Norman Optimist Club Flag Football
Revised September 17th, 2015
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Schedules will be posted at www.nocsports.com, Football tab.
Regular Season games will be played on
Sunday afternoons between 1:00 and 8:00 PM,
With some Tuesday/Thursday evening games as required.
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Teams will play a 1-day round robin scrimmage, 8 regular season games, and a
tournament at the end of the season. Default tournament format is a seeded
single-elimination format, but this may be adjusted to a double-elimination format
time and space permitting.
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Games are played at Norman North High School
I. NOC FLAG DIVISIONS:
The Norman
Optimist Club offers four flag football divisions.
st
• K/1 Grade
nd
• 2 Grade
rd
• 3 Grade
Each division has specific rules that apply and these rules will include there reference to the appropriate division.
II. GENERAL NOC FLAG FOOTBALL REGULATIONS
A. Conduct (See the NOC “Coach Standards & Conduct” policy)
Personnel Allowed on the Field - no one except players and coaching staff are allowed on the field for any
reason. On the field is defined as inside the fence surrounding the field, which includes the track and the open space at
the north and south ends of the field. To be specific, teams are allowed to have NO MORE than four coaches per
team (coaches are defined as anyone on the sideline or on the field), plus ONE ADULT to take team
photographs. The adult taking photographs must remain on the track surrounding the field. In addition to this, the
home team may have an additional two people on the field to run the chains. Exceptions: Spectators that require the
use of a wheel-chair, motorized chair, or anyone otherwise physically incapable of using the bleachers may be allowed
to sit directly in front of the bleachers inside the fence in the space in between the bleachers and the track. Such
individuals must inform a league administrator or security personnel on site prior to going on the field to the designated
space.
Inappropriate Conduct–All games will be controlled by the referees and all persons must respect
their authority.Unsportsmanlike conduct, rough or profane language, or fighting of any nature will not
be tolerated. The entire team may be held responsible for the actions of any individual coach, parent or
player on their roster.
Verbal Threats & Physical Battery–Any physical threat to a person or willful damage to property
shall result in automatic ejection from the ballpark and possibly additional sanctions up to and
including criminal charges being filed. Any assault or battery upon any person at the Flag Football
facility will result in immediate ejection from the park and/or the police being called and criminal
charges being filed. Suspensions and expulsions from the flag football facilities will be decided by
the FLAG FOOTBALL COMMITTEE
Ejections- Any member of the football committee, League Coordinator or board member may eject a coach, parent or
any spectator. Coaches and parents will respect the officials and the Optimist Football Committee’s
decisions. Anyone ejected two (2) times in a season will be expelled for one full year for all NOC sports. Player's that
are ejected two (2) times in a season will be expelled for one year for all NOC sports. If a coach or a parent is ejected
they WILL NOT be allowed to re-enter the park for that day of competition and the next competition day or until they
meet with football committee. The football committee will meet twice (2) a month for a coach/parent ejection
meeting. NOC reserves the right to eject a coach, player, parent or any spectator for the season on a 1st offense
considering the severity of the offense, or any other reason deemed appropriate by the NOC board or Football
Committee. All those suspended and being expelled may file an appeal with a non-refundable cash deposit of $100 to
meet with the football committee. All denied appeals would automatically forfeit the cash deposit.
Any player, coach or spectator interfering with the orderly progression of any game may be ejected by an
official or NOC board or football committee member.
Standard ejection will be for that day of competition and the next day of completion unless otherwise stated by
the football committee.
B. Referee’s Decisions
The referee’s decisions shall be final on all decisions of fact. Any discussion concerning interpretations of the
rules must be made by the Head Coach only. Continued debate after a final decision has been rendered will
constitute delay of the game and penalized appropriate
C. Game Times
Games must be started at official time as set forth in the official schedule. Teams will be allowed five
minutes warm-up drill. If the start is delayed by the previous game, the start time will be five minutes
after the end of the previous game. Games are subject to forfeiture 2 minutes after the official start time
if a team does not have at least 5 players available to start the game.
D. Player Eligibility
The responsibility of the eligibility of players will rest with the team managers/coaches.
E. Game Ball
Each team will furnish one game ball. Game balls will be inspected by the officials prior to the start of the game.
F. First-down Marker
The HOME team is required to provide two people to run the first down markers.
