1. ROWAN UNIVERSITY INTRAMURALS
Flag Football
Rules Clinic

2. Basics of Officiating www.rowan.edu/rec Preparation
Being on time
Proper Dress/Equipment
Whistle, Black/Dark Shorts, Tucked in shirt, Forward Hat (if worn)
Knowledge of Rules
Pre-Game Conference
Determine the play style of teams
Safety/Risk Management
Check Facility
Check Equipment
Check Players
Stop game if needed
Eject Players if needed
Positioning
Hustle and Be in Position
Proper coverage/Keep all players in sight
Judgment
Communication
Preventative Officiating
Determine if players are playing the ball or other players
Pace determined by teams
Keep flow of game uninterrupted
Incidental contact

3. Basics of Officiating www.rowan.edu/rec Improvement/Evaluation
Post-Game
Work on 1-2 things to improve each game
Mentor others or ask questions to experienced officials
Praise in public, criticize privately
Get more game experience
Promotions
Being the head official
Working more competitive games
Mechanics/Calls
Make the basic calls
Don’t look for insignificant or rare calls
Confidence/Use of Voice
Whistle and Crisp mechanics
Work on signals
Rapport with Players
Command Respect but be respectful
Communicate with captain
Warn players before ejecting
Don’t socialize with one group over another

4. Field Layout The field is split into four zones:
End zone to 20 YL, 20 YL to 40 YL,40 YL to 20 YL, 20 YL to End zone

5. Game Length and Time
The game consists of two 18-minute halves with a running clock, except for the last 2 minutes of each half
In the last 2 minutes of each half, the clock will stop for:
Incomplete passes, out of bounds, penalties, change of possessions, scores, and first downs
The clock will always stop for Timeouts
The Mercy Rule is applied when a team leads by 19 points (25 for Co-Rec)or more in the second half at the 2 minute warning
END OF THE GAME SIGNAL

6. Scoring Touchdown = 6 pts
A Touchdown is scored when the nose of the ball crosses the Goal Line in the possession of the offense or a receiver catches the ball in the End Zone.
Six points will be awarded followed by the try-for-points.
TOUCHDOWN SIGNAL
Touchdown = 6 pts

7. Extra Points Extra Point Attempts: 1 point (3 yard line)
2 points (10 yard line)
3 points (20 yard line)
Safety =
2 points
An intercepted try-for-point that is returned for a Touchdown is always worth 3 points.
SAFETY SIGNAL

8. Rules of the Game There is NO CONTACT ALLOWED!
Each team may field 7 players at a time (8 for Co-Rec)
A minimum of 5 players is required in order to start and finish a game
6 minimum players for Co-Rec (4M/4W, 4M/3W, 4M/2W, 4W/2M, 4W/3M, 4W/3M, 3W/3M
There is NO CONTACT ALLOWED!
Incidental contact may occur because of the nature of the game, but our goal is to limit contact to an absolute minimum

9. Rules of the Game
Teams have 4 downs to advance the ball to the next zone line-to-gain or to score
Possessions start on X line at the beginning of each half, after scores, and after “punts”
A team may elect to “punt” on 4th Down
Can only be changed by a timeout
FIRST DOWN SIGNAL

10. Pre-Game Duties: Equipment
Jewelry is not allowed to be worn by any participant during an Intramural event
Jewelry cannot be taped or covered with a band-aid
Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces must be taped down
There are NO EXCEPTIONS!
NO POCKETS, belts, belt loops, or exposed drawstrings

11. Pre-Game Duties: Equipment
No knots or hard billed hats
Arm holes must be less than 4’’
Matching colored jerseys, tucked in or cut 4 inches above the waist
A one-piece flag belt with three flags permanently attached is provided, it should be worn with a flag on each side and one in the center of the back
Pants or shorts must be a different color than the flags
Any and all dangerous equipment must be removed or properly covered prior to participation
FAILURE TO WEAR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SIGNAL

