League Rules
Keep the Fields Clean!
1) If a player is ejected for arguing with the refs, he will have to sit out 1 week and have to pay a $100 fine before he can resume playing. If the player is ejected for swinging/fighting, he will be banned from the league. If the same player is ejected twice in one year, he will be banned from the league for 1 year.
2)When challangeing a call, teams may stop the game by a $50.00 fee paid to the Commissioner on staff immediately. The rules will be reviewed by the Head Ref & the Commissioner to determine the correction.
3) Roster must be turned in before your first game. You can add up to 2 players to your roster before you’re 4th game. In order to add 2 players to your roster you will have to drop 2 players. Roser Limites are provided below.
4)It is not up to league commissioner or the refs to declare that a player is ineligible. It is up to the teams to ask for a roster check. All roster checks will stop the game; therefore there will be a $50 fee to check rosters. If a team asks for a roster check and there is an illegal player on that team, that team will be disqualified and will forfeit there games that day. The team that asked for the roster check will get there $50 back. If a team asks for a roster check and the roster is good, then the team that asked for a roster check will lose there $50 and will be called for a delay of game (10 yard penalty), Automatic 1st Down.
5) If your team is not ready to start at the scheduled time, your team will forfeit the 1st game (There will be a 5 minute allowance for the 1st game only). You will have 20 minutes to get enough players (from your team / roster) before your team forfeits the 2nd game. For 4 man you must have 3 players minimum and for 5 man you must have 4 players minimum to play! Ref fee's are to be paid in full during the coin toss pryor to the start of the game. Forefits will in a 28 - 0 loss for the forefitting team (ref fee's are to be paid by both teams).
6) The will be no alcoholic beverages/illegal substances allowed on any of the fields!
4 MAN RULES
USFTL 4 on 4 Rules (10 player roster)
Game length = 24 minutes/2 - 12 minute halves (Clock stops last minute of game)
Roster = 8 Players maximum/2 players minimum to avoid forfeit.
3. SCORING: TD = 6 points / Extra Point = 1 point (5 yards) or 2 points (10 yards), Safety = 2 points
4. NO CONTACT IS ALLOWED!
5. The Offense may run the ball if the QB hands it off to a player in the backfield.The QB may hand the ball off in front of him or behind him. The player receiving the hand-off has the option to pass until he crosses the line of scrimmage. The 7-second clock is not in
effect after a hand-off. Defense may rush immediately after a hand-off.
6. The “NO-RUN ZONES” are located 5 yards from the goal line & the mid-field 1st down line.
7. NO LATERALS ALLOWED, only direct hand-offs behind line of scrimmage
8. All players are eligible to receive passes
9. Only players starting 7 yds behind the line of scrimmage can rush the passer, after the playstarts russer may go behind the rush line and start again
10. Quarterback has 7 seconds to attempt a pass or the play is ruled dead, ball placed at line of scrimmage
11. All drives & changes of possession (except interceptions) start at the 5 yd line
12. Offense has 3 plays to cross the mid-field line or score a touchdown
13. Penalties = Offensive Penalties – Loss of down & yardage (5 yards); Defensive Penalties – Automatic 1st down & yardage (10 yards) All penalties are from the line of scrimmage unless the penalty is pass interference on the defense which is a spot foul.
