Youth Flag Football

Referee System

• 2 referees

Field Size

• 50 yards long (10 for endzone) 53 1/3 width, regular width dimensions
• 10 yards for every first down(6U-9U)
• 20 yards for every first down 10 yards in RedZone(12U-14U)

Local playing rules

• Home team will always receive ball first.
• The offensive team takes possession of the ball at the 50-yard line and has four (4) downs to get a First down or it will be a turnover on downs.
• If the offensive team fails to cross the first down marker after the 3rd down and elect to “punt” on 4th down, possession of the ball changes and the opposing team will start a new possession from the 50-yard line.
• If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not get it, the opposing team will start a new possession from the spot where 4th down ended. Ex.4th and 10 from the 25, other team will take over at 25.
• Any time there is a ‘PUNT or PLAY decision on 3rd down, the referee WILL ask the offense’s Head Coach to declare ‘Punt or Play’.
• If the offense fails to convert the first score on 4th down, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team starts where the other team was down.
• Two-point conversions only no field goals
• Each team gets 2 timeouts per half
• All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage 6U and 9U only.
• Direct handoffs as well as backward pitches and passes are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. No backwards passes or direct handoffs are allowed past the line of scrimmage for 6U and 9U. Is allowed for 12U and 14U.
• The quarterback has 4 seconds, from receiving the snap, to release the ball. Once a backwards handoff, pass or lateral occurs, the 4 second rule goes away and the offense has an unlimited amount of time to throw a forward pass. (Rule not applicable to 9U,6U)
• No Rushing for 6U and 9U allowed
• QB cannot run across the line of scrimmage with the ball unless the QB is being rushed. The QB can hand off or pitch/throw the ball backwards to a teammate and then catch a forward pass across the line of scrimmage.
• Rushing allowed after 4 second (12U,14U only)
• Once the ball is handed off, pitched or thrown backwards by the offense, all defenders are eligible to rush across the line of scrimmage.
• Defenders may not cross the line of scrimmage until ball is either handed off, pitched, thrown or the 4 second time slot has passed
• Defense may rush as many as they would like after 4 second(12U,14U)
• Interceptions are down at the spot of the interception.
• No Offensive Blocking and Defensive Rushing allowed for 6U,9U
• Blocking ( Use of hand allowed) and Defensive Rushing allowed for 12U,14U

Scoring System

• Touchdown:6 points
• 1 point from the 3-yard line, run or pass
• 2 points from the 10-yard line, run or pass
• No safeties

Rules(equipment)

• 3-Flag, Flag belts
• Players must wear a mouth guard, pants or shorts, and cleats/sneakers no open toed shoes allowed. (Not provided by KPRD)
• Cleats with exposed metal cleats are NOT ALLOWED
• NFL FLAG Jerseys and flag belts will be provided by KPRD
•  Ages 6U,9U- Size 7football, Ages 12U,14U- Size 8 football
• Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants, if they hang below the belt line
• KPRD recommends that players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets or belt loops.
• Players must remove all jewelry and hats. Headbands or winter beanies are allowed.
• Players may wear soft shell helmets, halos and sunglasses but they must be secured at all times while on the field. Prescription glasses are permitted without a strap.
• NO FLAG GAURDING IN ANY FORM ALLOWED

Local rules

• If profanity is loud enough to hear by the referee and spectators in the stands, the player will be ejected from the game.
• Kernersville Parks and Recreation encourages clean and sportsmanlike conduct on the field and in the stands.
• Bad sportsmanship, fighting, profanity, or arguing/threatening the referees will not be permitted on the field or their vicinity.  Players, coaches, or spectators approaching officials in a negative manner will not be permitted.  Such actions are subject to ejection from the game and/or suspension from the league.

Fighting Policy:

• Fighting and aggressive behavior from teams, players, and fans will be taken very seriously and police intervention may be utilized.

Initiator:

• First offense – Expulsion from game, 8 game ban (carries across seasons) with no refunds, mandatory meeting with administration prior to re-instatement.
• Second offense –Expulsion from game, 1year ban (carries across seasons) with no refunds, mandatory meeting with administration prior to re-instatement.
• Third offense- Expulsion from game, lifetime ban.

Retaliator/Self-defense:

• Fighting and aggressive behavior from teams, players, and fans will be taken very seriously and police intervention may be utilized.
• First offense –Expulsion from game, 2 game bans (carries across seasons) with no refunds, mandatory meeting with administration prior to re-instatement.
• Second offense –Expulsion from game, 8 game bans (carries across seasons) with no refunds, mandatory meeting with administration prior to re-instatement.
• Third offense –Expulsion from game, 1-year ban (carries across seasons) with no refunds, mandatory meeting with administration prior to re-instatement. Possible lifetime ban.