Nashville Adult Flag Football League

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NFL FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
5-Man Eligible Flag – (Non-Contact)

A coin toss determines first possession.

The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four(4) plays to cross midfield.  Once a team crosses midfield, it has four(4) plays to score a touchdown.  If offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.

If the offense team fails to cross midfield, possession and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.

Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes and possession changes.

Players/Game Schedules:
Teams must field a minimum of five(5) players at all times.

Teams consist of no more than 10 players (5 on the field with 5 substitutes)

Timing/Overtime:
 Games are played to 40 minutes running time.

If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime.  Each team gets one series of downs to score.  No first downs, if neither team scores then winner will be determined by how much yardage is gained in the series.

Each time the ball is spotted a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.  Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

Each team has two(2) time outs per game.  One for overtime.  Time Outs do not carry over from regulation play.

Officials can stop the clock at their disrection.

Scoring:
Touchdowns: 6 points

Extra point: 1 point (played from 5-yard line).

                  2 points (played from the 12-yard line

Safety: 2 points

Running:
The quarterback cannot run with the ball

Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.  Offense may use multiple handoffs.

Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind behind the line of scrimmage.

“No-running zones” located 5-yards from each end zone and 5 yards on either side of the midfield, are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.

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 by diving or hurdling to gain an advantage.

The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s hips are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.

Receiving:
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).

As in NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.

A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing:
All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.

Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception.

Interceptions are the only change of possessions that do not start on the 5-yard line.

Dead Balls:
The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.

Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.

Play is ruled “dead” when:

-Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.

-Ball carrier steps out of bounds

-Touchdown or safety is scored.

-At the point of an interception (interception returns are not allowed).

-Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.

-Ball carrier’s flag fall out.

Note:  There are no fumbles.  The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.

 

Rushing the Quarterback:
All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of five rules yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  Any number of players can rush the quarterback.  Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball is handed off the 5 yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.  A special marker, or the referee, will designate five yards from the line of scrimmage.  Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

Sportsmanship/Roughing:
If the field monitor or referee witness any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game.  FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal.  Officials have the right to determine offensive language.  (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators.)  If trash talking occurs, the referee may give one warning.  If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

Penalties:
All penalties will be called by the referee.

Defensive:  Offsides-5 yards and automatic first down; Interference-10 yards and automatic first down;  Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.)-10 yards and automatic first down.  Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball)-10 yards and automatic first down; Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 5-yard marker)-10 yards and automatic first down.

Offensive:  Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.)-5 yards and loss of down;  Illegal forward pass (pass received behind line of scrimmage)-5 yards and loss of down;  offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushin off/away defender)-10 yards and loss of down;  Flag guarding-10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down;  delay of game-clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down.

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.  All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.  Players cannot question judgment calls.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

Attire:
Cleats or turf shoes are allowed.  No metal cleats.  Inspections must be made.  All players wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exception.  All Jersey’s must be of like color. 

There are no kickoffs or punts.  No blocking is allowed.

 

NFL YOUTH RULES

See various plays  NFL FLAG Plays

The Basics
  • A coin toss determines first possession.
  • The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.
  • If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.
  • All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
  • Interceptions may be returned.
  • Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes. Possession changes to loser of coin toss unless deferred and the clock does not stop.
Players/Game Schedules
Teams must field a minimum of five players at all times.
Teams consist of 10 players – five on the field, with five substitutes.
Timing/Overtime
Games are played to 40 minutes running time. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. The first team to score wins.

Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half.

Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

 
Scoring
Touchdown:
6 points

Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)

Safety:
2 points

 
Running
The quarterback cannot run with the ball.
Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
“No-running zones” located five yards from each end zone and five yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
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 (no diving).
The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.

 
Receiving
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

 
Passing
Shovel passes are allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions may be returned.

 
Dead Balls
The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled “dead” 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
— Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
 
Rushing the Quarterback
All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

 
Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

 
Penalties
All penalties will be called by the referee.

Defense:

Offsides
Five yards and automatic first down

Interference
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal contact
(holding, blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal FLAG pull
(before receiver has ball)
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
10 yards and automatic first down


Offense:

Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards and loss of down

Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down

Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards and loss of down

FLAG guarding
10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and loss of down

Delay of game
Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

 
Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.

Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn during play.

Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL Ultimate Rules
This is a great warm-up for NFL Flag!

• Ultimate Football is a combination of football, soccer, hockey, ultimate Frisbee, and basketball.
• A coin toss determines first possession.
• The offense must avoid defenders and work the ball around the field while attempting to find an open teammate in the end zone.
• An offensive player is allowed to take only two steps after receiving the ball.
• The offense has five seconds to pass the ball.
• The offensive team must pass the ball on a continuous basis without letting the ball hit the ground.
• The offensive team scores six points when it catches the ball in the end zone.
• The offensive team must pass, shovel pass, or toss the ball into the end zone; it cannot run the ball in to score.
• Once a touchdown is scored, the ball changes possession immediately and play begins at the midfield line.
• All possession changes start immediately from the spot where the ball was dropped or from the midfield line after a touchdown.
• The field should be between 50 and 60 yards in length and 25 to 35 yards wide.
• Substitutions are allowed on any dead ball. Teams must give every player an equal amount of playing time.

Players/Game Schedules
Teams must field a minimum of five (5) players at all times.
Teams consist of 10 players (5 on the field with 5 substitutes).

Timing/Overtime
Games are played to 40 minutes running time, with a five-minute halftime. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move immediately into a
five-minute overtime. The team that scores the most points wins.

Time Outs
Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time out per half. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

Scoring
An end zone is designated by chalk line or cones.
Scoring in the end zone is worth six points; there are no safeties.

 

Running
• There is no running with the ball.
• Offensive team members are allowed only two steps when in possession of the ball.
• There are no direct handoffs anywhere on the field; the offense must pass the ball.
• There can be laterals or pitches in any direction.
• The player who takes the lateral can throw the ball at any time.

Receiving
All players are eligible to receive passes at any time. Players must have at least one foot inbounds when making any catch. Any offensive player can receive the ball in the end zone.

Passing
All passes can be forward, lateral, or behind the passer. Shovel passes are allowed anywhere on the field. Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception. Play continues with no stoppage of play after an interception.

 

Dead Balls
• After any dropped ball, there is an immediate change of possession. A whistle is blown to stop play and a second whistle to start play immediately.
• Play is ruled “dead” and possession changes immediately when:
— Ball carrier steps out of bounds.
— Ball carrier takes more than five seconds to pass the ball.
— Touchdown is scored.
— At the point of an interception (interceptions are in play).
— Receiver takes more than two steps with the ball.

Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hits the ground (changes possession immediately).

Rushing the Offense
All players can rush the offense. Players may defend any offensive player or end zone.

Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators).

If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

Penalties
NFL Ultimate is designed to encourage continuous play. Penalties will be left to the discretion of coaches/referees.

Penalties can include:
— Running With Ball
— Pass Interference
— Five-Second Penalty
— Blocking/Picks/Contact

We recommend that penalties result in automatic change of possession.

Note: Defensive interference in the end zone results in an automatic touchdown.

Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections can and will be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.

Official NFL Flag jerseys must be worn during play.