OFFICIAL 2018

 

 

 

TEXAS INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

 

 

 

RULE BOOK

ARTICLE

1

CONDUCT OF THE GAME

 

 

1.1       The Field

 

1. Regulation Field

 

1. The field shall be 50 yards long by 28 yards wide.  (See 

Regulations Manual)

                         

2. The end zones shall be a minimum of 5 yards in depth and may be rounded due to hockey board configurations.

 

3. The area bounded by walls shall be called the field-of-play.

 

4. The wall eight yards behind each goal line and parallel to it shall be named the end wall.  The end wall may be curved due to the nature of the facility.

 

5. The sidewalls extended from goal line to end walls shall be named the sidewalls of-goal.

 

6. The area bounded by the goal line, the end wall and the sidewalls of-goal shall be named the goal area.

 

7. The bounds shall be defined as the walls, sidewalls of goal and end walls.

 

8. The field-of-play shall be marked every 5 yards with lines extending from wall to wall and parallel to the goal lines.

 

9. Line Markings

 

1. Hash marks are 12 inches in length and begin 5 feet from the center of the field.  The hash marks are placed on both sides of the field every five yards perpendicular to the yard line. 

 

2. The dashers marking the sides of the field shall be named sidelines.

 

10)  Amended-There is no kicking by either academy/ team, not limited to extra point, kickoff or field goal attempt.       

Goal posts shall be placed and centered on each end line.  Goal posts are to be 10 feet high to the crossbar and 10 feet wide.  The uprights shall be an additional 20 feet high from the crossbar.  The diameter of each post shall be not less than 3 inches or greater than 4 inches.  A wishbone type or single shaft goal post assembly may be used provided that it complies with the above standards.

 

 

 

2. Fields Less Than Regulation Size

 

If the regulation length or width of a field is not available because of a wall, seating or any other object, the field shall be marked as closely as possible to regulation, subject to the approval of the League.

 

3. The Ball

 

The Home Team will supply enough game balls, approved by the league to complete the game. A minimum of 3 approved balls shall be used in a game and changed at the discretion of the referee.

The balls shall be kept clean and in playable condition. Year 4 after proof of concept Trial-

 In the event the Home Team runs out of approved game balls a fine of $50.00 will be levied by the league.  The Home Team will also be required to reimburse the Visiting Team for any balls that were used and lost due to promotional activities.

 

1.2       Length of game:

 

1. Four quarters to be 12 minutes in length

 

2. Halftime shall be 20 minutes in length

 

3. Team time-outs shall be 60 seconds in length

 

4. The two minute warning shall be two minutes in length and double as a media time out

 

5. Media time-outs shall be two minutes in length

 

6. Time between the 1^st and 2^nd Quarter and between the 3^rd and 4^th Quarter may be not longer than 90 seconds

 

1.3       Uniforms

 

1. All players shall be numbered 1 through 99.

 

2. No two players of the same team may participate on the same down with identical numbers.

 

3. Numbers may not be changed during the game to deceive the opponents, and all such number changes shall be reported to the referee.

 

4. Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors, and all players on a team shall wear jerseys of the same color and design.  Such jerseys shall cover all pads worn under the jersey.  The jersey must be full length and tucked into the pants or reach the belt line when a player assumes a normal standing position.  Any altered jerseys shall be prohibited and players wearing such jerseys shall not be allowed to participate until such jersey is restored to its original condition, in compliance with this rule.

 

 

5. Players may have his surname or nickname (nicknames must be approved) player with the same surname, each such player’s first initial must appear before the surname on the game roster.

 

6. All players of a team shall wear pants of the same color and design.

 

7. All players, including kicker, must wear visible socks or leg coverings that are of the same color, design and length.  Any taping or spats over the shoes and/or ankles shall be the same color for all members of the same team.

 

8. All players, other than a kicker, must wear shoes suitable for football or turf activities.  No slippers, boots or other shoes not designed for football or turf activities may be worn in a game.  The umpire is the sole judge of the legality of equipment.

 

1. If worn, gloves or hand pads must be gray in color, or may be the appropriate colors of the team’s jersey, provided however, that if the gloves are the color of the team’s jersey, all players of the team must wear that same color, or may wear gray gloves.

 

10. All players shall wear the following mandatory equipment

 

1. Knee pads worn over the knees and covered by the pants.  No knee pads may be worn over the outside of the pants

 

2. Helmets and face masks, commercially manufactured for professional, college or high school football.  All players of a team shall wear helmets of the same color and design.

 

3. Shoulder pads, hip pads with tailbone protector and thigh guards.

 

4. An intra-oral mouth piece

 

11. Illegal equipment

 

1. Any equipment which in the judgment of the umpire would be dangerous to other players

 

2. Hard, abrasive or unyielding substances worn on the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, unless covered with adequate foam padding as approved by the umpire

 

3. Any metal or other hard substance, which may be dangerous to the player or his opponent

 

4. Helmets or jerseys which tend to conceal the ball by closely resembling the ball in color

 

5. Adhesive material, paint, grease or any other slippery substance applied to a players body or clothing that may affect the ball or an opponent

 

6. Jerseys which are taped or tied in any manner

 

7. Any visible bandana worn under a helmet of negative nature

 

8. Towels, streamers or extra long belts.  Only the quarterback and the center may wear a white towel, must be of reasonable size.  The umpire’s decision on the size of the towel may not be appealed. 

 

9. Eye shields which are not clear will be preferred but not mandated

 

10. Any adornment to the uniform, which serves no football purpose, but only serves to highlight the individual’s appearance

 

12. The umpire is the sole judge of legal and illegal equipment, and may rule on such without appeal.

 

1.4       Possession

 

1. Possession means having the ball firmly in hand or hands, arm or arms, leg or legs or under the body.

 

2. When players of the opposite teams have possession of the ball, it shall belong to the player who first gained possession and who has not lost possession.

 

3. If players of both teams legally gain possession of the ball simultaneously it shall belong to the team which last previously had possession.

 

4. A ball not in possession of a player is still in play.  A ball shall be considered to have been fumbled if the player last in possession has lost control of it.

 

1.5       Dead Ball

 

                A.        The ball is dead:

 

1. Whenever a field official blows his whistle;

 

2. When an official has signaled a score;

 

3. When the ball goes out-of-bounds;

 

4. When a forward pass is declared incomplete;

 

5. When a kicked ball strikes the opponent’s goal post assemble in flight, without first touching the ground, a player or an official and is ruled no good;

 

6. When the ball carrier is tackled and his forward progress has been halted (tackling is defined as the act of grasping or encircling a ball carrier with hands and arms);

 

7. When the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage is firmly in the grasp and control of a tackler to the extent that he cannot throw the ball;

 

8. When a ball carrier is tackled and driven back towards his own goal line the official must assume that he was attempting to advance the ball and that only the actual contact with an opponent prevented such advance.  Therefore, the most forward point of advance shall be considered the point where the ball became dead;

 

9. When the ball carrier is contacted by an opponent and loses his balance so that a portion of his body, other than his hands or feet touched the ground, the ball shall be dead at the point where it was held when he so touched the ground;

 

10. When the quarterback, in possession of the ball, intentionally kneels on the ground;

 

11. When the quarterback, in possession of the ball dives in a feet first sliding motion the ball shall be declared dead at the point it was held when another part of the quarterback’s body, other that his hands or feet, touched the ground;

 

12. When a player, having possession of the ball in his own goal area, intentionally kneels on the ground;

 

13. When a ball carrier, in the judgement of the official, is not attempting to advance the ball the official shall immediately declare the ball dead.

 

14. When a player in possession of the ball is down and makes no attempt to regain his feet, particularly if the player is vulnerable to a hit by a defensive player.

 

                                Note:    A ball lying on the ground and not in possession of a player is not dead.

 

1.6       Teams

 

For reference hereinafter the team which puts the ball in play shall be identified as the Offense (Team A) and the other team shall be named Defense (Team B).  The game is played by two teams of eight men.

 

1.7       Team Captains

 

A.         At all times each team must have on the field a player designated as captain, and so identified to the Referee.  The captain shall be the sole communicator between his team and the officials (through the Referee) and he may appeal to the Referee only on questions of interpretation and application of rules.  Such consultations should be held apart from other players on the field.  The captain may request the Referee to call in the yardsticks to determine whether a first down has been made, or how much distance is required.  If, in the judgment of the Referee, the position of the ball is within one yard of the first down marker he shall signal time out and call for the measurement, otherwise he shall refuse the request and order play to continue.  The Referee’s decision cannot be disputed.  A captain is entitled to an explanation of any decision but no prolonged argument is to be allowed.  When the yardsticks are called from the sidelines to determine whether

a first down has been gained the on-field captain for each team shall be the only players permitted in the vicinity of the measurement.  In case of a foul the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty or the option provided.

 

1.8       Starting and Timing

 

1. Start of Game

 

1. The game shall start promptly according to the published start time.

 

2. If a team is late appearing on the field at the start of the first or third periods the team shall be penalized for delay of game.

 

Penalty 3 yards – first opportunity

                         

3. At the start of the game the captains of both teams shall meet the referee at center field.  The Referee or a dignitary shall toss a coin with the visiting team captain making the call.  The captain of the team winning the coin toss has the following choices:

 

1.  Receiving, or Defending

 

2. Which end of the field to defend, or

 

3. Defer choice to second half.

 

4)         The captain of the other team shall have first choice at the start of the second half when both captains shall again meet the officials at center field to inform them of their choices.

 

2. Playing and Rest Periods

 

1. The length of a game shall be 60 minutes of actual playing time, divided into four periods of 12 minutes each.  The scoreboard clock shall be the official time for the game, and shall be operated by the timekeeper under the direction and control of the Referee.

