2015 Alabama State Youth Flag Football 5 on 5 Invitational
All-Star Tournament
Rules
I. The Game
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At the start of each game, captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who
shall start with the ball. The visiting team shall call the toss.
The winner of the coin toss gets to choose one of the following options: offense, defense, defer or field
direction. The loser of the coin toss chooses from the remaining of the above options.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross midfield.
Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) plays to score a touchdown.
If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard
line.
If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive
from its 5-yard line.
All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line. Interceptions are live and can
be advanced on any play including extra point attempts.
II. Terminology
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Boundary lines – the outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines, and the rear end
zone lines.
Line Of Scrimmage – 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 7 yards (into the defensive side) .from
the Line of Scrimmage.
Offense – the squad with possession of the ball.
Defense – the squad opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball.
Quarterback – the offensive player that receives the snap from the center (may or may not be the player that
is lined up behind the center).
Passer – the offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the QB.
Rusher – the defensive player assigned to rush the Quarterback to prevent him/her from passing by pulling
his/her flags or blocking the pass (must start from at least 7yards from the line of scrimmage).
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Downs (1-2-3) – the offensive squad has three attempts or “Downs” to advance the ball. .They must cross
the Line to Gain to get another set of downs or to score.
Live Ball – the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regards to penalties, Live Ball
Penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.
Dead Ball – the period of time immediately before or after a play.
Whistle – the sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the
action for timeout, half time or the end of the game. Also, the whistle may be sounded to signify the start of a
play.
Inadvertent whistle – an official’s whistle that is performed in error.
Charging – the movement of the ball carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on
the field. This includes lowering the head, making contact with the defender with a shoulder, chest or
forearm.
Flag Guarding – an 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 or arm.
Shovel Pass – a legal pass attempted behind the line of scrimmage by throwing the ball underhand or
pushing it towards a receiver in a shot put type manner.
Lateral – a backwards or sideways toss of the ball by the ball carrier
Handoff – directly giving the ball from one offensive player to another offensive player in the backfield
(must be hand to hand). The offense has an unlimited amount of handoffs available.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language.
III. Equipment
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Balls must be the correct size which is: pee wee size for all divisions except Grades 5th and up which plays
with a junior size football.
Cleats are allowed, however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed.
Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads, and kneepads.
Players must remove all watches, earrings and any other jewelry that the officials deem hazardous.
Pants or shorts with belt loops or pockets are not allowed.
Protective mouthpieces are highly recommended.
Flag Obstruction – Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.
Player shorts cannot be the same color as the flag the player is wearing.
There are no bleachers at Spain Park recreation facility. Please ask parents to bring lawn chairs to the games.
IV. Rainout Procedure
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Please call the following phone # to see if the field is available for practice or games:
Spain Park
739-7246 (RAIN)
V. Field
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The recommended field size is 30 yards by 70 yards with two 10-yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain.
No-Running Zones precede each line-to-gain by 5 yards. However, 1st and 2nd Grades league may use smaller
fields to run more games.
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 endzone), teams may not
run the ball in any fashion. All plays, including those that begin with a handoff, must be pass plays.
Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
Each offensive squad approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to
gain the first down, one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
VI. Timing and Overtime
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Games are played in two 20 minute halves. The clock stops only for timeouts and each time the whistle blows
in the last minute in each half.
Halftime is five minutes long.
Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
Each team has one 60-second timeout and one 30-second timeout per half. The timeouts from the 2nd half will
not carry over to overtime. Each team has one timeout for all overtime periods.
Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
In the event of an injury the clock will stop and then restart when the injured player is removed from the field
of play.
If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. Each team will be given the
opportunity to go for a 1 or 2 point conversion (Team Decision). A coin toss will determine which team goes
first. If the score is still tied, a second round conversion opportunity will be given to each team. The team
that went first in the 1st round will go second in the 2nd round and vice versa. If the score is still tied after the
second round of extra point conversions the game will continue until a winner is decided. Teams must go for
a two point conversion in the 3rd round and later rounds.
VII. Scoring
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Touchdown: 6 points
PAT (Point After Touchdown) 1 point (5-yard line) or 2 points (12-yard line) .Note: 1 point PAT is pass only,
2 point PAT can be run or pass, if unmoved by penalty. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether
it wishes to attempt a 1-pt. conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-pt. conversion (from the 12-yard line). Any
change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged time out. Decision cannot be
changed after a penalty. Interceptions returned for a score by the defense will count 2 points (it does not
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matter if the offense is attempting a 1 or 2 point conversion). Any loss of down penalty on the offense will be
considered a failed extra point attempt and the opposing team will get the ball on their five yard line for a new
series of downs.
