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RULE BOOK
2021
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW:
I. Format ....................................................................................................... 3
II. Coach and Spectator Conduct ............................................................. 4
III. Check In and Registration ..................................................................... 4
IV. Rosters ...................................................................................................
...................................................................................................
5
5
TOURNAMENT RULES:
I. Game .......................................................................................................... 6
II. Terminology .............................................................................................. 7
III. Equipment ................................................................................................. 8
IV. Field ............................................................................................................ 9
VI. Timing and Overtime ............................................................................. 10
VII. Scoring ...................................................................................................... 11
VIII. Coaches .................................................................................................... 11
IX. Live Ball/Dead Ball ................................................................................ 12
X. Running .................................................................................................... 13
XI. Passing .................................................................................................... 14
XII. Receiving ................................................................................................. 14
XIII. Rushing the Passer ............................................................................... 15
XIV. Flag Pulling .............................................................................................. 16
XV. Formations ............................................................................................... 17
XVI. Unsportsmanlike Conduct .................................................................... 17
XVII. Penalties .................................................................................................. 18
i. General
ii. Spot Fouls
iii. Defensive Penalties
iv. Offensive Penalties
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V. Pool Play
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I. Format
Teams and player rosters must be CONFIRMED the Monday prior to each tournament.
Only one head coach and one assistant coach are allowed on the sidelines during game.
All team photographers, managers, position coaches, team moms, fans, etc., must remain a minimum
of 10 yards off the field in a designated Spectator Viewing Area. This will be strictly enforced.
Teams must be standing near the end zone of the field for their games and be ready to play
10 minutes before the scheduled game time.
NFL FLAG reserves the right to cancel or change the location of a Tournament.
If a tournament is changed or canceled, RCX will not reimburse any team, players, or spectators
for any expenses incurred including but not limited to airfare, ground transportation,
lodging, and food. Teams may request a refund of the tournament registration fee.
All decisions made by NFL FLAG are final.
II. Coach and Spectator Conduct/Responsibilities
1. Coaches, family members, parents, and spectators are required to observe the contest from
designated areas.
January 1st of the current calendar year is the date used to determine
eligibility for age divisions.
3. Coaches must agree to sign a coaches code of conduct and strictly adhere to our guidelines
for coach conduct and attitude.
a. If a coach displays any type of negativity toward his or her players, coaches or staff,
the coach will be removed from the field immediately and unable to coach for the
remainder of the tournament. This will be explained in greater detail at the coaches
meeting prior to the tournament.
4. All family members, parents and spectators will observe play from the designated areas.
Participants, c
oaches, parents and family members must conduct themselves appropriately
during tournament.
5. Inappropriate, rude or confrontational behavior by any coach, team or parent(s) may lead to a
team’s disqualification from a tournament at the sole discretion of NFL FLAG.
6. Misconduct by any individual may lead to removal from the premises at the sole discretion of
NFL FLAG.
2.
1.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2.
Coaches are permitted to coach on the sideline at all Tournaments.
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III. Tournament Check-In and Registration
1. Participation requirements and registration guidelines are provided to each head coach prior
to the tournament by RC Experiences.
2. An NFL FLAG Tournament medical release form, signed by a parent or legal guardian,
must be submitted by the participant. Participants will not be eligible to play without a medical
release form submitted at registration.
3. All players are required to submit two forms* of identification and a current photo.
*Acceptable forms of identification are the following:
Birth Certificate, Passport, Report Card, Official State ID, Medical records, School ID.
4. No roster substitutions will be allowed after the final roster is submitted.
5. NFL FLAG reserves the right to disqualify players and/or teams if individuals
do not meet the Tournament Requirements set forth in the current calendar year.
6. To register as an official NFL FLAG participant, go to www.my.nflflag.com/register.
Make sure to select the league you play in. If you do not see your league contact your league organizer.
