OFFICIAL LEAGUE FLAG RULES AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I – GENERAL

Section 1 – The following rules shall apply to the Lawrence Youth Flag Football league.  The league board will be the ruling and governing body, and all decisions by the board will be binding to all parties.

Section 2 - LYF Flag Football game rules listed in this document, will be followed in all flag league contests, including specific exceptions for each grade division stated in the Official LYF Flag Rules of Competition section.

ARTICLE II – LEAGUE COMPOSITION

Section 1 – Lawrence Youth Football consists of Lawrence and surrounding area teams.

Section 2 - Flag teams will compete in the following grade divisions.  Grade groups could be combined if necessary.

1. K/1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade.

Section 3 – All grade divisions will utilize a 7 on 7 version of flag football competition.

1. Teams must start games with a minimum of six (6) players.  In the event of an injury, a team with insufficient substitute players may play with five (5) players on the field but no fewer than five (5).

Section 4 – All teams participate under the Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of Lawrence Youth Football, Inc.

ARTICLE III – REGISTRATION

Section 1 – A player is ineligible to participate in the organization, including practice, unless they are registered with the league board and league fees are paid in full.  Registration means that the player and parent/guardian have registered online and signed the player agreement form for the purpose of identification and eligibility of game participation.

Section 2 – Each player will be assessed a fee at the time of registration and prior to participation.  This fee will be used for insurance, equipment and other league associated costs.

ARTICLE IV – ROSTERS

Section 1 – Each Head coach must verify an official roster prior to the league’s first scheduled game. 

Section 2 – Any team composed of players from multiple age groups must compete in the age group of the oldest players on the roster without prior approval from the league board.

Section 3 – A player may transfer to another team after the first game with league approval only.

Section 4 – For the purposes of post season play, all rosters will be frozen after the fourth (4th) week of league play.

 

ARTICLE V - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Section 1 – League divisions are determined by the school grade that a player is enrolled in for the current season first and by the players’ age, second. 

Section 2 – Players must be enrolled in the corresponding school grade for the year and grade division in which they expect to participate for the current season and be no older than the following ages before August 1st.

K/1st Grade – Age 7

2nd Grade – Age 8

3rd Grade – Age 9

4th Grade – Age 10

5th Grade – Age 11

6th Grade – Age 12

Section 3 – Minimum age:

1. All players participating must be at least five (5) years old before August 1 and be enrolled in kindergarten or above for the current season.

Section 4 – Maximum age:

1. No player participating shall be fifteen (13) years old nor have completed the 6th grade before August 1 of the current season.

Section 5 - Each head coach is responsible for the eligibility of their own participants.

Section 6 – A team will forfeit all contests in which an ineligible contestant has participated. 

Section 7 – All ineligible players and adults who knowingly allow an ineligible player to compete will be liable to suspension, at the discretion of the league board.

Section 8 – Any player who is ejected from a competition for any reason will be suspended for the following game also.  Suspension will prohibit the ejected player from attending LYF games in any capacity, at any location.  Any player who knowingly defies this rule will subject their team to possible forfeiture of said game.

Section 9 – Any player who is disqualified from two (2) league games shall be considered suspended indefinitely.

ARTICLE VI – COACH ELIGIBILITY

Section 1 – All coaches must have completed and passed any coaching certification course and a league approved background check, as directed by the league board, to be eligible to coach in the LYF league at any level. 

Section 2 – All background checks must be on file with the league board prior to a coach being allowed to coach.

Section 3 – Only league certified coaches are allowed on the sideline during competition.  Failure to comply can result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by the officials.

Section 4 – Team administrator of each program and head coach of each team are responsible for the eligibility of their own coaches.

Section 5 – Failure to comply with all coach eligibility regulations may result in forfeiture.

ARTICLE VII – COACH DISCIPLINE

Section 1 – Charges against a coach of dishonesty and/or working against the principles and purposes of the organization and its rules and regulations, must be filed in a written statement, and submitted to the league board.

Section 2 – The accused coach shall be notified of the allegations and shall have the privilege of being present at a special or regular meeting of the executive board at which the charges will be considered and presented to the executive board.

Section 3 – The accused coach may be suspended, reinstated, or expelled by a majority vote of the executive board.

Section 4 – Any Coach who is ejected from a competition for any reason will be suspended for the following game also.  Suspension will prohibit the ejected coach from attending LYF games in any capacity, at any location.  Any coach who knowingly defies this rule will subject their team to possible forfeiture of said game.

