National Intramural Recreational Sports Association Flag Football Overview

National Intramural - Recreational Sports Association Flag Football Overview 2014

Uniform - Black hat with white piping - Striped Shirt (with and without FHSAA patch) - American flag with white border - Black shorts with belt loops (Long black pants if cold – crew) - Belt - Black shoes - Black “footy” socks - Whistle - Yellow penalty flag - Blue bean bag - Game card - Pen or Pencil - Down indicator - Watch with a stopwatch on it

NIRSA 2014 Rules Changes There were further rules changes in 2013 - 14 which continue to bring the NIRSA rules closer to the NFHS rules in the areas of: 2 -3 -1 Catch Definition • There is no longer a “force out” rule. A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball in flight and first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball 6 -2 -1 • Kick Catch Interference 10 yard penalty from the spot of the foul and a first down 7 -10 -2 and 3 Pass Interference • Defensive pass interference is merely a 10 yard penalty, there is no longer an automatic first down • Offensive pass interference is merely a 10 yard penalty, there is no longer a loss of down

NIRSA 2014 Rules Changes 1 -2 -9 Hash marks shall be 6’ long and 4” wide and intersect the 20 and 40 yard lines. Hash marks 3’ long and 4’ wide shall touch the goal line and extend into the playing field. 1 -2 -11 The field shall follow the NFHS field slope. 1 -4 -4 Rubber cleats with a tipped metal material are legal. 1 -5 -3 C Players may wear a soft rubber hat. 1 -6 -1 D Shoes with projecting metal are illegal. 2 -3 -3 A recovery is gaining possession of a live ball after it strikes the ground (for punts). 7 -3 -1 If a B player covers an A player positioned within 5 yards of the sideline, it is not a foul.

NIRSA 2014 Rules Changes 8 -4 -1 It is the player who scores responsibility to raise their arms and allow the nearest official to deflag them. The rule now also applies to players scoring on a try as well. 9 -2 -2 No player or nonplayer shall use verbiage not in accordance with the spirit of the game for the purpose of trying to confuse an opponent. Voice inflection by the QB is legal. 10 -3 -5 The enforcement spot for a foul during a touchdown scoring B, C, D play is either the try or succeeding spot. 10 -3 -6 Fouls after the ready for play and prior to the try are enforced on the try. If there is an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on A, the B captain will be asked whether the foul will be enforced on the try or succeeding spot first. Then team A will be asked whether they are going for 1, 2 or 3 points on the try.

NIRSA 2014 Rules Changes 10 -3 -13 If the same number of dead ball fouls are committed by each team, and the order of their occurrence cannot be determined, the fouls will offset 10 -3 -13 Succeeding spot fouls that occur: (A) during the last play of the game, (B) during the last play of an overtime period or (C) dead ball fouls that occur after the last play of the game or overtime period – these can be carried over into overtime unless a touchdown was scored on that play, for in that case the penalty can only be enforced on the try.

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 1) Coin Toss • Visiting team captain calls the game’s starting coin toss • Visiting team captain calls the initial overtime coin toss • Get the “heads” or “tails” call prior to tossing the coin • Catch the coin in the air 2) Punts • Kicks that break the plane of the goal line are immediately dead and a touchback (to the 14 yard line) 3) Tries • When the defense gains possession of the ball during a try, the ball is immediately dead 4) Overtime • When the defense gains possession of the ball during overtime, the ball is immediately dead and the series ends for the offense

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 1 -3 -3 For a try, the down box will be placed at the goal line and will display the point value for the try (i. e. 1, 2 or 3) 40 20 G < X 20 40 20 < X TAMPA BAY 2 3 1 TAMPA BAY 20 G

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 1 -5 -4 Soft and yielding padded shirts and compression shorts are legal. 1 -5 -8 Face shields that are molded to the face with no protrusions to protect against a facial injury are legal 3 -1 -1 The referee will instruct the visiting captain to choose “head” or “tails” before the coin in tossed. The coin will be tossed and caught in the air. 3 -3 -2 The visiting team will now call the initial coin toss in overtime

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 3 -3 -3 When team B secures possession of the ball during overtime the play immediately becomes dead and the series ends for team A 3 -4 -9 The concussion guidelines have been added, if a player is suspected of a concussion, a qualified medical professional must approve the player’s return 4 -1 -2 When a punt breaks the plane of R’s goal line, it is dead and a touchback - the ball will be put into play at the 14 yard line 7 -3 -1 Anytime during or after the ball is marked ready for play, each team A player must momentarily be at least 5 yards inbounds before the snap – per the 2014 rules change if a player fails to do this but is picked up and covered by the defense it will not be a foul

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 8 -5 -3 The try will immediately end when team B gains possession of the ball 9 -4 -1 F If a nonplayer interferes with or deflags a runner, the penalty is a 10 yard unsportsmanlike conduct foul, disqualification of the nonplayer and an awarded touchdown for the offended team

