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      Co-ed 7v7 Flag Football Rules

      7v7 Co-ed Flag Football Rules

      Except as otherwise noted in these rules, 7v7 USA Flag Football Rules will be in effect. 

      Table of Contents:

      Definitions

      Rule 1: Game, Field, Ball, Equipment

      Section 1: The Field

      1. Field Dimensions
      2. Sidelines

      Section 2: Pre-Game

      1. Authority of Referees and Officials
      2. Coin Toss

      Section 3: Rosters

      1. Team Rosters
      2. Game Attire
      3. Footwear
      4. Additional Attire

      Section 4: Positions

      1. Offense
      2. Defense
      3. Pre-Snap Offense
      4. Pre-Snap Defense

      Section 5: Equipment

      1. Flag Belts
      2. Football Size Requirements

      Rule 2: League and Tournament Play

      Section 1: League Play

      1. Game Clock
      2. Delay of Game
      3. Overtime
      4. Injury Timeouts
      5. Weather Impacted Games

      Rule 3: Live Ball/Dead Ball

      Section 1: Live Ball

      1. Live Ball Definition
      2. Ball Spot
      3. Possession and Change of Possession

      Section 2: Dead Ball

      1. Inadvertent Whistle
      2. Substitutions
      3. Ruling Challenges

      Rule 4: Game Play

      Section 1: Scoring

      1. Touchdown
      2. Point After Touchdown (PAT)
      3. Safety
      4. Mercy Rule

      Section 2: Running and Handoffs

      Section 3: Passing and QB Running


      Rule 5: Penalties

      Section 1: General

      1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
      2. Defensive Spot Fouls
      3. Offensive Spot Fouls
      4. Defensive Penalties
      5. Offensive Penalties

      Definitions


      Closed Play

      A female must be the operative player.

      Cool Down Period

      A consequence of a player who receives an unsportsmanlike conduct or personal foul penalty in which they must sit out the next 4 consecutive plays.

      Dead Ball

      Refers to the period of time immediately before or after a play.

      Defense

      The team opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball.

      Downs

      The offensive team has four attempts or “downs” to advance the ball. The team must cross the line to gain another set of downs or to score.

      Flag Guarding

      An illegal act by the ball-carrier to prevent a defender from pulling their flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head, or blocking access to the runner’s flags with a hand or arm.

      Guest/Pick-up Player

      A player NOT on the team roster that is ineligible to play in any other league games below their rostered teams division. 

      Inadvertent Whistle

      Official’s whistle that is performed in error.

      Lateral

      A backward or sideway toss or throw of the ball by the ball-carrier. 

      Line of Scrimmage (LOS)

      An imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field 

      Line-to-Gain

      The line the offense must cross to get a first down or score. 

      Live Ball

      Refers to the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regard to penalties. Live ball penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete. 

      Offense

      Team with possession of the ball. 

      Open Play

      Any player, male or female, is eligible to be the operative player.

      Passer

      The offensive player who throws the ball and may or not be the quarterback.

      Rush Line

      An imaginary line running across the width of the field five (5)  yards (into the defensive side) from the line of scrimmage.

      Rusher

      The defensive player(s) assigned to rush the passer to prevent them from passing the ball by pulling their flags or blocking the pass.

      Shovel Pass

      A legal forward pitch attempted from behind the line of scrimmage traveling forward.

      Unsportsmanlike Conduct

      Any rude, confrontational, or offensive behavior or language. 

      Whistle

      Sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the start or end of the play, a stop in action for a timeout or halftime, or end of the game. 

      Rule 1: Game, Field, Ball, and Equipment

      Section 1: The Field

      Article 1: Field Dimensions

      The field shall be 60 - 70 yards long by 30 yards wide

      1. Crossing midfield is the only opportunity for an offense to gain a first down within a single possession. 

      Article 2: Sidelines

      1. Teams must be on alternate sidelines.
      2. Players must stay at mid field and cannot go within 10 yards of the end zone.