14. Official Flag is “FLAG-A-TAG SONIC BOOM BELT or TRIPLE THREAT” will be allowed! (All teams provide their own Flags)
15. Any ball that hits the ground will be ruled dead. Fumbles or Muffs are dead at spot
16. Ball must be snapped between legs, not off to one side to start play
17. Suggested that players must wear a protective mouthpiece.
18. Flagrant contact fouls will not be tolerated. Offending player(s) will be ejected from that game, sit out
the next game and pay a $50 fine
19. Interceptions may be returned
20. One (1) timeout per game
21. Overtime - 2 plays from 12 yard line going into end zone - College Rules Apply (Same scoring as in regular game).
22. Roughing the QB also includes striking the arm when the defense tries to block the pass
23. Defensive players have to be one yard off the ball at the snap
24. Any player that comes off the sidelines during a fight will be ejected
25. All players flag belts must be worn properly. The hip points must be facing out. And the ribs on the
flag must be facing out. Under Rule 4-Section 2-Article 2b, the referee will enforce the licensed flag,
and, if improperly used, will result in a live ball penalty. If a player alters his flag in any way, he will be ejected from game. Flags must be worn by all players at the start of the snap
26. Minimum of 2 Players must be on the LOS before the ball is snapped. 1 Player can be in motion, but cannot be moving forward before the snap.
No stiff arming allowed – considered flag guarding
Center snap – If ball hits ground, ball dead at spot
If player falls down, or if knee touches ground, ball is dead at spot – player may not get up and run
Footballs – Regular size for adult men, junior size for adult females and youth (boys & girls). All teams provide their own Football.
Cleats are allowed but must be rubber. No metal baseball spikes allowed. Inspections will be made on field
Field size: 60 yards long (including end zones) and 25 yards wide (2-7 yard end zones; 2-23 yard playing zones)
When flags fall off inadvertently, revert to a 2 hand touch between shoulders and knees.
5 MAN RULES
USFTL 5 on 5 Rules (12 player roster)
Game length = 24 minutes/2 - 12 minute halves (Clock stops last minute of game)
Roster = 10 Players maximum/3 players minimum to avoid forfeit.
3. SCORING: TD = 6 points / Extra Point = 1 point (5 yards) or 2 points (10 yards), Safety = 2 points
4.CONTACT IS ALLOWED – Open hand contact allowed between shoulder and waist
Center must assume a blocking position or take one step into pass pattern before he can be touched
One chuck of receiver allowed at line of scrimmage to 5 yds
All Players on Offense may run the ball, including the QB (Except in the “NO-RUN ZONES”)
The “NO-RUN ZONES” are located 5 yards from the goal line & the mid-field 1st down line.
9. NO LATERALS ALLOWED!
9. All players are eligible to receive passes
10. Defense may rush from the line of scrimmage (1 yard off ball)
11. There is no 7 second count to pass the ball
12. All drives & changes of possession (except interceptions) start at the 5 yd line
13. Offense has 3 plays to cross the mid-field line or score a touchdown
14. Penalties = Offensive Penalties – Loss of down & yardage (5 Yards); Defensive Penalties – Automatic 1st down & yardage (10 Yards). All penalties are forced from the line of scrimmage with the exception of defensive pass interference which is a spot foul.
15. Official Flag is “FLAG-A-TAG SONIC BOOM BELT & TRIPLE THREAT” will be allowed! ( All teams provide their own Flags)
16. Any ball that hits the ground will be ruled dead. Fumbles or Muffs are dead at spot
17. Ball must be snapped between legs, not off to one side to start play
18. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece.
19. Flagrant contact fouls will not be tolerated. Offending player(s) will be ejected from that game, sit out
the next game and pay a $50 fine
20. Interceptions may be returned
21. One (1) timeout per game
22. Overtime - 2 plays from 12 yard line going into end zone - College Rules Apply (Same scoring as in regular game)
23. Roughing the QB also includes striking the arm when the defense tries to block the pass
24. Defensive players have to be one yard off the ball at the snap
25. Any player that comes off the sidelines during a fight will be ejected
26. All players flag belts must be worn properly. The hip points must be facing out. And the ribs on the
flag must be facing out. Under Rule 4-Section 2-Article 2b, the referee will enforce the licensed flag,
and, if improperly used, will result in a live ball penalty. If a player alters his flag in any way, he will be ejected from game.
27. Minimum of 2 Players must be on the LOS before the ball is snapped. 1 Player can be in motion, but cannot be moving forward before the snap.