 

2. Goals shall be changed at the end of the first and third periods.  At the start of the second and fourth periods the ball shall be put at a point corresponding exactly to the point at the other end of the field where the ball became dead at the end of the previous period.  It shall be put into play exactly the same manner as if the play had not been interrupted.

 

3. The start the second half shall take place exactly twenty minutes after the conclusion of the first half and a team shall be subject to penalty if the players are not lined upon the field ready to start the second half.

 

 

 

3. Clock Stoppage

 

1)         Time shall start when the ball is snapped at the start of the [a] half and shall continue until the ball is ruled dead and an official signals to the Timekeeper that time shall stop for any of the following reasons:

 

1. After successful touchdown attempt or following the two point after attempt of a successful score.

 

2. For the application of penalties (the game clock and 25 second clock start on the officials signal when the ball is ready for play).

 

3. For delay caused by player injury;

 

4. When time expired at the end of each period;

 

5. On in-completions after the two-minute warning has been given in any half;

 

6. When a player requests a team time-out;

 

7. If a touchdown is scored on the last play of a period the period shall be extended to include the two point after touchdown attempt;

 

8. When the referee deems it necessary to suspend play;

 

1. Anytime under the two-minute warning, if a team has no timeouts remaining and an injury occurs to a member of the team behind in the scoring which stops the clock, ten seconds will be deducted from the clock prior to resuming the game.

 

2)         If in any period time expired during a play in which a defensive fouls occurs, the offense may:

 

1. Decline the penalty and accept the play which has ended the period, or

 

2. Accept the penalty in which case the team entitled to possession shall be required to put the ball into play.  If the additional play is terminated by an official’s whistle prior to the ball being put into play the penalty shall be applied and the period extended for another play.

 

4. Running Clock

 

1. After a stopped clock for any reason, time shall start again on the signal of the Referee, or when it is ready to be scrimmaged.

 

2. After a stopped clock for any reason, the time will start on the snap of the ball:

 

1. After a delay of game foul;

 

2. Following an official’s time-out;

 

3. Following a team time-out;

 

4. Following a play during which possession changed in the last two minutes in any half;

 

5. Following an incomplete legal forward pass in the last two minutes in any half;

 

6. Out of Bounds in the last two minutes of either half.

 

5. Team Time-out

 

1)         During a half a team shall be permitted to call three time-outs, subject to the following:

 

1. The time-out may be requested by any player on the field and may be directed to any official on the field.

 

2. The time-out shall be 60 seconds in duration.

 

3. The game time will resume on the snap.

 

6. Media Time-Out

 

1. During each quarter, two media time out may be utilized for an on-field promotion, contest or performance, and for radio and television advertisements to air

 

2. Media time outs will be taken near the eight-minute mark in all four quarters, and near the four-minute mark in the first and third quarter.  In the second and fourth quarter, the two-minute warning will double as a media time-out.  All media time outs will be taken at a change of possession or following a score, and are at the discretion of the referee.

 

3. A media time out will be administered like a team time out. One coach may enter the field to consult with his team, or the team may assemble in front of the team bench and consult with more than one coach

 

4. A media time out shall be two minutes in length or less.

 

5. Media time outs are not required, but home management must consult with the visiting team before a decision to waive media time-outs is made.  The game officials must be informed of any decision to eliminate or modify the provisions of the media time outs.

 

6. The game time will resume on the snap

 

7. Ball in Play 

 

1. The ball shall be considered in play until an official stops the action by sounding his whistle.
2. The game shall not be stopped because of injury of a player until the ball is dead.
3. The Referee shall not stop the game to impose a penalty until the ball is dead.

 

8. Delay of Game

 

1)         The game shall not be delayed except by permission of the Referee.  Any unauthorized delay shall be subject to a penalty.

 

1. If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while a player in the game has repair done to his equipment, that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of one play.  If the player does not leave the game, the team is charged with a timeout.
2. If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while an injured player received medical attention on the field that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of one play.  If the player does not leave the game, the team is charged with a timeout.
3. On a kickoff, the kicking team shall be required to kick the ball within 25 second of notification by the Referee that play is to commence.
4. If a receiving team player interferes with the placement of the ball after the Referee has declared it in play, his team shall be penalized 3 yards. (Delay of Game.)

 

1. Crowd Noise

 

1)         The offensive team captain may request the Referee to stop the game if excessive crowd noise prevents the offensive team from putting the ball into play.  The Referee may, if he agrees with the captain, permit the offense to return to its huddle.  The Referee shall allow reasonable time but under no circumstances shall he permit that play to be delayed more than three times.  Arena PA systems must stop being used once the offensive team has broke huddle or comes to the line of scrimmage if no huddle is used.

 

 

 

10. Ball in Goal

 

The ball is in goal if it is on or behind the goal line.

 

 

 

1.9       Overtime Rules

 

1. Coin Toss

 

If the score is tied at the end of the second half, there shall be a two-minute intermission, followed by an overtime period.  Prior to the start of the overtime, the captains of both teams shall meet the Officials at center field to inform them of their choices.  The Referee shall toss a coin with the visiting team captain making the call.  The captain of the team winning the coin toss shall choose one of the following options:

a.) Offense or defense, with the offense at the 25 yard line to start the first series;

a) Which end of the field will be used for both series of that overtime period.

 

The winner of the toss may defer his choice.  The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first overtime period, and shall have first choice of the two options for subsequent even-numbered periods.  The winner of the coin toss shall have first choice of the two options for subsequent odd numbered periods.  No additional coin toss is conducted in additional overtime periods.  At the conclusion of the 2^nd overtime period both teams must attempt a two-point conversion on the PAT, a one point PAT is not allowed.

 

2. Overtime period (s)

 

An overtime period shall consist of two series with each team putting the ball in play by a snap on or between the hash marks on the 25-yard line.  

 

3. Team series

 

Each team retains the ball during a series until is scores or fails to make a first down.  The ball remains alive after a change of team possession until it is declared dead, however, Team A may not have a first and ten if it again possesses the ball after a change of team possession.

 

4. Scoring

 

The team scoring the greater number of points during the regulation game and the overtime period (s) shall be declared the winner.  There shall be an equal number of series as defined in C. above, in each extra period, except if Team B (the team first on defense in a given period) scores during a period other than on a try.  If the teams remain tied at the end of an overtime period, a subsequent overtime period is played.  Beginning in the third overtime period, teams scoring touchdowns must attempt a two-point conversion.  

 

5. Fouls after Team B possession

 

1. Distance penalties by either team are automatically declined by rule in overtime periods. (Exception:  Dead ball fouls and live ball fouls enforced as dead ball fouls)
2. Scores by the fouling team are cancelled
3. If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B possession, the down is replayed.

 

6. Timeouts

 

Each team will have one time-out in each overtime period.  Time-outs do not carry over from the second half, or from any previous overtime period.  Media time-outs are not permitted during any overtime period, nor may team time-outs be extended for media purposes.

 

1.10      Out of Bounds

 

1. Definitions:

 

1. Sidewalls are in play until contact is made with the wall as a result of defensive contact or no forward motion and play is blown dead. If loose ball (fumble, muff, forward or backward pass, bat or kick touches sidewall the ball is dead, and the play will be blown dead).

 

2. End Zone walls are in play for the player, but not the ball, when catching a pass or fielding a free kick or scrimmage kick.

 

3. End zone walls are out of bounds, the ball is dead and the play shall be blown dead immediately anytime a loose ball, including a forward pass, backward pass, bat, muff, fumble, free kick or scrimmage kick strikes the end zone wall.

 

4. A player who stands on the top of the end zone or side walls, or utilizes an end wall or side wall to enhance their vertical height shall be ruled out of bounds.

 

2. Rulings:

 

1. The ball shall remain in play when it is knocked or batted back into the field of play by a player who is off the ground and who has not touched the ground or any object out of bounds.

 

2. If a player gains possession of the ball while off the ground in bounds and is contacted by an opponent in a manner which causes him to land out of bounds in possession of the ball such player shall retain possession.

 

3. If a player gains possession of the ball near the sideline and touches the ground in bounds with his first step he shall retain possession even if his next step takes him out of bounds.

 

 

                C. Kick Out of Bounds – Free Kicks -Amended No kickoff’s field goal extra points possibly added by year four.      

                                                                                                                                                                               

1. When a free kick goes out of bounds through the end zone before touching the ground or a player of the receiving team it shall belong to the receiving team at the 25-yard line. The back wall is considered to be out of bounds in the end zone when touched by a free kick.

 

2. When a free kicked ball goes out of bounds through the sideline, beyond the 25-yard line, before touching the ground or a player of the receiving team it will belong to the receiving team at the 25-yard line. If the spot it went out of bounds, before touching the ground or a player of the receiving team, is behind the 25-yardline the ball will belong to the receiving at the spot it went out of bounds.

 

3. When a free kicked ball goes out of bounds through the sideline, after touching the ground or a player of either team, and before possession is gained, it will belong to the receiving team at the spot the ball went out of bounds. 

 

4. When a free kick hits the ceiling, or any object suspended from the ceiling of the facility, it is immediately dead, and it will belong to the receiving team at the 25 yard line, unless the referee, with great certainty, can spot the ball at the spot it hit the ceiling behind the 25 yard line.

 

For the purposes of free kicks, beyond the 25 yard line means on the receiving team’s side of the 25 yard line, and behind the 25 yard line means the kicking team’s side of the 25 yard line.  In some facilities, there may be certain items suspended from both the walls and the ceiling and appropriate ground rules shall be adopted prior to the beginning season.

 

4. Kick out of Bounds – Scrimmage Kick

 

1. When a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds through the end zone it shall belong to the receiving team at the 5-yardline. The back wall is considered to be out of bounds in the end zone when touched by a scrimmage kick. 

 

2. When a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds through the sideline beyond the 25-yardline, before touching the ground or a member of the receiving team, it will belong to the receiving team at the 25-yardline.