      Section 2: Pre-Game

      It is the object of the game for one (1) team to carry or pass the ball across the opponent’s goal line. The game is won by the team that accumulates the most points.

      Article 1: Authority of Referees and Officials

      1. The game shall be played under the supervision of two (2) or three (3) referees. The officials are Head Referee and Line Judge; when three (3) officials are present there will also be a back judge. 
      2. Players, nonplayers, and spectators affiliated with the team are subject to the rules of the game and shall be governed by decisions of officials assigned to the game.
      3. The officials have the authority to make prompt decisions in the spirit of good sporting behavior in any situation not specifically addressed in the Rules. The officials' decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game. The officials assume authority at the pre-game captains' meeting, and their jurisdiction extends until the Referee declares the end of the 2nd half or overtime. Additionally, FXA Sports officials and staff may penalize unsportsmanlike conduct before, during, or after any game.
      4. Only the team captain (or representative) present at the coin toss to start the game may ask the referee questions about rule clarifications and interpretations before, during, or after any game. Other players, coaches, and fans may not address / speak to an official or question calls before, during, or after any game.
        1. Failure to abide by this rule will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty: 
            1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Defense, 10 Yard Penalty, +10 yards from LOS, Automatic 1st Down.
        2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Offense, 10 Yard Penalty, -10 yards from LOS, Loss of Down.

      Article 2: Coin Toss

      1. At the start of each game, a captain (or a representative) from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
      2. The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of direction. Possession changes to start the second half to the team that started the game on defense. Teams change direction after the first half.

      Section 3: Rosters

      Article 1: Team Rosters

      1. Teams must consist of at minimum 7 players, with a maximum of 14 rostered players. 
      2. Games should be played with 4 Male / 3 Female players, but may be played with a combination of genders not to exceed 4 male players.
      3. Teams that are not able to field a complete team may play with a minimum of five (5) players, with no less than two (2) females.
      4. A maximum of two (2) “guest/pick-up” players (1 male / 1  female or 2 females) will be permitted ONLY when a team doesn’t have enough of its own rostered players present to field a team. 
        1. Teams are NOT permitted to use guest/pick-up players when sufficient rostered players of the same gender are present.
        2. A guest/pick-up player is defined as a player NOT on the team roster.
        3. Team captains or representatives are required to provide the full name of each guest/pick-up player(s) before they can enter the field. Any team that doesn’t report these players may have that game result in a forfeit and the guest/pick-up player(s) may be suspended.
        4. Guest/pick-up players rostered on other teams are:
          1. Ineligible to play in any other league games below their rostered teams division. 
          2. Eligible to play in any other league games that is above their rostered teams division. 
        5. To eliminate teams illegally “sharing” players, a guest/pick-up player can only play for the same team twice in any league each season.
      5. Any player that is found to be on 2 rosters in the same league will not be eligible to participate in any regular season and/or playoff games for the remainder of the season. FXA Sports reserves the right to suspend and/or expel a player from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts.

      Article 2: Game Attire

      1. Home teams are able to wear the jersey color associated with their team on the league schedule. If both teams have the same color jersey/shirt, it is the away team’s responsibility to provide an alternate colored jersey/shirt. 
        1. Failure of the away team to provide a secondary uniform will result in a forfeit.
      2. Jerseys/shirts must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the beltline or obstruct the belt in any way. 
      3. Jerseys/shirts do not need to be numbered or be official uniforms but must be the same color.
      4. Players may not wear tights, underwear, or thermal undergarments not intended as exterior wear.
      5. Players' shorts cannot be the same color as the flags on the belt. The shorts must be a contrasting color determined by the official.
      6. Due to safety reasons, players cannot wear any article of clothing that contains pockets (shorts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, hand warmers, etc). If a player wears an article of clothing with pockets, they will not be allowed to wear a flag belt and will be marked down at the spot where the ball was caught. FXA does not permit players to tape their pockets or turn them inside out.

