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Football Rules

COED 8 on 8 FLAG / TOUCH FOOTBALL RULES

Scroll to bottom for the Men's Flag Rules

The Clock

***NEW for Fall 2008 - timed halves will be used for all coed games.***

Game Length: Games consist of two(2) twenty(20)-minute halves with a running clock and two-minute warning at the end of the second half.

Two-Minute Warning: A two-minute warning is given to both head coaches of a game when there is two minutes remaining in the second half or immediately after the play if the two-minute point is reached during a play. The clock is stopped during the warning and starts at the next snap.

Stopping the Clock: Prior to each two-minute warning, the only time the clock stops is after scores, or during time outs, injuries, official's discussions and fights. The clock stops at the two-minute warning. During the last two minutes of the second half, the clock stops for: 1) incomplete passes (starts on snap), 2) out of bounds (starts on snap), 3) time outs (starts on snap), 4) touchback (starts on snap), 5) scores (starts when kickoff is touched), 6) official's time outs (starts on "ready" whistle), 7) penalties (starts on snap if clock was stopped, starts on "ready" whistle if clock was running), and 8) punts (starts when ball hits foot).

Time Outs: Each team receives one time out per half, which cannot be carried over into the next half. If an injured player delays the game, the officials stop the clock and the injured player must sit out at least one play.

Time Between Plays: The offensive team is allowed 30 seconds between plays including kickoffs. The 30-second clock begins when the linesman sets the ball for the next play.

1. Teams will consist of 5 men and 3 women. Teams must have 6 players and 2 women to begin a game. There is no minimum for men as long as there are 6 total players.

2. Teams are strongly encouraged to wear their league assigned T-shirts or a similar color.

3. No metal cleats allowed

4. Game time is forfeit time

5. A coin flip will determine which team will chose to start on offense / defense or field direction to start the game. The team that wins the coin flip has the option. The opposing team has the 2nd choice of one of the aforementioned options. Teams automatically switch ends at the beginning of the 2nd half.

6. The field of play is 60 yards long + both end zones, and 30 yards wide.

7. There are 4 sideline 1st down markers every 12 yards. 1st downs are completed when the ball crosses the next 1st down marker from the original line of scrimmage.

8. There are no kickoffs to begin games or after touchdowns. Instead, the ball will be placed on the offensive team's 12 yard line.

9. One hand touch, from the shoulders down, is needed to down a player with the ball. NO TAGS ABOVE THE SHOULDER. Also, A ball carrier IS DOWN when his/her knee or body touches the ground.

Receiver is not down if they are tagged before they have possession of the ball. Possession of the ball means: control of ball and one foot on the ground in bounds.

10. The defense must line up behind the defensive line of scrimmage (approximately 2 yards back from the line of scrimmage).

11. Prior to the snap:

Once the ball has been snapped:

12. Defensive rushers must give a LOUD 4-count (1-thousand, 2-thousand etc…) before crossing the defensive line of scrimmage.

Immediate rush is allowed only when:

  • The QB hands the ball off or throws to another player including laterals and balls thrown to a receiver behind the line of scrimmage.
  • The QB makes an obvious attempt to advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage by tucking the ball into the body. This does not include a QB roll-out or plays of this type.
  • If the ball is snapped to a player who is not lined-up in the QB position.

13. Defensive rushers must be lined up on the line of scrimmage from a standing position.

NO running rushes permitted
Only after the 4 second count may any other player begin to move/run toward the QB.

14. Offensive blockers and defensive rushers may not use their hands or arms in an aggressive or forceful manner, including pushing, pulling or grabbing. Elbows must be kept at the side of the body.

Blocking down field - only screen blocking is allowed - no contact is allowed.
MINOR INCIDENTAL CONTACT IS THE MAXIMUM CONTACT PERMITTED!!!

