2010 Rules

Rules for
Ben Watson Flag Football League
20010 (5v5)
Playing Field:
- Length: 80+/-Yards
- Width: 30+/- Yards
- First Down Marks: Mid-field
- No Run Zones: Within 5 yards before the first down and the end zone of the offensive team… you must pass the ball if you are within this zone.
- A team may choose to start the ball on right or left hash or in the middle of the field for each play. Please try to tell the ref before you huddle so he can properly mark the ball.

Players and Teams
- Each team consists of 10+/- players. However we play 5 on 5 1 center 1 QB 3 running backs/receivers
- Coaches should adhere to the equal playing time rule

Playing clock
- Two 20 minute halves with a running clock format except for the final 1 minute of the second half (unless there is a lead of more than eight points. A pro clock will be used during these times. (The clock stops for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possession, extra point attempts, and defensive penalties.)
- Each team receives one 30 second time-out per half.
- There is a change of possession at halftime.

Rock / Paper/ Scissors
- Whichever team wins the RPS will decide which half they want the ball first. The opposing team will then determine what direction the offense goes. When the second half starts the ball will go to the team who started on defense in the first half and the teams will change sides of the field.
o Rock beats scissors
o Scissors beats paper
o Paper beats rock

Scoring
- Touchdown = 6 points
- Safety = 2 points
- Extra Points:
6 yards out = 1 point:
20 yards out = 2 points:
- An intercepted pass that is returned for a touchdown during any extra point attempt is 2 points.



Drives
- No kick-offs or punts
- All drives begin on the 5 yard line unless intercepted
- Drives consist of three plays to make a first down (cross mid-field) or ball goes over on downs. If first down is made the team must score in three plays or the other team gains possession, and the ball is moved to 5 yard line
- Interceptions may be run back, ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.
- If the interception occurs in the end zone and the player takes a knee the ball will be spotted on the 5 yard line. The player may return the ball if he chooses.
- The ball must be snapped – can perform side snap, but must start from the ground
- Once a team achieves a first down by crossing midfield, that team can never get another 1st down by crossing it again during the same offensive series (Unless there is a defensive penalty)
- Once the ball is spotted by the ref., a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.

4th downs
** Teams have the option to go for 2 4th downs in a game however if the team is unsuccessful the ball is turned over to the other team at the spot. You can only use one 4th down per half…if you do not use it you lose it.

Subs
- Players may sub in during a dead ball but must be on or off before the next play is snapped. If a player enters the huddle on offense another player must leave. If the same player leaves the field it is a penalty: illegal substitution.
- Equal playing time is a must

Flags
- ** Shirts must be tucked in at all times… and flag belts must be worn in a manner that each hip has one flag. If the ref deems the runner does not have proper positioning of the flag he can be called down upon contact with the ball.
- When you pull off an opponents flag please raise it straight in the air so the ref knows the play is over…. Always play until the whistle.
- ** The ball is spotted where the players feet are when he flag is pulled it is not where the defensive players feet are!
- Pulling the player’s flag before he has possession does count as a dead ball but is a ten yard penalty and automatic first down. If the player unintentionally or intentionally juggles the ball and his flag is pulled while he is juggling the play is considered dead.
- If a flag falls off during a play he is considered down. If it falls off before a player catches or runs with the ball he is consider down where he comes in contact with the ball

Running Plays
- ** QB is deemed the person who receives the direct snap
- Unlimited backward hand offs, pitches or passes down the field. They may occur pass the LOS but must be backward.
- Quarterback does not have to be lined up behind the center, and can be moving when ball is snapped.
- The No Run Zone is designed to prevent short yardage power running. It is located 5 yards from the end-zone and the mid-field first down marker.
- The player who receives a hand-off may pass as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage.
- Quarterback cannot run the ball unless he is rushed.
- The QB cannot bounce the ball off of a player s back and catch it and run.

Fumbles
** Any and all fumbles will be treated like a dead ball and be placed at the spot unless it is a forward spot in this case the ball will be spotted at the last player who touched the ball.

Receiving
- All players are eligible to receive passes, including center and QB after handoff.
- The receiver must have one foot in bounds when making a catch.

Passes
- Shovel passes are allowed.
- ** Unlimited number of forward passes can occur behind the LOS
- Only forward passes are allowed by any player as long as he is behind the line of scrimmage.
- QB has 10 seconds to pass the ball (unless there is a hand-off).
- Failure to get a pass off in 10 seconds will be treated as a downed ball. The clock does not stop.

Rushing QB
- An official will designate the 7 yard rushing mark.
- Rushers must be 7 yards beyond L.O.S. when the ball is snapped
- Any number of players may rush.
- If the rusher enters the 7 yard neutral zone before the snap, he must go back to the 7 yard mark before he can rush.
- Rusher may go for the flag or to block the pass. He cannot hit the QB s hand or arm; this is illegal contact. His arms must be straight up cannot come in a downward motion
- The rusher has a direct line to the QB only if he positions himself with no player in his line. If he lines up with a player between himself and the QB he does not have a right of way. Rushing from the corner, corner blitz gets no right of way. If the rusher changes direction during his rush he loses his right of way.
- Once the ball has been handed off any or all defensive players are allowed to rush even if they are not behind the 7 yard rushing marker. If the QB has not released the ball only the players behind the rushing markers can cross the line of scrimmage or it is an illegal rush.
- If the rusher pulls the QB s flag before the ball leaves his hands it is a sack even if his arm is going forward.