G. Schedule Changes
Any and all changes to the schedule, if warranted, will be made through the FLAG FOOTBALL
COMMITTEE.
III. PARTICIPATION
A. Players
Eight players–This applies to both offense and defense.
On offense, all eight players are “eligible” and may catch, run, or throw the ball as well as shift or go in motion. A
team must have a minimum of 5 players to compete in a game
On defense, ONLY TWO of these players may rush (cross the line of scrimmage prior to the offense
advancing the ball across this same line). Any defensive position may rush, but RUSHERS MUST
LINE UP AT LEAST 3-YARDS OFF THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. All other defensive players
may line up on the line of scrimmage so long as other defensive rules are followed.
B. Substitutions
No incoming substitute shall be on the field of play when the ball is in play .No player may lineup closer than five yards
from the sideline unless he came out of a huddle or he was on the field of play during the previous play and did not
leave the field of play.
C. Eligibility
This will be determined by the grade of the participant during sign-up. Any situations beyond this will
be decided by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
D. Team Roster
Rosters will be determined by prioritizing teams by the participants’ current school, then common middle-schools, and
high school.
IV.EQUIPMENT
Ball
The same Pee Wee size ball is used for K, 1, 2, 3. Each team will be responsible for providing a game ball for their
offense. The ball must be the proper size and of good quality (Nike Spiral Tech, Under Armor, etc.). Balls with a
natural cover or a high quality synthetic cover are required. Footballs with a tacky skin may be used. The Head
Official will inspect all game balls and use their best judgment to approve or deny the use of a ball during the game.
Uniform
Jersey – NOC will provide shirts to teams in the Kindergarten and 1st grade divisions only. All 2nd and 3rd grade teams
must provide their own jerseys. Each player’s jersey must have a unique number on the back. Inappropriate/vulgar
team names are prohibited. All jersey colors must be approved by the Flag Football Director in order to prevent
confusion between teams with similar jerseys. All shirts/jerseys must be tucked so as to not interfere with access to
players’ flags. Coaches shirts are permitted, but they must be distinguishable from player uniforms so as to not cause
confusion during play.
Shorts/Pants–The color of the pants or shorts shall NOT be close to the color of the flags worn (typically
yellow or red). In other words the color of the pants must contrast against the color of the flag. Black is
typically a safe color to choose for pants or shorts.
Shoes–Each participant must wear any flat-soled or completely molded cleat or athletic shoes. This
includes standard tennis shoes and cleats appropriate for soccer, football, or youth baseball. NO
REMOVEABLE CLEATS, STEEL BASEBALL SPIKES, OR ANY SHOES THAT HAVE STEEL
OR METAL TIPS ARE ALLOWED.
Flags– The NOC will provide all flags used in games. Each team member will wear a flag belt with the
two flags positioned so that one is on each hip. This belt must be worn snugly on the outside of the
uniform with any extra belt length tucked into the shorts or pants. The individual flags are each 12”
long and 2”inches wide. DO NOT ALTER THE WIDTH, LENGTH OR THE POSITION OF THE
FLAGS! (Intentional disregard to this equipment standard will result in an immediate forfeit.). Flag
belts that are loose and/or move from their proper position during a play may be blown dead at the
discretion of the referee, so coaches make sure your player’s equipment is properly secured.
V.FIELD
The length of the field’s will be 50 yards with the ball being spotted on the 40-yard line at
the start of possession. The width of the field is TBD. Each playing field will have a
single end-zone that will be used by each team. Upon a change of possession, teams will
change directions so that the offense lines up facing the end zone, and the defense lines
up facing away from the end zone. See Section VIII for more detail regarding the field of
play.
VI.GAME OPERATION
A. Duration
Four 8-minute quarters with a 2-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute halftime. A “running” clock will
mark the time. The clock will run continuously for each quarter. Each team will be permitted two 30-second timeouts
per half. Timeouts will the game clock. Immediately upon the conclusion of the 30-second timeout period the
official will spot the ball and the 30-second play clock will begin. The game clock will resume once the ball is snapped
or at the expiration of the first 30-second play clock, whichever is first.
Exchanging Directions–Upon a change of possession, the offense will take possession of the ball on
the 40-yard line facing the end zone.