15. The team on offense must have 5 players on the line of scrimmage.

16. The offense must huddle before each play. No hurry up offenses. All players must be in the huddle.

17. The football must be snapped from the ground.

18. A women must be actively involved in a minimum of every 3rd play of the teams offense. "Actively Involved" is defined by attempting to pass, carry the ball forward, or throwing a pass to an intended women receiver. A lateral (side or backward) pass thrown by a women to a man does not count as a women play, nor does the "hook and ladder" play.

19. All members of the offense are eligible receivers.

20. *NEW for fall 2006* A tag or a pulled flag behind the line of scrimmage on the quarterback while the ball is in his/her hands results in a sack regardless of whether the QB's arm is in motion for a pass or not. Quarterbacks may pump fake to avoid a sack.

21. On 4th down, teams must announce their intention to either punt or play out the 4th down situation. There are no fake punts.

22. In a punting situation neither the offensive nor defensive team may cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted.

23. When the ball is punted, the ball is downed when:

24. There are NO FUMBLE RECOVERIES. All fumbles are a dead ball when it hits the ground. The new line of scrimmage will be marked at the point of the fumble. (No fumbling the ball forward)

25. A touch down is worth 6 points.

26. Extra points are worth:

1 point - from the 3 yard line (2 if woman used)
2 points - from the 10 yard line (3 if woman used)

27. If a team scores a safety, they will be awarded 2 points and the ball on their own 12 yard line.

28. There are no substances such as stick-um allowed either on the ball or on a players hands.

29. If there is a tie at the end of regulation play, the following will occur:

30. An offensive player may not advance the ball by diving.

PENALTIES:
5 Yard infraction - Any non-aggressive or non-flagrant foul
10 Yard infraction + player warning - Any aggressive or flagrant foul or un-sportsman-like conduct

Exceptions:
Defensive pass interference - automatic 1st down from the point of the infraction
Failure to utilize the mandatory "Woman Play"

  • Results in a 5-yard penalty and the down goes over with the mandatory "Woman Play" is still in affect.
  • The defense has the option to decline this penalty. If declined the Girl Play will be considered to have been utilized and play will resume with next down.

Any player involved in fighting or excessive un-sportsman-like behavior will be ejected from the game and automatically be suspended from a minimum of 1 game.

31. For Flag Football, there is no flag blocking or guarding allowed.

FORFEITS:

If your team forfeits a game during the season, the following rules apply:

If you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game, we encourage you to call our office so as to help us schedule your opponent a game. However this does not mean that your team will not receive the loss as a forfeit.

BAD WEATHER: In the event of bad weather call our weather update voice mail at 312/409-5021 for Lakefront Locations or 312/409-1009 for any other location.

Men's 7 on 7 Flag Football Rules

Default: When there is no PSG rule for a given situation, by default, NFL rules are used.

Number of Players: Seven players per team on the field. As many as you like on your roster.

Field Dimensions: Fields are 100 X 40 yards, with fixed first downs at each 20 and 40 yard line.

Rushing the Quarterback: Immediate rush at snap.

Blocking: Traditional style blocking shall be used (elbows in, forearms extended, between the waist and shoulders of the opposing player and not from behind). Blocker may not leave his feet to make contact. Two-on-one blocking is legal provided legal blocking technique is used. There will be NO blocking or pulling to the ground. These rules are subject to referee judgment and will result in a penalty as the referee sees fit. If a referee makes the judgment that a player has fallen to the ground and that there was no overly aggressive contact, no penalty will be assessed. Additionally, if a player has "flopped" in hopes of drawing a penalty, no penalty will be assessed.

Fumbles: There are no fumble recoveries. The ball is always dead where and when it hits the ground. An incomplete lateral is a fumble. Fumbles and laterals may be caught in the air by either team and advanced. A forward fumble caught by the team that fumbled is a forward pass.

Mercy Rules: If a team is ahead by 17 points at or after the 2nd half two-minute warning, the clock does not stop. See also rule 10.5.

Overtime: All tied games will be decided by the shootout method, not sudden death. According to the shootout method, each team will get the ball 4 times from the 3 yard line with the chance of scoring up to 4 times. The winner shall be the team with the most scores out of 4 attempts. Anything other than an offensive touchdown is a dead ball.

