Rules & Regulations

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1.0 THE FIELD

1.1 DIMENSIONS

The game shall be played on a rectangular field 100 yards in length and 40 yards in width.

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1.2 MARKINGS

First-down markers are positioned at the 20, 40, 20 yard lines. First downs are achieved by crossing these markers.  

 

1.3 PLAYERS AREA

Players must position themselves within the two 20-yard lines when not on the playing field.

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2.0 EQUIPMENT

2.1(a) THE BALL

I-10 Flag Football Association will provide both teams with an NFL size ball or a COLLEGE size ball fully inflated.

Game balls will be provided by SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE.  (VOTE: PRESIDENTS ARE ABLE TO VOTE - 52% WINS) THIS IS NOT AN OPTION!!!!! Each team is responsible for keeping it dry during adverse weather conditions. The center may carry the ball to the huddle.

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Defense must retrieve the ball after an incomplete pass.

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2.1 (b) TEAM CAPTAINS

Each team shall designate a two (2) field captains, that will be issued captains patches which allows him to speak to the refs.

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SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE will provide both teams with a captains’ band. Each team needs to elect a Offensive/Defensive captain prior to the coin toss.

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2.1(c) BALL SPOTTERS

Two soft and pliable ball spotters/cones are required.  One, blue in color, will mark the offensive scrimmage line.  The second, red in color, will mark the defensive scrimmage line.  The ball spotters/cones will always be 1 yard apart.

Offense must bring ball spotters/cones after each play.

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2.2 (a) UNIFORMS

All t-shirts must be tucked in. The midriff shirt is legal, if in the judgment of the referee, it does no hinder the defense from pulling the flag. No article of clothing may cover any portion of a player's flag (Flag Guarding). Officials should warn violators of this between plays. This incurs a 10-yard penalty from Point Of Infraction (P.O.I.) or Line Of Scrimmage (L.O.S.).

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Players must have Swagger game-day jersey/t-shirt on in order to play in any game. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

The lower uniform may be shorts, warm-ups, pants or any other type of athletic wear. Pants/Shorts with belt loops & pants/shorts with front/back pockets will not be allowed, however pants/shorts with side pockets will be allowed. Players caught with illegal pants/shorts are removed from the game until they get legal pants/shorts on. There will be no taping over pockets this rule will be enforced with no exceptions.

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Each team is required to wear the same color pants/shorts.

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Uniform/Equipment penalty: (a charged time-out or 5-yard penalty if no time-outs remain).

No jewelry of any kind may be worn by players. Players caught with jewelry are removed from the game until the jewelry is removed and the team is penalized a Uniform/Equipment penalty: (a charged time-out or 5-yard penalty if no time-outs remain).

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No headgear with an extended bill may be worn. (i.e. baseball caps, visors, eye-glasses or sun glasses etc.) Players with illegal headgear are removed from the game until the headgear is removed, and the team is penalized a Uniform/Equipment penalty: (a charged time-out or 5-yard penalty if no time-outs remain).

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NOTE: Baseball Caps can be worn as long as the bill is turned backwards

 

 

2.3 (a) STATS: REGULAR SEASON

Stats fees are $10.00 per team, per game.

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PAID TO THE COMMISH BEFORE THE START OF EACH GAME! NO EXCEPTIONS!

Stats will be taken on game day. Except when it’s raining!!!!

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2.3 (b) STATS:  PLAYOFF/SUPER BOWL GAMES

Playoff/Super Bowl Stats fees are covered by the league.

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2.4 SHOES

Any flat-soled or completely molded cleat shoes are acceptable. Baseball or track spikes or any shoes that have steel or metal tips are prohibited. All players must wear shoes. Players with illegal footwear are removed from the game until the footwear is removed and the team is penalized a Uniform/Equipment penalty: (a charged time-out or 5-yard penalty if no time-outs remain).

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2.5 (a) PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Helmets, shoulder pads are prohibited. Knee or thigh pads are allowed if made from a soft material. Any question as to the legality of players' equipment shall be decided by the referee of that game. The use of any unyielding hard substance cannot be used to protect an injury, no matter how well covered or padded. Therapeutic or prevention knee braces can be used if covered from direct external exposure (No metal braces). Players with illegal protective equipment are removed from the game until the protective equipment is removed, and the team is penalized a Uniform/Equipment penalty: (a charged time-out or 5-yard penalty if no time-outs remain).

