Rule 1

Rule 1. The Game, field, players and equipment

A. A team shall consist of 7 players. Five players must start and finish game to avoid forfeit. Coed: 8 players to field a full
team (consisting of 4 men and 4 women.) 6 players (3 men and 3 women) are required to start. In a coed game, there may
never be more than a difference of 1 between the number of players on the field; i.e. you may not have 5 men and 3 women.
B. On each side of the field a team area is designated for the teams, coaches, and authorized team attendants. This team area
shall be located 2 yards from the sideline and between the 20-yard lines. If members of the team are not in this area they will
be subject to a penalty, i.e. between the 20-yard line and the goal line.
C. The intramural office will supply the ball. If teams wish to use their own ball they may but both teams must agree. If not, the
intramural ball will be used.
D. Ball spotters will be used to mark the neutral zone. One, orange will mark the offenses side and yellow for the defense. The
spotters will be 1 yard apart.
E. Players of opposing teams must wear contrasting colored jerseys. If teams do not provide their own jerseys they will be
required to wear pinnies supplied by the intramural office.
F. Jerseys and T-shirts worn must be long enough to stay tucked inside the pants, or short enough to stay 4" above the
waistline. At no time during play may any clothing cover the flag belt.
G. Each player on the field will wear a flag belt at the waistline. Flags must hang over the hips and down the center of the
backside. Wrapping, tying, or in any way securing the belt other than with the belt clip is illegal. Penalty: 15 yards and
possible disqualification.
H. All players must wear either field cleats or sneakers, no bare feet. This includes kickoffs and punts.
I. Players may wear the Navy Watch-Style knit or stocking hat. The cap may have no bill. It can have a knit ball on top.
Players may wear a headband no wider than 2" and made of non-abrasive cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather or rubber.
J. Illegal equipment will not be allowed. Types of equipment that are illegal include:
1. Headwear containing any hard, unyielding, stiff material, including billed hats, or items containing exposed knots.
2. Jewelry.
3. Shoes with metal, ceramic, screw-in, or detachable cleats.
4. Shirts or jerseys that do not remain tucked in. Any hood on a coat, sweatshirt, or shirt that does not remain tucked in.
Tear-away jerseys or jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like protrusion or creates a
tear-away jersey.
5. Pants or shorts with any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s), or exposed drawstring(s).
6. Towels attached at the player’s waist.
7. Any other equipment the official deems dangerous.

Rule 2. Definitions of playing terms

A. A live ball is a ball in play and a dead ball is a ball not in play. A pass or fumble that has not yet touched the ground is a live
ball in flight and therefore can be caught and advanced by either team.
B. Batting is intentionally slapping or striking the ball with the hand or arm.
C. A muff is an unsuccessful attempt to catch a ball, the ball being touched in the attempt.
D. A catch is an act of establishing player possession of a live ball in flight. If a player attempts a catch or an interception while
in the air, the player must contact the ground inbound (one foot inbound while having possession) prior to touching
out-of-bounds. (A loss of ball simultaneously with returning to the ground is not a catch.)
E. A kickoff is a free kick, which starts each half. It must be a place kick from a fixed position from the ground.
F. Passing the ball is throwing it. In a pass, the ball travels in flight. A pass continues to be a pass until caught, intercepted, or
the ball becomes dead. The initial direction determines whether a pass is forward or backward.
G. When the flag belt is clearly taken from the runner in possession of the ball the down shall end and the ball is declared dead.
A player who removes the flag belt from the runner should immediately hold the flag belt above his/her head to assist the official
in locating the spot where the capture occurred. If a flag belt inadvertently falls to the ground, a one-hand tag between he
shoulders and knees constitutes capture. A player may leave his/her feet to remove the flag belt.
H. A defensive player may not hold, push, or knock the runner down in an attempt to remove the flag belt.
I. Screen blocking is legally obstructing an opponent without using any part of the body to initiate contact with him/her.