Other play stoppages–These may be called at the discretion of the referees or officials. Officials may
order the game clock stopped or started when, in their opinion, either team is trying to conserve or
consume playing time by tactics obviously unfair. This could also result in a delay penalty,
unsportsmanlike conduct, or forfeiture of the game.
NOTE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATION AND CARE SHALL BE GIVEN TO ALL INJURIES.THE
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IS HOW AN INJURED PLAYER IS REMOVED.
B. Play Clock
30 seconds–Each team will have this time to put the ball in play after an official has marked the ball
and whistled the ball ready for play. Should a team fail to put the ball in play within the 30-second
period a delay of game penalty shall be issued. The play clock will be ran by the referees, and their
time will be official.
C. Injuries & Other Stoppage
If an offensive player is injured and is unable to leave the field during the course of the 30-second
play clock the team will be charged a timeout and the play clock will stop. If this happens a second
time in the same half the team will be charged their second timeout and the play clock will be
stopped. If this happens a third time in the half, or if the team has already used their timeouts for that
half, the team will lose any remaining timeouts for the remainder for the game.
If a defensive player is injured and is unable to leave the field immediately, then the defense will be
charged a timeout. The same rules with the use of timeouts due to injuries that apply to the offense
also apply to the defense.
Exceptions will be made for serious injury. These will be at the discretion of the officials and are
absolutely not negotiable.
VII.SCORING
A. Touchdowns
Six points–Touchdowns occur when the team possessing the ball, advances across their opponent’s goal line. BOTH
of the player’s flags must cross the goal line. Any time a flag is pulled and play is blown dead the ball is spotted at the
spot of the BACK flag. The team scoring a touchdown then receives an opportunity for point(s) after the touchdown.
B. Point after Touchdown
Three-Yard Spot –The scoring team gains one point by running the ball across the goal line or two
points by passing the ball across the goal line (i.e. the ball must be airborne across the goal line and
caught inside the endzone).
Ten-Yard Spot–The scoring team gains two points by either running or passing the ball across the goal
line.
C. Interception
Two points – An interception by the defense shall result in the intercepting team receiving two points
and possession of the ball on the 40-yard line.
NOTE: Interceptions during a point-after attempt DO NOT result in points for the defense
A. Safety
In the event that an offensive player’s flag is pulled beyond the 50-yard line while he or she is in
possession of the ball, the defense shall be awarded a safety worth two points and possession of the ball
on the 40-yard line.
VIII. SPECIFIC PARTICIPATION RULES
A. Practice
Practice requirements are based on 3 hours of practice per week. Coaches are not restricted from practicing more but
players may not be forced have their minimum quarters per game cut based on practice missed beyond the 3 hours of
practice the league recognizes. If a player attends at least 3 hours of practice he MUST be allowed to play the number
of quarters as stated in the following participation rules. If a player doesn’t practice at all coaches are not required to
play that player in their game(s) that week. If a player attends at least 1 ½ hour of practice the coach is required to play
the player for 1 quarter in game(s) that week. Coaches are encouraged to use their best judgment considering family
emergencies, illness, etc. A coach must notify the Head Official prior to any game where a player’s playing time is
being restricted. Failure to do so will result in the player receiving the full playing time mandated by the NOC.
B. Minimum number of participants
Five players –Games begin with a minimum of five players per team.
C. Substitution
Substitutions can only be made after the ball changes possession. Once a player has begun playing on either offense or
defense that player must remain on the field until the offense scores, there is a turnover on downs, there is an
interception, or the game clock has expired in the first half.
D. Rushing the Opposing Offense
Two players –Only two players may cross the line of scrimmage (LOS) to rush the opponent prior to the ball crossing
that same point. If the ball carrier crosses the LOS and then retreats back behind it, ALL defensive players may cross
the LOS. RUSHERS MUST LINE UP AT LEAST 3-YARDS OFF THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE.
E. Specific Offensive Rules
1st, 2nd , & 3rd Grade –Teams must attempt a forward pass on either first or second down (the pass does not have to
cross the LOS, but it must be forward). If the defense pulls the QB’s flag prior to the release of the ball and the QB was
clearly attempting to pass the ball in the opinion of the official the team will not be penalized for failing to pass.
Kindergarten – There is no requirement to pass. However, teams are encouraged to attempt to pass the ball in an effort
to help develop the necessary skills.
