New Mercy Rule 

Any team taking a lead of 18 points or more they only have 2 downs to get a first down and 2 downs to score until that point difference is trimmed below 18 pts. Then regular game rules apply.

The team that is behind by 18 or more points will start their offensive possession at the +10 yard line and get 4 downs for first down and 4 downs to score

All players must play for an equal amount of time. This is a mandatory obligation for coaches

1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams will meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who will start with the ball.

2. The winner of the coin toss gets to decide between taking possession or defense, to begin. The loser of the coin toss chooses the end zone to start play.
2a. Teams may not choose to defer to second half choice.

3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross midfield for a first down. Once a team crosses midfield it has three (3) plays to score a touchdown.

4. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5- yard line.

5. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

6. All possession changes, except interceptions (interceptions can not be advanced, play starts at point of interception), start on the offense’s 5-yard line.

7. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the loser of the coin toss.

8. Clock stops last minute of play if: 

a) A Player in possession of the ball steps out of bounds;

b) An attempted Pass is Incomplete;

c) Change of possession;

d) Scoring play;

e) Penalty;

f) A Team or Referee Time Out

Clock restarts on the next Snap 

One time out per half, does not carry over

DIVING to grab a flag or to advance the ball is NOT PERMITTED.  

Sportsmanship* and equal participation are mandatory.

*Sportsmanship is an aspiration or attitude that a sport or activity will be enjoyed with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one's competitors.

GOALS OF LEAGUE: To teach safety by encouraging all players to avoid collisions by being fully aware of players around them at all times (head on a swivel). Full Participation: All players feel a sense of inclusion (every player, regardless of skill level and or athleticism, gets an opportunity to play every position). The promotion of the importance and enjoyment of exercise. That all players leave each game with a sense of accomplishment and some measure of success.

Optional informal 20 minute team practices prior to each game.

When teams are short players:

There are no forfeits in this league. We know that on some Saturdays teams may have only 4 players, or even 3 players. With family obligations, illness and conflicts with other sports preventing players from attending all the games we still want to play the game.

Out of courtesy for your opponent, please show up with whatever number of players that you can muster. We will move players to ensure that the games are played.

 

Offensive Rules:

Offensive formation: Offense can have players in the backfield.

Snapping or hiking the ball: All plays start with the football touching the ground. ('self-hiking' is not permitted). Snapping or hiking the ball either between the legs of a center or the 'side saddle' snap. Once the ball leaves the ground the refs start the seven(7) second count. Loud enough for QB to hear

Once a ball is spotted: team will have 20 seconds to get a play off. This league encourages teams to develop no-huddle offenses (calling out patterns by numbers right before the snap, rather than in a huddle). Teams are encouraged to keep the plays moving, so as to maximize the workout. For younger age groups an additional 10 seconds can be allotted. Note: Coaches please be cognizant of temperature and consider keeping the calls brief and the children moving.

Jogging to the spot: On a change of possession, teams are required to jog to the 5-yard line. This encourages athleticism, but also encourages maximizing your playing time. Once the ball is spotted on the 5-yard line (by the referee), teams have 20 seconds to get a play off.

The center cannot take a direct handoff back from the quarterback (no center sneak play).

An offense may use multiple handoffs behind the line of scrimmage. Only backward or lateral handoffs are allowed during a down.

"No-running zones" are located 5 yards from each end zone and 5 yards from first down (mid-field). When the ball starts on or inside the 5-yard line going towards the opponent's end zone, the offense cannot run. On extra points, there will be no running plays (there must be a pass, even a backward pass is okay- to score)

The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

All defensive players are eligible to rush once the ball has been handed off or tossed, or there is a play-action fake (fake handoff). For play action to be legal the running back must touch ball.

The ball is spotted where the ball carrier's feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.

No Spinning: A ball carrier may not spin to avoid the tackle (deflagging). Spinning is allowed moderately if a referee feels it is part of a move to go up field and not a move to avoid being deflagged. This is referee discretion.

Defensive Rules:
Zone or man-to-man defensive formations are both acceptable.

Defensive players are eligible to rush once the ball has either been handed off, thrown or the 7 second count has elapsed.

A defender may use his hands only to maintain balance while going around an opposing player. The defender may not push, pull or initiate contact with any opposing player.

A defender may not hit or chuck a player off the line of scrimmage (no contact at anytime).

A defender may not rough the passer. Roughing the passer is defined as any contact with any part of the passer, with or without contact of the ball. If the defender is trying to block the ball, he may not touch the passer’s arm or run into the quarterback.

A ‘tackle’ is made when a defender detaches the ball carrier’s flag belt. The location of the ball at the time of the "tackle" determines where the ball is to be marked for the next play. When a flag belt is detached (but not cleanly pulled by a defender and does not fall to the ground for several yards down the field) the ball is marked at the spot of the initial pull (where the clip was broken).