Safety: 2 points
A Safety occurs when the ball carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone. They can be called down
when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, they step out of bounds or they hit the ground with their
knee or arm. Also, if the ball carrier’s flag falls off the player is down when a defender touches the ball carrier
with one hand anywhere from the knee to the shoulder.
Mercy Rule: If one team is winning by seventeen points or more at one minute, the game is over.
VII. Coaches
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Coaches are typically volunteer parents or family members helping the players learn and enjoy the game.
Parents are encouraged to support the coach at all times.
A Coach is allowed on the field to direct players. A Coach may remain on the field, but may not give
direction (either verbally or non-verbally) once the quarterback receives the snap.
Protest fee will be $50 cash-if protest is lost, money stays with the tournament. Protests will be
decided immediately. All protests must be made before the next snap. All protests are determined by the
Tournament Director.
IX. Live Ball/Dead Ball
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The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead
The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage. The neutral zone is one yard wide and
separates the offense from the defense. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense
enters the neutral zone. In regards to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral
zone notification to allow their players to move back beyond the line.
A player who gains possession in the air is considered in bounds as long as one foot comes down in the field
of play.
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.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Any official can whistle the play dead.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
o The ball hits the ground.
o The ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
o The ball carrier steps out of bounds.
o A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
o The ball carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
o The ball carrier’s flag falls out and defensive player touches the ball carrier with one hand from knee to
shoulder.
o An inadvertent whistle is performed (at the spot where the ball was whistled dead).
 In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the team with possession of the ball has two options:
 Take the ball where the whistle blew.
 Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
A team is allowed to use a time out to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the rule is interpreted
incorrectly, the time out will not be charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. The lead official will
make the final ruling. If the ruling is correct the team will be charged a time out.
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Note: Fumbles: The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground. (Exception - a team cannot gain an
advantage by having a ball that is intentionally fumbled forward. In this case a penalty for illegal forward
pass will be called. It is up to the official to determine if the fumble was used to gain an advantage.
X. Running
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The ball is spotted “where the ball is” when the flag is pulled.
The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball in the 1st or 2nd Grade leagues. The quarterback may run
once on each side of midfield per possession in 3rd grade and up. The player that receives the snap is
considered the quarterback (the player lined up behind the center may or may not receive the snap). The
quarterback may receive a forward pass and run past the line of scrimmage. No player may run when the play
begins in the no run zone. A forward pass behind the line of scrimmage is a legal play.
Offense may use unlimited handoffs behind the line of scrimmage. There are no handoffs allowed past the
line of scrimmage.
Unlimited lateral or pitches are allowed behind the line of scrimmage.
“No-Run Zones,” 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. There must be one forward pass in the No-Run Zone. (Reminder: Each offensive squad
approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive - one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, one 5
yards from the goal line to score a TD).
The player who takes a backward handoff or lateral can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball leaves the quarterbacks hands all defensive players are eligible to rush.
Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping, or jumping to avoid a flag pull is
considered flag guarding.
Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull.
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.
Blocking or screening is allowed at any time, the blocker must establish a position and remain still.
Offensive players must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the
ball carrier. Defensive players must go around stationary offensive players.
Center Sneak play – the ball must completely leave the centers hands on the snap and he/she must turn and
face their goal line in order to receive a direct handoff from the QB before advancing the ball.
XI. Passing
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Shovel passes are allowed.
All forward passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage and received beyond the line of scrimmage in
the no run zone
There can be only one forward pass during a play. A hand-off is not considered a pass unless the ball is
handed forward.
XII. Receiving
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All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the
line of scrimmage).
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 towards the line of scrimmage. A player in motion that is returning to the line of
scrimmage must be set for one second before the ball is snapped.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
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In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the
offense.
A team that intercepts the ball will start their new possession at the end of the interception return unless
moved by penalty. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.
Interceptions are returnable on all plays including point after conversion attempts.
XII. Rushing the Passer
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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.
Once the ball is handed off or passed, 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 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.
o A legal rush is:
 Any rush from a point 7 yards from the defensive line of scrimmage.
 A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback.
 If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush
the quarterback.
 If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the line of
scrimmage, they may legally rush the quarterback.
o A penalty may be called if:
 The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the line of scrimmage before a
handoff or pass – Illegal Rush
 Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – Offsides
 Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball
is passed or handed off – Illegal Rush
o Special circumstances:
 Teams are not required to rush the quarterback.
 Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play, however if they do send a
rusher, the rusher must check with the official.
 If rusher leaves the 7-yard rush line before the snap, he/she may immediately drop back to act
as a defender with no Illegal Rush penalty enforced.
