NYC

NYC-NJ FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
8-man A-Division
RULES AND REGULATIONS

2008

Voted on and revised at the 2008 Captains meeting

RULE 1

THE FIELD

SECTION 1: Dimensions - The game shall be played upon a rectangular field 100 yards in
length and 48 yards in width.

SECTION 2: Markings - First down markers are positioned at the 20, 40, 20- yard lines.
First downs are achieved by crossing these markers.

SECTION 3: Players area - Players must position themselves within the two 20 yard lines when
not on the playing field.

RULE 2

THE BALL

SECTION 1: Each team must provide either an NFL or NCAA regulation size ball fully inflated.
The referee shall be the sole judge as to whether all balls offered for play comply with
these Specifications.

RULE 3

FLAG BELTS

SECTION 1: Sonic Flag Belt is the official belt of the 8-man A Division

SECTION 2: All players except ineligible linemen are required to wear a Sonic flag belt.

SECTION 3: All flag belts must be a different color from pants worn by team.

SECTION 4: Game jerseys cannot cover flag belts. Jerseys must either be tucked in pants, or 4 inches above
flag belt

RULE 4

BLOCKING

SECTION 1: Open hand - During a legal block, contact can be made with only the open hands.
                     Open hands can be thrust forward initially to contact an opponent inside his body
                     Frame. Hands cannot be thrust forward above the shoulders to contact an opponent
                     on the neck, face, or head. As the play develops, a blocker is permitted to work for
                     and maintain position on an opponent as long as he does not push from behind or
                     clip. Open hand blocking is allowed on all portions of the field and is not restricted
                     to the line of scrimmage. You may not use your shoulder or forearm to block

SECTION 2: Two on one blocking is allowed inside the line of scrimmage box. (5 yards)

SECTION 3: Crack back block is allowed when the block is made to the front side of the defender or his side,
                    and with open hand blocking.

                    In the event the block is made to the back or with a lowered shoulder a personal foul will be issued.

RULE 5

TACKLING AND RUNNING

SECTION 1: Tackling - Tackling a ball carrier is illegal, as is aggressively shoving or pushing
                     the ball carrier to the ground or out of bounds. A legal tackle is defined as pulling
                     off the ball carriers flag without impending his forward movement. Incidental contact
                     does not constitute a penalty against the offense or defense.

SECTION 2: Flag shielding - A ball carrier cannot shield his flags from the opponent with his
free hand when attempting to allude tacklers. Penalty is 10 yards from spot of foul.

SECTION 3: Stiff arming - Stiff arming is legal as long as an open hand to the opposing players
chest area is used. Any other type of stiff arming is considered illegal and will draw
an unnecessary roughness penalty.

SECTION 4: Ball carrier is not wearing or inadvertently losses his flag belt - In an event a ball
carrier is not wearing or losses his flag belt inadvertently, single hand touching of the
ball carrier will constitute a legal tackle.

SECTION 5: Ball carrier inadvertently falls to the ground - A ball carrier who falls to the ground
with out being touched is allowed to get back up as long as he is not single handily
touched while his knee (s) was on the ground.

SECTION 6: Fumbles - There are no fumbles. When the ball carrier losses control of the ball and
it touches the ground the play is ruled dead and the ball is spotted at the point it
touched the ground as long as the spot is at or behind the ball carriers forward progress.

SECTION 7: Diving and jumping - Ball carriers may not dive or jump in an effort to gain extra
                     yardage. Diving and jumping is defined as a player clearly leaving both feet in an
                     aggressive attempt to gain extra yards. Jumping will be allowed only in a case where the ball
                     carrier is making an attempt to avoid injury to another player, or himself.

SECTION 8: Two feet must be "in-bounds" to constitute a legal pass reception.

SECTION 9: Ball stripping - Illegal and will result in a five yard penalty enforced at the spot of
the infraction.

SECTION 10 Pushing out of bounds is allowed with open hands only. Loading up or lowering the shoulder
on a ball carrier will be an unsportsmanlike penalty, and possible game ejection.

