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FLORIDA SUNCOAST LEAGUE 2016-2017 FOOTBALL RULEBOOK General Rules/Guidelines «Field size regulations can vary, depending on your location that you play at. Please have the field painted, marked, or coned off to the appropriate dimensions. First downs are every 20 yards. There is a S-yard rush line away from the line of scrimmage. This rush line is less though, if the offense is within 5 yards or less to the next first down line or goal line. There must be a minimum of two referees. If possible, a third referee can be used to keep time of the game and the play clock. © One official must be present 15 minutes prior to kick off to complete all pre-game assignments, «The officials watch will be the timepiece used to decide game time. + The referee shall toss a coin after designating which captain shall call the toss. The winner of the toss shall have first choice of the options for either the first or the second half, The loser shall have the first choice of options for the half the winner of the toss did not select. The options are: to choose whether a team will play offense (receive) or defense or to choose the goal a team will defend. Teams automatically switch ends at the half. © Coaches are not allowed on the field between plays except during timeouts or injuries. + Inadvertent whistle- The ball will be ruled dead at the spot where it was when the whistle was blown. + Games will be two 30-minute halves with a running clock except for the last minute of each half, During the last minute of each half, the clock will stop at the end of each play + Half time will be 5-minutes + Each team will be allowed 2 timeouts (2 minutes each) per half. + The offensive team has 25 seconds from the time the ball and restraining line are set by the officials to put the ball back into play. If the team exceeds 25 seconds, officials will call a delay of game penalty + A game or half cannot end on a defensive penalty unless the penalty is refused. ‘quipment + Triple Threat flags must be used. + Jerseys must be tucked in or shortened and they may not hang over the flags to gain advantage + Shorts without pockets must be worn at all times. + Any ball carrier caught wearing the belt illegally will be removed from the field of play until equipment is worn appropriately + All participating players must wear a mouth guard. + Each team can use a regulation ball or intermediate size. No junior or pee wee size footballs allowed during game play. + Only sneakers and artificial turf shoes are permitted, (No metal spikes or bare feet will be allowed.) + No jewelry (rings, necklaces, or earrings) is to be worn when playing. + Players are expected to wear numbered jerseys. Field Dimensions and Downs The size of the field will be 80-yards by 40-yards, with 10-yard end zones. The field will be divided into 4 20-yard zones. A team has four downs to cross each consecutive line (First down every 20-yard line marker). Ifa team has a penalty which pushes the line of scrimmage behind a new 20-yard line the offense must still pass the inal first down marker. During a runback, if a penalty pushes the line of scrimmage behind a new 2 the first down line will be that 20-yard line. ard line, Number of Plavers There is a minimum of six players required to start a game and maximum of seven players to continue a game. Free substitution is allowed after the ball is ready for play and before the snap, each player or entering substitute of an offensive team can be lined up anywhere behind the line of scrimmage. There will be a 5 yard restraining line for the defensive team while in any formation or situation; the officials will mark off the restraining line. Only one player may be in motion parallel to the line at any one time before the ball is snapped. All other players must be set. There is no limit to the amount of players the defense can blitz, as long as they are lined up three yards away from the LOS Al players are eligible to receive a pass. Only one forward pass per down (either over handed or undethanded). No forward hand-ofi8 between the quarterback and the center are allowed. ‘At the time of a pass reception, the receiver must have the "first foot" down and in bounds for a complete pass (ball in complete control). Any number of backward or lateral passes are permitted. Blocking All blocking must be made with the blocker in an upright position with both hands clasped in front of or behind their backs or directly at their sides. Once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage, all other players/blockers must stop moving, No body blocks roll blocks, or shoulder blocks are allowed at any time (Penalty will be expulsion from game and automatic suspension from league play). Offensive players may not keep their elbows out when blocking, they must be against the body. RULE REMINDERS/UPDATES Equipment ©. Triple Threat Flags. 