Official Rules & Regulations
Basic Offense and Defense Sets SS
FS
LB
LB
CB
LB
T/DE
WR
G
T/DE C
CB
G
WR
WR
WR
RB
QB
Offensive Sets Mandatory 3 down linemen 5 players on the line of scrimmage No restrictions on offensive schemes and/or play calling Defensive Sets Mandatory 2 down linemen Only 2 down linemen are allowed to rush 1 LB is allowed blitz - once per offensive possession o Allowed to blitz 2 yards from the line of scrimmage
BTSE Official Rules and Regulations Sportsmanship Officials are in absolute control of the game Teams, not the officials, are responsible for ensuring fans are respectful at all times. Misconduct of spectators, players or coaches can result in assessment of a penalty, ejection or forfeiture of the game. Only players and coaches are permitted in the playing area. The Referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. All players must have checked in with the referees and must be listed on an official roster prior to the game. Rosters are listed on the SCFCA or BTSE website. Any person affiliated with the team is subject to the rules of the game and shall be governed by decisions of officials assigned to the game. Game Personnel o The game shall be played between two teams of nine players each. o Nine players are required to start the game and avoid a default/forfeit. Field o The field dimensions are 45 yards with 10-yard end zones. o The lines bounding the sidelines and the end zones are out-of-bounds. o Each team box is a designated area for players. Each box is marked between the 35-yard to 20-yard line and one yard from the sideline. Players must stay within this team box. Game Equipment o Each team must provide their own footballs (High school regulation). o The referee shall be the sole judge of any ball offered for play and may change the ball during play at his/her discretion. o During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when in possession.
Player Equipment Required o o o o o o o o
Jerseys may not have pockets, holes, or a button placket. All team members must wear the same shade of color shirt. Jerseys will remain tucked in the pants/shorts the entire game. Each player must wear pants or shorts without any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s), holes, or exposed drawstrings. Pants or shorts must be a different color than the flags. Pants or shorts may not be turned inside out, and pockets may not be taped. Triple Threat Flag Belt: Are required for each player on the team. All teams will be required to wear soft shell helmets.
Player Equipment-Illegal Any player wearing illegal equipment will not be allowed to play. Types of equipment that shall be declared illegal include: o Headwear containing any hard, unyielding, stiff material, including billed hats, or items containing exposed knots, such as bandanas. o Jewelry and rubber bands of any kind. o Pads or braces worn above the waist. o Shoes with metal, ceramic, screw-in or detachable cleats unless the screw is part of the cleat. o Jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like protrusion. o Leg and knee braces made of hard, unyielding material, unless covered on both sides and all edges. Official Coin Toss Coin Toss: The captain winning the toss shall have the choice of options for the first half or shall defer his/her option to the second half. The options are as follows: (a.) To choose whether his/her team will start on offense or defense. (b.) To choose the goal his/her team will defend.
Game Time and Intermissions o Playing time shall be 43 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. o The clock will run continuously for the entire first half, unless stopped for charged time out, officials’ time out, or injury. o Half-time will be three minutes. o Play at the beginning of each half will start at the offense’s 45 yard line Extension of Periods A half must be extended by an untimed down, except for unsportsmanlike or nonplayer or fouls which specify a loss of down, if during the last timed down, one of the following occurred: a) There was a foul by either team or the penalty is accepted. b) There was a double foul. c) If a touchdown was scored, the Try is attempted unless the touchdown is scored during the last down of the second half and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game. If (a), (b), or (c) occurs during the untimed down, the period will be extended by the same rule. During final 2 minutes of second half the clock will stop for: o o o o o o o o o o
Incomplete legal or illegal forward pass-starts on the horn. Out-of-bounds-starts on the horn. Team time-out-starts on the horn. First down-depends on previous play. Touchdown-clock starts on next offensive snap. Penalty and administration-dependent on the previous play (except delay of game starts on the horn) Referee’s time out-starts at his/her discretion. Touchback-starts on the horn. Team attempting to conserve time illegally-starts on the horn. Team attempting to consume time illegally-starts on horn.
Tie Game o Tie Game-Overtime will be determined by most yards gained 1 play from the 45 yard line. o Each team is entitled to one time-out per overtime period. o During playoffs, overtime will be determined by most yards gained 1 play from the 45 yard line. Tie Breaker o Unless moved by penalty, each team will start from the 45-yard line. o No returns on an interception. Time Outs o Each team is entitled to one charged time-out per half. o A charged time-out requested by any coach or player which is legally granted shall be one minute and can be shortened if both teams are ready. Injured Player o Any injured player, per officials review, shall be replaced for at least one down unless the halftime or overtime intermission occurs. Replacement occurs while the ball is dead and the clock is stopped. o A player who is bleeding, or has an open wound shall be considered injured and will have to leave the game for one play. Delay of Game The ball must be put in play promptly and legally and any action or inaction by either team, which tends to prevent this, is delay of game. This includes: o Failure to snap within 25 seconds after the ball is whistled ready for play. o Putting the ball in play before it is whistled ready for play. Illegally Conserving or Consuming Time The Referee may order the game clock started or stopped whenever, in his/her opinion if either team is trying to conserve or consume time.
