i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
i9 Sports
Flag Football
Rules
As of Jan 2013
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
i9 Sports Flag Football is a popular Six-on-Six or Five-on-Five game filled with fun and action. In this
game, the offensive team plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Running
and passing plays are allowed, although there are “no-running zones” at midfield and near each
goal line. The offensive team can not run a running play when the line of scrimmage is in a
Line of Gain “before the fifty yard line no-running zone.” The defensive team covers receivers,
rushes the passer and grabs flags to make “tackles.”
1. The Basics
1.1. A coin toss determines first possession.
1.2. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four plays to
cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown. If the
offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the other team takes over on its 5yard line.
1.3. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the
opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.
1.4. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.
1.5. Defense interceptions may be run back.
1.6. Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes.
1.7. Field dimensions are: 50 yards long X 30 yards wide with 7-10 yard end zones with 5 yard
no-run zones before mid-field line and goal lines. Facilities field may determine field size.
2. Players/Game
2.1. Teams consist of 10 to 12 players – five/six players on the field.
2.2. Team formation is based on registration number and special request.
2.3. Teams must field a minimum of four (5v5) / five (6v6) players at all times. If a team is
missing players but has at least 5 players the teams will play a 6 vs.6 game (same for
5v5). This game count towards regular season standing. The intent of this rule is to provide
the players the opportunity to PLAY. If a team has less than 5 players the team will forfeit
the game.
2.3.1. Note: Some divisions may be set-up to play 5vs5 due to registration numbers.
2.4. Cleats are allowed, no metal spikes.
2.5. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.
2.6. No pockets or hoops on shorts. NO RED SHORTS…flag belts are red
2.7. No hats with brims, do-rags, bandanas, or bills.
2.8. The official i9 Sports jerseys must be worn during play. Extra jerseys are available at
canopy, but must be returned after game.
2.9. Players can wear sweat-tops under i9 jersey; sweat pants/during cold weather.
3. Ball sizes –In some situation the opposing teams QB, may not be able to grip the ball. If this is the
case they can play with a smaller ball.
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
7u – Pee wee
9u – Pee wee
11u – Junior
14u – Junior
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
4. Jersey Colors
4.1. Jerseys are reversible. Light color = Home / Dark color = Away
5. Coaches
5.1. Only one assistance and team helper are allowed on the sideline. Red t-shirts will be given
to Head Coaches only!!!
5.2. Insure all players play at least half a game
5.3. Winning game coach is responsible for uploading game scores by following Monday.
5.4. Coaches are allowed on the field in the 9u and below divisions. Coaches are not allowed to
touch or push players at the start of a play. Coaches should stand as not to impede the
play on the field.
5.5. HEAD COACH RED SHIRT – if a team’s head coach does not have his/her red t-shirt on
during the game, the opposite team will start from the TEN yard line!!
6. Timing/Overtime
6.1. Games are played in two 20 minute halves with a running clock.
6.2. Two-minute warning. Official will blow whistle to announce two minutes left in the
game..this is a courtesy warning NOT A TIME OUT.
6.3. Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half.
6.4. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
6.5. There is no overtime in the regular season.
7. Blocking
7.1. Blocking is not allowed
8. Scoring
8.1. Touchdown = 6 points
8.2. Extra point
8.2.1. Played from 5-yard line, no running allowed = 1 point.
8.2.2. Played from 12 yard line, running or passing is allowed = 2 points.
8.3. Interception on extra point conversion from 12 yd line = 2 points, 5 yd line = 1 point and
defense team will retain possession of ball.
8.4. Safety = 2 points and defense team will retain possession of ball.
8.5. Forfeits = Any forfeit will be scored as 7-0 for the non-forfeit team.
8.6. Remember that scoring is part of the game but not the main focus; always place the kids
playing before the winning!
8.6.1. Winning team is responsible for uploading games scores by the following Monday.
Please take your time when uploading scores and select the correct opponent. Games
scores will scroll on the bottom of the i9 Sports website
8.6.2. If you make a mistake during score uploading do not try to correct your mistake. Email
the director.
9. Running
9.1. The quarterback cannot run with the ball past the line of scrimmage.
9.2. Direct handoffs and pitching behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use
multiple handoffs. Example: Team does a double reverse handoff.
