NFL FLAG OFFICIAL PLAYBOOK

NFL FLAG OFFICIAL PRACTICE DRILLS IDEALS

NFL FLAG CONDITIONING EXERCISES

NFL COACHING TIPS

HAMILTON’S FLAG 5 on 5 FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES

The goal of our Hamilton’s Flag 5 on 5 Football League is to provide a FUN, recreational football experience in which EVERY PLAYER LEARNS FUNDAMENTALS, TEAMWORK and SPORTSMANSHIP

PLAYER ATTIRE
 Players are designated as home or away based on the schedule. Bills vs Jets Bills is the away team Jets will be the home team

 The away team will wear the white side of the jersey and the home team will wear the colored side.
 Jerseys must be tucked in at all times. If a· jersey is hanging out, flag guarding may be called.
  

THE ROSTER
 The game is played with five (5) players. However, a· minimum of four (4) players must be on the field at all times. A and B Divisions will play with 6 players however a minimum of five (5) players must be on the field at all times.

THE POSSESSIONS
 A coin toss or rock paper scissors determines which team takes the first possession of the ball. The winner of the toss has the option to begin on offense or defense. The team that begins on offense in the first half will begin on defense in the second half.
 The team that starts on defense is allowed to choose which goal to defend

 Teams switch directions at the beginning of the second half

The offence will start on their 5 yard and will be given 3 chances to cross mid field to get a new series of downs. If they don’t cross mid field then the other teams’ offence will get the ball on their 5 yard line. Once the offence crosses mid field and doesn’t score, they will receive another series of downs to score. If the offensive team doesn’t score then the other teams’ offensive team will take over on their 5 yard line.

THE PASSING GAME
 only one forward pass per down. All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.
 QB has seven (7) second to throw the football.” If the pass is not thrown within seven seconds, the play is ruled dead, with a loss of down.
 When the ball is handed off or lateral, the seven-second pass rule is no longer in effect.

 Forward hand offs are legal
 Shovel passes are legal, but must go beyond the line of scrimmage.
 Interceptions can be returned.

THE RECEIVING GAME
 All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB, if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
 Once the receiver has possession of the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, his/her teammates must stop running. Any offensive player who continues running AND impedes the progress of a defensive player who is attempting to pull the ball carriers flag will be called for illegal blocking.

 A receiver must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.
 A receiver is down where his or her flags are pulled. In order to achieve a first down, or a touchdown, the ball carrier’s flag (hips), must cross the plane of the first down line and/or goal line.
 If a receiver’s flag inadvertently falls off without contact from another player, that player is ruled down at that point.  If a flag is pulled before the receiver catches the ball, 10 yards will be added from the spot of the catch with an automatic 1^st down. If there is less than 10 yards to go to the goal line the ball will be placed on the 1 yard line

THE RUNNING GAME
 once the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, his/her teammates must stop running. Any offensive player who continues running AND impedes the progress of a defensive player who is attempting to pull the ball carrier’s flag will be called for illegal blocking.

 The QB cannot run the ball. The only way a QB can only run with the ball is if he or she has taken a direct hand-off.
 Only direct hand-offs behind the line of scrimmage are legal. Anyone behind the line of scrimmage can receive a hand-off.
 No laterals or pitches of any kind, anywhere on the field beyond the line of scrimmage,

Laterals or pitches behind the line of scrimmage are allowed.
 The player who takes the hand-off can throw the ball, as long as he or she does not pass the line of scrimmage first.
 Defensive players cannot pass the line of scrimmage, unless the ball is handed off or there is any type of play action. Only the rusher (defensive player) who is 7 yards back can cross the line of scrimmage when there is no play action, no handoffs or no laterals.
 Spinning is allowed but the offensive player spinning must avoid any contact with the defensive player. If contact is made roughing penalty will be called against the offense.  
 It is the responsibility of the ball carrier to avoid colliding with defenders that lie in his/her path. Failure to attempt to avoid contact with a defender (charging) will be penalized. Intentional contact will not be tolerated, and may also result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and/or player ejection.

THE “NO RUN ZONES”
 
 “No Run Zones” come into effect only when offensive team is approaching a first down or the end zone. Exception: If the offensive team has already achieved a first down, but has been pushed back into a “No Run Zone”, then the “No Run Zone” is no longer in effect.

THE RUSHING OF THE QUARTERBACK
 The rush marker will be designated by the referee seven yards from the line of scrimmage.
 Any number of players may rush the quarterback as long as they are beyond the rush marker at the time the ball is snapped.
 If the offense draws any rusher to commit or jump that seven-yard marker, that rusher CANNOT rush during that play unless the ball is handed off or any play action occurs or the rusher resets.. However, any other defender that is seven yards back may rush instead.
 The rusher may declare their rush angle or path to the QB. If this path is crossed AND contact is made involving the rusher then an offensive penalty will be assessed. This rule only applies to rushers who are within 2 yards of bean bag.

*** Younger division ( A and B Division ) there will be no rushers even with play action and (C Division) maximum 2 rushers and must be with the 2 yards of bean bags*** Also with A and B division the defense must wait till the running back crosses the line of scrimmage before the flag is pulled

Also for A and B Division  if a handoff or lateral takes place there will be additional 3 seconds added to the 7 seconds for a total of 10 seconds to throw the ball or cross the line of scrimmage. The play will be blown dead and loss of down.***
 The rusher CANNOT run straight into the center. The center has the right away if the rusher does not take an angle to the QB. If contact is made with the center by the rusher who is has not taken an angle to the quarterback a defensive obstruction penalty will be called.
 Players not rushing the quarterback may defend the line of scrimmage, as long as he or she is at least one yard from the line of scrimmage.
 A rusher must go for the quarterback’s flags. The rusher cannot attempt to block the pass once he (RUSHER) crosses line of scrimmage. Offense has a choice to replay the down with a 10 yard penalty or decline the penalty.