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2.5 (b) MOUTH AND TOOTH PROTECTOR

It Is strongly recommended that a mouthpiece be worn by all players.

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2.6 FLAG BELTS

All players on the field of play must wear 2 flags at the waist, one on each side. Flags must be attached to a belt and the belt will be worn snug around the waist to eliminate being turned partially around the waist during an attempted deflagging. No part of the flag belt may hang down off the belt as it must be cut off or wrapped up.

If a player is not wearing flags in the proper positions (including flags not turned outwards) the player can and will be penalized.

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Sonic Flags are Mandatory

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Flags must be 15 inches in length

ALL FLAGS WILL BE PROVIDED BY SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!!!

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NO PERSONAL FLAGS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED!!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! PERSONAL FLAGS ARE CONSIDERED ILLEGAL!!!

****WARNING:  All plays will be replayed (Even Touchdowns) if any player uses flags that cut or illegal in any way!!!!!! 

 

THIS IS THE WARNING!!!!! Any team that has a player using cut flags will receive a team fine ($25.00) & player using cut or illegal flags will be suspended from the league for two games!!!!

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NO BALL & SOCKET FLAGS ARE ALLOWED

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Illegal alteration, securing, or substitution of flags or belts will result in removal of player(s) from the game and a 15-yard penalty from the L.O.S. of last snap if against the offense, and if against the defense from P.O.I.

Any player not having the required 2 flags, should a flag fall off inadvertently will be ruled down by single hand touching of player.

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The flags must be a different color than the players' lower uniform. (Pants/Shorts Stripes may not be the same color as the flags).  Any hanging object on the ball carrier (such as towels, or playbook etc.) shall be considered flags if they are pulled during an attempted deflagging.

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3.0 LENGTH OF GAMES AND TIME-OUTS

3.1 (a) GAME TIMES

Game Times are as followed:  1:00pm/2:00pm/3:00pm/4:00pm (Based on day light savings time)

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On Week 1 of every season each team needs to be at the field with team jersey/t-shirts on 30 minutes before game time to take player and team photos....

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3.1 (b) PERIODS

The game shall be played in four (4) quarters of 10 minutes in length.  In all games the clock will be running continuously.  During each quarter, the clock will run with no stoppage. Teams will be given a Two-Minute Warning at the last 2 minutes of each half. 

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NOTE: Time periods may be modified during Tournament/Regular/Post-Season play and during adverse weather conditions or for change in daylight savings time.

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Clock Regulation:

Clock will start when the referee whistles the ball ready for play at the start of the game.

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​Because the clock is continuous, it does not stop during Point After Touchdown (P.A.T.) attempts.

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The on-field Captain or quarterback may request the amount of time left in the game from the officials at any time. Officials will be expected to give the correct time.

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The clock will NOT stop for official time-outs.

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Clock will not stop on an incomplete pass, but will automatically stop at the two-minute warning.

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3.1 (c) PERIODS

Inside the 2:00 Minute Warning:

During the final 2 minutes of 2nd & 4th quarter.  At the eight (8) minute mark, play will follow the, “7 plays left” format. At this point, there will be seven plays to either half-time or game-time.

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3.1 (d) Between Games:

Teams will be given five (5) minutes between games. FORFEIT WILL BE AWARDED!!!! Teams must have their players ready to go on the sideline.

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3.2 CHANGING END ZONES

Teams shall exchange End zones at the end of each quarter. NOT AN OPTION!

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3.3 HALF-TIME

At the end of the first half, there shall be an intermission of Three (3) minutes. During the intermission, play is suspended, and the teams may leave the field.

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3.4 TIME-OUTS

Each team shall have 3 time-outs per half. At two minutes during the second & fourth (4) quarters, each team will lose a timeout if they still have three.  Each team will be allowed 1 time-out during a tie breaker. Time-outs will be 30 seconds in length. Time-outs may be called by any player that participated in the last play and is on the field of play.

Additional Time-outs - Additional time-outs may be called by the officials at their discretion to attend to an injured player. 

 

If a team exceeds its time-out limit in either half, they will receive a 5-yard penalty.

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NOTE: During a team's charged time-out, a team representative may confer with their team either on the field or at the sidelines.

 

4.0 SCORING

4.1 TOUCHDOWN = 6 points

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4.1(a) END ZONE CELEBRATIONS

End zone celebrations are acceptable if the player celebrating does not taught his opponent.  If a player/team does so then they will receive a 15-yard penalty on change of possession/kick-off.

