Rules - Flag Football

Warm Up: 4 minutes

1st Half: 22 minute RUN TIME period

Half Time: Minimum of 2 minutes - may be extended at the discretion of the referee. 

2nd Half: 22 minute RUN TIME period

Overtime: 2 minutes. Each team will be given one (1) possession beginning at the opposing team’s 25-yard line to determine a winner. 

In the event that a winner is not determined, both teams will be given one (1) possession beginning at the opposing team’s 10-yard line to determine a winner

A winner is determined when one team scores, while the other team is prevented from scoring.

The defensive team may score on an interception.

A team is entitled to a maximum of two (2) non-dressed personnel (players or coaches) behind the bench during a game. Suspended players cannot be behind the bench while under suspension.

The referee’s may use their discretion to ask these individuals to leave if they are not acting in a considerate manner and penalize the team accordingly.

All non-dressed personnel are held to the same standards of behaviour as players in our code of conduct and in relation to alcohol/substance use. Any non-dressed personnel in violation will be banned for the season after a single offence.

LUG Permits the use of extra players during the regular season in order to maintain a competitive level of play. All extras should be of similar skill level to the league they are playing. Teams should follow the How to Call up a player process when doing so. 

Ringers / Substitute Players are NOT permitted. If a team is deemed to have players that are not on their official roster during playoffs, the game will be considered default for the accused team. Teams can request an ID check of a player to confirm that player is on their opponent’s registered LUG roster. If a request is made, it must be done either before the game, during the game, or within 10 minutes after the game has ended. After this time, it is no longer valid.

Punishment for using illegal players may include but is not limited to one or more of the following; suspension of the player(s), removal of any goals scored or assisted goals, forfeit of the game, suspension of the Captain of record, and turning over of the final game score. Ultimately, it is up to the league to make the final discretionary judgement call on how to rule it. 

Teams are given LUG jerseys for the season. All players must update their player number on their DigitalShift profile in order to receive stats for their games. Click here for information on how to update your jersey number.

LUG will provide a football, kick off tee and twelve (12) sets of flags to each team. Teams are responsible for bringing all LUG provided equipment to each game. 

Mouth guards are strongly recommended.

Games are played in the rain, snow or shine. Games will be suspended when there is reasonable threat of lightning. Further information on weather suspensions can be found in the LUG Weather Policy.

A touchdown is worth 6 points. 

When any part of the football touches or is in-advance of the goal line, a touchdown is awarded. The football must break the plane of the end zone before the player is downed by any means.

The goal-line extends the width of the field to the farthest point of each sideline.

After scoring a touchdown, teams must elect one of the following two options:

• receive a FREE extra point; or
• attempt a 2 point conversion.

If the team elects to go for a 2-point conversion the ball is placed on the 10- yard line and the team has one down to score.

If the ball is intercepted the play is dead.

A safety is worth 1 point.

A safety occurs when the offensive team carries the ball into their own end zone and:

• they are de-flagged/downed by any means while inside; or
• the offensive team commits a foul inside the end zone (i.e. blocking, interference, guarding the flag).

Substitutions are allowed at the completion of every play.

A team may only have a maximum of 7 players in their huddle at any time.

Players being substituted for must be off the field prior to the next snap OR they must be out of the area of play and departing the field in haste.

At the beginning of the game the captain/player from the home team will be asked to call “heads” or “tails” prior to a coin toss. In the event there is no coin available to the referee, players shall abide by the 'rock-papers-scissors' method

The winner will have choice of the following options for the first half:

• To receive;
• Side of play; or
• Defer choice to the second half

Kickoffs occur ONLY at the beginning of each half.

If a touchdown is scored at any other point in the game, the opposing team will automatically begin with the ball on their own 25-yard line.

Kickoffs must be made from the team’s own 25-yard line.

No player from the kicking team may be in front of the kicker at the time the ball is kicked on any kick-off, unless they are the place-holder. Offside will be called if a player from the kicking team is in advance of the ball at the time that it is kicked. A 5-yard penalty to be assessed after the kickoff.

