Game Format
Field is approximately 34 yards wide and 50 yards long, not including the 5 yard end zones.
Games are 6 on 6
Teams of 8-10 players (all players should play an equal amount of time, or as close to it as possible. This is tough for the league to monitor, so it is really up to the coach’s integrity.)
Four 10-minute running clock quarters (1 minute break between quarters, 3 minute break at half)
Coin flip determines choice of possession or direction (winning team can elect to defer to the 2nd half)
Two 30-second timeouts per half
The clock will only stop for time-outs and injuries (it does not stop for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possession or a 2 minute warning)
The clock will also stop in the final 2 minutes of the game if there is an offensive penalty, while the defense is trailing, or vice versa.
If a timeout is called after a touchdown, the clock will start at the snap of the conversion
Teams switch sides at halftime
Overtime (only in the playoffs)– if the score is tied, an overtime period will take place with each team receiving 1 play from the 10 yard line.
Coin flip determines choice of 1st or 2nd possession
1st Overtime begins at the 10 yard line (both teams will go in the same direction)
If an interception occurs and is returned for a touchdown on the first possession of an overtime period the game is over.
If the game is still tied after the 1st Overtime period an additional Overtime period will be played.
2nd Overtime begins at the 5 yard line and will be 1 play also (both teams still going the same direction).
If still tied after 2 overtime periods the ball will be placed on the 5 yard line going out and each team will get one play with the team gaining the most yards on that play being declared the winner.
Teams alternate first possession each overtime period
Basics
All players must wear proper uniforms which is defined as ML Flag provided, Jersey, Shorts and Flags. Optional accessories are arm sleeves, headbands or beanie style cap (no hats with brims allowed). If in cold weather sweats or any long pants are worn the ML Flag Shorts must be worn over them covering the pockets
Jewelry, permanent are not, is not allowed (this is a safety issue and no exceptions will be made)
Each possession to begin a half, after a score, or after a turnover on downs starts at the 5 yard line
30 second play clock
The offensive team has 3 plays to get a first down, then three plays to score once they have crossed mid-field.
Teams may elect to go for it on 4th down only when going for the first down. There are no 4th down plays allowed when going to score.
Interceptions can be returned, and possession will begin where the defender is flagged
QB has to throw the ball within:
K – 2nd grade – 6 seconds
3rd-8th grade – 4 seconds
Any forward pass must be released within the 4 or 6 second sack clock from the snap of the ball or it is a sack, with the ball being placed 5 yards back from the previous spot. Any handoff or backwards pass will eliminate the sack clock and the defense is allowed over the line of scrimmage.
A sack can occur in the end zone, with a resulting safety, if the ball is snapped inside of the 5 yard line. Any sack occurring on a play that starts from the 5 yard line will be placed on the 1 foot line. This does not apply at the K-2 level. This does not apply at the K-2 level, as there are no safeties in those grades. Any ball dropped in the end zone, flag pulled in the end zone, or sack inside of the 5 yard line will simply have the ball placed at the 1 foot line.
A play will be considered a run play, when the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage. A play in which a player takes a hand-off from the quarterback, and then throws a forward pass will be considered a pass play, and not a penalty in the no run zone.
Shovel passes are allowed at all times
Defensive players cannot cross the line of scrimmage until a handoff has occurred or the ball is thrown – No rushing the QB
Offense may run the ball without limit other than in the no run zone (no direct QB runs) for all locations.
No Run Zones are within the final five yards before midfield (first down marker) and within the final five yards of the goal line.
One first down at midfield
Ball is placed where the ball is when the flag is pulled
Snapped ball can be between the center’s legs or to the side but must be one continuous motion. If the snap is fumbled the ball is dead except for Kinder and 1/2 divisions which will replay the down.
Center cannot take a handoff from the QB
All players are eligible
No leaping (if a player dives, the ball will be spotted where the runner left his feet)
A receiver must have one foot in bounds when making a reception
Only one player can be in motion at the same time
Absolutely no tackling or blocking
No fumbles (a fumbled, or stripped ball is dead and placed at the spot of the fumble with the offensive team retaining possession) If a player attempts to lateral a ball then the defending team can intercept it and take possession.