12. Captains Meeting
This is to be done every game at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the game
DO FOR ALL PLAYERS THE FIRST WEEK
Set The Tone For The Entire Game
This is the first opportunity to let the teams know what kind of game to expect
Take control but don’t be pushy
Have fun but make sure you are taken seriously

13. Captains Meeting
Each crew member should introduce themselves and their position
Remind Captains that:
The clock only stops in the last 2 minutes of the each half (aside from timeouts)
Each team has two timeouts per half (1 in overtime)
They are the representative of the team that is allowed to talk to the officials about rule interpretations and questions
They are responsible for the conduct of their team
Answer any questions, wish both teams a good game, and administer the coin toss

14. Coin Toss
In the presence of both captains, the Referee will have the visiting team captain call the toss in the air and the home team captain will repeat the call. The captain winning the toss shall choose one of the following options:
To start on offense or defense
To designate which goal their team will defend
To defer their decision until the second half
The captain losing the coin toss will choose from the remaining options
It is possible for teams to defend the same goal or to start with possession in both halves

15. PASS / RUN PLAYS 1 LJ R BJ

16. 3 person pass/run coverage

17. GOAL LINE PLAYS LJ G R BJ

18. 3 person goal line coverage

19. KICK COVERAGE PLAYS LJ 1 R BJ

20. PASS / RUN PLAYS 1 LJ BJ R FJ

21. 4 person pass/run coverage

22. GOAL LINE PLAYS LJ G BJ R FJ

23. 4 person goal line coverage

24. KICK COVERAGE PLAYS LJ 1 BJ R FJ

25. Referee Maintain the tempo of the game
7 and 7 away from deepest back
Communicate with the rest of the officiating crew
Set the pucks and announce the down and line to gain
Blow the ready for play whistle and begin the play clock count
Count the offensive flag belts and give the proper signal to the Line Judge
Cover the Goal Line and End Line if needed
Keep your eyes on your area
Watch and follow the QB – even after the ball has been released
FIRST DOWN SIGNAL

26. R POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYSQB
7 yards behind
7 yards outside R

27. Line Judge Mark the new of line of scrimmage
Chop in the Referee to set the pucks
Count the offensive flag belts and give the proper signal to the Referee
Communicate with the Field Judge who is covering the Line to Gain
As the offense and defense line up, mark the offense line of scrimmage with your foot and raise the down on the same hand
Once everyone is in legal position, announce that the “Line is good!” and chop it in
Watch your area and move with the play accordingly
SECOND DOWN SIGNAL

28. LJ POSITION – RUN / PASS PLAYS3 LJ QB 1 2 3 4

29. Field Judge Display the down
Initial position when starting possessions, 8-12 yards down field
Past 20 yd line on 1st & 2nd downs, come back to zone line on 3rd & 4th
Communicate to the Line Judge who is covering the zone line to gain or the goal line (‘My line’, ‘Your line’, ‘Split’, or ‘Bump’)
Explanation of terms
Count the defensive flag belts and give the proper signal to the Back Judge
Be prepared to move with the play and spot the end of the play at all times
THIRD DOWN SIGNAL

30. Back Judge Keep and announce the official time on the field
Display the down
Count the defensive flag belts and give the proper signal to the field judge
Watch your area and be in position for long runs or passes
Cover goal line or end line in goal line situations
Pick one line or the other
Do not get beat back by any players – your first step should always be backwards
FOURTH DOWN SIGNAL

31. The Mobile Box

32. Ready for Play
After the Referee has announced the down and line to gain, the ‘ready for play’ whistle will be blown
This is the signal that the ball is ready to be put into play
Meaning, the offense will have 25 seconds, counted silently by the referee, to snap the ball or be penalized for delay of game
READY FOR PLAY SIGNAL

33. Delay of Game
The following delay-of-game fouls carry a 5 yard penalty:
Violating the 25 second count
Snapping the ball before it is marked ready for play
Failure to properly wear legal or required player equipment when the ball is about to become live