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4.2 EXTRA POINTS

The scoring team must declare before marking the ball ready for play whether they will go for 1,2,3 or 4 points. The scoring team may reconsider the choice by calling a time-out or taking a Delay or Game Penalty (if no time-outs remain).

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Running/Passing from the 3-yard line = 1 point

Running/Passing from the 10-yard line = 2 points

Running/Passing from the 15-yard line = 3 points

Running/Passing from the 20-yard line = 4 points

Defensive team returns an extra-point (1, 2, 3 or 4 Point Conv.) for a score = 4 points

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4.3 SAFETY = 2 points

A safety scores 2 points.  The team scored against will then punt the ball from their own 10-yard line.  Receiving team must have 5 players on the 20 yard line.

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4.4 FORFEITED GAME

The winning team shall have a final score of 14-0 posted as the margin of victory (for net point purposes) for the forfeited game.

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Note:  Referees can and will award forfeits to one or both teams as a result of players fighting.

It is the coaches responsibility to maintain his players composure and immediately break up any fighting that occurs. Please be advised that referees are not paid to break up fights and will walk off the field if team coaches do not take control of the situation.

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The team that forfeits still is responsible for paying for both ref fees for that game. ($50.00) Forfeit money due by the next game or another forfeit is granted.

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Note:  Anymore than Two (2) Forfeits and a team is removed from the league. 

 

4.5 OVERTIME TIE-BREAKER

NOTE: League Commish Option Format 1 or 2 prior to the start of the season!

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(Based upon daylight savings time & field location)

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(REGULAR SEASON GAMES) Format 1:  Games end in a tie! No overtime…

(REGULAR SEASON GAMES) Format 2:  Tie games will be decided by five (5) minutes (Running Clock) of play.  Ball possession is decided by a coin toss.  Visiting team calls it in the air.  Play starts on the 15-yard line.  The first team to SCORE wins.  If neither team scores during the five minute period then the game is labeled a TIE.

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Each team will be allowed 1 time-out during a tie breaker.

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(PLAYOFFS/CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES) If neither team has managed to score during the first five (5) minute over-time the game will go into the second over-time period in which will be decided by 4 plays being awarded to both teams from the 20-yard line going towards the goal line.  Each team will have a total of 4 plays to score a touchdown and can score as many touchdowns as possible in 4 plays.  Once a team has reached 4 plays, the opposing team will take their 4 plays.  Ball possession is decided by a coin toss.  The purpose of this overtime is to score a touchdown every play or gain more yards than the opposing team.

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Two ways to win in the Second Overtime Period:

1.  Scoring more touchdowns.   

2.  Gaining more total yardage than the opposing team after 4 plays from the 20-yard line going towards the goal line.

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4.6 MERCY RULE

(REGULAR SEASON GAMES) Mercy rule is dead……Play till the end… NOTE:  Games may be called by the officials at their discretion. (Based upon flow of game/sloppy play!!!)

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(PLAYOFFS/CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES) Should a team be trailing by 21 or more points into the fourth quarter – they have one possession to score if not then the game is called.

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5.0 PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

5.1 PLAYERS

ON THE FIELD:

The game is to be played by two teams of eight (8) players each. More than eight (8) players on the field is illegal. Less than eight (8) players is legal. Must have at least six (6) players to play a game.

If a Team is not able to field enough players (8) in 8-Man to start a game they may use other team players to fill in up to the amount legal on the field (8) in 8-Man only if the other team coach gives his consent to do so. When the opposing coach gives consent the game counts as a legal game. If the coach does not give consent then the game will be a forfeit if team can not fill the minimum amount of players legally.

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5.2 SUBSTITUTION

There will be free substitution as long as players being substituted for are off the field prior to the next snap, or are out of the area of play and are departing the field in haste. Offense may not break the huddle with more than the legal number of players.

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"Sleepers" on substitution will not be allowed on any play. No player may line up closer than 5 yards from the sideline unless he came out of the huddle or unless he was on the field of play during the previous play and did not leave the field of play.

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Players leaving the field of play must go to their teams side of the field.

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5.3 TEAM ROSTER

Any individual is more than welcome to play in the SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAUGUE as long as they are 21 and up with active Driver’s License.

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(Any Free Agent or any new team or other leagues players/teams)

No pick up games or players!!!!!!!!!!

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League Teams must carry a minimum of 10 players and the maximum is 12 players on any roster.

