Basic Rules 

• Games are 6 players vs 6 players & 7 players vs 7 players
• Two 20 minute running clock halves (2 minute break at half)  
• Each possession starts at the 5 yard line after scores, turnover on downs and/or halftime. 
• The offensive team has three downs to get a first down at mid-field then 4 downs to score once they have crossed mid-field. 
• After a time out, the next play will start on the officials whistle
• Ball must be placed in the center of the field for all snaps and then snapped by the center 
• Safeties will occur when the ball is fumbled in the end zone, or if a flag is pulled in the defensive teams end zone  
• The defensive player has the right to their position 
• If an offensive player runs into a stationary defensive player it will be considered a personal foul or an unsportsmanlike penalty at the discretion of the referee 
• Interceptions during an extra point attempt can be returned for 1 point. 
• Coin flip determines choice of possession or direction (winning team can elect to defer to the 2nd half) 
• The clock will only stop for time-outs and injuries unless it is the last minute of the game (it does not stop for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possession).
• TWO 30-second timeouts per half.
• If a timeout is called after a touchdown, the clock will not start until the play after the conversion attempt Teams switch sides at halftime. 
• Center cannot take a handoff from the QB. 
• Ball is placed where the flag is pulled, NOT where the ball is when the flag is pulled. 
• A receiver must have one foot in bounds when making a reception. 
• Laterals are allowed but if the ball hits the ground, the ball is considered live and can be picked up by the defense
• Absolutely no tackling (stationary pick is allowed but player cannot move) 
• Only one player can be in motion at the same time.  
• Games cannot end on a defensive penalty. 
• Safeties will occur when the ball is fumbled in the end zone, or if a flag is pulled in the defensive teams end zone 
• Defensive players can cross the line of scrimmage when a handoff, fake handoff or backward pass has occurred. 
• Interceptions can be returned for a TD, if intercepting teams flag is pulled before the end zone then possession will begin where the defender is flagged. 
• If the interception occurs in the end zone (and the flag is pulled in the end zone) the ball will be spotted on the 5 yard line  
• During the last 4 minutes of the game, an offensive delay of game or an offensive false start penalty results in: 5 yard penalty Loss of down A time out will be charged to the penalized team If the team has no time outs left, referee will stop the clock
• Touchdowns = 7 pts 

 Division Rules 

• For the Hot Water Heroes Division there will be no sack count, rather the defensive teams coach will count to 8 dead example 1 dead...2 dead...3 dead....etc
• For the Drain Busters Division there will be a 6 second sack count Example 1...2...3...4...5...6  SACK
• For the Pipeline Pros Division there will be a 4 second sack count Example 1...2...3...4 SACK
• One blitz per drive (another blitz is added if the offensive team gets a first down).
• No Blitz for Hot Water Heroes Division
• QB can only run on a blitz
• No running 5 yds from the End Zone even on a blitz
• ONE Coach is allowed on the field for both offense and defense

Mercy Rules

•  If a team is up by 30 or more they only have 2 downs to get a first down and 2 downs to score until that point difference is trimmed below 30 pts. then regular game rules apply. 
•  The team that is behind by 30 or more points CAN start their offensive possession at the +10 yard line and get 4 downs to score. If the point difference is trimmed below 30 pts regular game rules apply

Last Minute of Game 

• The clock will stop in the final 1 minute of the game on these actions: 
• Incompletions 
• Out of Bounds 
• Spiking of the football 
• Change of Possession 

Offensive Penalties

•  The defensive player has the right to their position
•  If an offensive player runs into a stationary defensive player it will be considered a personal foul or an unsportsmanlike penalty at the discretion of the referee 
•  Offensive Pass Interference – 10 yard penalty and replay the down 
•  Illegal motion (2 men in motion) – 5 yard penalty and replay the down 
•  Illegal Formation – 5 yard penalty and replay the down 
•  Illegal Run – 5 yard penalty and loss of down 
•  False Start – 5 yard penalty, replay the down 
•  Illegal Forward Pass – 5 yard penalty and loss of down (QB steps over the LOS or QB throws a forward pass behind the LOS) THE DEFENSE CAN ELECT TO DECLINE THE PENALTY (THIS IS NOT A STOPPAGE OF PLAY) THE DEFENSE MAY ELECT TO DECLINE THE PENALTY IF IT RESULTS IN AN INTERCEPTION OR TURNOVER ON DOWNS AS AN EXAMPLE 
•  Blocking – ball is placed at the spot of the foul and loss of down 
•  Flag Guarding (including stiff arms) – 5 yard penalty from the spot of the foul and loss of down 
•  Unsportsmanlike conduct – 15 yard penalty (possible ejection) 
•  Delay of Game – clock is stopped and a 5 yard penalty. 
• No Intentionally Grounding Penalty 

Defensive Penalties

• Defensive Pass Interference - 10 yard penalty and replay down unless it’s an offensive catch; Offense decides. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage. 
•  Illegal Contact (holding, jams, etc.) – 5 yard penalty and replay down unless it’s an offensive catch; Offense decides. 1st can occur depending on the yardage. 
•  Defensive Holding while pulling flag – 5 yard penalty added to the end of the play and replay down. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage. 
•  Illegal Flag Pull (before player has ball) – 5 yard penalty and replay down. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage. 
•  Off-sides – 5 yard penalty and replay down. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage. 
•  Illegal Rushing (before a hand-off has occurred) – 5 yard penalty and replay the down; offense decides depending on the result of the play. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage.  
• Inadvertent tackle – 5 yard penalty added to the end of the play and replay down. 1st down can occur as a result of the penalty yardage
• Inadvertent tackle From Behind w/clear path to end zone – Automatic Touchdown 
• Unsportsmanlike conduct – 15 yard penalty and automatic 1st down (possible ejection) 
•  Defensive Penalties inside the 10 yard line will result in half the distance to the goal line if applicable. 

 

Overtime Format

•  Overtime period will take place with each team receiving a possession. 
•  Coin flip determines choice of 1st or 2nd possession Possession begins at the 10 yard line (both teams will go in the same direction) 
•  If a touchdown is scored the other team gets a chance to score and tie the game. If they do tie the game, the next score wins.
•  If the Defense intercepts the ball it’s a change of possession starting at the 10 yard line unless the Defense returns it for a TD.
•  Game could be over if the intercepting team was ahead in points in OT prior to playing Defense or intercepting team returns it for a TD on it’s 1st Defensive possession per OT. 
• PLAYOFF If the game is still tied, overtime will be repeated until there is a winner. Offensive team will get 2 downs to score from the +10 yard line