Game Timing

·       Two 20-minute halves.

·       Clock only stops in 2nd half with: 2-minute warning, incomplete passes, 30 seconds after all completions or runs.

·       Each team has one 60-second timeout per half.

·       Referees enforce a 30-second play clock (warning at 20s, 5-yard penalty at 30s).

Field, First Downs & Punts

·       Each team starts from their own 10 yard line.

·       Four plays to get a first down (50 yard line).

·       Four plays to score or punt.

·       Punt from either side of the field goes to the opposing 10 yard line.

Scoring

·       Touchdown = 6 points.

·       PAT options: 1 point (5-yard line), 2 points (10-yard line).

·       Same run/pass rules by age group apply to PAT.

·       No shutout scoring. All games played to full time.

Overtime

·       Coin toss (home team calls).

·       Both teams start at 10-yard line.

·       First attempt: 1 or 2 PAT allowed.

·       Subsequent attempts: 2 PAT only.

·       Continue until a winner is determined.

Running & Passing Plays

·       5U: Runs allowed.

·       7U: Runs allowed.

·       10U: Runs allowed except within 5 yards of end zone.

·       13U: Passes only, no runs. 7-second pass rule.

Blocking

·       Allowed only on the line of scrimmage.

·       No downfield blocking.

Rushing the Passer (Blitz)

·       Blitz must be declared to referee (not opposing team).

·       1 blitz allowed per four downs, 1 player only.

·       Blitzer must start 5 yards off line of scrimmage.

·       If blitz occurs, QB can run (live ball for all ages).

Coaches on the Field

·       5U: Max 2 coaches on field.

·       7U: Max 1 coach on field.

·       10U: Max 1 coach on field for offense only.

·       13U: Coaches on sideline only. (Work on running plays in and out of the huddle).

General Rules & Penalties

·       Offsides: 5-yard penalty.

·       Safety: running out back of endzone = 2 points.

·       Defense crossing line before handoff (except 11/12/13): 5-yard penalty.

·       Downfield contact: 10-yard penalty.

·       Hidden flags/untucked jerseys/flag color conflict: warning then 5-yard + loss of down.

·       Rough touch/tackling: 1st warning, 2nd = 15 yards, 3rd = ejection + 15 yards.

·       Must have a center + one receiver on line.

·       No stacked-I formation (5-yard penalty).

·       Blitz allowed on PAT if unused during last 4 downs.

·       Blocking allowed on blitz if at line.

·       Laterals allowed only behind LOS; no downfield laterals.

·       No stripping after interception (10-yard penalty).

·       Players must pull flags, not strip ball (10-yard penalty).

·       QB can be rushed after 7 seconds. Play continues until flag pulled.

Clarifications / Q&A

·       7-second rule: defense counts out loud ('7 Mississippi').

·       10U: Coach allowed on offense only to call plays (must exit backfield).

·       QB sneaks: QB must wait until line is crossed when blitzed.