1. Terminology
   1. Boundary lines − the outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines, and the rear end zone lines.
   2. Charging − the movement of the ball carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the head, making contact with the defender with a shoulder, chest or forearm.
   3. Dead Ball − the period of time immediately before or after a play.
   4. Defense − the squad opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball.
   5. Downs (1−2−3) − the offensive squad has three attempts or "Downs" to advance the ball. They must cross the Line to Gain to get another set of downs or to score.
   6. Flag Guarding − an act by the ball carrier to prevent a defender from pulling the ball carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking access to the runner’s flags with a hand or arm.
   7. Illegal contact − holding, blocking, bumping, etc.
   8. Illegal flag pull − before receiver has ball
   9. Illegal forward pass − pass received behind LOS or throwing a pass beyond the LOS
   10. Illegal motion − more than one person moving, false start, etc.
   11. Illegal rushing − starting rush from inside 7−yard marker
   12. Inadvertent whistle − an official’s whistle that is performed in error.
   13. Lateral − a backwards or sideways toss of the ball by the ball carrier.
   14. Line Of Scrimmage (LOS) − an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field.
   15. Line−To−Gain − the line the offense must pass to get a first down or score.
   16. Live Ball − the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regards to penalties, Live Ball Penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.
   17. Offense − the squad with possession of the ball.
   18. Pass interference − illegal pick play, pushing off/away, face−guarding
   19. Passer − the offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the QB.
   20. Rush Line − an imaginary line running across the width of the field 7 yards (into the defensive side) from the LOS.
   21. Rusher − the defensive player assigned to rush the Quarterback to prevent him/her from passing by pulling his/her flags or blocking the pass.
   22. Screening − Blocking, holding or running with the ball carrier
   23. Shovel Pass − a legal pass attempted behind the LOS by throwing the ball underhand or pushing it towards a receiver in a shot put type manner.
   24. Unsportsmanlike Conduct − rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language.
   25. Whistle − the sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the action for timeout, half time or the end of the game.
2. Equipment
   1. The League provides each player with flag belts and each team with two footballs.
   2. Teams can also provide their own ball for use.
   3. Players must wear shoes. Cleats are allowed, however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed.
   4. Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers.
   5. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads, and kneepads.
   6. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
   7. Players must remove all watches, earrings and any other jewelry that the officials deem hazardous.
   8. Official AYFFO jerseys must be worn during play.
   9. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into the pants if they hang below the belt line.
   10. Pants or shorts with belt loops or pockets must be taped.
   11. Offensive and defensive players must wear flag belts and have both flags in place prior to the start of the play.
   12. Flags must be positioned to the players sides on the hips.
3. Field
   1. The recommended field size is 30 yards by 70 yards with two 10−yard end zones and a midfield line−to−gain. No−Running Zones precede each line−to−gain by 5 yards. However, some league organizers prefer to use smaller fields to run more games per football/soccer field.
   2. No Run Zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays. While in the No Run Zones (a 5 yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the endzone), teams may not run the ball in any fashion. All plays, including those that begin with a handoff, must be pass plays.
   3. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
   4. A player who steps out of bounds may continue on with the play.
   5. Each offensive squad approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).
4. Scheduling
   1. We reserve the right to modify the schedule.
   2. We will notify affected team coaches as soon as possible.
   3. Coaches are responsible for notifying their teams of schedule changes.
   4. Schedule changes will also be posted on the website.
   5. Coaches and players are encouraged to check the online schedule for changes.
5. Coaches
   1. Coaches are typically volunteer parents or family members helping the players learn and enjoy the game. Parents are encouraged to support the coach at all time.
   2. Coaches are allowed on the field to direct players according to need and bracket. Coaches must move to the sidelines before the snap of the ball.
   3. Coaches are expected to adhere to AYFFO philosophies, coaching guidelines and codes of conduct.
   4. Only three coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines.
6. Eligibility
   1. A player’s age must fall within the specified age−range as of September 1st of the current year.
   2. Age will be verified by a valid birth certificate.
   3. All players must present a waiver that is signed by a legal guardian or parent.
7. Rosters
   1. Home teams wear dark jerseys, visiting teams wear light jerseys.
   2. Teams must field a minimum of four players at all times.
   3. Teams can field a maximum of five players.
8. Coin Toss
   1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who shall start with the ball.
   2. The visiting team shall call the toss.
   3. The winner of the coin toss can choose offense, defense or the end zone it would prefer to defend.
   4. If the winner of the coin toss chooses offense or defense then the loser chooses the end zone it would prefer to defend.
   5. If the winner of the coin toss chooses to defend an end zone the loser chooses offense or defense.
   6. Teams change sides after the first half.
   7. The team that started the first half on defense starts the second half on offense.
9. Possession
   1. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5−yard line.
   2. They have three plays to cross midfield.
   3. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) plays to score a touchdown.
   4. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5−yard line.
   5. If the offensive team fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5−yard line.
   6. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5−yard line.