34. Pre-Snap: Line is Set
The offensive team must have at least 4 players on the line of scrimmage
Live Ball Penalty (Simult. w/ Snap)
All players must be within 15 yards of the ball before the snap (unless a defensive player is engaged against offensive player outside of hash marks)
Live ball penalty (Simultaneous w/ Snap)
Once the ball is set, no player may enter the neutral zone
If all those necessary rules are met than the Line Judge will determine that the “line is good” and the ball may be snapped legally

35. ILLEGAL SHIFT (BOTH HANDS) or ILLEGAL MOTION (ONE HAND) SIGNAL
Pre-Snap: Motion
One offensive player may be in motion at the time of the snap, but not in motion toward the opponent's goal line.
If multiple players are in motion, all must set before the ball is snapped. A single player may then go back into motion for the snap. `
ILLEGAL SHIFT (BOTH HANDS) or ILLEGAL MOTION (ONE HAND) SIGNAL

36. The Snap
The ball must be snapped off of the ground behind the line of scrimmage
The ball may be side-snapped; it does not have to go through the snapper’s legs
Feet must be behind the ball when snapped
Use preventative officiating by R & LJ
The player who receives the snap must be at least 2 yards behind the Line of Scrimmage
Live ball penalty (Simult. w/ Snap)
DELAY OF GAME SIGNAL

37. Passing Only one legal forward pass is allowed per down.
An Illegal Pass occurs when:
The passers foot is over the line of scrimmage
There is more than one forward pass per down
Every player is an eligible receiver
Any player may hand, pass, or lateral the ball backwards at any time, any number of times
The ball may also be handed forward

38. INCOMPLETE PASS SIGNAL
Passing
On an incomplete pass, there should be one whistle, and one signal
Dual coverage areas may have 2 whistles & signals
If there is a backwards pass, yell “Back” and give the backward pass signal
If in doubt…the pitch was back
INCOMPLETE PASS SIGNAL

39. Balls Away
If the passer is de-flagged before releasing the ball, he has been sacked by the
Defense, and the Referee marks the spot until the line judge can cover the spot.
If the passer releases the ball before the defender de-flags them the Referee should yell, “Ball’s Away!” This denotes that the pass attempt has gone forward and may be legally caught.

40. Running
Once a player receives possession of the ball they become a runner:
Runners may not cover or guard their flags in any way
Runners cannot stiff arm
Runners cannot charge into or bowl over an opponent
Hurdling is not allowed
Spinning is legal

41. Flag Belt Removal
Players must have possession of the ball before they can legally be de-flagged by an opponent
When a runner loses their flag belt accidentally play will continue
The runner can be ‘downed’ by a one (1) hand touch between the shoulders and knees

42. Punting the Ball A punt is only legal when it has been declared.
usually on 4th down.
the offensive captain may request to punt on any down.
The offensive team must meet the minimum line players requirement.
Neither team may cross their scrimmage line until the ball is kicked.

43. Punting the Ball If a Team R player blocks the kick and:
it strikes the ground, the ball is dead and belongs to R.
it is caught by Team K behind the offensive team’s scrimmage line, K may advance the ball.
it is caught by Team K beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line, the ball is dead and belongs to K.

44. Punting the Ball
If an untouched punt strikes the ground it remains live until Team K downs the ball or Team R recovers and advances it.
Once a punt is touched, it is dead when it next strikes the ground and belongs to R.
The receiving team may signal for a fair catch, but this signal shall be ignored by players and officials.

45. Punting the Ball Team K may not punt the ball to a teammate.
Team K may not punt the ball beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line.
The penalty for both is illegal kick which is penalized 10 yards using “all-but-one.”
If K interferes with R’s opportunity to catch the kick, R has 3 options:
the result of the play;
a 10 yard penalty from the previous spot and replay of the down; or
an awarded catch at the spot of the foul (no distance penalty).

