1. Flag Football
Officials’ Mechanics
& Responsibilities
2015

2. Professionalism Professionalism
Accept Or Decline Games Promptly From Arbiter
Check In With Your Referee At Least 48 Hours To Game Time
Be On-Time (You Assume Responsibilities 30 Min Prior To Game Time)
Have The Proper Uniform
Be Polite And Approachable
Know The Rules
Engage In Early And Frequent Preventive Officiating
Formally Address Players
“Ladies”
“#12 Please Tuck In Your Jersey”
Make No Sexually Inappropriate Comments

3. Uniform Black hat with white piping NO white hat Striped Shirt
Patch for high school games
No patch for middle school
American flag with white border
Black shorts with belt loops
Long black pants if cold – crew
Playoffs = PANTS
Black belt
Black shoes
Black socks
Whistle
Yellow penalty flag
Blue bean bag
Game card
Pen or Pencil
Down indicator
Watch with a stopwatch on it
Ball spotters

4. Pregame Meet With The Head Coaches (Referee)
Introduce yourself
Present the coach with a crew card
“Are all your players legally equipped?” (Have the coaches sign a card)
“Do you have any unusual plays?”
Obtain captain numbers and instruct the coach as to when you need them
“Do you have someone to run the down box?” (Home coach)
Review any rules or interpretations you wish to stress to the coach
“Do you have any questions for us?”
“Good luck coach, have a good game”

5. Pregame Legally Equipped Card
West Coast Officials Association Compliance Record
Visitor: Plant Home: Robinson
Date: April 15, Referee: Mark Comer
I, the undersigned, certify that each of our players is in compliance with Rules 1 through 11 of the current National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Flag Football Rules Book.
Home Head Coach
Josh Saunders
Visitors Head Coach
Donald Puckett

6. Pregame Roster Of Officials Given to each of the head coaches
West Coast Officials Association
Roster of Football Officials
Visitor: Plant Home: Robinson
Date: April 15, 2015
Referee: Mark Comer
Line Judge: DJ Doss
Back Judge: Brian Davis

7. Coin Toss Mechanics TAMPA BAY TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ R LJ
Press Box
Coin Toss
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G BJ
TAMPA BAY R
TAMPA BAY X X
Score Board LJ 1

8. Basics of Play TAMPA BAY X 2 0 G 14 Yard Line 20 Always 1 Yard Apart
Defensive
Line Of
Scrimmage
Offensive
Line Of
Scrimmage
Down Box
Always On The
Line To Gain
2 0
< G 20 1

9. Run/Pass Play Responsibilities
Press Box
Starting Positions
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Start 17 Yards
From The
Line Of Scrimmage
And
5 Yards
From The HOME Sideline
ALL OFFICIALS STAY WIDE !!
Start 7 Yards Behind
And
7 Yards Outside
The Deepest Back
At A 45° Angle
To The
Line Of Scrimmage
Toward The HOME Sideline BJ R R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Be On The
Line Of Scrimmage
Off The VISITOR’S Sideline LJ 1
Back up 2 yards out-of-bounds

10. Before the Ball is Snapped
Referee
Set the ball spotters
Announce the down (signal “double stakes” if appropriate)
On 4th down, announce offense’s choice of “punting” or “going for it”
On PAT’s, announce the offense’s choice of a 1, 2 or 3 point conversion
Back pedal to your position, be at a 45° angle to the line of scrimmage
Give the ready for play, warn hurry up offenses to wait for your whistle
Start the 25 second clock, warn the QB at 10 seconds and at 5 seconds begin an audible count down
Count the offense (confirm with the LJ)
Preventive officiating

11. Before the Ball is Snapped
Line Judge
Confirm the spot
Announce the down and confirm the down box is correct (signal “double stakes” if appropriate)
Remind the team / coaches to stay 2 yards back from the sideline
Raise your arm, when there are 4 or more on the offensive line drop your arm and announce “line is good” (do NOT interfere with snap counts though)
Count the offense (confirm with the R)
Watch the players in motion
Watch for false starts and encroachments
Preventive officiating

12. Before the Ball is Snapped
Back Judge
Assist with the down (signal “double stakes” if appropriate)
Count the defense
Keep the game clock
Under 2 minutes in each half, announce the time remaining after EVERY play and at time outs
Remind the team / coaches to stay 2 yards back from the sideline
Preventive officiating