Rule 3. Periods, time factors, substitutions

A. Each half shall start with a kickoff. The Referee shall conduct a coin toss before the game. The winning captain shall have
choice of options for the first half or shall defer their option to the second half. The options are:
1. To choose whether his/her team will kick or receive.
2. To choose the goal his/her team will defend.
B. Playing time shall be 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each.
C. The clock will start on the kickoff when the ball is legally touched. It will run continuously for the first 18 minutes unless it is
stopped for a time-out.
D. When 2 minutes remain in the half the Referee will signal the 2-minute warning.
E. During the final 2 minutes of each half the clock will stop for:
1. Incomplete passes. (snap)
2. Out-of-bounds. (snap)
3. Safety. (legal touching of free kick)
4. Time-out. (snap)
5. First down. (depends on last play)
6. Touchdown. (snap after try)
7. Penalty. (depends on last play)
8. Touchback. (snap)
9. Defense gains possession. (snap)
10. Team attempting to conserve time illegally (ready)
11. Team attempting to consume time illegally (snap)
12. Inadvertent whistle. (ready)
F. For a tie-game there will be a new coin toss. Choices will be the same as the beginning of the game. (All overtime periods
are played toward the same goal.) Unless moved by penalty, each team will start 1st and goal form the 10-yard line. An
overtime period consists of a series of 4 downs by each team. If the score is still tied after one period, play will proceed to a
second period or as many as are needed to determine a winner. If the first team that is awarded the ball scores, the opponent
will still have a chance to win the game. Unless moved by penalty, they will start 1st and goal from the 10-yard line. Trys will
be attempted and scored. If the defense intercepts a pass or fumble and returns it for a touchdown, they will the game. If they
do not return the interception for a touchdown, the ball will be placed at the 10-yard line and the original defense will begin their
series of 4 downs, if available. Each team is entitled to one time-out per overtime period.
G. Each team is entitled to 2 time-outs during each half.
H. When a team requests a charged time-out for a misapplication or misinterpretation of a rule, the Referee will confer with the
team captain or coach. The request must be made prior to the time the ball becomes alive following the play to be reviewed
unless the period has officially ended. If the Referee changes his/her ruling, it is an official’s time-out. If the ruling is not
changed, it is a charged time-out. If the team has used its available time-outs, a delay of game penalty will be assessed.
I. An injured or apparently injured player who is discovered by an official while the ball is dead and the clock is stopped, shall
be replaced for at least 1 down unless the half-time or overtime intermission occurs. A player who is bleeding, or has an open
wound, or has an excessive amount of blood on the uniform shall be considered an injured player, and may not return until the
blood is covered by a bandage.
J. The ball must be put in play promptly and legally and any action or inaction by either team, which tends to prevent this, is
delay of game.
K. Free substitution is allowed between downs provided the player(s) substituted for is/are off the field at the next snap.
During the same dead ball interval, no substitutes shall become a player and then withdraw, and no player shall withdraw and
then re-enter as a substitute unless a dead ball foul occurs, there is a charged time-out, or a period ends.

Rule 4. Ball in play, dead ball, out-of-bounds

A. The offensive team is responsible for retrieving the ball after each play.
B. The ball is declared dead when any part of the runner other than hand or foot touches the ground.
C. The ball is declared dead when a player of the kicking team catches a free kick or any muffed free kick or a protected
scrimmage kick which is beyond the neutral zone. When a free kick or an untouched protected scrimmage kick comes to rest
on the ground and no player attempts to secure it.
D. The ball is declared dead when it touches the ground uncontrolled at any time other than a kick.
E. The ball is declared dead when any muffed kick touches the ground.

Rule 6. Kicking the ball

A. A free kick begins each half of the game and begins play following a safety. The ball shall be put in play by a place kick
from some spot on or behind K’s free kick line and on the inbound line. Unless relocated by penalty K’s free kick line on
kickoffs shall be its 20-yard line. A ball ready for kickoff must be placed on a legal 2" tee or held or placed on the ground or
holder’s toe. However, the sole of the holder’s shoe must be in contact with the ground.
B. For any free kick all kicking team members must be behind their kicking line. The receiver’s free kick line shall be the yard
line 20 yards from the kicker's free kick line.
C. The kicking team cannot recover an onside kick.
D. A free kick that goes out-of-bounds between the goal lines, untouched inbound by the receiving team, is a foul. The
receiving team has the choice of a 5-yard penalty and re-kick or taking the ball 25 yards from the previous spot, or where it
went out-of-bounds.
E. If the free kick goes out-of-bounds in the endzone the receiving team has a touchback and the first down will be from their
15-yard line.
F. A legal protected scrimmage kick is a punt made in accordance with the rules. Quick kicks are illegal.
G. The offense must declare they want to punt. Once declared they may not change their mind unless a time-out is called or a
foul occurs and the kicking team has the right to repeat the down.
H. All members of both teams must not cross their scrimmage line until the ball is kicked.
I. The kicker must kick the ball immediately after receiving it and in one continuous motion.
J. Once the ball is punted, any kicking team or receiving team player may block the kick. If the blocked punt hits the ground, it
is dead at that spot. If the blocked punt is caught by any kicking team player behind the kicking team scrimmage line, they may
advance.
K. When a protected scrimmage kick that has crossed the kicking team’s scrimmage line touches a player from either team and
then hits the ground the ball is dead and belongs to the receiving team. If it hits a receiving team member and then is caught in
the air, the receiving team can advance it. If caught by the kicking team, the ball is dead and belongs to the kicking team.
L. If a protected scrimmage kick goes out-of-bonds between the goal likes the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving
team at that spot.

