FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
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All flag division games will be played on a 100-yard field. All teams start possessions on their own 40-yard line. Any turnovers are dead at the spot and possession begins at their own 40-yard line. This includes interceptions and turnover on downs. If a defender takes the ball away from the ball carrier, the official will call the ball dead at the spot it was taken.
Only two (2) authorized coaches are allowed on the field behind his/her team. The coaches on the field shall not move from their position after the snap of the ball except to avoid interfering with the play. Intentional violation of this rule will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Maximum of three (3) additional coaches will be allowed on sidelines during the game.
Game will be played with 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense. Offense will play with 4 players in the backfield and 7 on the offensive line. Number of players on offense and defense can be lowered depending on the number of players participating for each team.
If the ball hits the ground, the play is dead.
Linemen are not required to wear number 50-79
If the ball carrier is intentionally tackled, 10 yards is added onto the end of the run. Intentionally pushing a player out of bounds is considered a tackle.
80 pound weight limit for ball carriers.
QB sneaks are not allowed behind the center or in the “A” Gaps if the QB is receiving the snaps under the center. QB must be 3 or more yards from the line of scrimmage to advance the ball behind the center or in the “A” Gaps.
No blitzing from any position (rush by DT and DE not considered a blitz). On defense, no more than 6 players are allowed on the line of scrimmage. All other defensive players may be no closer than 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. LBs or DBs lined up within three yards of line of scrimmage at snap shall be penalized for encroachment after one warning. Officials should verbally advise players who are lined up too close before a snap.
There will be two 20 minute quarters - continuous clock. Halftime will be 6 minutes.
Each team will have 2 timeouts per half.
The 40-yard lines and 20-yard lines will be considered a first down. For example: Offensive team will start on their own 40-yard line and will have 4 plays to get to the opponents 40-yard line. Once the Offensive team reaches to or beyond the 40-yard line, the first down will then be the 20-yard line. If the offensive team, at any time, gets inside the 20-yard line, they will have 4 plays to score a touchdown.
Center cannot advance the ball.
1 point from the 3-yard line: 2 points from the 10-yard line.
If a player holds a flag on or flag guards the official will call the ball dead. Repeat violations will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Flags are to be clipped on only. Any tying, wrapping or tucking in of a flag or any part of it is prohibited and will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Repeat violations will result in ejection and potential coaching sanction. “MCYFL will supply each team with flags for the game.”
Ball carrier jerseys must be tucked in when a play begins or the play will be whistled dead.
If an offensive player without a flag gains possession of a ball, the play will be whistled dead at the spot he/she gains possession. If the offensive player gains possession in the end zone, possessions shall result in a scoring play. Example: “Receiver catches pass and gains possession in the end zone without a flag on, catch will result in a touchdown.”
Stiff arms are prohibited.
All players have the option to wear a mouth guard.
No one is allowed to line up over the center or make contact with the center until the snap is completed. No player is allowed to line up in the “A” Gaps.
Overtime:
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Home team will call the coin flip. Winner of the coin flip decides offense or defense. A complete series will be played, with 4 downs to score from the 10-yard line. There will also be a conversion attempt from the 3-yard line for 1 point, or 2 points from the 10-yard line.
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If a tie remains after the first series, the teams will reverse order or possession and play an additional series.
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If a tie remains after the second series, a second coin flip will take place, with the visiting team making the call.
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Each team will have a series to score. This time, the conversion must be attempted from the 10-yard line for the remainder of the overtime.
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If a tie remains after the third period, the process repeats itself, alternating coin toss calls. The game will not end in a tie.
Sideline / Coaches Warning
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A coach, or coaches on his or her sideline, will receive one warning from the officials for any behavior that is deemed unsportsmanlike.
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There will be no second warning. Any additional unsportsmanlike behavior will result in a 15-yard penalty, and
If it is a particular coach’s second infraction in the game: Ejection
If it is a coaching staff's second infraction, and although a different coach, the Head Coach will be ejected.
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It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to maintain discipline of their staff.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct from Fans
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Should any team's fan base display unsportsmanlike conduct (i.e., threatening officials; obscene gestures; verbal abuse directed to officials, coaches, players, other fans; excessively disruptive conduct of any kind; etc.); the appropriate team will receive one warning (as well as the fan base). After the warning, the appropriate team will be penalized 15-yards for each instance of unsportsmanlike conduct.
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There will be no warnings for any fan who steps onto the field.
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If necessary, the game will be delayed while individuals are removed from the playing area.
Communication Devices Not Permitted
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No team at any level may use any type of audio, written, typed or any other type of communication device during their game. This includes but is not limited to: walkie talkies, headsets, cell phones (including to text message) or any other handheld electronic device.
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Any knowing violation of this rule may lead to ejection from the game for the Head Coach and other violators at the discretion of the MCYFL Board.
No coach is permitted to watch/scout/call plays/make adjustments from the stands, or any area on the field except their sidelines.
Misconduct Penalties
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This applies to Parents, Coaches, Players, Fans and Players
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The MCYFL shall review all conduct violations and at its sole discretion may issue a warning, ejection, removal of individual, or individuals from the game or premises.
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Coaches may be responsible for failure to control their coaching staffs, family members and members of household.
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If any individual is ejected from an MCYFL event for any reason, and refuses to timely leave the premises, or does so in a disorderly manner, that individual will be subject to permanent expulsion from the MCYFL at the discretion of the MCYFL Board.
Trick Plays
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Trick plays involving deceit unnatural to the game are not permitted. This includes: "wrong ball" plays, hidden receiver plays, false snaps, or any other play involving deceit leading players to believe a play is not taking place or a player is not in the game.
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Football plays in which possession of the ball is concealed remain legal: reverses, flea flickers, statue of liberty, bootlegs, direct snaps, etc.
Snap Procedure
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All snaps must be between the center's legs.
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Once the center addresses the ball, he may not release it until it is snapped or it shall constitute a false start.
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The ball must remain parallel to the sidelines until it is snapped. IF the ball is turned before it is snapped it shall constitute a false start.
Unnecessary Roughness
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Player safety is of utmost importance.
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Sportsmanship is a core value of MCYFL.
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Players who punch, pinch, bite, hit, kick or otherwise seek to intentionally cause harm to other players shall be subject to an unnecessary roughness penalty and, at the officials' discretion, may be ejected.
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Any rules not listed will fall back to standard football rules.