Brookfield Indoor Youth Flag Football League

6v6 Flag Rules 3rd-6th 

7v7 Style for 7th/8th

 

No parents or spectators are allowed in the box/bench area at any time. 

*The game will not start or if it has started, it will be stopped if parents and/or spectators do not comply. 

 

A coin toss determines first possession.

• The offensive team takes possession of the ball at midfield. The team can get a first down by gaining 10 yards or more, and then it becomes first and goal.
• All possession changes, including interceptions, start at midfield.
• The team that does not possess the ball on the opening drive will have the ball after the first 15 min. of play, with a running clock. 

 

PLAYERS/GAME:  (7th/ 8th grade play 7-on-7 style, all other BIYFL rules apply)

• All players must start the game with flags – six players for 3rd-6th and 7 players for 7th/8th
• Teams must field a minimum of five (5) players (6 for 7/8th) always to start the game.
• Teams consist of 8-12 players, six (6) for 3rd-6th and seven (7) for 7/8th on the field with substitutes on the sideline.
• A minimum of 3 players must be on the LOS to start the play. 
• Only 2 coaches in the box or on the field at any time. All other coaches must be in the spectator area and switch in and out if/or as needed. This will be enforced by referees and/or field managers.

NOTE: Stalk blocking is allowed, no hands on or drive blocking. 

 

TIMING/OVERTIME:

• Games are (2) 15-18 minutes halves running time, determined by start times.
  • Half time is 2 minutes
• For Playoffs: If the score is tied at the end of the 2nd half each team gets one possession, 3 downs to score, but if the game is tied after both teams have possessed the ball each team gets to attempt 1 pass and the longest completed pass wins. 
• Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 25 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
• Each team has (1) 30-sec time out per half / The clock will stop at the 2-min mark in the 2nd half 
• Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

 

SCORING:

Touchdown: 6 points  **False start on point after ends the point after attempt

Extra point: 1 point (played from 5-yard line) OR 2 points (play from 10-yd line)

 

RUNNING:

• The quarterback CANNOT run with the ball.
  • Whoever the ball is snapped to becomes QB
  • No defined pocket –  can scramble but must remain behind LOS 
• NO LATERALS OR PITCHES of any kind 
• Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
• The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
  • If going into the endzone, the ball is spotted where the ball is. 

RECEIVING:

• All players are eligible to receive passes
• As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.

 

PASSING:

• All passes must be forward passes and received beyond the LOS.
• No shovel passes are allowed.
• 3rd/4th: The QB has a 5-second “pass clock.” If the pass is not thrown within FIVE seconds, the play is dead and next down.
• 5th/6th & 7th/8th: The QB has a 4-second “pass clock.” If the pass is not thrown within FOUR seconds, the play is dead and next down.
• Interceptions change the possession of the ball.

NOTE: There is no rushing the quarterback. 

 

DEAD BALLS:

• Ball must be snapped between the legs to start play – not off to the side (except at 3rd/4th level)
• Bad snap goes back to LOS 
  • 3rd- 6th – Bad Snap goes back to LOS
  • 7th/8th *If the ball is snapped over the QB’s head, ball will be placed where the ball lands.
• Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
• Play is ruled “DEAD” when:

— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled. 

— In the event the ball carrier has no flags, a single or two hand tag must be applied.

— Touchdown 

— Ball carrier’s knee or elbow hits the ground.

NOTE: There are NO FUMBLES. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.  

 

SPORTSMANSHIP / ROUGHING:

If field manager or referee witnesses any act of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking with forearms or shoulders, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected.

 

Foul/dirty play will not be tolerated.

Trash-talking is not allowed. Officials have the authority to define what constitutes offensive language. (Trash talk refers to remarks that may offend officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators.) If trash-talking occurs, the referee will issue one warning. If it continues, the player, players, or coach will be ejected from the game, and this rule also applies to parents.

 

PENALTIES: DEFENSE

*There is no obstructing and/or rushing the QB’s view during the play

Offsides: 5 yards

Pass Interference: 5 yards and automatic first down

Illegal contact (holding, body blocking, etc.): 5 yards, PERSONAL FOUL WARNING

Illegal flag pull (before the receiver has the ball):  5 yards

 

PENALTIES: OFFENSE

Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.):  5 yards replay the down

Illegal forward pass (pass received ahead of LOS): 5 yards and loss of down

Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender):  5 yards and loss of down

Flag guarding: Unnatural and/or intentional hand or arm movement that prevents defender from pulling the flag. Must be shoulder up. 5 yards (from LOS) and loss of down.

Delay of game: 5-yard penalty

 

• Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the LOS.
• Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.
• Games cannot end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines it.

 

ATTIRE:

Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made.  

No exceptions: Players must wear a protective mouthpiece and flags. Players must start the game with flags. 

Sunglasses are prohibited. Hats are allowed but must be worn backward.