NFL Flag Football Rules

The NFL Flag Rulebook will be used and can be found at www.nflflag.com

LSO Modifications

The following are the LSO overruling modifications and clarifications to the NFL Flag Rulebook:

Rushing the Passer (3 Second Count)– The Referee shall count to three (counted as;  one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three), upon saying "three" the defense can cross the line-of-scrimmage to rush the passer.

(Change to NFL Flag Rules: deletion of II. Rush Line & XIV. Rushing the
Passer 1-3.)

Teams are not required to rush the passer, 7-second clock in effect. (see XII. 3.)

Once the quarterback hands off the ball to another player, the defense can rush immediately, not waiting for the "3 second count". A hand off occurs when the QB gives another player full sole possession of the ball. A fake handoff (that touches another player yet is not given the ball) does not constitute a handoff and therefore the defense must wait for the "3 second count".

Snapping the Ball

For Ages 5-9: The center may snap the ball to the side or between the legs.

(Change to NFL Flag Rules: modification of XVI.4 )

Ages 10 and up must snap ball between the legs as described in the NFL Flag Rulebook.

Coaches on the Field

For 5, 6-7, 8-9 Divisions: One coach for each team may remain on the field during games to assist in setup before the play, but must keep clear of the players during the actual play.

For 10-11 Division: One offensive coach may remain on the field during games, but must keep clear of players during actual play. One defensive coach is allowed on the field between snaps, but must move to the sidelines before the snap of the ball.

For 12+ Divisions: Coaches are not allowed on the field during games.

NFL Flag Rules to Note

The following are NFL Flag Rules to note that may be different than previous seasons or other flag football leagues:

New since Fall 2011 - No Pitches will be allowed !  Direct Handoffs behind the line of scrimmage will be allowed as described in NFL Flag rulebook.

The game is played with 5 players from each team on the field at one time.

I. 6. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense's 5 yard line.

II. Downs: the offensive squad has three attempts or "Downs" to advance the ball. They must cross midfield for a 1st down, or after crossing midfield, score a touchdown within the three downs, otherwise possession of the ball is given to the other team.

IV. 7.  Pants or shorts with belt loops or pockets
must be taped.

VII. 1. Games are played on a 40 minute continuous clock (two 20 minute halves). The clock only stops for timeouts.

X. 3. A player who gains possession in the air is considered in bounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play.

XI. 8. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. No diving, leaping or jumping.

XI. 11. No blocking or "screening" is allowed at any time.

XI. 12. Offensive players must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball carrier.

XII. 1. All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward, and received beyond the line of scrimmage. (no screen passes behind line of scrimmage)

XII. 3. The quarterback has a seven-second "pass clock".
If a pass is not thrown within seven seconds, play is dead. Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule is no longer in effect.

XIV. 4. NO contact can be made with the quarterback in any way. (Flag pulling is acceptable.)

XIV. 5. Offense cannot impede the pass rusher in any way. (no blocking, screening, etc.)

XVII. 4. Ball carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.

XVII. 5. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.

Additional LSO Guidelines

· Each coach shall attempt to divide playing time evenly among his/her players.

· Players may wear a knit hat as long as it has NO bill.  (ie. No baseball caps)

· It is strongly recommended that all players wear a mouthpiece and cleats. (no metal cleats)

· Players may carry a playbook inside their clothing as long as it is not made of an unyielding material and is not visible.  If carried on the field, a player must keep the playbook rather than throw it on the ground.   Players may wear a soft, pliable wrist forearm band that contains plays