7. The tournament will be held rain or shine.
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IV. Rosters
1. Home teams wear dark color jerseys. Visiting teams wear light color jerseys.
2. Team Rosters must consist of at least 5 players with a maximum of 10 players.
a. Teams may play with no more than 5 players and no less than 4 players on the field.
b. Teams will be granted a 10-minute grace period if they do not have at least 4 eligible
players at the start of the game, to allow for the required players to report to the field.
c. In the event of an injury, a team with insufficient substitute players may play
with 4 players on the field but no fewer than 4.
3. All roster challenges will be addressed, by the Tournament Director, either prior or post game play.
a. If a roster is ruled illegal, the team at fault will forfeit the game,
awarding the other team a 28-0 victory
b. If a roster is proven legal, the game will resume as scheduled
or the score of the game will be recorded.
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V. Pool Play
1. Teams will play a minimum of three games in pool play.
Divisional Tie Breakers
1. Two teams tied for one place.
a. Head-to-head competition
b. Total points allowed during tournament play
c. Total points scored during tournament play
d. Coin toss
2. Three or more teams tied for one place.
a. Total points allowed during tournament play
b. Total points scored during tournament play
c. Coin toss if two teams are still tied. Drawing if three teams are still tied.
Playoffs and Championship
1. Playoff and championship games will be scheduled after pool play results
are received and confirmed.
2. Playoff rounds are single elimination.
3. Divisional playoff seeds are determined by:
a. Overall record
b. Points allowed
c. Points scored
d. Coin toss
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Tournament Rules
I. Game
1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet
at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with
the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or
defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of
direction. Possession changes to start the second half
to the team that started the game on defense.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard
line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield. Once a team
crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to score a touchdown.
b. If the offense fails to score, after crossing midfield, the ball
changes possession and the new offensive team starts
its drive on its own 5-yard line.
a. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, on 3 downs,
and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession of the ball
changes and the opposition starts its drive from its own
5-yard line. If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down
and does not cross field, the opposing team will start its
possession from the spot.
4.
c.
Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes
to the team that started the game on defense.
Offensive Teams MUST declare 4th down intent or snap
the ball prior to the expiration of the 25 second Play Clock.
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II. Terminology
Boundary Lines
The outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines
and back of the end zone lines.
Line of Scrimmage
(LOS) an imaginary line running through the point of the football and
across the width of the field.
Line-to-Gain
The line the offense must pass to get a first down or score.
Rush Line
An imaginary line running across the width of the field seven yards
(into the defensive side) from the line of scrimmage.
Offense
The team with possession of the ball.
Defense
The team opposing the offense to prevent it from advancing the ball.
Passer
The offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the
quarterback.
Rusher
The defensive player assigned to rush the quarterback to prevent
him/ her from passing the ball by pulling his/her flags or by blocking
the pass.
Live Ball
Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used
in regard to penalties. Live ball penalties are considered part of the
play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.
Dead Ball
Refers to the period of time immediately before or after a play.
Whistle
Sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of
the play or a stop in the action for a timeout, halftime or the end of
the game.
Inadvertent Whistle
Official’s whistle that is performed in error.
Charging
An illegal movement of the ball-carrier directly at a defensive player
who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the
head or initiating contact with a shoulder, forearm or the chest.
Flag Guarding
An illegal act by the ball-carrier to prevent a defender from pulling the
ball-carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking
access to the runner’s flags with a hand, arm or ball.
Shovel Pass
A legal forward pass across the LOS underhand, backhand or
by pushing the ball forward.
Lateral
A backward or sideway toss of the ball by the ball-carrier.
Unsportsmanlike
Conduct
A rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language.
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III. Equipment
1. Participants must bring their own official NFL FLAG belts and mouth guards to the
tournament. Extra belts and mouth guards will be available for purchase.
2. All players must wear official NFL FLAG belts and mouth guards at all times while on the
playing fields.
3.
4.
NFL FLAG footballs will be provided. Team footballs are not allowed.
5.
Players must wear shoes. Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations. This will be specified
in the tournament details you receive prior to th
e tournament. However, cleats with exposed
metal are never allowed and must be removed.
6.
Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and
knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
7.
Players must remove all jewelry, hats and do-rags. Winter beanies are allowed.
Players may wear soft shell helmets but they must ne secured at ALL times while on the playing field
8. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the belt line.
9. We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets. Shorts or pants
with belt loops or pockets must be taped. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape up
pockets.
a. Flag belts cannot be the same color as shorts or pants.
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IV. Field
1. The field dimensions are 25 yards by 70 yards
with two 10-yard end zones, and a midfield
line-to-gain. No-run zones precede each line-to
gain by 5 yards. However, some tournaments
may use smaller fields because of field space
available or to complete tournament scheduling
on time. Recommended smaller field dimensions
are 64 yards by 25 yards with two 7 yard end zones.
2. No-run zones are in place to prevent teams
from conducting power run plays. While in the
no-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before
midfield and before the end zone), teams
cannot run the ball in any fashion. All plays
must be pass play
s, even with a handoff.
3. Stepping on the boundary line is considered
out of bounds.
4. Each offensive team approaches only TWO
no-run zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards
from midfield to gain the first down, and one
zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
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5
10
5
25 YARDS
70 YARDS
10
5
1st DOWN
N0 RUNNING ZONE
N0 RUNNING ZONE
N0 RUNNING ZONE
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V. Timing and Overtime
1. Regular Season Games are played on a 40 minute continuous clock with two
20 minute halves, and Tournament Games are played on a 24 minute continuous clock
with two 12 minute halves, unless one team gains a 28-point advantage, which will then
end the game. Clock stops only for half time, time outs, injuries and the Officials discretion.
2. Halftime is one minute.
3. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 25 seconds to snap the ball.
4. Each team has three 30-second timeouts per game.
5. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
6. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed
from the field of play.
7. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, an overtime period will be used to determine
a winner. Overtime format is as follows:
a. Home team calls the toss to determine the team that chooses to be on o
ffense or defense first.
i. If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will
get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime.
This process continues with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on
offense or defense to start out during every round of overtime.
ii. The referee will determine which end of the field the overtime will take place on.
b. Each team will take turns getting one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point
or the defense’s 10-yard line for two points. Whether to go for one or two points is up to
the offensive team. Whether or not the team that begins on offense converts the team
that started on defense gets a chance on offense to win or tie by converting a one- or
two-point play of their own.
i. Example: Team A starts on offense and chooses to go for one point from the
5-yard line and is successful. Team B is then on offense and can choose to either
go for one point from the 5-yard line to tie and force a second round of overtime or
to go for two points from the 10-yard line for the win.
ii. If the second team on offense in an overtime round fails to beat or match the team
that went first, the team that went first wins.
c. Starting with the 2nd overtime, both teams must "go for two" from the 10-yard line
d. Starting with the 3rd overtime, each team will get 1 play from the 5 yard line going
out from the endzone. The team with the most yards will be the winner. The team
with the most yards will be awarded 1 point added to their final score.
e. Final Score will be recorded to include all points scored for each team
f. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
g. There are no timeouts.
h. Interceptions are returnable in OT, and worth 2 points.
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VI. Scoring
1. Touchdown: 6 points
2. PAT (point after touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (10-yard line)
a. Note: 1 point PAT is pass only; 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
3. Safety: 2 points
a. A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone.
Runners can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, a flag
falls out, they step out of bounds, their knee or arm touches the ground, a fumble
occurs in the end zone or if a snapped ball lands in or beyond the end zone.
5.
A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-point
conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line). Any change,
once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision
cannot be changed after a penalty.
6. After one team is winning by 28 points or more, the game is over. Once a 28 or more point
advantage is gained, no PAT will be attempted.
7. Forfeits are scored 28-0 for the winning team.
8. The coaches, officials and scorekeeper must sign the score sheet. If a coach does not sign
the score sheet before leaving the field, the scorekeeper will note on that score sheet and the
score will be FINAL.
VII. Coaches
1. Coaches are expected to adhere to NFL FLAG philosophies, coaching guidelines
and code of conduct.
