SARC Flag Football Rules
Officials who are in absolute control of the game will do the officiating. Teams are responsible for
keeping their spectators under control. Misconduct of spectators, players or coaches can result in
assessment of a penalty, ejection or forfeiture of the game. Spectators must also remain in the area
designated by the officials. Only players and coaches (maximum of two) are permitted in the playing
area. The official shall have the power to make decisions on any matters or questions not specifically
covered in the rules.
I. The Game, Field, Players, and Equipment
1 General Provisions
1.a. The Game - The game shall be played between two teams of seven players each.
Five players are required to start the game and avoid a default; five players to avoid a forfeit
(injuries).
1.b. Persons Subject to the Rules - Team representatives, including players, substitutes,
replaced players, coaches, trainers, spectators and other persons affiliated with the team are
subject to the rules of the game and shall be governed by decisions of officials assigned to the
game.
1.c. Refereeâ??s Authority -The Referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of
good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. The Refereeâ??s
decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.
1.2 The Field
1.2.a. Field Layout - The field dimensions are 100 yards by 40 yards with 10-yard end zones.
The playing field is divided into four 20-yard zones
1.2.b. Inbounds/Out-of-Bounds - The lines bounding the sidelines and the end zones are
out-of-bounds.
1.3 Game Equipment
1.3.a. The Ball - Each team must provide their own football. The official ball shall be
pebble-grained leather or rubber covered and meets the recommendations of size and shape for
regulation football. There are no requirements regarding ball pressure and markings. Men shall
use the regular size. The referee shall be the sole judge of any ball offered for play and may change the ball during play at his/her discretion. During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when in possession.
1.4 Player Equipment-Required
1.4.a. Jersey - Jerseys may not have pockets, holes, or a button placket. All team members
must wear the same shade of color shirt. Jerseys must be either:
A. Long enough so they remain tucked in the pants/shorts the entire down, or
B. Short enough so there is a minimum of 4â?? from the bottom of the jersey to the
playerâ??s waistline.
1.4.b. Pants/Shorts - 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.
1.4.c. Flag Belt - The Referee must know that a player was not wearing a flag belt during
the down in order to penalize a team.
1.4.d. Shoes - All players must wear shoes made of canvas, leather or synthetic material,
which cover the entire foot and NO SPIKES.
1.5 Player Equipment-Optional
Headwear
A. Players may wear a knit stocking cap.
B. Ball caps with a bill are not allowed.
C. Bucket hats are allowed.
1.5.d. Sunglasses - Players may wear pliable and non-rigid sunglasses.
1.5.e. Play Book - Players may carry a Play Book inside their clothing as long as it is not
made of unyielding material.
1.6 Player Equipment-Illegal
1.6.a. Illegal Equipment - A player wearing illegal equipment shall not be allowed to play.
Types of equipment that shall be declared illegal include:
A. Headwear containing any hard, unyielding, stiff material, including billed hats, or
items containing exposed knots, such as bandanas.
B. Pads or braces worn above the waist.
C. Shoes with metal, ceramic, screw-in, or detachable cleats unless the screw is part of
the cleat.
D. Jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like
protrusion.
E. Leg and knee braces made of hard, unyielding material, unless covered on both sides
and all edges.
G. Towels may not hang from a participantâ??s waist. Each team must provide their own
football. The official ball shall be pebble-grained leather or rubber covered and meets
the recommendations of size and shape for regulation football. There are no
requirements regarding ball pressure and markings. Men shall use the regulation size. The referee shall be the sole judge of any ball offered for play and may change the ball during play at his/her
discretion. During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when in
possession.
II. Periods, Time Factors, Substitutions
2.1 Start of Each Half
2.1.a. 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: A. To choose whether
his/her team will start on offense or defense. B. To choose the goal his/her team will defend.
The captain not having the first choice of options for a half shall exercise the remaining option.
2.2 Game Time
2.2.a. Playing Time and Intermissions - Playing time shall be 44 minutes, divided into two
halves of 20 minutes each. The last minute of the first half will be a regulation clock and the last two minutes of the second half will be a regulation clock. Half-time will be three minutes.
2.2.b. Play - Play at the beginning of each half will start at the offenseâ??s 14 yard line.
2.2.c. Extension of Periods - A half must be extended by an untimed down, except for
unsportsmanlike or non-player 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 and 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.