A defender must use one-hand touch between the shoulders and knees to "tackle" a ball carrier that loses his flag belt. Note: A defender may not touch the head of the ball carrier.
A defender may not hold or grab any part of a ball carriers body or uniform. He may not detain a ball carrier by any physical contact when "tackling". He may not slap at, bump or knock the ball from a ball carrier’s arms. He may not try to steal a ball.
A defender may not tackle or push a ball carrier out of bounds (unsportsmanlike conduct).

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Flag Removal:

Offensive players must have possession of the ball before they can legally be deflagged. A flag removed inadvertently (not removed by grabbing and pulling) does not cause play to stop. It should continue as if the flag had not been removed. In all situations where a play is in progress and a ball carrier loses his flags either accidentally or inadvertently, the deflagging reverts to a two-hand touch of the ball carrier between the armpits and knees. It is unsportsmanlike conduct and penalized as such for a player to remove his own flags before or during a live ball period. A player may not leave his feet to remove opponents' flags. A referee may signal a player down with 1 hand touch.


Passing Rules:

THERE IS NO RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK
The quarterback has seven seconds to throw the ball. If a pass is not thrown within the seven
seconds, play is dead, loss of down and the ball is spotted at the previous line of scrimmage.  Once the ball is handed off or tossed, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.

Interceptions change the possession of the ball. Play stops at point of interception. For older Divisions (5th-6thand 7th+) Interceptions can be advanced

There are no fumbles. (avoids multiple players diving for the ball) The ball will be spotted where the ball carrier's feet were when the fumble was made. In the case of a bad snap the ball will be spotted at the center’s feet with no loss of down.

There is no stripping of the ball.

Receiving Rules:

All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage). Players can be in motion, along the lines of regular football rules.

A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception. Players cannot return on to the playing field from an out of bounds position (unless they were pushed out of bounds and immediately come back in).

It is okay to line up defensively on the line of scrimmage, but you cannot rush or enter the backfield, unless someone is handed the ball, passed the ball, etc. Referee note- when using one  referee- it is best to stand at this 7-yard mark until the ball is snapped. Upon recognition of a pass, this would be a good point to make strides downfield to watch the ball.

Sportsmanship/Roughing:

Foul play will not be tolerated - If the referee witnesses any acts of flagrant contact, tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game.

Trash talking is illegal (trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams, or spectators). Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If trash talking occurs that disrupts the game, the referee will give a warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

Penalties:

All penalties are 5 or 10 yards (except for Pass Interference - point of foul/automatic first down). The down will be repeated unless otherwise noted, and will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

All penalties can be declined.

Penalties will not exceed half the distance to the opposing team's goal line from the line of scrimmage.

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.

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.

Offensive Penalties:  

False Start 5 yards

Offensive holding -10 yards & loss of down 

Illegal forward pass (pass received behind line of scrimmage) 5 yards & loss of down

Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) 5 yards & loss of down

Offensive spot fouls
Offensive spot fouls are also assessed from the spot on the field where the foul occurred. All of these flag football penalties result in a loss of down. But any loss of down on the third down results in a turnover, with the other team taking possession. Here are flag football penalties categorized as offensive spot fouls: 
TypeDescriptionYardage
Screening, blocking or running with the ballThe player uses physical attempts to gain yardage by obstructing the path of their opponent-10 yards and loss of down
ChargingThe player challenges their opponent for space without using their arms or elbows-10 yards and loss of down
Flag guardingThe ball-carrier intentionally obstructs the defender’s access to their flag-10 yards and loss of down

Offensive spot fouls

Offensive spot fouls are also assessed from the spot on the field where the foul occurred. All of these flag football penalties result in a loss of down. But any loss of down on the third down results in a turnover, with the other team taking possession. Here are flag football penalties categorized as offensive spot fouls: 

Flag guarding -10 yards from the point of foul & loss of down 

Blocking, setting picks, obstructing defensive player's path to ball carrier -10 yards from the point of foul & loss of down 

A ball carrier must attempt to avoid contact with a defender. Offensive charging occurs when a ball carrier runs into a stationary defender -10 yards and loss of down. Accidental brushing/unavoidable contact is not charging 

A ball carrier may not hurdle or jump over a defensive player (whether standing or fallen down).
Officials will not allow any vertical leap by a ball carrier. However, officials will tolerate moderate spinning* and lateral movements as long as the ball carrier does not commit a foul during play  NOTE: spinning can be viewed as flag guarding by some officials- they will have the right to make that judgment call.


