RULE 1: THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS & EQUIPMENT

Section 1 – The Game

Bump & Run Coverage (hand-checking) is allowed within the first 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. After 5 yards, a penalty will be enforced.

Centers should be allowed to make a football move before being contacted by the defender. Women are exempt from the bump & run rule.

NO BLOCKING/SCREENING anytime or anywhere on the field. Offensive players not involved with a play down field must attempt to get out of the way or stand still.

A coin toss determines first possession.

The offensive team takes possession of the ball at the hash (indicated on the field) 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross mid-field. Once team crosses mid-field, they will have three (3) plays to score a touchdown.

If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field or score, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 5-yard line.

All possession changes start on the offenses 5-yard line (Exception: Interceptions may be returned and the ball will be marked where the play ends).

Each time the ball is spotted a team has 25 seconds to snap the ball.

Games consist of 2-20 minute halves. Teams will flip sides at beginning of 2nd half. Half time will be 1 minute.

Pool play games that end in a tie will ruled as a tie.

Section 2 – Attire

Flags will be provided by MVP Arena. Teams may not use their own flags.

Turf shoes only. (No cleats)

Shirts with numbers (Not mandatory but helps with stats)

RULE 2: PLAYERS/GAME SCHEDULES, SCORING & TIME OUTS

Section 1 – Players/Game Schedules

If a team or teams are more than 10 minutes late for their scheduled games they will be forfeited. One point per minute will be awarded to the team that is on time up to 10 minutes/points. After 10 minutes the game will be forfeited and the score recorded as 20-0. The on time team will automatically have the right to choose offense or defense and the minutes (late) will be taken off the first half.

We reserve the right to reduce, shorten, or reschedule games due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

All players need to wear a mouthpiece. (Optional)

All players must be 18 years of age or older, or have a minor consent form signed by their parent or guardian.

ANY PLAYER CAN PLAY ON MULTIPLE TEAMS BUT TEAMS MUST BE IN DIFFERENT DIVISION.

Section 2 – Scoring

TD=6 points, Extra Point=1 (5 yards out) Extra Point=2 (10 Yards out) Safety=2 points; Extra point interception return= 2pts

Section 3 – Time Outs

Each team has one: 30-second time out per half, in which the clock stops.

Unused timeouts from the first half WILL carry over to the second half.

With 1 minute remaining in the second half the clock will stop for timeouts, first downs, and touchdowns. (If there is a 30 point differential between the two competing teams the referees reserve the right to let the clock run down.)

RULE 3: RUSHING THE QB, CENTER SNAP, RUNNING, PASSING & RECEIVING

Section 1 – Rushing the QB

All players that rush the passer must be a minimum of 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

It is up to the center to not impede the rusher. If the rusher is impeded on his direct path, the offense will receive a penalty of 5 yards and loss of down.

Defense is allowed to crowd the LOS in possible Run situations.

Everyone including the Center is eligible.

Once the ball has been handed off, defenders are eligible to rush.

Rusher must line up 2 yards to the left or right of center.

Section 2 – Center Snap

All center snaps must be made between the center’s legs.

Section 3 – Running

The Quarterback CANNOT run the ball.

Direct hand-offs, pitches, and laterals behind the line of scrimmage are legal. NO laterals or pitches of any kind past the LOS.

The player who takes the hand-off can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage.

“No Running Zones” are located 5 yards before the end zone and 5 yards before mid-field in each offensive direction.

Section 4 – Passing

All forward passes must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the LOS.

QB has a 7-second “pass clock”. If a pass is not thrown within the 7 seconds, play is dead, loss of down, ball returns to line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off the 7-second rule is no longer in effect.

Interceptions may be returned. Interceptions during Extra Point may be run back for 2 points.

Section 5 – Receiving

All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).

Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. You can start toward the line of scrimmage as long as you do not cross the line of scrimmage before the ball is hiked.

Player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.

Player must not be touching any part of the wall when gaining control of the ball or player will be considered out of bounds.

Players CAN catch ball of top net, not side nets.

RULE 4: DEAD BALLS, OVERTIME & SPORTSMANSHIP/ROUGHING

Section 1 – Dead Balls

Play is ruled “DEAD” when:

Offensive player’s flag is pulled.

Ball carrier steps out of bounds or makes ANY contact with the wall.

Touchdown is scored.

If an Offensive Players flag falls out during the course of a play, a defensive player must touch him for the ball to become dead.

Hand or knee touches ground.

There are no fumbles. Ball is spotted where it hits the ground. Anytime the ball touches the ground it is dead. If the ball lands in the offensive end zone, it is an automatic Safety.

Section 2 – Overtime

No over time during season play.

Section 3 – Sportsmanship/Roughing

FOUL LANGUAGE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! MVP Arena events offer many free activities that attract young children. Inappropriate language will not be allowed.

If the referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player can be ejected from the game. Tournament director may decide to eject players from the tournament. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Referee can eject players from the game for trash talking.

Fighting: Immediate ejection and a 15 yard penalty.

Taunting: Fifteen yard penalty and expulsion for multiple repeat offenders.

Unsportsmanlike conduct/ referee abuse: Fifteen yard penalty. One warning followed by expulsion from the game.

Absolutely NO REFUNDS on any league related fees (team fees, referee fees, etc.)

RULE 5: OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE PENALTIES

Section 1 – Offensive Penalties

False Start: Five yards from the spot of infratcion; loss of down

Blocking/Screening Downfield: Five yards (L.O.S.)

Illegal Pick: Five yards (L.O.S.)

Flag Guarding: Five yards from the spot of infraction; loss of down

Lowering Head/Shoulder: Five yards (L.O.S.)

Pass Interference: Five yards (L.O.S.)

Illegal Hand-off/Pitch: Five yards (L.O.S.)

Section 2 – Defensive Penalties

Illegal Rush: Five Yards (L.O.S.)

Illegal Contact: Five Yards from end of play

Holding: Five Yards (L.O.S.)

Illegal Flag Pull: Five yards from end of play

Pass Interference, Minor: Five yards from L.O.S.

Pass Interference, Major: Spot Foul, automatic first down

Roughing the QB, Minor: Five yards

Roughing the QB, Major: Fifteen yards, automatic first down

RULE 6: Playoff Eligibility

Section 1 – Roster

In order for players to be eligible for playoffs, they must be on the official team roster and play at least 2 regular season games.

Players must play AT LEAST 1 game before their team's 4th game to be eligible on the roster.

Players MAY NOT play on different teams unless the teams are in different competition levels. A player may only play on 2 different teams max per season.

Teams will forfeit their playoff game(s) if caught using ineligible players.