46. Fouls During Punts
With the exception of kick-catch interference, penalties for all fouls by Team K during a punt are enforced from the previous spot.
Penalties for Team R fouls during punts are enforced from the previous spot unless the foul is governed by post-scrimmage kick enforcement rules.

47. First Touching
Team K may not be the first to touch a kick beyond the offensive team’s scrimmage line.
If they do, it is a violation for first touching. This spot should be marked with a bean bag.
Once Team K may legally touch a kick, they may recover it.
If first touching occurs, Team R may take possession of the ball at the spot of first touching unless Team R touches the ball and thereafter commits a foul or any penalty against either team is accepted.

48. Marking the End of the Play
The end of the run is spotted where the BALL is when the runner is de-flagged
NOT where the players body is or where the flags are
Since there is no contact and no forced fumbles, a player may reach out with the ball to gain extra yardage
Mark the end of the run with the downfield foot and the same arm in the air, displaying the next down

49. Extending a Period
A period is extended if, during the last timed down:
there is an accepted penalty for a live-ball foul not penalized as a dead-ball foul and does not include loss of down
there are offsetting fouls
there is an inadvertent whistle
a touchdown is scored
the period is extended for the try, unless the touchdown is scored as time expired in the 2nd half and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game
the period is not extended further when the defense fouls during a successful try and the offended team accepts the result of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot
If any of the above scenarios occur during the untimed down, the period will be further extended

50. Live Ball
“A Dead Ball, after it is declared ready for play, becomes a Live ball when it is legally snapped”
The ball becomes Live when it is snapped
When a runner has possession
A receiver becomes a runner once they catch the ball
A pass or fumble that has not yet touched the ground is a loose live ball

51. An officials whistle will always signal that the ball is dead
Dead Ball
The ball becomes dead when:
The runner is de-flagged or tagged
The ball goes out of bounds
Points are scored
The ball hits the ground as a result of an incomplete pass, ‘fumble’, muffed ball, bad snap, lateral, backward pass, etc.
Any part of the runner other than their hands or feet touches the ground
The ball is considered a part of the hand
DEAD BALL SIGNAL
An officials whistle will always signal that the ball is dead

52. THE BALL WILL BE DECLARED DEAD WHEN IT HITS THE GROUND ON A FUMBLE
Fumbles
There are no fumbles in Flag Football
The ball will be spotted where it contacts the ground
Failed backward passes that touch the ground are considered fumbles
A player may not intentionally fumble to gain yards
THE BALL WILL BE DECLARED DEAD WHEN IT HITS THE GROUND ON A FUMBLE

53. START THE CLOCK / CLOCK IS RUNNING SIGNAL
Two Minute Mechanics
Until the final 2 minutes of the each half, the clock will run stopping only for Time-Outs
The clock will stop for the Two Minute Warning
May be under 2 minutes when blown by R
The clock will now be run according to stop time based on NCAA rules
Communication, signals, and mechanics are key to keeping the crew on the same page
START THE CLOCK / CLOCK IS RUNNING SIGNAL
STOP THE CLOCK SIGNAL

54. Two Minute Mechanics The clock will stop for a:
Incomplete legal/illegal forward pass: starts on snap
Out-of-bounds: starts on snap
Safety: starts on snap
Team time-out: starts on snap
1st Down: depends on previous play
Touchdown: starts on the snap (after PAT)
Penalty & Administration: depends on previous play (Exception: Delay of game: starts on snap)
Referee’s time-out: starts at discretion
Touchback: starts on snap
The clock will stop for a:
Team A awarded a new series: depends on previous play
Team B is awarded a new series: starts on snap
Either team is awarded a new series following a legal punt: starts on snap
Team attempting to conserve time illegally: starts on ready
Team attempting to consume time illegally: starts on snap
Inadvertent whistle: starts on ready

