25-minute games, two 12 min halves with 3 minute halftime, the last 2 min in 2nd half stop time if game is within 12 points.
6 points for a touchdown. Choice of 1 or 2 point conversions. No field goals
Extra points are 1 point for a 2-yard conversion, 2 points for 10-yard conversion
2-point conversion attempts may be intercepted and returned for 2 points with the defense retaining possession at their 10-pace/yard line. 1-point conversions CANNOT be intercepted and returned
Safeties are 2 points
OFFENSE
First downs for every 15 yards, total of 3 first downs per possession.
No more than 5 receivers downfield “in play” at a time
Offense will have one designated “Snapper” per play
Ball must always be snapped from the ground by the center to the quarterback
“Snapper” may not become a receiver at any point
The QB may not run even after the defense completes the 5 Mississippi count until the defense chooses to rush the quarterback by crossing the line of scrimmage
One running back allowed to line up off the line of scrimmage near the QB
Running plays / WR reverses allowed
If the ball changes possession in the backfield (i.e., is handed off), the defense may rush immediately
DEFENSE
Defense will have one lineman on the line of scrimmage every play
Defensive lineman will count “5 Mississippi” before rushing the QB
Referee may call penalty on defense for counting too fast
Fast Rush Count- If in the eyes or ears of the referee, the count is made too quickly, or not loud enough, 1 warning will be issued to the defense. If this occurs again – 5 yards and replay down – offense may decline penalty if positive yardage was gained
At no point may the Defensive Line player drop back into coverage.
Offensive “Snapper” may NOT block the defense with hands or pushing
After the snap, the Center may move back and forth on the line of scrimmage until the 4-MISSISSIPPI count. After the 4-MISSISSIPPI count, the Center must NOT move and must have his/her arms at their side. The Center may NEVER intentionally attempt to block, trip or physically interfere with a defensive player rushing the QB.
PENALTIES
Defense
Fast Rush Count- If in the eyes or ears of the referee, the count is made too quickly, or not loud enough, 1 warning will be issued to the defense. If this occurs again – 5 yards and replay down – offense may decline penalty if positive yardage was gained
Defensive Off sides - If any defender crosses the line of scrimmage before 5-Mississippi is fully uttered – 5 yards and replay down - offense may decline penalty if positive yardage was gained
Not Leaving a Defensive Player on the Line of Scrimmage/Defensive Lineman Drops Back into Coverage– If in the eyes of the referee the defense does not leave a player on the line of scrimmage or that player leave the line of scrimmage to drop back into coverage – 5 yards and replay the down – offense may decline penalty if positive yardage is gained
Holding on to ball carrier to stop them from advancing-You cannot grab the ball carrier to prevent them from advancing and to grab their flags. 5 Yard Penalty
Not attempting to give flag back to the runner- You must make an effort to return the flag to the runner. The first time you don’t is a warning. After that it will be an unsportsmanlike penalty. 15 yard penalty.
Offense
Offensive Lineman Leaves Line and Goes Down Field – 5 yards and replay down – defense may decline penalty
QB illegal forward pass/illegal run - the QB crosses the line of scrimmage and then throws a forward pass OR runs before defense rushes.5 yards and loss of down – defense may decline penalty
Offensive Off sides - When any part of the offensive player’s body is beyond the scrimmage line before the ball is snapped – 5 yards; play is blown dead after the snap
If an offensive player moves past the line of scrimmage/starts to run before the ball is snapped, he/she may reset him/herself before the ball is snapped without penalty
Flag Guarding- A runner may not hold onto or try to guard their flags (Referee’s Discretion) - Play whistled dead/5 yards from spot of foul.
Running into a defender-You shall not run into a defender to prevent them from grasping your flag or to gain extra yards. First Offense: Play blown dead/10yds from spot of the foul. Second Offense:Play blown dead/15yds from spot of the foul Third Offense- Ejection
PLAY SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL
Ball carrier has flag pulled by an opponent and opponent holds the flag up.
If a flag is grabbed while bobbling the ball (not in possession), the play shall continue until the player’s other flag is pulled or they are touched down with 1 hand.
Ball carrier touches the out of bounds line with any part of his/her body
Ball carrier scores. Ball must break goal plane for touchdown or conversion
Ball touches the ground as a result of a fumble, punt or incomplete pass or even while in a player’s hand
Ball carrier’s knee touches the ground
Ball carrier slips or falls, or any part of his/her body (except feet or hands) touches the ground, the ball becomes dead