Eligibility:

• All players’ must sign an online waiver @https://ffnfsandhill.aluvii.com/employee/Waiver/SignWaiver2?waiverId=1&_ga=2.63351151.1544066047.1633552240-1254168318.1615319900 before participating.

• Fees must be paid before the 3rd game to be eligible for playoff games and to continue league play.

• Must play in at least 3 regular season games to be eligible for playoffs games.

• Must be at least 17 years old or older to play. (Must have valid  I.D at registration)

Start of game:

• The referee will flip a coin, heads or tails to be called in the air by the guest Team Captain. The winning team will choose one of the following options:

  • Choice of offense or defense

  • Choice of end zone to start the game

• Possession and offense shall be the reverse as indicated by the coin toss at the start of the 2nd half.

• Play will begin at the 10-yard line of the team with possession.

How teams are formed:

• A Team Captain signs up the Team just paying for him or herself and providing a list of players expected to be on the Team, but each player is responsible for paying for themselves through Team registration.

• Team Captains may also sign up and pay for the entire team at once, but each player is required to register for the team individually (Complete individual paperwork).

• Free Agents (individuals without a team) will be placed on  teams by order of when they sign up.

• Different ways to sign up:

  • Players may sign up as a free agent

    • Join by yourself as a free agent and let us place you on a team that needs players.

  • Players may sign up as a small group (small group/friends)

    • Join with a group of friends if you don't have enough people for a full team, and be placed together on a team that needs players, (Joining an existing team or another small group).

Team:

• Team rosters shall include a maximum of 12 players, including at least 3 of each gender.

• The maximum number of players on the field is 6, including at least 1 of each gender.

• If a team does not have 6 players and at least 2 players of each gender, they may start with as few as 4 players (if all 4 players are guys, they will lose a down every third play).

• When a team has fewer than the required number of players of a specified gender available, players of one gender may not be substituted for members of another gender. 

• One team being short players for a full 6 on field does not obligate the opposing team to reduce their players on field.

• All players must be registered with the league to play with the team. Unregistered substitutes are not permitted. Any team found to be playing with an unregistered player will receive a 20 point penalty and the unregistered player will be removed.  Multiple Illegal players will lead to a forfeit.  In the playoffs, any team with illegal players will suffer a forfeit.

• Team Captains reserve the right to do a roster check of the opposing Team if there are suspected illegal players. 

• Late Registration: a team may add players to their roster through their 3rd game, provided the team captain approves, and the player has paid the designated late fee.  All players must be formally registered with the League and paid in full prior to playing.

Equipment: 

• The League shall provide the following equipment:

  • Official youth sized football, Field markers and TD markers, Flag belts and flags (flags must remain at the sides and back of each player at all times).

• Players must tuck in their shirts during play; no article of clothing may cover any part of the flag belt.

• Players must wear shoes or cleats.

• Steel cleats, metal cleats, open toe, open heel, or hard soled shoes are prohibited.

Game Clock:

• Each game consists of two 20-minute halves, with a 2-minute halftime.

• Each team is allowed two one-minute timeouts per half. (4 each game). Unused timeouts in the first half do not carry over into the second half.

• The game clock shall be a running clock, except in these cases:

  • A team uses one of their 1-minute timeouts

  • The difference in the score is 11 points or less and it is the last two minutes of the second half. In this case, the clock shall stop in the event of an incomplete pass, a team scores, a first down, change of possession (or punt decision) or a penalty. The clock shall be resumed upon the snap at the start of the next possession. The clock shall not be stopped in the first half except in the case of a timeout, regardless of the score.

• The extra point conversion attempt shall be permitted after a touchdown regardless of the time on clock.

Downs:

•  The offensive team will have 4 downs to achieve a first down.

• A first down is achieved by crossing the 25 yard line. Red line to white line to red line. (3 first downs throughout the field) 

• Glass wall is Out of Bounds and Not in play. (Using the wall as leverage to gain advantage or catching the ball off the wall).

Scoring:

• A player shall score when the ball has clearly crossed the plain of the goal line.  When in doubt, the ball will be spotted short of the goal line by the referee.  

• All other touchdowns shall count for 6 points. (Exception: If a male throws a pass to another male, who then pitches the ball back legally to a female, the touchdown shall still count for 9 points.

•  If a female scores a touchdown either by running it in or throws a legal forward pass and a touchdown is scored by any member of the team on that down, the point value is 9.  

• A 5-yard conversion shall count for 1 point.

• A 10-yard conversion shall count for 2 points.

• A 20-yard conversion shall count for 3 points.

• A "safety" counts for 2 points.