Defensive Penalties:

Offside 5 yards & automatic first down

Pass Interference point of foul & automatic first down

Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.) 10 yards & automatic first down

Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball) 5 yards & automatic first down

Illegal rushing (crossing LOS before 7 second count is finished) 5 yards & automatic first down.

The defensive restraining line is the line of scrimmage. As explained, if you are rushing the
quarterback,

The defender may use his hands only to maintain balance while going around an opposing player. The defender may not push, pull or initiate contact with any opposing player. Penalty: Play continues; behind the line of scrimmage; 5 yards marked from the line of scrimmage, repeat the down. Penalty: Play continues; beyond the line of scrimmage; 5 yards marked from the POI; repeat the down.

A defender may not rough the passer. Roughing the passer is defined as any contact with any part of the passer, with or without contact of the ball. If the defender is trying to block the ball, he may not touch the passer’s arm or run into the quarterback. Penalty: 10 yards from the line of scrimmage or end of play; automatic 1st down.

A defender may not hit or chuck a player off the line of scrimmage (no contact at anytime). Penalty: Play continues; 10 yard penalty from previous spot

A ‘tackle’ is made when a defender detaches the ball carrier’s flag belt. The location of the ball at the time of the "tackle" determines where the ball is to be marked for the next play. When a flag belt is detached (but not cleanly pulled by a defender and does not fall to the ground for several yards down the field) the ball is marked at the spot of the initial pull (where the clip was broken).

A defender must use one-hand touch between the shoulders and knees to "tackle" a ball carrier that loses his flag belt. Note: A defender may not touch the head of the ball carrier.

A defender may not hold or grab any part of a ball carriers body or uniform. He may not detain a
ball carrier by any physical contact when "tackling". He may not slap at, bump or knock the ball from a ball carrier’s arms. He may not try to steal a ball. Penalty: Play continues; 10 yards POI; repeat the down.

A defender may not tackle or push a ball carrier out of bounds (unsportsmanlike conduct).   THE REFEREE CAN AWARD A CATCH IF A DEFENDER CONTACTS THE RECEIVER.

Leaving the feet to deflect ball, grab flag and block throw. 5 Yards, loss of down



A fumble, muff or dropped ball that lands in the playing area is immediately dead at that spot. The ball belongs to the team that last had possession unless; the ball lands on or behind that team’s goal line (safety is charged), the ball lands on or behind opponent’s goal line (touchback; opponents ball on their 5-yard line), or if the ball is fumbled on a 4th down that does not gain a 1st down. Fumbles are dead to avoid two players diving after the ball. Exception: If a player intercepts a ball behind their own goal and then fumbles the ball behind their goal, it is a touchback. Note: If a player pretends to fumble and causes the ball to go forward, it is a forward pass and may be illegal. Penalty: Play continues; 5 yards from the spot of the pass and loss of down. Note: When a ball is fumbled forward, the referee will spot the ball at the location of where the player initially fumbled the ball, not the forward spot where the ball lands.

Policies:

SHOES: What is illegal: Metal tipped cleats will not be worn on either grass or synthetic field. At synthetic fields, you must wear turf shoes or basketball/tennis shoes only- turf shoes are those defined as ‘non-screw in’ or molded cleats. Restated: Screw in cleats are allowed on grass, but not artificial turf. Metal cleats are not allowed on either.

Uniforms: All players are required to wear the official team uniform.  All jerseys must be tucked inside shorts/pants. A defensive player that grabs the lower part of a ball carriers jersey that is not tucked-in while attempting to "tackle" that ball carrier will not be called for holding or hindering a ball carrier. A jersey that is cut must be short enough so that there is a minimum of four (4) inches from the bottom of the jersey to the player’s waistline.

Each player must wear pants or shorts without any belt(s), belt loop(s), pockets or exposed drawstrings. The pants or shorts must be different color than the flags.

Possession: a coin toss determines first possession. Loser of the coin toss has choice of end zone to defend. The team that loses the coin toss gets possession at the beginning of the second half starting at its own 5-yard line.

There are no kickoffs: the offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four(4) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four(4) plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line. An automatic first down by penalty will overrule the other requirements regarding three(3)  plays to make either a first down or score. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield after two(2) attempts it can elect to give up possession of the ball and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

All possession changes, except interceptions and failed third down attempts, start on the offense's 5-yard line.

Teams change sides at half time.

The officials have the final say on all judgment calls. No protest of a referee’s judgment call will be permitted. Only the captain of the team may approach the referee on a rule interpretation. The referee has authority to rule promptly and, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. The referee decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.

Quick whistle: When a referee blows the whistle before a play actually ends, the team in possession of the ball at the time of the whistle may either return to the previous line of scrimmage and repeat down or take the yardage gained up to when the whistle was blown, loss of down.

