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Official's Page - Rules of the game.
Email the league office for a four page condensed copy.
Click Here To Print These Rules
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PFFL Rule Book |
1999 PROFESSIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULEBOOK |
Note: Rules not covered by the PFFL Rule Book are covered by the USFTL Rule Book.
1999 PROFESSIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULEBOOKThe Game:
PFFL Rule Book - Page 101) BATTING: Batting of the ball is intentionally striking a loose ball with the arm or hand. PENALTY: 5 yds.
02) BLOCKING: No contact above shoulders or below waste. You may not leave your feet to block. 2 ON 1 BLOCKING ALLOWED! No high/low blocks allowed.
03) CAPTAINS: Each team shall designate a field captain who speaks to the refs.
04) CHARGING: Charging is when an offensive player runs through a defensive player who has established position. PENALTY: 10 yds.
05) CHUCKING RECEIVER: 1 chuck off line is permitted within 5 yards. PENALTY: yds.
06) CLIPPING: Clipping is contact to the back of an opponent who is not the runner. EXCEPTION: Blocking from rear above the waste is permitted in the Free Blocking Zone provided the blocker was in that area at the snap.
07) COIN TOSS: 4 CHOICES: Kickoff, Receive, Defend a Goal, Defer to Second Half.
08) DEAD BALL: Fumbles are dead at spot. Muffed punts are dead at spot. Center snap over QB/Punters head is dead at spot. Note: If QB/Holder/Punter fields the ball cleanly, play continues.
10) DIVING: Diving to pull flag is legal. Diving to advance ball is illegal. Diving to block is illegal.
11) ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE LINEMAN: Any player going from ineligible position to eligible position, must report to referee. Same will apply going from eligible to ineligible position. PENALTY:15 yds.
12) ENCROACHMENT: Encroachment denotes the position of a player whose person is beyond their scrimmage or restraining line. PENALTY: 5 yds.
13) END ZONE CELEBRATIONS: End Zone Celebrations are acceptable if the player celebrating does not taunt his opponent.
14) EXTRA POINTS: Kick from 3 yd line is 1 point. Runner pass from 3 yd line is 2 points.
15) FAIR CATCH: A legal fair catch signal is extending the arm above the head and waving it from side to side.
16) FIELD: Regulation football field: 160' x 360' with (5) 20 yd zones, (2) 10 yd end zones and (2) goal posts (24' wide, 10' high crossbar).
17) FIELD GOAL: 3 pts. Live rush. If holder drops snap or snap rolls back to holder, play is live, play on. You cannot rush the center / guard gap unless the guard vacates the position. Kickoff / Field Goal Kicks - Kickers may use a block or tee. Defensive players may not rush the kicker through the zone between the center and guards. Penalty 5 yards and replay down. Exception: If the guard or center vacates or pulls out of their position, then defensive players are free to rush through the gaps.
18) FLAGS: All players on offense, defense & special teams MUST wear flags at all times. EXCEPTION: Center and 2 guards on offensive line shall NEVER wear flags so as to designate their ineligibility.
19) FLAG FALLS OFF INADVERTANTLY: Revert to 2-hand touch between shoulders and knees.
20) FLAG GUARDING: Illegal use of ball carriers hand or arm to protect flag from being pulled. PENALTY: 10 yds from spot and loss of down.
21) FORMATION: On regular scrimmage downs, guards must be covered by eligible ends.
22) FORWARD PASS: 1 forward pass per down.
23) FREE-BLOCKING ZONE: The Free-Blocking Zone is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yds on either side of the spot of the snap of the ball and 3 yds behind each scrimmage line.
24) FUMBLE: All fumbles are dead at the spot. If a ball is fumbled in mid-air, the defender may recover the ball before it touches the ground.
25) HUDDLE CLOCK: 25 seconds.
26) HURDLING: Hurdling a down player is legal.
27) INADVERTANT WHISTLE: At the time of the inadvertent whistle the team with possession of the ball has the option of replaying the down or the result of the play.
28) INTENTIONAL GROUNDING: Illegal to avoid a sack. Legal to stop the clock.