 

3. When a  scrimmage kick goes out of bounds behind the 25-yardline, it will belong to the receiving team at the spot it went out of bounds.

 

4. When a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds through the sideline after touching the ground or a member of either team, and before possession is gained, it will belong to the receiving team at the spot the ball went out of bounds

 

 

 

5. When a scrimmage kick hits the ceiling, or any object suspended from the ceiling of the facility, the ball is immediately dead, and it will belong to the defensive team at the 25-yard line, unless the referee, with great certainty, can spot the ball at the spot it hit the ceiling behind the 25 yard line.

 

For the purposes of scrimmage kicks, beyond the 25 yard line means on the receiving team’s side of the 25 yard line, and behind the 25 yard line means the kicking team’s side of the 25 yard line.  In some facilities, there may be certain items suspended from both the walls and the ceiling and appropriate ground rules should be adopted prior to the beginning season.

 

5. Lost Possession Out of Bounds

 

1. When on any play the ball is fumbled out of bounds or touches a player in the field of play and then goes out of bounds, it shall belong to the team, which last possessed the ball in the field of play.  If the ball is fumbled backwards then the ball shall next be scrimmaged at the point where the ball went out of bounds.  If the ball was fumbled forward, the ball is spotted at the point where the ball was fumbled.

 

6. Fumble Out of Bounds in Opponents Goal Area

 

1. When a player fumbles the ball, from the field of play over the opponent’s goal line and goes out of bounds in the goal area without the ball touching an opponent, it shall be ruled as a touchback.

 

2. When a player directs the ball, from the field of play over the opponent’s goal line where an opponent recovers it or it is touched by an opponent before going out of bounds in the goal area, there shall be no score and the ball shall be awarded to the opponent’s team at its 5 yard line.  If in attempting to run the ball out of the goal area the opponent’s team commits an infraction the penalty shall be applied from the 5 yard line.

 

3. If the defense recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass in the end zone and does not forward it outside of the end zone, then they will have possession at the 5-yard line.

 

7. Lost Possession Into Own Goal Area

 

1. When a player fumbles or directs the ball from the field of play into his own goal area, where the ball goes out of bounds without possession being gained by either team, a safety shall be awarded.

 

                H.        Fourth Down Fumble Rule

 

1. On fourth down only the offensive player who fumbled the ball may recover advance the ball for the offense.  Any defensive player may still recover and advance a fumble on fourth down. (NCAA fourth down fumble rule.)

 

1.4 Substitution

 

1. A substitute may enter the field of play at any time the ball is dead and only at that time.

 

2. If the substitute enters the game to the extent that he can communicate with a teammate on the field he must remain in the game for at least one play.

 

3. A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the sideline on which his bench is located and, thence, outside the field of play to his bench.

 

4. A team shall not be permitted to use player substitution as a means of deceiving the opponent.

 

5. If a team breaks its huddle with more than eight players, it shall immediately be penalized for illegal substitution.

 

                                Penalty--                       Illegal Substitution—3 yards

 

6. If a team has more than eight players on the field at the snap of the ball, the offending team shall be penalized 9 yards. (Illegal Participation.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE

2

 SCORING

 

2.1       Points For Scoring

 

1. The following point total can be scored by the offense and the defense;

 

                                Touchdown                                                       6 points (offense)

                                Field Goal                                                         0 points (offense)

                        Safety                                                               2 points (defense)

                        Point after touchdown by running/passing          2 points (offense)

                        Returned PAT to goal following PAT                 2 points (defense)

                        Point after touchdown by kick                            0 point (offense)

 

2. The team having scored the most points at the conclusion of the game is declared the winner.

 

2.2       Types of Scoring

 

1. Touchdown

 

1. A touchdown is scored when a player with the ball in his possession:

 

1. Is in his opponent’s goal area, or
2. Crosses or touches the plane of his opponent’s goal line.

 

2. The ball becomes dead at the instant of scoring a touchdown.

 

2. Field Goal -Amended No Field goals or extra points
3. Team has option to attempt two- point conversion from two yard line

 

1. A field goal is scored when a player kicks the ball:

 

1. By drop kick, or
2. By place kick from scrimmage formation between the opponent’s uprights and over the crossbar.

 

                                2)         Scrimmage Formation

 

1. Offensive scrimmage formation for field goal and point after touchdown attempts consist of four linemen.  The offensive team may have up to three players in lateral or forward motion toward their opponent’s goal-line prior the scrimmage snap.

 

2. Defensive scrimmage formation for field goals and point after touchdown attempts consist of four linemen. Defensive players may not stunt, which is defined as an intentional act involving two or more players.  Individual defensive techniques are permitted.  The defensive ends must either line up head to head

with the ends of the kicking team, or in the gap between the kicking team ends and guards. The defensive rush must come through the A or B gaps only.  The two interior defensive players must line up in the gap between the center and the two offensive guards. All four defensive linemen must be in a three or four point stance at the snap.

 

                    B                              The remaining four defenders may line up anywhere else, as

                    A                              long as they remain behind the defensive line of scrimmage

during a two- point attempt.  They may return a fumble or interception for a return on an unsuccessful two- point attempt.

 

Defensive Rogue LB/DE may drop into pass coverage, just as in a regular scrimmage down, after making contact with an offensive lineman.

 

c)         If an opponent of the conversion team gains possession of the ball after an unsuccessful two points attempt, the ball is live and may be advanced for a two- points for the defense.

 

3. Safety

 

                                1)         A safety is scored when a player is:

 

1. In possession of the ball in his own team’s goal area, other than on a two- point’s attempt, and the ball is declared dead, or

 

2. Responsible for bringing or placing the ball anywhere behind his own team’s goal line by carry, kick, fumble, bat, or backward pass, or snap and subsequently the ball is then declared dead, or

 

3. Intentional grounding while in the goal area.

 

 

 

 

4. Point After Touchdown

 

1)         After scoring a touchdown, the offense will have an attempt to score again by either a run, pass, attempt from the 2-yard line.

 

1. A two-point attempt is worth two points.  

 

2. A two-point attempt be tried from a scrimmage formation or simply no try two points are awarded upon running or passing successfully into the goal area.

 

2)         If the defense gains possession of the ball either by fumble recovery, pass interceptions, during the point after touchdown attempt; they may advance the ball and score two points by advancing it into the opposite goal area.  A backward pass is considered a lateral and can be recovered as a fumble and advance as such.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE

3

SCRIMMAGE

 

1. Lines of Scrimmage and Scrimmage Zone

 

The lines of scrimmage are imaginary lines that extend from sideline to sideline, parallel to the goal lines, and passing through the foremost and rear most points of the football.  The area between the line of scrimmage (the length of the football) is the scrimmage zone.  The offensive line of scrimmage is on the offensive team’s side of the football while the defensive line of scrimmage is on the defensive team’s side of the football.  Both offensive and defensive players are considered to be on their respective lines of scrimmage when they are within one yard of their respective lines.

 

1. Alley

 

1. The alley is a zone designated by imaginary lines perpendicular to the outside shoulder of the offensive lineman, not to exceed five yards wide.
2. A defensive player “blitzing” must be in the alley, and out of the defensive box, at the snap of the ball five yards from the line of scrimmage and must notify the officials by raising his hand prior to the snap of the ball.

 

3.3       Box

 

1. The box is a zone designated by imaginary lines perpendicular to the outside shoulder of the offensive lineman, not to exceed five yards wide, and five yards deep on either side of the line of scrimmage. 

 

2. No part of an offensive player in motion may be in the box at the snap.

 

3. No part of a defensive player may be in the box at the snap.  

 

Note:  Officials need to consider the circumstances which may have caused a defensive player, while mirroring the actions of an offensive player, to be in the box at the snap, and may not allow the offense to generate penalties in this manner. 

 

3.4       Offensive Alignments

 

1. Positioning 

 

1. After the ready for play signal from the official and just prior to the snap all offensive players are either on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.  Offensive players are considered in the backfield when any part of their body does not intersect with an imaginary line drawn parallel to the goal lines, from sideline to sideline, through the waist of the center.

 

2. There shall be at least three offensive players on the line of scrimmage prior to the scrimmage snap; two of who are ineligible receivers. Offensive players may set in two, three or four point stances.  To be considered on the line of scrimmage, offensive players must have their shoulders substantially parallel to the line of scrimmage. The ineligible receivers are the center and the guard who are aligned on either side of the center.  All eligible receivers, who are set at the snap, must line up at least three yards from the nearest guard.  The ineligible receivers must have ineligible receiver numbers.

 

3. TE- Joker position is a flexible receiver who may line up in slot or on line he will be in a stance two, three or four point.

 

4. And may shift from slot to line of scrimmage

 

The eligible offensive player(s) on the line of scrimmage must have an eligible receiver number.

 

1. Eligible receivers shall be numbered 00-49 and  80-99

 

2. Ineligible receivers shall be numbered 50-79

 

3)         Only two backs, including the quarterback, may be in the offensive box at snap, both of whom must have been in a set position for at least one second prior to the snap.

 

Penalty for Illegal Formation is 3 yards

 

Penalty for Illegal Numbering is 3 yards

 

2. Ineligible receivers downfield:  On any pass play where the pass crosses the line of scrimmage, ineligible receivers may not be more than three yards downfield (expanded neutral zone) until the pass has crossed the line of scrimmage.  Such restrictions end if a defensive player deflects the pass.

 

                                Penalty                         Ineligible Downfield—3 yards

 

3.5       Defensive Alignments

 

                A.         Positioning

 

1. After the ready for play by the official, all defensive players must be on their side of the line of scrimmage.  Just prior to the snap, there must be at least three defensive players on the line of scrimmage aligned head to head or should to shoulder with the offensive guards.  In determining whether the defensive player has covered the offensive guard, the officials shall use the outside foot of the offensive guards with the inside foot of the defensive lineman for the alignment.  The defensive lineman covering the offensive center must be head to head with the center.  Defensive lineman must be in 3 or 4-point stances.