Rule 7. Snapping, handing and passing the ball

A. The offensive team must have at least 4 players (Co-recreation rules require 5 players) on their scrimmage line at the snap.
All players must be inbound.
B. The center must have both feet behind the scrimmage line and snap the ball in a quick, continuous motion.
C. One offensive player may be in motion, but parallel or backwards from their scrimmage line.
D. The player who receives the snap must be at least 2 yards behind the offensive scrimmage line. Direct snaps are illegal.
E. Any player may hand the ball backward at any time.
F. During a scrimmage down, a offensive player may hand the ball forward behind the line, only to any scrimmage line player
who has clearly faced his/her goal line by moving both feet in a half-turn, and is at least 1 yard behind the line when he/she
receives the ball. Or to a backfield player.
G. Co-recreation Rule Only: An offensive male runner cannot advance the ball through the offensive scrimmage line. There are
no restrictions once possession is made past the line of scrimmage (female runs through the scrimmage line and then makes a
backward pass to a male behind the line, he can then run through the scrimmage line.) If a male catches a forward pass behind
the line of scrimmage he cannot run it through the scrimmage line.
H. All players are eligible to catch a pass. Only one forward pass can be made per down.
I. Co-recreation Rule Only: The term "closed" means a male player may NOT throw a legal forward pass completion to any
other male player. The term "open" means any player can complete a legal forward pass to any other player. During the
offensive team’s possession there may not be 2 consecutive legal forward pass completions from a male passer to a male
receiver. This rule applies to the try. If a male passer completes a legal forward pass to a male receiver, the next legal forward
pass completion must involve either a female passer or female receiver for positive yards. If there is not positive yardage
gained the next play will be the same i.e. if the play is closed and a legal pass is caught by a female behind the line of scrimmage
and she is deflagged for a loss of yardage the next play is closed. Any foul, whether accepted or declined, shall have no effect
on whether the next forward pass completion is open or closed.

Rule 8. Scoring plays and touchback

A. Mercy rule: If a team is ahead by 40 points at any time in the second half the game is over at that point. If in the last 2
minutes one team is ahead by 23 points the game will be over at that point.
B. Co-recreation Rule Only: If a female scores a touchdown or if a female throws a legal forward pass and a touchdown is
scored the point valued will be 9 points. All other touchdowns will be scored as 6 points.
C. When a touchdown is scored the player scoring must raise his/her arms so the nearest official can deflag the player. If the
official determines the flag belt has been secured illegally, the touchdown is disallowed, and the player is disqualified.
D. The captain must make a decision to try for 1 or 2 points after a touchdown. Once the decision has been made it cannot be
changed unless a time-out is charged. A 1-point try is from the 3-yard line and a 2-point try is from the 10-yard line. If the
defense intercepts and returns for a touchdown they score 2 points regardless of the value of the try.
E. A safety scores 2 points. After a safety the team will put the ball into play by a free kick from their own 20-yard line by a
place kick or a punt.
F. A touchback is brought out to the 15-yard line and put into play.

Rule 9. Conduct of players and others

A. No player shall commit non-contact acts during a period or intermission. Examples include but are not limited to:
1. Refusal to comply or abide by the request or decision of an official.
2. Using disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with the other team’s signals or movements.

3. Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during a legal kick.
4. Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or with permission of the Referee.
5. Intentionally kicking at any opposing player.
6. Intentionally swinging an arm, hand or fist at any opposing player.
B. When the ball becomes dead in possession of a player, he/she shall not:
1. Intentionally kick the ball.
2. Spike the ball into the ground.
3. Throw the ball high into the air.
4. Fail to return the ball to the huddle.
C. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes, coaches, or others subject to the Rules. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
1. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
2. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
3. Indicating objections to an official’s decision.
4. Holding an unauthorized conference, or being on the field illegally.
5. Using profanity, taunting, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
6. Intentionally contacting a game official physically before, after, or during the game.
7. Fighting an opponent. (see intramural by-laws)
8. Leaving the team area and entering the playing area during a fight.
D. The second unsportsmanlike foul by the same player or non-player results in disqualification.
E. No player shall commit a personal foul during a period or an intermission. Any act prohibited hereunder or any other act of
unnecessary roughness is a personal foul. No player shall:
1. Punch, strike, strip, steal or attempt to steal the ball from a player in possession.
2. Trip an opponent.
3. Contact an opponent who is on the ground.
4. Throw the runner to the ground.
5. Hurdle any other player.
6. Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is declared dead.
7. Make any contact with an opponent, which is deemed unnecessary of any nature including using fists, locked hands,
elbows or any part of the forearm or hand.
8. Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player.
9. Clip an opponent.
10. Tackle the runner by grasping or encircling with the hands or arms and taking the opponent toward the ground.
F. Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown forward
legally. No defensive player shall contact the passer who is standing still or fading back as he/she is considered out of the play
after the pass.
G. Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove
the flag belt.
1. Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from deflagging.
2. Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from deflagging.
3. Lowering the shoulders in such a manner, which places the arm over the flag belt.
H. The runner shall not "stiff arm" any opponent.
I. The runner shall not grasp a teammate or be grasped, pulled or pushed by a teammate.
J. The defensive player shall not hold, grasp, or obstruct the forward progress of a runner when in the act of removing the flag
belt.
K. No player may intentionally go out-of-bounds and then return.