9.3. Laterals and pitches are only allowed behind the line of scrimmage.
9.4. No laterals will be allowed down field only behind the line of scrimmage.
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
9.5. The center is the player who gives the ball to the quarterback via a snap. The center cannot
take a direct handoff back from the quarterback (no center sneak play.)
9.6. “No-running zones.” located five yards from each end zone and five yards on either side
of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Players can run
in a No Run ZONE if it is not a line of gain ZONE. Example One: if a team crosses the 50
yd and the ball is whistle dead on the 47 yd line they can do a running play in the “No Run
Zone.” Why? There is no line of gain. Example Two: Team starts on their five yard line and
the ball is whistle dead on the 3 yd line they can do a running play in the “No Run Zone.”
Why? There is no line of gain.
9.7. The player who takes the handoff from the QB can throw the ball from behind the line of
scrimmage or run the ball.
9.8. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to cross / rush across
the line of scrimmage.
9.9. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no
diving).
9.10. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the
ball is.
10. Flag Belts
10.1. The flag belt must be free of all knots.
10.2. Flag belt sizes are large, and small.
10.3. Extra belts are available at the i9 Sports canopy.
11. Center Snap
11.1. Division 7u and under can snap balls from the side.
11.2. Division 9u and up will be under center for snap.
12. Screening, and Contact
12.1. Contact that places either team at a disadvantage is illegal.
12.2. An offensive player may screen a defensive player by maintaining a position in their
path. The offensive player in maintaining position may not move in such a manner as to
initiate contact with the defensive player. The defensive player cannot contact the offensive
player with an extended arm, shoulder, hip, of knee.
12.3. Down field screens are legal.
13. Receiving
13.1. All players are eligible to receive passes.
13.2. The quarterback is eligible for a pass, if the ball has been handed off or lateraled behind
the line of scrimmage to another player.
13.3. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time, but not in motion towards the
opponent's end zone at the snap.
13.4. All player’s must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
13.5. If a player’s flag belt falls off they are still eligible to catch a pass. Ball will be
spotted where catch is made.
14. Passing
14.1. Shovel passes are allowed. Example One: If the quarterback is in the shotgun and one
of his players come across the field the QB can shovel the pass to them.
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
14.2. Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the end of the run back. Interceptions
are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.
14.3. On interceptions that occur and remain in the end zone, the ball will become dead and
will result in the ball belonging to the intercepting team at its 5-yard line. Should an
interception occur in the end zone and the ball carrier leave the end zone, the ball will
belong to the intercepting team at the spot the ball becomes dead. However, should the
ball carrier return to the end zone and be de-flagged, or the ball be ruled dead the result
would be a safety for the other team.
14.4. Once a player catches the ball pass the line of scrimmage he/she is no longer allowed to
lateral the ball. This applies to receivers as well i.e. hook and laterals are not permitted.
15. Dead Balls
15.1. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
15.2. Play is ruled “dead” when:
15.2.1.
Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
15.2.2.
Ball carrier steps out of bounds.
15.2.3.
Touchdown or safety is scored.
15.2.4.
Ball carrier’s knee (one knee) hits the ground.
15.2.5.
The ball is fumbled and hits the ground.
15.2.6.
Ball carrier’s flag falls out.
15.2.7.
Players are eligible to catch a pass if their flag has fallen off. Ball spotted
where catch is made.
15.2.8.
There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
15.2.9.
There are no kickoffs.
16. Rushing the Quarterback
16.1. 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 may defend on the line of scrimmage.
16.2. Once the ball is handed off or thrown, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect and all
defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will
designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no blocking or tackling is
allowed.
16.3. Defensive rushers will go for the Quarterback flags and not the ball. However, if
the QB releases the ball and the defensive rushers catches the ball it is an
interception. Why? This rule is to avoid defensive rushers from making contact with
a quarterback arm or running into a QB trying to knock the ball down.
17. Competition Rule
17.1. This rule provides for an athletic competition's premature conclusion, when one
team is ahead of the other by a certain number of points prior to game's end, so as
to avoid the losing team being further humiliated by the winning team. If a team is
winning by 21 or more points in a game they will not do the following:
17.1.1.1.1. Rush the quarterback
17.1.1.1.2. Return interceptions on defense (the ball is dead at the spot of the
interception).
17.1.1.1.3. Winning team (up by 21 points) on offense - is not allowed to pass,
except when in the no-run zone where passing is required.