RULE 6

GAME TIMING

SECTION 1: Length of the game - The length of the game is 60 minutes, divided two halfs.
                     The clock will stop at the final 2:00 minutes of each half and will restart at the
                     snap of the ball. During the final 2 minutes of each half's, traditional clock
                     stoppage is used only when the ball carrier steps out of bounds incomplete
                     pass, a change in ball possession , or a score is achieved.

SECTION 2: Half-time- Between the first and second half's, there shall be an intermission of
seven minutes. During the intermission , play is suspended , and the teams may
leave the field.

SECTION 3: Starting Each Game - Not more than five minutes before the kickoff, the referee, in
                     the presence of both team captains, shall toss a coin at the center of the field. The
                     toss shall be called by the captain of the visiting team. The winner of the toss must
                     choose one of four privileges.

A) Kick

B) Receive

C) Direction

D) Defer to second half.

SECTION 4: Second Half - For the second half, the captain who lost the pre game toss is to have
                     the first choice of the two privileges listed in Section 3. Immediately prior to the
                     start of the second half, the captains of both teams must inform the referee of their
                     respected choices.

SECTION 5: Time outs - Each team is allowed three time outs per half. Charged time outs can
be used at anytime. The time clock will begin at the snap of the next play.
Exception : The referee may allow:

A) Necessary time to attend to an injured player. That player must sit out for next play.

B) Repair legal equipment.

SECTION 6:   Time between plays - The offensive team has 30 seconds in which to snap the ball
                      once the referee has spotted the ball after the previous play has been ruled dead. It
                      shall be the responsibility of the defensive team to retrieve the ball and hand it to
                      the referee after each play. The referee will indicate by signaling to the offensive
                      team when 10 seconds remain on the 30 second clock.

SECTION 7: After a team scores, both teams have 45 seconds to set up for the kickoff.

SECTION 8: Mercy rule - Should a team be trailing by 30 or more points in the second half or
trailing by 18 or more points at the final "Two-Minute Warning", the referees shall
end the game immediately. (There will be no exception to this rule).

RULE 7

PLAYERS

SECTION 1: Number - The game is to be played by two teams of eight players each. In the event a team only has 7
                     players in attendance they will be required to play 8 on 7 (Power Play). Less than 7 is a forfeit. Team with
                     8-players get choice at coin toss. More than eight players on the field is illegal, while less than eight players
                     is legal.

SECTION 2: At the coin toss, each team must designate its captains, one for the offense
and one for the defense. Captains act as sole representatives of there team in
all communications with the officials. (No other players may question the officials)

SECTION 3: Rosters - Team rosters must be submitted by week 3. Players cannot switch teams nor be added
                     after this period. This will be the official roster for the playoffs. Any team that is caught with a ringer
                     on a playoff team who is not listed on the official team roster will forfeit the game. Players will be
                     required to bring to the game a license photo ID. Rosters must be clear and legible. Any roster
                     slot that is not clear to read will be considered a blank slot on the roster.

SECTION 4: Rosters - Teams may carry up to 20 players on their roster.

SECTION 5:   Teams must be in matching jerseys by week 3. After week 3 team members must have matching jerseys on
                       the field to be eligible to play. Players can not switch jerseys on the side lines. Anyone caught doing this
                       will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

SECTION 6: To be eligible for the playoffs you must have played in no less than 6 games.

RULE 8

KICKOFFS

SECTION 1: Kickoffs - Kickoffs are from the kicking teams own 20-yard line and must travel
to at least the receiving teams 40-yard line or the ball is ruled dead at the point it
touches the ground with the receiving team taking possession at this spot.

SECTION 2: Kicking tees - Legal on all kickoffs.

SECTION 3: On-Side Kicks - Illegal. However , Should a kickoff that travels past the receiving
teams 40-yard line be recovered by the kicking team prior to the receiving team
touching the ball, possession will be awarded to the kicking team.

