2024 Alliance Flag League Rules
DEFINITIONS
· Line of Scrimmage (LOS) - where ball is placed for offensive snap
· No Run Zone (NRZ) - area close to 1st down or goal line that is pass-only and no rushing
· Rush Line - an alignment line 7 yards off the line of scrimmage in the defensive zone. Athletes blitzing must be 7 yards from LOS.
EQUIPMENT
· Jerseys must be tucked in, or it is flag guarding; Excess flag must be cut or tucked in; Player can not play until adjustments are made and the game & clock will not stop for adjustment.
· No metal cleats, only rubber cleats
· Mouthpieces are MANDATORY. No mouthpiece No play.
· Pocket less NFL FLAG shorts are required. Weather Permitting Sweats can be worn.
· Shorts cannot be the same color as flags (no green or yellow shorts)
· Only 2 flags hanging on hips (extra belt must be taped/cut)
OFFENSE
· 40 second play clock (Refs will control play clock)
· Fumble is a dead ball the play is over/ On to the next down/ No possession changes on fumbles
· Handoff must be behind the line of scrimmage - NO Laterals or quick tosses at anytime
· No passes are allowed behind the Line Of Scrimmage
· 5 v 5 – Center is eligible receiver after the snap
. Snap must go between Centers leg in order to start the play. No one knee snaps or side snaps are allowed.
· 4 downs to get 1st Down (Mid Field) and 3 downs to score
· QB can run ONLY when blitzed (7 second QB Sack Clock still in effect even if a handoff is made player is behind LOS)
· If not blitzed QB has 7 sec to pass and/or handoff the ball or play is dead. 7 second pass clock in effect no matter who has ball behind LOS.
· Rusher must be 7 yards off the line of scrimmage to blitz. If not 7 yards Illegal Rush penalty will be called. The 7 Yard blitz mark will be handled by opposing team coaches.
· No running the football if the LOS is in the No Run Zone (NRZ). However, the QB can run in the NO RUN ZONE if being blitzed.
· Runners can NOT stiff arm, truck or slap hands away while evading defenders. Penalty and Loss of down will happen.
. There is NO blocking, lead blocking, running with or in front of the ball carrier during run plays and after catches. Players must stop all movement.
· In the NRZ all passes must cross the LOS; no lateral passes or handoffs.
· Referee will ask coach if they wish to go for it or “punt” on 4th down as they are setting the play
· A “punt” will reset ball on opposing team’s start position - 5 Yard Line
· If the offense fails to convert on 4th down attempt, the opposing team takes over from that spot-on downs (or starting spot if stop is made on or near goal line)
· Only 1 player can be in motion
· All players must be set when the ball is snapped (except for the player in motion)
. Grade K - 5th Divisions: 1 Coach allowed on field & pee wee ball / Grade 6 and up: No coaches allowed on field & junior ball
DEFENSE
· Rusher(s) must be 7 yards off the LOS. Opposing Team Coach Staff must have a coach marking off 7 yard blitz line. Officials will enforce.
· Rusher may not cross the 7 yards rush line until the ball is snapped. If they do they can not blitz.
· The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the LOS before a handoff or pass – illegal rush (3-yards from the line of scrimmage and 1st down)
· Rushing the passer is allowed in NRZ however the QB can run if blitzed in the NRZ
· No pushing out of bounds defender must make a play on the flag. A push without flag pull attempt is a penalty. Strictly enforced No warnings.
· Defenders can NOT hold active runners while they pull flags. They can NOT hold active runners for team to surround and pull flags. Holding is a penalty. A missed flag pull followed by unintentional grab of clothing is NOT a hold. However, if habitual the refs will enforce.
· Any defender(s) may cross the LOS once a handoff is made. Even if they aren't 7 yards.
· When defending the Run-Pass-Option (RPO) the defensive line may not cross the LOS until the handoff is completed
· Unlimited blitz in all divisions. QB can run when rushed.
. Bad snap is down where the ball lands + loss of down. It will be ruled as a QB sack.
. Interception on Extra Point attempt can be returned for 2 points.
. Safety can occur if player flag is pulled in end zone or if a Bad snap lands in the end zone.
GAMEPLAY
· Each half is a 25 minute rolling clock / 5 min halftime
· Clock stops only for timeouts, injuries, or official discretion
· (2) 30-sec timeout per half
· Offensive drives start at the 5 yard line
· Extra point conversions - 1 point from the 5-yd (Pass Only) and 2 point from the 10-yd (Run or Pass Allowed)
· Non-play/ Pre Snap penalties will not result in loss of down.
· The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled
· Dead ball occurs where the ball hits the turf (NOT where it rolls)
OVERTIME
. Coin toss to determine who is on offense or defense first
. 1st OT: 1 Play each from the 5 (pass only) or 10 (pass or run)
. 2nd OT: 1 Play each from the 10 (run or pass) until we have a winner
. Interception returned for touchdown is worth 2 points
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
· 3 Coaches Max per team and 1 Team Mom per team allowed on sidelines ONLY. Strictly enforced rule! Game will not start if rule is being broken.
· Celebrations are allowed & encouraged. Let the kids have fun but distasteful dances/emotes are Unsportsmanlike Conduct and will be penalized.
· As coaches do your best to get kids as much playing time as possible and spread the ball around when possible
· Excessive behavior towards officials/players/other coaches will not be tolerated and will result in ejection from the game & field (see Code of Conduct)
· Coaches may question calls in a respectful manner (no derogatory comments)
· Officials will have final say
· Unnecessary rough play will result in the player being suspended from the game for the remainder of the half. The second offense is ejection from the game.
We reserve the right to adjust as needed.