No player from the receiving team may be in front of mid-field at the time the ball is kicked on any kick-off. Offside will be called if a receiving 3 player is in advance of mid-field at the time that it is kicked. A 5-yard penalty to be assessed after the kickoff.

If the ball goes out of bounds on a kick off the receiving team will receive the ball at the 35 yard line.

The ball is not live until the receiving team has touched it. All fumble rules apply.

If the kick goes out the back or sides of the end zone a touchback will be called.

If the ball is downed inside the end zone a touchback will be called.

Play Clock In: The play clock starts when the referee spots the LOS and the rusher mark with bean bags and signals down.

Ball In Play: A team must snap the ball to begin each play.

If the ball is snapped before the referee puts the Play Clock In, the referee may blow the play dead.

The offense has a maximum of 15 seconds from the time the referee puts the Play Clock In to put the ball In Play, 5 yard penalty for failure to put ball in play within 15 seconds

The referee can only put the Play Clock In once the defense is onside. The defense must make a reasonable effort to get back onside after every play.     

The player who receives the snap is the QB.

More than one player may line up in the eligible pocket to receive a snap.

Players must declare that they are the QB. 

Either player may direct the center when to snap the ball.

The QB must be at least 5 yards behind the LOS and he/she must be within the eligible pocket.

There will be 1 first down markers on each field at 50 yard line (or halfway point of the field they are playing on) 

A team has four downs to advance the ball beyond the first down marker directly downfield of where they gain possession of the ball or where they were awarded a first down. If they do so, they will be awarded a first down.

If a team gains possession of the ball or are awarded a first down in advance of every first down marker on the field they will have four downs to advance the ball into the end-zone.

If a team loses yardage and is downed behind the 1st down marker, if the team subsequently crosses the 1st down marker on another play, it is not a 1st down.

Punts must be communicated to the referee and to the opposing coach before the play.

A punt may go out-of-bounds with no penalty. The ball will be spotted where it left the playing area. 

A punt is not live until the receiving team touches it.

The punting team may down the ball by touching it on the ground.

No fake punts are allowed. 

Teams can elect to forgo a punt and have the ball placed 5 yards behind half field point. 

Only one defensive player may rush the punter immediately.

The rusher must stand 10-yards away from the LOS.

If a punt is deflected such that it changes direction to move toward the kicking team’s end zone, the ball is dead and the non-kicking team gains possession where the player first made contact with the ball.

If a punt is deflected such that it does not change direction and continues to move toward the non-kicking team’s end zone, the ball remains LIVE and the non-kicking team may advance the ball.

A maximum of 3 players are allowed to be in motion at the snap. Movement must be parallel or away from the LOS and must be continuous. The player cannot begin this motion after coming set on the LOS.

• 5-yard penalty, no loss of down, for Illegal Procedure.

No offensive player can cross the LOS before the ball is snapped.

• 5-yard penalty for False Start.

A defensive player will be called Offside if they cross the LOS before the ball has been put In Play, and do not return behind the LOS before the ball is put In Play.

Offside is a 5-yard penalty, to be assessed from the LOS.

One player may rush the QB unabated each play 

A second rusher may rush but is not given right of way.

Players who elect to rush must start 7 yards from the LOS and identify that they are rushing. 

A QB CAN NOT RUSH before the 3 steamboats elapse, however when that countdown is completed a QB can elect to rush to avoid the pass rusher. 

A player must indicate to the ref who is rushing by holding up their hand after the play clock starts and before the ball is put into play.

If two players raise one (1) or two (2) hands, both players will be designated as Blitzing Rushers, and no player will be designated as the QB Rusher or given the right of way. 

Rushers must be at least 7 yards away from the LOS

Offside will be indicated if any part of a Rusher’s body crossed the LOS. 5 yard penalties for offside.

There will be NO blocking, all players who begin on the LOS are eligible to receive the ball. Blocking will be a 5 yard penalty.

The ref will use judgment to determine if there is a block taking place to avoid the rusher to get to the QB’s Flags. If players collide it may be unintentional and play will continue.

The center cannot intentionally block the progress of a Blitzing Rusher, but is given right of way on their receiving route.

Anyone lining up in front of the centre must line up at least 1 yard away to limit the potential for contact.