 

2. Defensive linebackers are players behind their line of scrimmage but within six yards of the scrimmage zone in the 5-yard belt.  The 5-yard belt extends sideline to sideline, from the defensive line of scrimmage to 5 yards parallel to the defensive line of scrimmage. Defensive linebackers may align themselves on the line of scrimmage with offensive eligible receivers in set positions at the scrimmage snap.  Defensive linebackers may not align themselves with the quarterback or

with offensive eligible receivers who are in set positions and in the alley at the snap. Defensive linebackers are not required to align themselves with receivers who are in motion. When the opponent is inside the defense’s 5-yard line, linebackers may align themselves on the goal line.

 

3. DE/LB [The Rogue] may drop into pass coverage, however must first make contact with their offensive lineman counterpart. And is restricted to 5 yards inside outside and depth drop angles.

 

4. Defensive Jack [MLB] may stunt, which is defined as an intentional act involving two or more players.  Individual stunts, twists and other individual defensive techniques are permitted, Stunts are only allowed in the A Gaps and only between the Jack/LB and nose tackle.

 

DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS (RULE 3.4—Summary/Examples)

 

1. Three (3) defensive lineman MUST be on the defensive line, aligned head to head or shoulder to shoulder with the offensive guards (must have a piece of the opponent, and that is determined by aligning the outside foot of the offensive guard with the inside foot of the defensive end), and the defensive nose guard must be head to head with the offensive center.

 

2. Defensive lineman MUST be in a three or four point stance at the snap

 

3. Defensive linebackers/cornerbacks MAY line up on the line of scrimmage head up on a set eligible receiver who is not in the box (ie, end, flanker, wingback, slot back).  The eligible receiver does not have to be on the line of scrimmage for the defensive player to take a position on the line.

 

4. Defensive players “covering” set offensive players in the box MUST be at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage.

 

5. Defensive linebackers/cornerbacks MAY NOT line up on the line of scrimmage if there is no corresponding set eligible receiver (cannot be on the line of scrimmage when no eligible receiver exists on the offensive side of the ball).  In this case the linebacker/cornerback MUST BE at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage

 

6. A defensive linebacker/cornerback MAY mirror an eligible receiver in motion maintaining a similar distance from the line scrimmage.  If the offensive player’s motion is towards, or turns towards, the line of scrimmage, the defensive player MAY likewise approach the defensive line of scrimmage to meet the eligible receiver.

 

7. Defensive linebackers/cornerbacks may not align themselves with the quarterback or offensive eligible receivers who are in set positions and  in the alley at the snap. 

 

8. Defensive linebackers are not required to align themselves with eligible offensive receivers in motion, and if they are not aligned with an eligible receiver, they must be at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage.

 

9. Within the five yard line, defensive players may align themselves on the goal line.

 

                C.         Blitzing

 

1. Only one defensive player may blitz at any one time and such blitzing must occur within the area designated the Jack LB may only blitz in the A gaps on either side of center.  The defensive player blitzing does not have to indicate he is eligible to blitz by raising his hand above his head  prior to the scrimmage snap.  He is not required to blitz.

 

 

2. Additionally, this player must start behind the 5-yard box and in the alley at the scrimmage snap.

 

Penalty – Blitzing Infraction – 3 yards, previous spot

 

3.6       Scrimmage Play

 

1. Ready for Scrimmage Play

 

The Referee shall begin scrimmage play by giving the “ready for Scrimmage Play” signal.  This signifies that the offensive team has 25 seconds in which to put the ball in play by means of a scrimmage snap.  Each team shall not delay in returning to their respective line of scrimmage and huddle once play has ceased.

 

                                Penalty:            Delay of Game – 3 yards, dead ball foul

             

2. Scrimmage Snap

 

The offensive team may put the football into scrimmage play by means of a scrimmage snap once the Referee has given the ready for scrimmage play signal.  A scrimmage snap is initiated by the center that shall take his position over the football facing his opponent’s goal line.  He shall put the ball in play by snapping it back between his legs in one continuous motion to another offensive player who is behind the line of scrimmage in the backfield.  The ball must leave the center’s hands and he shall not touch the ball again until it has been in possession of another player.

 

                                Penalty:            Illegal Procedure – 3 yards, previous spot

             

3. Illegal Movements

 

1. The center shall not fake a snap or, having assumed his stance over the ball, bob his head, move his shoulders, flex his knees, or make some other movement simulating a snap in an effort to draw the defense across its line of scrimmage.

 

                                                Penalty:            Snap Infraction – 3 yards, dead ball foul

 

2. After the scrimmage zone is set, no player of either team may encroach on it or be offside.

 

                                                Penalty:            Offsides—3 yards, dead ball foul

 

Situations:

 

1. Defensive player jumps in scrimmage zone, gets back with no contact with the offense, and returns to his three of four point stance.  No foul.

 

2. Defensive player jumps through scrimmage zone with no contact with the offense, ball is not snapped.  Kill play, encroachment on the defense.
3. Defense jumps in scrimmage zone, offense flinches.  Encroachment on defense.

 

4. Defense jumps in scrimmage zone, offense contact defense.  Encroachment on defense.

 

5. Defense jumps in scrimmage zone, no contact but the ball is snapped.  Offside defense; the snap is played and offense gets choice of accepting the penalty.

 

6. A down defensive lineman fakes charge, offense moves.  Illegal procedure on offense but defense is warned that the next time he fakes a charge the foul will be on the defense.

 

3)         The offensive team may have up to three players in lateral or forward motion toward their opponent’s goal-line prior the scrimmage snap as long as:

 

1. They clearly started in motion while being in their backfield.

 

2. The player must be behind or at the line of scrimmage at snap of the ball.  Players in motion can not be covered by another eligible receiver, nor can they cover another set receiver or receiver in motion.  However, if a man in motion sets on the line of scrimmage

 

1. outside the original set receiver, the original set receiver would be covered; or
2. inside the set original set receiver, the man in motion would be covered.

 

3. They are not in the box at the scrimmage snap.

 

4. An offensive player in motion and in the box at the scrimmage snap is legally in motion, and eligible to receive a hand off or a pass.  Players deeper than 5 yards may take a hand off, or receive a forward or backward pass.

 

With exception of the offensive player(s) in motion, all other offensive players shall remain motionless for a period of at least one second prior to the scrimmage snap.

             

                                                Penalty:            Illegal Motion – 3 yards, previous spot

Penalty:      Illegal touching – 3 yards from the spot of foul

 

4. No offensive player on the line of scrimmage may make any motion, which simulates the start of the play prior to the scrimmage snap.  All offensive players on the line of scrimmage must remain motionless for at least one second immediately prior to the scrimmage snap.

                                                Penalty:            False Start – 3 yards, dead ball foul

 

5. No offensive player in the backfield shall simulate the start of the play prior to the scrimmage snap.  This includes the quarterback, having assumed his position under the center, bobbing his head, moving his shoulders or flexing his knees, making any quick movement, using his voice inflection, or any other movement or signal which is an attempt to simulate the start of the play prior to the scrimmage snap.

 

                                                Penalty:            False Start – 3 yards, dead ball foul.

 

6. All offensive players in motion at the snap may block only above the waist.

 

3.7       Series of Downs

 

                A.         Downs

 

1)         The offensive team shall have a series of four downs to gain a distance of ten yards.  A down may be repeated following the application of a penalty.  If in a series of four downs the offensive team has not gained the required ten yards, the ball shall be awarded to the opponents at the point where the ball became deal.  If the required ten yards are gained, a new series is awarded to the offensive team.  A series of downs may be interrupted:

 

1. When the offensive team does not make its ten yards for a new series;

 

2. When the offensive team crosses the offensive line scrimmage, or 

 

3. When the ball is intercepted or recovered by the defense.

 

                B.         Measurement 

 

1. The offensive or defensive team captain may request the Referee at any time for a measurement of distance required for an offensive team’s new series of downs to be awarded.  The Referee, in his discretion, may grant the request or not, but he may at any time make such a measurement himself.
2. In making such a measurement, the Referee will measure from the furthest most marked yard line perpendicularly to the forward point of the ball.  He may, if required, rotate the ball so that its long axis is parallel to the sidelines.  A touchdown cannot be awarded as a result of such a rotation.
3. If the offensive team has failed to make a new series by advancing the ball ten yards at the end of the four downs, the ball is not moved and its rear end becomes the forefront for the new series awarded the former defensive team, which has become the offensive team.

 

ARTICLE

4

KICKING -Amended No Kicking Allowed until Possibly year 4

 

4.1       Definitions

 

                A.         Kicked Ball

 

1. A kicked ball is the intentional striking of the ball by a player’s foot or leg below the knee.

 

2. If a ball accidentally strikes a player’s foot or leg, it shall not be ruled a kick.

 

                B.         Place Kick

 

1. A place kick is a legal kick made by kicking the ball after it has been placed in a fixed position on the ground.  The ball, also, may be held in position on the ground by a teammate of the kicker.  No substance or device may be used to improve the kicker’s footing.

 

2. A place kick may be used for a kickoff, scrimmage kick, or free kick following a safety.

 

3. On a kickoff or free kick the ball may be placed on a one-inch tee.  On a point after touchdown attempt a kicking tee may not be used.

 

                C.         Drop Kick

 

1. A legal dropkick by a player who drops the ball to the ground and kicks it when it is rising from the ground or has touched the ground.

 

2. A drop kick may be used for a kickoff, a scrimmage kick or a free kick following a safety.

 

                D.         Loose Ball

 

1. A loose ball occurs when the ball is kicked or blocked during a kick, on a kickoff or a kick from scrimmage, or during a pass or fumble.  It continues to be a loose ball until a player secures possession of the ball or it becomes dead by rule, whichever comes first.