2. Only two coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines.
a. Coaches are permitted to Coach on the sideline.
b. All team photographers, managers, position coaches, team moms, fans, etc. are required
and must remain a minimum of 10 yards off the field in a designated viewing area.
c. Coaches, this is your responsibility to keep your fans and any other team associated
members in the designated areas.
4. Extra points that are returned equals 2 points.
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IX. Live Ball/Dead Ball
1. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage.
a. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral
zone. In regard to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral
zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.
3. A player who gains possession of the ball in the air is considered in bounds as long as the first foot
or other body part contacts the ground in the field of play.
4. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive
players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
5. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
6. Any official can whistle the play dead.
7. Play is ruled “dead” when:
a. The ball hits the ground.
i. If the ball hits the ground as a result
of a bad snap, the ball is then placed
where the ball hit the ground.
b. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
c. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
d. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
e. The ball-carrier’s knee or arm hits the
ground.
f. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
g. The receiver catches the ball while in
possession of one or no flag(s).
h. The 7 second pass clock expires.
i. Inadvertent whistle
Ball-carrier leaves their feet other than jump cuts,
spinning or to avoid a downed player on the field of play.
NOTE: There are no fumbles. The ball becomes a dead ball. (If the ball is fumbled forwards then it
will be spotted where the ball carrier lost possession.
8. If inadvertent whistle occurs the offense has two options:
A) take the ball where the whistle blew and the down is consumed
B) replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
If it occurs on the last play of the half or game, the offense will be awarded one untimed down
and given those two options.
9. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the official’s
ruling is correct, the team will be charged a timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the
ti
meout will not be charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all
agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call.
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X. Running
1. The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
2. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who
receives the snap.
3. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front,
behind or to the side of the offensive player but must be behind the line of scrimmage. The
offense may use multiple handoffs.
a. “Center sneak” play is no longer allowed. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the
center on the first handoff of the play.
4. Absolutely NO pitches or laterals of any kind.
5. No-run Zones are located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield
are designed to avoid short-yardage power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in
these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive team approaches only
TWO no-run zones in each drive – one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and one 5
yards from the goal line to score a TD).
6. Any player who receives a handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
7. Once the ball has been handed off in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback,
all defensive players are eligible to rush.
8. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping to avoid a flag pull
is considered flag guarding.
9. Spinning/Jump Cuts are allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull.
a. Players spinning out of control will be called for flag guarding.
10. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid
collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced.
11. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
12. Offensive players in close proximity of the ball-carrier must stop their motion once the ball
has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier.
13. Flag obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on
the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered
flag guarding.
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XI. Passing
1. All passes must be thrown with one hand from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown
forward and ball out of hand prior to breaching the line of scrimmage.
a. All passes that do not cross the line of scrimmage, whether received or not,
are illegal forward passes, unless touched by a defender.
b. The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. Pass must go beyond the
line of scrimmage.
2. Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.
3. The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the seven
seconds, the play is dead, the down is consumed and the ball is returned to the line of
scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule is no longer in effect.
a. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is
returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).
XII. Receiving
1. All players are eligible to receive
passes (including the quarterback if
the ball has been handed off behind
the line of scrimmage).
2. Only one player is allowed in motion
at a time. All motion must be parallel
to the line of scrimmage and no
motion is permitted toward the line of
scrimmage.
3. A player must have at least one foot or
other body part in bounds, contacting
the ground first.
4. In the case of simultaneous
possession by both an offensive
and defensive player, possession is
awarded to the offense.
5. Interceptions are ret
urnable on
conversions after touchdowns (2 points).
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XIII. Rushing the Passer
1. 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 can defend on the line of scrimmage.
8U Division: Defenders may not rush the passer unless there is a legal handoff executed in the backfield.
2. 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.