SECTION 4: Out of bounds kickoffs - Out of bounds kickoffs will be spotted at the 40 yd line.
Out of bounds kickoffs that do not travel to the receiving teams 40
yard line will be spotted at the point the ball went out of bounds.

SECTION 5: Dropped kickoffs in the end-zone will result in the ball being spotted at the 20 yard
line . All other "Dropped" kickoffs will be ruled dead at the spot.

RULE 9

PUNTS

SECTION 1: The defense will be allowed to rush the punter on the snap depending if the offense declares.

SECTION 2: Formation - Punting team must have five men on the line of scrimmage.

Ball must be snapped to the punter from the center.

Defensive team must have at least three players on the line of scrimmage

The defense cannot blitz on a declared punt, they can just rush their down linemen.

If the punt is not declared then the defense can rush as they wish.

SECTION 3: On the snap only the WR's can release down field. All other offensive players must wait for the kick

RULE 10

FIELD GOALS AND EXTRA POINT KICKS

SECTION 1: Defense can rush the down linemen only on a declared field goal or extra point if the field goal or
Extra point is declared.

If it is not declared the defense can rush as they wish.

SECTION 2: All field goals attempted and missed will be spotted at the original line of
scrimmage unless the original line of scrimmage is inside the 20-yard line, in
which case , the ball will be spotted at the 20-yard line.

SECTION 3: Fake field goals and extra points are legal on a undeclared attempt .

SECTION 4: Blocks - Kicking blocks are legal on field goal and extra point attempts.

SECTION 5: Snaps that hit the ground are dead

SECTION 6: Roughing the kicker - Will result in a 15 yard penalty, and automatic first down. Player(s)
committing the roughing will receive a possible game ejection.

SECTION 7: If a field goal or extra point is declared the offensive team cannot advance the ball with
a run or pass. Declaring a extra point or field goal is giving the offense a limited rush by the defense.
Penalty for this is 10 yards and 1st down to the defensive team.

RULE 11

OFFENSIVE FORMATION & PASSING

SECTION 1: Line of scrimmage - Offensive team must have at least three players on the line
                     of scrimmage spaced no more than one yard apart (tackle-center-tackle).All three
                     lineman are ineligible to catch passes and are prohibited from running down field
                     until the pass is thrown. (Lineman cannot catch a pass even if the ball has been tipped).

SECTION 2: Eligible receivers - With the exception of the three lineman, all other players are
                     eligible to run down field and catch passes. Receivers can all line up on one side-
                     there does not have to be a balanced wide receiver set, however at least five players
                     (counting the lineman) must be on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap.

SECTION 3: Tackle eligible - Teams can run this play as long as it is reported to the referee.
The tackle slot must be filled in by a running back..

SECTION 4: Motion - Only one player can be in motion at the snap of the ball and must be
running parallel to the line of scrimmage. Please note that more than one player
can initially go into motion, but only one at the snap of the ball.

SECTION 5: Bad snaps from center - The QB has 1 chance to either pick up a bounce ball, or 1 chance to pick up a drop.
Any ball snapped over the QB's head is dead where it lands.

SECTION 6: Pass interference is marked at the infraction of the the foul, and an automatic first down is awarded .
If it is called inside the end zone the ball will be spotted at the one yard line.

RULE 12

DEFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE FORMATION

SECTION 1: Full rush is allowed on every down except declared punts, field goals, and extra points

SECTION 2: Formation - Defensive can line up in any formation they wish except on declared punts,
field goals, and extra points

SECTION 3: Bump and run - One bump is allowed on a receiver within five (5) yards of the line
of scrimmage by only one defensive player.

SECTION 4: Interceptions can be returned from anywhere on the field including the end zone.

RULE 13

SCORING

SECTION 1: Touchdowns = 6 points

Field goals = 3 points

Safety = 2 points

Extra point

Run, Pass, Kick from 5 yard line = 1 point

Run, Pass, from 10 yard line = 2 points

SECTION 2: Defensive team can return an interception for 2 points on a 2-point conversion attempt.