30) KICK-OFF: Kick-off from 40 yd line. Receiving team lines up at opposite 40 yd line. Ball must travel 20 yds to become live. Kick-offs must be possessed. If a kick-off goes out of bounds the receiving team has 2 choices: 1) 5 yd penalty and re-kick; 2) Take the ball at the receiving teams 35 yd line. Minimum of 5 players on receiving team's line.
31) KNEE DOWN: If a player's knee touches the ground while his flags are still on, he may get up and advance the ball until his flag is pulled.
33) LINE OF SCRIMMAGE: 5 offensive players on line of scrimmage at snap. All other offensive players must be in the offensive backfield. The guards must be covered by an end.
32) MOTION: Only 1 player allowed in motion at the snap.
33) MUFF: All muffed punts are dead. All muffed kick-offs must be possessed.
34) NEUTRAL ZONE: The neutral zone is the space between the 2 free kick lines during a free kick and between the 2 lines of scrimmage during a scrimmage down.
35) NUMBER OF OFFICIALS: The PFFL requires 4 officials per game. Their positions are Referee, Line Judge, Back Judge and Umpire.
36) NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON FIELD: 9 Players - Center and 2 guards are ineligible.
37) ONSIDE KICKS: Onside Kicks are legal and must travel 20 yds before the ball can be possessed by either the kicking team or receiving team.
38) OVERTIME: Regular Season Game = Each team receives 4 plays from the 20 yd line. Playoff Game = Each team receives 1 possession starting by a kick-off.
39) PADDING: No pads allowed. EXCEPTION: To protect an injury.
40) PASSER'S ARM IN MOTION: If ball is in passers hand when de-flagged, passer is down.
41) PASS INTERFERENCE: OFFENSE = Penalty: 10 yd. penalty from previous spot and loss of down. DEFENSE = Penalty: Spot foul.
42) PERSONS SUBJECT TO RULES: All players, coaches, trainers, and other persons in team area shall be governed by the officials. Only authorized persons shall be allowed on the sidelines and field of play.
The Game: PFFL Rule Book Continued - Page 2
43) PLAYERS ON LINE: A player on the line of scrimmage may not receive a snap.
44) PROTECTION OF CENTER: The center must be allowed to assume a blocking position before contact is allowed.
45) PROTECTION OF KICKER, PUNTER & HOLDER: No contact is allowed on the kicker, holder and punter.
46) PROTECTION OF PASSER: It is legal for a defender to contact the passer's arm if the ball is tipped. It shall be roughing the QB if the ball is not tipped.
47) PUNTS: The defense may rush the punter at the snap. On offense, only the 2 outside ends may release at the snap of the ball, everyone else must wait until the ball is kicked. Direct snaps are legal.
48) RECEPTION: One foot in bounds for legal reception.
49) ROSTER: 25 man roster limit. 5 man taxi squad. Taxi squad players may be activated up to 1 hour before schedule game, but officials and opposing team must be notified.
50) ROUGHING THE PASSER: Automatic 1st down plus 15 yd. penalty. Penalty yardage added to any gain.
51) RUNNER: The ball carrier may not lower his head into a defensive Player. Spins are legal. Hurdles of down players are legal.
52) SAFETY: 2 points. Kick-off or punt from 20 yd line after safety.
53) SCORING: Touchdowns = 6 points
Extra Points = 1 point (Kick from 3 yd line)
" " = 2 points (Run or pass from 3 yd line)
" " = 2 points (Return of extra point try by defense)
Field Goals = 3 points
Safety = 2 points
54) SNAPS: Direct snaps are legal.
55) SPOT OF BALL: The position of the ball when de-flagged is the spot of the ball.
56) STIFF ARMS: Stiff Arms are illegal.
57) STRIPPING: Stripping of the ball is illegal.
58) TEAM BOX: Between the 20 yd lines. Teams must use opposite side lines.
59) TIME: 60 minute game clock will be kept. Clock will stop for all incomplete passes, out of bounds, first downs, change of possessions, 2 minute warning, scores, etc.
60) TIME-OUTS: 3 time-outs per half. 1 time-out per overtime period.
61) TRIPPING: Ripping is illegal.
61) TWO MINUTE WARNING: An official time-out will take place at the 2-minute warning of each half.
62) UNSTPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: No profanity shall be tolerated. No baiting or taunting of an opponent shall be tolerated.
EQUIPMENT:
01) BALL:
The official ball (1999) of the PFFL is SPALDING #TF100 football.02) FLAG: The official flag (1999) of the PFFL is the Triple Threat Flag Belt.
03) UNIFORMS: Jerseys - Must be matching with numbers on front and back.- Must be full length and tucked in at all times. Pants - Must be matching. Hats - Not allowed on the field at anytime. Bandanas/Jewelry/Sunglasses - Not allowed at anytime. Shoes - No metal spikes allowed.
04) EQUIPMENT: Pads - No pads allowed. EXCEPTION: To protect injury. Mouthguards - Recommended for players' safety.Stick-Um - Spray OK. Paste is illegal.
GENERAL RULES:
01) HOME FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) Home teams must provide & pay for stadium venue.
b) Home teams must provide & pay for 4 officials/per game.
c) Home teams must provide a statistician that takes statistics for both teams.
d) Home teams must fax/email game statistics to PFFL office at conclusion of game.
Tel (919) 894-1783 - Fax (919) 894-4517 - Email stats@pro-flagfootball.com
02) INSURANCE: Each team must carry liability insurance and supplemental player medical insurance.
03) PLAYER/TEAM WAIVER: Each player, coach, and official must sign a waiver release acknowledging that they are participating in an flag football event and that they are covered by their own medical insurance and agree not to hold the Professional Flag Football League liable for any injuries or harm that may result from their participation.
PENALTIES:
PFFL Rule Book Continued - Page 3 LOSS OF 5 YARDS:1) Illegal forward pass (loss of down)
2) Invalid fair catch
3) Excess time-out illegally used or requested
4) Delay of game
5) Putting ball in play before declared ready-for-play
6) Infraction of a free kick formation
7) Illegal snap
8) Infraction of scrimmage formation
9) Offensive player illegally in motion at the snap
10) Interference with opponents or the ball
11) False start or simulating start of play
12) Player on line receiving snap
13) Illegally handing ball forward (loss of down)
14) Intentionally grounding pass (loss of down)
15) Illegal kick
16) Illegal shift
17) Interlocked interference
18) Helping the runner
19) Defensive holding
LOSS OF 10 YDS:
1) Stiff arm
2) Running into opponent (charging)
3) Illegal use of hands or arms by offense
4) Flag guarding (loss of down)
5) Obstructing the ball carrier
6) Hurdling EXCEPTION: Hurdling a down player is legal.
LOSS OF 15 YDS: SPOT FOUL:
1) Tripping 1) Defensive pass interference
2) Clipping
3) Team not ready to play at start of either half
4) Fair catch interference
5) Offensive pass interference (loss of down)
6) Striking, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, etc.
7) Roughing the kicker, holder, punter, center
8) Unsportsmanlike conduct
9) Personal fouls
10) Persons legally on the field
11) Illegal flag removal
01) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES
: KICK-OFFS:a)
If either team is off side on the kick-off, the penalty will be 5 yds and the ball will be kicked over againb)
If the kick-off goes out of bounds, the receiving team has 2 choices: 1) 5 yd. penalty and re-kick; 2) Take the ball at the receiving team's 35 yd line.02) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES:
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE:a)
Offsides - Offense or Defense (PENALTY - 5 yds)b)
Illegal Snap - (PENALTY - 5 yds)c)
Delay of Game - (PENALTY - 5 yds)d)
Illegal Motion - (PENALTY - 5 yds)e)
Illegal Formation (5 men not on the line) - (PENALTY - 5 yds)03) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES
: PUNTING:a)
If the kicking or receiving team enters the neutral zone before the punt - (PENALTY - 5 yds from the spot where the ball is declared dead after the kick).b)
Less than 5 players on the line of scrimmage for the offensive or defensive team - (PENALTY - 5 yds from where the ball is declared dead after the kick).c)
De-flagging a receiver after a fair catch signal - (PENALTY - 15 yds from the spot of the foul).04) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES:
PASSING:a)
If an illegal forward pass is thrown and intercepted, the play will continue until the ball is declared dead. The intercepting team has the option of possession from that spotor accepting the 5 yd penalty - (PENALTY - 5 yds from line of scrimmage and loss of down).