2.2.d. During the final minute of first half and final 2 minutes of second half the clock will stop for:
A. Incomplete legal or illegal forward pass-starts on the snap.
B. Out-of-bounds-starts on the snap.
C. Safety-starts on the snap.
D. Team time-out-starts on the snap.
E. First down-depends on previous play.
F. Touchdown-starts on next offensive snap (Point Tries are untimed)
G. Penalty and administration-dependent on the previous play (except delay of gamestarts
on snap)
H. Refereeâ??s time out-starts at his/her discretion.
I. Touchback-starts on the snap.
J. Team attempting to conserve time illegally-starts on whistle.
K. Team attempting to consume time illegally-starts on snap.
2.3 Tie Game
2.3.a. Overtime - During the regular season, there will only TWO overtime periods. During
playoffs, overtime will continue until a winner is determined.
2.3.b. The Coin Toss - There will be only one coin flip during the overtime. ALL OVERTIME
PERIODS ARE PLAYED TOWARD THE SAME GOAL LINE. The end zone used is at the discretion of
the game officials.
2.3.c. Overtime - Unless moved by penalty, each team will start first down and goal
from the 25-yard line. The team will have four downs to score, unless awarded first down
automatically, or a penalty allows for repeating the down. If the defense intercepts a pass or
fumble and returns it for a touchdown, they win the game. If they do not return the interception
for a touchdown, the series is over. Each team is entitled to one time-out per overtime period.
2.3.d. Overtime-Fouls and Penalties (3-3-4) The goal shall always be the zone line-to-gain in
overtime.
2.4 Time Outs â?? 2 Per Half
2.4.a. Length of Time-outs - A charged time-out requested by any player which is legally
granted shall be one minute and can be shortened if both teams are ready.
2.4.b. Injured Player - An injured or apparently injured player, who is discovered by an
official while the ball is dead and the clock is stopped, shall be replaced for at least one down
unless the halftime or overtime intermission occurs. A player who is bleeding, or has an open
wound, or has blood on their uniform shall be considered injured.
2.5 Delays
2.5.a. 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:
A. Failure to snap within 25 seconds after the ball is whistled ready for play.
B. Putting the ball in play before it is whistled ready for play.
2.5.b. Illegally Conserving or Consuming Time (3-5-2) The Referee may order the game clock
started or stopped whenever, in his/her opinion, either team is trying to conserve or consume
time.
2.6 Substitutions
2.6.a. Eligible Substitutions - No substitute shall enter during a down. An incoming
substitute must enter the field directly from the team area. A replaced player must leave the
field at the sideline nearest his/her team area prior to the ball being snapped.
2.6.b. 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.
III. Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out-of-Bounds
3.1 Ball in Play-Dead Ball
3.1.a. Ball Declared Dead - A live ball becomes dead and an official shall sound the whistle
or declare it dead when:
A. When it goes out-of-bounds,
B. When any part of the runner other than a hand or foot touches the ground.
C. When a touchdown, touchback, safety, or successful Try is made.
D. When a forward pass strikes the ground.
E. When the ball strikes the ground after being first touched by the kicking team
F. 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.
G. When a runner has a flag belt removed legally by a defensive player. A flag belt is
removed when the clip is detached by another player from the belt
H. When a runner is legally tagged with one hand between the shoulders and knees,
including the hand and arm when the flag belt inadvertently becomes detached.
I. When a punt has touched the receiving team and then touches the ground
3.2 Inadvertent Whistle
3.2.a. Inadvertent Whistle-Clock - There is no time added to the clock during a down with
an inadvertent whistle.
IV. Series of Downs, Number of Down, and Team Possession
4.1 Series
4.1.a. Zone Line-to-Gain - The zone line-to-gain in any series shall be the zone in advance of the
ball, unless distance has been lost due to penalty or failure to gain. In such case, the original zone in
advance of the ball at the beginning of the series of downs is the zone line-to-gain.
4.1.b. Awarding a new series - 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, punt, touchback, pass interception,
or turnover on downs.
4.2 Down and Possession After a Penalty
4.2.a. Penalty Resulting in a First Down - After a penalty which leaves the ball in possession of a
team beyond its zone line-to-gain, or when a penalty stipulates a first down, the down and distance
established by that penalty shall be first down with the next line-to-gain.
4.2.b. 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-to-gain. If the penalty involves a loss of
down, the down shall count as one of the four in that series.
4.2.3. Rule Decisions Final - No rule decision (interpretation) may be changed or protested after
the ball is next legally snapped.
V. Kicking the Ball
5.1 Punting
5.1.a. Punt - Prior to making the ball ready for play on the fourth down, the Referee must
ask the offensive team captain if they want to punt. The team captain may request to punt on
any down. After such announcement, the ball must be punted, unless a charged time-out is
called or a penalty occurs prior to or during that down which allows the kicking team to repeat
the down.