RELEASE FORMS: Every player must sign them and turn them in to the official at the field at their first game, or they can (preferred) fax them to the director at (631) 239-6037. Request release forms by emailing us - leagueoffice@gmail.com

THE NUMBER OF OFFICIALS: 1 or 2 officials

COIN TOSS: At the coin toss in the center of the field, the visiting team Captain will be given the privilege of calling the coin while it is in the air. The winner of the toss will start on offense.

ENTRY FOR SUBSTITUTES: No substitute will enter during a down. Between downs any number of eligible substitutes may replace players provided having the replaced players off the field before the ball becomes live completes the substitution.

THE BALL: The official ball will be pebble-grained leather or rubber covered and will meet the
recommendations for size and shape for a regulation football. The Referee will be the sole judge of any ball offered for play and may change the ball during play at his discretion. During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when it is in possession. Exception: The team in possession must use the same ball for third down and fourth down, unless a ball change is necessitated by inclement weather. Penalty: 5 yards

ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT: The use of headgear, shoulder pads, body pads, or shoes with metal tipped
cleats, regardless of material is prohibited. Additionally, any unyielding or dangerous equipment is
prohibited. Players may use an ace bandage. A soft yielding material not to exceed 3/8” thickness will cover knee braces. No loose jewelry of any kind will be worn (stud earrings and necklaces worn under the jersey accepted).

Unavoidable, incidental contact occurs in flag football. Referees have discretion in assessing penalties.

When teams are short players:
There are no forfeits in this league. We know that some days, teams may have only 4 players, or even 3 players.We try to avoid forfeits. When you show up, you should always get a full workout. Out of courtesy for your opponent, you must show up with whatever number of players that you can- even 3 will allow us to make a game happen for your opponents.

About Youth Flag Football:

Flag football has all the fitness and social benefits of a rigorous team sport, with far less injury risk than a contact sport.

The Associated Press reports “The sport is growing for all kinds of reasons: Players don’t need a lot of protective equipment, so it’s cheaper and easier to field a team; and kids can play whether they are big or small.”  Additional rules reduce the chances of contact.  These include stopping play when there is a fumble or interception.

Other advantages over tackle football include less comittment of time.  Tackle football requires up to three 2 hour practices per week and travel games. Flag has no practices and one local game per week.

Flag football is a fun and popular alternative to tackle football, offering families the same great experiences of this well loved sport, with a lower cost to both wallets and health (For males aged 10-19 years, sports- and recreation-related TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury occurred most often while playing football (tackle) or bicycling - statistic from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

We ask that family and friends encourage and support all the players.  Remember if you keep it fun, they'll want to keep playing.

CONCUSSION AWARENESS:

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO

Concussion in Sports and Play:
Get the Facts

Children and teens are more likely to get a TBI, including concussion, and take longer to recover than adults. TBI symptoms may appear mild, but the injury can lead to significant life-long impairment affecting an individual’s memory, behavior, learning, and/or emotions. Appropriate diagnosis, management, and education are critical for helping young athletes with a TBI recover quickly and fully.

Did you know?

Each year, U.S. emergency departments (EDs) treat an estimated 173,285sports- and recreation-related TBIs, including concussions, among children and adolescents, from birth to 19 years. 
During the last decade, ED visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs, including concussions, among children and adolescents increased by 60%. 
Overall, the activities associated with the greatest number of TBI-related ED visits included bicycling, football, playground activities, basketball, and soccer.  
National surveillance in 9 high school sports: 

TBI represents almost 9% of all injuries reported in the 9 sports
Numbers and rates are highest in football (55,007; 0.47 per 1000 athlete exposures) and girl’s soccer (29,167; 0.36 per 1000 athlete exposures)

A national survey of all sports- and recreation-related injuries among all ages demonstrates that 31% occurred in a sports facility and 20% in a school facility. 

Causes and Risk Groups 

Children from birth to 9 years commonly sustained injuries during playground activities or while bicycling.
71.0% of all sports- and recreation-related TBI emergency department visits were among males.
70.5% of sports- and recreation-related TBI emergency department visits were among persons aged 10-19 years.
For males aged 10-19 years, sports- and recreation-related TBIs occurred most often while playing football or bicycling.
Females aged 10-19 years sustained sports- and recreation-related TBIs most often while playing soccer or basketball or while bicycling.

Take Action to Address Concussion in Youth and TeensOver the last 10 years, CDC’s Heads Up initiative has worked to raise awareness about TBI, including concussions. Heads Up tools and resources have helped to improve prevention, recognition, and response to this injury among health care and school professionals, parents, coaches, and children and adolescents.

#FlagFootball #YouthFlagFootball #LongIsland
Long Island Team Sports: Looking to play more? Adult Ice Hockey: www.IslandIceHockey.com,