Rules for 4-on-4 Flag Football

03/06/06

A. General Rules of Play

1. Games are played on an indoor field measuring approximately 50 yards, goal-line to goal-line, with a mid field stripe. End zones measure approximately 8 yards. Field width should be a minimum of 80 feet marked with out of bounds lines on each side. A "start line" is marked in red on each end, 8 yards from the respective goal lines.

2. Each team is composed of 6 rostered players. Four (4) players must be available at a game for play to commence. Failure to have 4 players ready at game time will result in automatic forfeit with no possibility of reschedule. Once underway a game can continue as long as 3 players are on the field. If, at any time, for any reason, the number on the field drops below 3 the game will cease and a forfeit awarded the team with the minimum requisite players - NO MATTER THE SCORE AT THAT POINT.

3. Once a roster of six (6) players is submitted changes can be made only after payment of $20 for each player change. Players removed from a roster can be re-added, but only after payment of a $20 fee. The number of roster moves can be unlimited but each and every player added must pay the "change fee" of $20, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THE SAME PLAYER IS ADDED.

4. Players are required to check in before each game at which time they will be required to show picture ID. Flags will be issued to each individual player at check-in. Flags must rrned to the check-in point immediately following the game.

5. Games are played as one period of 20 minutes running time. One (1) 20 second time out is allowed per team per game. At the sole discretion of the referees, the clock can also stop for injuries.

6. The designated "Home Team" will call a coin flip to determine who has the ball first on offense. The winner can elect to play defense first.

7. Play and the clock are started when the first snap is made.

8. All snaps are made between the legs of the center.

9. Play begins at the offensive teams "Red Line".

10. Starting at the "Red Line", teams have 3 plays to pass the "mid-field line" and start another 3 play series. Once past mid-field the offense has 3 plays to score a touchdown.

11. If the offense fails to cross mid-field in 3 plays or score in 3 plays once across mid-field, the ball goes to the opposition at their "Red Line". Play continues until time runs out or a winner is declared.

12. Once the ball is deemed ready for play the offense has 25 seconds to snap the ball.

B. Scoring and Declaring a Winner

1. A winner is declared if either the game ends due to time elapsing with one am having more points than the other OR if the scoring differential reaches 56 points. Ties are possible.

2. Points are awarded as follows: TD = 6 points, Safety = 2 points, Extra Point from the Red Line = 2 points, Extra point from the 3 yard line = 1 point. Failed extra points cannot be returned; the ball is dead if intercepted on an extra point.

C. Equipment

1. Outdoor cleats of certain designs may be worn. Replaceable cleats are not allowed as are metal cleats. Recommended shoe is “turf cleats” or tennis shoes.

2. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

3. Shorts or sweat pants are acceptable. Blue jeans or non-athletic wear may not be worn.

4. Hats, bandanas, head sweat bands, or jewelry of any kind may not be worn.

5. Towels may not be worn on the belt or in the pants.

6. Mouthpieces are highly recommended.

D. Actual Play

1. Timeouts

None

2. Rushing the QB

a. All players rushing the QB must start at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage (LOS). This point will be indicated by the back judge referee before each play.

b. Players defending may be on the LOS.

c. Once the ball is exchanged by "DIRECT HAND-OFF" the 7-yard rule is off and anyone can rush.

3. Running

a. The person taking the "direct snap" from center to start each play may NOT run.

b. Running can only occur after a direct hand-off. No lateral or pitches are allowed. Multiple hand-offs are allowed behind the LOS only.

c. "No Run Zones" exist 5 yards before mid-field and each end zone. This is meant to prevent running for a "short yardage first down" or touch down.

d. Spinning is allowed but the ball carrier cannot leave his feet to avoid a "tackle" (flag pull).

e. A runner must change direction to avoid running over defenders. Run under control.

f. Stiff arming is not allowed. Protecting the flags in any way is not allowed.

g. The ball is spotted at the point of the hips at flag removal. Sticking the ball across the goal or first down marker without the hips breaking that plane does not warrant a TD or first down.

4. Passing

a. All passes must be forward and beyond the LOS. No laterals.

b. QB has 7 seconds to throw. If the ball is not released the ball is spotted on the last LOS, loss of down.

c. If the ball is handed-off the 7-second rule is off.

d. Interceptions cannot be returned during the first 17 minutes of play. The ball changes possession and is spotted at the point of interception. At the 3 (three) minute mark all interceptions can be returned.

5. Receiving

a. All players are eligible.

b. Only one player can be in motion on any play.

c. A player must have TWO feet in bounds and possession for a legal catch.

d. For play off the walls and netting see the Rules for 7 on 7 on the americanindoorsports.com Web Site.

6. Dead Ball

a. See the Rules for 7 on 7 as in 5.a. above.

b. The ball is dead at the point of an interception. Interceptions cannot be returned.

7. Sportsmanship

a. Trash talking is illegal and will not be tolerated. The referee has full and FINAL authority to determine offensive or detrimental language. Entirely within the referee's authority is the punishment which may be; ejection for a play, the remainder of the game and/or the remainder of the season. There are no appeal of this ruling.

b. Unsafe play is punishable by ejection as detailed in 8a above. Fighting will not be tolerated and may be punishable by ejection for the season.

8. Penalties

a. See 7 on 7 Rules for applicable penalties.

b. Every play must be run out even in the case of obvious offsides or illegal procedure. This is done to prevent a team from delaying a game by causing intentional penalties that would require the referee to interfere with play. Continue playing until you hear a whistle.

c. If the team in the lead incurs a delay of game penalty in the last 3-minutes, possession will automatically change at the current LOS. There is no referee count on the play clock - each team must manage the count themselves. This rule covers any delay. The game can not end on a defensive penalty assuming the team that is leading is the defensive team.

9. Sudden Death Overtime

a. Sudden death overtime is only played in playoff games.

b. Each team is given an opportunity to score from the Red Line. After each team has an opportunity the one not scoring is the loser. Plays continue until a winner is decided. Extra points are not attempted on an "overtime score".

10. Last 3 minutes of the game

The last 3 minutes are very important in the play of the game.

1. If a delay occurs, by the team in the lead, possession changes at the current LOS.

2. Interceptions can be returned for touch downs.