Substitutions o Eligible Substitutions: No substitute shall enter during a down. An incoming substitute must enter the field directly from the team area. o A replaced player must leave the field at the sideline nearest his/her team area prior to the ball being snapped. o Legal Substitutions: No substitute shall become a player and then withdraw, and no player shall withdraw and then re-enter as a substitute unless a penalty is accepted or there is a charged time-out. Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out-of-Bounds Ball Declared Dead: A live ball becomes dead when an official sounds the whistle or declares it dead when: o o o o o o o o o
Ball goes out-of-bounds. When any part of the runner other than a hand or foot touches the ground. When a touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful PAT is made. When a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught simultaneously by opposing players. When the ball strikes the ground after being first touched by the QB When a backward pass or fumble by a player strikes the ground. A ball snapped, which hits the ground before or after getting to the intended player is dead at the spot where it hit the ground. When a runner has a flag belt removed legally by a defensive player. A runner is legally tagged down with one hand between the shoulders and knees, including the hand and arm when the flag belt inadvertently becomes detached.
Inadvertent Whistle-Clock o There is no time added to the clock during a down with an inadvertent whistle. The offense will replay the down
Series of Downs, Number of Down, and Team Possession A new series of downs shall be awarded when a team moves the ball into the next zone on a play free from penalty; or a penalty against the defense moves the ball into the next zone; or an accepted penalty against the defense involves an automatic first down; or either team has obtained legal possession of a ball as a result of a penalty, pass interception, or turnover on downs. Down and Possession after a Penalty o Penalty Resulting in a First Down: After a penalty which leaves the ball in possession of a team beyond the line of scrimmage, or when a penalty stipulates a first down, the down and distance established by that penalty shall be first down. o Foul Before Change of Possession: The down shall be repeated unless the penalty also involves a loss of down, or leaves the ball on or beyond the line of scrimmage. If the penalty involves a loss of down, the down shall count as one of the four in that series. o Rule Decisions Final: No rule decision (interpretation) may be changed or protested after the ball is next legally snapped. Offensive and Defensive Blocking  Linemen Blocking: At the line of scrimmage, open hand with extended arms below the neck area. o Linemen are not allowed to block down field.  Open Field Blocking: (WR) o Open hand with extended arms below the neck area. o After the ball carrier passed the block, the offensive player has to release the block. Play Management o All plays must be started by a legal snap from a point on or between hash marks. o Ball Responsibility: The offensive team is responsible for retrieving the ball after a down.
o Prior to the snap-encroachment: No player on defense may encroach, touch the ball, nor make contact with opponents or in any other way interfere with them (verbally or otherwise). This includes standing in or shifting through the neutral zone. o False Start: No offense player shall make a false start or simulate the start of a play. An infraction of this rule may be penalized whether or not the ball is snapped and the penalty for any resultant encroachment shall be cancelled. o Snap: The snapper, after assuming position for the snap and adjusting the ball, may neither move nor change the position of the ball in a manner simulating the beginning of play until the snap. When over the ball, the snapper shall have his/her feet behind the scrimmage line. The snapper shall pass the ball backwards from its position on the ground with a continuous motion. o Position and Action during the Snap: Anytime on or after the ball is marked ready for play, each offensive player must be within 15 yards of the ball before the snap (i.e., they must come inside the hash marks) o Minimum Line Players: The offensive team must have at least five players on or within one yard of their scrimmage line. o Motion: One offensive player may be in motion, but not toward the opponent’s goal line at the snap. Other offensive players must be stationary in their positions without movement of the feet, body, head, or arms. o Direct Snap: The player receiving the snap must be at least two yards from the offensive line of scrimmage. o Shift: If two or more players go in motion prior to the snap, ALL players must come to a stop for at least 1 second prior to the snap. o Handing the Ball: Any player may hand the ball forward or backward at any time. o Backward Pass: A runner may pass the ball backward or lose player possession by a fumble anytime. o Caught or Intercepted: A backward pass in flight may be caught or intercepted and advanced by any player inbounds.
