· A coin-toss will determine first possession

· The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has 4 plays to make it down the field (no downs are required)

· Games consist of two 20-minute halves of straight time with a 5 minute break in between. The clock will not stop unless a timeout has been called or the officials feel it is necessary (such as in the case of an injury)

· Teams can play with a maximum of 7 persons and a minimum of 5 persons on the field.

· The officials will let teams know when there is 2 minutes left in the half.

· Each team has one 60-second timeout per half

· Teams must begin the next play within 30 seconds of the last play finishing; if not, they lose 10 steps and one of their 4 total plays

· One defender will count 5 steamboats LOUDLY after which he can rush the QB; the rusher may not hit the QB's arm or knock the ball from the QB's hand – the rusher must play the flags.

· Play is over if a defender removes 1 flag from the flag-belt of the ball carrier; the ball is spotted where the carrier's feet were when the flag was pulled, not where the ball is. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving). Also, there are no fumbles – the ball is 'dead' where it hits the ground.

· An offensive penalty will result in the loss of a play

· A defensive penalty will result in the offense being granted a full 4 more plays from where the last play began.

· A touchdown counts as full 7 points; a safety is worth 2 points

· Overtime, if needed, will be played with equal possessions until one team scores and defends successfully (to a max of two possessions). If no break in scoring occurs by the time each team has had two possessions, the game will be declared a tie.

· A win is worth 2 points in the overall standings, a tie is worth 1 point, and a loss is worth 0 points

· Flags must be worn on each side of the player's hips and be fully visible and accessible (shirts must be tucked in or belts must be worn on the hips on the outside of jackets); there will be a complete change of possession penalty for anyone deliberately altering their flags to prevent removal

· No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc), ball caps or glasses (except prescription); mouth guards are recommended for safety in case of accidental collisions or falls.

· Teams are responsible for providing the game ball (leather, official size; no Nerf)

GENERAL CONDUCT:

· Absolutely no fighting, no exceptions – fights will result in the entire team being ejected from the league with a complete loss of their bond fee.

· Any discrepancies must be directed to the officials in a respectful way – the officials' decision is final

· Absolutely no alcohol allowed on or near the playing field; failure to comply will result in a team ejection. Players suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will not be permitted to play and may be ejected from the league entirely.

· Look after the field you play on; please make sure there is no garbage left behind and the grounds are as they were found

· Treat all players on your team and other teams with the utmost respect – this is intended to be a fun, recreational league