13. After the Ball is Snapped
Referee
Watch that the ball doesn’t hit the ground on the snap
Watch the blocking
Move with runner while still maintaining a 45° angle to the line of scrimmage
Watch forward vs. backward pass (use appropriate signals)
Watch for illegal forward passes
Beyond the offensive line of scrimmage (feet of the passer)
If a pass is thrown near the orange spotter, hustle to that spot in order to make a ruling
Watch for roughing the QB
Get ALL spots BEHIND the line of scrimmage
Get the spot on short runs and passes to the HOME sideline

14. After the Ball is Snapped
Line Judge
Watch initial contact on line then move 3-5 yards downfield.
Watch for illegal contact by receivers (picks) or by the defense (chucks).
If a player steps out of bounds and re-enters the field of play, throw your hat and remember the number of the player.
Plays to the VISITOR’S sideline, trial play down the sideline and get the spot
Plays to the HOME sideline, get off the sideline to “clean up” play.
Watch for backward passes vs. illegal forward passes.
SIDELINE ONLY: Give the “catch” signal or “bobbled out of bounds.”
Trial the play slightly and square in to get spots in the field of play.
Communicate with referee whether the clock starts on the whistle or snap.

15. After the Ball is Snapped
Back Judge
Keep the play in front of you at ALL times.
Watch for illegal contact by receivers and defenders.
If a player steps out of bounds and re-enters the field of play, throw your hat and remember the number of the player.
On plays to the HOME sideline, get the out of bounds spot.
On long plays and passes, be at the goal line BEFORE the ball gets there.
Be at the end line to rule on inbounds vs. out of bounds.
7) SIDELINE ONLY: Give the “catch” signal or “bobbled out of bounds.”
After the play is over, keep the players in your view to police their actions and then help out the other officials as needed.
Communicate with referee whether the clock starts on the whistle or snap.

16. Goal Line and Try Plays Line Judge Back Judge Referee All Officials
ENTIRE goal line is your responsibility.
Back Judge
End line is your responsibility.
Referee
If the play is to the HOME sideline and player steps out of bounds, sell the call. If player remains inbounds it is the LJ’s call.
All Officials
After a score, the closest official shall deflag the scoring player to assure that the flag belt has not be tampered with.

17. Punt Responsibilities
Referee
Announce “Offense elects to… kick or play.”
Watch for the snap hitting the ground.
Watch to see if the punt goes out of bounds in the air.
After punt, move towards the line of scrimmage to observe blocking.
Line Judge
Hold position on the line of scrimmage until the punt crosses the line.
Move downfield and watch for illegal blocking.
Back Judge
Watch for muffs and kick catch interference.
Bean bag the end of the kick (PSK enforcement spot) (Momentum).
Watch for illegal blocking.

18. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Press Box
Plays In The Middle
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G BJ
Keep The Play
In Front Of You
Then Come In
And Help Out R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Trail The Play
Watch Blocks
Trail The Play Then Square In And Get The Spot LJ 1

19. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Plays To
Visitor’s Sideline
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Watch For Roughing
The Passer
Come Back
To Help
With Spot
Out of Bounds Plays BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Trail The Play
Watch Blocks
Get The Spot
Get In Position
To Trail The Play LJ 1

20. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Plays To
Home Sideline
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Trail The Play
On Long Runs
Get The Spot
On Long Plays BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X LJ 1

21. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Proper Positioning
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X X
Don’t Get
Drawn Into Plays LJ 1

22. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Proper Positioning
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Keep Players
In Your View LJ 1
Get Out Of The Way And
Use Your Sideline

23. Run / Pass Play Responsibilities
Passing Plays
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Watch Blocking
And
Roughing The
Passer
Keep Your
Distance BJ
Cover The
Goal Line
Back Up
And
Keep The Play
In Front Of You R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Pick Up The Play
And Officiate
Downfield
Drift Downfield
About Yards LJ 3

24. Goal Line Responsibilities
Approaching The Goal
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Responsible
For The Endline BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Clean Up Play
Break To The Goal Line
And Officiate Back If Needed LJ 1

25. Goal Line Responsibilities
Approaching The Goal
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Responsible
For The Endline BJ R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Come Back Off The Goal Line
To Get The Spot
Break To The Goal Line
And Officiate Back If Needed LJ 1

26. Goal Line Responsibilities
Exiting The End Zone
“Reverse Goal Line”
Press Box
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Responsible
For The Endline BJ R
TAMPA BAY X X
When The Ball Is Advanced Out Of The End Zone
Break To Officiate Downfield
Move Back To The Goal Line
To Help Rule On A Safety LJ 1