The Clock

Game Length: Games consist of two(2) twenty(20)-minute halves with a running clock and two-minute warning at the end of the second half.

Two-Minute Warning: A two-minute warning is given to both head coaches of a game when there is two minutes remaining in the second half or immediately after the play if the two-minute point is reached during a play. The clock is stopped during the warning and starts at the next snap.

Stopping the Clock: Prior to each two-minute warning, the only time the clock stops is after scores, or during time outs, injuries, official's discussions and fights. The clock stops at the two-minute warning. During the last two minutes of the second half, the clock stops for: 1) incomplete passes (starts on snap), 2) out of bounds (starts on snap), 3) time outs (starts on snap), 4) touchback (starts on snap), 5) scores (starts when kickoff is touched), 6) official's time outs (starts on "ready" whistle), 7) penalties (starts on snap if clock was stopped, starts on "ready" whistle if clock was running), and 8) punts (starts when ball hits foot).

Time Outs: Each team receives one time out per half, which cannot be carried over into the next half. If an injured player delays the game, the officials stop the clock and the injured player must sit out at least one play.

Time Between Plays: The offensive team is allowed 30 seconds between plays including kickoffs. The 30-second clock begins when the linesman sets the ball for the next play.

Scoring

Points: A touchdown is worth six points. Safeties are worth two points. Extra points are worth one or two points.

Extra Points: You may run or pass from the three-yard line for one point, or run or pass from the 10-yard line for two points. Intercepted or fumbled extra points are deemed dead balls. Note that an extra point may always be attempted, even if time has expired.

Offense

Carrying the Ball: The ball-carrier may never: 1) flag shield (using the hand or ball), 2) run directly into a defender (charge), 3) crawl, 4) dive to advance the ball, or 5) toss the ball in the air to avoid a flag pull while in possession of the ball (toss to self). A ball-carrier that falls or a receiver that dives to make a catch may get up and advance the ball unless one-hand touched by a defender before being on both feet again. The stiff-arm is not legal. Jumping over a fallen defender is legal.

Formations: The offense must have a minimum of three men on the line of scrimmage, as blockers, one must be the center. Two these linemen are not eligible receivers, the center never being eligible. You may have as many on the line as you like ­the fourth or fifth lineman must line-up on either end and may release as eligible receivers, which linemen are eligible must be declared prior to the snap of the ball. ­ Single or double tight-end sets are legal.

Eligible Receivers: Of the players on the line of scrimmage, only the ones on each end are eligible to catch a pass, hence the terms "tight end" and "split end". Other players must be off the line of scrimmage by one yard to be eligible receivers. These other receivers may be between the tackle and the end, between the end and the sideline, or in the backfield.

Passes: Only one forward pass is allowed per play. A forward pass is a ball thrown or handed forward, overhand or otherwise. A lateral is a ball thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or toward the offensive side of it, overhand or otherwise. A lateral is, by definition, not forward.

Blocking

Offensive Line: Offensive lines must have at least the center and two tackles, with each lineman within arm's length of the lineman next to him. Only two offensive linemen are ineligible to take handoffs or catch passes unless tipped by a defensive player first. It's "ineligible receiver downfield" if an offensive lineman is more than three yards past the line of scrimmage on a pass play.

Going Out of Bounds: A player without the ball that steps out of bounds on his own is ineligible to re-enter during that play.

Legal Catch: A legal catch is defined the same as in the college. For a legal catch, the player must control the ball throughout the act of touching one foot, or any other part of the body except the hands, to the ground in bounds. If pushed out of bounds by a defender during the act of catching the ball, an official may rule that the player would've been in bounds without the contact and award a catch.

Bad Snaps: Snaps that hit the ground are considered dead balls and downed at the spot of the fumble.

Sleeper Plays: To be eligible to participate in a given offensive play, a player must've been in the previous huddle (no sleeper plays) and no player changes can occur during a "hurry-up" offense. These are illegal procedure.

