Mid-Lakes Christian Church

3800 State Road 19
Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: 352.343.9020
Fax: 352.343.3444

MCC Flag Football Rules

Playing Field
Length: 60 yards
Width: 25 yards
First Down Mark: Mid-field

Game Clock Format
Two 20 minute halves with a running clock format except for the final minute of each half. During the final minute of he half the clock will stop for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possession, extra point attempts, and timeouts.

Each team receives two 60 second timeouts per game

Three minute break at half-time for games that begin on time

Coin Toss
Whichever team wins the toss may select offense or defense. The opposing team will then determine which goal they would like to defend. When the second half starts, the ball will go to the team that started on defense in the first half and the teams will change sides of the field.

Scoring
Touchdown = 6 points
Safety = 2 points

Extra points
5 yards out = 1 point
12 yard out = 2 points

Fumbles and Interceptions during a extra point attempt may be returned for the same point value

Drives
No kick-offs or punts

All drives begin on the five yard line unless intercepted

Drives consist of four (4) plays to make a first down (cross mid-field) or ball goes over on downs. If first down is made the team must score in 4 plays or the other team gets the ball.

Interceptions may be run back. Ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.

If the interception occurs in the end zone and the player takes a “knee”, the ball will be spotted at the five yard line.

Once a team achieves a first down by crossing midfield, that team can never get another 1st down by crossing it again during the same offensive series. Example: A team crosses midfield for a first down. The next play the quarterback gets sacked back at their own 5 yard line. If they cross midfield again they do not get another first down.

Centering the Ball
The ball must be snapped between the legs

Once the line of scrimmage is spotted by the referee, a team has 20 seconds to snap the ball

Flags
Once the receiver touches the ball a the defender can pull the flag; if the catch is made the ball is spotted at the point of the “flag pull” even if the receiver juggles the ball and gets possession farther down the field. It does not matter if the tip was intentional or unintentional.

If a player wears their flags improperly, he will be warned. Repeated infractions will be penalized

If a player enters the game without flags and receives the ball in any way he is down at the point of the possession. If he gets the ball in his end zone it is a safety.

If a player’s flag falls off without being pulled by an opponent he is not down, the opponents must touch the player to end the play.

If a rusher pulls the QB’s flag after the quarterback hands the ball off, and then becomes a receiver and catches the ball, the defense must then tough the player with two hands.

Running Plays
Unlimited handoffs behind the line of scrimmage

QB does not have to line up behind the center

One lateral or pitch is allowed behind the line of scrimmage. If the pitch is forward the receiver must run. If it is backward he may run or pass.

The player who receives a hand off may pass as long as he doesn’t pass the line of scrimmage.

The QB cannot bounce the ball off a player’s back and catch it and run

Receiving
All players are eligible to receive passes

The receiver must have one foot in bounds when making a catch

Passes
Shovel passes are allowed

A backward pass that is dropped will be spotted where it lands

Intentional grounding

If the quarterback is trying to “throw away” the ball to avoid a sack the ball must make it across the line of scrimmage.

Intentional grounding in the end zone is a safety

Rushing the Quarterback
The referee will designate the five yard rushing mark.

Rushers must be five yards from the line of scrimmage in order to rush the QB

Any number of players can rush

Rushers may not hit the ball out of the quarterback’s hand

Rushers must go around blockers, not through them

Excessive contact will be penalized

Once the ball is handed off or pitched behind the line of scrimmage all defensive players may rush, even if they were lined up closer than five yards from the line of scrimmage

Dead Balls
When the ball carrier’s flag is pulled

If a player’s flag falls off he is not down. The defense must touch him from the shoulders down.

When the ball carrier’s knee is down

When the ball carrier steps out of bounds

Incomplete pass

Addressing the Officials
Only the designated team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification

Players cannot question judgment calls

The ref has a two yard buffer zone; unsportsmanlike conduct will be called if you get too close

Verbally abusing a referee or other player will get you ejected quickly.

Overtime
There are no ties

Flip a coin for possession

Kansas Tie Breaker

Forward Progress
Forward progress is marked by the farthest advancement of the ball

Penalties
Offensive penalties are 10 yards from the line of scrimmage

Defensive penalties are 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, except for Defensive pass interference. This is a “spot foul.”

Offensive Penalties
Illegal Motion: more than one man in motion at the same time or forward motion before the ball is snapped

Illegal pass: QB passes the ball after crossing the line of scrimmage

Interference: pick play, pushing off defender, holding, illegal contact

Flag Guarding: swiping away a defender’s hand during a flag pulling attempt

Unsportsmanlike conduct: excessive contact, rough play, kicking pylons

Defensive Penalties
Offsides: Lining up across the line of scrimmage

Interference: Impeding a receiver from the opportunity to catch the ball, shielding (not looking back at the ball while raising arms to defend the receiver).

Illegal rush: Not at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Attire
All players must have the same color shirts on

Metal spikes are not allowed

No Bare feet will be allowed