  • A safety will be scored if a player is:

• Tagged down in their own endzone.

• Snaps the ball out of the endzone.

• If the offense fumbles the ball in their own endzone.

As a result, the team on defense receives 2 points, and the ball on their 10 paces/yard line.

Gender Rules:

• A FEMALE MUST TOUCH THE BALL IN A LEGITIMATE PLAY EVERY THIRD DOWN IN THE ENTIRE GAME

• Female players must participate in a play at least once every three downs as either the quarterback, ball carrier or receiver. The "gender count" shall be the number of successive downs made involving only a single gender.

• If the gender count is 2, i.e. if the offensive team has not played both genders during the first two downs, the referee shall announce a "gender play" and the gender affected, and the offensive team must play that gender in one or more of the following ways:

  • As quarterback; passes the ball to a receiver beyond the line of scrimmage.

  • As a ball carrier; carries the ball across the line of scrimmage.

  • As receiver; receives or is intended to receive a pass from beyond the line of scrimmage.

• 4. If no females are present, teams will play down and have 3 downs to gain a first down. 

Punting:

•  The offensive team may punt on the fourth down. A punt is considered moving the opposition team to their own 10 yard line (Hash Mark).

Running:

• The quarterback CANNOT run with the ball over the line of scrimmage unless being rushed by the defense. If there is no rush the quarterback MUST remain behind the line of scrimmage.

• The quarterback is the designated player that lines up directly behind the center. Note: (In the event that the ball is hiked over the head of the quarterback where one of the offensive players catches the ball and is the first offensive player to maintain control of the ball then he/she is now considered to be the quarterback). 

• The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. 

• Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

•  Spinning is allowed, but players CANNOT leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (diving is not allowed by offensive ball carriers). 

• The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled. 

Passing:

•   Only 1 forward pass allowed (Shovel passes are allowed). Shovel pass is a forward pass. Lateral and backwards passes and pitches are allowed.

•  Interceptions may be returned. 

• There is no time limit on how long the QB has to throw the ball. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). Only ONE player is allowed in motion at a time.

Starting and Ending a Play:

• The ball must be snapped between the legs, or off to one side, to start play.

• The clock will stop after a dead ball, or change of possession, ONLY in the 2nd half in

• the last 2 minutes of regulation.(If the point rule doesn’t apply)

•  Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.

•  A Play has “ended” when: — Ball carrier’s flag is pulled — Ball carrier steps out of bounds —Touchdown or safety is scored — Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground (NOT hand). Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground. (If flag falls off without being pulled then one hand touch)

 Rushing the Quarterback:

•  All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 3 yards from the line of scrimmage. If a player who is lined up 3 yards from the line of scrimmage and is drawn offside by a false snap count by the offense MUST reset 3 yards from the line of scrimmage prior to him/her rushing the passer. 

• Any number of players can rush the quarterback, as long as they are 3 yards from the line of scrimmage. 

•  Once the ball is handed off, the 3-yard rule is no longer in effect, all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. 

•  Remember, NO blocking or tackling is allowed. 

• The rush of a blitzer has to be immediately after the snap, quick and straight towards the point where the quarterback receives the snap in order to retain the right of way. If a blitzer is rushing late, slowly, aiming at another spot, changing direction during the rush or just does not rush the quarterback, the player loses the right of way but still can participate as any other defensive player.

Line of Scrimmage:

• The referee shall use a chip/bag marking the line of scrimmage and place the ball in the middle of the field after the end of each play.

• The offensive team must have a minimum of 4 players set at the line of scrimmage at the snap. Players in motion are not considered set.

• Once the center has placed his or her hands on the ball no player may enter the neutral zone until the snap occurs.

• The referee shall blow his or her whistle to signify the play may begin.

• Quarterbacks must be at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage when receiving the initial snap.

Mercy Rule:

•  If a team is leading by 30 at halftime or after halftime, the clock will only stop during timeouts and injuries.

• Two minute warning- During the final two minutes of the second half the clock will stop for a:

  • Incomplete legal or incomplete illegal forward pass- clock starts on the snap.

  • Out-of-bounds

  • Safety

  • Team Time Out

  • FIrst Down

  • Touchdown

  • Penalty and administration-depends on the previous play. (Exception: Delay of game)

  • Referee’s Time Out-Clock starts at their discretion.

  • Touchback

No Contact/ No Down Field Blocking:

• There is no blocking or tackling permitted in the league. 

  • Players acting as offensive linemen may not use their hands when protecting the quarterback from defensive rushers.

  •  Offensive linemen can position their bodies at any particular angle in an attempt to direct the rushers to a particular area, but there is no contact permitted. 

