No Contact!
- Please discourage contact from the start of the season. We want to avoid as many injuries as possible. Let your kids know that tackling and rough play is against the rules and will not be tolerated.
THE BASICS
- Game is played 7 on 7.
- A coin toss determines first possession.
- The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has three plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, they have three plays to score a touchdown.
- Possession changes to loser of coin toss at beginning of the second half.
- ll possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
- Games are (2) twenty-five minute halves (running time).
- Coaches are on the field with their team.
- Players must play with assigned team for the season. Roster changes are not allowed without approval of League Director.
- This is a recreation league. The Fargo Park District does not keep score.
- Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.
- After a touchdown is scored, there is an extra play (mimicking a 2 point conversion) starting on the 5-yard line. It must be a passing play.
TIMING
- Each team has one 30-second time-out per half.
- Each team will have up to 60 seconds to snap the ball after the previous play ends.
- Officials can stop the clock at their discretion (i.e. injuries)
RUNNING
- The quarterback cannot run the ball
- Direct handoffs or laterals 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.
RECEIVING
- 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.
- A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
PASSING
- Shovel passes are allowed.
- Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception. Interceptions are the only changes of possession 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 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:
Defense:
- Off sides - 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
- Illegal forward pass (pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage) - Five yards and loss of down
- Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.) - 10 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 – 5 yards
- 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 FLAG Football jerseys must be worn during play and the jerseys must be tucked into pants/shorts as to not cover the players’ belts and flags.
