FDU INTRAMURAL FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

Flag Football Dimensions (click here)
   

 

• Games are 6-on-6.  Teams must have a minimum of 5 must be on field to play game. 
• Games are 30/40 minutes
• Ball Starts on the 5 yard line after a coin toss to determine possession.
• The clock will run continuously until the last 1 minute of each half.  Then the clock will stop only on time-outs, first downs, incomplete passes, defensive penalties, running out of bounds, change of possessions and scores.
• There is a mercy rule.  If game is out of reach with 5 minutes remaining in the game, it will be called.
• Play clock is 40 seconds from end of last play.
• Each team has 3 time-outs per half.
• Ball must be snapped or pitched to the quarterback to start the play.  That person then will become a receiver.
• There is no offensive line and motion is not allowed by the offense.
• There is NO bump and run for the defense.  This is a NON-CONTACT Tournament.
• Before the snap, all offensive players must be set. 
  • The defense cannot rush for 5 seconds after snap. (Referee will count to "5")
  • After the 5 seconds, the QB will have a 5-second "pass clock" to throw the ball.
  • QB cannot run until the Defense crosses the line of scrimmage.  (If defense does not cross, QB cannot run at all)
• Running plays are allowed but not from QB. 
  • QB cannot run the ball from the snap.  Running plays must be handed off or pitched by the QB. 
  •  QB can only run if the defense crosses the line of scrimmage.
  • Running plays are not permitted inside 5 yards of goal- or first down markers.
  • There are no laterals once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage.  Multiple handoffs on a running play behind the line of scrimmage is allowed
• If the ball hits the ground on any play (snaps, punting, etc) the play is dead.
• There is NO Diving or jumping to avoid a tackle.  Spinning is allowed must stay on the ground.
• The offense must stop in their exact place once a pass has been completed of a ball has been handed off for run play!  You cannot run next to the receiver or impede the defense at all.
• Ball is spotted where the player's flag comes off not where the ball is.  For example: To score a TD, the player must be in the end zone, not just the ball.  This includes first downs.

• THERE IS NO CONTACT AT ALL. 
• There is no blocking, tackling, stiff arming, running over a player, jumping to avoid a player.  
• You cannot run next to a teammate to stop him from getting to the flags. 
• You cannot slap a defensive player's hands away from your flags.
• There are no picks allowed.
• Once a receiver catches the ball, all other receivers must stop in their place.
• THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO FIGHTING, TRASH-TALKING OR ROUGH HOUSING PERMITTED... THERE IS NO TOLERANCE ON THIS MATTER... YOU WILL DISQUALIFIED FROM THE TOURNAMENT AND WILL BE REPORTED TO THE DEAN OF STUDENTS FOR FURTHER ACTIONS.  PLAY THE GAME CORRECTLY AND HAVE FUN!

The Basics

• A coin toss determines first possession.
• The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 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 at the spot of the turnover.
• If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes at the spot of the turnover or the spot of the punt/throw.
• Once the ball hits the ground, the play is over.
• Interceptions may be returned.
• Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes (15 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 30 minutes (or 40 minutes) running time. If the score is tied at the end of 30 (40) minutes, teams move directly into overtime.
• OVERTIME RULES -
  • Each team will get the ball at midfield with four downs to score.
  • On the first drive in OT, you can go for 1 or 2 pts conversion.
  • After first drive, teams must go for 2pt conversion.
• 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 three 30-second time-outs per half.
• Clock will stop in last minute of the game on time-outs, first downs, and incomplete passes.
• 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/Ball Possession

• The quarterback cannot run with the ball.  The QB can only run IF the defense crosses the line of scrimmage after the 5 second "Hold Time".  After the first 5 seconds, the QB will have 10 second "Pass Clock" to throw the ball or he will be downed.
• Only 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.
• There is NO DIVING ALLOWED.
• 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).
• All players must be set before the snap of the ball.  There is no motion permitted.
• A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing

• Shovel passes are allowed.
• The Quaarterback has a five-second "hold clock." After this time the defense can rush the quarterback. 
• The QB may run once the defense crosses the line of scrimmage.
• If the defense does not rush, the QB has 10 second "pass clock" to throw ball or he will be down.
• Interceptions may be returned.

Dead Balls

• The ball must be snapped to start play.  It does not have to go through the player's legs.
• 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
  • Incomplete pass
  • Player dives or leaves his feet to avoid being caught.
• There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.

Rushing the Quarterback

• All players who rush the passer must wait for the 5-second pass clock to expire.  
• 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 "Hold Clock" is no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.
• Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.  Players must keep hands at side and not make contact with a defensive player.

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:
  • Off-sides:  10 yards
  • Interference:  10 yards and automatic first down          
  • Illegal contact:  10 yards and automatic first down  (holding, blocking, etc.)             
  • Illegal flag pull:  10 yards and automatic first down  (before receiver has ball)
  • Illegal rushing:  10 yards  (cross line of scrimmage before 5-sec pass clock expires)  
• Offense:
  • Illegal motion:  5 yards  (two players moving, false start)
  • Interference:  10 yards  (pass interference, face guarding)
  • Illegal Blocking:  10 yards  (illegal pick, pushing off/away defender)
  • FLAG guarding:  10 yards  (swiping opposing players away from flag)
  • Delay of game:   10 yards and loss of down and Clock stops
• 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

• Rubber Cleats are allowed.  No Metal spikes!
• Shirts must be tucked in.  No short football jerseys.
• 3 Flags must be able to hang freely without.

Other Important Notes

• There are no kickoffs
• No blocking or contact allowed. You may not use your hands in any way to impede another player. 
• You must stand completely still when in the way of a defender.