CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL GAME RULES

CSA SPORTS LEAGUES

FLAG FOOTBALL GAME RULES

CO-ED LEAGUES & TOURNAMENTS
Updated for 2008 Leagues

CSA CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL GAME RULES

THE GAME

8 Players on the field (5 males / 3 females)

Teams may provide their own football to use (ball must be college size or larger and approved by CSA)

First down every 20 yards

Two 20 Minute halves

6 point touchdowns

Choice of 1 or 2 extra points on PAT's

Ball is dead when touching the ground.

Quarterbacks cannot snap the ball to themselves.

Receiver must have 1 foot in bounds

2 time-outs per half

Non-Contact Game - Blockers (Running Backs and Offensive Lineman) must screen block (hands behind back).

Basic NCAA rules apply except where otherwise listed. On judgment calls, the referee's decision is final.

BEGINNING OF GAME

The team that wins the flip at the start of the game will have first choice of offense/defense or direction in the first half. Team that does not have first choice in first half will have the first choice in the second half. There are no kickoffs. Teams start 10 paces/yards from goal line.

TEAM SIZE

Each team will field no more than 8 players, with at least three women (five men, three women) at any one time. Teams not able to field a full team may play with a minimum of 6 players (4 men and 2 women). Games will start no later than 10 minutes past the scheduled start time.

Eligible receivers must be on the field before the quarterback starts calling the signals.

Substitutions must be made from the same sideline during the game.

CO-ED RULES

There is no maximum limit to the amount of females which must be on the field. To ensure coed participation, a penalty will be issued if the offensive team fails to use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs.

An Operative Player is DEFINED as a player who:

Is the intended receiver in the eyes of the official
stealing these rules and posting them as your own is a federal crime
Runs the ball as the primary runner (does not have to cross the line of scrimmage)
you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law
Attempts a pass as quarterback

An Operative Player is NOT DEFINED as a player who:

Hands off the football
These rules are protected by federal copyright
Snaps the ball into play
And are the property of CSA Sports
Receives a hand-off only to give it back to another player before crossing the line of scrimmage

Examples:

A pass deflected by a male and caught by a female is a female play

A pass intended for a female (in the eyes of the referee) that is deflected by a female and caught by a male counts as a female play.

A completed pass to a female player past the line of scrimmage, and the receiver then laterals the ball to a male player behind the line of scrimmage is not a female play

A completed pass to a female player past the line of scrimmage, and the receiver then laterals the ball to a male player past the line of scrimmage is a female play

A completed pass to a male player past the line of scrimmage, and the receiver then laterals the ball to a female player is not a female play

The penalty for running 3 consecutive plays without a female as an Operative Player will be loss of down and a five yard penalty (i.e. if it was 2^nd down during the penalty, it is now 3^rd down) and the female must now be the operative player on the next play.

Plays utilizing a female and resulting in "loss of down" penalties, will still be considered "female" plays.

For extra points and punts and all players are eligible [open/closed does not apply].

THE PLAY (CO-ED)

Line of Scrimmage.

Players on the line must be set before the snap. The offensive team must have at least 4 players on the line. The referee will call "Line is Set". Teams may have one (1) player in motion, but they must be going parallel to the line or backwards and at least two yards back when the ball is snapped.

Cadence/The Snap

The snap must go to the player that calls the cadence. Only one player may call the cadence once the line is set. A direct snap to a player that does not call the cadence is a dead ball foul.

Open/Closed Play

Each play in co-ed is OPEN or CLOSED. An open play means that all players are eligible. If a female player has not been used as an operative player for two plays, the third play will be CLOSED. The referee will announce before each play the down and play status (1st and open, 2nd and open, 3rd and closed, etc) trisha will probably steal this too if they ever actually find someone to play football with them

Quarterback Sack

If a male is the QB on an OPEN play and the QB is sacked, the ball is spotted where he was sacked and the play stands as a male play, no matter who the intended receiver was.
If a male is the QB on a CLOSED play and the QB is sacked, the ball is spotted where he was sacked and the play stands as a male play, no matter who the intended receiver was. No penalty yardage is assessed and the next play will still be CLOSED
If a female is the QB on an OPEN play and the QB is sacked, the ball is spotted where she was sacked and the play stands as a female play and the next play will be OPEN.
If a female is the QB on a CLOSED play and the QB is sacked, the ball is spotted where she was sacked and the play stands as a female play and the next play will be OPEN.

TIME

Play will be divided into two 20 minute halves. There will be a running clock maintained by the referee except for the final one minute of play in the first half and the final two minutes of the second half. The clock runs continuously with the exception of time-outs and officials time-outs. Each team is allowed two (30 second) time outs per half.

