichever is first.
Reschedules: After the schedule is made, it is the responsibility of the Team Captain to notify the Director of Recreational
Sports ASAP of any days/times their team will be unable to play. Games will try to be rescheduled, but there is no guarantee.
If something arises at a later date, the Team Captain must notify the Director of Recreational Sports of any scheduling conflicts
at least 5 business days prior to the game. Postseason games will not be rescheduled. Defaults: If the Team Captain notifies
the Director of Recreational Sports at least 24 hours in advance that their team will be unable to make their upcoming game, the
team will receive a loss, but not be given a forfeit.
Alcohol: The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited at any Recreational Sports activity. Use of alcohol by
either participants or their fans will result in the ejection of those involved and/or the complete forfeiture of the game and may
result in further disciplinary actions.
Tiebreaker Policy
a. Head to Head
b. Least amount of forfeits
c. Points allowed
d. Points scored
Ejections
a. Any participant or spectator who, at the discretion of the Recreational Sports Staff, does not participate in a manner
suitable to the Recreational Sports competition may be ejected at any time from the game or facility.
b. Consequences for any player suspended from Recreational Sports activities, due to an ejection, will be determined by
the Director of Recreational Sports or authorized designee.
c. In addition to the determined consequence for being ejected, the ejected player(s) will be required to meet with the
Director of Recreational Sports before regaining eligibility. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a team’s
forfeiture of any games in which the player is involved after the suspension. This eligibility will carry over into the next
sport season or academic year.
Sportsmanship Points: The LSUS Recreational Sports program will use a Sportsmanship Point system based on that of the
National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). Each team will receive a sportsmanship rating from the
official(s) and/or field supervisor at the conclusion of the game. The score given will be based on the scale below.
a. 5 pts (Excellent) - given to a team which demonstrates good sportsmanship and maintains an excellent attitude of
complete cooperation. Full and complete support of the officials.
b. 4 pts (Above Average) - given to a team when there is no incident of poor sportsmanship. Respect shown for
opponents and officials.
c. 3 pts (Average) - given to a team when unsportsmanlike conduct is not present in the game except for rare minor
infractions. Poor behavior limited to individual(s), not to the entire team.
d. 2 pts (Below Average) - given to a team if players, other than the captain, persist in questioning officials' decisions;
and/or they repeatedly argue with the officials. For frequent use of profane or vulgar language. If spectators clearly
related to the team fail to cooperate with the officials and the team is not supportive of the officials' efforts.
e. 1 pts (Poor) - given to a team when a player is ejected and the team does not assist the officials in removing the player
from the area. If players disregard warning of unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language or
action, etc. If the team refuses to attempt to control their fans after a request to do so from the Director of Recreational
Sports.
Qualifying for Postseason: A team must have a cumulative 3.5 average sportsmanship rating in order to be eligible for the
postseason. A team must have at least a 3.0 rating for each game in the postseason to advance to the next round. Teams
receiving less than a 3.0 will not be eligible to advance to the next round of postseason. Any team that receives a 1 in a playoff
game will be disqualified from that playoff tournament and the team and players will be suspended from all Recreational Sports
events for a period of time to be determined by the Director of Recreational Sports. The nature and severity of the incident will
be taken into account.
Miscellaneous: LSUS Recreational Sports is not responsible for any injuries that occur during play. Every participant should
have their own health insurance. Participating in intramurals is voluntary. Individuals injured during play must have an injury
report form on file with Recreational Sports within 48 hours of the injury.
Game Guidelines
1. The Game, Field, Players, Equipment:
a. Teams will consist of 7 players. Five players are required to start a game. The game may be continued with less than 5
players if the team has a chance to win. Co-rec teams will consist of 8 players: 4 male and 4 female. Six players are
required to start a game. The following combinations for co-rec with less than 8 players: 4 male and 3 female, 4
female and 3 male, 3 male and 3 female, 4 male and 2 female, or 4 female and 2 male. The game may be continued
with less than 6 players if the team has a chance to win.
b. The field will be rectangular consisting of two 10 yard end zones and three 20 yard intervals. The field will be 40 yards
wide and divided in half by hash marks except for the 14 yard lines, which will be marked with an X.
c. Men’s teams will use a regular size football. Women’s teams and co-rec teams will use intermediate, youth, junior or a
regular size football.
