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Junior Football League of Central Illinois Rule 1: Players Article 1-Ages and Divisions:
There will be two (2) divisions of play: Mighty Mites and Midgets Mighty Mites will consist of all players age five (5) and six (6). NO SEVEN (7) YEAR OLDS. Midgets will consist of all players age six (6) and seven (7). Age as of August First, of the current year (age cut off date) will determine which division of play for each participant. Once a player plays up, he must stay at this level of play. Article 2-Validation and Rosters
1. Each team roster shall have a maximum of sixteen (16) players, and a minimum of twelve (12) players. In the event an area has more than sixteen (16) players but not enough for two (2) teams, the Infractions Committee will address this at that time in a special meeting. 2. Only players appearing on the official team roster are to be counted as players. This form (roster) is to be completed before the first game of the season and verified by the Area Flag Director in a process called “validation.” Area Directors must insure that they have the following properly completed documentation on each of their players:
a. Completed registration form, b. Valid proof of age in one of the following forms: 1. Birth Certificate, 2. Baptismal Certificate, 3. Public Aid Card, 4. School Letter, complete with name and age, signed by principal
Completed roster for each team with player’s names listed in alphabetical order by their last name. All coaches must be listed in alphabetical order on their team roster also.
Article 3-The Game:
3. A game is played between two teams consisting of eight (8) players each. 4. The offensive team must have five (5) players on the line of scrimmage, (of which the three (3) middle players must be in a two (2) point stance and are ineligible receivers) and three (3) in the backfield. The five (5) offensive players on the line of scrimmage must space themselves by extending each arm out, to the next player’s fingertips. The defensive team must play a three- (3) man front, head-to-head, over the inside offensive linemen. On DEFENSE: The defensive line must consist of three (3) players on the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap. In addition, there must be three (3) players on the second line. Three (3) yards off the line of scrimmage and two (2) players on the third line, seven (7) yards off the line of scrimmage. This type of Flag Defense is known as a 3-2-2.
5. A team will have thirty (30) seconds to put the ball in play after the ready signal. 6. Every player must play a minimum of two (2) full quarters. 7. No player can play the same position more than one (1) quarter of the game. Thus, the player must switch (rotate) positions. (Promote awareness of game)
Rule 2: Playing Field
1. The field shall be rectangular with lines and zones. The field will measure fifty (50) yards in length, divided into five (5) zones, and thirty (30) yards in width. 2. Goal posts are unnecessary as points after touchdown (PAT) are only made by passing or running and there are no field goals kicked. 3. A zone line to gain will be used to indicate the distance to go for a first down. 4. Zone line to gain is defined as: The next line on the playing field in the direction of, and parallel to, the opponent’s goal line. The down box is stationed at the zone line to gain.
Rule 3: Equipment
1. Game Ball: Tachikara SF2R, Junior Ball measuring approximately 8 ¼” x 4 ½”. 2. Flags: A. Three flags will be attached to a belt and extend or hang from each side of the player’s body and from the rear of the player’s body. B. Flags will be 14 to 20, or when fully extended, no more than five (5) inches from the ground, and a minimum of 2 inches wide. C. Flags cannot be the same color as their respective color of shorts, football pants or sweatpants. D. The belt must be tight. If need be, wrap athletic tape on each side of the Velcro holder to keep flags in position. (So they won’t bunch together) E. Jerseys (T-shirts) cannot be worn over the flags. F. If the player’s flag is inadvertently lost, he is ineligible to handle the ball. G. If the flag comes off the ball carrier for any reason during play, the ball is blown dead.
3. Game Uniforms: A. All teams must wear the same color jersey. (T-shirt) B. Jerseys (T-shirts) will be tucked in at all times. C. Any type of pants may be worn. D. Sneakers and/or soccer shoes are the preferred. E. Mouth guards are optional, parents discretion. F. To better differentiate between offensive and defensive players, defensive linemen will be required to wear; one (1) white wristband to identify himself or herself as a defensive lineman.
4. Prohibited Equipment: A. Spiked (steel) or street shoes. B. Padding of any kind, including hard surface padding such as shoulder pads, casts, hip pads and helmets. C. Hard metal or any other hard substance on a player’s clothing or person. D. Any equipment, in the opinion of the referee, that will endanger players. E. No Jewelry
Rule 4: Referees
1. There will be two officials (one coach from each team or other teams shall act as referees) appointed prior to the game by the site director. 2. Each official will carry a yellow flag and drop it when an infraction occurs.
Rule 5: The Rules of the Game
1. The free substitution rule is always in effect and a player may enter the game any time the ball is dead. 2. All players, except the three (3) blocking offensive linemen, are eligible to run or receive the ball. 3. An unlimited number of coaches for each team will be permitted on the field. (Whatever it takes to accomplish the objective of coaching) 4. A game will consist of four- (4) fifteen- (15) minute running quarters, stopping for injuries. 5. Five (5) minutes between halves. One (1) minute between quarters. 6. One timeout per each half of play. 7. Water Breaks: For unusual heat or humidity, which may create a health risk to the players.