Tournament Teams must carry a minimum of 12 players and the maximum is 20 players on any roster.

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Coaches must turn in their Teams Roster Form before the start of the Week 1. Team Roster Form must have all the players listed in Legible Print with Birth Date and Signed by each player before they may compete in any SWAGGER leagues.

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SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAUGE MUST HAVE A COPY OF EACH PLAYERS CURRENT DRIVER'S LICENSE ON FILE!

In addition, Players may be released from their current team to another team up to the start of the Week 2 (Games ¾) and/if  the coach releases his player to do so. If coach does not sign a (Release Form) the player may not play for any other team. Once on a team you are bound to that team until released.

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5.4 TRADES

If a player wishes to be traded to another team he must have is coach fill out a Trade Form signed by both Team Captains. (ex. John Doe exchange for Stan Williams) If a team does not wish to trade a player for another player then that team must pay a $40.00 fee to that team for that player. (ex. John Doe exchange for $40.00)

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$60.00 League fee applies to all Trades & Free Agent Signings. (Fee is per player)

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No new player may be added to a team's regular playing roster after the start of the Week 2 (Usually Game 3 & 4) (Teams must turn in their Finalized Roster by Week 2.  It is the coaches responsibility to make sure the roster has all the players listed and all print is readable (No Nicknames). Full Names Printed clearly & signed. Coaches be sure you have the Roster Form ready to turn in at the start of the Week 2 (Games ¾). All games will start on time.

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This means if you do not have the Roster Form ready at the coin toss the clock will start running at the time the game should start. Form must be turned in before play may begin. No Exceptions.

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NOTE:  Additional players may be added to a roster after Week 4 (Game 7/8) deadline only if League Commish & Four (4) Refs agree.  (Ex. Players get injured and need to be replaced, etc....) 

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5.4 PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

If you are on the final roster & have played in 80% of the season games, you are eligible for the playoffs.

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5.5 ROSTER CHALLENGE

Teams that want to challenge the opposing teams roster may do so after posting a $20 Fee to verify a teams roster. A team that wants to challenge another teams roster must do so during Half-time only, notify the Commissioner & Head Referee before the start of the 2nd Half. Do not wait until the 2nd Half has started or you will void your right to a roster challenge. A Roster Challenge will be done by checking a player(s) driver license on file This rule is only valid after the 3rd game of regular season play and in the playoffs. A team caught playing a illegal player (Not on the Roster) will forfeit the game played. It's the coaches responsibility to keep up with who is playing.

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So be sure all your players are on the roster before you start the game.

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CLASSIFICATION OF TEAMS

Team classification shall be determined by the League Director or Regional Coordinator.

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5.6 FAKING EXCESSIVE CONTACT

Any player, who in the judgment of the officials, fakes excessive contact for the sole purpose of drawing a penalty may be warned once by the officials and then penalized for Unsportsmanlike Conduct on the next offense.  A warning to 1 player may be applied to a team as a whole if the officials so state that this warning is to the team.  Penalty:  Treated as a Dead Ball Foul, 15 yards.

 

5.7 BEGGING A CALL

During a play, if a possible infraction occurs and players or Coaches from either team, either on the field or sidelines begin yelling out (Begging A Call), a penalty of 5 yards can be tacked onto the end of the play. This penalty will be marked off as a Dead ball Foul even if it occurred while play was in progress.

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6.0 PLAYING REGULATIONS

6.1(a) PRE-TOSS

In case of a game ending in a tie score, the officials must bring all players and coaches of both teams to the center of the field.  They will discuss the tie breaker procedures and answer all questions prior to the coin toss.  After this meeting the field captains will stay while the remaining players and coaches return to their respective sidelines.

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6.1(b) THE COIN TOSS

A coin will be flipped by the Referee to determine the options as in the start of the game.  The home team captains shall call the toss.  There will be only one coin flip during the overtime.  If additional overtime periods are played, field captains will alternate choices.  The winner of the toss shall be given options of offense, defense, or direction.  The loser of the toss shall make a choice of the remaining options.

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6.2A REGULAR SEASON REFEREE FEES

During the regular season each team must pay the league commissioner a $25 referee fee in cash before the start of the game (NO CHECKS WILL BE EXCEPTED). Teams you are responsible for having the exact change. Any team that forfeits a game (a no show) must pay for their team and for the team that they forfeited on by Tuesday 7:00pm following the forfeit. (Total Due $50). Any team that does not pay on the Sunday following the forfeit can and will be disqualified from the league. There is No Exception to the rule.