No stiff arming allowed – considered flag guarding
Center snap – If ball hits ground, ball dead at spot
If player falls down, or if knee touches ground, ball is dead at spot – player may not get up and run
Footballs – Regular size for adult men, junior size for adult females and youth (boys & girls). All teams provide their own Footballs.
Cleats are allowed but must be rubber. No metal baseball spikes allowed. Inspections will be made on field
Field size: 60 yards long (including end zones) and 25 yards wide (2-7 yard end zones; 2-23 yard playing zones)
When flags fall off inadvertently, revert to a 2 hand touch between shoulders and knees.
8 MAN RULES (30 player roster)
1. MINIMUM LINE PLAYERS: Minimum of 4 players at snap. (If the Offense
uses a man in motion and he comes from the line of scrimmage, there
still must be a minimum of 4 players on the line at the snap.)
2. 2 ON 1 BLOCKING is allowed.
3. BALL CARRIERS KNEE TOUCHES THE GROUND: the ball is dead at the spot.
ONE EXCEPTION: The holders knee can be up or down on an extra point or
field goal and the play is still live. Diving to block is illegal.
Diving to advance the ball is also illegal.
5. PASSER'S arm in motion and ball is in his hand: the passer is down if
deflagged or legally touched.
6. SNAPS: All snaps that hit the ground are dead.
7. DIRECT SNAPS ARE LEGAL: EXCEPTION: On a declared punt, the punter must
be at least 5 yards back and must kick the ball immediately.
8. TOUCH: 2 hands simultaneously between shoulders and knees.
FLAG: If flags fall off inadvertently, revert to 2 hand touch.
9. ONSIDE KICKS: There are no onside Kicks allowed.
10. PUNTS: If you want no rush, ask Referee for protection. NO one can
move till the ball is kicked. Punts that hit the ground may be picked
up and advanced.
11. FUMBLES: Dead at the spot. Muffs of Kickoff and Punts are dead at spot.
12. CENTER: You cannot touch the center until he takes one step toward his
pattern, or assumes a blocking position.
13. CHUCKING A RECEIVER: One (1) chuck off line is permitted from the line
of scrimmage to 5 yards.
14. FORWARD PASS: Only one forward pass per down.
15. ROUGHING THE PASSER: An automatic 1st down, plus a 10 yard penalty.
Penalty yardage will be tacked on to any gain. If the defender
contact's the passer's arm, whether or not he/she touches the pass,
it is roughing the passer.
16. EXTRA POINT & FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS: There is no rushing between the
guard and center. NO 3 or 4 point stances. The center cannot block,
but is eligible. The holders knee can be up or down.
17. NO baiting or taunting of opponents either on the field or from the
sidelines. PENALTY: 10 yards.
18. MUFF by the kicker on a declared punt is a dead ball. The kicker cannot
pick it up and kick it.
19. NO spiking or throwing of the ball whether in anger or glee.
PENALTY: 10 yards. NO WARNING!
20. OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE: Loss of down and 10 yard penalty assessed
from the line of scrimmage.
21. THE BALL is NOT an extension of the arm.
22. HUDDLE clock is 25 seconds.
23. OBSTRUCTION OF THE RUNNER: The defensive player cannot hold, grasp or
stop the forward progress of a runner in their attempt to make a tag or
pull a flag.
24. SAFETY: A kick after a safety can be a punt or a place kick. The kick
will take place at the 20 yard line. The receiving team lines up on
the 30 yard line. Treat the punt or place kick as a protected punt.
Fumbles and muffs are dead at the spot.
25. WHEN A RECEIVER goes in the air for a catch near the sidelines, he must
have at least one foot in bounds when he hits the ground.
26. A PLAYER on the line of scrimmage CANNOT receive the snap.
27. FLAG GUARDING is a 10 yard penalty and a loss of down.
A) When the Flag guarding is behind the line of scrimmage, the
enforcement spot is the line of scrimmage.
B) When the flag guarding is beyond the line scrimmage,the
enforcement spot is the spot of the foul.