During stop time, the referee shall stop the game clock if:

Incomplete pass is thrown
A play ends play by going out of bounds
Either team scores (clock remains off until the opposing team snaps the ball after the PAT attempt: clock does not run on extra point attempts)
Change of possession
A penalty must be marked off occurs
A team declares a punt and their "30 seconds" (see below) has elapsed - the clock will resume for the punt and the ensuing return. It will be stopped when the returnee is tagged and stopped until their first snap from scrimmage.
A team calls a time-out

*** THE CLOCK DOES NOT STOP ON FIRST DOWNS
exception - The clock will stop to set the ball and then be restarted immediately

Delay of Game - For the entire game, the offensive team has 30 seconds to snap the ball once the previous play is ruled dead. (i.e. offensive person is tagged) If the referee feels that this is being taking advantage of they can:

Issue a delay of game penalty which will stop the clock and penalize the offense 5 paces/yards

If the referee feels that the offensive team is abusing the play clock, the referee can assess an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

** If a team is up by 17 points or more, the game is over at the two minute warning of the second half.

FUMBLES

A ball in the air is ALWAYS live. A ball on the ground is ALWAYS dead.

A fumble is defined as a ball that was in the possession of the ball carrier and is dropped to the ground. A lateral that hits the ground is considered a fumble. A lateral that goes out of bounds is considered a fumble.

** - In stop time, on all fumbles the clock runs. If in the opinion of the official the ball carrier intentionally fumbles the ball it is a personal foul

TIE GAMES/OVERTIME

Regular season games can end in a tie. Playoff games that end regulation tied will use the following tie-break format:

Games ending regulation in a tie score will use the four downs and out format. A coin toss will determine who has the first possession in overtime. Teams will attempt to score from the same end zone. Each team will then have 4 downs to score from 10 paces/yards from the goal line. If a team scores, they will have the opportunity to go for one or two on the PAT. The "open/closed" rules still apply. An interception will result in a team losing its possession [it can be returned for a score]. The game will be decided when one team scores more points in the cycle.

SCORING

After a touchdown, teams can elect to go for 1 point or 2 points.

A two point attempt is a live ball play and can be returned by the defense for two points

All touchdowns are awarded 6 points. Extra Points 3 paces/yards off the goal line = 1 point. 8 paces/yards = 2 points. A one point attempt is a dead ball play and cannot be returned by the defense. A two point attempt is a live ball play and can be returned by the defense for two points.

After a touchdown the opposing team will take possession of the ball at their own 10 yard line (before enforcing any penalty yardage if necessary)

All safeties are awarded 2 points. The official will call a safety in the following instances:

The ballcarrier is deflagged in their own endzone.

The ball touches the ground in the offenses endzone (except for forward passes)

The ball goes out the back of the endzone or the side of the endzone (except for forward passes)

The offensive team commits a penalty in their own endzone

After a safety, the opposing team (defense) will take possession of the ball at their own 20 yard line.

FIRST DOWNS

Each team shall have 4 downs to either score or earn another first down. First downs are achieved when a team crosses a 20 yd marker (own 20, 40, opponents 20 yd) based on their original field position. If a team fails to score or earn a first down, possession will go to the other team. Offensive teams may elect to punt on fourth downs (or any down).

PUNTS

A punt must be declared and cannot be faked. A dropped snap during a punt is not a fumble. Punts must be kicked. Punts cannot be thrown. Punts are "open" plays meaning there are no Male/Female rules for punts. All offensive players except the punter must be on the line of scrimmage. The defensive team must have four players on the line of scrimmage prior to the kick. NO DOWNFIELD BLOCKING or BLOCKING AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. The kicking team may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked.

The receiving team may not raise hands or jump to block a punt. If a punt is "shanked" and caught it is a live ball and is returnable. If the ball comes into contact with the ground, it may not be returned. A punt through the end zone comes back to the 20 yard line. If a player drops the ball in the endzone, the ball is again spotted at the 20 yard line and is not counted as a safety.

4TH DOWN DECISION
Before all 4th down plays the officials will ask the offensive team what they are doing. The offensive team must decide if they will run a play (GOING) or punt (KICKING), BEFORE huddling. If the offensive team huddles, the officials consider that a decision to run a play. The offensive team must call time-out to change their decision.

CONTINUANCE OF PLAY

Play shall continue until:

Ball-carrier has complete flag belt pulled by an opponent (see flag specifics for the few exceptions/additions concerning flag pulling)
Ball-carrier leaves the field of play
Ball-carrier scores
Ball touches the ground as a result of a fumble, punt or incomplete pass

TURNOVERS

A change of possession can only occur due to downs or an interception on a forward pass or lateral. A fumble is not a turnover. The ball is dead at the point of the fumble and the offense retains possession (see exception). A lateral is a live ball until it touches the ground and CAN be returned by the opposing team. On a fumble the ball is spotted at the point of the fumble or at the point it touches the ground (whichever has the greater advantage) and the offense retains possession.

Exception - On a fumbled ball that lands in the endzone, the play is dead when the ball touches the ground. If the ball was fumbled into the endzone by a ballcarrier that had not yet entered the endzone it will be ruled a touchback and the defensive team will take possession on their own 20 yard line.

RUSH

Once the line of scrimmage has been marked, the referee will walk off five yards in the direction the offense is going and place another marker. This "5 yard" marker is the "RUSH LINE". Only defensive players that are behind this marker when the ball is snapped may cross the line of scrimmage to rush the passer. A player may line up inside this "zone", but they cannot cross the line of scrimmage until the QB releases the ball.