d. An orange ball spotter will mark the offensive scrimmage line and a yellow ball spotter will mark the defensive
scrimmage line.
e. Each team will wear contrasting colored jerseys with a number on the front and back.
f. Each player must wear pants or shorts without the following: belts, belt loops, pockets, or exposed draw strings. NO
EXCEPTIONS!!! The pants or shorts must not be the same color as the flags.
g. Each player will wear a one piece flag belt. The belt must not have any knots and there must be one flag on each side
and one in the center on the back.
h. All shirts must be tucked in.
i. Tennis shoes with heals or cleats must be worn. The cleats must be rubber soled.
j. Players may wear gloves made of soft, pliable and nonabrasive material.
k. A knit cap may be worn, but no caps with bills. A head band no wider than 2” may be worn.
l. It is recommended that a mouth piece be worn by each player.
m. Playbooks may be carried onto the field if it is made of pliable material and not visible. The play book must be kept by
a player rather than being thrown on the ground.
n. Towels may not be attached to a player’s waist.
2. Periods, Time Factors, Substitutions:
a. The captain’s of each team will meet at the center of the field five minutes prior to their game. The Referee shall
designate which Captain shall call the fall of the coin, then toss a coin in the presence of the opposing Captain. The
Captain winning the toss shall have a choice of two options for the first half or shall defer his/her option to the second
half. The options for each half shall be:
i. To choose whether his/her team will start on offense or defense.
ii. To choose the goal his/her team will defend.
b. The loser of the toss should exercise the remaining option.
c. The loser of the toss will choose options at the start of the second half.
d. The ball will be snapped on the 14 yard line to start the game and the second half.
e. The game will consist of two 20-minutes halves with running time, except the last 2 minutes of the game. (Game time
may be shortened if darkness or weather threatens.)
f. The clock will start on the snap and only stop during the last two minutes of the game for a team or official time-out,
incomplete pass, out-of-bounds, safety, a touchdown, penalty, touchback, change of possession, first down, and
inadvertent whistle. Exception: Last two minutes of the 1st half, clock will only stop for official's conference or
injury. Any player faking an injury will be ejected. If a player is injured they must come out of the game and
may re-enter only on supervisor’s approval.
g. There will be a 5 minute half time.
h. Teams will switch goals at half time.
i. Periods will be extended by an untimed down for the following:
i. A foul by either team (except unsportsmanlike, non-player, or fouls with loss of down), and the penalty is
accepted. Any score by the team which fouled is cancelled.
ii. A double foul.
iii. Inadvertent whistle.
iv. If a touchdown was scored, the Try is attempted, unless second half and the points will not affect the outcome
of the game.
j. If the game is tied the following procedures will be completed:
i. All players and coaches of both teams will meet in the center of the field. The officials will explain the
overtime procedures and answer any questions.
ii. The Captain’s will remain in the center of the field and the officials will conduct another coin toss. The home
team Captain will call the toss.
iii. The winner of the toss will decide which team makes the first play. The loser of the toss will decide the
direction. (All overtime periods are played toward the same goal line.)
iv. Tie Breaker rules:
1. Each team will start 1st and goal on the 10 yard line. Each team will have a series of 4 downs to
attempt to score a touchdown.
2. If the offensive team scores first the defensive team now receives the ball 1st and 10, unless moved by
a penalty.
3. If the defense intercepts a pass or fumble, the offensive team losses their chance to score.
v. One time-out for the entire overtime is awarded to each team.
vi. There will only be one overtime series in regular season games. In play-offs, as many overtime series needed,
will be played to determine a winner.
k. Each team will receive 2 charged time-outs per half lasting 1 minute.
l. A team may request a charged time-out for a misapplication or misinterpretation of a rule, which the official will
discuss with the team captain. The request must be made prior to the next live ball. If the official changes the ruling, it
becomes an official’s time-out. If the ruling is not changed, the team is charged with a time-out. If the team does not
have any more time-outs a delay of game penalty will be assessed.
m. The official will notify the teams 5 seconds prior to the time-out expiring. The team then has 25 seconds to put the ball
in play.
n. Delay of Game:
i. Failure to snap within 25 seconds after the ball is declared ready for play.
ii. Putting the ball in play before it is declared ready for play.
iii. Deliberately advancing the ball after it has been declared dead.
iv. If a team calls a time-out for a misapplication or misinterpretation of a rule the ruling is not changed, and the
team is does not have any more time-outs.
o. Substitutions may be made between downs as longs as the players are off the field before the ball becomes live. An
entering substitute must be on their team’s side of the neutral zone when the ball is snapped.
3. Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out-of-Bounds:
a. A dead ball becomes live when it is snapped legally.
b. A live ball becomes dead when:
i. It goes out-of-bounds.
ii. Any part of the runner other than a hand or foot touches the ground.
iii. A touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful Try is made.
iv. When the ball strikes the ground following first touching by the kicking team.
v. A player of the kicking team 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. 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.
viii. A forward pass is legally completed, or loose ball is caught by a player on, above, or behind the opponent’s
goal line.
ix. A runner has a flag belt removed legally by an opponent. A flag belt is removed when the clip is detached
from the belt.
x. A runner is legally tagged with one hand between the shoulders and knees, including the hand and arm, by an
opponent once the flag belt is no longer attached.
xi. A passer is deflagged/tagged prior to releasing the ball.
xii. A muff of a punt strikes the ground.
xiii. An official sounds his/her whistle inadvertently during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined,
when:
1. The ball is in player possession – the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where
declared dead or replay the down.
2. The ball is loose from a fumble, backward pass, illegal kick, or illegal forward pass – the team in
possession may elect to put the ball in play where possession was lost or replay the down.
3. During a legal forward pass or a punt – the ball is returned to the previous spot and the down replayed.
c. A player, a ball in player possession, and a loose ball are considered out-of-bounds when any part of him/her touches
anything, other than another player or game official, which is on or outside the sideline or end line.
d. When a player has removed a flag belt, that player should stand immediately with the flag belt in the air to assist
the official in knowing where to mark the spot of the capture.
e. If a flag belt inadvertently comes off, a one hand tag between the shoulders and knees constitutes as a capture.
f. Players may not hold, push, or knock the runner down in an attempt to remove the flag. Contact may be made with the
body and shoulders in an attempt to remove the flag, but the player may not contact the face, neck, or shoulders with
their hands. Pushing, striking, slapping, and holding are not allowed. If a player trips the runner in an attempt to make
a diving tag at the runner, it is a foul.
4. Series of Downs, Number of Down and Team Possession After Penalty:
a. A down starts with a legal snap and ends when the ball becomes dead.
b. Each team will have 4 consecutive downs to advance to the next zone. Any down may be repeated or lost depending
on the Rules.
c. The zone line-to-gain is the zone in advance of the ball, unless a penalty or failure to gain has caused a loss of yardage.
It will always be the original zone line-to-gain if there is a loss of yardage.
d. A new series of downs will be awarded for the following:
i. When a team moves the ball into the next zone on a play free from penalty.
ii. A penalty against the opponents moves the ball into the next zone.
iii. An accepted penalty against the opponents involves an automatic first down.
iv. Either team has obtained legal possession of a ball as a result of a penalty, punt, touchback, pass interception,
or failure to gain the zone in advance of the ball.
e. After a penalty which leaves the ball in possession of a team beyond its zone line-to-gain, or when a penalty stipulates a
first down, the down and distance established by that penalty shall be 1st and next zone line-to-gain.
f. Following a distance penalty between the goal lines which occurs during a down and before any change of team
possession during that down, the ball belongs to the offense. The down shall be repeated unless the penalty also
involves loss of a down, or leaves the ball on or beyond the zone line-to-gain. If the penalty involves loss of a down,
the down shall count as one of the four in that series.
g. Following a distance penalty for a foul committed after team possession has changed during that down, the ball belongs
to the team in possession when the foul occurred. The down and distance established by that penalty shall be first
down and zone line-to-gain.
h. If a penalty is declined the number of the next down shall be whatever it would have been if that foul had not occurred.
i. No rule decision may be changed after the ball is next legally snapped.
5. Kicking the Ball:
a. Prior to fourth down the official will ask the team with possession of the ball whether or not they are going to punt.