All other defensive players may line up at the line of scrimmage – they may also cross the line after the play has begun. 

These players cannot de-flag OR pressure the QB in the backfield until the QB has crossed or is crossing the LOS.

10-yard penalty from LOS for Illegal Procedure on the Defense for an illegal player in the backfield.

Pressuring the QB is defined as pursuit of the QB well behind the LOS.

If another offensive player is in the vicinity of the QB and the defensive player’s pursuit can be attributed to making a play on that other offensive player then no penalty will be called.

Roughing the Passer will be called when the rusher, if while attempting to de-flag the quarterback or block the pass, makes any contact with the passer including striking the passer’s arm when in a forward motion.

Personal Foul is the penalty for Roughing the Passer.

The ball carrier is deemed to be down and the ball is dead when either flag is detached, falls to the ground (even if from equipment failure) from the ball carrier’s waist or when any part of the ball carrier’s body other than a hand or foot touches the ground.

When a defensive player pulls the ball carrier’s flag the defensive player must return it to the de-flagged player, the de-flagged player’s team, or give it to the referee. 

Tackling is prohibited. Tackling is grasping or encircling the body of the ball carrier with a hand or arm and directing the ball carrier to the ground. The following penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the referee:

• A 5-yard penalty for Minor Contact;
• A 10-yard Personal Foul penalty with an automatic first down; or

If the contact is excessive and/or flagrant, a 15-yard penalty for Major Contact shall be assessed, with an automatic first down and ejection of the player from the game.

Pushing a player out-of-bounds is prohibited. The following penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the referee:

• A 5-yard penalty for Minor Contact;
• A 10-yard Personal Foul penalty with an automatic first down; or

If the contact is excessive and/or flagrant, a 15-yard penalty for Major Contact shall be assessed, with an automatic first down and ejection of the player from the game.

Holding is prohibited. The penalty for Holding will be a Personal Foul. Grabbing the ball carrier’s clothing will be considered holding.

An unintentional hold of a player’s clothing or flag belt will be penalized as Minor Contact as long as the clothing is released immediately.

The intended receiver of either a pass or a Lateral may be de-flagged after first touching the ball – even while fumbling or bobbling the ball and before possession is established.

The receiver is considered down at the point they were de-flagged, NOT at the point they gain control of the ball.

If an offensive player’s flag is pulled prior to contact with the football a Personal Foul will be called.

The referee will also have the option to award a score to the offense in the event the offensive player whose flag has been removed gains possession of the ball behind the defense and there is no defender that can reasonably be expected to have de-flagged them. Otherwise, the player will be deemed down where the player gains possession of the ball.

If the QB’s arm is in forward motion (passing) while their flag is pulled, the pass is allowed.

The responsibility of avoiding contact rests primarily with the ball carrier. They must make every effort to avoid contact. The ball carrier cannot uncontrollably or deliberately run or dive into a defensive player.

• 5-yard penalty for Minor Contact; or
• 10-yard Personal Foul penalty, automatic first down.

When a defensive player has established position to de-flag the ball carrier, the ball carrier CANNOT run into them. The defender is entitled to a stationary effort at the flag.

It is expected of the ball carrier to slow down and stop if otherwise the ball carrier cannot avoid making contact with the stationary defender.

• 5-yard penalty for Minor Contact; or
• 10-yard Personal Foul penalty, automatic first down.

A ball carrier may spin but must take responsibility for their momentum. If contact occurs during a spin the offensive player will be automatically penalized 5-yards from POI for Minor Contact.

Players may leave their feet to avoid being de-flagged, but must take responsibility for their momentum. If contact occurs during a jump the offensive player will be automatically penalized.

Players may leave their feet to de-flag a player or to attempt to catch the ball. 5-yards from POI for Minor Contact.

The ball carrier cannot protect their flags by blocking with their hand, arm, head, shoulder or the ball.

It is an infraction regardless of whether the player guards their flags intentionally or unintentionally. The onus is on the ball carrier to keep the path to their flags free from any obstruction.

• 5-yard penalty for Guarding the Flag marked from the POI.