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 9 -1 -1 F Being outside of the team box, but not on the field now carries the following: 1 st Offense – Warning 2 nd Offense – 5 yard penalty 3 rd and Subsequent Offenses – 10 yard penalty Team Box 20 G < X 20 40 20 < X TAMPA BAY 20 G

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 10 -3 -6 & 7 If there is a foul by the defense (other than an unsportsmanlike conduct or nonplayer foul) during a down which results in a touchdown, the scoring team may accept the result of the play and then choose to either have the foul enforced at the succeeding spot (try) or at the start of the next series (14 yard line). If either team commits an unsportsmanlike or nonplayer foul during the down of a touchdown scoring play, the opponent may accept the result of the play and have the foul penalized on either the try or the start of the next series. If after a touchdown and prior to the ready for play for the try, either team commits a foul for which the basic spot of enforcement is the succeeding spot, the offended team may either choose to have the penalty enforced from the try or the next series (14 yard line).

Past NIRSA 2012 Rules Changes 10 -3 -6 & 7 If there was a change of possession during a touchdown scoring play and there is a foul by the opponent after the change of possession, the score counts and the fouls can be assessed either on the try or the next series (14 yard line).

Past NIRSA 2012 Changes For Officials Uniform / Mechanics (Major Changes) I-19 A blue bean bag only will be used I-19 If long black pants are used they should be solid black, however, if all crew members have the NFHS uniform it can be used (black pants with the white stripe) I-22 The “catch” signal should be used on receptions close to the sideline that are caught in the field of play. The “bobble and out of bounds” signal should be used for unsuccessful catches where possession is not gained inbounds but rather after the player goes out of bounds II-1 -3 L Throw your hat when an offensive player other than the runner steps out of bounds There are several other minor changes we will cover at another meeting when we address mechanics in depth

Field Markings Press Box 20 Team 40 Box 20 BJ KICK OFFS !!! NO X 10 Yards X Dead Ball G < Intercepted Try 20 Is DEAD 20 40 LJ 40 20 20 < 1 1 2 3 TAMPA BAY 14 R Yard Line 15 Yards G TAMPA BAY 20 10 3 1 Points 2 Point Yard Line = 3

Basics Of The Game Teams • 7 Players (5 minimum needed to start the game) • Should be wearing contrasting colors (up to the visiting team) Uniform • Jerseys should either 1) be long enough to be tucked in OR 2) be short enough to end 4 inches above the waist line (a closed fist in distance) • Shorts must have NO pockets, belt loops or exposed draw strings • NO billed caps (stocking caps are permitted though) • NO pads above the waist (exception is a soft forearm band with plays) • Any playbook must be tucked out of sight (can not throw it on the ground) • NO towels are to be worn by players (towel on the ground for the ball OK) • NO knots tied in the jerseys • NO jewelry • NO casts (doctor’s note is irrelevant, still illegal)

Basics Of The Game FHSAA Modifications To The Uniform • NO sunglasses • Mouth pieces are MADATORY • Players must wear solid colored jerseys with numbers on the front and back. The number on the front much be at least 6 inches high and centered. The number on the back must be at least 8 inches high and centered.

Basics Of The Game Flag Belts • Spring clip only – NO metal rings or buckles • NO knots tied in them • Must be a contrasting color to the shorts being worn • Failure to have a flag belt on at the snap (5 yard penalty) • Refusing to correct not wearing a flag belt when warned (10 yard penalty)

Basics Of The Game Flag Belts • If a player in possession of the ball has their flag belt removed, they are down at that spot (spot the clip on the belt is detached not where the belt falls to the ground or is thrown to) • In removing a flag, an opponent may make minor contact with a player from the shoulders down Ø can NOT contact the face, head or neck Ø can NOT hold, push or knock down the runner in an attempt to remove the flag • If the flag belt falls off during play and before the player gains possession OR the belt falls off and CLEARLY no one has caused it to come off, then the player is downed by 1 hand tag between the shoulders and knees Ø If a player in possession of the ball has their flag come off err on the side that someone was responsible for causing it to come off (if in doubt the runner is down)

Basics Of The Game Defensive Holding • An opponent shall not hold, grasp or obstruct the forward progress of a runner when attempting to remove a flag belt or make a legal tag Ø 10 yard penalty

Aspects Of Timing Game Clock • Kept by the Back Judge • 48 Minute game divided into 4 quarters of 12 minutes Ø 1 st 22 minutes of each half is a continuous clock Stops only for: 1) Team time outs 2) Official time outs 3) End of the quarter Ø Last 2 minutes of each half is run using normal timing rules • There is a 2 minute warning at the end of each half (this is NOT a formal 1 minute time out, just an announcement to each team of 2 minutes left). After the 2 minute warning is given, the clock starts on the snap and the Back Judge announces the time remaining after EVERY play and time out. • Each team has 3 time outs per half, conferences permitted during these time outs are the same as in NFHS tackle football Play Clock • 25 seconds – kept by the Referee

Aspects Of Timing Half Time • 5 Minutes Mercy Rule (19 Points) • At the 2 minute warning of the final period, if the margin of the score is 19 points or more and the prior play had no accepted live ball fouls, then the game is over • If after the 2 minute warning of the final period, the margin of the score becomes 19 points or more and the prior play had no accepted live ball fouls, then the game is over Pray for mercy!