The official will announce the decision to both teams. Once the decision has been made it must stand unless a time-out
is called, the period ends, or a foul occurs and the down is repeated. The official will then ask the team again of their
decision to punt.
b. Punting:
i. Neither team may advance beyond their scrimmage lines until the ball is punted.
ii. After receiving the snap, the kicker must punt the ball immediately in a continuous motion.
c. The defensive team may block the punt once it is punted, but as soon as it hits the ground the ball is dead at that spot.
However, if the ball is blocked behind the kicking team’s line of scrimmage and the offensive team catches the block,
they may advance the ball, and if the defensive team catches the block they may advance the ball anywhere in the field
or to the end zone. The kicker may not punt the ball to himself/herself or anyone on his/her team. The offensive team
may punt the ball once only per down.
d. If the kicking team punts the ball across their scrimmage line and touches a member of either team and then hits the
ground, the ball is dead at that spot and belongs to the defensive team. If it hits a defensive player and then is caught in
the air by a defensive player, the ball can be advanced. If a player from the kicking team catches the punt, the ball is
dead, belongs to the kicking team and a new series begins for them.
e. If the ball punted touches a player from the kicking team first after it has passed their scrimmage line it is “first
touching.” The defensive team may take the ball at that spot or may choose to have the ball put in play as determined
by the action which follows first touching. The defensive team losses the right to take the ball at the spot if after the
defensive team touches the punt and commits a foul or if the penalty is accepted for any foul committed during the
down.
f. If a punt goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines or comes to rest inbounds untouched and no player attempts to
secure it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team at the spot.
g. When any punt touches anything while the punted ball is on or behind the defensive team’s goal line (plane), it can be
downed by the defensive team and is a touchback. NOTE: The defensive team may run the punt out of the end zone.
h. While any punt is in flight beyond the kicking team’s scrimmage line, players from neither team shall touch the ball,
nor obstruct a defensive player’s path to the ball, unless the punt has been touched by a defensive player. A kicker’s
team player may catch, touch, muff or bat a punt in flight beyond their scrimmage line if no defensive player is in
position to catch the ball. Penalty: Kick Catch Interference, 10 yards. The defensive team may choose a 10 yard
penalty from the previous spot with the Kicking team retaining the football and the down replayed, or they may accept
an awarded catch at the spot of the foul.
6. Snapping, Handing and Passing the Ball:
a. All plays must be started by a legal snap from a point on the inbounds line.
b. The offensive team is responsible for retrieving the ball after a down.
c. Players may use a 2, 3, or 4 point stance.
d. The defensive team may not encroach, touch the ball, contact opponents, or break the scrimmage line plane. This
includes being in the neutral zone. Once the snapper’s hands are on the ball, it is encroachment for any player to break
the scrimmage line plane. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot. If the defensive team commits two consecutive
encroachment fouls, the penalty will be 10 yards.
e. No offensive player shall make a false start – simulating a charge or start of a play.
f.
Snapping:
i. All plays must start with a legal snap.
ii. The snapper may not snap the ball to him/herself.
iii. The snapper may not move or adjust the ball simulating the beginning of play until it is snapped.
iv. The snapper must pass the ball back from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion of the
hands.
v. The player receiving the snap must be at least 2 yards behind the offensive scrimmage line.
vi. The offensive team players must be within 15 yards of the ball before the snap.
vii. The offensive team must have at least 4 players on their scrimmage line (Co-rec: 5 players) at the snap.
viii. Only one offensive player may be in motion, but not towards the opponent’s goal line at the snap.
ix. The remainder players must be stationary in their positions without movement of their feet, body, head or
arms.
x. If a team (or a player) shifts before snapping the ball, all offensive players must stop and remain stationary
without movement for at least 1 second before the snap.
g. No male may run the ball beyond its own scrimmage line (co-rec only).
h. A runner may pass the ball backward or lose player possession by a fumble anytime except if intentionally thrown outof-bounds to conserve time.
i. A backward pass or fumble in flight may be caught or intercepted by any other player inbounds and advanced. A
player may not throw an untouched backward pass to him/herself.
j. If a backward pass or fumble in flight is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams inbounds, the ball
becomes dead at the spot of the catch and belongs to the offensive team.
k. A backward pass or fumble in flight which goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines belongs to the offensive team at
the out-of-bounds spot. If out-of-bounds behind a goal line, it is a touchback or safety.
l. A backward pass or fumble which touches the ground between the goal lines is dead at the spot where it touches the
ground and belongs to the offensive team unless lost on downs.