SECTION 3: Overtime - Tie games at the end of regulation will be decided in a "shoot out"
                       Format. Each team will take possession at the opposing teams 10-yard line and will be
                       given four downs in which to score a touchdown or a field goal. The opposing team
                       shall be given the same opportunity. If at the end of 3 consecutive Shoot outs the
                       score remains tied each team will get ONE play from the 50 yard line. The team that gains
                       the most yards on that single play will be awarded the win

RULE 14

FIGHTING AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

SECTION 1: See rule 23

Rule 15

REFEREE FEE and, BOND

SECTION 1: At the start of each game before the coin toss each team is responsible to pay the referee fee of $70.00.

SECTION 2:   The referee bond is $140.00 which is paid before the season starts. This bond is used in the event
                       a team forfeits a game. The team that forfeits will not be allowed back until another bond is paid.
                       If a team does not use its bond it will be returned at the end of the season via. mail.

Rule 16

Forfeit game bond & Team elimination from schedule/league

SECTION 1: Each team is required to submit a referee forfeit bond in the amount of $140.00. If you do not forfeit a
Game the bond will be returned.

SECTION 2 If a team forfeits a game they will be removed from the schedule. There is no refund on the registration.

RULE 17

Forfeit of a scheduled playoff game

SECTION 1:   If you forfeit a scheduled playoff game by not showing up, or you do not have enough team members
                       to field a team for a scheduled game after15 minutes of scheduled game time , your team will be
                       charged with a loss for that scheduled game. There will be no refund of bond, or registration.

RULE 18

Schedule & schedule changes for the regular season & Playoffs

SECTION 1:    Schedules will be given for the first 4 weeks of a season. Any team that forfeits a game will be
                       eliminated from the schedule. After week 4 the remainder of the schedule will be given out for the
                       rest of the season

SECTION 2: A scheduled regular season game or playoff game can be rescheduled with 2 days notice.

SECTION 3: Game days can be either Saturday or Sunday for both regular season and playoff games

RULE 19

CHOICE OF SIDE LINE

SECTION 1: During the regular season its first come first serve for choice of side line.

SECTION 2: During the playoffs its home teams choice for side line.

RULE 20

Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol & Drugs are strictly prohibited from the playing field, and parking lots. Any team that does
not comply with this rule will be ejected from the league with no refund.

RULE 21

SECTION 1: Rules not covered in the NYC-NJ Flag official rules and regulations book will automatically defer to NFL rules and procedures.

RULE 22

                        Weather & Game Cancellations

Section 1:         All teams are required to either check the message board, or call the league number to see if a game has been
                       canceled due to weather conditions the morning of the scheduled game.

Section 2: Even though a game has been scheduled to be played in bad weather the head referee has the power to cancel
a game to changing conditions at the field..

Rule 23

Fighting & Verbal Abuse Policy.
Any person during a game that verbally or physically approaches another player during a game will receive a game misconduct unsportsmanlike penalty, and will be ejected from the game. There will also be a 2 game suspensions or possible ban on the player in question.

The player in question will be required to leave the area or the game will be called and the team will receive a forfeit.

In the event there are any fights prior, during or after a game at the field or surrounding area all team(s) involved even if it is one player will be kicked out of the league (No questions asked)

If a player threatens an official during a game his team will receive a forfeit loss on the spot. If a league member or fan threatens or physically approaches an official the parks department, or police will be called and charges will be filed.

If a suspended player, or team is in attendance at the field or surrounding area the referees will be required to contact either the parks department, or local police and have that person or team removed from the area.

Teams will also be responsible for their sidelines. Any verbal abuse toward a referee, or player will result in a 15 yard penalty, and automatic 1st down.

If the person in question is from another team they will be suspended from league play and be required to leave the permitted area. The game will be stopped until the person in question leaves.

If the person in question is a fan the game will be stopped until the person in question leaves. If the person in question does not leave the authorities will be called.

Daniel Doherty
Commissioner

New York City – New Jersey Flag Football League