Scoring Touchdown • 6 points • The player scoring the touchdown should have their flag belt removed by the closest official to assure they have not tampered with the belt Ø 10 yard penalty from the previous spot, ejection of the player, loss of down (if offense guilty) or automatic 1 st down (if defense guilty) Try • Variable value based on where attempted from: Ø 3 Yard Line = 1 Point Ø 10 Yard Line = 2 Points Ø 20 Yard Line = 3 Points • Once a team decides on a try, they can only change it if either team A or team B calls a timeout. • Penalties do NOT allow a change in try or alter the points awarded • If the defense gains possession during a try, the ball is DEAD immediately

Scoring Safety • 2 Points • The team scoring the safety gets the ball at their own 14 yard line, there is NO free kick Field Goals • There are NO field goals or kicks designed to score points

Coin Toss • Conducted 3 minutes prior to game time • The visiting team calls the coin toss • Referee will ask the visiting captain to call “heads” or “tails” prior to tossing the coin. Once the coin is tossed, it will be caught in the air. • All officials are present for the toss on the field • 3 Choices are possible: Ø Offense or Defense Ø Goal to Defend Ø Defer to the Second Half

Basics of Play Press Box 20 40 X Defensive Line Of Scrimmage 20 20 1 < 14 Yard Line Always 1 Yard Apart X G 20 Offensive Line Of Scrimmage G Down Box Always On The Line To Gain TAMPA BAY Team 40 Box < 20

Basics of Play – 7 Players Press Box Team 40 Box 20 4 Players Minimum X On The Line Of Scrimmage (In Motion Does NOT Count) 40 20 40 2 0 Distance G Minimum (NO Hand-Hand Snaps) 20 1 20 2 Yards < G < X TAMPA BAY 20

Basics of Play – Series And Spots Press Box Team 40 Box 20 < 20 40 20 12 G X < X TAMPA BAY 20 G

Basics of Play – Line To Gain Press Box 20 Team 40 Box 20 X Unsportsmanlike Conduct Hey Ref, 10 Yard Penalty You Suck! 20 40 20 1 < 2 G < TAMPA BAY X TAMPA BAY “Double Stakes” Two Lines To Go For A 1 st Down G

Screen Blocking Past Source Of Inconsistency • Moving screen blocking is completely legal • If contact is made that creates an advantage, then that is when the screen block becomes illegal • The philosophy that is used is borrowed from basketball rules

Screen Blocking Key Points • Under NO circumstance can you use your hands, elbows, arms or shoulders. A player’s arms MUST be either 1) at their side or 2) behind their back. • Blocks become ILLEGAL when contact is made and an advantage gained: Ø Using your hands or arms to push, hold or hit someone Ø Swinging arms and “whirly bird” motions that make contact or impede a rusher Ø Using your body to lean into a player and push them out of the way Ø Bulldozing a player in a legal position Ø Tripping and leg whips Ø Taking a position so close to a moving opponent that they can not avoid contact by stopping or changing direction Ø Interlocked blocking Ø Leaving one’s feet to initiate a block

Passing General • ALL players are eligible receivers • Only 1 forward pass per down from BEHIND the line of scrimmage Offensive Pass Interference • Only occurs beyond the line of scrimmage • From the time of the snap until the ball is touched by any offensive player Ø 10 yard penalty only Defensive Pass Interference • Only occurs beyond the line of scrimmage • From the time the ball is thrown until the ball is touched by either team • Hindering an opponents vision without attempting to make a play on the ball (no contact is required for face guarding) • Deflagging a receiver before the pass arrives beyond the line of scrimmage Ø 10 yard penalty only

Passing Downing The Passer • If the ball is clearly in the quarterback’s hand when the flag belt is pulled, the quarterback is sacked. This is true even if the arm is going forward. Ø If in doubt, the pass is away Roughing The Passer • No defensive player shall contact a passer who is standing still or fading back after the ball is thrown Ø Charging into the passer Ø Slapping or chopping the passer’s hand or arm • Roughing the passer does NOT apply to: Ø An illegal forward pass

