Flag Football 4 v 4

Open Division

Rule Changes for 27 – check the rules below

TBD

will be posted here

will be posted here

4v 4 Football – Rule Changes for 2027:  Now known as 5 v 5 Football 

• 1 free agent will be allowed – see Free Agent rules for team adherence
• Additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to these rules may be added right up to and throughout the Tournament in the best interest of the tournament.  Anything added, deleted, and/or clarified will communicated to all teams by the Event Coordinator.
• Each team is allowed 12 players (male or female) on the team roster.  The game will be played with a maximum of 5 players with a minimum of 4 players to avoid a forfeit.  The Team roster must be submitted prior to first game to the Tournament Director.  No new players may be placed on the roster after it has been submitted.Any games played with an Illegal player will result in a forfeit.  If found to be intentional (falsifying credentials, not a first responder, misrepresenting actual agency, etc.) the player(s) and possibly the team will be suspended from the tournament, and reported to the Executive staff for discipline determination.
• Profanity, as well as trash talking that is offensive or aggressive towards an official, opposing team, or spectators is not allowed.  Officials or the Tournament Director(s) may eject player(s) from the game depending on the offending person’s behavior.  This could also result in the player(s) and team(s) being disqualified from the tournament. Penalties, forfeitures, disqualifications and suspensions can be assessed to a team for the behavior and actions of their respective spectators as well.See penalties and discipline – Unsportsmanlike.
• For a 1st down or a score, both the ball & flags must break the plane of the line.
• If the quarterback takes a snap without a flag belt (the ball is dead where he or she receives the snap).
• Unsportsmanlike Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Action/Behavior:
  Unsportsmanlike penalties cover a variety of infractions, which include abusive, aggressive, hostile, taunting, trash talking, profane behavior and/or actions (physical or verbal) from a player and/or spectator towards another player, Tournament or Game Official, or another spectator.  It will also include repeated infractions that in the Game Official’s judgment are intentional or avoidable.Penalty:  Minimum 15 yards from Spot or result of play (in addition to any other penalty), automatic 1st down
• Note: The Game Official may assess multiple Unsportsmanlike penalties, award replay of down, a score, a forfeit, eject player(s), or any combination of these in order to maintain the integrity of the game and/or tournamen
• Additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to these rules may be added right up to and throughout the Tournament in the best interest of the tournament.  Anything added, deleted, and/or clarified will communicated to all teams by the Event Coordinator.The Event Coordinator or members of the Executive Staff will have the authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in the rules.    His/her decision is final a quorum of the executive staff decides otherwise.  The Game Official(s) should consult with the Event Coordinator(s) for interpretation or clarification of rules if needed.The Tournament
  The Tournament format will be determined by the First responder Games based upon number of entries and fields.  It will be at least a 3-game guarantee.

  Official’s Authority

  The Game Official has the authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in the rules.    His/her decision is final, unless ruled otherwise by one of the Event Coordinator(s) or Executive Staff.  The Game Official(s) should consult with the the Event Coordinator(s)  for interpretation or clarification of rules if needed.

  Divisional Tie Breakers for Pool Play (i.e. Round Robin)
  2 teams tied – whoever won in head-to-head competition.

  3 teams tied – head-to-head; total points allowed in head-to-head games; then total points allowed; then Total Differential

  If a team forfeits a game and they are in a two or three way tie, they are automatically the lowest seed possible within the tied teams.

  Play-off Seeding for Brackets
  Best Win-Loss Record
  Total Points Allowed in Divisional games; then Total Differential. (If unequal pools, these will be averaged: TPA/games)

  If a team forfeits a game and they are in a two or three way tie, they are automatically the lowest seed possible within the tied teams.

  The Field
  The total field dimensions are 25 yards wide by 70 yards long.   50 yards between goal lines with 10 yard end zones.  The no-run zones are marked at 5 yds on either side of midfield (25 yd line) and 5 yds before the goal line. 

  Team Roster/Players
  Each team is allowed 12 players (male or female) on the team roster.  The game will be played with a maximum of 5 players with a minimum of 4 players to avoid a forfeit.  The Team roster must be submitted prior to first game to the Tournament Director.  No new players may be placed on the roster after it has been submitted.

  Any games played with an Illegal player will result in a forfeit.  If found to be intentional (falsifying credentials, not a first responder , misrepresenting actual department, etc.) the player(s) and possibly the team will be suspended from the tournament, and reported to the Executive staff for discipline determination.

  Sportsmanship
  One of the major goals of the First Responder Games is to provide a safe, fair and enjoyable playing environment for all participants. Unsportsmanlike behavior or actions will not be tolerated.  If the Tournament Director, Event Coordinator, Executive Staff member or Official witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any similar unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player can be ejected from the game.  Fighting on the field of play will result in immediate ejection from the game, and suspension from the tournament for those responsible.

  Profanity, as well as trash talking that is offensive or aggressive towards an official, opposing team, or spectators is not allowed.  Officials or Tournament Director(s) may eject player(s) from the game depending on the offending person’s behavior.  This could also result in the player(s) and team(s) being disqualified from the tournament.