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6.2B PLAYOFF REFEREE FEES

In playoffs there will be three refs on each field.  $30 per game....

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NOTE: The league will cover the cost of the 3rd ref throughout playoffs/super bowl..

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In the playoffs each team must pay the league commissioner a $30 referee fee in cash before the start of the game (NO CHECKS WILL BE EXCEPTED). Teams you are responsible for having the exact change. Any team that has a forfeit in the playoffs must still pay the fee to get the win and any team that forfeits (no show) still must pay the fee or the team/players will not be able to enter the next season without doing so.

 

6.3 HUDDLE

After the official marks the ball "ready-for-play", the offense will have 25 seconds to put the ball in play or else be penalized 5 yards for a Delay Of Game. If is not necessary to huddle after a play if a team wishes to use predetermined plays or audible. It shall be the responsibility of the defensive team to retrieve the ball and get it back to the offense after each play.

Silent snaps are legal.  If Defense simulates the snap it will lead to a 10 yard penalty.

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6.4 SHIFT

Two or more offensive players may be shifting their position at the same time prior to the snap. Their movement may be in any direction but they must become set for one full count (1 second) before the ball is snapped or before another player may go in motion prior to the snap.

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6.5 MOTION

Only 1 player is allowed to be in motion and his movement must be parallel to or away from the L.O.S. in a continuous motion at the snap.

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6.6 ENCROACHMENT OFFSIDE

Encroachment Offside shall be called if either the offense or the defense passes over the plane of the L.O.S. and touches a player before the ball is snapped. A false start will be called if the offensive line moves before the snap, however if a defensive linemen breaks the plane of the L.O.S. and the offensive linemen jump this will be encroachment on the defense. A false movement of the football by the center shall constitute offensive encroachment.

These are Dead Ball Fouls and the play shall be immediately whistled dead before play begins and 5 yards automatically marked off against the encroaching team unless a first down would occur (Captain's Choice).

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FREE PLAY

If a defensive player passes over the plane of the L.O.S. without touching a offensive player a flag will be thrown but play will continue.

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If a player on either side lines up offside, the official will point toward that player's team side. It is the player's responsibility to look at the referee. If that player does not get back on side before the ball is snapped, he will be considered as having been offside at the moment of the snap. If an official has not "offside warned" a team for lining up offside by pointing at the team side, he should not call offside on them at the snap of the ball. Penalty: 5-yard penalty from L.O.S. or captain's choice after play is over.

 

6.7 FIRST DOWN

A team will be allowed 4 downs to advance the ball from on zone to the next. A Zone is 20 yards. The zone will be considered reached when the hips (flags) are on or over the line marking the next zone, or in this case "the line to gain" when the play is declared dead.

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If, after 4 consecutive downs, a team has failed to advance the ball into the next zone, possession shall go to the defense at the spot where the 4th down ended.

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6.8 STANCES

OFFENSE: Three point stance is permitted.

DEFENSE: Three/Four point stance is permitted.

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6.9 OFFENSIVE FORMATION

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE:  Any formation is legal.

ELIGIBLE RECEIVERS:  Everyone is available to receive a pass.

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6.10 BLOCKING

During a legal block, defense and offense must initiate contact with open hands; arms extended outward (no elbows or loading up). Open hands can be thrust forward initially to contact an opponent inside the body frame (chest area only). Hands can not be thrust forward above the shoulders to contact an opponent on the neck, face, or head. As the play develops, a blocker is permitted to work for and maintain position on an opponent as long as he does not push from behind or clip. If a defensive linemen turns his back to the offensive linemen while in contact there will be no penalty for blocking in the back. Open hand blocking is not allowed on all portions of the field and is not restricted to the line of scrimmage.

Two on one blocking is allowed in the chest area only.

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NO DOWN FIELD BLOCKING

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6.11 DEFENSIVE FORMATION

FORMATION: Defensive team can setup in any formation.

Defensive linemen may drop back into pass coverage.

Full rush is allowed by defense on every down.

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6.12 BUMP AND RUN

Bumping is allowed on a receiver within five (5) yards of the line of scrimmage by only one defensive player.

(NO PLAYER CAN LINE-UP IN FRONT AND/OR ON TOP OF THE CENTER. MUST BE ONE YARD TO LEFT OR RIGHT OF CENTER.) Doing so will result in a 15-yard penalty.

