RULES
8 players on the field at one time
2 - 22 minute running clock halves
Clock does not stop for anything but time-outs in the first half
Clock stops on the last 2 minutes of the second half only (regular football rules)
1 time out per half
All players must have uniform shirt on in order to play
25 second snap count
Discrepencies: If there is a rule discrepency - only the coach or secondary coach may discuss the situation with the officials. Coaches, we need your help in controllling your team, please!
Blocking:
There is NO BLOCKING! If a play is made in the general vacinity of another player, that player must remove himself from forward play. NO contact.
Gender: One of every 3 plays must involve a female player as a running back, receiver or quarterback for positive yards.
On a gender play, male players may not interfere wtih the pass until a female has had a chance to make a play on the ball first. The only male player who may interfere the pass is the defender on the quarterback only. This player may intercept or knock the ball down. If the ball is knocked down, the next play is still gender because a female player never had a chance to make a play.
6 points for a touchdown
1 extra point - 6 yard mark / 2 extra points - 8 yard mark
Flag Football: Each player must wear the flag belt at the waistline. Flags must be showing and free and clear of clothing. Each flag should extend or hang from the waist. The ball carrier may not block the flags or hide them. Wrapping, tying or in any way securing the flags to the uniform or belt other than presecribed by rule, or intentionally removing a flag during play is illegal. (10 year penalty)
Ball Carrier: may not dive forward to gain more yards and may not delibertely drive or run into a defensive player, nor straight arm, nor protect the flag.
In all case where a play is in progress and a ball carrier loses flag either accidenttally , inadvertently, or on purpose, play shall be stopped at the spot where the flag is dropped.lfa player loses a flag, he still is eligible for a forward pass, but can not advance the ball, and t the ball is dead where the ball is caught.
DOWNS:
2 completions = a first down (the pass must be caught forward of the line of scrimmage, not caught behind the line of scrimmage and ran forward of the line)
You may earn 1 first down in each half of the field and by crossing over the mid line.
The quarterback MAY run the ball on the defensive half of the field
The quarterback MAY not run the ball on the offensive half of the field
Rush Count:
The defense may not cross into the backfield (across the line of scrimmage) until the side judge reaches the 5 second count. If the ball is handed off or a lateral is throw the defense may rush in immediately.
Snap Count:
The 25 second snap count starts when the ball is set on the line of scrimmage. The snap count is in effect on extra points, because the clock runs on extra points except in the last 2 minutes of the second half.
A defensive player can never steal possession of the ball from an offensive player. If a ball is caught by two players at the same time, the offensive player is always awarded the ball. The only time a defensive player may steal the ball from an offensive player is if the ball is being bobbled/tipped in the air.
THERE IS NO INTENTIONAL GROUNDING.
5 yard penalties:
offsides (offense or defense) - replay down
not using a female player in 3 downs - replay down
too many people on the field - replay down
snap goes to a player other than the player that calls the cadence - replay down
Delay of game - loss of down
illegal forward pass - replay down
10 yard penalities:
illegal contact - loss of down
face guarding
pass interference
Picks by the offense - loss of down
holding or detaining an offensive player
illegal diving forward to gain extra yards - from spot of foul
Stiff arming, contacting - loss of down
Blocking on an interception: ball is marked at the spot of the foul
**If a player is getting out of hand, visually and/or verbally upset about a play...the official will ask the player to sit out a few plays until he/she has calmed down. If that player 'acts up' again, he/she will be immediately asked to leave the field of play for the remainder of that game. If the player continues to be disruptive after being asked to leave the field of play, then his/her team may have to forfeit the game.
CONDUCT:
Contact is supposed to be avoided at all cost!
No taunting or abusive language should be used. No rough contact or overly aggressive play and no fighting!
HARFORD COUNTY'S SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