A play is dead when:
Flag is pulled
Runner’s knee touches the ground
Runner steps out of bounds
If a player loses his flag then the opposing team must touch him down.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty
If the offense commits a penalty on the games’ final possession the game is over.
Offensive Coaches are permitted on the field at all levels ( 2 coaches for K-4th grade divisions and 1 coach for 5th-8th grade divisions) but must remain behind the QB. Defensive coaches must be off the field by the snap of the ball at all levels.
Mercy Rules:
No timeouts in mercy.
If a team is in front by 25 or more points, they cannot advance an interception. The team will take over possession at their own 5 yard line.
If a team is up by 25 or more they only have 2 downs to get a first down.
If a team is down by 25 or more points they have unlimited runs (except in the goal line no run zone).
If a team is down by 30 points they will receive 4 downs to gain a first down.
Any team up by 33 or more points will not receive an offensive possession. The losing team will retain possession, and will continue to reset the ball back at the 5 yard line should they not gain a first down.
Any team up by 33 or more points in the 2nd half of a playoff game will be declared the winner and the game ended (trailing team is allowed one possession to start the 2nd half if scoring would bring the total under 33)
Scoring
Touchdowns = 6 points
Extra Point (5 yard line) = 1 pt
Extra Point (10 yard line) = 2 pts
Safety = 2 pts
Penalties: NO PENALTIES WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC 1ST DOWN EXCEPT UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Defensive:
Defensive Pass Interference – 10 yard penalty and Automatic First Down
Illegal Contact (holding, jams, etc.) – 5 yard penalty and Automatic First Down
Illegal Flag Pull (before player has ball) – 5 yard penalty and Automatic First Down
Off-sides – 5 yard penalty and replay the down
Illegal Rushing (before a hand-off has occurred) – 5 yard penalty and Automatic First Down
Inadvertent tackle – 5 yard penalty and Automatic First Down
Inadvertent tackle From Behind w/clear path to end zone – Automatic Touchdown
Palpably Unfair Act – when referee determines a palpably unfair act deprived a team of a touchdown, or a longer play, a touchdown will be rewarded, or a distance penalty will be determined by the referee after consultation with other officials
Unsportsmanlike conduct – 15 yard penalty and automatic 1st down(possible ejection)
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated (Rough play, verbal abuse, trash talking, etc. is cause for an ejection)
If an unsportsmanlike tackle occurs when a runner has a “clear-path” to the end zone, the offensive team will be rewarded with a touchdown
Any Coach or Player ejected from a game will be suspended for the following game. Second ejection is grounds for expulsion from the league.
Offensive:
Offensive Pass Interference – 10 yard penalty and Loss of Down
Illegal motion (2 men in motion) – 5 yard penalty and Replay Down
Illegal Lateral (forward pass beyond LOS) - 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down
False Start – 5 yard penalty and Replay Down
Illegal Forward Pass – 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down
Running in the no run zone - 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down
Blocking – ball is dead at the spot of the block - 5 yard penalty -Loss of Down
Leaping – Ball is dead at the spot and Loss Of Down
Flag Guarding (including stiff arms) – Ball is dead - 5 yard penalty - Loss of Down
Laterals past the line of scrimmage – Ball is dead - 5 yard penalty - Loss of Down
Unsportsmanlike conduct – 15 yard penalty and Loss Of Down (possible ejection)
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated (Rough play, verbal abuse, trash talking, etc. is cause for an ejection)
Delay of Game – Clock is stopped (unless the losing team has possession) 5 yard penalty and Replay Down
There are no intentional grounding penalties
Any Coach or Player ejected from a game will be suspended for the following game. Second ejection is grounds for expulsion from the league.
League rules may be changed at any time if problems arise due to concerns with safety conditions, sportsmanship, or competitive balance.