NOTE: Should the Kindergarten and 1st Grade divisions have to be merged the above rules will remain in effect.
I.e. if a game features ones K team and one 1st grade team, the 1st grade team still must attempt a pass on 1st or
2nd down, while the K team does not.
The Snap–The ball must be left at the official mark and to begin the play, the center must snap the
ball between center’s legs and continuous to the receiver of the ball. Balls snapped passed the QB,
whether in the air passed the QB or rolling on the ground, will be immediately blown dead and the
ball spotted where it was blown dead. Snaps that bounce or roll on the ground in front of the QB
are live and may be cleanly fielded by the QB. If the ball stops rolling or is muffed by the QB the
ball is blown dead. Officials may at their own discretion blow snaps on the ground dead if allowing
the play to continue could result in player collisions and/or injury. The ball may be snapped to the
QB or directly to any other play so long as the snap is continuous.
F. Coaches in the Huddle (on the field)
K, 1st & 2nd Grade Divisions–Two coaches per team can be on the field/in the huddle
3rd Grade Division –One coach can be on the field/in the huddle.
Note: No body cameras or recording device of any kind may be used on the field or from the
coaches’ area on the sideline at any time. Parents can video tape from parent’s area ONLY.
No filming from coaches’ area.
Shirt color–Coaches may not wear the same color top as their team to avoid confusing the opposing quarterback.
F. Suspensions
Participation Suspensions–The officials on the field or NOC league officials may suspend any player,
coach or fan for unsportsmanlike conduct, rough or profane language or fighting of any nature.
Suspended players and coaches will need to meet with the FLAG FOOTBALL COMMITTEE to
determine if additional sanctions apply.
G. Forfeits
Participation Forfeits–If one of the teams cannot field the required five players, the game will be forfeited with the
other teamwinning“7 to 0”.
Conduct Forfeits–If through an action of a coach, fan, or participant, the referee determines a forfeit is
appropriate, the game will be considered as a win for the opposing team with the current score (if the
opponent is leading),or by one point (if the opponent was behind). Conduct requiring forfeit decisions
include UN sportsmanlike conduct, rough or profane language, or fighting of any nature.
IX.SPECIFIC GAME RULES
A. Coin Toss
At the beginning of the game, a coin is tossed and the winner gets the option of offense, defense, or the
option to defer his choice to the beginning of the second half.
B. Ball in Play
The ball shall be put in play at the beginning of the game, beginning of the second half, and after a score by placing the
ball on the 40-yard line of the offensive team and play shall begin with first down.
C. First Downs
Each possession shall start on the 40-yard line. The offense shall have a series of 4 downs to
advance the ball beyond the line to gain. The line to gain shall be the second solid line from the
point at which the ball is spotted at the start of each new series. A new series of down is awarded
each time the line to gain is reached, and the new line to gain is established as the 2nd solid line
from the spot of the ball when the new when the new series is awarded
Marking the Ball –The ball will spotted based on the spot the back flag was when a flag was pulled or
dropped (i.e. If a player’s front hip is on the goal line and the back hip on the 1 yard line when either
flag is pulled, the ball is marked at the 1 yard line). Where the ball is located doesn’t matter when
spotting the ball on a pulled flag. If the ball touches the ground after completing a legal pitch or a pass
is dropped after possession was gained, or if the ball carrier drops the ball, the play is blown dead and
marked at the spot where the player lost possession. If the ball carrier crosses the side line the ball is
marked where the BACK flag went out of bounds. In order to rule on goal line and first-down line spots,
BOTH FLAGS must cross the line in question.
D. Offensive Formations
The offense may lineup in any desired formation (no line or backfield requirements).Someone other than
the center must receive the snap, and the snap must occur between the center’s legs and be continuous.
Stances–Any stance is permitted, although the center must address the ball squarely and the snap must
pass between his legs.
Motion–One offensive player may be moving at the time the ball is snapped IF that movement is
parallel or away from the line of scrimmage.
Shift–Two or more offensive players may change positions after the center has touched the ball
(addressed the snap), IF all players except a player in motion are set for one count before the snap is
made and the play began.
E. Defensive Formations
The defense may lineup in any desired formation EXCEPT that no defensive player may line up
directly over the center within 3 yards of the LOS.
Rushing–ONLY TWO defensive players may cross the LOS prior to the offense doing so, but again,
rushers MUST line up at least 3-yards off the line of scrimmage.