      Article 3: Footwear

      Players must wear rubber soled shoes. Cleats are encouraged but must be rubber (non-metal spike). 

      Article 4: Additional Attire

      1. Players may tape their forearms, hands, and fingers. Players may wear gloves, sleeves, elbow and knee pads with no pockets. 
      2. Due to safety reasons, players cannot wear any article of clothing that contains pockets (shorts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, hand warmers, etc). 
      3. Braces worn may not have exposed metal.
      4. Players must remove any jewelry and hard brimmed hats must be turned backwards. Beanies are permitted.
      5. Players are permitted and encouraged to wear mouth guards while on the playing field.

      Section 4: Positions

      Article 1: Offense

      The seven (7) players on offense consist of a center, a quarterback, and five (5) eligible receivers.

      1. Center: This player is responsible for snapping the ball and is eligible to go out for passes, once they have snapped the ball. 
      2. Quarterback: The quarterback (QB) is the offensive player who first gets possession of the ball after the snap. The QB is eligible to run with the ball across the line of scrimmage (LOS).
      3. Receiver: Any player who does not initiate the snap nor receive the snap is considered an eligible receiver and can either receive a handoff or catch a pass. 
        1. A receiver is ineligible for a direct snap if they are in motion.

      Article 2: Defense

      1. Blitzer/Rusher: A defender who lines up with all parts of their body more than 5 yards away from the line of scrimmage at the snap (Rush Line) can establish themselves as a blitzer with a legal signal by raising one hand clearly above the head at least during the last second prior to the snap. 
        1. A blitzer is granted the right of way which supersedes the right of way for the offense, because they are pursuing the runner. 
        2. The rush of the blitzer shall be immediately after the snap, quick and straight, towards the point where the QB receives the snap. 
        3. A blitzer that rushes late, towards a different spot, changes direction during the rush, or just does not rush the quarterback, loses the right of way but can still participate as any other defender. 
        4. If a blitzer is forced to change direction due to an offensive foul (shielding), the blitzer will not lose their right of way for a further direct rush to the point where the QB received the snap.
      2. All other positions on defense (linebackers, corners, and safeties) may rush after the ball is legally handed off behind the line of scrimmage.
      3. If the line of scrimmage is between the goal line and the five-yard line, the RUSH LINE will be the goal line. The rush line can never be placed inside the endzone.
      4. Only defensive players that are behind this marker when the ball is snapped may cross the line of scrimmage to rush the QB. No players lined up within this “zone”, may rush the QB. If the QB pitches the ball or hands-off to another offensive player, any defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage, no matter where they were lined up before the snap.

      Article 3: Pre-Snap Offense

      1. Players may shift and change formations prior to the snap of the ball, but all players must be set before the snap, or before a player goes in motion
        1. One player is allowed in motion at the time the ball is snapped, but cannot be moving towards the line of scrimmage.
        2. The player in motion may not receive the snap directly.
      2. Before the ball is snapped into play, the head referee may announce when the line is legally set and play can begin. The QB does not have to wait until the referee makes this announcement, however, the line must be legally set before a snap can occur.
        1. To begin each play, the ball must be snapped from the ground to the QB who is lined up at least 5 yards behind the center.
        2. The ball can be snapped to any player lined up at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage with a verbal or non-verbal command.
        3. Silent counts / snaps are legal.

      Article 4: Pre-Snap Defense

      The defense may not mimic the offensive team’s signals by trying to confuse the offensive players while the QB is calling signals to start the play. This includes verbal or physical cues to confuse the offense. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Defense, +10 yards from the LOS and an automatic First Down.

      1. Defensive players within the neutral zone pre-snap are ineligible to rush the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage but are eligible to defend receivers and other offensive players. 