 

2. During a free kick, it is first touching, if the ball has been touched by any kicking team player before it crosses the receiver’s free-kick line and before any player on the receiving team has touched it.  The receiving team may elect to take possession of the ball at the spot of first touching, or any spot if there is more than one spot of first touching.

 

Penalty:            Ball is awarded to opponent at the spot of first touching, or option of additional first touching.

             

3. It is a foul if the ball is touched by any player of the kicking team and goes out of bounds in an opponent’s goal area.

                                                Penalty:            Ball is awarded to opponent at their 5 yard line.

 

4. It is a foul is the ball is touched by any player of the kicking team and goes out of bounds in his own goal area.

 

Penalty:            Ball is awarded to opponent at their 15 yard line or 2 points scored (safety).

 

5. A loose ball by the offense across the line of scrimmage does not interrupt the continuity of downs.

 

                E.         Scrimmage Kicking Team Restrictions

 

1. If a team lines up in kicking formation, they may attempt a fake scrimmage kick.  

 

2. Scrimmage Kick Personnel

 

1. Four offensive linemen and one personal protector, holder and kicker 
2. Personal protector can leave at snap.

 

3)         Pass eligibility of players in a kicking formation are determined by position and number.  Each player on the end of the line and each player in the backfield is an eligible pass receiver, provided they are also wearing an eligible receiver number, which is 1 through 49 or 80 through 99.  A player wearing an ineligible number and positioned at the end of the line may become eligible by reporting to the referee prior to play, and the referee shall announce such eligibility over the auditorium public address system.

 

4.2       Free Kick

 

                A.        Spot of Free Kick

 

1)         The ball shall be kicked off by a place kick or drop kick from any point between the sidelines on the kicking team’s goal line at the beginning of each half of the game, after a successful field goal, after a successful point after touchdown and after a safety.  All free kicks must occur from the goal line.  Any penalty which otherwise might be enforced on the succeeding play, will be enforced on the first scrimmage play following the free kick. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                B.         Rules of Free Kick

1. The ball, unless touched by a member of the receiving team, must be kicked more than 10 yards towards the opponent’s goal line before it may be legally touched by a member of the kicking team.

 

Penalty:            Kicking Team Touching Violation – Receiving team may take possession of the ball at the spot the ball was first touched by a kicking team player, or option provided.

 

2. If the kicked ball is first possessed in the receiving team’s goal area by a receiving team player that player must attempt to advance the ball.  If that player does not attempt to advance the ball out of the goal area, the ball will be put in play on the receiving team’s 5-yard line.  

 

3. If the kicked ball goes out of the back of the receiving team’s goal area without making contact with the field of play or player, the ball will be put in play on the 25 yard line.

 

4. If the kicked ball goes out of bounds anywhere inside the opposing team’s 25 yard line of play without making contact with the field of play or players, then the ball will be spotted at the 25 yard line.

 

5. If the kicked ball strikes any part of the goal post in flight, the ball is dead and will be spotted at the 25-yard line.

 

6. If the kicked ball is simultaneously recovered by players from each team or simultaneously touched by players from each team before going out of bounds, the ball belongs to the receiving team:

 

1. At the spot of recovery, or

 

2. At the spot of last touching, or 

 

3. At the spot where the ball went out of bounds.

 

7. If the kicked ball strikes any overhanging objects above the field of play (i.e. scoreboard), the ball is dead and will be put in play at the 25-yard line.  If obstruction is hit inside the 25-yard line, the ball is placed at the spot of hit.  If the obstruction is behind the 25-yard line, the ball is placed on the 25-yard line.

 

8. If a kickoff hits in the field of play or players and then:

 

1. Exits the goal area, the ball will be spotted at the 5 yard line;

 

2. Goes out of bounds inside the 5 yard line, the ball will be spotted at the 5 yard line;
3. Goes out of bounds further up field than the 5-yard line, then the ball will be spotted at the point it went out of bounds.

                C.        Offside on Free Kicks – Kicking Team

 

1)         During a free kick, the instant the ball is kicked; no player of the kicking team shall be in advance of the ball, except the kicker and player who may be holding the ball for the free kick..

 

Penalty:                        Offside—Dead ball, 3 yards on the first scrimmage play following the free kick

             

                D.        Offside on Free Kicks – Receiving Team

 

1)         During a free kick after the Referee has given the ready for scrimmage play and until the instant the ball is kicked, all players of the receiving team must be a minimum of 10 yards from the kicking team’s free kick line.

 

                                                Penalty:            Offside – 3 yards at succeeding spot

             

                E.         Blocking By the Receiving Team

 

1)         During a free kick, a player of the receiving team may block an opponent within bounds commencing from the moment the ball is kicked and provided that the contact is made legally above the waist of the opponent and from the front or side.

 

Penalty:            Illegal Block – 9 yards at the spot of foul or option provided

 

                F.         Blocking by the Kicking Team

 

                                1)         Before gaining possession while the ball is loose:

 

a)         A player of the kicking team shall not be permitted to block an opponent until his team is eligible to touch the kicked ball.

 

                                                                Penalty:            Illegal Block – 9 yards at succeeding spot

 

                                2)         After gaining possession:

 

1. By the receiving team, any kicking team member may block opponents in accordance with the rules above the waist.

 

2. By the kicking team, the ball is immediately dead so there would be no continuation of play including blocking.  If the kicking team recovers a fumbled kick return, it may advance the ball and may block opponents in accordance with the rules above the waist.

4.3       Scrimmage Kick

 

1. Definition – A scrimmage kick is a kick by the offense during one of its scrimmage downs or plays from scrimmage. It can be used for a field goal attempt, point after touchdown attempt, or as a means to place an opponent at a disadvantage in field position.  A team may also use a fake scrimmage kick formation.

 

2. A scrimmage kick is made from a scrimmage kick formation which has a kicker positioned behind the center. He may take a direct snap for a drop kick. The kick formation has four linemen. Another offensive player (snap holder) may be positioned behind the center to receive the scrimmage snap and place it for the kicker. No kicking pad or tee is permissible.

 

3. A player who kicks a scrimmage kick or a player who holds for a scrimmage kick cannot be contacted while the kick has a possibility of being successful. A defensive player blocked into the kicker or holder will not be penalized unless, in the opinion of the referee, there is intent to injure. Touching of scrimmage kicks behind the defensive line of scrimmage is not a factor in this determination.

 

4. Defensive scrimmage formation for field goals and point after touchdown attempts consist of four linemen who may not stunt.  The defensive ends must either line up head to head with the ends of the kicking team, or in the gap between the kicking team ends and guards. The two interior defensive players must line up in the gap between the center and the two offensive guards. All four defensive linemen must be in a three or four point stance at the snap.

 

The remaining four defenders may line up anywhere else, as long as they remain behind the defensive line of scrimmage during a kick attempt.  They may leap or otherwise attempt to block a scrimmage kick while behind the defensive line of scrimmage, but at no time may they use a teammate or opponent to enhance their vertical height, and they may return or block for a return on an unsuccessful field goal attempt.

 

Defensive linemen may drop into pass coverage, just as in a regular scrimmage down, after making contact with an offensive lineman.

 

 

5. On fourth down, if the ball is spotted inside the offensive teams 4-yard line, and they

elect to kick, the ball shall be moved to the 4-yard line.  In addition, the ball may be spotted up to three yards outside either hash mark, or any point between the inside and outside hash mark to avoid hitting the ceiling or an object suspended from the ceiling.  If the ball is on the left hash, it may only be moved to the left, and if on the right hash, it may only be moved to the right.  If the ball is between the two inside hash marks it may be moved either direction, at the option of the kicking team. 

 

1. Field Goal Kick

 

When a failed field goal attempt becomes dead in the end zone, the ball belongs to the receiving team, and is placed on the receiving team’s 5-yard line.

 

1. Punting

 

1. No punting is allowed.

 

                                Penalty:            Illegal Kicking – 9 yards from previous spot and loss of down.

 

2. Scrimmage Kick – Blocked

 

1. A blocked kick is a kick from scrimmage in which, after being kicked, the ball is prevented from crossing the defensive line of scrimmage because of contact with an opponent or a player of the kicking team.

 

2. If the kick is blocked without going out of bounds and does not cross the defensive line of scrimmage, it may be recovered legally and advanced by a player of either team.  If a kicking team player recovers and advances the ball, it is considered as any other play from scrimmage.

 

3. If a kick is blocked in the field of play or the goal area and without being touched, the ball goes directly out of bounds in the goal area, a safety shall be scored.  This also applies if immediately prior to the ball going out of bounds in the goal area, a player of the receiving team in the goal area last touches it.

 

                C.         Blocking

 

1. Once a kick has been made, a player on the receiving team may block any player on the kicking team provided that contact is above the waist and from the front or side.

 

2. Once a scrimmage snap has been made on a scrimmage kick play, a player on the kicking team may block any player on the receiving team up to one yard in advance of the defensive line of scrimmage.  After the ball has been kicked, kicking team players may use their hands and arms to ward off blockers of the receiving team.

 

Penalties for 1) and 2):              Illegal Block – 6 yards at succeeding spot, or option provided.

 

                D.        Kicking Play Restrictions

 

                                1)         Reception of Kicks

 

1. A player of the receiving team within the boundary lines attempting to catch a kick, and so located that he could have caught a free kick or a scrimmage kick that is beyond the neutral zone, must be given an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick.  Protection terminates when the kick touches the ground or is touched by any player of the Team B beyond the neutral zone.  If interference with a potential receiver is the result of a player being blocked by an opponent, it is not a foul.  It is an

interference foul if the kicking team contacts the potential
receiver before, or simultaneous to, his first touching the ball.