F. Encroachment & Offside
A five-yard penalty will be called when either an offensive or defensive player crosses the plane of the LOS prior to the
center snap. A center that falsely moves the football will also result in a five-yard penalty. If a player on either side
LINES UP OFFSIDES, the Line-Judge will give the offending player one warning. If that player does not get back onsides before the ball is snapped, he will be considered as having encroached at the moment of snap. If an official has
not “warned” the team for lining up offside by pointing at them, he should not call encroachment on the snap of the
ball. They should be warned first and given a chance to move back.
G. Screening & Rushing
The effort of the rushers to disrupt the play combined with the effort of any screeners attempting to
prevent this from occurring can be the source of most of the official’s judgment calls and the coaches and
players frustration. This struggle between screener and rusher needs to be clear in all participants, and is
most analogous to basketball’s use of the “charging/ blocking ”fouls .If the screener has a solid position
,the rusher cannot go through him .If the rusher has the advantage then the screener cannot slide in to him
(but he may move in front of the rusher so long as doing so does not cause contact).
Screener –Screen blocking shall be defined as obstructing the rusher’s path to the quarterback or ball carrier.
All screening must be behind the LOS – no downfield screening is allowed. The screener must be holding on to his/her
belt or have his/her thumbs hooked inside his/her pants while screen. There is a 3-yard “halo effect” for ball carriers,
such that other offensive players running down field adjacent to the ball carrier may not make any attempt to screen or
block) a defender (within the judgement of the official) within this 3-yard “halo.”
A penalty will be called if screener’s hand leaves his flag belt while in the process of screening within two yards of the
rusher.
Rusher –The restrictions places on the screener places him in a very vulnerable position and therefore
restrictions also apply to the rusher.
THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY OF AVOIDING CONTACT RESTS WITH THE RUSHER!
The rusher may not run over or through the screener. The rusher may not pull or push the screener with
his hands or arms. The rusher is entitled to his path if both shoulders are outside the closest shoulder of
the screener. A penalty will be called if the rusher touches the head or neck of an upright screener.
H. Rushing the Quarterback
The other area of safety applies to the upper-body contact between rusher and the quarterback.
Roughing the Quarterback–If, in an attempt to block a pass, a rusher touches the quarterback’s
HEAD, THROWING ARM or the rusher’s momentum carries him into the quarterback a penalty will
be called. The rusher can pull the quarterback’s flag however as with any other ballcarrier. If the QB
is in the motion of throwing the football and his hand is moving forward when his flag is pulled
will be allowed to complete the throw. The play is still live and will NOT be called dead.
I. Behind the LOS Exchanges
Forward pass –ONLY ONE forward pass is allowed per play whether it is completed behind or beyond
the line of scrimmage (LOS)
Laterals and Throw-Backs– Up to two laterals and/or throwbacks (ball pitched or thrown parallel or
away from the LOS) are allowed behind the LOS. Ball may then also be thrown downfield past the LOS.
J. Beyond the LOS Exchanges
Forward pass –NO FORWARD exchange (pass, pitch, kick, slap, or inadvertent toss) is allowed. The
play will be dead from the point it occurred and the penalty marked off from this spot.
Laterals–Any number of legal (behind the ball carrier) laterals may be performed beyond the LOS. Any
lateral not caught will be marked where the ball hit the ground. Any lateral juggled downfield and
eventually dropped, will be marked where first contacted. Any lateral caught by the defense prior to
touching the ground will be ruled an interception and applicable rules governing interceptions will apply.
K. Receiving
Eligibility–All players of both teams are eligible pass receivers .Each player is eligible, even if he steps
out of bounds or out of the end-zone as long as he made an immediate attempt to get back inbounds, and
is inbounds prior to making an acceptable catch.
Acceptable Catch –A reception will be considered good if the receiver has full possession (one or more
hands solidly on ball) of the catch and is in bounds or makes a leaping catch where at least one foot comes
down in bounds.
Two or more receivers (including same or opposing team players) may touch (tip) a pass before a
reception is made.
Unacceptable Catch–A pass shall be ruled incomplete if the receiver touches the sidelines or the end
zone boundaries with any part of their body while attempting to make a reception, or the receiver’s
first foot comes down on a sideline, boundary line, or out of bounds if attempting a leaping reception.