Section 5 – Any coach who is disqualified from two (2) league games shall be considered suspended indefinitely.

ARTICLE VIII – EQUIPMENT

Section 1 - All players must wear LYF league approved belts with a minimum of 2 flags.

1. Flags must be a contrasting color to the players’ shorts or pants.
2. Flags must be a minimum 15 inch in length.
3. Belts with flags are available through LYF, if needed.

Section 2 - All players are encouraged to always wear mouth guards while on the field.  

Section 3 - Players must wear shoes.  Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations.  This will be specified by the league board or site director.  However, cleats with exposed metal are never allowed.

Section 4 - Players may tape their forearms, hands, and fingers.  Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.

Section 5 - Players must remove all jewelry and hard billed hats.  Winter beanies are allowed.

Section 6 - Players may wear soft shell helmets and sunglasses but they should be secured at ALL times while on the field.

Section 7 - Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants if they hang below the belt line.

Section 8 - We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets or belt loops for safety reasons.  

Section 9 – Flag belts and mouth guards are available through the league or may be provided by each individual or team.

Section 10 – Any league equipment utilized is the responsibility of the team and must be maintained and returned at the end of the season.

Section 11 – Equipment Check - both teams must be checked prior to the start of every game at the discretion of the white hat.

Section 12 – If any player is not at the equipment check prior to game time, that player is ineligible to play in that game, until compliant and approved by an official.

ARTICLE IX – TERMINOLOGY

BOUNDARY LINES – The outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines and back of the end zone lines.

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 pass to get a first down or score.

RUSH LINE – An imaginary line running across the width of the field seven yards (into the defensive side) from the line of scrimmage.

OFFENSE – The team with possession of the ball.

DEFENSE – The team opposing the offense to prevent it from advancing the ball.

PASSER - The offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the quarterback.

RUSHER - The defensive player assigned to rush the quarterback to prevent him/ her from passing the ball by pulling his/her flags or by blocking the pass.  

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.

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

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

INADVERTENT WHISTLE - Official’s whistle that is performed in error.

CHARGING - An illegal movement of the ball-carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the head or initiating contact with a shoulder, forearm or the chest.

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

SHOVEL PASS - A legal forward pass across the LOS underhand, backhand or by pushing the ball forward.

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

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT - A rude, confrontational, or offensive behavior or language.

ARTICLE X – GAME ADMINISTRATION

Section 1 – The schedule will be released as early as possible prior to the first game.

Section 2 – It is required that each team be accompanied to all competitions by a coach or other adult supervisor who will be responsible for the team’s conduct.  Any team not abiding by this rule will forfeit or reschedule the game at discretion of the League Board.

Section 3 – A minimum of two (2) referees will be used in all league games. In addition, additional referees may be used if available or for the purpose of new official development and training.

Section 4 – Each team is responsible for cleaning its own sideline.

Section 5 - Fans must always demonstrate good sportsmanship.  Failure to comply could result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or removal from the facility.

1. Harassment of officials, coaches or players will not be tolerated.
2. Use of profanity will not be tolerated.
3. Each head coach is responsible for the actions of the assistant coaches, players, and spectators for their own team.  

Section 6 – Fans are required to keep fields safe and kid friendly and adhere to league requirements for seating:

1. Keep younger children and equipment (coolers, chairs, tents, etc.) a safe distance from the field.
2. Spectator seating is only allowed behind the endzone area or in the designated area on the sideline of the outside fields at the YSC complex.
3. No seating is allowed between the flag fields at the YSC complex. 

Section 7 – If it becomes necessary to postpone a game for any legitimate reason, it is the responsibility of the coach or a team representative to contact the league board as well as the other team at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled game.

1. Postponements shall be granted upon agreement of representatives of both teams and the league board.

Section 8 – If game postponement is necessary due to adverse weather conditions, the league board will make this decision and notify all teams at the earliest possible time prior to start of scheduled games.

Section 9 – Forfeit time is fifteen (15) minutes after scheduled starting time. 

1. Lateness is not acceptable grounds for protesting a forfeit.

Section 10 – If a team drops out of the league, scheduled game for that team will be handled as follows:

1. Completed games (including forfeits) will stand as played.
2. Games not played will be declared a victory for the scheduled opponent.

ARTICLE XI – PROTESTS

Section 1 – Protests must be submitted to the league board by a head coach.  A $50 cash protest fee is required at the time of the protest.  If Protest is found to be valid, fee will be returned.