7. Legal and Illegal Forward Pass:
a. Only one forward pass can be thrown per down.
b. A forward pass is illegal:
i. If the passer’s foot is beyond the plane of his/her scrimmage line when the ball leaves his/her hand.
ii. If thrown after team possession has changed during the down.
iii. If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to save loss of yardage.
iv. If a passer catches his/her untouched forward pass.
v. If there is more than one forward pass per down.
c. Co-rec illegal forward pass:
i. “Closed” – a male player may NOT throw a legal forward pass completion to another male player.
ii. “Open” – any player can complete a legal forward pass to another player.
iii. If official indicates the down “open/closed” incorrectly, the play is nullified and the down will be repeated.
iv. There may not be 2 consecutive forward pass completions from a male passer to a male receiver. This rule
applies to the Try.
v. If a male passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver, the next forward pass completion must involve a
female receiver or passer for positive yards. (Beyond offensive team’s scrimmage line or the next play
remains “closed”).
vi. A legal forward pass caught simultaneously by a male and female is considered a female reception.
vii. If a female passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver behind team’s own scrimmage line on either an
“open” or “closed” play and he runs beyond the scrimmage line, it is an illegal forward pass.
d. When an illegal forward pass touches the ground or goes out-of-bounds the ball becomes dead and belongs to the
passing team, at the spot from where the pass was thrown, unless a new series of downs has been created. In such a
case the ball belongs to the passing team if, after enforcement of the penalty, the ball is left in advance of the zone lineto-gain, or belongs to the opponents if the ball, after the penalty, did not make the next zone line-to-gain and the foul
occurred during 4th down. If a player catches an illegal forward pass, the ball continues in play until declared dead.
e. A completed pass or interception only requires one foot to be inbounds at the time of the catch, but must be the first
part of the person to make contact with the ground after the catch.
f. If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by members of opposing teams inbounds, the ball becomes dead at the spot
of the catch and belongs to the offensive team.
g. When a forward pass touches the ground or anything out-of-bounds, it becomes dead.
h. Passer Interference:
i. If contact is made to the eligible receiver beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line, unless there are 2 or
more eligible receivers attempting to reach, catch, or bat a pass.
ii. Hindering an opponent’s vision without making an attempt to catch, intercept or bat the ball is pass
interference, even though no contact was made.
iii. If an eligible receiver is deflagged/tagged prior to attempting to catch the pass thrown beyond the offensive
team’s scrimmage line.
i.
After the ball is snapped, and until the pass has been touched by an offensive team player, there shall not be offensive
pass interference beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line.
j. After the pass is thrown, and until the pass has been touched by any player, there shall be no defensive pass
interference beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line while the pass is in flight.
k. Defensive action which is not a foul and is away from the direction of the pass is not defensive pass interference.
8. Scoring Plays and Touchback:
a. Mercy Rule: If a team is 19 or more points (Co-rec: 25 or more points) ahead at half time, the game is over.
b. Touchdowns:
i. 6 points, however, if a female scores or throws a legal forward pass to a teammate and a touchdown is scored,
9 points are awarded.
ii. A touchdown is when a player advances the ball across the vertical plane of the opponent’s goal line and when
a loose ball is caught by a player while the ball is on or behind the opponent’s goal line.
iii. The player scoring the touchdown must raise his/her arms so the nearest official can deflag the player. If the
player is not deflagged with one pull and the official determines the flag belt has been secured illegally, the
touchdown is not allowed, and the player is disqualified. Penalty: 10 yards, from previous spot and loss of
down for the offensive team, and automatic 1st down for the defensive team.
c. Try is an opportunity to score after a touchdown by running or passing from the following yard lines:
i. 3 yard line = 1 point
ii. 10 yard line = 2 points
iii. 20 yard line = 3 points
iv. The team captain must notify the official of which Try their team is attempting to complete. It may not be
changed unless a time-out is taken.
v. If the defensive team intercepts a pass or fumble during a Try and returns it for a touchdown, they score 3
points.