b)
Passer crosses the line of scrimmage - (PENALTY - 5 yds from line of scrimmage and loss of down).c)
Intentional Grounding - (PENALTY - 5 yds from line of scrimmage and loss of down).d)
Offensive Pass Interference - (PENALTY - 15 yds from line of scrimmage and loss of down).e)
Defensive Pass Interference - (PENALTY - 1st down at the spot of infraction for the offensive team).05) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES:
DELAY OF GAME:a)
Continuing to play after the ball is dead - (PENALTY - 5 yds From spot where ball is dead).b)
Recovering a fumble or falling on the ball -(PENALTY - 5 yds from spot).c)
Advancing a fair catch - (PENALTY - 5 yds from spot).d)
Unnecessary delay of game for any reason - (PENALTY - 5 yds from spot).06) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES:
FLAG WEARING & DE-FLAGGING:a)
Tackling - (PENALTY - 15 yds from spot of foul).b)
Tampering With Flags - (PENALTY - 15 yds and ejection).c)
Flag Guarding - (PENALTY - 10 yds and loss of down).07) SUMMARY OF PENALTIES
: ILLEGAL HAND-OFF:a)
Handing ball forward beyond scrimmage line - (PENALTY -5 yds from the spot of foul loss of down).OFFICIAL LEAGUE POLICIES:
PFFL Rule Book continued - Page 4LEAGUE POLICY
I:
Each player, coach, official, team/league participant must sign a waiver release acknowledging that they are participating in a contact flag football event, and that they are covered by his/their own medical insurance, and agree not to hold the Professional Flag Football League, its Agents, or Sports Venue (Stadium), liable for any injuries, or harm that may result from said participation.II: Each team roster shall have a maximum of 25 players, with a 5 player practice squad.
III: Minimum players at start of game shall be 9. Start time is listed game time.
A game will be forfeited if a team fails to meet the minimum number of players by game time. The league in regular season divisional play for failure to field a team shall levy a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be levied in tournament play. All fines must be paid prior to next scheduled game.
IV: Only players appearing on the official team roster form shall be counted as players. The Roster must be completed and verified prior to each game or tournament. Practice squad players can be activated any time up till one hour before game time. All players must sign a league approved player contract prior to participation (divisional play only).
PROTEST
RULE 1: Only protest involving rule interpretations or the eligibility of a player shall be considered - never the judgment of an official in calling a play.
RULE 2: Protest shall be reviewed by a PFFL commissioned panel of three (3) members consisting of the league's director, assistant director, and the Official's coordinator.
RULE 3: Any team wishing to protest a game must first notify the officials at the end of the game, and the attending league official. There is a $25.00 protest fee, which shall be fully refunded if the team protesting wins its appeal.
RULE 4: Protesting team must submit its protest in writing to the PFFL director, via fax or mail, within 72 hours. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the loss of the right to protest the game. And the results of the game shall remain unchanged.
RULE 5: If the petition is submitted on time, and is found to have merit, the review panel will investigate the matter. If the panel's findings indicate that an error had been made on the part of the officials, the game in which the incident had occurred shall be replayed. The petitioners shall be refunded their protest fee. However, if the panel fails to find sufficient evidence in petitioner’s complaint to render a review of the matter, the game cited in the complaint shall stand as is, and the $25.00 protest fee will not be refunded.
GAME STATS
RULE 1: Each team must keep individual player and team statistics. Rosters, Officials cards, and statistics must be turned into the league office by fax or email within 24 hours of the game completion. Each team must purchase an official football play by play statistics book (Published by: Play-By-Play Sports, PO Box 27371, Omaha, NE 68127)
RULES: For any Rules not covered above, please refer to the USFTL Official Rule Book.
NOTES:
Copyright: Professional Flag Football League, Inc. 1999
League Office: Pro Flag Football * 763 Ridge Road * Angier, NC 27501
Tel (919) 894-1783 / Fax (919) 894-4517 / Email info@pro-flagfootball.com
Coprright 1999 Professional Flag Football League, Inc.