      Section 4: Equipment

      Article 1: Flag Belts

      1. 7v7 Flag Football will use flags during game play. 
        1. For Social divisions: FXA will provide triple threat belts.
        2. For Casual, Competitive, and Elite divisions: Flag-a-Tag and Shruuumz flag belts should be used. Free Agent Teams will be provided (free-of-charge) with Flag-a-Tag flag belts from FXA and established teams should provide their own flag belts. Flag-a-Tag belts are available for purchase at the FXA Office. 
      2. Flag belts must be fastened outside of all clothing with nothing obstructing them. If, during a play, any clothing obstructs the defense’s ability to grab a flag (shirt is hanging over the flag belt), then the player will be called down at the first instance that the defense had a chance to pull the flag. 
      3. A ball carrier whose flag (Flag-a-Tag or Shruumz)or flag-belt (Triple Threat) falls off inadvertently during a play will be considered down upon a one-handed touch. However, if any player (besides the QB) gains possession of the ball without properly secured flags, then they will be down as soon as they touch/catch the ball. 
        1. It is a penalty for a ball carrier to stiff-arm, charge into, or deliberately try to knock over a defensive player. 
        2. In addition, a ball carrier may not dive (diving is defined as a player leaving their feet without returning to their feet) in an effort to gain extra yardage.

      Article 2: Football Size Requirements

      1. For a play in which a male players receives the snap, the ball used must be a regulation NFHS, NCAA, or NFL sized Football.
      2. For a play in which a female player receives the snap, the ball used may be women’s or junior sized. 
        1. When a female player takes the snap and pitches a smaller ball laterally or behind to a male player, the male player MAY throw the ball.

      Rule 2: League and Tournament Play

      Section 1: League Play

      Article 1: Game Clock Settings

      The game will be divided into two (2) 20 minute halves by a 2 minute halftime. Each team is allowed two (2) thirty-second timeouts per game. Both timeouts may be used in either half. The official game clock will be maintained by the head referee and will run continuously except for time-outs or serious injury–following an injury timeout, the game clock should resume following the ready-for-play whistle. The clock will run continuously the 1st half, and stop during the final 2 minutes of play in the 2nd half for the following occurrences:


      The 2 Minute Warning will happen only in the second half. 

      1. At this point, the clock will stop on: incomplete passes, player out of bounds, change of possession, penalty, declared punt, time out by a team, or a scoring play.  
      2. The clock will pause on first downs, and resume when the whistle is blown to resume play.

      Article 2: Delay of Game

      The offensive team will have 30 seconds to snap the ball once the referee has spotted the ball. Failure to do so will result in a penalty: Delay of Game, Offense, -5 yards from LOS.

      Article 3: Overtime

      There will be no overtime during the regular season, the game will end in a tie. In the playoffs, overtime will mirror NCAA overtime, and will consist of each team having one offensive possession starting at midfield. A coin flip will determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first and the direction will be at the referees discretion. The offensive team will have 4 untimed downs to score a touchdown (all regular penalties will apply during the overtime period). If a touchdown is scored the offensive team will have the option to go for a 1- or 2-point conversion (female scoring will be awarded in the same fashion as during regulation). If teams are tied after the 1st overtime period, the process will be repeated in a 2nd overtime in which teams must attempt a 2-point conversion from the 10 yard line after a touchdown. Starting with the 3rd overtime period, teams alternate going for a 1-point try from the 5 yard-line until a winner is determined.

      1. Regular season/Tournament pool play games that end regulation in a tie will NOT go to overtime. 

      Article 4: Injury Timeout

      1. Any player who has an injury on the field that requires a referee timeout and stops the game clock is required to sit for the next play. 

      Article 5: Weather Impacted Games

      1. If a game is stopped due to dangerous weather conditions prior to the beginning of the second half or prior to a previously designated point, the game will be replayed in its entirety. If a game is stopped thereafter, it will be considered a complete game and the score will stand. There is no requirement that each team have the same number of offensive series before a game is stopped.

