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Under the Lights Powered by Under Armour

Youth Flag Rules

Game Format

6 v 6 Flag Game Format

  • Field is 25-30 yards wide and 50 yards long, including the 5 yard end zones.
  • Games are 6 players v 6 players
  • Two 20 minute running clock halves (5 minute break at half)
  • Each possession starts at the 5 yard line after scores, turnover on downs and/or halftime.
  • 30 second play clock (45 second play clock for K-2nd Grade Division)
  • The offensive team has three downs to get a first down at mid-field, then 4 downs to score once they have crossed mid-field.
  • All players are eligible!
  • NO RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK! Unless the QB fakes a handoff which will trigger a defensive player to cross the LOS and rush the QB.

Scoring

  • Touchdowns = 6 points
  • Extra Point (5 yard line) = 1 pt
  • Extra Point (10 yard line) = 2 pts

Under the Lights Flag Rules

1st-2nd Grade Division Rules & Goals

  • UNLIMITED Runs
  • 45 second play clock
  • ONE Coach is allowed on the field for both offense and defense

In this division we want to get the players lined up properly and running in the right direction. We want to be flexible with the rules and teach the players the proper fundamentals of football. The Deception Rule will be in effect to help with the integrity of the passing game for both offense and defense.

3rd-4th Grade Division Rules & Goals

  • 30 second play clock
  • ONE run per offensive possession
  • NO runs 5yds from the End Zone 
  • NO runs on extra points
  • ONE Coach is allowed on the field for both offense and defense
  • In this division we want to encourage the teams to start focusing on passing the ball more than running the ball. The Deception Rule will be in effect to help with the integrity of the passing game for both offense and defense. We want the players to start applying proper QB, WR, and DB fundamentals in the passing game.

5th-8th Grade Division Rules & Goals 

  • 30 second play clock
  • NO RUNS
  • NO Coach allowed on the field

​In this division we make the transition into an every-down is a pass play or a scaled down version of HS 7v7 pass game. We want the players to start working on their skills as a QB, WR, and DB that they have learned from their coach and apply it in a fun, competitive format.

Basic Rules

  • Coin flip determines choice of possession or direction (winning team can elect to defer to the 2nd half)
  • The clock will only stop for time-outs and injuries unless it is the last minute of the game.(it does not stop for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possession)
  • LAST 1 MINUTE OF THE GAME
    1. The clock will  stop in the final 1 minute of the game on these actions:
      • Incompletions
      • Out of Bounds 
      • QB Sack and kneel downs
      • Change of Possession 
      • Penalties. If it’s an offensive penalty the clock will start on the official unless dead ball foul.
  • TWO 30-second timeouts per half
  • If a timeout is called after a touchdown, the clock will not start until the play after the conversion attempt
  • Teams switch sides at halftime.
  • If there is a bad snap, the ball is dead and placed at the LOS. There is NO loss of yardage.
  • Center cannot take a handoff from the QB.
  • Ball is placed where a flag pulled, not where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
  • A receiver must have one foot in bounds when making a reception.
  • Laterals are allowed but if the ball hits the ground, the ball is spotted at that yard mark.
  • Absolutely no tackling or blocking (stationary pick is allowed but player cannot move)
  • Only one player can be in motion at the same time.
  • 3 Players must be on the Line of Scrimmage or Illegal Formation; The Center counts as 1 player on the LOS.
  • Games cannot end on a defensive penalty.

Special Alert Rules

  • Defensive players can cross the line of scrimmage when a handoff, fake handoff or backward pass has occurred. This Deception Rule is applied to define the integrity of the LOS and development of the passing game for both offense and defense. This rule applies to all Divisions.
  • Interceptions can be returned for a TD, if intercepting teams flag is pulled before the end zone then possession will begin where the defender is flagged.
     
  • MERCY RULE
    If a team is up by 30 or more they only have 2 downs to get a first down and 2 downs to score until that point difference is trimmed below 30 pts. Than regular game rules apply.

    The team that is behind by 30 or more points will start their offensive possession at the +10 yard line and get 4 downs to score. If the point difference is trimmed below 30 pts, than regular game rules apply