3. A special marker, or the referee, will designate a rush line seven yards from the line of
scrimmage. Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position
with the official on
every play.
a A legal rush is:
i. Any rush from a point 7-yards from the defensive line of scrimmage.
ii. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the
quarterback.
b. A penalty may be called if:
i. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the line of scrimmage
before a handoff or pass – illegal rush (5-yards from the line of scrimmage and first down).
ii. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped –
offsides (5-yards from line of scrimmage and first down).
iii.
iv.
Any defensive player not lined up at the rush line cros
ses the line of scrimmage
before the ball is passed or handed off – illegal rush (5-yards from the line of
scrimmage and first down).
c. Special circumstances:
i. Teams are not required to rush the quarterback with the seven second clock in effect.
ii. Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play.
4. Players rushing the quarterback may attempt to block a pass; however, contact to the QB,
unless ruled incidental by the official, would result in a roughing the passer penalty.
5. The offense cannot
impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has the right to a clear path to
the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap. The PATH is set pre-snap
from the rusher or rushers directly to the QB. PATH does not move once the quarterback moves.
If the “path or line” is occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility
to avoid the rusher. Any disruption to the rusher’s path and/or contact will result in an impeding
the rusher penalty. If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the rusher’s
responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.
6. A sack oc
curs if the quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage.
The ball will be spotted where possesion of the ball is once the flag is pulled.
a. A Safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.
If the offense draws the rusher(s) to jump the seven-yard marker prior to the snap
of the ball, that rusher(s) CANNOT rush during that play. However, any other defender
that is seven yards back may rush instead. Jumping the rush is not a penalty until the
rusher crosses the line of scrimmage prior to the handoff or passed ball.
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XIV. Flag Pulling
1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.
2. Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold or run through the
ball-carrier when pulling flags.
3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.
4. If a player's flag inadvertently falls off during a play while that player has possession,
the player is down immediately and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.
6.
5.
A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in
possession of the ball.
7. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball-carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags
by stiff armin
g, dropping the head, hand, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags
with the football jersey.
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If a player who has one or no flags in their belt takes possession of the ball, the play is
dead at that spot on the field.
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XV. Formations
1. Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and up to
four players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
a. Teams may shift formations prior to the snap as long as they are set for at least
1 second before the ball is snapped.
b. One player at a time may go in motion at least 1 yard behind the line of scrimmage.
2. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage
while in motion is considered a false start.
3. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her
legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
XVI. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap
shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will
be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals will be
considered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
2. Offensive or confrontational language is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine
offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give one
warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.
3. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
4. Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
5. Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players
and are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.
ROUGH PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
a. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
b. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
c. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly:
a. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents
a minimum of 10 yards off the field in the end zone area.
b. Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.
c. Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
8. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
a. Defense + 10 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
b. Offense - 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
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XVII. Penalties
i. General
1. The referee will call all penalties.
2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
3. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted. (Spot fouls)
4. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and
interpretations. Players may not question calls.
5. Games or halves may not end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
6. Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play
is considered complete.
7. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is
more than half the distance to the goal.
iv. Defensive penalties
v. Offensive penalties
Defensive unnecessary roughness +10 yards and automatic first down
Defensive unsportsmanlike conduct +10 yards and automatic first down
Offside +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal rush (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker) +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Illegal flag pull (Before the receiver has the ball) +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Roughing the passer +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Taunting +5 yards from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
Offensive unnecessary roughness -10 yards and loss of down
Offensive unsportsmanlike conduct -10 yards and loss of down
Offside / false start
Illegal forward pass (Any pass received or lands behind the line of
scrimmage or throwing a pass after crossing the line of scrimmage)
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Offensive pass interference -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal motion (More than one person moving) -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Delay of game -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Impeding the rusher -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
Illegal Procedure -5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
iii. Offensive spot fouls
ii. Defensive spot fouls
Defensive pass interference Automatic first down
Holding +5 yards and automatic first down
Stripping +10 yards and automatic first down
Screening, blocking or running with the ball -10 yards and loss of down
Charging -10 yards and loss of down
Flag guarding -10 yards and loss of down
-5 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down
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