www.usftl.com
Overview:
-Games are played with 5 players

-Teams must field a minimum of four (4) players at all times. Teams without the minimum players will forfeit the game after 5 minutes of GAME TIME or the full team will receive the ball in BOTH halves if the deficient team fields a squad before the 5 minutes.

-Game is played on a 30 yard wide by 60 yard long field, with the 1st down at mid field.

Game Play
-A coin toss determines first possession.

-The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 10-yard line and has four(4) plays to cross the midfield line. If offense "punts", the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes possession at their 10.

-Teams change sides after the first 17 minute half.

-The ball carrier cannot run with the ball unless rushed when inside the 5 yard area before the endzone and mid-field line (specified as “no rush zones”)

-Spinning is allowed, but players cannot dive or lower their shoulders to gain yardage

-The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is; ie- the player`s feet must cross the midfield line to gain a first down regardless of the location of the ball.

-All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).

-As in NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.

-A player must have at least one foot inbound when making a reception.
if falling during the catch, the player must retain possession of the ball upon hitting the ground

-Unlimited forward passes are allowed per play behind the line of scrimmage

-Pitching backwards is allowed anywhere on the field

-The ball can be must be snapped between the legs to start play.

-Rules if not specifically outlined will revert to NCAA

-"chucking" of the receiver is allowed within 5 yards


Play is ruled “dead” when:

Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
Ball carrier steps out of bounds
Touchdown or safety is scored.
Any part of the ball carrier`s body (other than feet or hands) hits the ground.
Ball carrier’s flag falls out.
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.

Rushing the Quarterback:

-All male players must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage (or one yard for females) when the ball is snapped and designate themselves to the line judge, but not required to designate to the other team

-The offensive “line” may shield (get in the way with hands behind your back, but not “block”). Defensive rushers MAY NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN OVER OR “BULLRUSH” DEFENDERS, they must run around or avoid the “screeners”, no use of hands to push or move the defender. Moving contact should be avoided at all costs, and any seemingly deliberate contact will be penalized. ANY INTENTIONAL CONTACT ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BALL IS A PENALTY

-The line judge, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage.

Sportsmanship/Roughing:

No tackling. If the ball runner falls by the momentum of the tackler, it is a penalty.
If the referee witness any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game without warning. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Timing/Overtime:

Games are played to two 17 minute halves, with a 37 minute running clock (3 minute half),

-The clock is a running clock outside of the 2 minute warning for the end of the game. Inside of 2 minutes left in the game, college rules apply (out of bounds, incomplete passes and 1st downs stop the clock (only until the ball is spotted). The clock will stop at the two minute warning.

-Extra points are untimed downs inside of 2 minutes. To spike the ball you do not need to be under center.

-If the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams move directly into overtime. Each team gets two plays to score from the 5; if still tied, each subsequent overtime the ball will be moved back 10 yards.

-Each time the ball is spotted a team has 20 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

-Each team has two(2) time outs per game.

-Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

Scoring:

Touchdowns:
6 points for male-scored touchdowns,
9 points for female scored "primary participant" (female either throws or catches a TD, or guy pitches to a girl and she runs the ball into the endzone—hereby referenced as "Gender Rules") touchdowns
Extra points: (doubled for female scored)
1 point try from the 3 yard line
2 point try from the 10
Safety: 2 points


Penalties:
Defensive:
Offsides-5 yards; Pass Interference-spot foul and automatic first down;
Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.)- 5 yards.
Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball)- 5 yards;
Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)- 5 yards,
Roughing the Passer=hitting the qb’s arm in motion— 15 yards—go for the qb’s flags, not the ball!
All penalties EXCEPT roughing the passer, pass interference and unnecessary roughness are 5 yard penalties


Offensive:
Illegal motion/misc pre-snap (false start, etc.)-5 yards;
Illegal forward pass-5 yards /loss of down;
Offensive pass interference -5 yards/loss of down
Flag guarding-runner is down where the penalty occurred
(swiping at the defender’s hands or shielding your flag)
Illegal blocking- 5 yards
Delay of game-clock stops, 5 yards; (withholding player’s flag, tossing the players flag away from the play, kicking the ball, etc)
Charging (running over established defensive player)- 5 yards/loss of down
If a loss of down penalty occurs on a play where the runner
achieves a first down, the next play will be the achieved 1st down
All penalties will be assessed from the spot of the foul
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
Cleats or turf shoes are allowed. No metal cleats.
There are no kickoffs or punts.
Teams are welcome to use their own flags at games, or a complete set can be bought at the field for $10.

League Standards fighting or aggressive "trash talk" is prohibited and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED 1st offense will be a 1 game suspension, 2nd will be ejection from the league
shorts/pants with pockets will not be allowed NOT EVEN TAPED UP
Only the team captain is permitted to discuss calls with referees.
Poor sportsmanship on the field or on the message board will not be tolerated.
Referee decisions are not appeal-able
Players MUST wear their shirts for the game, no exceptions
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON FOUL LANGUAGE AND HARD CONTACT.