  • Offensive linemen must have their hands at their sides or behind their backs when blocking to prevent their arms from extending. 

• “Picks” are also NOT permitted at any time.

• No downfield blocking/tackling is permitted. 

• Illegal contact includes tripping, contact with the QB, any excessive contact by an opposing player and contact with an opposing player after a ball is tipped. 

• Also note that rough play may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. Anyone in violation of this rule is subject to penalty, suspension, and/or expulsion from the league.

Miscellaneous:

• If the player calling the cadence does not receive the snap, the play will not stand and will result in a 5 pace/yard penalty and repeat of the down .

• One person must call the cadence and receive the snap  violation of this will result in a 5 pace/yard penalty and repeat of down.

• Silent snaps will not be allowed, violation of this will result in a 5 pace/yard penalty and repeat of down.

• The QB may not be in motion and then receive the snap  this will result in a 5 pace/yard penalty and repeat of down.

• If the QB crosses the line of scrimmage and then throws a forward pass the defense can either decline the penalty or it will be a 5 pace/yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and loss of down (i.e. if it was 1st down during the penalty, it is now 2nd down).

• If the ball hits the ground on the snap, the play is "dead", the ball is spotted where it hit the ground, and it is a loss of down (i.e. if it was 1st down during the bad snap, it is now 2nd down).

• The QB may NOT snap the ball to him/herself. If the QB does snap to him/herself, play will stop immediately and it will result in a 5-yd penalty and repeat the down.

• Loss of down penalties which occur on 4th down will result in change of possession.

• Receivers need only one foot in bounds for a reception. If in the referees eyes a receiver would be able to legally catch a pass but was pushed out of bounds by a defender while in the air a catch will be awarded.

• Diving is NOT allowed. Diving into or over a defensive player, will result in the player being down at the point of takeoff and there will be a 5 pace/yard mark-off against the Offense and loss of down.

• A player who catches the ball and lands with 1 or 2 feet across the goaline, but is tagged after possession and before he/she pulls the ball across the plane of the goal will not be awarded a touchdown. The ball will be spotted at the point of where the ball was at the time he/she was called down.(ball extension).

• Only the ball needs to cross the plane of the goal-line in order for a touchdown to be awarded.

• Any player who attempts to knock the ball out of the quarterback's arm or hits the arm of the quarterback while in delivery will receive an Unnecessary Roughness penalty. If contact is made on the quarterback’s follow through there will be no penalty.

• Intentional Grounding: This penalty will be called when a passer facing an imminent loss of yardage because of pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass, without a realistic chance of completion. This will result in a loss of down (i.e. if it was 1st down during the penalty, it is now 2nd down). And the ball being spotted at the point of infraction (QB’s point of release).

Turnovers and stoppage of play:

• Possession will change from one team to the other when:

  • A team scores. Play will start again at the 10 yard line.

  • Four downs are counted without obtaining a first down. Play will start at the previous line of scrimmage.

  • Interceptions may be returned. In the event of an interception, the intercepting team must secure the ball with “clean hands,” i.e., they must not have committed a foul before or simultaneous to the interception.

  •  If the intercepting team gained the interception with “clean hands” they will be awarded a first down where the ball becomes dead (flag pull, stepping out-of-bounds, fumbled, etc.) 

  • The ball will be spotted wherever the ball was at the time of the flag pull or the ball carrier left the field-of-play.

  • Fouls by the intercepting team after an interception will be assessed from the spot of the foul. Fouls by the intercepted team after the interception will be assessed at the end of the run.

• Play will stop when:

  • One of the ball carrier's flags is removed by an opposing player or falls off.

  • Receiver catches the ball while not having all flags attached.

  • The ball carrier leaves the field of play.

  • A team scores a touchdown or extra point.

  • The ball touches the ground because of a fumble or incomplete pass.

  • The ball carrier is considered down by the officiating crew.

  • A defensive player intercepts an extra point pass attempt.

  • A referee inadvertently blows his whistle.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

• If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals will be considered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 

• Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game. 

• Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.

• Ball carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.

• Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.

• Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship, as well:

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

  • Keep comments clean and profanity free. 

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

• Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid friendly:

  •  a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, and chairs to a minimum behind the glass. 

  • b. Stay behind the glass at all times. Not allowed on turf fields.

• THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE NO FIGHTING RULE. Fighting= Kicked out the league (No Refund).

Overtime:

• Regular Season: Both teams will have a chance to score within 4 downs from the 25 yard line in one overtime.

• The beginning of the game will start with the Refs using a coin flip with the winning team deciding on offense or defense, (there is no option to decline). 