10 inches in length © Flags must be a different color from uniform shorts/pants, © No shorts with pockets ©. All players must wear a mouth guard. Kick off/Punts ©. There will be no more kickoffs. At the start/halftime, when opposing team scores the ball will be spotted at the 20-yard fine ©. If'the punt returner cleanly fields the punt, they can retum it. Ifthe ball touches the ground at any time, the ball will be dead at the spot. Jumping/Diving/Hurdling ©. Players will only be allowed to leave their feet when attempting to throw a pass or to make a “jump cut.” © Aplayer attempting to dive or hurdle another player will be penalized. © A defensive player who leaves their feet to knock down a pass attempt from the quarterback will be penalized. Offensive Snap ‘© Alloffensive snaps must be made from “shotgun.” Snaps from under center will not be allowed. © The quarterback cannot take the snap from under center and attempt a quarterback draw at any time. © 3 players must be on the line of scrimmage. Center, and one player on either side, Blocking ‘© Once the runner closes the line of scrimmage, all remaining players must remain still. © Players will not be allowed to set moving screens/blocks (punt returns included). Game length o Two 30-1 ite halves with a running clock except for the last minute. © 5 minute half-time. Overtime Rules ‘© In Overtime, both teams will have a chance to score, however, the team who scores in the fewest piays wins. © After scoring, the team will have the option to go for 1 or 2. © Ifdouble OT is required, both teams will be forced to go for 2 points. © **OT rules have been this way for years, I believe they have gone unnoticed. If ‘we want to change them, let me know. Flag Guarding © A flag guarding infraction will be called if a ball carrier uses his/her hands, arms, the ball or clothing to hide or prevent an opponent from pulling the flag belt. Souteastern Officials cell: Jerome Jefferson (941) 580-4823 email: JRRJF23@aol.com + A fumbled ball by an offensive team in their end zone constitutes a safety + Ifa team intercepts a pass in the end zone and does not advance the ball out of the end zone it isa touchback. The ball is put in play on the 20-yard line. + Ifa team receives a punt in their end zone and does not advance it out of the end zone, it isa touchback. The ball is put in play on the 20-yard line. + Following a safety, the ball shall be placed on the 20-yard line of the team credited with the safety. Penalti Penalties with a loss of 5 yards 0000000000 ° Delay of game or illegal substitution (*Whistle blown to end play) False start Encroachment Less than 3 players on the line at snap Illegal motion/shift; moving forward at snap legal handling ball forward Ilegal forward pass legal procedure Ofisides Improper Equipment; includes: jewelry, illegal flags, illegal cleats, shorts with pockets. no mouth piece. Hurdling/Diving. Defensive player may not leave their feet to deflect quarterback pass attempt Penalties with loss of 10 yards 00000000000 Delaying start of either half Offensive pass interference Mlegal Blocking Striking, kicking, kneeing (automatic disqualification) Tripping Illegal participation Unsportsmanlike conduct by player, coach, or attendant Iilegal use of hand or arms Roughing the passer (making contact with quarterback) Defensive pass interference (ball spotted at infraction; automatic first down) Holding ball carrier to remove flag Fumbles + All fumbled balls touching the ground are dead immediately at the spot, and the ball is next put into play at that spot. + The team fumbling the ball retains possession of the ball (except on the 4" down), + All incomplete laterals or passes behind the line of scrimmage will be spotted where the ball lands. This includes option pitches. + Any player catching a passed or fumbled ball that does not touch the ground can advance that ball + A fumbled ball by an offensive team in their end zone constitutes a safety. + The offensive team may not fumble a ball forward in mid-air to advance the ball Defense Ifa player loses his/her flag belt and has possession of the ball, the defense must toueh them with one hand between the shoulders and knees to make the legal "tackle." + A legal tackle is made when a defensive player detaches the flag belt from the ball carrier. «The ball is dead if either knee of the ball carrier touches the ground at any time. + When possession is made, the defender is not allowed to attempt to strip the ball from the carrier. ‘+ Defensive pass rusher cannot leave their feet to attempt to knock down pass attempt. + Defenders will be permitted to leave their feet in an attempt to catch/intercept pass. Kick Off and Kick Off Return + There will be no kick off. At the beginning of the half, or after touchdown, the ball will be spotted on the 20-yard line. Punting © The referee will ask the offensive team on all fourth downs if they intend to punt or "go for it.” There are no fakes allowed. Snapper will be allowed to turn and pitch ball to punter. If the returner drops the ball or does not receive the kick, it is dead on the spot. Scoring 1. Touchdown.......6 Points 2. Safety.......2 Points 3. Point after touchdown: a. From 3-yard line. b. From 10-yard line... awl Point

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