vi. If a double foul occurs during the down, the down shall be replayed. When a distance penalty is incurred by
the offensive team during a successful Try, the down will be repeated, if accepted. However, if an offensive
team penalty carries a loss of down, the Try has ended and will not be repeated. No points are scored for the
offensive team, if accepted.
vii. During a Try the defensive team intercepts a pass in their end zone, runs out of the end zone, and then back
into the end zone where he/she is deflagged. The opposite team is awarded a one-point safety and it is the first
defensive team’s ball, 1st and 6 on the 14 yard line.
d. After a Try, the ball shall be snapped by the defensive team at their own 14 yard line, unless moved by a penalty.
e. Safety = 2 points:
i. A runner carries the ball from the field of play to or across his/her own goal line, and it becomes dead in their
possession. EXCEPTION: If a defensive player intercepts a pass or fumble, or catches a punt between the 5
yard line and the goal line and his/her momentum carries him/her into the end zone where the ball is declared
dead in his/her possession. The ball belongs to the defensive team at the spot where possession was gained.
ii. A player punts, passes, fumbles, snaps, muffs or bats a loose ball from the field of play to or across his/her
goal line and the ball subsequently becomes dead there in team’s possession.
iii. A player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and measurement is from a spot in
his/her end zone; or throws an illegal forward pass from his/her end zone and the penalty is declined in a
situation which leaves his/her in possession at the spot of the illegal pass and with the ball having been forced
into the end zone by the passing team.
iv. After a safety, the ball shall be snapped by the scoring team at their own 14 yard line, unless moved by
penalty.
f. Touchback occurs when:
i. A punt is downed by the defensive team and touches anything while the ball is on or behind the punter’s goal
line.
ii. The punting team downs a punt that touches anything while the ball is on or behind the defensive team’s goal
line, or if no one attempts to secure the ball.
iii. The ball goes out-of-bounds behind the goal line (except from an incomplete forward pass), when the ball
becomes dead in possession of a player on, above or behind the player’s own goal line, or when the ball
becomes dead not in possession on, above or behind the team’s own goal line, and the attacking team is
responsible.
iv. After touchbacks, the ball will be snapped from the nearest 14 yard line, unless moved by penalty.
9. Conduct of Players and Others:
a. When the ball becomes dead in possession of a player, he/she shall not intentionally kick the ball, spike the ball into the
ground, or throw the ball high into the air.
b. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes, coaches, or others subject to the Rules. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
i. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
ii. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
s.
t.
u.
v.
w.
iii. Indicating objections to an official’s decision.
iv. Holding an unauthorized conference, or being on the field illegally.
v. Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
vi. Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the game by persons subject to the Rules.
vii. Fighting an opponent.
viii. Leaving the team area and entering the playing field during a fight.
Two unsportsmanlike fouls by the same player or nonplayer results in disqualification.
If a player is ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she may be allowed to remain on the bench. If
the ejected player creates a problem for the game officials from the bench area, he/she will be told to leave the field
area – “out of sight, out of sound.” If the player refuses to leave, the game could be forfeited.
If three unsportsmanlike conduct fouls occur by the same team in one game, that team will be required to forfeit the
game.
No player, substitute, coach or others subject to the Rules shall use words or phrases or commit any act not in
accordance with the spirit for fair play for the purposes of confusing the opponent.
No player shall commit the following personal fouls:
i. Strip or attempt to strip the ball from a runner by punching, striking or stealing it.
ii. Contact a player who is on the ground.
iii. Throw the runner to the ground.
iv. Hurdle another player.
v. Contact a player before or after the ball is declared dead.
vi. Fighting with another player or official.
vii. Deliberately drive or run into another player.
viii. Position self on shoulders or body of another player to gain an advantage.
ix. Tackling the runner.
Defensive players must make every effort to avoid contact with the passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown
forward legally. If the rusher contacts the passer’s hand or arm, whether or not he/she touches the pass, it is roughing
the passer. Roughing the passer does not apply if it is passed beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line.