 Defensive players at the line of scrimmage may defend players other than the quarterback that
simulate receiving a handoff or forward pass behind the line of scrimmage as long as they do
not pressure the quarterback.
Players rushing the Quarterback may attempt to block a pass. However, NO contact can be made with the
quarterback in any way.
Offense must be stationary if attempting to impede the rusher’s path to the quarterback. Their arms and legs
must remain inside their frame. The defense may attempt to block a pass provided they do not strike the
passer.
Blocking the pass and then striking the passer will result in a 10-yard penalty from LOS and 1st down.
A Sack occurs if the QB’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed “where the ball is”
when the flag was pulled.
A Safety (2 pts) is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.
XIV. Flag Pulling
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A legal flag pull takes place when the ball carrier is in full possession of the ball.
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Defenders can dive to pull flags, but cannot tackle, hold or run through ball carrier when pulling flags.
It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball or pull from the ball carrier’s possession at any time.
If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the ball carrier will be down when the defense touches
the ball carrier with one hand anywhere from knees to shoulders.
A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.
Penalty is delay of game.
Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming,
dropping of head, hand, arm or shoulder, or intentionally covering flags with the football or jersey.
It is a good idea for the player to hold the flag up immediately after the flag pull so the official can see it.
Officials will have a hard time seeing a flag pull if they are on the opposite side of the flag pull.
XVI. Formations
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An offensive team must have a minimum of two players on the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
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 towards the line of scrimmage. A player in motion that is returning to the line of
scrimmage must be set for one second before the ball is snapped.
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.
The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between or to the side of his/her legs to a
player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands. Either direct snaps or shotgun snaps
are allowed.
XVII. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
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If the field monitors 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! FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. 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(s),
coach(s), or spectator(s) will be ejected from the field.
Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent or official.
Ball carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier or stationary offensive players when pulling flags.
Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship:
o Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
o Keep comments clean and profanity free.
o Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid friendly:
o Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents away from the sidelines. Give at
least a 5 yard barrier to the sidelines.
Any plays developed that an official might consider unsportsmanlike may be penalized by a replay of the
down, delay of game penalty, or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
All coaches, players and parents must adhere by the City of Hoover Athletics Code of Conduct.
XVIII. Penalties
1. General
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The referee will call all penalties.
Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except spot fouls as noted below.
Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.
Players cannot question judgment calls.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
Penalties are assessed Live Ball then Dead Ball. Live Ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered
completed.
Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the
goal.
Spot fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage are marked off from the line of scrimmage.
Any offensive or defensive penalty may be accepted or declined (all pre-snap penalties will be considered
dead plays).
2. Enforcement of Penalties
*LOS – line of scrimmage*
Defense
• Offside......................................................................................................................... 5 yards from the LOS
• Illegal rushing (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker, leaving before the snap, etc.) ... 5 yards from the LOS
• Delay of game......................................................................................................................... 5 yards from LOS
• Illegal flag pull (Before receiver has ball)...................................................................5 yards from the end of run
• Roughing the passer ..........................................................................................10 yards from LOS & first down
-may also be assessed from end of run if pass is completed
• Illegal contact (Holding, blocking, etc.)............................................Spot foul, 10 yards from spot of occurrence
• Stripping...........................................................................................Spot foul, 10 yards from spot of occurrence
• Unnecessary Roughness.............................................Spot foul, 10 yards & first down from spot of occurrence
• Defensive Pass Interference...............................................................................10 yards from LOS & first down
• Taunting ............................................................................................................10 yards from LOS & first down
 Unsportsmanlike Conduct...............................................................................10 yards from LOS & first down
Offense
• Offside......................................................................................................................................5 yards from LOS
• Illegal motion (More than one person moving, false start, etc.)............................................... 5 yards from LOS
• Delay of game.......................................................................................................................... 5 yards from LOS
• Illegal pass (throwing a pass from beyond the line of scrimmage or two forward passes)....5 yards from LOS & loss of down
 Illegal run (QB can not run with the ball unless a qb receives a pass)
5 yards from LOS & loss of down
• Offensive pass interference (Illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) . 10 yards from LOS & loss of down
• Flag guarding...................................................................................Spot foul, 10 yards from spot of occurrence
• Screening, Blocking or Running with the ball carrier...................... Spot foul, 10 yards from spot of occurrence
• Charging...........................................................................................Spot foul, 10 yards from spot of occurrence
• Unnecessary Roughness....................................... Spot foul, 10 yards & loss of down from spot of occurrence
• Taunting ........................................................................................................10 yards from LOS & loss of down
 Unsportsmanlike Conduct..........................................................................10 yards from LOS & loss of down