o Ball is Dead when It Hits the Ground: A backward pass which touches the ground is dead at the spot where it touches the ground or crosses the sideline. o Run Plays: Offense is allowed 1 run play per offensive series. o Flag Attached before Play: A runner cannot attempt a handoff or pass without flags. Legal and Illegal Forward Pass o Legal Forward Pass: During a down and before a change of possession a forward pass may be thrown provided the passer’s feet are behind the offensive line of scrimmage when the ball leaves the passer’s hand. o QB has to roll out behind the RB. o Illegal Forward Pass -A forward pass is illegal if: o If the passer’s foot is beyond the line of scrimmage when the ball is released. o If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to save loss of yardage o If a passer catches his/her untouched forward or backward pass Intercepted Passes o If a forward pass is caught simultaneously by member of opposing teams, the ball becomes dead at the spot of the catch, awarded 3pts, and a change in possession. Forward Pass Interference-Contact o During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the offensive line of scrimmage, contact or action that interferes with an eligible receiver who is beyond the line of scrimmage is pass interference. o It is also offensive pass interference if an eligible receiver is flagless prior to touching the ball. Offensive and Defensive Scoring Offense o Touchdowns are worth 6pts o Option 1 from the 5 yard line is worth 1 pt o Option 2 from the 10 yard line is worth 2 pts
Defense o Interceptions are worth 3pts (Cannot be returned) Conduct of Players and Spectators-Unsportsmanlike Conduct o No player shall commit acts including: o Using words similar to the offensive's audible or quarterback cadence prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with the offense o Intentionally kicking the ball o Participating while wearing illegal player equipment o Fighting or attempting to fight (results in disqualification) Celebrating after Scoring o Intentionally kick the ball o Spike the ball o Taunting, mocking, or pointing fingers Prohibited Acts by Parents, Coaches, Players, or Spectators There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes, coaches, or others subject to the rules. Which include, but are not limited to: o o o o o o o
Attempting to influence a decision by an official Disrespectfully addressing an official Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures Intentionally making contact with a game official during the game Fighting Leaving the team area and entering the playing field during a fight. Strip or attempt to strip the ball from a player in possession by punching, striking, or stealing. o Contact an opponent who is on the ground Roughing the Passer o Do not touch the Quarterback! o Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown forward legally.
o No defensive player shall contact the passer who is standing still or fading back as he/she is considered out of the play after the pass. NOTE: The passer remains the passer while the ball is in flight or until they move to participate in the play. Screen Blocking -Offensive Screen Blocking (WR) o The offensive screen blocks shall take place with extended arms and open hands. o Open field blocking is allowed. o Once the ball carrier has passed the block, the block has to release the block. o Crack blocking is not allowed. Runner/Run Plays-Flag Guarding Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Flag guarding includes, but are not limited to: o Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt o Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt o Lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the flag belt Obstructing the Runner o The defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of a runner when in the act of removing the flag belt. Charging o A runner shall not charge into nor contact an opponent in their path. If a runner in progress has established a straight path, he/she may not be crowded out of that path, but if a defensive player legally established position, the runner must avoid contact by changing direction. o Diving for flags is not allowed
Summarized Rule and Regulations Field Size and General League Information
2-20 minute halves, plus a 3 minute halftime Football size: High school regulation (Teams are allowed to use their own game balls) 7v7 field size (All plays start at the 45 yard line) 4 plays - 10 yards first down 1 Run Play allowed per offensive series No run plays inside the red zone (On or inside the 20 yard line) o To avoid the rush, the QB is allowed to run 5 players are required on the line of scrimmage (3 down linemen and 2 WR) Triple Threat Flags are required for freshman and varsity divisions. Open hand blocking is allowed (Until the runner has passed the block) Defensive line will line up a yard off the ball o Defensive linemen are now allowed to drop in to coverage. No countdown for QB (due to the rush) QB is allowed to run – Has to roll out behind the RB. o For safety purposes: Behind the line of scrimmage the QB will be touched If the QB breaks the line of scrimmage, the QB flags have to be pulled
Rosters
Rosters should be completed five days by the start of the season Coaches/team managers are responsible for game day rosters Minimum 15 Players / Maximum 25 Players At start of third game, the roster is locked through remainder of season o In the event a player is injured during the season, that player may be replaced by a new player at any time throughout the season o Coach/team manager is responsible for submitting a new roster
Player’s Equipment
Jerseys o Must have number o Reversible or bring home and away jerseys Triple Threat Flag Belt o Each team is required to have flags for every player on the team Footwear o Players may play in flats, turfs, or molded plastic or rubber cleats Jewelry o Not allowed except for medical/alert bracelets Soft Shell Helmets o GameBreaker
Scoring: Offense
Touchdowns are worth 6pts o Option 1 from the 5 yard line is worth 1 pt o Option 2 from the 10 yard line is worth 2 pts
Scoring: Defense
Interceptions are worth 3pts (Cannot be returned)
Penalties Offensive Penalties If a play is committed on the 45 yard line, that penalty will result in a loss of downs.
Holding: 5 yard penalty Pass Interference: 5 yard penalty Offside and/or False Start: 5 yard penalty Personal Foul: 10 yard penalty Verbal of Physical Penalties: 15 yards from the spot of the foul o 1st Offense: Warning o 2nd Offense: Ejection
Defensive Penalties
Holding: 5 yard penalty Pass Interference: 1st down from the spot of the play o If penalty occurs in the red zone, the ball will be spotted at the 10 yard line o If you are in the red zone and a penalty occurs, the ball will be spotted at the 3 yard line Offside: 5 yard penalty Personal Foul: 10 yard penalty Verbal of Physical Penalties: 15 yards from the spot of the foul o 1st Offense: Warning o 2nd Offense: Ejection
Rushing the Passer
2 down lineman are allowed to rush – LB is allowed 1 blitz per offensive possession CBs not allowed to rush
Automatic Ejections and Disqualifications
Fighting Targeting Players Verbally or physically attacking the referees Coaches verbally or physically attacking the referees Parents/Spectators verbally or physically attacking the players, coaches, or referees