Dead Balls
- When the ball hits the ground. (If a player s hand touches the ground he is not down.). If and when the ball hits the ground either on a pass or during a run it is considered down where the runner feet are.
- No fumble recoveries allowed.
- When flag is pulled.
- If a player s flag falls off he is down.
- When the ball carrier s knees touch the ground.
- When the ball carrier steps out of bounds.

Officials
- ¬Only the designated team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.
- Players cannot question judgment calls. NO ARGUING ALLOWED
- During controversial matters teams will go to their sideline while the refs discuss the ruling. If you do not agree with the call (and you will not sometimes) understand this is part of the game that is not perfect and we all have to deal with. Every attempt is made to give you the fairest games as possible.
- All teams are required to have a copy of the rules at every game. If you believe the ref. has made a mistake concerning the rules, call time-out, consult your rulebook, and then present your case in a sportsmanlike manner. If you are correct, your time-out will not be charged. If you are out of time outs: 10 yard penalty and loss of down. You are responsible to know the rules.
- Verbally abusing the staff or anyone on our property will get you ejected quickly; continue this from the sidelines and your team will lose by forfeit.
- Refs and players are to show respect for each other. Repeated offenders of poor sportsmanship from players will not be tolerated. ROAR reserves the right to kick any player or coach out of a game or the league with no refund

Overtime – Modified Texas Shootout.
- Whichever team wins the RPS may decide which team goes first. The other team decides which side of the field to play overtime.
- Each team receives two plays starting twelve yards from the end zone in which they try to score. If successful, the team may go for their extra point(s).
- Both teams get equal possessions; this is not sudden death.
- There are no ties.
- Interceptions may not be returned.
- Repeat cycle until a winner prevails.




Illegal touching
A player may never intentionally come in contact with another player
***Unless it is a free ball… a free ball is a ball that is in the air and can be caught by either player or players…. However each player must make a play on the ball not the man. Offensive or defensive pass interference may be called.

Blocking
Is illegal in flag football

Defense
** A defender may not knock the ball (or take the ball) from an offensive players hands. Judgment call by the official.

Screens and picks
A player on the offensive team may run a straight line from point A to point B to essentially get in the way of the defensive team player. This player may not come into contact with another player or change directions to get in the way. The screener may not stick out his legs or arms in order to slow a defensive player
*** Offensive players may stop (unless it’s to intentionally have another player run into you) at any time but may not – turn, “get big” or start again… to ensure the ref knows you are not screening simply throw your hands in indication.

A Defensive player may not contact an offensive screener, he must go around

Penalties
- Offensive penalties are 10 yards
o Dead ball maintain down
o Live ball loss of down
- Defensive penalties are 10 yards.
o Dead ball replay down
o End of play add on loss of down
- After a defensive penalty in the final minute the clock restarts on the snap.

Misc. Penalties
- Break Away rule: After a catch, tackling, holding, or pushing out of bounds without an attempt to deflag the receiver will result in a 10 yard penalty or half the distance tacked on to the end of the play & a 1st down.
- Flag throwing rule: Deliberately throwing a pulled flag away from the opponent will result in a ten yard penalty please hand the flag back to the runner. If this happens near the end of the game delay of game could be called. 10 yard penalty & a 1st down.



Off Penalties
- Illegal Motion - more than one man in motion at the same time or forward motion before the ball is snapped.
- Illegal Pass - QB releasing ball beyond L.O.S.
- Interference - pick play, pushing off defender.
- Flag guarding - swiping away defender s hand during flag pulling attempt.
- Flag guarding in the end zone is a safety!
- Stiff-arming - pushing away defender
- Illegal Contact - blocking, holding, pushing player out of bounds.
- Offside - forward movement prior to snap of the ball.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct - Excessive contact, rough play.
- There is no intentional grounding penalty.

Def Penalties
- Off sides.
- Interference - Impeding receiver from opportunity to catch a ball, shielding, not looking back at the ball while raising arms to defend a receiver.
- Illegal flag pull - intentionally pulling flag before player touches ball.
- Illegal rush - not 7 yards from LOS.
- Illegal contact - Tripping, making contact with the QB, blocking, rough play.

Attire
- Shirts must be tucked in
- Flag belts may not be tied simply clicked on
- No pockets; at your own risk…
- No jewelry may be worn unless ears have recently been pierced; then they must be taped.
- Metal spikes are not allowed ever!
- Only floppy hats are allowed.
- THERE IS NO ROOM IN OUR LEAGUE FOR THE NEXT TWO!!
- 1) Fighting will not be tolerated and will result in automatic ejection from the league.
- 2) Cussing.
- Other important notes
- Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park.
- Please help keep the park clean by depositing all trash in the receptacles provided.
Please remember to drive slow 16mph at the park

ROAR Bowl 2010 1 vs 4 and 3 vs 2 set for Aug 5th and 12th….all teams will play both days regardless of win or loose
In the event of a tie it will go to a head to head tie breaker. If it is still tied after head to head it will go to a coin toss by the director.

As always ROAR reserves the right to change, add, or modify any rule at any time! Please understand that this is our first year of adult flag football, if we see that a rule is not working then we may change the rule to better suite the league (or Brian’s team).