The play will be blown dead upon infraction.

The ball is dead on any fumble.

The ball shall be spotted at the point where the player lost possession of the ball.

On a muffed snap, if the QB fields the ball cleanly & immediately the play is allowed to continue.

If the ball is snapped over the head of the QB, or it is not fielded cleanly & immediately, the play shall be blown dead. It will be spot at the same spot as the previous play.

If the QB makes contact with the ball on the snap, and the ball is subsequently fumbled, the spot of the ball will be where the QB made contact with it, and NOT where the ball first landed.

On a kickoff if the ball is muffed the play shall be blown dead immediately.

The lines marking the sidelines and the extreme end of the end zones shall be considered out-of-bounds if stepped on to any degree.

A Running Play is defined as a play where the ball crosses the LOS on the ground.

A Backfield Play is defined as any play where the ball is not in possession of the QB.

There are unlimited running plays.

The QB is allowed to run the ball following the 3 steamboat count )

Once a backfield play has begun all players may de-flag the QB.

There can be only one forward pass per play.

If the football is past the LOS when it is released, an illegal forward pass has occurred. The spot is judged by the release of the ball, NOT the feet of the QB.

• A 5-yard Illegal Procedure penalty and a loss of down is assessed for an illegal forward pass.

Illegal forward passes shall be marked from the POI.

Any play where an illegal forward pass occurs is also considered a Running Play, as the ball crossed the LOS on the ground.

Once the ball has crossed the LOS it cannot be passed forward even if the ball is first returned back across the LOS.

Intentional Grounding occurs when the QB has not moved laterally and they intentionally and obviously throw the ball to where no receiver has a chance at it.

This does not include passes that are thrown downfield past everyone.

If the QB obviously and immediately spikes the ball at the LOS this shall be ruled an incomplete pass.

The ball shall be spotted at the POI with a loss of down.

If the QB is in their own end-zone then the result is a safety.

A Lateral is defined as any pass thrown overhand or underhand perpendicular or away from the direction of advancement of the team in possession.

A forward underhand pass is not a lateral and constitutes an illegal forward pass unless initiated from behind the LOS, in which case it is a legal forward pass.

A Lateral may be attempted at any point on the field.

Any Lateral initiated from in advance of the LOS that is fumbled results in a turnover from the spot the Lateral is initiated.

A reception occurs when a player catches and controls the ball with at least one foot in-bounds.

All offensive and defensive players are eligible receivers if they are on the playing field when the ball is snapped.

If a receiver fully and clearly steps out-of-bounds, without being illegally forced out by an opposing player, and returns to catch a pass thrown to them, the receiver is ruled to be ineligible and the pass is ruled incomplete.

No penalty yardage on the play. Loss of down.

If a player steps out-of-bounds by a small margin (at the discretion of the referee) they will remain eligible.

A receiver is considered eligible if they are illegally forced out-of-bounds by a defender and immediately return to the field of play.

A defender cannot force an offensive player out-of-bounds by way of any positive action. Incidental contact is not considered to be a positive action.

If a receiver catches the ball with one foot in-bounds and one foot out-of- bounds simultaneously, the pass is incomplete.

When a receiver jumps to make a catch, both of the receiver’s feet must have started in-bounds and the first foot to touch the ground after the reception must land in-bounds for the pass to be ruled complete.

The lines marking the sidelines and the extreme end of the end-zones shall be considered out-of-bounds if stepped on to any degree.

A double reception (when the offensive player and defensive player both catch the ball and have equal possession), always goes to the offense.

Teams/Free Agents will be placed into divisions initially based upon their submitted registration, skill level, and position.

League administration reserves the right to move a team (or player) to a higher or lower division based on;

• Overall and/or individual Player skill level

• Win/loss record

• Age of players

• Any other statistical data

This rule is applicable at any time during the season.

Win = 2 points

Tie/Shootout/OT Loss = 1 point

Loss = 0 points

1. Points

2. Win %

3. Head to Head

4. Point Differential

5. Wins 

6. Regulation Wins

7. Most number of Touchdowns

8. Fewer number of Touchdowns against

9. Coin Flip

In the event more than two teams are tied, the above process is followed until one or more teams are removed and the process begins again with the remaining teams. This is followed until only one team is remaining. 