Center's Exchange: The ball must be snapped through the center's legs. At that time, possession of the ball must be transferred from the center to another player (quarterback) and cannot remain with or come back to the center. The quarterback may then transfer possession of the ball to an eligible receiver. Note that this effectively makes illegal a center sneak and associated plays.

Defense

Formations:

Defenses may choose any defensive scheme they please with no restrictions on linemen.

Bumping Defenders: Each defender is allowed only one chuck of a receiver. A legal chuck (or bump) is with open hands between the waist and shoulders within the first five yards. The hands must be withdrawn after the initial contact.

The defender cannot use contact to break up a pass play. It's pass interference to shield the receiver's eyes. The defender cannot de-flag the receiver prior to the reception. After a pass is touched, contact can be made without pass interference being called. However, a pass may still not be broken-up with contact.

Tackling: No tackling allowed.

Pushing Out of bounds: Any push out of bounds within 10 yards of the end zone will be judged a touchdown automatically, unless other defenders are present to stop the ball carrier.

Defensive Audibles: The defense is not allowed to simulate offensive calls by trying to sound like the quarterback. This includes, but is not limited to, saying such things as "hut-hut" or "go-go". This is called "Imitating the Offensive Calls".

Special Teams

Restraining Line: This is the yard-line where the receiving team must be behind on a kickoff. ­ 40 yd line.

Muff: A ball dropped or touched by a kick or punt returner who never fully had possession of the punted or kicked ball.

Kickoffs:

Teams kickoff from their own 20-yard line. The restraining line is the other 40. There are kickoffs after all extra point attempts.

Teams kickoff from their own 20-yard line. The restraining line is the 40.

The ball must travel past the restraining line on a fly or it's dead at the spot. All muffs are dead at the point where they hit the ground. Any kick that goes out of bounds before the end zone comes into play at the receiving team's restraining line. The ball must be kicked off the ground or a regulation kicking tee. The ball may not be kicked off a kicking block or another player's toe or foot. The kicking team must kick within 30 seconds of the ready whistle or a delay of game penalty will be assessed. Fare catch is legal if the hands are waived above the head.

After Safeties: After a safety, the kicking team may elect to kickoff or punt from their own 20 yard line. The kick or punt is treated the same as a kickoff.

Punts:

Punting Team: All punts are declared (no fakes). The snap must travel a minimum two yards from center. As usual, bad snaps are dead where and when they hit the ground. The punting team must have four men on the line of scrimmage. No contact is allowed until the ball hits the punter's foot. The punter has 30 seconds from the ready whistle to punt the ball or delay of game will be charged. The punter cannot take more than one step backwards before punting. He may however take as many steps forward (no lateral steps) as he likes. The receiver is allowed a three-yard neutral zone to make the catch (fare catch).

Return Team: The return team must have four men on the line of scrimmage. Three of the linemen must be head to head with the offensive linemen, and cannot drop back until the ball is kicked. No contact is allowed until the ball hits the punter's foot. All muffs are dead at the point where they hit the ground. If a muff does not hit the ground, the team catching the ball has possession, in which case the receiving team may advance the ball but the punting team may not.

Miscellaneous Game Rules

Equipment (Legal): Cut-off style jerseys must end at least four inches above the flagbelt. Anyone knotting the flagbelt will be ejected from the game.

Equipment (Illegal): No football pads, metal cleats or casts allowed. Knee braces must be padded with slow to recover foam, not just pants.

No (or Hidden) Flagbelt: If the ball-carrier has no flagbelt, or loses his flagbelt without it being pulled, one-hand touch prevails. If the ball-carrier loses his flagbelt because of a defender (flagbelt clip separates), the play is dead at the point where the clip separated. If during the play, the ball-carrier's jersey covers the flags and the defense cannot with ordinary effort pull the flag, one hand touch prevails.

Spot of Ball: The ball is spotted at the location of the ball at the time of the flag pull.

Officials

Officiating Team: The team of officials consists of two officials.

Referee: This is the head official of the game, he also has the role of linesman.

Official's Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of the officials extends to the confines of the entire park. This includes any visible area from the playing field.