Article 1--Start of the Game:
8. The referee will toss a coin to decide who will start the game on offense. The other team will start the second half on offense. 9. The offensive team will start on its own ten- (10) yard line. The same procedure will be followed after a safety.
Article 2--Punting:
9. No punts will be allowed. See rule twelve (12) below.
Article 3--Down and Zone to go:
10. Each team will have four (4) downs to advance the ball into the next zone or to score a touchdown. 11. Once a team enters the next zone, it is first down and a new series of downs begins. 12. A team failing to move the ball into the next zone will lose possession. The opposing team takes over and begins its series of first down and zone to go from their own ten- (10) yard line. 13. The forward part of the ball touching any line will be the determining factor in measuring for a first down. 14. When the offensive team is within the last zone and has a first down, it will be first down and goal to go. 15. At the conclusion of each down, the referee will place the ball in the center of the field.
Article 4--De-Flagging:
16. There shall be NO TACKLING! 17. The player carrying or having possession of the ball is down when the flag is removed from his waist (de-flagging). The defensive player shall hold the flag above his head and stand still. 18. The defensive player cannot hold or push the ball carrier to remove his flag. A defensive player may not run over, push, or pull a blocker away from him. 19. A defensive player must go for the passer’s flag. He cannot touch the passer’s arm.
Article 5--Blocking:
20. A blocker must be on his feet at all times while blocking. All lineman, except the center, must not assume the three-point stance. They must simply stand at the line of scrimmage and await the snap. The center, if he is to block, must first stand straight up. 21. Cross blocking and roll blocking are not allowed. 22. A blocker cannot use his hands, or stiff arm. 23. Shadow blocking defined as legally obstructing an opponent without contacting him with any part of the body. (Arms not extended and grabbing his shirt and maintaining this form of blocking until the end of the play.) This is also known as brush blocking. 24. A defensive player cannot block or push a ball carrier out-of-bounds. 25. Only one-on-one blocking will be allowed at all times. There will be no two-on-one blocking. 26. Blocking a player from behind is not permitted. 27. Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, the “one-two-three, GO”, count is waived.
Article 6--Ball Carrier:
28. The ball carrier cannot use his hands or arms to protect his flags. The defensive player must have the opportunity to remove the ball carrier’s flags. 29. The ball carrier cannot lower his head to drive or run into a defensive player. 30. The ball carrier cannot hurdle to prevent a defensive player from removing his flags. 31. The ball carrier may not run straight ahead. Straight ahead is defined as inside the opposing team’s guard, nose guard and second guard. (Runners may not run up the middle) once the runner crosses the line of scrimmage, he may run in any direction until the ball is declared dead.
Article 7--Ball Carrier, Quarterback:
32. Only the three (3) down lineman, on defense, may rush the quarterback after waiting for the “one-two-three, GO” count, after the snap of the ball.
Article 8--Center:
33. The center may snap the ball between his legs or stand to either side of the ball and “flip” the ball. This is known as the “back-yard” snap. He may also snap the ball directly to the quarterback when the quarterback is directly behind the center. 34. No touching the center until he takes a step or assumes a blocking position.
Article 9--Passing:
35. All backfield men are eligible passers. 36. Passing will be attempted from behind the line of scrimmage only.
Article 10--Receiving:
37. All players, except the three (3) blocking offensive linemen, are eligible to receive forward passes. 38. A receiver must catch the ball with at least one-foot in-bounds. 39. Two or more receivers may touch a ball in succession resulting in a completed pass. 40. If an offensive and defensive player catch a pass simultaneously, the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch and the passing team is awarded possession. 41. An offensive player cannot go out-of-bounds and return in bounds, to catch a pass.
Article 11--Dead Ball:
42. All balls touching the ground are immediately dead. Examples: A. When the ball carrier touches the ground with his body, other than hands or feet. B. When the ball carrier’s flag has been pulled. C. When the ball goes out-of-bounds for any reason. D. If the center snap hits the ground before reaching a backfield person. E. When the ball hits the ground as a result of a fumble or “muffed” ball. There are NO Fumble Recoveries in J.F.L. Flag Football! G. If a lateral pass touches the ground. The ball is declared dead at that point.
Article 12--Tie Game:
43. Tie games will not be played off.
Article 13--Completion of the Game:
44. No score will be kept. Each team will be considered a winner! Each team will congratulate the other team upon completion of the game with a cheer and hand shake.
Article 14--Injured Players:
45. Once removed from a game because of injury, a player must sit out at least one play.
Articles 15--Practices:
46. A team may elect to start practice on the first Monday of August, after the first Saturday of August. (Three weeks prior to the first schedule league game) A maximum of ten (10) practices may he conducted prior to the first scheduled league game. 47. Practice is defined as a gathering of players, without a minimum number, requiring the presence of at least one (1) coach. 48. A week is defined as being seven (7) consecutive calendar days. 49. After the season starts, practices will be two (2) days per week, not to exceed ninety (90) minutes per practice.