LUG holds the right to take disciplinary action on teams that have not fulfilled the full balance of team fees 2 weeks after the first game is played.

LUG Teams are expected to pay the full amount designated to each league regardless of rostered players.

All players/coaches/fans/LUG affiliates are expected to respect all facility rules.

• Use of profanity, slander, racial comments or any kind of inappropriate language is not permitted.

• Groups/Individuals are responsible for any damage caused to the facility.

• Garbage must be placed in bins provided. This includes any facility change rooms.

• Spitting/Chewing tobacco products is strictly prohibited in all areas.

• Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be refused entry and or removed from the premises.

• Possession and/or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and includes the change rooms, fields, stands, and parking lots.

• Smoking/Vaping of any kind is prohibited on the field or in the change rooms.

After the pass is in the air neither receiver nor defender may deliberately touch the other until either of them touches the ball.

Incidental contact is defined in this circumstance as contact resulting from attempts at the football. This type of contact is permitted.

Positional advantage can only be used to make an attempt at the football.

If contact occurs as a result of the receiver’s attempt on the ball, and the defender is making NO attempt at the ball, this shall be considered Defensive Pass Interference.

When a defender uses their positional advantage to impede the receiver without making an attempt on the ball contact is attributed to the defender.

If contact results from the receiver’s attempt on the ball, and the defender has positional advantage and is making an attempt on the ball, this shall be considered Offensive Pass Interference.

When a defender is using their positional advantage to catch the football contact is attributed to the receiver.

Defensive Pass Interference occurs when the defender makes deliberate contact with the offensive player to impede the catching of the ball. This is also referred to as taking away any positional advantage through contact.

The ball is spotted at the point of interference and an automatic replay of down

If the interference occurs in the end zone the ball is spotted at the 1-yard line replay of down

An attempt to catch the ball that results in unintentional contact is NOT Pass Interference, unless one player had established a positional advantage.

When no positional advantage has been established by either player, the onus is on both the offensive and defensive player to avoid contact with the other player.

Offensive Pass Interference occurs when the offensive player makes deliberate contact with the defensive player at any point to gain a positional advantage in order to catch the ball or hinder the defensive players’ ability to catch it and/or guard the offensive player.

“Pushing off” to free up space is considered offensive Pass Interference.

A 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the LOS with a loss of down.

No defender may make deliberate contact with a receiver to impede their route at any point.

5-yard Interference penalty for illegal use of hands.

Any offensive player not making a play for the ball (or running a pattern) who deliberately impedes any defensive player’s ability to cover their opponent shall be called for Interference.

A 10-yard Interference penalty with no loss of down.

If the official whistles the play dead prematurely, AND the outcome of the play is in doubt, the offense shall have the choice of:

• Accepting the ball where it was whistled dead; or
• replaying the down.

If the outcome of the play is NOT in doubt, the result of the play may be left to stand at the discretion of the referee.

If there is an interception on the play the team with possession of the ball shall be considered the offence.

Minor: Utilized by the referee as a warning to the player that their conduct is unacceptable. 

Major: At the discretion of the referee. 10 yard penalty and the player may be ejected.

No one is allowed to play on any team in the league while on suspension from another team.

Captains are ultimately responsible for notifying their players of any suspensions.

Suspension from the regular season will carry over to the playoffs and future seasons.

Suspended players are not permitted on the Player’s bench. 

Any player knowingly participating in a League game while under suspension will automatically have their teams’ points removed for that game and the suspension length will be doubled (at minimum). If the Team Rep knowingly permits a suspended or ineligible Player to participate in a League game, the Team Rep and the team will face disciplinary action.

Player with Alcohol = 1 game suspension. 2nd infraction results in removal from league.

Benches - 2 game team suspension. 2nd infraction results in removal from league.

FIRST INFRACTION
Major Penalty & ejection from game.

* Serious offences may result in subsequent suspensions or disciplinary actions.

** Any call up player that is assessed a fighting infraction will be ineligible for any further games in the season.