55. Momentum Rule
When a player gains possession between their own 5 yard line and the goal line and their momentum carries them into their end zone, if the ball then becomes dead, via fumble or de-flagging, the team with possession will receive the ball at the spot where possession was initially gained.
A player is not penalized when their momentum carries them into their own end zone; it will not be a safety
In IM Football this is common on interceptions of long passes

56. Penalties and Enforcement
Types of Penalties:
Dead Ball
(Blow Whistle, Throw Flag straight up in air,
Stop the Play)
Live Ball
(Throw Flag at spot of foul, NO WHISTLE, Play continues)
Simultaneous with the Snap
(Throw Flag straight up in air, NO WHISTLE, Play continues)
A team always has the choice whether to Accept or Decline the yardage of a penalty
Enforce all penalties in the order they occurred
LOSS OF DOWN SIGNAL

57. 5 Yard Penalties False Start or Encroachment (Dead Ball)
Illegal Snap (Dead Ball)
Delay of Game (Dead Ball)
Offensive Illegal Motion or Illegal Shift
Player Receiving the snap within 2 yards of the Scrimmage Line
Helping the Runner
Intentional Grounding (Loss of Down)
Illegal Forward Pass (Loss of Down)

58. 10 Yard Penalties Illegal Contact Flag Guarding
Illegal Player Equipment
Illegal Flag Belt Removal
Personal Fouls
Roughing the Passer ( Automatic 1st)
Offensive Pass Interference (Loss of Down)
Defensive Pass Interference (Automatic 1st)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct

59. Dead Ball Fouls False Start Illegal Snap Encroachment Delay of Game
Leaving the field on the wrong side
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Whistle is blown immediately and the
flag is thrown up in the air
Enforced from the succeeding spot
Usually called by the Referee or the
Line Judge

60. Penalties: Live Ball Fouls
Can happen during both running plays and loose ball plays
Whistle IS NOT BLOWN on any live ball foul!
Throw your penalty flag at the spot of the foul and keep following the play
Do not assume that there will be only one live ball foul, do not stop watching

61. Let Your Mind Digest What Your Eyes Have Seen
“Decisions must be
instantaneous and a
ruling announced with
minimal delay.
Ensure improved
instinctive reactions
to play situations by
reviewing all possible
combinations of
circumstances before
each game.
LET YOUR MIND DIGEST
WHAT YOUR EYES HAVE
SEEN.”

62. Penalty Enforcement
The Basic Spot of enforcement is determined by the type of play when the foul is committed
Running plays  End of the Run
Loose Ball plays  Preceding Spot (original LOS)
Dead Ball fouls  Succeeding Spot
(the spot where the ball will be snapped from next)
Simultaneous to the Snap fouls  Succeeding Spot
Unsportsmanlike Conduct  Succeeding Spot

63. Penalties and Enforcement
If two live ball penalties occur on one team, the other team must choose which penalty to accept
If live ball penalties occur on each team (does not matter how many) and are accepted, penalties will offset and the down will be replayed
If a live ball penalty occurs followed by a dead ball penalty, both penalties will be enforced

64. Penalties and Enforcement
The line-to-gain will always be established after the ready for play whistle has been blown
Dead Ball penalties that occur after the whistle will not affect the down or line to gain
Penalties on the Defense on scoring plays will be assessed on the subsequent try for point or down, if accepted

65. All But One Principle
Any foul committed by the offense behind the basic spot of enforcement is administered from the spot of the foul.
REMEMBER THIS RULE!!!
*Use video clip from DVD with this slide

66. Flag Guarding
“Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt”
Examples include:
Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the belt
Placing the ball in possession over the flag belt
Lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the belt
Penalty: 10 yards from the spot of the foul
FLAG GUARDING SIGNAL

67. Flag Guarding ?

68. Screen Block & Illegal Contact
This is a NON-CONTACT sport, and while there may be incidental contact due to the nature of the sport itself, it is to be avoided as much as possible
Time and Space are both factors that are considered in determining who is responsible for the contact
No player may use their hands or arms to gain an advantage on another player
*Be sure to thoroughly explain the second bullet point.