27. Punt Play Responsibilities
Press Box
Punts
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
Parallel To The
Deepest Receiver
8 – 10 Yards Wide
Watch For
Muff Or
Kick Catch Interference BJ
Watch For Movement
And For The Ball
Hitting The Ground R
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY X X
Hold Position Until The Punt
Crosses The Line Of Scrimmage
Watch For
Backward Passes LJ 4

28. Punt Play Scenarios TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ Punt Scenarios
Press Box
Punt Scenarios
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
1) Dead Ball – Safety
2) Dead Ball – Touchback
3) Live Ball – Run It Out BJ
TAMPA BAY X X
Caught
In The
End
Zone 4

29. Punt Play Scenarios TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ Punt Scenarios
Press Box
Punt Scenarios
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
1) Dead Ball – Safety
2) Dead Ball – Touchback
3) Live Ball – Pick It Up And Run BJ
TAMPA BAY X X
Muff 4

30. Punt Play Scenarios TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ Punt Scenarios
Press Box
Punt Scenarios
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
1) Dead Ball – Safety
2) Dead Ball – Touchback
3) Live Ball – Pick It Up And Run BJ
TAMPA BAY X X
Muff 4

31. Punt Play Scenarios TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ Punt Scenarios
Press Box
Punt Scenarios
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
1) Dead Ball – 5 yard line
2) Dead Ball – 12 yard line
3) Live Ball – Pick It Up And Run BJ
TAMPA BAY X X
Muff 4

32. Punt Play Scenarios TAMPA BAY 2 0 4 0 G X X BJ Punt Scenarios
Press Box
Punt Scenarios
Team Box
2 0
<
4 0 G
1) Dead Ball – 5 yard line
2) Dead Ball – 20 yard line
3) Live Ball – Run BJ
TAMPA BAY X X
Bouncing Ball
Recovered
Cleanly 4

33. The Spot TAMPA 2 0 Spotting
Since is it illegal to bat the ball out of a player’s hand, most players
will extend the ball forward to gain extra yardage.
When the flag belt is removed, the spot becomes where the BALL is
and NOT where the player is.
<
2 0
TAMPA

34. Screen Blocking Source Of Inconsistency
Moving screen blocking is completely legal.
If contact is made that creates an advantage, then that is when the screen
block becomes illegal.
The philosophy that is used is borrowed from basketball rules.
Blockers must keep hands/arms in front or behind them.
Blockers cannot stick out leg/knee and create contact.
Blockers cannot move into rusher that is already beyond him/her.
NOT like tackle football.

35. Screen Blocking Key Points
Under NO circumstance can you use your hands, elbows, arms or shoulders.
Blocks become ILLEGAL when contact is made and an advantage gained:
Using your hands or arms to push, hold, or hit someone
Swinging arms that make contact or impede a rusher
Using your body to lean into a player and push them out of the way
Bulldozing a player in a legal position
Tripping and leg whips
Taking a position so close to a moving opponent that they can not avoid contact by stopping or changing direction
Leaving one’s feet to initiate a block

36. Basics Of The Game Defensive Holding
An opponent shall not hold, grasp or obstruct the forward progress of a runner
when attempting to remove a flag belt or make a legal tag.
10 yard penalty from the end of the run.

37. Football Moves Spinning Diving/Jumping
Completely LEGAL
Diving/Jumping
LEGAL
Becomes a penalty if:
the defender trips or tackles the runner in the attempt to dive for the flag.
the runner dives/jumps into a defender.
a blocker dives/jumps into a defender to throw a block.
Stripping The Ball Or Attempting To Strip The Ball
ALWAYS ILLEGAL, defenders must go for the flag belt.
Stiff Arm
ALWAYS ILLEGAL

38. Football Moves Flag Guarding
Placing or swinging the hands, arms, or ball over the flag belt
Slapping a defender’s hand away from the flag belt
Placing the ball over the flag belt
If the ball is knocked out of the runner’s hand when the ball is being used for flag guarding it is not a foul on the defense.
Lowering the shoulder and arm to take away a defender’s angle on the flag

39. Passing Downing The Passer Roughing The Passer
If the ball is in the quarterback’s hand when
the flag belt is pulled, the quarterback is sacked.
This is true even if the arm is going forward.
If in doubt, the pass is away.
Roughing The Passer
No defensive player shall contact a passer who is standing still or fading back
after the ball is thrown.
Charging into the passer.
Slapping or chopping the passer’s hand or arm.
Roughing the passer does NOT apply to
an illegal forward pass.

