NFL Youth Flag Football Rules and Diagrams

The Basics-  A coin toss determines the first possession. The offense takes the ball at its own 5-yard line and has four plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four 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 possessions changes, except interception, starts on the offensive 5-yard line. Interceptions may be returned. Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes. Possession changes to loser of the coin toss unless deferred and the clock does not stop.

Scoring-

Touchdowns-6 points

Extra point-1 point from the 5-yard line                          2 points from 12 yard line

Safety-2 points

Running-  Quarterbacks cannot run with the ball. (Unless he/she is rushed). Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs. “No running zones” located behind the five yard line from each endzone and five yards on either side of midfield area designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. The player who takes the handoff can throw the football from behind the line of scrimmage. Once the ball has been handed off, all the 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 from where the ball is. Absolutely no laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.

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 Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule is no longer in effect.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

Dead Balls-The ball must be snapped through the legs, not off to one side, to start the play. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. Play is ruled “dead” when: Ball carrier’s flag is pulled, Ball carrier step out of bounds, Touchdown or safety is scored, Ball carriers knee hits the ground or 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 quarterback 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 the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball is handed off the seven-second rule is no longer in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.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

Sportsmanship/Roughing-  NO BLOCKING OR TACKLING ALLOWED, INCIDENTAL CONTACT ONLY. If the field monitor or referee witness acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, the player will be ejected, there will be a penalty of 10 yards. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

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

Penalties

Penalties (The referee calls all penalties.) Penalties are 5 yards except for personal fouls.

1.     Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.

2.     Only a coach can ask a referee for rule clarification, interpretation or to watch for rule violators.

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

Spots Fouls

·         Flag guarding & Stiff Arming…………………………………………………….……5 yards & loss of down

·         Charging……………………………………………………………………………….10 yards & loss of down

·         Defensive Pass Interference…………………………………………………….……5 yards from LOS...Automatic First Down

·         Stripping……………………………………………………………………………….5 yards & First Down

·         Offensive Unnecessary Roughness……………………………………………….10 yards &  loss of down

·         Screening, Blocking or Running with the ball carrier………………………………5 yards & loss of down

·         Defensive Unnecessary Roughness…………………………………………..……10 yards & First Down

Defense

·         Offsides…………………………………………………………………………5 yards from the LOS & repeat  down

·         Illegal contact (holding, blocking ect)………………………………….…….5 yards from the LOS & Automatic First Down

·         Illegal flag pull (before receiver had the ball)…………………………….…5 yards from the spot of catch or LOS (if receiver drops the ball) & Automatic First Down

·         Illegal rushing (starting from inside 7 yard maker)…………………….…...5 yards from LOS, repeat  down

Offense

·         Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc) ……………..……5 yards from LOS

·         Illegal forward pass…………………………………………………….5 yards from LOS, NOT a loss of down. Play is DEAD. Ref to blow whistle immediately.

·         Offensive pass interference…………………………………….……….5 yards from LOS & loss of down

·         Flag guarding & Stiff arming…………………………………………….Spot  foul, 5 yards & loss of down

·         Screening, blocking or running with the ball carrier……….…………..Spot foul, 5 yards & loss of down

·         Charging…………………………………………………………………..10 yards from LOS & loss of down

·         Delay of game……………………………………………………..……….Spot foul, 5 yards & loss of down

·         Offside………………………………………………………………………………..5 yards from the LOS

·         Offensive Unnecessary Roughness…………………………………………..Spot foul, 10 yards and loss of down

NFLSC and SCYFFA reserves the right to modify and adjust rules at any point during the season.