THE DEAD BALLS
 The ball must be snapped between the center's legs to· start a play.

If the ball hits the ground during the snap, the play is dead at that point with loss of down.

***  A and B DIVISION - The ball can hit the ground during snap exchange but not during handoff A and B  DIVISION ONLY****
 A play is ruled dead when: the ball carrier’s flag is pulled;· the ball carrier’s flag inadvertently falls off, the ball carrier steps out of bounds; any part of the ball carrier’s body other than hands touch the ground; the ball carrier lets the ball hit the ground; or after a touchdown or extra point is scored.
 There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the player loses control of the ball.
 If there is an inadvertent whistle during a play, the offense has the choice of either the result of the play at the point the whistle was blown, or replaying the down.
 If there is an inadvertent whistle during a passing play and the ball is in flight, the down is replayed.

THE SCORING AND TIME SITUATIONS
 Scoring: Touchdown = 6 points, Extra· point (5 yards) = 1 point, Extra point (12 yards) = 2 points, Safety = 2 points.

 If there is an interception on an extra point or 2 point conversion and returned to the other end zone points will be awarded for those points. And will be award the ball on their 5 yard line for the next series of downs. 
 There is a 25-second huddle clock, which starts once the line of scrimmage is marked.

Once the referee blows the whistle the 25 second clock starts. The offense can snap the ball once the clock starts.
 Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout per half. Timeouts do NOT carry over into the next half.
 Referee may stop the clock at own discretion.
 Games are played with two 20-minute halves and a two-minute half-time.
 There is NO OVERTIME in league play.· ·
 A Mercy is declared· once a 35-point differential has been obtained. The game is officially declared over. However, if there is time remaining, and BOTH coaches agree play can continue.

 A player can score only 3 touchdowns per game any combination offensive or defensive, maximum two touchdowns in a half.  

PLAYING TIME
 All players should receive equal playing time for both offense and defense in each game they participate in.
 Coaches are asked to monitor each other and report any infractions that they see.
· If a coach is caught not evenly rotating his/her players, disciplinary action will be taken.

 PENALTIES
 All players must start with their flags and belts on. If a player starts without their flags and touches the ball, that play will be ruled dead at that point.

 Defensive penalties are 5 yards and an automatic first down.·
· Offensive penalties are 5 yards and loss of down from the line of scrimmage. Exception: Flag-guarding is a 5 yard penalty from the spot of infraction.
 If the game referee judges that a player intentionally or flagrantly commits a penalty then the penalty is at the point of the foul,

If there are 2 roughing penalties committed by the same team in one game, that player involved in the second penalty will be ejected. This means personal fouls, unsportsmanlike; cheap shots etc… If a player has 2 roughing or unsportsmanlike penalties their season is over.  
 All personal fouls and unsportsmanlike· conduct will result in a 15 yard penalty and loss of down or automatic first down.
 Any type of blocking will result in a penalty.

 Only head coaches may approach the referee. Judgment calls cannot be argued.
 A game or half will not end on any accepted live ball defensive penalty.
 Any offensive penalty in your own end zone results in a safety (2 points).
 A second defensive penalty on an· extra point, will equate to the number of points the offensive team was attempting and be awarded.

Any offensive penalty on an extra point attempt will result in loss of down meaning no points
SPORTSMANSHIP AND EJECTIONS
 Trash talking is not allowed. Trash talking is offensive language used against opposing coaches, players, officials, league personnel or fans. Officials will give one and only one warning. If this trash talking continues, the offender may be ejected from the game.
 If any league personnel or official witnesses any act of rough play, tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, or any other unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and that player may be ejected. Further disciplinary action may follow including league expulsion.
· After the game, teams are expected to form a line at midfield and congratulate the opposing team regardless the outcome of the game.
 At the official’s discretion, a player, parent (fan) or a coach may be ejected from the field for unsportsmanlike conduct or any flagrant violation of the rules. To eject a player, fan or a coach, the referee will call an official’s time out and get the league director PRIOR to making this call. We ask that parents (fans) not interfere with progress of the games. Our refs are volunteers and are doing their best.

 Any players or coaches ejected may be put on probation with possible suspension, depending upon the severity of incident.

There is no SMOKING at Dofasco or city parks. Also no pets are allowed on Dofasco property.

Since parking is limited beside our playing fields, you can use the main parking lot. It’s only a 2 minute walk.

HAMILTON'S FLAG 5 on 5 FOOTBALL LEAGUE has and always will provide an atmosphere where players, friends and families can feel comfortable enjoying a day of football. Any players, teams, or family members that jeopardize that environment will be asked to leave. HAMILTON'S FLAG 5 on 5 FOOTBALL LEAGUE operates under a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

Coaches Code of Conduct

We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A football game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct:

§  Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.

§  Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.

§  During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.

§  During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.

§  Explain to the parents that they are to respect the decisions of the referees and the play of both teams in a sportsmanlike manner.

§  Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team.

§  Discourage them from yelling at players and the referee.

§  Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.

§  During the game, only address the referee in a calm and respectful manner.

§  If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to the League. Your concerns will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.

§  After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

§  There shall be no use of foul and abusive language.

§  Be familiar with all rules of the contest.

§  Win with character, lose with dignity.
We stress two points:

1. Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments to league officials. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.
2. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.