10. Timing
    1. Games consist of two halves.
    2. Both halves are played on a 20 minute continuous clock.
    3. The clock stops only for timeouts.
    4. Halftime is one minute long.
    5. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay−of−game penalty is enforced.
    6. Each team has one 60−second time out per half.
    7. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
    8. In the event of an injury the clock will stop and then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.
    9. If the score is tied at the end of the second half the game will be determined a tie.
11. Overtime
    1. In tournament or playoff situations, an Overtime (OT) Period will be used to determine a winner.
    2. Each team gets one series of up to six plays (and possibly more pending penalty enforcement) starting from the team’s 5 yard line.
       1. First possession choice goes to the winner of regulation coin toss.
       2. There is no Sudden Death, each team gets a minimum of one possession.
    3. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
    4. There are no time−outs.
    5. Each team will be scored based on yardage gained or points scored:
       1. Yardage gained − each team will be given one complete series to drive the field as far as they can. The yardage gained will be noted by the official. The team with the most yards gained wins. If both teams score touchdowns and complete the same amount of points in conversions, the process is repeated.
          1. In the case of an interception, the ball will be marked at either the LOS or the point where the defender’s flags were pulled, whichever is the more advantageous spot to the defense.
          2. If Team B intercepts the ball and returns it for a touchdown, Team B wins.
       2. Scoring − Same as regulation. The team with the most yards gained wins.
          1. Winning through yardage is equivalent to winning by 6 points for tie breaker purposes.
    6. Change of Possession:
       1. Change of possession takes place when Team A’s forward progress is halted on downs or scores a touchdown.
       2. Team B takes possession on the same 5 yard line as Team A and advances in the same direction. Team B begins on the 5 yard line regardless of whether or not Team A’s possession ended in an interception.
    7. Multiple OT periods:
       1. First OT period − shown above:
          1. Scoring teams can go for 1 or 2 point PAT.
       2. Second OT Period:
          1. First possession goes to loser of regulation coin toss.
          2. Scoring teams must go for 2 point PAT.
12. Live Ball/Dead Ball
    1. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
    2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and LOS. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enter the neutral zone. In regards to the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a "courtesy" neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back beyond the line.
    3. A player who gains possession in the air is considered in bounds as long as one foot comes down in the field of play.
    4. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals, by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play.
    5. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
    6. Any official can whistle the play dead.
    7. Play is ruled "dead" when:
       1. The ball hits the ground. There are no fumbles.
       2. The ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
       3. The ball carrier steps out of bounds.
       4. A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
       5. The ball carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
       6. The ball carrier’s flag falls out.
       7. The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one flag.
       8. The 7 second pass clock expires.
       9. An inadvertent whistle is performed (at the spot where the ball was whistled dead).
    8. In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options:
       1. Take the ball where the whistle blew.
       2. Replay the down from the original LOS.
       3. If the ball is intercepted prior to the inadvertent whistle the interception will stand.
    9. A team is allowed to use a time out to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the time out will not be charged and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all agree upon any controversial call in order to give each team the full benefit of each call. If the ruling is correct the team will be charged a time out.
13. Formations
    1. An offensive team must have a minimum of one player on the LOS (the Center).
    2. An offensive team may have a maximum of four players on the LOS.
    3. The quarterback must be off the LOS.
    4. One player at a time may go in motion 1−yard beyond and parallel to the LOS.
    5. No motion is allowed towards the LOS.
    6. Offensive players must come to a complete stop for one second before the ball is snapped unless he/she is the one player in motion.
    7. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the LOS while in motion is considered a false start.
    8. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between his/her legs to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.
14. Running
    1. The ball is spotted where the runner’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball. If one foot precedes the other, the forward foot marks the spot.
    2. The quarterback cannot directly run with the ball.
    3. Only direct handoffs behind the LOS are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
    4. Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind.
    5. "No−Run Zones," located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield, are designed to avoid short−yardage, power−running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones IF the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive squad approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive − one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD 5 yards).
    6. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the LOS.
    7. Once the ball has been handed off in front or behind the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
    8. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping is considered flag guarding.
    9. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull.
    10. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced.
    11. No blocking or "screening" is allowed at any time.
    12. Offensive players must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the LOS. No running with the ball carrier.
    13. Flag Obstruction − All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.
15. Passing
    1. All passes must be from behind the LOS, thrown forward and received beyond the LOS.
    2. Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the LOS.
    3. The quarterback has a seven−second "pass clock."
    4. The seven−second "pass clock." starts at the snap.
    5. The quarterback may intentionally ground the football.
    6. If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, the down is consumed and the ball is returned to the LOS.
    7. Once the ball is handed off, the 7−second rule no longer is in effect.
    8. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7−second clock, the ball is returned to the LOS.
    9. If the pass is deflected and caught by the offense, he/she may run with the ball. A second pass can not be attempted.
16. Receiving
    1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line).
    2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the LOS and no motion is permitted towards the LOS.
    3. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
    4. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.