5.1.b. Formation and Snap - Neither the Kicking team nor Receiving team may advance
beyond their respective scrimmage line until the ball has been punted. All scrimmage line rules
regarding the snap, encroachment, false start, minimum line players, motion and shift in Rules
apply.
5.1.c. Punting the Ball - After receiving the snap, the kicker must punt the ball
immediately in a continuous motion.
5.1.d. After the Punt - Once the ball is punted, any receiving team player may block the
kick, however they may not cross the line of scrimmage during their attempt to block the kick. If
the blocked punt touches the ground, the play is dead at that spot. If the punt is blocked by any
receiving team player and then caught by any kicking team player behind the line of scrimmage,
they may advance the ball. The receiving team may advance the punt anywhere in the field. A
kicking team player cannot punt the ball to himself/herself or any other kicking team player. The
kicking team may only punt once per down.
VI. Snapping, Handing, and Passing the Ball
6.1 The Scrimmage
6.1.a. The Start - All plays must be started by a legal snap from a point on or between hash
marks.
6.1.b Ball Responsibility - The offensive team is responsible for retrieving the ball after a down.
6.2 Prior to the snap
6.2.a. Encroachment - Following the ready for play whistle, and until the snap, no player
on defense may encroach, touch the ball, nor make contact opponents or in any other way
interfere with them (verbally or otherwise) or cross the second cone.
6.2.b 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.
6.2.c. 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.
6.3 Position and Action During the Snap
6.3.a. Legal Position - 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)
6.3.b. Minimum Line Players - The offensive team must have at least four players on or
within one yard of their scrimmage line.
6.3.c. Motion - One offensive player may be in motion, but not toward the opponentâ??s
goal line at the snap. Other offensive players must be stationary in their positions without
movement of the feet, body, head, or arms.
6.3.d. No Direct Snap - The player receiving the snap must be at least two yards from the
offensive line of scrimmage.
6.3.e. 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.
6.4 Handing the Ball
6.4.a. Anytime - Any player may hand the ball forward or backward at any time behind the line of scrimmage.
6.5 Backward Pass and Fumble
6.5.a. Anytime - A runner may pass the ball backward or lose player possession by a
fumble anytime.
6.5.b. Caught or Intercepted - A backward pass or fumble in flight may be caught or
intercepted and advanced by any player inbounds
6.5.c. Ball Dead when It Hits the Ground - A backward pass or fumble, which touches the
ground between the goal lines, is dead at the spot where it touches the ground or crosses the
sideline.
6.6 Legal and Illegal Forward Pass
6.6.a. Legal Forward Pass - All players are eligible to touch or catch a pass. During a down
and before a change of possession a forward pass may be thrown provided the passerâ??s feet are
behind the offensive line of scrimmage when the ball leaves the passerâ??s hand. Only one
forward pass is allowed per down. A play involving a run across the line of scrimmage and then
back behind the line of scrimmage where a forward pass is thrown is a legal play.
6.6.b. Illegal Forward Pass - A forward pass is illegal if:
A. If the passerâ??s foot is beyond the line of scrimmage when the ball is released.
B. If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to save loss of yardage
C. If a passer catches his/her untouched forward or backward pass
D. If there is more than one forward pass per down
6.7 Forward Pass Interference
6.7.a. Contact - 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. It is also pass interference if an eligible receiver is deflagged
prior to touching the ball.
Scoring Plays and Touchback
6.8 Mercy Rule
6.8.a. Two Minute Warning - If a team is 19 or more points ahead when the Referee
announces the two-minute warning for the second half, the game shall be over.
6.8.b. After the Two Minute Warning - If a team scores during the last two minutes of the
second half causing a score difference of 19 or more points, the game shall be over.
6.8.c. Half time mercy rule - The game will end after halftime or any point thereafter if one team
reaches a lead of 36+ points.
7.1 Touchdown
7.1.a. Player Responsibility - The player scoring the touchdown must raise his/her arms so
the nearest official can de-flag the player. If the player is not de-flagged with one pull to the left
or right and the official determines the belt has been secured illegally, the touchdown is nullified
and the player is ejected.
7.2 Point(s) after Touchdown Tries
7.2.a. One, Two, or Three Points - An opportunity to score one point from the three yard
line, two points from the ten yard line, or three points from the twenty yard line by running or
passing shall be granted to the team scoring a touchdown. Note: If a touchdown is scored on the
last timed down of the second half, the Try is not attempted, unless it will affect the outcome of
the game or playoff qualifying.
