To determine who receives the ball, a coin toss will take place at midfield prior to each game between each team’s captains. Each game, teams will designate 3 players as their captains. The team that wins the coin toss may choose to receive the ball first, receive the ball at the beginning of the second half, defer to the other team, or choose which end zone they would like to defend.
Two 15-minute halves will be played with a 5-minute halftime. The clock will run continuously except in the last minute of each half. In the last minute of each half, the clock will stop on incomplete passes, players running out of bounds and on touchdowns. Please note that teams will have one minute to line up to play after a touchdown or extra point.
The offensive team will take possession of the ball at its 20-yard line to start the game and has four downs to gain a first down. If an offensive team does not want to go for a fourth down play, then the opposing team will gain possession at one of two areas: 30 yards downfield or at the 10 yard line if the 30 yard “punt” goes inside the 10 yard line.
There will no kickoffs and punts in the 6U and 9U age divisions.
Interceptions may be returned as a normal game.
Fumbles can be recovered by the offensive or defensive team but cannot be returned. The ball will be dead immediately once recovered.
Two full timeouts will be given to each team per game and can be used at anytime. The officials will keep a count on the timeouts.
Defense must start 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. The exception to this rule would be if the ball is on or inside the defensive team’s 5 yard line. At that point the defensive team would line up at the goal line each team.
The officials will make sure that the defense is ready at the 5 yard mark before the ball can be snapped by the offensive team.
Offensive lineman cannot block with their hands. Hands must be kept inside “their body” or behind their backs when blocking.
Defensive players may not sue their hands but can run around the offensive players to get to the ball carriers. Defensive players cannot push or shove the offensive lineman.
Teams must match up with players for each game. Example: Team “A” has five players and Team “B” has six players. Team “B” can player only five players on the field at one time.
Touchdowns will count six points. Extra points will be either one point or two points. A team can score two points on a extra point is a pass is involved in scoring the extra point. If a team “only” runs the ball on a extra point, then one point will be given.
A safety will count two points.
All penalties will be marked off from the line of scrimmage.
Teams will change sides after the first 20 minutes.
Age Divisions will be 6U and 9U.
If a regular season game is tied at the end of the two 15 minute halves, the game will counted as a tied game. If a tournament game is tied at the end of the two halves, the teams will conduct a coin toss and the winner will choose to either play defense or offense first. The loser of the coin toss will choose which end zone to play at. The offensive team will start at the 20 yard line and get four downs to score a touchdown or get a first down. Both teams will get a chance to score. If the teams are still tied after the first offensive series for both teams, the same format will be used again.
The QB can run the ball at anytime. The same players cannot run the ball two consecutive times. The exception would be if a player runs the ball on offensive, his/her team loses possession, then the same player intercepts a pass.
Direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are allowed. Offensive team may use multiple handoffs.
Defensive players may rush once the ball is snapped.
Spinning is allowed but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
The ball is spotted where the person’s forward foot us when the flag is taken off the belt, NOT where the football is.
Players cannot wear the same color shorts/warmup pants as their flags. This is an advantage for the offensive team.
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback).
Only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
A player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a reception.
The ball must be snapped between the legs of the center, not off to one side, to start the play.
Shovel passes are allowed.
Play is dead when:
Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
Touchdown, safety, or extra point is scored
Two flags must be worn by each offensive and defensive player. If a player’s flag falls off without being pulled by another player, then the play is still live until a defensive player simply touches the ball carrier.
If field monitor or an official witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanslike act, the game will be sopped and the player will be ejected from the game.
Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. Trash talking includes talking to the officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators. If this occurs, the referee will give one warning. The second occurrence will results in the player or players being ejected from the game. W.C.Y.A.A. players/coaches/fans ejected will result in a two game suspension from games and practices.
Penalties:
Offsides 5 yards No-automatic first down
Interference 10 yards Automatic first down
Illegal contact 10 yards No-automatic first down
Illegal flag pull 10 yards Automatic first down
Illegal rush 5 yards No automatic first down
Illegal motion 5 yards No automatic first down
Illegal forward pass 5 yards Loss of down
Offensive pass interference 10 yards Loss of down
Flag guarding 5 yards Loss of down
Delay of game 5 yards
Referees will determine incidental contact that may results from normal run of the play.
Only the head coach may ask the referee questions about a rule clarification and interpretations. Players and coaches may not question judgement calls.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.
Cleats are allowed except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made. All players must wear protective mouthpieces. There are no exceptions!
Scoresheets will be provided to the officials before each game. Individual stats for touchdowns and extra points will be recorded and the scoresheets returned to Mickey at 239-1840 (FAX) the morning after each game. Mickey will record the game stats on the website and send the stats to the Wilson Daily Times. The scores and stats will be in Saturday’s paper each week.