 

                                                                                Penalty:            Kick Catch Interference – In the field of 

play, the receiving team will put the ball in play 9 yards in advance of the spot of the foul. In the goal area, the receiving team will put the ball in play 9 yards in advance of the 5-yard line (14 yard line)

 

2. If the kicked ball is not touched and a player of the receiving team fakes an attempt to recover the ball, he may be tackled without penalty.  If a player of the kicking team touches the ball, it shall be penalized and the ball shall be awarded to the receiving team in accordance with these rules.

 

3. If the kicked ball is not touched and, in the judgment of the officials, there is no effort by either team to recover the ball, the covering official may declare the ball dead and award possession to the receiving team at the spot of the dead ball.

 

                                2)         Place and Drop Kicked Ball Striking Uprights 

 

1. If the ball after being kicked strikes the opponent’s upright assembly in flight and returns to the field of play, the ball shall be declared dead and awarded to the receiving team at its 5 yard line.

 

2. If the ball strikes the upright assembly after having touched an official, or another player, it shall remain in play.

 

3. If a kicked ball on a field goal or convert attempt strikes an upright in flight and then proceeds through the uprights above the crossbar, it remains alive and scores points in accordance with these rules.

 

 

4.6                    Fair Catch

 

1. Dead Where Caught

 

1. When a Team B player makes a fair catch; the ball becomes dead where caught and belongs to Team B at that spot.

 

2. Rules pertaining to a fair catch apply only when a scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone or during free kicks.

 

3. The purpose of the fair catch provision is to protect the receiver who, by his fair catch signal, agrees he or a teammate will not advance after the catch.

2. No Team B player shall carry a caught or recovered ball more than two steps in any direction after a valid, invalid or illegal fair catch signal by any Team B player.

 

PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Three yards from the succeeding spot.

 

3. Illegal Signals

 

1. During a down in which a kick is made, no player of Team B shall make any illegal fair catch signal during a free kick or beyond the neutral zone during a scrimmage kick. Any signal is illegal after a scrimmage kick is caught beyond the neutral zone, strikes the ground or touches another player beyond the neutral zone. A signal is illegal after a free kick is caught, strikes the ground or touches another player.

 

2. A catch after an illegal signal is not a fair catch, and the ball is dead where caught. If the signal follows a catch, the ball is dead when the signal is first given.

 

3. Illegal signals beyond the neutral zone apply only to Team B.

 

4. An illegal signal beyond the neutral zone is possible only when the ball has crossed the neutral zone.

 

4. Illegal Block or Contact

 

1)         A player of Team B who has made a valid, invalid or illegal signal for a fair catch and does not touch the ball shall not block or foul an opponent during that down.

 

P E N A LT Y—Free kick: Receiving team’s ball 9 yards from the spot of the foul.

Scrimmage kick: 9-yard penalty, post scrimmage kick enforcement or basic spot enforcement.

 

5. No Ta ck l i n g

 

1)         No player of the kicking team shall tackle or block an opponent who has completed a fair catch. Only the player making a fair catch signal has this protection.

 

PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Receiving team’s ball 9 yards from the succeeding spot.

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE

5 

PASSING

 

5.1       Laterals or Backward Pass

 

1. Definition

 

A lateral or backward pass is one thrown, batted, or fumbled by a player parallel to or in the direction of his own end-line.

 

2. Determinants of a Lateral or Backward Pass

 

The point at which the ball is caught, strikes another player, an official, or the ground, or goes out of bounds is the factor, which determined whether it is a lateral or a backward pass, regardless of the direction in which it goes afterwards.

 

3. Pass Striking the Ground

 

A lateral or backward pass striking the ground and is not dead and may be recovered by either team without penalty and can be recovered and advanced.

 

4. Pass Out of Bounds

 

When a lateral or backward pass goes out of bounds in the field of play, the ball shall be put in play by scrimmage snap at the outer hash mark perpendicular from the point where the ball went out of bounds.

 

5.2       Forward Pass

 

1. Definition

 

A forward pass is one thrown by any offensive player from a point behind the defensive line of scrimmage, towards the opponent’s end line, to any eligible receiver or receivers.  The location of the passer’s forward foot determines whether or not the player passing the ball is behind or beyond the defensive line of scrimmage.

 

2. Legal Forward Pass

 

The offense shall make only one forward pass during a scrimmage down, and it must be thrown from behind the defensive line of scrimmage.

 

3. Possession

 

During a forward pass, the ball is considered to be in possession of the offense until the pass is ruled complete or incomplete.

 

4. Eligibility of the Passer
   1. The offensive player who throws a forward pass is called the passer

 

2. The passer does not need to be the first player to receive the ball (scrimmage snap) from the center.

 

5. Eligibility of Receivers

 

1)         Any offensive player who is identified by number as an eligible receiver and who, at the scrimmage snap, is occupying an end position either at the end of the line of scrimmage or is in the backfield at least one yard back from the offensive line of scrimmage is considered an eligible receiver.

 

1. Eligible offensive players who can receive forward passes shall be identified by the following numbers: 00-49 and 80-99.  Ineligible offensive players shall be identified by the numbers 50-79.

 

2. Any defensive player, whether or not the forward pass is legally thrown.

 

2. In a kicking formation, a player with an ineligible number may become eligible if he lines up as an offensive end, and reports to the referee, who shall announce over the auditorium public address system that the player is eligible for that down.

 

3. If a forward pass is touched by, or touches a defensive player, all players of both teams become eligible receivers.

 

4. No ineligible offensive player may be downfield on pass play where the pass crosses the line of scrimmage more than 3 yards (expanded neutral zone).

 

                                                Penalty                         3 yards from previous spot

 

6. Exceptions to Player Eligibility Numbering

 

1)         An offensive player wearing an eligible receiver number may, upon notification to the Referee, enter the game at an ineligible receiver position under the following circumstances:

 

1. On a fourth down play, or

 

2. On a point after touchdown attempt, or

 

3. On a kicking formation on the understanding that he is not eligible as a pass receiver.

 

2)         An offensive player wearing an ineligible receiver number may be declared eligible as a receiver provided that he:

1. Reports to the Referee immediately prior to each play in which he is to be declared eligible, and

 

2. Occupies an eligible receiver position on the offensive line of scrimmage, and 

 

3. Is positioned within 3 yards of the position occupied by the offensive guard at the scrimmage snap.

 

7. Illegal Touching

 

No ineligible player shall deliberately touch or catch a legal forward pass until it has touched an opponent.

 

Penalty:            Illegal touching – 3 yards from previous spot, loss of down

             

8. Complete Forward Pass

 

A pass is completed under the following conditions:

 

1. When caught by an eligible receiver, or by two or more such receivers simultaneously.

 

2. When caught by a defensive player or, simultaneously, by defensive players or when such a pass is touched by, or touches a defensive player and then is caught by another player.

 

3. When caught simultaneously by players of both teams who maintain possession until the play is dead.  The ball shall be awarded to the offense.

 

4. If an eligible receiver of either team catches a pass while off the ground and in bounds but is carried or pushed by the opponent in a manner which causes him to land out of bounds in possession of the ball.  The pass shall be ruled complete at the furthest point of advance.

 

5. If an eligible receiver of either team catches a pass near the sideline and touches the ground in bounds, the team of the player receiving the ball shall retain possession even if the receiver’s next step takes him out of bounds.

 

1. Incomplete Forward Pass

 

A forward pass shall be declared incomplete and the ball will next be put in play at the point of last scrimmage snap, with downs continuing:

 

1. When the ball strikes the ground or any overhead obstruction, flag, etc.

 

2. When the ball goes out of bounds, even if touched by a player in the field of play.
3. When the passer has commenced his forward passing motion with the ball moving forward and as a result of contact with an opponent, the ball leaves the passer’s hand and strikes the ground.

 

4. When the ball first contacts a sidewall or end wall before being caught, or when the ball contacts a sidewall or end wall prior to being caught a player.  No pass completion can occur on a ricochet off a side wall or end wall.

 

10. Intentional Grounding

 

If an offensive passer deliberately, in the official’s opinion, throws the ball out of bounds or to an area in which there is not an eligible receiver for the purpose of avoiding loss of yardage, his team shall be penalized.

 

Penalty:            Intentional Grounding – loss of down at spot of foul (point at which pass was thrown).  If pass is thrown from the goal area, a safety shall be awarded to the defense subject to the options provided.

 

It is not intentional grounding if the quarterback is outside the alley and throws the ball toward the line of scrimmage, provided the ball first touches the ground or goes out of bounds beyond the line of scrimmage.

 

11. Pass Interference

 

1)         Offensive pass interference is when contact by an offensive team player interferes with a defensive team player after the scrimmage snap.  Offensive team players contacting defensive team players within 1 yard of the defensive line of scrimmage shall not be deemed as offensive pass interference.

 

1. Any offensive player may interfere with an opponent anywhere within bounds after the pass has been completed.

 

2. Prior to the pass being completed or declared incomplete, an offensive player may interfere with an opponent anywhere within bounds provided that the pass is thrown to a receiver behind the offensive line of scrimmage.

 

                                                                Penalty:            Offensive Pass Interference – 9 yards 

 

2)         Defensive pass interference is contact by a defensive player on an eligible offensive player after the ball has crossed the scrimmage zone.  Such interference must be ruled as intent by a defensive player to impede an eligible offensive player or prevent an eligible offensive player from receiving a catchable forward pass.

 

1. A defensive player may interfere with an offensive team player in an area 3 yards in depth beyond the defensive line of scrimmage.

 

2. Prior to a pass being thrown beyond the defensive line of scrimmage, a defensive player occupying a position beyond the line may use his hands or arms to ward off an opponent who threatens his defensive position as a potential blocker.

 

3. When a pass crosses the defensive line of scrimmage, a defensive player shall not interfere with an eligible offensive player who is not threatening his defensive position.