Section 2 – Protests must be submitted to the league board prior to the completion of the game being protested.  Judgment calls by officials are not subject to protest.  All parties involved in protests will be expected to act in a professional manner.

Section 3 – Protests will be determined on the spot if facts are available.  If not available, a decision will occur with available facts no later than 48 hours.  All league board decisions are final.

Section 4 – By submitting a protest, the protesting team agrees to abide by the decision of the LYF league board.  Failure to do so could result in suspension or dismissal from the league.

 

OFFICIAL LYF FLAG FOOTBALL RULES OF COMPETITION

ARTICLE I – COACHES

Section 1 – Coaches are expected to adhere to LYF philosophies, coaching guidelines and code of conduct.

Section 2 – In 5th and 6th grade divisions, coaches are permitted to coach only from the sideline.

Section 3 – In K/1, 2nd grade, 3rd grade and 4th  grade divisions, one coach is permitted on the field to help their players.

1. Coaches that are allowed on the field during play are to assume a silent position a safe distance to plays completion once the quarterback is “under center” and ready for signals.  Coaches should move away from the play and not be a part of the play in any way.
2. Coaches are strictly prohibited from calling plays or defensive adjustments after the quarterback is “under center” and are not allowed to instruct in any way during the play.
3. It is solely up to the official to determine if the on-field coaches are following the on-field coaching rules.
4. Officials will issue one warning to on-field coaches in violation of on-field coaching rules.  A second, and any continued violation, will result in a delay of game penalty.

Section 4 – It is the coaches responsibility to keep their fans and any other team associated members in the designated areas.

ARTICLE II – THE FIELD

Section 1 – Field dimensions are 25 yards wide by 70 yards long including two 10-yard endzones.

Section 2 – A Midfield Line to gain will be 25 yards from either goal line.

Section 3 – No Run Zones are located 5 yards prior to each goal line and on both sides of the midfield line to gain.  The no run zones in effect are prior to the midfield line to gain and the goal line in the direction the offense is going.

1. No-run zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays.  While in the

no-run zones (a 5-yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the end zone), teams cannot run the ball in any fashion.  All plays must be pass plays, even with a handoff.

1. Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, and one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
2. K/1 grade division:  All no run zones are eliminated.  Teams may run the ball anywhere on the field.
3. 2nd grade and 3 grade divisions:  No run zones are eliminated.  Teams may run anywhere on the field.

ARTICLE III – BALL SIZE

Section 1 –The allowable game ball size for each grade division is:

K/1 Grade – Mini

2 Grade – K2/ Pee Wee or Comparable

3 Grade – K2/ Pee Wee or Comparable

4th Grade – K2/ Pee Wee or Comparable

5th Grade – K2/ Pee Wee or Comparable

6th Grade – K2/ Pee Wee or Comparable

 

Section 2 – A game ball will be provided by the league and required on each field to ensure proper game ball size and inflation.

 

ARTICLE IV – GAME LENGTH

Section 1 – All grade divisions:

1. There will be two (2) twenty (20) minute periods with a continuous clock.  Clock stops only for timeouts and injuries.
2. There will be a one-minute half time.
3. The game will end if one team gains a 28-point advantage.
4. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 40 seconds to snap the ball.
5. Each team has one 60-second timeout per half. They do not carry over.
6. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
7. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.

ARTICLE V – SCORING 

Section 1 – All grade divisions:

1. Touchdown (Offensive or Defensive) = 6 points
2. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-point conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-point conversion (from the 10-yard line).  Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged timeout. A decision cannot be changed after a penalty.
3. PAT From 5-yard line (Pass Only) = 1 point
4. PAT From 10-yard line (Run or Pass) = 2 points
5. Safety = 2 points
   1. A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone.  Runners can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, a flag falls out, they step out of bounds, their knee or arm touches the ground, a fumble occurs in the end zone or if a snapped ball lands in or beyond the end zone.
6. PAT and overtime interception returned for a touchdown = 2 points
7. Forfeits are scored 13-0 for the winning team.

ARTICLE VI – OVERTIME

Section 1 – If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, an overtime period will be used to determine a winner.

Section 2 - Home team calls the toss to determine the team that chooses to be on offense or defense first.

a.  If a second round of overtime must be played, the team that lost the coin toss will get to choose offense or defense for the start of the second round of overtime.

b.  This process continues with teams alternating who gets to choose to be on

offense or defense to start out during every round of overtime.

Section 3 - The referee will determine which end of the field the overtime will take place on.