      Rule 3: Live Ball / Dead Ball

      Section 1: Live Ball

      Article 1: Live Ball Definition

      The ball is live at the snap and remains live until an official’s whistle blows the ball dead.

      Article 2: Ball Spot

      The ball will be spotted where the ball is at the time the ball carrier’s flag is pulled. If the ball crosses the plane of the goal line before the ball carrier’s flag has been pulled it will result in a touchdown (ball extension).The head referee will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage by spotting the ball before each play at the location of the line judge and signaling the ready for play with a short whistle. 

      1. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on offense enters the neutral zone.
      2. False Start, Offense, -5 Yards from LOS.

      Article 3: Possession and Change of Possession

      1. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross midfield for a 1st down. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four (4) plays to score a touchdown. Crossing midfield is the only opportunity for an offense to gain a first down within a single possession. 
      2. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s own 5-yard line.
      3. If the defense intercepts the ball, a defensive player can attempt to return it until down or out of bounds.
      4. A player who gains possession of the ball is considered inbounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds. 

      Section 2: Dead Ball

      Any official can whistle the play dead. Play is ruled “dead” when:

      1. The ball hits the ground.
        1. If the ball hits the ground as a result of a bad snap, the ball is placed where it hit the ground.
      2. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled (or is 1-hand touched if flags fell off during the play). 
      3. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds.
      4. A touchdown, PAT, or safety is scored. 
      5. Any part of the body other than feet or hands touches the ground.
      6. The receiver catches the ball while not in possession of flags. 
      7. An inadvertent whistle. 

      Article 1: Inadvertent Whistle

      In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options:

      1. Take the ball where it was when the whistle blew, and the down is consumed.
      2. Replay the down from the original LOS. 

      Article 2: Substitutions

      Substitutions may be made on any dead ball / in-between plays. 

      Article 3: Ruling Challenges

      1. A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation during a dead ball. If the official’s ruling is correct, the team is charged the timeout. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the timeout is not charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials must all agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call. 
      2. A team with no timeouts remaining cannot challenge a rule interpretation, though officials can come together independently and reverse a call by unanimous decision. 

      Rule 4: Game Play

      Section 1: Co-ed/Gender Requirements

      The offense must use a female operative player at least once within three (3) consecutive plays. The penalty for running three consecutive plays without using a female as an operative player will be a five yard penalty, loss of down, and a female must be the operative player on the next play. 

      1. For example, if a male player catches or runs the ball on a play in which a female must be the “operative player”, the offense will be penalized and must replay the gender requirement.

      Note: The term “closed” or “forced gender” means that a female must be the operative player. The term “open” means that any player, male or female, is eligible to be the operative player.

      A pass attempt must cross the line of scrimmage to count as an operative play.

      An operative player is defined as a player who:

      1. Is the intended receiver of a forward pass across the line of scrimmage. The pass does not have to be completed.
      2. If a ball is tipped or under/overthrown, the play’s gender is determined by the last player who made an attempt to catch the ball.
      3. Runs the ball as the primary runner (must cross the line of scrimmage)
      4. Receives the snap as the QB and scrambles past the line of scrimmage or attempts a pass that crosses the line of scrimmage.
      5. Throws or catches a forward pass that is complete behind the line of scrimmage but the resulting run moves past the line of scrimmage.

      An operative player is NOT defined as a player who:

      1. Hands off the football to another player
      2. Snaps the ball into play
      3. Receives a handoff only to pass or handoff the ball to a male before crossing the line of scrimmage
      4. Female who throws a lateral pass
      5. Receives a lateral from another player and does not cross the line of scrimmage.