 

4. A defensive player shall not interfere illegally with an eligible offensive player’s attempt to catch the ball.

 

Penalty:            Defensive Pass Interference – Spot foul, Automatic first down, and the ball is awarded to the offense at the spot of the foul. If the infraction occurs in the defensive goal area, the ball will be placed on the opponent’s 2 yard line, if the previous spot was on or inside the 2 yard line, it will be 1^st down halfway between the previous spot and the goal line.

 

3. A defensive player may not “chuck” or hold an eligible receiver who is more than 3 yards beyond the defensive line of scrimmage and is not a potential blocker. The fact that the ball is not thrown in that direction has no bearing on this violation.

 

Penalty: Defensive Holding – 6 yards and automatic first down

 

4. A defensive player shall not interfere with an eligible offensive player on a point after touchdown attempt.

 

Penalty:            Defensive Pass Interference – If point after touchdown attempt was good, the penalty will be administered on the first scrimmage play following the kickoff– 9 yards.  If point after touchdown attempt was no good, the offense will repeat the point after touchdown attempt at the defensive team’s 1 yard line.

             

5. When a pass has been intercepted by the defense, any defensive player may interfere with an opponent anywhere within bounds provided that contact is made legally only above the waist of the opponent and from the front or side.

 

6. Pass interference shall not be penalized if, in the judgement of the official:

 

1. During the pass, offensive and defensive players make contact in a simultaneous attempt to catch or bat the ball, or

 

2. During the pass, the ball has previously been touched by an

eligible player, or 

 

3. The pass is clearly uncatchable.

 

12. Interception in the Goal Area

 

1. An intercepted ball, which is down in the defensive team goal’s area, is dead without a score.

 

2. An intercepted ball that is fumbled in the defensive goal area may be legally recovered by the offense for a touchdown.

 

3. Any rough play fouls (personal fouls) by the offensive team in the field of play or in the defensive goal area after the defense intercepts a pass in its own goal area where the ball is ruled dead, the foul is administered from the defensive team’s 5 yard line.

 

                                                Penalty:            Personal Foul – 9 yards from the 5 yard line

 

4. A pass intercepted by a defensive player in the field of play while moving towards his goal area and his momentum carried him into his own goal area and thereafter the ball becomes dead is ruled a touchback.  The defensive team will retain possession of the ball and put it in play – 1^st down 10 yards to go- by a scrimmage snap at its 5 yard line.

 

5.3       Hand-Off

 

1. Definition—A hand off is made on a scrimmage play when the ball is handed by one offensive team player to another behind the offensive line of scrimmage.  There is no restriction on the number of hand-offs that can be made on any one scrimmage play.

 

2. Ineligible to Receive Hand-Off

 

The player receiving a hand-off must not be an ineligible offensive receiver or occupying the position of an ineligible offensive receiver (center or guard) at the instant he receives the ball.

 

                                                Penalty:            Illegal Procedure – 3 yards at the previous spot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE

6

FOULS AND PENALTIES

 

6.1        Illegal Tactics

 

1. Holding

 

Holding is using the hands and/or arms to grasp, encircle, or hinder an opponent, except the ball carrier.  Holding hands or interlocking arms during any play is prohibited.

 

                                Penalty:            Holding – 6 yards

 

2. Clipping

 

Clipping is blocking an opponent, except the ball carrier, from the rear in such a manner that the player contacts across the back of the legs.  The application of a penalty is determined by the initial contact, which must be observed by the official, and shall not be called, if, in the official’s judgement:

 

1. The block occurs in the area between the offensive guards, within 2 yards of either side of the scrimmage zone and is executed by an offensive player who, at the scrimmage snap, was positioned within this area, or

 

2. The initial contact is made on the side of the opponent, or 

 

3. The opponent could see the blocker approaching and deliberately turned his body in order to be contact from behind.

 

                                                        Penalty:      Clipping, 9 yards

 

3. Block in the Back

 

A block in the back is blocking an opponent, except the ball carrier, from the rear in such a manner that the player contacts the opponent’s back, above the waist.  The application of a penalty is determined by the initial contact, which must be observed by the official, and shall not be called, if, in the official’s judgment:

 

1. The block occurs in the area between the offensive guards, within 2 yards of either side of the scrimmage zone and is executed by an offensive player who, at the scrimmage snap, was positioned within this area, or

 

2. The initial contact is made on the side of the opponent, or 

 

3. The opponent could see the blocker approaching and deliberately turned his body in order to be contact from behind.

 

                                                Penalty:            Block in the Back,  6 yards

 

4. Crack Back Blocking

 

An offensive player is not permitted to move laterally toward the ball and contact an opponent unless the block is in front and above the waist.

 

                                                Penalty:            Illegal Block – 9 yards

 

5. Chop Blocking

 

Chop Blocking is contacting an opponent below the waist: at the time another player is already engaging that opponent above the waist.

 

                                                Penalty:            Illegal Block – 9 yards

 

6. Cut Blocking

 

                                                a)         Cut Blocking is contacting an opponent at or below the waist 

 

The only time cut blocking is legal is by the running back who is protecting the passer who is still in the alley. He may cut block the attacking linebacker who has legally established himself as the only player who is allowed to blitz by raising his hand prior to the snap and starting his blitz five or more yards from the ball at the snap.

 

No cut blocking (blocking below the waist) is allowed once the quarterback leaves the alley.

 

                                                Penalty:            Illegal Block – 9 yards

 

7. Contacting the Kicker

 

1)         It is illegal to touch the kicker when he is in the act of kicking from scrimmage, EXCEPT:

 

1. If prior to kicking the ball, the kicker has recovered a loose ball on the ground or made a motion to pass or run with the ball.  The kicker shall not be entitled to protection in these instances.

 

2. An opponent who blocks or touches the ball shall not be penalized for contacting the kicker.

 

3. An opponent shall not be penalized when a blocker of the kicking team causes the opponent to contact the kicker. If, in the Referee’s opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kick makes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the kicker or the play, and the kicker is only dislodged, it shall be penalized as running into the kicker. 

 

Penalty:            Personal Foul – Roughing the Kicker or Holder – 9 yards and first automatic down.

 

                                                                Penalty:            Running into the kicker—3 yards

 

2)         The act of kicking begins when the kicker’s kicking foot leaves the ground and terminates when his foot returns to the ground after kicking, or attempting to kick the ball.

 

8. Pyramiding

 

It is illegal for a player to use the body of another player in any manner to elevate himself in an attempt to block a field goal or convert.

 

                                                Penalty:            Pyramiding – 9 yards

 

1. Tripping

 

A player shall not use his leg below the knee to hinder the progress of an opponent, except the runner.

 

                                                Penalty:            Tripping – 6 yards

 

10. Aiding the Runner

 

It is illegal to assist the forward progress of a ball carrier by providing impetus from behind.

 

                                                Penalty:            Aiding the Runner– 6 yards

 

11. Personal Fouls or Unnecessary Roughness

 

A player shall be penalized for any personal foul or act of unnecessary roughness against an opponent except if that contact, in the opinion of the officials, is caused by the movement of the opponent.  Personal fouls/acts of unnecessary roughness are live ball fouls and include, but are not limited to:

 

1. Piling on by a player who falls or jumps on the ball carrier after the play has terminated.

 

2. Contacting an opponent out of bounds in any manner

 

3. Contacting the passer unnecessarily

 

4. Contacting the kicker, kicker’s holder, or snapper for one second after he has snapped the ball, during a scrimmage kick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Grasping and twisting, turning or pulling an opponents face mask or helmet opening

 

Penalty: Personal foul – 9 yards if by the offense, and 9 yards and automatic first down if by the defense

 

Penalty: Incidental grasping – 3 yards

 

6. Using the helmet to butt, ram, spear an opponent.  This includes, but is not limited to, action on a passer, a receiver in the act of catching a pass, a ball carrier already down on the playing surface not attempting to advance.

 

7. Contacting an opponent above the shoulders

 

8. Any other act of roughness or unfair play provided it is not excessive to warrant disqualification.

 

Penalty:            Personal Foul or Unnecessary Roughness – 9 yards if by the offense, and 9 yards and automatic 1^st down for the offense if by the defense.  If the infraction is flagrant in the judgment of the official, the player shall be ejected from the contest. 

 

12. Coaches on the Field

 

1. During a time out, ONLY ONE coach is allowed on the field in the team huddle.  If the team comes to the sideline in front of the team box, there is no limit to the number of coaches who may confer with the team

 

2. During live play, one coach from each team is allowed on the field, however, he must be behind the offensive team after the ready for play has sounded until the down ends.  During the down he must be against the sidewall.

 

3. Coaches shall remain on their own team’s sideline if teams are on different sides

 

4. If both team boxes are on the same sideline, the home team shall determine the side of the field the home team coach shall use

 

5. Coaches are allowed on the field for the purpose of coaching, not complaining to officials.  If coaches address officials in a professional manner, officials may respond to questions and offer explanations.  

 

6. Coaches MUST stay outside the numbers, (similar to a coaching box).  A coach who comes inside the numbers may require a warning if it is inadvertent, but in no circumstances may he cross the numbers to consult with players or protest an official’s call.  The penalty will be called when he violates the rule. (Sideline violation—3 yards)

 

 

 

7. A penalty on the coach for a violation of the sideline privilege forfeits that privilege for his team (both offense and defense) for the remainder of the game

 

                                        Penalty                               Sideline violation—3 yards

 

If a coach interferes or causes interference with the game, the ball or a player as a result of being on the field, he SHALL be penalized for interference.  The game officials shall determine the penalty, which shall be at a minimum 3 yards, or placement of the ball or forward progress where in the judgment of the officials the player would have advanced, or the officials may award a score, if appropriate.