RUSH LINE inside the five yard line.
The rush line can never be placed inside the endzone. If the line of scrimmage is between the goal line and the five yard line, the RUSH LINE will be the goal line.

QUARTERBACK RUSH

The quarterback may cross the line of scrimmage immediately upon receiving the snap.

NO CONTACT AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

Players acting as offensive lineman must have hands behind their back when protecting their quarterback from pursuing defensive rushers. There is no contact at or behind the line of scrimmage. Offensive lineman can position their body at any particular angle as an attempt to direct the rushers to a particular area, but they may not physically direct them.

Offensive Play
During the play, the ball may be thrown forward only ONE time by the offensive team. A second forward pass is illegal and will be penalized five (5) yards from the spot of the infraction and the offensive team loses the down.

Additionally, if the line of scrimmage is passed by the ball carrier, the offense can not go back behind the line of scrimmage and then throw a forward pass. This is also an illegal forward pass and the offense will be penalized five (5) yards from the spot of the infraction and the offensive team loses the down.

Offensive penalties that result in a loss of down are:
FLAG GUARDING, ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS, ILLEGAL PLAY, ILLEGAL BACKWARD PASS, etc.

PENALTIES

Normal rules and penalties apply unless exceptions have been made herein.

NOTE-
On defensive penalties accepted by the offense that add the penalty yardage on to the end of the play, the gender status of the play counts. On penalties accepted that wipe out the result of the play, the gender status of the play does not count.

RULE CHANGE:
Defensive Pass Interference is a spot foul. The penalty will be marked at the spot of the infraction.

Some Common Examples of Penalties:

Illegal Contact - At or Behind the Line of Scrimmage:

In cases where the person(s) acting as an offensive lineman (blocker), initiates any contact it will be ruled a 5 paces/yard penalty from line of scrimmage and we will replay the down. If this contact is deemed excessive by the referee, an "unnecessary roughness" penalty of 5 paces/yards can be assessed in addition to the "illegal contact". Thus making the total penalty 10 paces/yards.

Illegal Contact-Down Field:

5 paces/yards from point where ball carrier is at the time of infraction.

Offsides/False Start/Illegal Snap (Offensive):

5 paces/yards, play is ruled dead immediately; down is replayed.

Offsides/Illegal or Early Rush (Defensive):

5 paces/yards. Flag thrown at time of infraction, offense has option to decline.

Offensive Picking/Interference:

The offensive team may not initiate a pick/block while in motion. 5 paces/yard penalty from the line of scrimmage, loss of down (i.e. if it was 1^st down during the penalty, it is now 2^nd down). If a catch is made after a clear pick, it will be ruled no catch, 5 paces/yard penalty from line of scrimmage, and loss of down.

If the ball hits the ground on the snap for either a pass or running play, the play is "dead", the ball is spotted where it hits the ground, and it is a loss of down (i.e. if it was 1^st down, it is now 2^nd down).

The QB may NOT snap the ball to him/herself. If the QB does snap to him/herself, play will stop immediately and it will be a delay of game penalty.

Not all examples of penalties are listed. It is the officials discretion on assessing fouls that may not be listed.

EQUIPMENT

1) Absolutely no pockets, belt loops, hoods, watches, loose jewelry, etc. is allowed. If you have pockets on, you are NOT ALLOWED to play.
2) No metal cleats are allowed
3) Teams are required to provide their own ball, which must be college size or larger.

FLAG SPECIFICS

1) No flag guarding *** Will result in a 5 paces/yard penalty from the spot of infraction. Defensive player returning an interception, who flag guards, will be penalized 5 paces/yards from the spot of infraction.
2) Shirt must be tucked in and flags must be securely attached. Loose hanging articles (i.e. sweatshirts, long T-shirts, etc.) that are held/ripped will not result in a holding penalty, unless in the referees opinion the player was not attempting to go for flag.
3) Any ball-carrier whose flags are (in the referees opinion) not accessible to be pulled will be down at 1^st point of contact with the defense.
4) Any ball-carrier who has a flag or both flags missing for whatever reason (falls out, accidentally pulled before reception, not noticed before snap, etc.) will be down at the first point of contact.
5) Players may leave their feet to pull flag.
6) Spin moves will be allowed.

PLAYOFFS

To be eligible for playoff competition a team must have qualified based on the league criteria and be in good standing with CSA Sports.

For players to participate in any playoff or play-in games, they must have submitted a completed waiver form AND played in a minimum of two (2) regular season games. A player can only be playoff eligible for one team.

MISCELLANEOUS

Receivers need only one foot in bounds for a reception.
Receivers intentionally leaving the field of play are ineligible to receive a pass.
Excessive roughness can get a player/team ejected from the game and or league

The REFEREE'S AUTHORITY
The referee has final authority on any judgment calls. They are instructed to administer the rules fairly and logically. Judgment calls are not grounds for an appeal or protest.