BIYFL 6-ON-6 FLAG RULES (3^rd through 6^th)

(NO PARENTS OR SPECTATORS are allowed in the box/bench area)

*THE GAME WILL NOT START OR BE STOPPED IF PARENTS AND 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:  (7^th/ 8^th grade play 7-on-7 style, all other BIYFL rules apply)

• Teams must field a minimum of five (5) players (6 for 7/8^th) always to start the game.
• Teams consist of 8-12 players, six (6) for 3^rd-6^th and seven (7) for 7/8^th on the field with substitutes on the sideline.

NOTE: STALK BLOCKING IS ALLOWED, NO HANDS ON OR DRIVE BLOCKING.

TIMING/OVERTIME:

• Games are (2) 12 to 15 minutes halves running time, determined by start times.
• If the score is tied at the end of the 2^nd half each team gets one possession, 4 downs to score, but if the game is tied after both teams have possessed the ball the game ends in a tie.
• 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-second time out per half; the clock will stop at the 2-minute mark each half
• Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

SCORING:

Touchdown: 6 points

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

RUNNING:

• THE QUARTERBACK CANNOT RUN WITH THE BALL.
• ABSOLUTELY 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.

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 line of scrimmage.
• No shovel passes are allowed.
• *The quarterback has a 4-second “pass clock.” If the pass is not thrown within the FOUR seconds, play is dead and next down.
• Interceptions change the possession of the ball.

NOTE: THERE IS NO RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK

DEAD BALLS:

• The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to the side (except at 3^rd/4^th level), to start play.
• Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
• Play is ruled “DEAD” when:

— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled. — If 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 the field manager or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking with forearms and shoulders, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected from the competition. FOUL/DIRTY PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player, players or coach will be ejected from the game; this can also be applied to parents as well.

 

PENALTIES:

DEFENSE

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 receiver has ball):  5 yards

OFFENSE

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

Illegal forward pass (pass received ahead of line of scrimmage): 5 yards or loss of down

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

Flag guarding: 5 yards (from LOS) and loss of down

Delay of game: Clock stops, 5 yard penalty

• Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
• 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. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece and flags; there are no exceptions.