28. BLOCKING down field when the ball is in the air, is an offensive pass
interference penalty.
A) It does not matter if the ball is behind the line of scrimmage or
beyond.
29. POSITION of the ball when deflagged is the mark for the succeeding
down.
30. IF A QB is not avoiding a sack, he can take the snap and immediately
ground the ball by throwing it straight down to stop the clock under 2
minutes in the 4th quarter.
31. PROFANITY during the game will NOT be tolerated.
A) At the coin flip teams will be warned about profanity anywhere on
the field and bench area.
B) First time offenders: Unsportsmanlike penalty.
C) Second time offenders: Ejection
32. ONLY one man can be in motion at the snap of the ball.
A) If 2 men are in motion before the snap of the ball, only one has
to stop and get set for one second.
B) Shifting is legal at any time. All players who shift still must
reset for 1 second.
33. INADVERTENT WHISTLE: At the time of the inadvertent whistle, the team
with possession of the ball has the option of replaying the down, or
the result of the play.
34. EXTRA POINT ATTEMPT:
A) Any roughing of the kicker, holder or center is:
1. Automatic 10 yards on kickoff
2. Choice of 1 or 2 from the 1 yard line
3. Run, pass or kick from the 1 yard line for 1 or 2 points
B) Captain may change his mind on 1 point try from 3 yard line or 2
point try from the 10 yard line if he has a time out.
35. PADDING RULE ADDITION:
A) Any exposed metal, like knee brace or ankle brace must be covered.
B) Casts are not allowed.
C) Pads that are used for medical reasons cannot be used as a weapon.
36. FIELD GOALS:
A) Field goals missed inside the 20- placement spot is 20 yard line.
B) Field goals missed outside the 20- placement spot is the scrimmage
line.
37. OVERTIME: 4 plays from the 20 yard line for each team.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES- SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME.
38. TURNOVER RULE: (Applies to Losing Team only!)
A) During the last 2 minutes of the 2nd half only, all free kicks
that follow a score must be returned by R to R's 20 yard line or
further (after all penalties that occur have been assessed), or K
shall receive the ball at 50 yard line, 1st down and next zone
line-to-gain (1st & 10). APPLIES TO LOSING TEAM ONLY!
B) If a touchback occurs during the last 2 minutes of the second
half, it shall be R's ball 1st & 20 at R's 20 yard line.
C) If the free kick goes out of bounds between the 35 yard line and
the goal line during the last 2 minutes, it shall be R's ball, 1st
& 5 at R's 35 yard line.
39. SCORING: TD= 6 pts/ FG= 3 pts/ SAFETY= 2 pts
EXTRA POINTS= 1 pt (Run, pass or kick from 3 yard line)
= 2 pt (Run, pass or kick from 10 yard line)
40. INTERCEPTION ON AN EXTRA POINT ATTEMPT:
A) May be returned by the defense for 2 points.
B) A blocked extra point attempt that does not hit the ground may be
returned by the defense for 2 points.
C) If there is a penalty, after the interception or during the return
of a blocked extra point attempt against K, and R does not score,
R will be given one down from the 10 yard line to attempt
a 2 point conversion by either run, pass or kick!
41. BALL REQUIREMENTS: USFTL Licensed Footballs must be used in all USFTL
play. Men shall use the regulation size ball and women and youth shall
use any size ball (regulation, intermediate, junior or youth size).
The particular tournament or league director shall specify Licensed
Football of the USFTL that will be used in their particular tournament
or league.
42. FLAG REQUIREMENTS: Flag-A-Tag’s 3-flag belt is the USFTL Licensed Flags and
must be used in all USFTL play.
43. BLOCKING REQUIREMENTS: You may not leave your feet to block. 2 on 1 blocking is permitted.No contact allowed above shoulders or below waist. An open hand, straight arm block,within the framework of the blocker’s body, is the ideal block to avoid unnecessary rough play. No grabbing of jersey allowed. You may not flip an elbow to block.