      Examples:

      1. A pass deflected by a male and caught by a female is a female “operative” play
      2. If a female pitches the ball to a male behind the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
      3. If a male laterals the ball to a female past the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
      4. If a female throws a forward pass that does not cross the line of scrimmage, but is caught and gains positive yardage, that does count as a female operative play

      Gender Play (Tipped Pass) Clarification

      A pass that is deflected by a female, and caught by a male does not count as a female “operative” play. If this occurs on a “closed” play, the offense has the option of:

      1. Accepting the play as an incomplete pass and having it count as a female play
      2. Accepting a 5-yard penalty and replaying the down as a closed play

      Section 2: Scoring

      Article 1: Touchdown

      1. A male touchdown is awarded 6 points.
      2. A female touchdown is awarded 9-points in the following scenarios:
        1. A female runs the ball from behind the line of scrimmage for the score.
        2. A male QB throws to a female receiver who scores.
        3. A pass that is tipped by a male and caught by a female will be awarded a 9 point female TD.
        4. A female returns an interception or punt for a score.
        5. A female QB throws to any receiver for a score (regardless of any pitches to a male). 
          1. Any lateral passes involving a male player during any of the above situations will result in only 6 points being awarded, except when a female QB throws a forward pass. 

      Article 2: Point After Touchdown (PAT)

      1. 1 point try from the 5-yard line. 
      2. 2 point try from the 10-yard line.
        1. Because of the No-Run Zone, a 1 point PAT is pass only; 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
        2. A defensive touchdown on a try is 2 points.
        3. A safety on a try is 1 point.

      Article 3: Safety

      A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down inside their own endzone. A safety is 2 points.

      1. A penalty in the endzone (i.e. flag guarding) can also be ruled a safety. 

      Article 4: Mercy Rule

      1. Games will be called when a team is ahead by 35 points or more.
      2. If a team is ahead by less than 35, but more than 17 points - the clock will not stop at any point in the second half (except for timeouts by the trailing team).

      Section 3: Running and Handoffs

      1. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, to the side, behind, or pitched to the offensive player but must take place behind the line of scrimmage.
      2. Any player who receives a direct handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
      3. Once the ball has been handed off in front, to the side, or behind the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush. 
      4.  A ball carrier may not dive (diving is defined as a player leaving their feet without returning to their feet) in an effort to gain extra yardage.
        1. Doing so will result in a penalty: Flag Guarding, Offense, -10 yards from the spot, loss of down. 
          1. Down and distance to gain are determined after enforcing all live ball penalties.
      5. No blocking or downfield blocking is allowed at any time. 
        1. This also includes “picks” or “screen” plays.
      6. Offensive players without the ball cannot run in front of the ball carrier once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. This is to avoid down-field blocking. 
      7. It is a penalty for a ball carrier to stiff-arm, charge into, or deliberately try to knock over a defensive player.

      Section 4: Passing and QB Running

      1. There can only be one forward pass per play.
      2. There is no penalty for intentional grounding.
      3. The quarterback or any player receiving the snap, hand-off or lateral behind the line of scrimmage can run at any time, at any point on the field.

      Rule 5: Penalties

      Section 1: General

      1. The officials will call all penalties.
      2. Teams whom the penalty goes against will have the option to accept the penalty or decline and accept the result of the play (except on dead ball penalties). 
      3. Only the team captain present at the coin toss to start the game may ask the referee questions about rule clarifications and interpretations. Other players, coaches, and fans may not question calls.
        1. Failure to abide by this rule will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Offense or Defense, 15 yard penalty, +/- 10 yards and an automatic 1st or loss of down.
      4. Game officials determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. 
      5. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted (spot fouls).
      6. Games and halves may not end on a penalty unless the opposing team declines it. 
      7. Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete.
      8. Down and distance to gain are determined after enforcing all live ball penalties
        1. Example: On 4th down from the prior to the opponent reaching midfield, player A1 advances the ball to the opposing teams 15 yard line, but flag guards at the 18 yard line. The 5 yard penalty is assessed from the 18 yard line and the ball is spotted at the offensive teams 17. Team A did not gain the zone line-to-gain, and thus turns the ball over on downs. It is Team B's ball, 1st down on their own 5 yard line.
      9. A penalty does not reset the gender play.
      10. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal line when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal. 