Screen Blocking:
i. Offensive screen blocking must be completed without contact.
ii. The screen blockers must have his/her hands and arms at his/her side or behind his/her back. Any use of body
to initiate an offensive player’s screen block is illegal.
iii. A screen blocker must be on his/her feet before, during, and after screen blocking.
iv. A screen blocker must not take a position closer than a normal step when behind a stationary opponent.
v. A screen blocker may not make contact when assuming a position at the side or in front of a stationary
opponent.
vi. A screen blocker must not take a position so close to a moving opponent that his/her opponent cannot avoid
contact by stopping or changing direction.
vii. A screen blocker may not move to maintain his/her legal screening position unless he/she moves in the same
direction and path as his/her opponent.
Teammates may not interlock or encircle a passer or runner in any manner.
Defensive players must go around the offensive player’s screen block.
Players must have possession of the ball before they can be deflagged legally by an opponent.
If a flag belt is removed illegally, play continues with the option of the penalty or the play.
A player tampering with his/her flag belt in anyway to gain an advantage is illegal.
If a runner loses his/her flag belt, the deflagging reverts to a one hand tag of the runner between the shoulders and
knees by an opponent.
Runners may not flag guard his/her belt: placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt, placing the ball in
possession over the flag belt, lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the flag belt.
A runner may not stiff arm an opponent in attempt to ward off the opponent.
A runner may not be grasped or pushed by a teammate to “Help the Runner.”
An opponent may not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of a runner when in the act of removing the flag belt
or making a legal tag.
A runner may not charge into an opponent in his/her path nor attempt to run between two opponents or between an
opponent and a sideline, unless the space is such as to provide a reasonable chance for his/her to go through without
contact. If a runner in his/her progress has established a straight line path, he/she may not be crowded out of that path,
but if an opponent is able to legally establish a defensive position in that path, the runner must avoid contact by
changing direction.
Players may only bat a pass or fumble in flight. Players may not bat a backward pass or a ball that is in a player’s
possession.
No player shall intentionally kick a ball other than a punt.
The following is illegal participation:
i. Having 8 (co-rec 9) or more players participating at the snap.
ii. Co-rec – having more than the legal number of males or females participating at the snap.
iii. If an injured player is not replaced for at least one down.
iv. When any player, replaced player, or substitute enters during a down.
10. Enforcement of Penalties:
a. A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed. Types include dead ball (occurs in the time interval after a
down has ended and before the ball is next snapped), live ball (occurs during a down), and simultaneous with the snap
(an act which becomes a foul when the ball is snapped).
b. When a foul occurs during a live ball the referee will notify both captains. He/she will then inform the captain of the
offended team regarding the rights of penalty acceptance or declination and indicate the number of ensuing down,
distance to be gained, and status of the ball for each available choice. The distance penalty for any foul may be
declined. If the penalty is declined or if there is a double foul, there is no loss of distance. The captain may not change
his/her decision and it must be made before any charged time-out is granted to either team.
c. The penalty for fouls between downs, nonplayer fouls, and unsportsmanlike fouls are enforced from the succeeding
spot (the spot where the ball would next be snapped if a foul had not occurred). If a dead ball foul occurs after time
expires for any period, the penalty shall be measured from the succeeding spot.
d. When a live ball foul by one team is followed by a dead ball foul by the opponent, the penalties are administered
separately and in the order of occurrence. When the same team commits a live ball foul followed by one or more dead
ball fouls, all fouls may be penalized.
e. Establishing the zone line-to gain:
i. On a live ball foul mark off the penalty yardage first then establish the zone line-to-gain.
ii. Penalties for fouls with succeeding spot enforcement which occur prior to the ready for play signal shall be
administered before setting the zone line-to-gain down box for a new series.
iii. Penalties for fouls with succeeding spot enforcement which occur after the ready for play signal shall be
administered after setting the zone line-to-gain down box for a new series.
iv. During overtime the zone line-to-gain is always the goal line.
11. Types of Play and Basic Enforcement Spots:
a. Any live ball foul is penalized according to the All-But-One Enforcement Principle except a foul which occurs
simultaneously with the snap (previous spot) and a nonplayer, unsportsmanlike foul, or dead ball foul (succeeding
spot).
b. All fouls are penalized from the basic spot except a foul by the offense behind the basic spot is penalized from the spot
of the foul. Exception: Roughing the passer.
c. A loose ball play is action during a punt, a legal forward pass, a backward pass (including snap), a fumble by the
offensive team behind their scrimmage line, and the run or runs which precedes such legal pass, punt, or fumble.
