League Rules & Policies

8 v 8 ineligible
In the eight-on-eight ineligible game the offensive team plays for a first down every 20 yards and a touchdown in the end zone. Running and passing plays are allowed the offense may have three blockers; the defensive team covers receivers, rushes the passer and grabs flags to make “tackles.”

The Basics
A coin toss determines first possession. A kick-off starts the game then offensive team takes possession of the ball and has four plays to get a first down. If the offense fails to score or get a first down, the ball changes possession with a punt. Teams change sides after the first half and possession changes to loser of coin toss. Teams must field a minimum of seven players at all times.

Timing/Overtime
Game clock will run two 25 minute halves. There is a five minute half time. Upon the two minute warning--clock stops and game clock will then stop only in the following circumstances: 1. First Down-(Clock starts after spot of the ball), 2. Running out of bounds. 3. Touchdown-(clock does not run during the extra point or change of possession), 4. Official or team time out. Note: Clock does not stop on an incomplete pass, so choose your plays wisely. Offensive teams who deliberately, in the referee's opinion, throw uncatchable balls or do not assist in keeping play moving to run down the clock will be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Your referee will keep official time. Time will be announced throughout the game and at the captain‚s request during a stoppage of play. On an offensive penalty in the last two minutes of each half, the clock will be stopped to set the ball and then will be re-started. On a defensive penalty within two minutes of each half, the clock will be stopped and will not re-start until the ball is snapped.

If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. The first team to score wins. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced. Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

Kickoffs
Kick offs will be kicked from the 20 yard line and are to be done at the beginning of each half and at the completion of a touchdown play. Kick-offs that go out of bounds are the receiving team's choice of a five yard penalty w/ re-kick or spot of the ball out of bounds. On the third out of bounds kick-off the spot of ball for kick-off will be five yard line. During onside kicks the ball must travel a minimum of 10 yards. Receiving team may line up 10 yards down from any kick-off. Ball is not live for the kicking team until it travels 10 yards or more. Ball is live at kick-off for receiving team. Punting a kick-off is allowed but may not result in an onside kick. However, the ball is always live once it is touched by the receiving team. BE AWARE OF THE PILE THAT A FUMBLE OR ONSIDE KICK MAY CAUSE! Touchbacks will be spotted at the 20-yard line.

Punting
Punting is always done behind the line of scrimmage. On fourth downs, offensive team MUST declare whether their intent is to "punt or play" - NO FAKES! A quick punt is allowed on third downs. Punts out of bounds will be spotted where the ball went out of bounds. No downfield blocking is allowed-players are to travel in a straight line & stop in position. No Wedge blocking or shifting down the field. Stop, put your arms in and elbow out and set something like a screen in "Basketball".

Blocking
Three offensive line blockers are allowed, the center and the 2 players on either side of the center (guards) may use contact blocking. Offensive blockers may not be eligible to receive a pass beyond the line of scrimmage or run with the ball. This will be called an "Ineligible receiver down field". Blockers may catch a pass behind the line of scrimmage-i.e. screen pass) Light contact at the line of scrimmage is allowed. Holding is not allowed. Offensive holding: 10 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage. Defensive holding: automatic 1st down with the ball being advanced to the next cone. Illegal downfield blocking will be considered the same as holding with the above penalty.

Running
The quarterback cannot run with the ball. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving). The ball is spotted where the ball carrier‚s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is. Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.

Receiving
All non-blocking players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing
Shovel passes are allowed. The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect. On interceptions the team will take possession of the ball where the interceptor's flag belt is pulled. Penalties on interception returns will be assessed where the interception occurred unless referee judges that a player intentionally or flagrantly commits a penalty then the penalty will be at the point of the foul-no less than the point of interception.

Fumbles
All fumbles with no possession are live balls and can be recovered and advanced (kickoffs, botched QB snaps, and pass interceptions). Fumbles with no possession will only be considered live and may be advanced by the recovering team if the offensive player has dropped the ball and there has been no contact by the offensive team. No stripping the ball. If there is a defensive team playercontacting the offensive player and a fumble results, the ball will be considered downed by contact and the fumble may not be advanced and the offensive team will retain possession

Dead Balls
All plays MUST commence with the ball being snapped between the center's legs. NO side-arm snaps. NO center hand-offs.

Play is ruled “dead” when:
‚Ä¢ Ball carrier‚s flag is pulled or falls out
• Ball carrier steps out of bounds
• Touchdown or safety is scored
‚Ä¢ Ball carrier‚s knee hits the ground

Rushing the Quarterback
Players may rush when Rush Count (1, 2, 3, GO!) is completed by referee. Any play with offensive players lined up in the backfield, players in motion or miscues from the Center / QB with a bad snap (Bounced / out of reach / Dropped) results in an immediate rush. Ref will yell: "Go! Go! Go!" Defensive players that rush may not use their hands to throw a player to the ground. Defensive team may rush as many players as they like, after rush count is completed. QB can move around in the pocket without an immediate rush until Rush Count is completed.

Scoring
A touchdown (TD) will count as six (6) points. A safety will count as two (2) points. Field goals (where available) will count as three (3) points. Intercepted or recovered fumbles of extra point attempts returned for score will count as two (2) points for the defense. For extra point conversions an extra point executed from thethree yard line will add one point. An extra point executed from the15 yard line will add two points.

Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game.

Field Dimensions
The 8v8 ineligible game utilizes a 100 yard playing field with two10 yard end zones. Field width is 53 yards. The field has 4 twenty-yard fixed 1st downs with cones at the 20-40-40-20 yard lines.

Penalties
All penalties will be called by the referee.

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

League Rules

1. NO FOUL LANGUAGE!- 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty.
   
2. Trash on Sideline - 7 points penalty fine next game; possible more
3. Sidelines - Only 1 team per sideline (1^st come basis; otherwise coin toss decision)
4. Gambling/Bets - Any evidence of betting on games will result in possible team suspension, fines, confiscation, and/or prosecution.

Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions. Team jerseys need to be tucked in. Shorts color may vary but needs to be different than your team flag color.

Cancellations/Make-ups:
All game and practice cancellations and make-ups will be determined by the league. The primary method of communication in situations of inclement weather will be the league website calendar and if possible an email sent by the league to players. You may also call our office to find out whether the field will be closed at 703-444-8805 x112.

If games are cancelled, weather permitting they will be made up with the same time schedule on another weekend. Double headers will be played.

Ball sizes:
All teams willuse theOfficial sized ball for games.

Game Procedures:
All spectators & players must settle behind the marked line 3 feet behind the field‚s sideline.

Coach Positioning During Games:
No coaches are allowed on the field for either offense or defense.