      Article 1: Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

      1. We want our players to have fun, stay respectfully competitive, and be safe while doing so. Unsportsmanlike penalties are a necessary part of the game in order to keep control of the game and will be called. 
        1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalties may be called before, during, or after the game.
      2. After a player receives an Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalty - they must adhere to a Cool Down period of 4 plays. 
        1. Failure to do so will result in a second Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
      3. After a player receives 2 Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalties - that player is ejected from the game.
      4. If an official determines that contact was initiated with intent to harm, the offending player will be ejected from the game.
      5. Ejected Players must leave the field of play immediately or risk forfeit for their team. 
      6. Ejected players may not play in any future games without league approval.
      7. FXA Sports has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts. 
      8. Fighting: see Sportsmanship Policy

      Article 2: Defensive Spot Fouls:

      After a player receives an Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalty - they must adhere to a Cool Down period of 4 plays. 


      Personal Foul (Unnecessary Roughness)

      +10 Yards & Automatic First Down

      Holding

      +5 Yards & Automatic First Down

      Stripping the Ball

      +5 Yards & Automatic First Down

      Illegal Flag Pull

      +5 Yards  & Automatic First Down

      Holding Clarification:

      1. Holding BEHIND the LOS on any ball carrier who is eligible to forward pass the ball results in a +10 Yard Penalty and Replay the Down.
      2. Holding is NOT grabbing the shirt, it is impeding a player from forward motion.

      Article 3: Offensive Spot Fouls:

      After a player receives an Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalty - they must adhere to a Cool Down period of 4 plays. 


      Personal Foul (Unnecessary Roughness)

      -10 Yards & Loss of Down

      Screening (Blocking Downfield)

      -5 Yards & Loss of Down

      Illegal Contact After the Pass

      -5 Yards & Loss of Down

      Flag Guarding

      -5 Yards &Loss of Down

      Illegal Advancement

      -5 Yards & Loss of Down

      Article 4: Defensive Penalties:

      After a player receives an Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalty - they must adhere to a Cool Down period of 4 plays. 


      Defensive Pass Interference

      +10 Yards from LOS & Automatic First Down 

      Defensive Pass Interference (Inside End Zone)

      Ball Spotted at 1 Yard Line & Automatic First Down

      Roughing the Passer

      +10 Yards from LOS & Automatic First Down

      Defensive Unsportsmanlike Conduct/Taunting

      +10 Yards & Automatic First Down

      Illegal Contact

      +5 Yards from LOS & Automatic First Down

      Illegal Participation

      +5 Yards from LOS & Automatic First Down

      Offsides

      +5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      Illegal Rush

      +5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      Encroachment

      +5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      Illegal Contact:

      1. Tripping
      2. Excessive contact that limits a players route, reception, or motion
      3. Contact with an opposing player after the ball is tipped
      4. May result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

      Illegal Stripping:

      1. Batting or stripping a ball from the ballcarrier's hand. 

      A game cannot end on a defensive penalty even if time expires. One (1) un-timed down will be required to complete the game. 

      Article 5: Offensive Penalties:

      After a player receives an Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Personal Foul penalty - they must adhere to a Cool Down period of 4 plays. 


      Offensive Unsportsmanlike Conduct/Taunting

      -10 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Offensive Pass Interference

      -10 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Contact Prior to the Pass

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Forward Pass

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Touch

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Participation

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Motion

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Impeding the Blitzer

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Gender Violation

      -5 Yards from LOS & Loss of Down

      Illegal Formation

      -5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      Delay of Game

      -5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      False Start

      -5 Yards from LOS & Replay Down

      Illegal Contact:

      1. Tripping
      2. Excessive contact that limits a defenders ability to defend a pass or run
      3. May result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

      Illegal Touch: If an offensive player goes out of bounds during a play, and is first to touch the ball.


      There is NO penalty for intentional grounding.