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6.13 PASSING

There can be only one forward pass per play. There can be as many exchanges of the football in the air (lateral or behind the player with the ball). A forward pass is defined as a live ball thrown toward the opponent's goal line.

If the passer/runner is beyond the L.O.S. and the football is released forward, an illegal Forward/Pass has occurred, this will result in a 5-yard penalty and loss of down if accepted. Illegal forward passes will be marked from L.O.S. / P.O.I.

Once the ball has crossed the L.O.S., in the air or in possession of a player, it cannot be passed forward, even if the ball is brought back behind the L.O.S. (Illegal Forward Pass).

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6.14 QUARTERBACKS

ROUGHING THE PASSER: This is when the passer is hit above the waist before, during, or after an attempted pass. Penalty will be tacked on to the end of the play. However, if the ball is tipped by the defense there is no Roughing the passer. But, if in the eye of the referee a player intentionally runs up to hit the quarterback after a tipped ball roughing the passer will be called which results in 15-yard penalty & automatic first down.

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6.15 INTENTIONAL GROUNDING

Intentional Grounding shall constitute an illegal forward pass. This is when a quarterback throws the ball away to avoid a sack and there is not a receiver in the area.

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INTENTIONAL GROUNDING IS LEGAL!!!!!!!!

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6.16 CENTER SNAP

A center snap (the ball) can NOT bounce off the ground before it gets to the quarterback, if the quarterback muffs the ball to the ground or the ball goes past the quarterback, it is dead where the ball touches the ground.

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All center snaps must be made between the center's legs. A false movement of the football by the center after he is set shall constitute encroachment. The ball shall be snapped from the center of the field no more than 5-yards either side of the spot marked by the official.

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Ball marker must be placed in the center of the field at all times.

Direct Snaps are Legal.  (example. Center to Running back or Center to WR in Motion, etc…) No center sneaks!!!!!!!!

BALL MUST BE SNAPPED BETWEEN THE CENTERS LEGS!!!!

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6.17 BALL CARRIER

The responsibility of avoiding contact rests with the ball carrier. He must show the officials he made an effort to avoid contact. The ball carrier will not deliberately run or drive into a defensive player. A ball carrier may spin or jump, but must realize that while spinning or jumping he is in a "State of Non-Control" and should contact occur as a result of his uncontrolled momentum, he will be penalized. The ball carrier MAY jump over a player on the ground. The "Stiff Arm" is illegal. Penalty: 10 yards from L.O.S. (if behind the line) and repeat the down. Or from P.O.I. (if beyond the L.O.S.) and loss of down.

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The ball carrier shall not protect his flags by blocking with his hand, arm, head or ball. The defensive player must have a clear opportunity to pull his flags. Flag guarding will be marked 10 yards from L.O.S. (if behind the line) and repeat the down. Or from P.O.I. (if beyond the L.O.S.) and loss of down.

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On kickoffs and punt returns any of the above will be marked off from the P.O.I. and first down.

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6.18 DIVING AND JUMPING

Ball carriers may not dive in an effort to gain extra yardage. Diving is defined as a player clearly leaving both feet stretched out in an aggressive attempt to gain extra yards.  Jumping is allowed.

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6.19 FUMBLE

Forward offensive fumbles will result in ball being marked dead at the point of fumble, backward fumbles will be marked at point where ball hits the ground or goes out of bounds.

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(IF KICK OFFS ARE IN EFFECT!) FUMBLES ARE ONLY LIVE ON KICK OFF!! EXAMPLE:  RECEIVING TEAM PLAYER RUNS WITH THE BALL AND FUMBLES IT.. THEN THE BALL IS LIVE..  THE KICKING TEAM CAN RECOVER IT BUT THEY CAN’T ADVANCE THE BALL.

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6.21 PASS INTERFERENCE

Pass Interference Rules shall apply to any pass made from behind the L.O.S., whether it is a forward pass or a lateral pass, and applies to both offensive and defensive players. After the pass is in the air, neither pass receiver or defender may touch the other until one of them touches the ball, or else offensive or defensive pass interference may be called. If contact occurs after one of them touches the ball, then pass interference cannot be called unless one of them catches the ball and the other "strips" or attempts to "strip" the ball from his hands.