  Penalties, forfeitures, disqualifications and suspensions can be assessed to a team for the behavior and actions of their respective spectators as well. See penalties and discipline.

  The Game Basics
  Games are played to 28 points or 30 minutes, whichever comes first.
  This is a no-contact Tournament; no blocking, picks, tackling, etc. allowed.  Players must make every effort to avoid contact.

  A coin toss determines first possession.  The coin will be tossed in the air and allowed to hit the ground.  The highest ranked/seeded team (or the farthest team if equal or unknown rank/seed) will call the toss prior to, or while the coin is in the air.   Teams may choose offense, defense or defer.  There is a change of possession at the half.

  The center must snap the ball between the legs to start play.

  The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross mid-field. Once a team crosses mid-field, they will have three (3) plays to score a touchdown.

  If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field or score, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 5-yard line.

  All possession changes except interceptions start on the offenses 5-yard line.

  Each time the ball is spotted a team has :30 seconds to snap the ball.

  Game Clock

  The game is played with a running clock (Game clock) except for time outs, halftime and the last 1 minute of the game.

  The play clock starts when the line of scrimmage is marked by the Game Official (indicated by the official’s whistle).  The offense has 30 seconds to snap the ball from this point.

  Each team has a 1 minute time out per half.

  Halftime will be at the 15 minute mark.  There is no Halftime break. The clock will stop and the teams will immediately change sides while maintaining the same possession.   The game clock will be stopped for no more than one minute.

  In the last minute of the game, the clock will stop on 1st downs, touchdowns, extra-points & change of possession.  The play clock, as well as the game clock will start as soon as the official marks the ball with the sounding of his/her whistle.

  In the last minute of the game, Extra Point conversions do not count as timed plays, although the play clock still applies.The game official may stop the clock at his/her discretion for significant situations that may affect the game such as weather, injury, rule interpretation, deliberate delay of game actions, etc. 

  Equipment & Uniform

  • Flagbelts
    The Tournament will provide flags. Players cannot use their own flags unless approved by the Tournament Director or Event Coordinator.  Every player on the field must have a legally secured flagbelt at the start of the play.  Flag belts cannot be altered in any way, such as adding tape, shortening flags, tying knots, etc.  Altered flags will result in an Unsportsmanlike penalty from the 1st flag pull attempt (if any) and ejection from the game. A flagbelt inspection may be called for before every game.

  The flagbelt must be worn only about the waist, with the flags hanging down each side and one in the back. The flags must sharply contrast the color of the shorts, and the entire belt must be visible at all times.  No part of the belt may be obstructed, concealed or covered by any part of the player’s uniform.

  • Football
    Teams are responsible to supply their own ball.
  • Uniforms
    Teams must wear matching colored T-shirts/jerseys during the games.   All teams should have two uniforms, as opposing teams must have contrasting jerseys.  If both teams have the same color and no 2nd jersey, one of them will have to play with no shirt which will be determined by the highest seed or coin toss.

  Shirts must be tucked in under the shorts.  Half-shirts cannot go below the navel.  A Player whose jersey repeatedly comes out over the flagbelt during routine play must correct the problem or an unsportsmanlike penalty will be assessed.  No penalty will be assessed to a defender that grabs, holds and/or rips a jersey that covers the flagbelt.

  Shorts or pants cannot have any belt loops, pockets, or exterior drawstrings.
  All jewelry must be covered or taped for player safety
  Shoes are required and should be molded rubber cleats, sneakers, running shoes….No metal cleats.

  • Towels
    The offensive towel must be thrown behind the QB far enough so that it doesn’t interfere with the defense.  The defensive towel must be removed from the field.  If the towel is tucked into the uniform, it can be pulled similar to the flags.
  • Headwear

  Ball caps, low profile hats and/or headbands made of cloth are allowed.  Hat bills do not need to be turned backwards.

   Scoring

  TD = 6 points
  Extra Point Conversion:  5 yards out = 1 point             12 yards out = 2 points
  Extra Point Conversion Run Back: 2 Points
  Safety = 2 points
  Forfeits: are scored 14 – 0

  Rushing the QB
  All players that rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  Any number of players can rush the QB.  The rusher does not have to line up with a clear path to the quarterback; but, if he/she does not, then the offensive player is not required to move out of the rusher’s lane to the QB.

  Players not rushing the QB may defend at the line of scrimmage.
  Once the ball has been handed off, the 7 yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders are eligible to rush.
  A special marker or the official will designate 7 yards from the line of scrimmage. 

  Running
  The Quarterback CANNOT run the ball.
  Laterals or pitches of any kind are illegal (this does not apply to shovel passes).
  Only direct hand-offs behind the line of scrimmage are legal. Offense may use multiple hand-offs.
  The player who takes the hand-off can throw the ball as long as he does not pass the line of scrimmage.
  “No Running Zones” are located 5 yards before midfield and 5 yards before the Goal line in each offensive direction. Spinning is allowed.

  The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s belt is when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is or where the flag lands.

