NFL FLAG Basic Rules

  • Coin Toss determines Offense and Defense

  • All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins.

  • The flags must be on the player’s hips, free from obstruction, and pointed down and out. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.

  • 5-yard no run zones precede the half field line and goal line for the offense.

  • The line of scrimmage and the rush line seven yards from the line of scrimmage will be marked with orange cones.

  • 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.

  • The quarterback has a seven-second pass clock.

  • Offensive players without the ball must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier.

NFL FLAG Rule Clarifications

These are rules that are questioned and debated often and require frequent review.

  • Shovel passes are allowed, but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

  • Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.

  • Absolutely NO laterals of any kind.

  • “Center sneak” play is no longer allowed. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the center on the first handoff of the play.

  • No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.

  • NO Flag Guarding. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping or jumping to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding.

Interceptions are returnable, but not on conversions after touchdowns.Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception.Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.

PENN Athletics Rule Exceptions

Rule: Coaches are allowed on the field to direct players according to need and division. Coaches must move to the sidelines before the snap of the ball.

Exception: Coaches may remain on the field in our 1st Grade and younger leagues.

Rule: 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.

Exception: Side snaps are permitted in our First Grade Leagues.

Exception: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is coach snap, where a coach takes a knee and side snaps the football.