Section 4 - Each team will take turns getting one (1) play from the defense’s 5-yard line for one point or the defense’s 10-yard line for two points.  Whether to go for one or two points is up to the offensive team.

Section 5 - Whether or not the team that begins on offense converts, the team that started on defense gets a chance on offense to win or tie by converting a one or two-point play of their own.

a.  Example: Team A starts on offense and chooses to go for one point from the 5-yard line and is successful. Team B is then on offense and can choose to either go for one point from the 5-yard line to tie and force a second round of overtime or to go for two points from the 10-yard line for the win.

Section 6 – If the second team on offense in an overtime round fails to beat or match the team that went first, the team that went first wins.

Section 7 - Starting with the 2nd overtime, both teams must "go for two" from the 10-yard line.

Section 8 - Starting with the 3rd overtime, each team will get 1 play from the 5 yard line going

out from the endzone. The team with the most yards will be the winner. The team

with the most yards will be awarded 1 point added to their final score.

Section 9 - Final Score will be recorded to include all points scored for each team.

Section10 - All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.

Section 11 - There are no timeouts in overtime periods.

Section 12 - Each team has one rules challenge for the entire overtime session.

Section 13 - Interceptions are returnable in OT, and worth 2 points.

a. If an Interception is returned for a score in the first or second overtime period, the game is over.

b. Interceptions advanced in the third overtime period, the game is over.

 

ARTICLE VII –LYF FLAG FOOTBALL GAME PROCEDURES

Section 1 - At the start of each game, captains from both teams meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball.  The visiting team calls the toss.

Section 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.

Section 3 – The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield.  Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to score a touchdown.

Section 4 - If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, on 3 downs, and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its own 5-yard line.  If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not cross field, the opposing team will start its possession from the spot.

Section 5 - Offensive Teams MUST declare 4th down intent; “Play or Punt”, when asked by the referee and prior to the ‘Ready for Play’.

Section 6 - Teams may use a timeout only to change the declaration of “Play” at any time prior to the expiration of the play clock.

Section 7 - If the declaration is “Punt” the ball changes possession and will be placed at the opposing team’s 5-yard line, 1st down, with NO option to change the declaration.

Section 8 - If the offense fails to score, after crossing midfield the ball changes possession and the new offensive Team starts at its 5-yard line.  

Section 9 - Teams change sides after the first half.  Possession changes to the team that started the game on defense.

ARTICLE VIII – LIVE BALL/DEAD BALL

Section 1 – The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.

Section 2 - The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage.

1. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. In regard to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back behind the line of scrimmage.

Section 3 - A player who gains possession of the ball in the air is considered in bounds as long as the first foot or other body part contacts the ground in the field of play with possession.

Section 4 - The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play. This will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Section 5 - Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.

Section 6 - Any official can whistle the play dead.

Section 7 - 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 then placed where the ball hit the ground.
      1. K/1 grade division:  If the ball falls to or touches the ground during the initial center to quarterback exchange, the play is ruled a “DO OVER” with no loss of down, only once per down.  On a second consecutive occurrence, the play is dead, and the down is counted.
   2. There are no fumbles, ground contact does not have to be made. If the ball is fumbled forwards, then it will be spotted where the feet of the ball carrier are when they lost possession. Loss of possession is a DEAD BALL.
2. The ball-carrier’s flag is pulled.
3. The ball-carrier steps out of bounds
4. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
5. The ball-carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
6. The ball-carrier’s flag falls out.
7. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one or no flag(s).
8. The 7 second pass clock expires.
9. Inadvertent whistle
10. Ball-carrier leaves their feet diving or to hurdle a player.

Section 8 - If inadvertent whistle occurs the offense has two options:

     a.     Take the ball where the whistle blew, and the down is consumed

     b.     Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.

     c.     If it occurs on the last play of the half or game, the offense will be awarded one untimed down and given those two options.

Section 9 – A team is allowed to use a timeout to question an official’s rule interpretation.  If the officials ruling is correct, the team will be charged a timeout and the ruling will be enforced.  If the rule is determined to be interpreted incorrectly, the timeout will not be charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. 

Section 10 - Officials should all agree upon any ruling in dispute in order to change a call on the field.

ARTICLE IX – FORMATIONS

Section 1 – Offenses must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the center) and up to six players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.

1. Teams may shift formations prior to the snap as long as they are set for at least one second before the ball is snapped.
2. One player at a time may go in motion at least one yard behind the line of scrimmage.

Section 2 – Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.

Section 3 – The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.