Officials Disagreeing: The head official can reverse any other official's decision.

Inadvertent Whistles: If the whistle is blown prematurely, the team in possession at the time of the inadvertent whistle will have the choice of the play to the point of the whistle or the down over. If the ball is loose by punt pass or kick at the time of the inadvertent whistle, the down is replayed.

Team Rights and Responsibilities

Publication of Results: Standings and weekly results will be posted on the league web site ( www.PlayersSports.net ) some time on Mondays.

Jerseys: We supply all teams with colored t-shirts. However, if you have your own you may use them.

Pregame Information

Forfeits (Enforcement): Game time is forfeit time.

If your team forfeits a match during the season, the following rules apply:

  • First Offense: game recorded as loss and warning issued.
  • Second Offense: game recorded as loss and PSG staff reserves the right to remove team from league and playoffs.
  • Third Offense: Removal from the league and playoffs.

If you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game, we encourage you to call our office so as to help us schedule your opponent a game however this does not mean that your team will not receive the loss as a forfeit.

Number of Players:Seven players per team on the field. Fewer than five will result in a forfeit.

Toss of the Coin/Odd or Even: The team that wins the toss can choose 1) to receive 2) to kickoff, 3) direction, or 4) to defer their choice to the second half. The team not choosing for the first half will choose for the second. Note that teams do not automatically change direction at halftime.

Rosters

All players must sign the roster sheet supplied by PSG. You have the first 2 weeks of the season for which to get all team members to sign the sheet.

Minors: There are no minors allowed to play in our league.

Penalties

Enforcement Notes: When penalty yardage exceeds more than 50% of remaining yardage to the goal line, the ball is spotted half the distance to the goal line. For a defensive penalty during a score, enforcement is on the kickoff. If both teams commit a penalty on the same play, the play is run over (this is called off-setting penalties). If one team commits multiple fouls on same play, only largest single one is enforced. In addition, all personal fouls are always enforced.

Unnecessary Roughness: Any infraction in flag football that is deemed potentially hazardous by an official can be elevated to Unnecessary Roughness. This can lead to a 15-yard personal foul and include ejection.

Spot Fouls: These penalties are presumed to end or prolong a play illegally. Therefore, the play counts up to the point of the infraction and enforcement of the penalty requires assessment of yardage from the spot of the foul. An example is tackling, in which case, the play would've continued except for the tackle. If the offense earns a first down, but enforcement of a spot foul brings the ball back over the first down line, they still have the first down. But to earn another first down, they must cross the line they would've needed to cross, had there been no penalty. If a defense in possession of the ball or a return team commits this type of foul and enforcement of the foul brings the ball back over a first down line, they have first down and must cross the nearest marker to earn another first down.

Drawing Offside: Defenders are allowed to attempt to draw offensive players offside or attempt to make offensive linemen move.

Penalty Assessments:

Personal Behavior

Treatment of Officials: Any coach or player that curses at an official or commissioner will be ejected. The following behaviors on the part of any coach or player will result in suspension or ejection from the league: 1) threatening or touching an official, or 2) verbally or physically attacking an official (including racial or religious remarks). Additionally, charges will be pressed with the police if applicable. The above behaviors are prohibited within the confines of the entire park including any visible area from the playing field.

Treatment of Coaches and Players: Shoving and verbal challenges during a game will result in a personal foul. Two personal fouls (live or dead ball) by the same player require that player to be automatically ejected from the game. Two fight suspensions result in that player's expulsion from the league for the remainder of the season. Physical or verbal attack (including racial or religious remarks) results in suspensions or ejection from the league.

Suspensions: Once a player is suspended or expelled from the league for any reason, he may not attend the games he is suspended from.

Fights: Should a fight develop, coaches are expected to react in the following manner: 1) secure your sideline to avoid all-out brawl, 2) remove your involved player(s) from the field and see that they drive out of the park, and 3) supply the name(s) of those involved to the head official

Bench Clearing: If your sideline empties out onto the field, the game can be ended and one or even both teams forfeit. Twice in one season results in team expulsion.


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