7.3. Decision - Once the scoring captain makes the choice, the decision may only be
changed when either team takes a charged time-out. A penalty does not allow for a change in
point value, nor does awarded or lost yardage affect the point value. If the defense intercepts a
pass or fumble on a Try and returns the ball for a touchdown, they receive the what the offensive try was for.
7.3.a. Penalties During a Try - If a double foul occurs, the Try will be replayed. If the
offensive team is penalized on a successful try, the down will be repeated if the penalty is
accepted. If the offensive team incurs a loss of down penalty, the Try will not be repeated.
7.3.b. Subsequent Series - After the Try, the new offensive team shall snap the ball from
their own 19-yard line unless moved by a penalty.
7.4 Momentum, Safety, and Touchback
7.4.a. Safety = 2 points - A safety occurs when:
A. A runner carries the ball from the field of play to or across his/her own goal line and
the ball becomes dead
B. A player punts, passes, fumbles, snaps, muffs, or bats a loose ball from the field of
play to or across his/her own goal line and the ball becomes dead behind their goal line
C. A player on offense commits any penalty for which the penalty is accepted and
measurement is from a spot in his/her end zone; or throws an illegal forward pass from
within his/her end zone, or any situation which leaves the offense in possession of the
ball in their own end zone.
D. After a safety, the scoring team shall snap the ball at their own 25-yard line, unless
moved by a penalty.
7.4. Touchback - A touchback occurs when:
A. The receiving team downs a punt that touches anything while the ball is on or behind
the receiving teamâ??s goal line
B. The kicking team downs a punt that touches anything while the ball is on or behind
the receiving teamâ??s goal line
C. The ball is out-of-bounds behind a goal line (except from an incomplete forward pass)
D. After a touchback, the ball shall be snapped from the nearest 19-yard line, unless
moved by a penalty.
Conduct of Players and Spectators
8.1 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
8.1.a. Noncontact Player Acts - No player shall commit acts including:
A. Using words similar to the offensive's audible or quarterback cadence prior to the
snap in an attempt to interfere with the offense
B. Intentionally kicking the ball, other than a punt
C. Participating while wearing illegal player equipment
D. Fighting or attempting to fight (results in disqualification)
8.1.b. Dead Ball Fouls - When the ball is dead, no player shall:
A. Intentionally kick the ball
B. Spike the ball
8.1.c. Prohibited Acts - There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes,
coaches, or others subject to the rules. Examples include, but are not limited to:
A. Attempting to influence a decision by an official
B. Disrespectfully addressing an official
C. Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures
D. Intentionally making contact with a game official during the game
E. Fighting
F. Leaving the team area and entering the playing field during a fight
8.1.d. Second Unsportsmanlike Conduct Foul - The second unsportsmanlike conduct foul
by the same player results in disqualification. If a spectator receives the penalty, it will be
assessed to the captain.
8.2 Personal Fouls
8.2.a. Player Restrictions - No player shall:
A. Strip or attempt to strip the ball from a player in possession by punching, striking, or
stealing.
B. Throw a runner to the ground
C. Contact an opponent who is on the ground
D. Hurdle any other player
E. Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is dead
F. Make contact of any nature which is deemed unnecessary
G. Deliberately dive or run into a defensive player
H. Tackle the runner by grasping or encircling with the hands or arms.
8.2.b. Roughing the Passer - Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid
charging into a passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown forward legally. 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. Defensive players may not make contact with the passerâ??s
arm, including the ball.
8.3 Screen Blocking
8.3.a. Offensive Screen Blocking - The offensive screen block shall take place without
contact. The screen blocker shall have his/her hands and arms at his/her side or behind the
back. Any use of the hands, arms, elbows, legs, or body to initiate contact during an offensive
playerâ??s screen block is illegal. A blocker must be on his/her feet before, during, and after the
screen.
8.3.b. Screen Blocking Fundamentals - A player who screens shall not:
A. Make contact when assuming a position at the side or in front of a stationary
opponent.
B. Take a position close to a moving opponent such that the opponent cannot avoid
contact.
C. After assuming the legal screening position, move unless the blocker moves in the
same direction as the opponent.
8.4. Runner
8.4.a. 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. Examples of flag
guarding include, but are not limited to:
A. Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt
B. Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt
C. Lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the flag belt
8.4.b. Obstructing the Runner - The defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the
forward progress of a runner when in the act of removing the flag belt.
8.4.c. Charging - 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.
9.1 Time Preservation Rule
Team A may invoke this rule during the second half while losing and immediately
after scoring a touchdown. This will give Team B the ball at the 25 yard line going
in, rather than its own 19 after any score by team A. This will prevent team B from
using up the clock driving the ball. Once this rule has been into effect it becomes
irrevocable for the remainder of the game.