 

13. Fan Interference

 

If the game officials rule fan interference because a fan is on the field or because a fan catches, tips or bats a ball which is still in the field of play or a player has a reasonable chance to catch the ball and remain in bounds, or if a fan throws an object or product at the player which interferes with the play, it shall be handled as follows:

 

1. If the interference occurs against the home team no violation occurs and the ball is dead and there is no replay;

 

2. If the interference occurs against the visiting team, for the first violation, a fan interference warning is issued and the down is replayed; for the second violation, there is a three yard penalty and the down is replayed; and for all subsequent violations, there is a six yard penalty and the down is replayed.

 

6.2       Unsportsmanlike Fouls

 

A.         The Rules Committee has declared its total abhorrence of rough play and   unnecessary roughness.  Officials are instructed that no tolerance is to be given to this type of play. Unsportsmanlike fouls are enforced as dead ball fouls.

 

                I.           General Application

 

1. The penalty for an unsportsmanlike foul is always applied at the spot where the ball would next be put on play:

 

2. If the foul occurs during a scoring play, the score shall count and the penalty shall be applied at the spot where the ball would next be put on play. The non-offending team can choose the following spots:

 

1. After a touchdown,  it may be penalized on the point after touchdown or on the first scrimmage play after the subsequent kickoff and 

 

2. After a successful point after touchdown, penalize on the first scrimmage play after the subsequent kickoff.

 

3. All kickoffs shall be from the goal line, and any penalty which would move the kickoff to another yard line shall be enforced on the first scrimmage play after the kickoff.

 

10. Rough Play

 

1. A player shall be penalized and disqualified from any further game participation for any act of rough play against an opponent.  Fouls for rough play, whether during a live ball or during a dead ball are enforced as dead ball fouls. These include, but are not limited to:

 

1. Striking or swinging at an opponent with a fist, hand, knee, or elbow in any manner whether physical contact is made, or 

 

2. Kicking or kicking at an opponent whether or not physical contact is made, or

 

3. Any act or action considered by the Referee to warrant disqualification.

 

11. Objectionable/ Unsportsmanlike Conduct

 

1. Any player or coach may be penalized for any act which, in the opinion of the officials, is objectionable conduct. 

Objectionable/Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls are enforced as dead ball fouls. This includes, but is not limited to:

 

1. Verbal abuse or objectionable gestures directed at opponents, officials, or spectators.

 

2. Throwing the ball at an opponent, official, or an occupant in the opponent’s bench area.

 

3. Interfering with the placement of the official’s flag marking the spot of a foul.

 

4. Continued objectionable conduct after a penalty has been applied

 

                                                                Penalty:            Unsportsmanlike Foul – 9 yards

 

12. Disqualifications

 

1. Any player may be disqualified, and substitution permitted, for any act of rough play, or excessive objectionable or unsportsmanlike conduct. 

 

2. A player shall be disqualified for a second foul in the same game for rough play or excessive objectionable or unsportsmanlike conduct.

 

3. Any player who is ejected the first time during the season for fighting will be fined a game fee. If he is ejected for fighting during the remainder of the season he will be fined a game fee and suspended for the next game. Substitution will be permitted in both cases.

 

Note: The definition of fighting is the swinging at and hitting or the swinging at and missing of an opponent.

 

Penalty:            Excessive Misconduct or Unsportsmanlike Infraction –  9 yards plus disqualification.

 

Any player or coach disqualified from the game must leave the bench area and shall not return.  Failure to do so will result in forfeit of the game for the offending team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 

7

APPLICATION OF PENALTIES

(TIFL follows NCAA penalty enforcement fundamentals)

 

7.1       Definition

 

1. Loss of Down

 

1)         In any penalty “loss of a down” means that the down upon which the foul occurred is not repeated.

 

2. Spots

 

1)         The enforcement spots are: the previous spot, the spot of the foul, the succeeding spot and the spot where the run or scrimmage kick ends.

 

3. Enforcement Spots

 

1. Dead ball—The enforcement spot for a foul committed when the ball is dead is the succeeding spot

 

2. Snap—The enforcement spot for fouls occurring simultaneously with a snap is the previous spot

 

3. Free kick—The enforcement spot for fouls occurring simultaneously with the free kick, or penalties carried over from a touchdown or point after attempt is the spot where the ball will next be put in play following the kick-off.

 

4. Running plays—The basic enforcement spots for fouls that occur during a running play in the field of play or end zone are as follows:

 

1. When the run ends beyond the neutral zone, the basic enforcement spot is the end of the related run (Exceptions:  Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding and illegal blocks and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous spot.  Safety if the foul occurs behind the offensive team’s goal line.)

 

2. When the run ends behind the neutral zone before a change of team possession, the basic enforcement spot is the previous spot (Exceptions:  Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding and illegal blocks and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous spot.  Safety if the foul occurs behind the offensive team’s goal line.)

 

3. When there is no neutral zone, the basic enforcement spot is the end of the related run.

 

 

5)         Pass play—The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward pass play is the previous spot. Exceptions:

 

1. Roughing the passer enforcement on a completed forward pass from the end of the last run when that run ends beyond the neutral zone, and there is no change of team possession during the down.)

 

2. Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding and illegal blocks and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous spot.  Safety if the foul occurs behind the offensive team’s goal line.

 

6)         Kick plays—The basic enforcement spot for fouls that occur during a legal free kick or scrimmage kick play before possession is gained or regained or the ball is declared dead by rule is the previous spot. Exceptions:

 

1. Interference with the opportunity to make a catch—spot foul

 

2. A block or foul after a valid, invalid or illegal fair catch signal by a Team B player who signaled for a fair catch during a free kick and had not touched the ball—spot foul

 

3. Post scrimmage kick enforcement:  The enforcement spot is the spot where the kick ends when Team B fouls occur

 

1. During a scrimmage kick play in which the ball crosses the neutral zone;

 

2. Three or more yards beyond the neutral zone;

 

3. Before the end of the kick;

 

4. When team A does not have possession of the ball when the down ends.

 

Team B fouls behind the post scrimmage kick spot are spot fouls. Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding and illegal blocks and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous spot.  Safety if the foul occurs behind the offensive team’s goal line.

 

                                7)         Behind the goal line

 

1. The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls by the opponents of the team in possession after a change of team possession (not on a try) in the field of play when the run ends behind the goal line.

 

2. The basic enforcement spot is the 5 yard line for fouls that occur after a change of team possession (not on a try) in the end zone and the ball remains in the end zone where it is declared dead.

 

3. The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls by the opponents of the team in possession after a change of team possession in the end zone (not on a try) when the run ends behind the goal line and any subsequent loose ball is recovered in the field of play.

 

                                8)         Fouls during or after a touchdown, field goal or try

 

1. Dead ball or unsportsmanlike fouls on a successful touchdown or after the touchdown and before the ball is ready for play on the try may either be enforced on the succeeding try or the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kick-off;

 

2. Defensive pass interference fouls on the try are penalized half the distance to the goal line, or if the try is successful the penalty is declined;

 

3. Live ball fouls on scoring plays (touchdowns and field goals) will be penalized by rule.  To accept a score, the penalty must be declined.  A successful field goal may be cancelled and the penalty enforced by rule.

 

4. Fouls during and after a try are penalized on the first scrimmage play following the subsequent kick-off;

 

                                9)         Half the Distance Enforcement Procedures

 

a) No distance penalty, including tries, shall exceed half the distance from the enforcement spot to the offending team’s goal line.  

 

7.2       Penalty Enforcement Fundamentals

 

1. Any penalty may be declined, but a disqualified player must be removed.

 

2. When a foul is committed, the penalty shall be completed before the ball is declared ready for play for the next down.

 

3. A foul that occurs simultaneously with the snap or free kick is considered as having occurred during that down.

 

4. When two or more live-ball fouls are committed by the same team, they are called multiple fouls, and the referee shall explain the alternative penalties to the field captain of the offended team, who may then elect to accept only one of the penalties.

 

5. If live ball fouls are committed by both teams, they are called double fouls, and each such foul is an off setting foul, the penalties cancel each other and the down is replayed.  (Exception:  When there is a change of possession during the down

or at the end of the down by rule, the team last gaining possession may decline offsetting fouls and thereby retain possession after completion of the penalty for its infraction if it had not fouled before its last gaining possession.

 

6. When Team B’s foul calls for post scrimmage kick enforcement, Team B may decline offsetting fouls and accept post scrimmage kick enforcement.

 

7. Any dead ball fouls, or a live ball foul which is administered as a dead-ball foul, do not offset and all such dead ball or live ball fouls are administered enforced separately and in their order of occurrence.

 

8. When a live ball is committed by one team and one or more dead ball fouls are committed by either team, both the live ball and dead ball fouls are enforced, in the order of their occurrence, provided that the live ball is enforced first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIFL Summary of Penalties:

 

LOSS OF DOWN

Illegal forward pass or handing

Intentionally grounding

Illegal kicking, touching & Illegal batting

Special enforcement on kick formation violation (see below)

 

AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN

Defensive pass interference or illegal contact with an eligible receiver Unnecessary roughness/personal foul on defense, including:

                Striking, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, etc

                Piling on, late hit

                Facemask 

                Helmet contact (spearing, butt blocking, face tackling)

                Illegal contact to the head/helmet

                Roughing the passer/kicker/holder 

Illegal batting

 

THREE (3) YARD PENALTIES

Delay of Game                                      

Coach interference /Coach field violation

Illegal Substitution                                               Illegal motion                                                       Offensive motion man in the box at the snap  Defensive man in box at the snap   

Blitzing infraction                                                Illegal defense                                                      

Illegal formation                    Illegal numbering                              Illegal procedure                                 Snap infraction                      

False start                                                               Offsides                                                 

Encroachment                                                        

Illegal forward pass/handing

Ineligible receiver downfield                              

Illegal touching                                     

Kick catch interference (halo)            Any equipment violations

Minor facemask violation

Running into the kicker/holder