Section 4 – K/1 grade division only: 

1. All Defenders must line up five (5) yards from the line of scrimmage prior to the snap.
2. Once the ball is snapped all defenders are allowed to approach the line of scrimmage but not cross it unless there is a legal handoff executed in the backfield.

 

ARTICLE X – RUNNING

Section 1 - The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.

Section 2 - The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball. The quarterback is the offensive player who receives the snap.

Section 3 - Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Handoffs may be in front, behind or to the side of the offensive player but must be behind the line of scrimmage.  The offense may use multiple handoffs.

1. “Center sneak” play is not allowed. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the center on the first handoff of the play.
2. Any player who receives a handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
3. Once the ball has been handed off, in front, behind or to the side of the quarterback, the seven-second passing clock is eliminated and all defensive players are eligible to rush.

Section 4 - Definition of a “Legal Handoff” - Total loss of possession directly from 1 offensive play to another.

Section 5 - Absolutely NO pitches or laterals of any kind.

Section 6 - No-run Zones are located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive team approaches only TWO no-run zones in each drive – one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down and one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).

Section 7 - Runners are not permitted to dive or hurdle any player while advancing the ball.

Section 8 – Ball carriers may leave their feet for spinning, jump cuts, QB’s passing progression or if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid a collision with another player and the play will continue without stoppage.  However, if while leaving the ground, contact is made unnecessary roughness penalty may be enforced by the official.  Ball carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.

Section 9 - No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.

Section 10 - Offensive players in close proximity of the ball carrier must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier.

Section 11 - Flag obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.

ARTICLE XI – PASSING

Section 1 – All passes must be thrown with one hand from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward and ball out of hand prior to breaching the line of scrimmage.

Section 2 – There is no intentional grounding.  The quarterback may throw the ball away to avoid a sack. Pass must go beyond the line of scrimmage, or an illegal forward pass penalty will be assessed.

Section 3 – All passes that do not cross the line of scrimmage, whether received or not, are illegal forward passes, unless touched by a defender.

Section 4 – Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

Section 5 – The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.”  If a pass is not thrown within seven seconds, the play is dead, the down is consumed, and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage.  Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second rule is no longer in effect.

Section 6 – If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).

Section 7 – If the quarterback throws the ball and then catches it, the play is dead and treated like an incomplete pass.

ARTICLE XII – RECEIVING

Section 1 - All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage)

Section 2 - Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the line of scrimmage and no motion is permitted toward the line of scrimmage.

Section 3 - A player must have at least one foot or other body part in bounds, contacting the ground first with possession.

Section 4 - In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.

Section 5 - Interceptions are returnable.  If returned for a score during regular game play, the score will be worth six points, two points if returned during conversions and/or overtime.

ARTICLE XIII – RUSHING THE PASSER

Section 1 – All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  Any number of players can rush the quarterback.  Players not rushing the quarterback can defend on the line of scrimmage.

1. K/1, 2nd grade and 3rd grade divisions:  Defenders may NOT rush the passer unless there is a legal handoff executed in the backfield.

Section 2 – Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.

Section 3 – A special marker, or the referee, will designate a rush line seven yards from the line of scrimmage.  Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position with the official on every play.

1. A legal rush is:
   1. Any rush from a point 7-yards from the defensive line of scrimmage.
   2. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback.
2. A penalty may be called if:
   1. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – illegal rush (5-yards from the line of scrimmage and first down)
   2. Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – offsides (5-yards from line of scrimmage and first down).
   3. Any defensive player not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed or handed off – illegal rush (5-yards from the line of scrimmage and first down).
   4. If the offense draws the rusher(s) to jump the seven-yard marker prior to the snap of the ball, that rusher(s) CANNOT rush during that play. However, any other defender that is seven yards back may rush instead. Jumping the rush is not a penalty until the rusher crosses the line of scrimmage prior to the handoff or passed ball.

Section 4 – Teams are not required to rush the quarterback with the seven second clock in effect.

Section 5 – Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play.

Section 6 – Players rushing the quarterback may attempt to block a pass; however, contact to the QB, unless ruled incidental by the official, would result in a roughing the passer penalty.

Section 7 – The offense cannot impede the rusher in any way.  The rusher has the right to a clear path to the quarterback, regardless of where they line up prior to the snap.  The PATH is set pre-snap from the rusher or rushers directly to the QB.  PATH does not move once the quarterback moves.  If the “path or line” is occupied by a moving offensive player, then it is the offense’s responsibility to avoid the rusher.  Any disruption to the rusher’s path and/or contact will result in an impeding the rusher penalty.  If the offensive player does not move after the snap, then it is the rusher’s responsibility to go around the offensive player and to avoid contact.