L.PASS INTERFERENCE
Definition –Contact between the offensive and/or defensive players where an unfair receiving advantage
is gained .Pass interference rules shall apply to any pass made from behind the LOS, whether it is a
forward pass, a throwback, or lateral. Pass interference applies equally to both the offensive and defensive
player.
Rule –After the pass is in the air, neither the pass receiver nor defender may touch the other until one of
them touches the ball .Whoever initiates contact during this time is guilty of pass interference.
The Penalty–No matter when or what type of pass interference occurs, this type of penalty will be
offered as a choice to either accept the play as it stands or take the penalty.
Intentional vs. Non-Intentional Contact–After the initial touch but before a reception is made, the
official must use his best judgment to determine any contact as either non-intentional (both players
attempting to play the ball) or intentional or avoidable contact which would result in a penalty.
Accepted Offensive Pass Interference–Penalty will be marked 10 yards from either the point of
infraction (P.O.I) or line of scrimmage (LOS) whichever is more severe and includes a loss of down.
Accepted Defensive Pass Interference–Penalty will be marked 10 yards from the point of infraction
(P.O.I.) or line of scrimmage (LOS) whichever is more severe, an automatic first down will be
awarded. If infraction occurs on the playing field during a point after touchdown (P.A.T.) the ball will
be placed at the one yard line and a new try will be awarded if needed.
If infraction occurs in the end-zone during normal play, the ball will be placed at the one yard line and a
first down will be awarded.
Stripping–Neither the receiver or defender may attempt to dislodge a ball held by the other.
Face Guarding–The defender or offensive player that blocks the other’s view of the ball without playing the football is
guilty of pass interference.
Bump &Run –A defensive player intentionally using contact at or near the LOS to hinder the receiver’s route will be
guilty of a10-yard penalty.
M. De-flagging
Definition –A ball carrier is downed and the ball is dead when either flag is detached from his belt or
when the ball or either knee touches the ground .A defensive player may leave his feet to pull the
offensive player’s flag, but may not make contact while doing so. When a defensive player pulls the ball
carrier’s flag, he should stop and hold it above his head.
Tackling–Any form of physically grasping the ball carrier or otherwise intentionally hindering his
progress will result in a 10-yard penalty added onto the point of infraction or the LOS whichever is more
severe to the penalized team. If the official deems that the tackle prevented a score, the ball will be placed
on the defender’s one yard line, and awarded a first down. Flagrant physical contact will result in a 15yard penalty and a possible suspension from the game. Pushing or knocking the ball carrier out of bounds
also constitutes tackling and will receive a10-yard penalty.
Illegal Flag Pulling–Any player that pulls a flag from an opposing player when he does not have the ball
with the intent to make that player an ineligible receiver will commit a 10-yard penalty. If a
runner/receiver is illegally de-flagged before he receives the ball, the ball is blown dead at the spot the
runner/receiver first possessed the ball. The offense may choose to take the penalty or the result of the
play.
Legal Flag Pulling–Any defender may pull the ball carrier’s flag only after the offensive player’s initial
touch of the football. The play is dead at that point and marked at the spot of the ball carriers back flag.
The QB whose flag is pulled while his arm is moving forward will be allowed to complete the throw .If he
then receives the ball again, he will be treated as a legally de-flagged player and the ball will be marked
where he touched it.
Flag Guarding–A ball carrier cannot use his hands, arms, or head to prevent access to his flags. The
natural swinging motion of the arms while running does not constitute flag-guarding. However, if the ball
carrier is making a clear effort to knock a defender’s hands away or is holding his or her hand/arm in such a
way as to prevent access to his/her flags he/she is guilty of flag-guarding. This action would result in a10yard penalty from the point of infraction. If a first down was achieved BEFORE the flag guarding occurred
then a first down shall be awarded and the penalty marked off. No loss of down would occur in this
scenario. Otherwise the penalty carries a 10 yard loss and a loss of down. This is historically a major area
of contention between coaches and officials due to the subjective nature of the call. The official’s call is
final in all cases.
Quick Whistle –If an official whistles the play dead prematurely, the offense shall have the choice of:
 Accepting the ball where it was prematurely whistled dead with loss of down or;
 Replaying the down.