d. If a foul occurs during a loose ball play, the basic enforcement spot is the previous spot, the spot of the snap.
e. The penalty for roughing the passer on a completed forward pass will be enforced from the end of the last run when the
run ends beyond the neutral zone and no change of possession has occurred.
f. On a punt if the receiving team fouls behind their scrimmage line prior to the end of a kick that lands beyond their
scrimmage line and the kicking team does not have possession of the ball when the kick ends the penalty is taken from
where the kick ends. If the kick ends in the end zone, it is taken from the 14 yard line.
g. A running play is any action which is not a loose ball play: a run which is not followed by a loose ball behind the line,
a run which is followed by an illegal pass from behind the line, and any run beyond the line.
h. If a foul occurs during a running play, the basic enforcement spot is the spot where the related run ends: where the ball
becomes dead if the runner does not lose possession, where the player loses possession if his/her run is followed by
his/her fumble or pass, and at the spot of the catch when the momentum rule is in effect.
i. A measurement cannot take the ball more than half the distance from the enforcement spot to the offending team’s goal
line. If the penalty is greater than this, the ball is placed halfway between the enforcement spot and the goal line.
j. For a defensive team foul, if the enforcement spot which is now the basic spot, is on or behind the offended team’s goal
line any measurement is from the succeeding spot.
k. Kick Catch Interference – The receiver may choose a 10 yard penalty from the previous spot with the kicking team
retaining the football and the down replayed, or they may accept an awarded catch at the spot of the foul.
l. If there is a foul by the offensive team, other than unsportsmanlike or nonplalyer, during a down which results in a
successful touchdown or Try, the acceptance of the penalty nullifies the score. If there is a foul by the defensive team
during a down which results in a successful touchdown or Try, the penalty will be enforced from the succeeding spot.
m. When a foul occurs after a touchdown and before the ball is ready for play for the Try, the enforcement is at the
succeeding spot where the ball will be next snapped for the Try.
n. Double Fouls is when both teams commit fouls, other than unsportsmanlike and nonplayer, during the same live ball
period in which there is no change of team possession, no change of team possession and the team in possession at the
end of the down fouls prior to the final change of possession, and there is a change of possession and the team in final
possession accepts the penalty for its opponent’s foul. The penalty is cancelled and the down is replayed.
o. When two or more live ball fouls are committed by the same team, only one penalty may be chosen except when a
foul(s) for unsportsmanlike or nonplayer conduct occurs (administered from the succeeding spot).
p. Penalties for dead ball fouls are administered separately and in the order of occurrence.
q. Fouls by the offensive team which include loss of down are illegal forward and backward passes, forward pass
interference, and illegally secured flag belt.
r. Fouls by the defensive team which give the offensive team an automatic first down are forward pass interference,
roughing the passer who has thrown the ball from behind their scrimmage line, and illegally secured flag belt.
s. An offensive player that dives into the end zone or to gain a first down will be penalized 10 yards from the spot of the
infraction.
Fouls and Penalties Summary (This is not all inclusive, but highlights the most frequent)
KEY
DB - Dead ball
LOD - Loss of down
AFD - Automatic first down
EJT – Automatic Ejection
All penalties are live ball penalties unless noted otherwise.
Five-Yard Penalties
- Delay of game (DB)
- Illegal equipment
- Unfair tactics
- Illegal substitution
- Encroachment (DB)
- False start (DB)
- Illegal snap (DB)
- Illegal motion
- Illegal forward pass (LOD)
- Intentional grounding (LOD)
- Advancement by male runner (Co-rec)
Ten-Yard Penalties
- Offensive pass interference (*2013 CHANGE: NO LOD)
- Defensive pass interference (*2013 CHANGE: NO AFD)
- Illegally secured flag belt (LOD & EJT)
- Unsportsmanlike conduct (Two will result in (EJT))
- Steal, strike, or batting the ball
- Tripping
- Hurdling
- Illegal contact
- Clipping
- Roughing the passer (AFD)
- Flag guarding
- Stiff arm
- Obstruction of runner, illegal flag belt removal
- Fighting or Attempt to Fight (EJT)
LSUS Recreational Sports
One University Place
University Center
Shreveport, LA 71112
Phone: 318-797-5393
Fax: 318-798-4103
www.lsus.edu/recsports