Article 16--Schedules:
50. Each team will play ONE game on Saturdays for six (6) weeks. (Depending on the number of teams) 51. All Flag Football games will be grouped at one (1) or more sites, depending on the number of teams participating. 52. All participants must practice a minimum of one practice per week in order to play in a regular season scheduled game on Saturday. Area disciplinary reasons will override this rule. (See Article two (2) Rule six (6)
Article 17-Weather Policy
53. Teams need to show up at game sites and prepare to play. (Areas are so spread out, it may be raining in one location, but not at another site.) If lightning appears, play is suspended until it ceases. If "poor" weather exists at a game site, one coach from each team and the site director will discuss the situation and make a determination if the game shall be played and/or continued.
54. 30-30 Rule: When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately. The threat of lightning continues for much longer period than most people realize. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter. Don't be fooled by sunshine or blue sky!
Rule 6: Penalties
Since a smaller football field size is being used, penalties are adjusted accordingly.
The offended team will always have the choice of accepting or declining a penalty. When the penalty is greater than the distance to the goal line, the penalty shall be half the distance to the goal line.
Line of Scrimmage
Offside: Defensive or Offensive 3 Yards Failure to observe 30 second rule 3 Yards Illegal Motion-more than one man in motion 3 Yards Illegal Formation 3 Yards
Passing:
Illegal Forward Pass: 3 Yards Passer crosses scrimmage line: 3 Yards and Loss of Down Intentional Grounding 5 Yards and Loss of Down Offensive Pass Interference 10 Yards from line of scrimmage and Loss of Down Defensive Pass Interference First Down at Point of Infraction
Flag Wearing and De-Flagging
Any tackling 10 Yards Wearing flags illegally 5 Yards Ball Carrier using hands to prevent de-flagging 10 Yards Holding, Pushing or hitting Ball Carrier While de-flagging 10 Yards from spot of foul Intentionally wearing one or two flags 5 Yards
Illegal Hand-off
If ball is handed forward beyond the Scrimmage Line 5 Yards Handing or snapping ball to lineman 5 Yards
Blocking
Leaving Feet to Block 10 Yards Cross Body Blocking 10 Yards Illegal use of hands by blocker 10 Yards Holding a defensive player 10 Yards Defensive player blocking or pushing Ball carrier out-of-bounds 10 Yards Butting, Elbowing or Knee Blocking 10 Yards Defensive Player, Illegal use of hands 5 Yards More than two blockers 10 Yards Clipping 10 Yards
Ball Carrier
Stiff Arming 10 Yards Lowering head to drive or run into defensive player 10 Yards Use of head 10 Yards Use of hand or arms to protect flags 10 Yards Hurdling 5 Yards
Unnecessary Roughness
Offensive and Defensive 10 Yards Second repeated offense by same player 10 Yards and Player Disqualification
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Fighting 15 Yards and Player Disqualification Defensive player pulling offensive player’s Flag to make him ineligible for play 10 Yards Insulting, abusive language and spitting 10 Yards and one quarter suspension. Illegal Play 10 Yards
Interference with progress of game by Coaches or other team personnel or parents 10 Yards and Disqualification
Any questioning of any officials’ call 10 Yards
Offensive Positions in Flag Football
Quarterback
The quarterback lines up 5 to 10 yards behind the center in the offensive backfield, in what is sometimes called the shotgun formation. He should have the same attributes as a quarterback in tackle football.
Center
The center lines up on the line of scrimmage. He must be able to snap the ball back to the quarterback in a shotgun formation with speed and accuracy.
Blocking Backs
The blocking backs are eligible pass receivers, lined up in the offensive backfield about 3 to 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Their job is to protect the quarterback and receive passes. They also may line up on the line of scrimmage (see spread formation) or be spread out (see triple wing formation).
Slot Receivers
The slot receivers take positions halfway between the center and wide receivers. They must be fast and agile with good receiving abilities.
Wide Receivers
The wide receivers take position on the outside ends of the line of scrimmage. They are usually the team’s fastest players who can also run good patterns and have good hands.
Defensive Positions in Flag Football
Defensive End
The defensive ends are strong and quick players who rush the quarterback.
Nose Tackle
The nose tackle is strong, quick player who rushes the quarterback and stops the run.
Linebacker
They must be strong and quick with a keen sense of timing because they are in the middle of almost every play on defense.
Strong Safety
The strong safety is a defensive back that can double as a linebacker in certain defenses. He must be quick, agile, and strong enough to be able to cover and react to the ball.
Free Safety
The free safety is positioned at the deepest point of the defense. He is the last man between the defense and goal line. He must be a very smart player because his primary responsibility is to read and go to the ball. He must also be fast.
Cornerback
The cornerbacks must be the fastest players on defense because it is their responsibility to cover the fastest players on offense, the wide receivers. They must be able to read and react, but they must also be able to come up in certain situations if the offense is trying a trick play.
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