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Receiver stripping (slapping at the ball) is defined as attempting to take the ball from the grasp of a receiver after he has placed both hands on the ball and has brought the ball into a possessive position, in which case, stripping will be called. (Unless the receiver hasn’t touched the ground with one foot)  If the player established possession of the football, the defender must go for the flag and not the ball. (Officials judgment will determine if a catch has taken place). Penalty is 10-yards & AFD. Any contact that occurs after the pass is touched (excluding Receiver Stripping) and is either complete or incomplete, must be judged by the officials as either unavoidable contact caused by both players "playing the ball" or avoidable contact which shall be penalized. Penalty will be 10 yards from P.O.I. If incomplete or complete, or judged to be flagrant, the penalized player may be removed from the game with a 15 yard penalty. If pass is judged to be uncatchable, penalty will be accessed form the L.O.S.

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All pass interference calls, whether offensive or defensive will be Captain's choice penalties. If the captain refuses the penalty, the play will stand.

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All offensive pass interference calls which are accepted by the defensive captain shall be marked off 10 yards from L.O.S. with loss of down.

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All defensive pass interference calls which are accepted by the offensive captain shall be marked at the P.O.I. and awarded an automatic first down.

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Screening a receiver's eyes by a defender without playing the football is pass interference and shall be penalized as such.

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6.20 RECEIVING

Two (2) feet must be "in-bounds" to constitute a legal pass reception in the field of play.

One (1) foot must be "in-bounds" to constitute a legal touchdown pass reception in the endzone.

The lines marking the sidelines and the extreme back of the end zone shall be considered out of bounds if stepped on any degree.

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Two or more offensive receivers or defensive players may touch a pass in succession, resulting in a completion. After a pass is thrown, it is too much to expect of the officials to keep track of exactly who touched the ball. The official(s) will determine (1) did pass interference occur? (2) who caught the ball? And (3) was receiver inbounds with both feet at moment of possession?

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A double reception always goes to the offense.

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6.21 DEFLAGGING

The ball carrier is down and the ball is dead when either flag is detached from the ball carrier's belt or when the ball touches the ground. A defensive player's feet may leave the ground to pull the offensive player's flag, but he may not make contact while doing so. When a defensive player pulls the ball carrier's flag, he should stop and hold it above his head for officials to see.

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Players must return the flag to the offensive player or a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be called.

A ball carrier who falls to the ground inadvertently is allowed to get back up as long as he is not single handily touched while his knee is on the ground.

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Tackling is not allowed. Tackling is defined as grasping or encircling the body of the ball carrier with a hand or arm. Grabbing the ball carrier's clothing shall be penalized as holding. If the defensive player reaches across the body of a ball carrier to pull his flag and contact is made, the responsibility of the contact lies with the defensive player. The penalty for tackling will be as follows: 10 yards for impeding (encircling of body); 15 yards for tackling with automatic first down (if tackling) from P.O. I. or L.O.S; and if, in the opinion of the officials, the act prevented a score, the official will award a Touchdown. The offender will be ejected if the act was in the officials judgment to be flagrant.

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The intended receiver of either a forward or lateral pass may be deflagged only after first touching the ball - even while fumbling or bobbling the ball and before possession is established. If the receiver has not gained possession of the ball when flag is pulled play will continue. Receiver can then be downed by single hand touching after gaining possession. In the event a receiver has not gained possession of the ball (bobbling) when flag is pulled and a defensive player intercepts the pass it will be defenses ball.

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No player can push a player out of bound. (15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct)

If the ball is in the hand of the Quarterback and flag is pulled, the passer shall be down at the spot.

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Illegal Deflagging is prematurely pulling an opponent's flag with the intent of making the offensive player ineligible to become a ball carrier. Penalty: 10 yards from L.O.S. or E.O.R. A defender may not push or knock a ball carrier out of bounds, (a form of illegal deflagging). Penalty: 10 yards from P.O.I. and AFD

Runner Stripping occurs when a defender attempts to strip the ball from the grasp of a player who has the ball in a possessive position. This is a form of Illegal Deflagging.

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6.22 QUICK WHISTLE

If the official whistles the play dead prematurely, the offense shall have the choice of:

1) accepting the ball where it was whistled dead, or 2) replaying the down.

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Pretending to pull an opponent's flag (raising empty hand intentionally) resulting in official's "Quick Whistle", will be penalized 10 yards and offense's choice of either #1 or #2 above.

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Offensive and defensive fouls, if they were committed before a "Quick Whistle", have priority over a "Quick Whistle".