Section 8 – A sack occurs if the quarterback’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage.  The ball will be spotted where possession of the ball is once the flag is pulled.

1. A Safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.

ARTICLE XIV – FLAG PULLING

Section 1 – A legal flag pull takes place when the ball-carrier is in full possession of the ball.

Section 2 – Defenders can dive to pull flags but cannot tackle, hold, or run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.

Section 3 – It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball from the ball-carrier’s possession at any time.

Section 4 - If a player's flag inadvertently falls off during a play while that player has possession, the player is down immediately and the play ends. The ball is placed where the flag lands.

Section 5 – If a player who has one or no flags in their belt takes possession of the ball, the play is dead at that spot on the field.

Section 6 – A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.

Section 7 - Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball-carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping the head, hand, ball, arm or shoulder or intentionally covering the flags with the football jersey.

ARTICLE XV – OFFICIATING AND PENALTIES

Section 1 – LYF will enforce a no tolerance rule for unsportsmanlike conduct of any kind.

Section 2– Any person or persons including coaches, players, parents, or fans can and will be ejected from the complex and not allowed to return for any further games if any flagrant abuse of officials is committed.

Section 3 – Only the head coach from each team is allowed to request a conference with an official regarding rule clarification or interpretation.  Players may not question calls.  Any abuse of this policy will result in a Delay of Game penalty enforced against the team improperly requesting the conference.

Section 4 – Official’s judgment calls may NOT BE CONTESTED!

Section 5 – Each head coach is responsible for the actions of the assistant coaches, players, and spectators for their own team.

Section 6 - The head official will announce all penalties.

Section 7 – Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.

Section 8 – All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted. (Spot fouls)

Section 9 – Penalties are assessed live ball then dead ball. Live ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered complete.

Section 10 – Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.

Section 11 – Spot fouls in end zone: Defensive (Ball on one-yard line, first down)/Offensive (Safety)

Section 12 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected from the game.  The decision is made at the referee’s discretion.  No appeals will be considered.  FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
2. Offensive or confrontational language is NOT allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the officials will determine if a warning or immediate ejection is warranted.
3. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or official.
4. Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players and are not allowed to run through the ball-carrier when pulling flags.  ROUGH PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

Section 13 - Defensive spot fouls:

1. Defensive Pass Interference               Automatic first down
2. Holding                                                +5 yds and automatic first down
3. Stripping                                              +5 yds and automatic first down

Section 14 – Offensive spot fouls:

1. Screening or Blocking                         -5 yds and loss of down
2. Charging                                             -5 yds and loss of down
3. Flag guarding                                      -5 yds and loss of down

Section 15 – Defensive Penalties:

1. Unnecessary roughness                      +10 yds and automatic first down
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct                   +10 yds and automatic first down
3. Offside/Illegal substitution                 +5 yds and automatic first down
4. Illegal rush                                          +5 yds and automatic first down
5. Illegal flag pull                                    +5 yds and automatic first down
6. Roughing the passer                           +5 yds and automatic first down
7. Taunting                                              +5 yds and automatic first down

Section 16 – Offensive Penalties:

1. Unnecessary roughness                      -10 yds and loss of down
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct                   -10 yds and loss of down
3. Offside/False start                              -5 yds and loss of down
4. Illegal substitution                               -5 yds and loss of down
5. Illegal forward pass                             -5 yds and loss of down
6. Offensive pass interference               -5 yds and loss of down
7. Illegal motion                                      -5 yds and loss of down
8. Delay of game                                     -5 yds and loss of down
9. Impeding the rusher                           -5 yds and loss of down
10. Illegal procedure                                 -5 yds and loss of down

ARTICLE XVI – TOY BOWL

Section 1 – The top four LYF league teams in each age division will advance to the Toy Bowl playoffs. 

Section 2 - Teams will be seeded based on team win/loss record against LYF teams only.

1. If any LYF teams play each other more than once during the season, only the last game will count in determining playoff seedings.
2. Playoff seedings will utilize a 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3 format.  The winners of playoff games will advance to the Toy Bowl championship.
3. If only three teams advance to the playoffs, the 1 seed will receive a bye.

Section 3 – Tiebreaker protocol for Toy Bowl playoff selection

1. Head to head competition
2. Defensive points allowed (-13 Max)
3. Offensive points scored (+13 Max)
4. Coin Toss

 

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Lawrence Youth Football?