40. Preventive Officiating
Basis Of Preventive Officiating
Reduces the number of flags and keeps the game flowing.
Give warnings when possible, however, some fouls are AUTOMATIC:
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Safety issues and blatant fouls
False Starts, Encroachment, 8 on the field, etc.
Warn once early in the game, if warnings are ignored – then flag.
Examples of preventive officiating:
Tuck in your jerseys
Need 4 on the line
Watch your hands on the blocking
Back up defense, you’re in the neutral zone (line judge)
Don’t cross the line until the ball is kicked (referee and line judge on punts)
Get your flag belt
Offense get your ball

41. Special Enforcements Unusual Aspects To Penalties
Any foul by the defense (including unsportsmanlike and non-player fouls) during a play that results in a touchdown for the offense can either be enforced:
on the Try
from the 14 yard line at the start of the succeeding drive
A foul by either team after the touchdown and before the ready for play of the try can either be enforced:
Two or more encroachment penalties by the defense during the same dead
ball interval results in the second and all future encroachments in that dead
ball period changing from a 5 yard penalty to a 10 yard penalty

42. Special Enforcements Unusual Aspects To Penalties
Ejected players may remain on the bench, but if they are a continued source of disruption then they are to leave the field (out of sight and sound).
4 Unsportsmanlike penalties total by any team during the game results in an automatic forfeiture of the game.
Loss of down is NOT enforced, if AFTER the penalty is assessed a team has still achieved the line to gain resulting in a 1st down.
There are NO 15 yard penalties.

43. Overtime
Overtime
Officials bring ALL the players and coaches to the center of the field and explain
the overtime procedure. Questions are answered prior to the coin toss. All but
the captains then return to the sideline.
Visiting team calls the coin toss.
At the coin toss for the first overtime the captains have 2 options, for a second or
more overtime period the choice will alternate and there is only 1 option:
Offense or Defense (Only option for second to ∞ overtimes)
End of the field to use (All overtime periods will use the same end)
A series begins 1st and Goal from the 10 yard line unless moved by penalty.
Each team is given 1 time out for the ENTIRE overtime regardless of how many
overtime periods there are.
If the defense possess the ball, it is DEAD immediately and the series ends.

44. Sportsmanship Rules Of Sportsmanship
Apply to all players, non-players, coaches and spectators.
The field is an extension of the classroom, behavior on the field should model the same behavior that is acceptable or unacceptable in a classroom.
FHSAA Modifications To Sportsmanship Rules
The FHSAA doesn’t expect “good” sportsmanship, they expect “exemplary” sportsmanship.
Taunting is a point of emphasis as a totally unacceptable behavior.
No Profanity Rule

45. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
FHSAA
Report form must be completed and faxed within 24 HOURS
Serious acts (bench clearing brawl, etc.) must be reported IMMEDIATELY
Hillsborough County Schools
Lanness Robinson – Athletic Director Fax (813)
Cell (813)
Florida High School Athletic Association
Unsporting Conduct Incident Report Form
This form must be faxed within 24 hours of an incident to the FHSAA Associate Executive Director for Athletic Administration. SERIOUS ACTS OF
UNSPORTING CONDUCT SUCH AS BENCH EMPTYING AND CONTESTS THAT DO NOT GO TO THEIR NORMAL CONCLUSIONS
MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY BY CALLING (352) EXT. 300 AND FAXING THIS REPORT TO (352)
Home Team: ______________________________________________ Visiting Team: _________________________________________________
Date of Contest: ____________________________________________ Date of Report: _________________________________________________
Sport: _________________________________________ Gender: ( ___ Girls) ( ___ Boys) Level: ( ___ Varsity) ( ___ Jr. Varsity) ( ___ Jr. High)
INSTRUCTIONS: Explain briefly unsporting conduct. Accurately quote vulgar language or profanity used. If an explanation exceeds the space provided,
use a separate sheet of paper. Provide first & last name and number of offending athlete(s). Provide first & last name of offending coach(es).
SECTION I – ATHLETE/COACH MISCONDUCT REPORT
Name of Person Disqualified: ___________________________________________________________ ( ___ Athlete/Number: ______ ) ( ___Coach)
School: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason for Disqualification: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

46. Middle School Flag General Points NO PATCH on your shirt
A bit of organized chaos at times
No pockets in pants period! No taping them shut, etc. If you have pockets, you
can not play.
Buses are frequently late, work with the schools to get the game in
This is the “low budget” version of NIRSA
No down box
No visible clock or score board
No lines on the field, just cones approximately every 20 yards
At the 6 minute mark into each half, make an announcement. The teams switch
lower classmen and upper classmen at that point.
Use common sense in the timing of this announcement
Yes, there is overtime. There is a middle school playoff at the end of the season.