Kicking Punts • Prior to the ready-for-play on 4 th down, the referee asks the offensive captain whether they are going to punt or go for it. The decision is announced to both teams • Once a team decides to punt or go for it they can NOT change their mind unless: 1) There is a time out called by A or B 2) The period ends 3) A foul occurs prior to or during the down that results in the offense getting to replay 4 th down • Neither team can advance past their scrimmage line until the ball is kicked • Must kick the ball immediately once the kicker receives the snap Ø In the final 2 minutes of each half, if this occurs it is a 5 yard penalty and the game clock is reset to what it was reading at the snap. After the penalty enforcement, the clock will restart on the snap. • NO quick kicks, though a team can punt on ANY down IF they announce it Ø 10 yard penalty

Kicking Punts • After the kick, the punt is a LIVE BALL WHEN IT HITS THE GROUND UNTOUCHED (ONLY time in the game the ball can hit the ground and it is NOT ruled dead) • If first touching occurs by K, the ball is live while in the air but dead once it hits the ground ü Bean bag the spot • Once the ball touches R and hits the ground it is dead: Ø Muff Ø Fumble Ø Blocked Kick • If R blocks the kick at the line, and K recovers BEFORE the ball hits the ground BEHIND the line of scrimmage – they CAN advance the ball • If K recovers a muff by R BEFORE the ball hits the ground, it is K’s ball at that spot but they can NOT advance the ball • Once the kick breaks the plane of R’s goal line, the ball is DEAD and it’s a touchback (2012 rule change)

Kicking Punts – Major Differences From Tackle Football • NO fair catches Ø Any signals given by the receiving team during the punt are considered an unfair act penalized by the all-but-one principle Ø The ball remains live and the play is allowed to continue • A touchback results in the ball being placed on the 14 yard line

Football Moves Spinning • Completely LEGAL Diving • LEGAL Ø so long as NO contact is made • ILLEGAL Ø if the defender trips or tackles the runner in the attempt to dive for the flag Ø if the runner dives into a defender to gain additional yardage Ø if a blocker dives into a defender to throw a block Stripping The Ball Or Attempting To Strip The Ball • ALWAYS ILLEGAL, defenders must go for the flag belt only once a player has possession of the ball Stiff Arm • ALWAYS ILLEGAL

Football Moves Flag Guarding • Placing or swinging the hands or arms over the flag belt • Slapping a defender’s hand away from the flag belt • Placing the ball over the flag belt Ø If the ball is knocked out of the runner’s hand when the ball is being used for flag guarding it is not a foul on the defense necessarily • Lowering the shoulder and arm to take away a defender’s angle on the flag

Special Enforcements Unusual Aspects To Penalties • A live ball foul by the defense during a play that results in a touchdown for the offense can either be enforced: 1) on the Try 2) from the 14 yard line at the start of the succeeding drive • Two or more encroachment penalties by the defense during the same dead ball interval results in the second all future encroachments in that dead ball period changing from a 5 yard penalty to a 10 yard penalty Ø Doesn’t have to be consecutive, just the same dead ball period • Ejected players may remain on the bench, but if they are a continued source of disruption they are to leave the field (out of sight and sound) • 4 Unsportsmanlike penalties total by any team during the game results in an automatic forfeiture of the game Ø Be sure you know the difference between personal fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls • There are NO 15 yard penalties

Overtime • 3 Minute intermission • Referee brings the players, coaches and other officials to center field and explains the overtime procedure. Questions are answered prior to the coin toss. All but the captains then return to the sideline. • Visiting team calls the initial coin toss (there is only ONE coin toss the option alternatives back and forth for multiple overtime periods thereafter) • At the coin toss and subsequent overtime periods the captains have 2 options: • Offense or Defense • End of the field to use (choose wisely – that end is used for ALL overtimes) • A series begins 1 st and Goal from the 10 yard line unless moved by penalty • Each team is given 1 time out for the ENTIRE overtime period • If the defense intercepts the ball or recovers a fumble in air, it’s a DEAD ball immediately and the series ends for team A (2012 rule change)

If In Doubts • If in doubt, continue the game • If in doubt, consider the safety of all paramount to the game • If in doubt, it is a catch • If in doubt, it is not a foul • If in doubt, a snap close to the ground remains live • If in doubt, a flag belt that comes off was removed by a player • If in doubt, the quarterback released the ball prior to the flag belt being removed • If in doubt, an out-of-bounds punt is short of the zone line-to-gain • If in doubt, a team A player is on the line of scrimmage • If in doubt, the quarterback is receiving the snap at least 2 yards back • If in doubt, the pass is backwards • If in doubt, a passer is behind the line of scrimmage throwing a forward pass • If in doubt, the pass is legal • If in doubt, it is a touchback • If in doubt, an out-of-bounds punt near the goal line is a touchback

MANDATORY FHSAA Requirements REGISTER WITH THE FHSAA Deadline January 3 RULES VIDEO ONLINE None TEST February 4 - 13 Online Exam