Winter Outdoor Flag Football League – Rules
A-GAME SPORTS Winter Outdoor Flag Football League Information And Rules
Each of the games will be 40 minutes with two 20 minute halves of running clock.
All games within each age group will be played the same time each week
Rules and Regulations
- Each team will consist of up to 12 players
- Games will be played on 8 v 8 each week with the exception of when an opposing team may be short players. In the event one team has fewer than 8 players, the game will be played to the number that the short-handed opponent has (i.e. if team only has 6 players show up, game will be 6 v 6)
- This is a rec league style of competition meaning that A Game Sports will do its best to ensure that everyone gets equal playing time.
- If a team ends up having fewer than 5 players show for a game, the game becomes a forfeit. In that case, players will be split up into 2 teams for a scrimmage game.
- There is no flag guarding(Flag Guarding is putting one’s hand or arm on the belt to ensure it won’t come off during play. In the event of violation, the ball will be placed back 5 full length steps by the referee from the spot where the guarding took place. For k-2nd grade, the violation results in a spotting of the ball where the flag guarding occurred.
- There is no blocking by the players with their arms in any way. Players may only impede the progress of a defender with a “basketball pick” type stance where arms are either down by the players side or the hands are held against the chest with their elbows tucked at the side. (Coaches and refs will demonstrate for players what is and isn’t allowed.
- There is no tackling of any kind allowed. Any act of tackling deemed to be intentional by the referee will result in immediate ejection from the game.
- Scoring will be via touchdowns only and will be worth 7 points. (Exceptions for a safety. See down below)
- Games can end in a tie except in the playoffs/championship. (Playoff rules will be provided at a later date)
- There is no punting on 4th down. Change of possession occurs at the spot on the field where the opposing team was unable to get a 1st down on the 4th down.
- There are no kickoffs. With the exception of turnover on downs, each team will start off at the same equidistant marks on the field from the opponents respective endzones.
- With the exception of turnover on downs, each team will have 2 opportunities to get a first down based on passing midfield as well as another marker between midfield and the opponent’s end zone. In certain situations where there is a turnover on downs, the team with the ball may have an opportunity for 3 first downs. (i.e. if they started off very close to their own end zone when they took over on downs)
- Each team will be allowed 1 timeout per half and it can only be used in the last minute of play(the referee will announce when the last minute has begun. The duration of the timeout is 1 minute.
- Halftime duration is 2 minutes
- There is no shirt grabbing allowed by either the defense or the offense. Doing so will result in 5 full length steps by the referee . (i.e. if defense commits the penalty, the offense will be awarded 5 additional full length steps from the spot where the flag was pulled. If the offense commits the penalty, the line of scrimmage will be moved back by 5 full length steps by the referee)
- 3rd – 4th grade and 5th – 7th grade will be playing with player QB
- K – 2nd Grade will be playing with coach as QB
- Standard format for the 8 v 8 play will be as follows:
- Offense: 1 QB, 1 RB, 2 Linemen, 4 WR
- Defense: 3 Linemen. 5 Players In Coverage
- Defensive player will toss the ball to the QB as the snap. There will be a “5 Mississippi Count” called out by the coach on the defensive team. After 5 Mississippi, players may rush the QB.
- QB can run at any time prior to the 5 Mississippi count. Coach QB’s for k-2nd grade are not allowed to run past the line of scrimmage.
- There are no fumbles. Loss of control of the ball will result in end of play with the ball spotted at the point where the fumble occurred.
- Interceptions are allowed with returns for yardage including touchdowns.
- Pass interference called by the referee will result in the ball being spotted at the point of interference. It does not result in automatic first down unless the play is past the marker where it would have been deemed a first down (please do not apply an NFL standard to pass interference!).
- Successful grabbing of the QB’s flag (or other player’s) in their endzone will result in safety. This will be worth 2 points and turnover of possession at mid field.
- No food, gum, sunflower seeds or any other substance allowed on the field. The only beverage allowed on the field is water.
- No teasing, bullying or criticism of other players of any kind both on the player’s own team as well as opponent. There is a zero tolerance policy for this and will result in eviction from the game and could result in expulsion from the league.
Overtime Playoff Rules
- It is sudden death overtime. The first team to score wins the game.
- The higher seeded team will start with the ball at mid-field. If they score, the game is over. (i.e. the lower seeded team doesn’t get an opportunity to match) If they do not score, the opposing team will take possession at mid-field and have an opportunity to score. If they score, the game is over.
- If the higher seed team during its possession throws an interception, the opposing team can take it back for a touchdown and the game will be over. If they get stopped before the end zone, they will take over at either mid field or at the point to where they were stopped. (whichever is closer to the endzone) If the lower seeded team throws an interception during their possession, the higher seed team will have an opportunity to score a touchdown on the return, but once the flag is pulled off the player, the round of sudden death is over.
- In the event that neither team scores from mid-field, the higher seeded team will start the ball at the first down marker closest to the opposing team’s end zone. If they score, they win the game. If they don’t score, the lower seeded team switches position with the team and then has an opportunity to score and win the game.
- The same rules for how interceptions will be treated apply except the ball will be marked at the first down marker closest to the end zone and not mid field.
- In the event that neither team scores from the first down marker closest to the endzone, the higher seeded team will then be given the ball at the opponents goal line. If they score within the 4 tries, they win the game. If not, the lower seeded team will be given the same opportunity.
- Possession from the goal line will continue until one of the teams scores.