69. Screen Blocking A blocker must have their arms behind them or
at their side
and may not
initiate contact
with the runner.
*Instead of the third bullet point maybe a logo or a diagram from the basketball handbook can be put in to help make sense of it.
The blocker is entitled to their space as well; the runner cannot go through them, they must go around the blocking player.

70. Encroachment Once the line is set, no player may:
Break the scrimmage line plane
Encroach the neutral zone,
Touch the ball (other than the snapper),
Touch any opposing players
This a Dead Ball Foul
5 Yard Penalty
ENCROACHMENT SIGNAL

71. False Start
No Offensive player shall simulate the start of a play. This includes ‘jumping the snap’ or encroaching the neutral zone prior to the snap
This is a Dead Ball Foul
5 Yard Penalty
FALSE START SIGNAL

72. ILLEGAL PROCEDURE SIGNAL
Illegal Snap
The snap must be one continuous motion off of the ground
Snapper may not snap to themselves
This is a Dead Ball Foul
Player receiving the snap must be 2 yards off the Line of Scrimmage
Live Ball (Simult. w/ Snap)
5 Yard Penalty
*If we can get an diagram here or maybe a clip from the DVD it would be helpful.
ILLEGAL PROCEDURE SIGNAL

73. This includes hindering an opponents vision or “face blocking”
Pass Interference
There are two types of Pass Interference:
Offensive
10 yards from previous spot + Loss of Down
Defensive
10 yards from previous spot + Automatic First Down
Interference – Anything other than a “bona fide attempt to reach, catch, or bat a pass”
This includes hindering an opponents vision or “face blocking”

74. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Examples include:
Dissent
Taunting
Spiking or Kicking the ball
Illegal Equipment
Swearing
Deception or Unfair Acts
Certain Personal Fouls
Add the guy swearing at the ref video
UNSPORTSMANLIKE SIGNAL
Unsportsmanlike Conduct is penalized by a loss of 10 yards

75. Player Ejection 2 UC penalties on one player in a game = DQ
3 UC penalties on a team in a game = Forfeiture
Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Penalties, such as unnecessary roughness and fighting, will result in instant player disqualification
EJECTION SIGNAL

76. Special Penalty Enforcements
Automatic First downs Penalties: Defensive Pass Interference, Roughing the Passer, Illegally Secured Flag Belt
Loss of Down Penalties: Illegal Forward Pass, Illegally Secured Flag Belt, Offensive Pass Interference, Intentional Grounding
Roughing the Passer = Succeeding Spot
Half the Distance - A penalty can never move the ball more than half the distance to any Goal Line, this usually occurs when within either 20YL

77. Reporting a Foul Once the play is over:
Blow your whistle with two short, loud blasts to get the referee’s attention so they don’t move the pucks
Make sure the end of the run is being marked by another official (the final official should also guard the penalty flag on the field so that it is not moved)
Quickly tell the referee the foul, the team, and the spot where it happened

78. Referee Penalty Enforcement
The Referee will . . .
Confer with the official that threw the flag
Give a preliminary signal (pantomime) of what the foul was and what team committed it
Inform the offended captain of the foul and their options
Mark off the penalty yardage and move the pucks
Announce the penalty (both verbally and with the mechanic)
Announce the down and the new line to gain
PERSONAL FOUL SIGNAL

80. “If In Doubt Rules”
6. If in doubt, the player is on the scrimmage line.
7. If in doubt, the passer
is behind the Team A
scrimmage line.
8. If in doubt, it is not a foul.
9. If in doubt, it is a
touchback.
10. If in doubt, it is a catch.
1. If in doubt, the pass is
backward.
2. If in doubt, the ball is
released.
3. If in doubt, the player
receiving the snap is two
yards back.
4. If in doubt, the pass is
legal.
5. If in doubt, the snap close
to the ground remains live.