  • The losing team will decide which endzone to use. 

  • Teams will attempt to score in the same end zone.

  •  Each team will then have 4 downs to score from 25 yards out from the goal-line. 

  • If a team scores, they will have the opportunity to go for one, two or three points on the 1st Dot:1 PT, the 2nd Dot:2 PTs, the 3rd Dot:3pts .

  •  A female must be used once within the first three plays or on the 1st and 4th downs when applicable. 

  • An interception will result in a team losing its possession. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points.

  •  No 1st downs will be awarded except in the case of a penalty. 

  • The game will be decided when one team scores more points in the rotation. If the score is still tied after one complete overtime period,  it will result in a tie.

Playoffs/ Seeding:

• Playoffs will follow the last week of the regular season and will be single elimination.

• Teams will be seeded based upon their winning percentage throughout the season. Only the top 4 teams will advance to the playoffs as long as they are not in violation of the forfeit policy. *Note:  Depending on how many teams sign up.

Playoff Games:

• Playoff games will follow the same format during regulation as the regular season. If teams are tied at the end of regulation in playoffs an overtime will be used until we have a winner. Non-roster players will not be allowed for playoffs. All players must have signed the waiver, and/or have been placed at the roster at the beginning of the season.

Forfeits:

• Teams must be ready to play and meet game start requirements at the posted game time. Any team not ready to play at this time, after a 5 minute grace period, shall forfeit and the opposing team shall take a default win, 50-0.

• If neither team is ready to play, both teams shall forfeit.

• Teams that forfeit (3) times during one season will be removed from the league schedule and forfeited out of the league, without a refund.

• Forfeit fee, $25/game (48 – hour notice to league director, can alleviate forfeit fee and offer an opportunity to reschedule, no guarantees, but we will try)

Refund Policy: In the event that a league is canceled, and only if it is canceled due to insufficient sign-ups, customers will receive a complete refund.

Penalties:

• All penalties may be declined by the non penalized team at their discretion.

• All penalties will be imposed at the line of scrimmage or spot of the foul. Should the full imposition of the penalty carry the line into an end zone, the ball will be spotted at the one-yard line.

• The following shall incur a ten-yard penalty:

  • Any player:

    • Running into an opponent, including using a “stiff-arm.”, without having made a reasonable effort to avoid contact.

    • Reckless play. Players must make every effort to avoid contact.

    • Blocking. Players may not use their hands, elbows, or any other part of their body to physically block opponents, but may set a non-moving screen block.

    • Stripping the ball from the ball carrier.

    • Intentionally removing an opponent's flag who has not yet taken possession of the ball (enacted spotted at location of catch, and an automatic first down).

    • Intentional foul.

    • Unsportsmanlike conduct.

  • Defense:

    • Holding. Defenders may not touch the receiver prior to catching the ball.

    • Face guarding. Players may not use their hands to block the sight of the receiver.

    • Pass interference. Given that no player shall be obligated to give up a position once gained, a defender shall not deliberately obstruct an intended receiver from obtaining a position to catch the ball.

  • Offense:

    • Offensive pass interference. No player shall obstruct another player from obtaining a position from which to go to and catch the ball, given that neither shall any player be obligated to give up such a position once gained.

• The following shall incur a five-yard penalty:

  • Defense:

    • Offsides. A defensive player is offside when any part of his body crosses the line of scrimmage before the five-second count is called.

    • Encroachment. A defensive player may not enter the neutral zone prior to the snap.

  • Offense:

    • Delay of game. The offensive team has 25 seconds from the referee's whistle to snap the ball.

    • Illegal participation. Teams may not have more than 6 players on the field, including at least 1 of each gender, or in accordance with the on-field rules per the "Team" section of these rules.

    • Illegal cadence. The player calling the cadence must receive the snap.

    • False start. At least 4 players must be set at the line of scrimmage for a minimum of one full second prior to the snap.  Play is blown dead when False Start occurs.

    • Illegal motion. No player is permitted to move forward toward the line of scrimmage at the snap.

    • Illegal forward pass. The ball may be passed forward only once and only from behind the line of scrimmage. A forward pass must cross the line of scrimmage. Lateral passes are permitted at any time.

    • Flag guarding. Players may not intentionally block access to any flag, including those worn by teammates.

    • Intentional grounding. A passer may not throw the ball without a realistic chance of completion, with the exception that a passer may ground the ball to stop the clock with less than two minutes to play in the game. Also penalized a loss of down.

    • Diving. Diving is not permitted unless attempting to catch a pass. Intentional Diving as a ball carrier will result in a 5 yard penalty.