M. Ball Carrier
The responsibility of avoiding contact rests with the ball carrier. The ball carrier must show an effort to
avoid contact and cannot deliberately run or drive into defensive player. The ball carrier must also allow
free access to his flags and not protect them with his hands, arms or head. No stiff-arming is allowed.
The ball carrier can attempt to spin, juke, or jump to avoid defenders, but while doing this he may
not cause contact with any defender. Contact deemed excessive by the officials will result a10-yard
penalty for “Runner out of control.”
N. Fumble
When a backward pass or fumble hits the ground between the goal lines; it becomes dead and is spotted where it hits
the ground or at the spot where it left the field of play. Offensives fumble which go forward and hit beyond the next
line-to-gain will result in the ball being marked dead at the point FROM WHICH IT WAS FUMBLED.
O. Center Snap
A center snap MUST go between the center’s legs and be continuous to the receiver. It may touch the
ground before it gets to the quarterback and remain playable if the quarterback fields it cleanly off of a
bounce or from the ground. However, if the quarterback muffs the ball to the ground it is dead where it
first touches the ground. If the ball rolls to a stop it will be blown dead and marked at that spot.
Officials may blow any snap that hits the ground dead if they believe it’s necessary for safety reasons
(to avoid a collision, etc.). A false movement of the football by the center after he is set shall constitute
encroachment. A DIRECT snap (directly from the center’s hands to the receiver’s hands) may be used.
The center may not again receive the ball from the receiver through his legs, but can receive a normal
handoff, throwback, pass or lateral.
Q. Penalties
After a penalty is called, only the head coach of the penalized team may discuss sit with the officials.
Arguing calls is prohibited, but coaches may request clarification as to the call. The official making the
call is obligated to give the description of the infraction along with the rule and the player or players
involved. The official will then give the opposing captain/coach his choices on the penalty. THE
CAPTAIN’S/COACH ’S FIRST CHOICE WILL BE FINAL. Whenever a penalty would normally be
marked off past the goal line, the ball will be placed on the one yard line. Whenever inappropriate
conduct is performed by a player, coach or fan, the official will use their judgment to include penalties,
suspensions or forfeitures based on the severity of those acts. If a coach believes the official has wrongly
interpreted the rules the coach should address his/her concern with the head official once the play clock
has stopped (halftime or end of the game). Games WILL NOT be delayed or paused as a result of a
coach discussing a call or interpretation of the rules for any reason. There will be no protests allowed
during the regular season and the official’s decision will stand. See Section X for more details on
officiating.
Offsetting Penalties–If offsetting fouls occur DURING a down then that down shall be repeated. If
offsetting fouls occur BETWEEN successive downs, the play is blown dead and the down shall be the
same as it would have been had no fouls occurred.
Exceptions–If there is a change of team possession during down or at the end of a down, the team last
gaining possession may decline the offsetting foul and retain possession providing that there in fraction
did not occur before the change of possession.
Example: “Team A is guilty of illegal screening on a play that resulted in a pass interception by Team B.
After the interception occurred; Team B’s ball carrier was penalized for illegal flag guarding.”–Team B
could retain possession by accepting their penalty and declining Team A’s penalty.
Change of Possession Penalties–A team that commits a penalty AFTER gaining possession will retain
possession and the penalty will be marked from the point of infraction.
Forward Laterals –Any pitch, throw, or toss that occurs beyond the LOS and is forward of the ball
carrier shall be penalized from the P.O.I with loss of down. The point of infraction in this case will be the
spot where the forward lateral originated.
Section X – Officiating
A. Officials will be local high school football players. They will undergo preseason training on rules,
game management, conflict resolution, etc. However, like officials at every level of every sport they
can and will make mistakes. Coaches are expected to keep the spirit of youth sports in mind while
interacting with the officials. There will be absolutely no tolerance for disrespectful behavior
towards the officials by any player, coach, or spectator. Head coaches are responsible for the
behavior of the coaches, players, and spectators on their team.
B. There will be no less than two officials assigned to and on the field for each game. One official will
be designated “back judge” and one “line judge.” The back judge will remain in the backfield behind
the offense prior to the snap, and the line judge will remain on the line of scrimmage to the side of both
teams prior to the snap.
C. Once the previous play is completed (to include handling any penalties that may have occurred) the
line judge will spot the ball as quickly as possible so that play may continue.