In an event a ball carrier loses a flag or flag belt inadvertently, single hand touching of the ball carrier will constitute a legal tackle.

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6.23 PUNTING

The offensive team must declare they are going to punt immediately after the official whistles ball ready for play.

The ball may NOT "bounce" before it reaches the punter, should the ball at any time go behind the punter it will be ruled dead at the spot. For a legal punt ball must be shotgun (7-yards) snapped. No quick kicks- (this means no laterals for other players to kick the ball).

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During a punt all members of the kicking team must remain at the line of scrimmage until the ball has been kicked.

Punting team must give a 2-yard halo around a player attempting to catch the ball. Defense is NOT allowed to rush at the punter.

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Receiving team must have five (5) men on line of scrimmage, who must remain on the LOS during the entire play… They can’t not go down field to participate in the play!!!! FORMATION: Punting team must have five (5) men on the line of scrimmage.

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FAKE PUNTS: THERE ARE NO FAKE PUNTS

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6.24 KICKOFFS

Kickoffs are from the kicking teams own 20-yard line and must travel to at least the receiving teams 40-yard line to become live. (A kick-off must travel past the 40 yard line before the kicking team can recover, otherwise the ball is dead at the spot downed.) Kickoffs must be possessed.  Receiving team must have five (5) linemen on the 40.

After a P.A.T. attempt kicking team has 25 seconds to kick the ball (Penalty 5 yards and charged time out)

KICKING TEES: Legal on all kickoffs.

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SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE will provide kicking tees. (NO FREE KICKS ON KICK-OFF)

NOTE:  If there is not a kicking tee present then the team can hold the ball on their shoe or ground.

ON-SIDE KICKS:

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Onside kicks are legal and must travel 20 yds before the ball can be possessed by either the kicking team or receiving team.  The ball may not be advanced if recovered by the kicking team.

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6.25 OUT OF BOUNDS KICKOFFS

If a kick-off goes out of bounds the receiving team has two (2) choices: 1) 5 yd penalty and re-kick; 2) Take the ball at the receiving teams 35 yd line.

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Dropped Kickoffs in the end-zone will result in the ball being spotted at the 20-yard line. All other "dropped" kickoffs will be ruled dead at the spot. 

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Should the ball be touch in the air by the receiving team in the field of play then the ball in the air lands in the end zone this will be ruled a safety. Also if the ball is touched in the air by receiving team and the ball lands in the end zone then being recovered by kicking team this will be ruled a touchdown!!!!

 

 

6.26 PROTEST PROCEDURE

Any protests for misinterpretation or application of playing rules must be settled on the spot before the next play. The Manager or Coach must have a copy of the rules in order to validate his protest. Otherwise, "Delay of Game" will be called. If coach/manager is wrong in the protest there will be a loss of a time-out, if no time-outs remain a 5-yard penalty will be assessed. Remember only the Captain, coach/manager may confer with the officials. Judgment calls are not protestable. Tournament or League Commissioner may assist in protest.

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ALL PROTEST MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE START OF 3RD QUARTER!!!!

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All game results are final with the exception of a roster challenge (see section 5.5).

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SWAGGER FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE referees are certified and paid very fairly.

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Should any coach have a concern about any official, you must submit this concern in writing or E-mail info@i10flagfootball.com  (no telephone calls) and forward to the league office. All written inquiries will be responded to by the League Commissioner.

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6.27 ILLEGAL ADVANCEMENT

Advancement may not occur as a result of the ball being slapped, kicked, pitched, or pushed by either team in the direction of their goal line. The ball will be declared dead at the spot of such illegal advancement and there will be a 5-yard penalty plus loss of down.

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6.28 ALL OTHER RULINGS (if applicable)

Rules not covered in the I-10 Flag Football Association Official Rules and Regulations book will automatically defer to NFL rules and procedures.

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7.0 LEAGUE STANDINGS

7.1 WEEKLY SCORES/STATS

Leagues will have all scores posted immediately after all games are completed that day. League stats, power rankings and standings, etc. will be posted on the Swagger Flag Football League web page at www.swagflag.live by Tuesday 12noon.  To make sure all stats are recorded correctly see Section 2.2 on uniform specifications.

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7.2 END OF REGULAR SEASON

At the end of the regular season, divisional tie breakers are determined as follows:

1.       Head to head competition

2.       Net points (points for versus/points against)

Net points will determine divisional tie-breakers when three (3) or more teams are tied and no one team has beaten all the other teams they are tied with.

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