Rule 10. Enforcement of penalties

A. Loss of down fouls:
1. Illegally Handing the Ball Forward.
2. Illegal Backward Pass.
3. Illegal Forward Pass.
4. Forward Pass Interference.
5. Illegally Secured Flag Belt.
B. Automatic first down fouls:
1. Forward Pass Interference.
2. Roughing the Passer.
3. Illegally Secured Flag Belt.

SUMMARY OF PENALTIES

NOTE: Other Penalties are Included in Rules
Point of Enforcement: PS = Previous Spot PI = Point of Infraction

LOSS OF A DOWN

1. Illegally handing ball forward (also loss of 5 yds.) PI
2. Intentionally throwing backward pass out of bounds (also loss of 5 yds.) PI
3. Illegal forward pass by Team A (also loss of 5 yds.) PI
4. Intentionally grounding forward pass (also loss of 5 yds.) PI
5. Offensive pass interference (also loss of 10 yds.) PS

LOSS OF FIVE YARDS

1. Required Equipment Worn Illegally
2. Delay of Game (Dead Ball)
3. Unfair Tactics
4. Substitution Rules Infractions
5. Infraction of Free Kick Formation (Dead Ball)
6. Encroachment of Free Kick Lines (Dead Ball)
7. Free Kick Out-of-Bounds
8. Infraction of Protected Scrimmage Kick Formation – Line Players
9. Infraction of Protected Scrimmage Kick Formation – Kickers
10. Encroachment (Dead Ball)
11. False Start (Dead Ball)
12. Illegal Snap (Dead Ball)
13. Offensive Player Not Within 15 Yards of Ball
14. Infraction of Scrimmage Formation
15. Player Out-of-Bounds When Ball is Snapped
16. Offensive Payer Illegally in Motion
17. Player Receiving Snap Within 2 Yards of Scrimmage Line
18. Illegal Shift
19. Illegally Handing Ball Forward (Loss of Down if by Offensive)
20. Advancement by Male Runner (Co-Rec Only)
21. Intentionally Throwing Backward Pass or Fumble Out-of-Bounds (Loss of Down if by Offensive)
22. Illegal Forward Pass (Loss of Down if by Offensive)
23. Intentional Grounding (Loss of Down)
24. Illegal Forward Pass – 2 Consecutive Male to Male Forward Pass Completions (Loss of Down, Co-Rec Only)
25. Helping the Runner

LOSS OF TEN YARDS

1. Quick Kick
2. Kick Catch Interference
3. Two or More Consecutive Encroachments During Same Interval
4. Forward Pass Interference – Offensive (Loss of Down)
5. Forward Pass Interference – Defensive (Automatic First Down)
6. Illegally Secured Belt (Loss of Down)
7. Unsportsmanlike Player Conduct
8. Spiking, Kicking, Throwing or Not Returning Ball to Official During Dead Ball
9. Unsportsmanlike Conduct by Coaches, Substitutes or Others
10. Steal, Strike, or Attempt to Steal Ball
11. Trip an Opponent
12. Contact With Opponent on Ground
13. Throw Runner to the Ground
14. Hurdle any Player
15. Contact Before or After Ball is Dead
16. Unnecessary Contact of any Nature
17. Drive or Run into Player
18. Clipping
19. Position Upon Shoulders or Body
20. Tackle Runner
21. Roughing the Passer (Automatic First Down)
22. Illegal Offensive Screen Blocking
23. Interlocked Interference
24. Defensive Use of Hands
25. Guarding the Flag Belt
26. Stiff Arm
27. Obstruction of Runner
28. Batting a Free Ball
29. Illegal Kicking
30. Illegal Participation
31. Illegal Substitute / Replaced Player
32. Pretended, Unfair Substitution
33. Reentry of Disqualified Player
34. Illegal Flag Belt Removal

DISQUALIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH 10 YARD PENALTIES

1. Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Player Conduct
2. Intentionally Kicking at or Swinging an Arm, Hand, or Fist at any Opposing Player
3. Flagrant Spiking, Kicking, Throwing or Not Returning Ball to Official
4. Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Conduct by Players, Coaches, Substitutes, or others
5. Intentionally Contacting an Official
6. Flagrant Personal Fouls
7. Tackle the Runner
8. Intentional Tampering With Flag Belt – Offense (Loss of Down)
9. Intentional Tampering With Flag Belt – Defense (Automatic First Down)