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
17.1.1.1.4. Competition rule is not applicable during the playoffs and
Championship games.
18. Defensive Penalties
18.1. Offside -- 5 yards and repeat the down.
18.2. Pass Interference -- 5 yards and automatic first down.
18.3. Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.) -- 5 yards and repeat the down.
18.4. Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball) -- 5 yards and repeat the down.
18.5. Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker) -- 5 yards and repeat the down.
18.6. Substitution fouls (player enters field after ball is blown ready for play, i.e. to deceive
opponents, or 6 players on the field) -- 5 yards and repeat the down.
18.7. Interference with opponent or ball at the snap -- 5 yards and repeat down.
18.8. Defensive holding -- 5 yards from the point of the foul.
18.9. Illegal quarterback contact—5 yards and repeat down.
18.10. Illegal rushing winning by 21 points-- 5 yards and repeat the down.
19. Offensive Penalties
19.1. Delay of game -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.2. Substitution fouls -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.3. Illegal motion (more than one person moving, etc.) -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.4. False Start -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.5. Illegal Snap -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.6. Offensive holding -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.7. Player out of bounds (if player goes out of bounds, player cannot return to the field and
catch ball) -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.8. Illegal forward pass (pass made beyond line of scrimmage) -- 5 yards and repeat down.
19.9. Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) -- 5 yards
and repeat down.
19.10. Flag guarding (carrying ball close to flag in an effort to guard or stiff-arms) -- 5 yards
from line of scrimmage and lose of down.
20. Sportsmanship/Roughing
20.1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots,
blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be
ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
20.2. Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash
talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If
trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players
will be ejected from the game.
20.3. Once a flag is pulled, the defensive player should hold the flag above his/her head so
that the referee can spot the location of the flag pull. The pulled flag should be handed to
the player who lost the flag or to a teammate. Intentionally throwing the flag onto the
ground is considered poor flag etiquette.
21. Playoffs
21.1. 14u – 7u Playoffs Seeding – League registration numbers affect playoff seeding.
The top four teams (win/lose record) in each division (not from each location) will be
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
placed in a single elimination format with the highest seeded team playing the lowest
seeded team and so on.
21.2. Post Season Playoff and Tiebreakers Criteria
21.2.1.1. Winning % (If still a tie, go to #2)
21.2.1.2. Head-to-head (by locations) (bypass if a three team tie)
If still a tie, go to #3
21.2.1.3. Points for/points against +/- (If still a tie, go to #4)
21.2.1.4. Least amount of Points Against (PA)
21.2.1.5. Coin Flip
21.3. 5u Playoff Seeding The top two teams (win/lose record) will play for championship.
There will not be a playoff for the 4/5 division.
NOTE: The program Director reserves the right to modify these rules.
22. Awards
22.1. Teams do not have to do fundraisers, i9 Sports will provide the following awards:
22.1.1.1. Participate medals: Teams that do not qualify for playoffs will get one medal for
each player. Medals will be available at the i9 Sports Canopy starting week 4 of
season. HC’s are responsible for picking-up and issuing one medal to each player.
22.1.1.2. Trophies: Division and runner-up will receive trophies.
23. Overtime (Sudden Death Playoffs Only)
23.1. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime (only in
the playoffs).
23.2. Coin flip will determine first possession
23.3. Team that wins coin toss will start at mid-field.
23.4. If coin toss team winner scores game is over. If not other team will take possession at
mid-field
23.5. First team to score wins.
23.6. Possession change: If defense team intercept’s the ball and scores they win.
23.7. Interception: If defense does not advance ball pass mid-field; officials will spot ball on
the fifty. If defense advance’s ball during interception, pass mid-field ball will be
spotted where flag is pulled.
24. Playing Field
24.1. The typical playing field is 50 yards in length and 30 yards wide with 10 yard end zones
at each end. These dimensions can be modified to suite the area or other concerns.
24.2. No-Running Zones: Will be marked 5 yards from each end zone and 5 yards on both
sides of mid field. The no-run zone is only in play when there is a line to gain (i.e.
attacking to the midfield line and end zone). Note: field size and layout is subject to
change.
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County
i9 Sports 6 vs. 6 Flag Football Rules
“and the most important rule of all...
HAVE FUN!!!”
NOTE: The program reserves the right to modify these rules.
i9 Sports of Southwest Fairfax County