Spring Flag League
Rules of
the Game
SFL Football is a popular 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 defensive team covers receivers, rushes
the passer and grabs flags to make “tackles.”
Read more about SFL rules below. Regional and national
tournament games will follow these rules closely,
although there may be some modifications. Please note
that while the rules may be adopted to suit your local
needs, they must remain non-contact.
The Basics:
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A coin toss determines first possession.
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The offensive team takes possession of the ball at
its 5-yard line and has three plays to cross
midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three
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.
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Interceptions may be returned.
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Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes.
Possession changes to loser of coin toss unless
deferred and the clock does not stop
Players/Game Schedules:
Teams must field a minimum of five players at all times.
Teams consist of 8-12 players – five on the field, with up
to seven substitutes.
Timing/Overtime:
Games are played to 40 minutes running time. If the score is
tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into
overtime. The first team to score wins. Overtime period will
be no longer than 5 minutes running clock. If no neither
team scores game ends in a tie.
Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap
the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a
delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per
half.
Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
Scoring:
Touchdown:
6 points
Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)
Safety:
2 points
Running:
The
quarterback cannot run with the ball.
Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are
permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
“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.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from
behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are
eligible to rush.
Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to
avoid a defensive player (no diving).
The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when
the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.
Receiving:
All
players are eligible to receive passes (including the
quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line
of scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a
time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a
reception.
Passing:
Shovel passes are allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass
is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss
of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule
no longer is in effect.
Interceptions may be returned.
Dead Balls:
The
ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side,
to start play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
— Ball carrier steps out of bounds
— Touchdown or safety is scored
— Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground
— Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the
ball hits the ground. If ball is fumble behind the line of
scrimmage ball is spotted back to line of scrimmage.
Rushing the Quarterback:
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, 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.
Sportsmanship/Roughing:
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.
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.
Penalties:
All
penalties will be called by the referee.
Defense:
Offsides
Five yards and automatic first down
Interference
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal contact
(holding, blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal FLAG pull
(before receiver has ball)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
10 yards and automatic first down
Offense:
Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards and loss of down
Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down
Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards and loss of down
FLAG guarding
10 yards (from spot of the foul) and loss of down
Delay of game
Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down
Referees determine incidental contact that may result from
normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the
line of scrimmage.
Only the team captain 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.
Attire:
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections
must be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece;
there are no exceptions.
Official jerseys must be worn during play.
Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.
Coaches on the field:
8U
Coaches are allowed on the field.
10U
Coaches are allowed but asked to move to sideline after play
called.
13U
Coaches are not allowed on the field.
Ball Size:
8U – K2
10U – TDJ
13U - TDY |