  For a 1st down or a score, both the ball & flags must break the plane of the line.
  Ball carriers may jump or hurdle, but if contact is initiated a charging penalty will be assessed
  Ball carriers cannot dive forward in order to gain yardage. The ball will be marked where the feet last touched the ground.

  Passing
  All passes must be forward & beyond the line of scrimmage. Spiking is only permitted from underneath the center.

  Shovel passes (or forward pitches) are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

  The QB has a 7 second “pass clock”. If a pass is not thrown within the 7 seconds, play is dead, loss of down, ball returns to line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off the 7 second rule is no longer in effect.

  Interceptions may be run back. If the interception occurs & is downed in the end zone, the ball is spotted on the 5 yard line. 

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

  Only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
  Player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.
  Pass may not be intentionally tipped in any direction to another teammate. 

  Dead Ball
  Play is ruled “DEAD” when:

  The ball carrier’s flag is pulled, falls off or if not wearing a flag, as soon as possession is gained (hand-off, reception)

  (There is no Penalty for not wearing a flag at the start of a play, but the ball is dead as soon as the player gains possession)

  The ball carrier steps out of bound
  A Touchdown or Safety is scored

  Any part of the Ball carrier’s body, other than a hand or foot touches the ground
  If the quarterback takes a snap without a flag belt (the ball is dead where he or she receives the snap).  There is no penalty, but still loss of down.  If in the End Zone, then it is a Safety.

  The receiver’s flag falls off (play is dead at point of reception).  Clarification: If a receiver loses a flag during a play he/she is still eligible.  As soon as they touch the ball, play is dead at that spot and the ball cannot be advanced.

  There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hits the ground. Anytime the ball touches the ground it is dead.

  Penalties

  All penalties will be called by the Official and may be declined.

  All penalties are assessed from the original line of scrimmage except for fouls against the ball carrier or receiver.

  All defensive penalties are 10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and automatic 1st down, EXCEPT holding which is assessed as 10 yards from the end of the play.

  All offensive penalties are 10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and loss of down, EXCEPT flag guarding which is assessed 10 yards from the spot of the foul. Clarification:  If a ball carrier crosses the 1st down line and then flag guards within 10 yards of the line, the offense will be assessed the penalty, but retain the first down.  Crossing of the line again will not result in another first down.

  Penalties within 10 yards of goal will be assessed 1/2 distance to the goal.

  The Game Officials will determine contact which may result from normal run of play to be incidental

  Only the team captain may question the Game official about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

  Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

  Example of some penalties (not all inclusive)

  • Defense:
    Offsides
    Pass Interference (only if contact is made, shielding is not considered pass interference)
    Illegal Contact (holding, bump and run, blocking, etc.)
    Illegal Flag Pull (before receiver/ball carrier has ball or well after the QB has released the ball)
    Illegal Rushing (start rush from inside 7 yard marker)
  • Offense:
    Illegal Motion (more than 1 person moving, false start, motion, etc.)
    Illegal Pass, lateral or pitch
    Offensive Pass Interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender, holding, etc.)
    Flag Guarding
    Delay of Game – Clock will stop/10 yards and loss of down
  • ** Unsportsmanlike Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Action/Behavior:
    Unsportsmanlike penalties cover a variety of infractions, which include abusive, aggressive, hostile, taunting, trash talking, profane behavior and/or actions (physical or verbal) from a player and/or spectator towards another player, Tournament or Game Official, or another spectator.  It will also include repeated infractions that in the Game Official’s, Event Coordinator, or Executive Staffs judgment are intentional or avoidable.Penalty:  Minimum 15 yards from Spot or result of play (in addition to any other penalty), automatic 1st down.  Note:  The Game Official may assess multiple Unsportsmanlike penalties, award replay of down, a score, a forfeit, eject player(s), or any combination of these in order to maintain the integrity of the game and/or tournament

   Tie Game (overtime)

  If the score is tied at the end of 30 minutes, teams move directly into overtime.

  A Coin toss will determine possession (Coin must be allowed to hit the ground).
  Each team receives one 1 play from their own 5 yard line.
  Negative yardage on a play is better than an interception, but not an incomplete pass.

  Defensive penalties may be accepted resulting in 10 yards and the option to run an additional play if necessary.  Result of following play and the 10 yards from the penalty count towards the overall possession’s yardage.  A penalty on the offense is deemed as negative 10 yards and loss of down.

  The team gaining the most yardage on the one play is declared the winner and awarded one (1) additional point even if the result of the play is a touchdown.

AWARDS:

Medals to all individuals (1^st – 3^rd places) on the roster plus one non-playing coach. Rosters are limited to a maximum of 10 players plus one (1) Non-Playing Coach.

SCHEDULING:
This event may be held over several days based on entries.
A captains briefing may be held prior to the event will explain the rules and regulations, the start time and locations.

OFFICIALS
Sport Coordinator:  Supervises all facets of event.

A Protest Committee consisting of the event coordinator, a neutral third party coach, and a member of the executive staff shall be assembled on matters regarding protests.  The decision rendered by this committee is final