17. Interceptions
    1. Interceptions change the possession of the ball.
    2. Interceptions are returnable, except on PATs.
    3. Interceptions that are not returned to at least the 5−yard line will start on the 5−yard line.
18. Rushing the Passer
    1. All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the LOS when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the LOS.
    2. Once the ball is handed off, the seven−yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the LOS.
    3. A marker will designate a Rush Line seven yards from the LOS.
       1. A legal rush is:
          1. Any rush from a point 7 yards from the defensive LOS.
          2. A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback.
          3. If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback.
          4. If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the LOS, they may legally rush the quarterback.
       2. A penalty may be called if:
          1. The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the LOS before a handoff or pass.
          2. Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the LOS before a handoff or pass.
    4. Players rushing the Quarterback may attempt to block a pass. However, NO contact can be made with the quarterback in any way.
    5. Offense cannot impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has a CLEAR PATH to the QB and any interference that would impede his/her path to the QB will be considered screening. The defense may attempt to block a pass provided they do not strike the passer.
    6. Blocking the pass and then striking the passer will result in a 10−yard penalty.
    7. A Sack occurs if the QB’s flags are pulled behind the LOS. The ball is placed where the QB’s feet are when the flag is pulled. A Safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.
19. Flag Pulling
    1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball carrier is in full possession of the ball.
    2. Defenders can dive to pull flags, but cannot tackle, hold or run through ball carrier when pulling flags.
    3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball or pull from the ball carrier’s possession at any time.
    4. If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends.
    5. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.
    6. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping of head, hand, arm or shoulder, or intentionally covering flags with the football or jersey.
20. Scoring
    1. Touchdown: 6 points
    2. PAT (Point After Touchdown) 1 point (5−yard line) or 2 points (12−yard line) .Note: 1 point PAT is pass only, 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
    3. Safety: 2 points
       1. A Safety occurs when the ball carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone. They can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, their flag falls out, they step out of bounds or they hit the ground with their knee or arm. A Safety also occurs when there is an offensive penalty in the end zone.
    4. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1−pt. conversion (from the 5−yard line) or a 2−pt. conversion (from the 12−yard line). Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged time out. Decision cannot be changed after a penalty. Interceptions on conversions can not be returned.
    5. Mercy Rule: After one team is winning by twenty eight points or more, the losing team gets one offensive series to continue regulation play. If they do not score, the game goes into scrimmage mode playing up to the fifteen minute mark in the second half if time allows. After the fifteen minute mark, the game is over.
    6. Scrimmage Mode: The losing team gets the ball for up to three possessions. Each possession lasts until the team scores or fails to achieve the Line−To−Gain. Points do not count in final score. After three possessions the game is over.
21. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
    1. Our goal is to promote a safe and friendly league.
    2. Foul play will not be tolerated.
    3. Any player involved in fighting, intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals!
    4. Offensive or confrontational language is illegal.
    5. Officials have the right to determine offensive language.
    6. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent or official.
    7. Games may be double−forfeited.
    8. Officials have the discretion to penalize players and teams for violations not clearly outlined in the rules.
    9. We reserve the right to suspend or expel any player.
    10. League fees will not be refunded for suspension or expulsion.
    11. Ball carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
    12. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.
    13. Counting the seven−second "pass clock." out loud is not allowed.
    14. No littering! This includes sunflower seeds.
    15. Teams must clean up their sideline immediately after their game.
    16. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship:
        1. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
        2. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
        3. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
    17. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly:
        1. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents away from the sidelines.
        2. Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.
22. Penalties
    1. The referee will call all penalties.
    2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
    3. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations.
    4. Players cannot question judgment calls.
    5. Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
    6. Penalties are assessed Live Ball then Dead Ball. Live Ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered completed.
    7. Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.
    8. Any penalty that results in a loss of down will end the PAT attempt.
    9. If the last defender commits a penalty that prevents the ball carrier from advancing the ball, the result of the play is a touchdown.

Penalty	Live/Dead	LOS/Spot	Yards	First/Loss	Last Man
Offensive
Illegal motion	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Illegal forward pass	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Pass interference	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Flag guarding	Dead	Spot	10	Loss
Screening	Dead	Spot	5	Loss
Charging	Dead	Spot	10	Loss
Delay of game	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Unnecessary Roughness	Dead	Spot	10	Loss
Offside	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Unsportsmanlike conduct	Dead	LOS	10	Loss
Illegal equipment	Dead	LOS	5	Loss
Defensive
Offside	Dead	LOS	5	First
Illegal contact	Dead	LOS	5	First	X
Illegal flag pull	Dead	LOS	5	First	X
Illegal rushing	Dead	LOS	5	First
Roughing the passer	Dead	LOS	10	First
Taunting	Dead	LOS	10	First
Unnecessary Roughness	Dead	Spot	10	First	X
Stripping	Dead	Spot	10	First	X
Pass Interference	Dead	Spot		First
Unsportsmanlike conduct	Dead	Spot	10	First	X
Illegal equipment	Dead	LOS	5	First