2021/2022 RULE BOOK

Game Play

1. At the start of each game, two captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who shall start with the ball. The visiting team shall call the toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss gets the choice of first offense possession or defer to the second half. The loser of the coin toss chooses the end zone it would prefer to defend.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four (4) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four (4) plays to score a touchdown.
4. NEW NFL ONLY - 3 downs to get a 1st with option to "Go for it" on 4th down or Punt.
5. NEW NFL ONLY - If you fail to convert on 4th down then your opponent takes over at the spot. If you elect to "punt" the ball will be placed on the opponent's 5 yd line.
6. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.
7. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.
8. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.  The intercepting team starts their offensive drive wherever their flag is pulled on the intercepting play.  If the intercepting team scores on the interception, the opposing team will take the ball over on their 5-yard line after the extra point conversion is attempted.

9. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the loser of the coin toss.

Terminology

1. Boundary lines – the outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines, and the rear end zone lines.
2. Line of Scrimmage – an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field.
3. Line-To-Gain – the line the offense must pass to get a first down or score.
4. Rush Line – an imaginary line running across the width of the field 7 yards (into the defensive side). from the Line of Scrimmage.
5. Offense – the squad with possession of the ball.
6. Defense – the squad opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball.
7. Passer – the offensive player that throws the ball and may or may not be the QB.
8. Rusher – the defensive player assigned to rush the Quarterback to prevent him/her from passing by pulling his/her flags or blocking the pass.
9. Downs (1-2-3-4) – the offensive squad has four attempts or “Downs” to advance the ball. They must cross the Line to Gain to get another set of downs or to score.
10. Live Ball – the period that the play is in action. Generally used regarding penalties, Live Ball Penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.
11. Dead Ball – the period immediately before or after a play.
12. Whistle – the sound made by an official using a whistle that signifies the end of the play or a stop in the action for timeout, half time or the end of the game.
13. Inadvertent whistle – an official’s whistle that is performed in error.
14. Charging – the movement of the ball carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field.  This includes lowering the head, contacting the defender with a shoulder, chest or forearm.
15. Flag Guarding – an act by the ball carrier to prevent a defender from pulling the ball carrier’s flags by stiff arm, lowering elbow or head or by blocking access to the runner’s flags with a hand or arm.
16. Shovel Pass – allowed if attempted beyond the line of scrimmage by throwing the ball underhand or pushing it towards a receiver in a shot-put type manner.
17. Lateral – a backwards or sideways toss of the ball by the ball carrier.
18. Unsportsmanlike Conduct – rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language.

Eligibility

1. A player’s age must fall within the specified age-range as of August 31, 2021 of the current year. Age will be verified by a valid birth certificate if necessary.
2. All players' parents/guardians will be required to complete ALL waivers as part of the online application process. This negates the need for paper copies. All parents/guardians are bound to adhere to the waivers and Codes as part of the application process.

Equipment

1. It is REQUIRED that ALL PLAYERS must wear a Mouthguard!
2. The League provides each player with flag belts.  Teams can also provide their own ball for use.
3. Players must wear shoes. Cleats are allowed, however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed.
4. Players may tape the forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads, and kneepads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
5. Players must remove all watches, earrings and any other jewelry that the officials deem hazardous.
6. Official Waxhaw jerseys must be worn during play.  In colder weather if needed players can wear sweatshirts or hoodies as long as they wear their jersey over it and it doesn’t block their nameplate.
7. Players’ jerseys must be tucked into the pants/shorts.

Fields

1. The recommended field size is 30 yards by 70 yards with two 10-yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain.  
2. No-Running Zones precede each line-to-gain by 5 yards.  However, some league organizers prefer to use smaller fields to run more games per football/soccer field.
3. No Run Zones are in place to prevent teams from conducting power run plays.  While in the No Run Zones (a 5 yard imaginary zone before midfield and before the end zone), teams may not run the ball in any fashion. All plays, including those that begin with a handoff, must be pass plays.
4. Stepping on the boundary line is considered out of bounds.
5. Each offensive squad approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive (one zone 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, one zone 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD).

Rosters

1. Teams must field a minimum of five (5) players. Coaches must agree!!!  

Timing & Overtime

1. Games are played on a 50-minute continuous clock. The clock stops only for timeouts and Injuries.
2. Halftime is 5 minutes long.
3. Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 35 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
4. Each team has two 60-second timeouts per game.
5. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
6. In the event of an injury, the clock will stop and then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.
7. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game will go into overtime (OT).  
8. Overtime (OT) format is as follows:
   • Each team gets one series starting from the team’s 5-yard line.
   • First possession choice goes to the winner of regulation coin toss.
   • Both teams, if they score, can choose to go for 1 or 2 points on their extra point.  
   • After the end of the first OT possessions the team with the highest score wins.  If both teams are tied up after that it will go into Final OT.
   • In the Final OT, the ball will be placed on the 2-point extra point line.  Both teams will get a turn in the Final OT. 
   • First possession goes to the loser of the regulation coin toss.  This final OT format is just one play for 2 points.  
   • Teams do not switch sides during this, all final OT will be played on one side of the field for speed of the game.
   • If both teams convert or don’t convert, Final OT will continue until there is just one team with a 2-point lead and ends the game after each team gets an attempt to convert.  
9. All regulation period rules and penalties are in effect.
10. There are no time-outs.
11. In the case of an interception, the ball will be marked at the point where the defender’s flag was pulled.
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If Team B intercepts the ball and returns it for a touchdown, Team B wins.
12. Change of possession takes place when Team A’s forward progress is halted on downs or scores a touchdown.

13. Team B takes possession on the same 5-yard line as Team A and advances in the same direction. Team B begins on the 5-yard line regardless of whether or not Team A’s possession ended in an interception.

Scoring

1. Touchdown: 6 points
2. PAT (Point After Touchdown) 1-point (5-yard line) or 2 points (12-yard line) Note: 1 point PAT is pass only, 2 point PAT can be run or pass.
3. Safety: 2 points
   1. A Safety occurs when the ball carrier is declared down in his/her own end zone. 
   • They can be called down when their flags are pulled by a defensive player, their flag falls out, they step out of bounds or they hit the ground with their knee or arm. 
   • A Safety also occurs when there is an offensive penalty in the end zone.  
   • The safety is called when flags are pulled and the player in possession of the ball has at least one foot in the end zone, it is not wherever the flags lay after the pull.
4. A team that scores a touchdown must declare whether it wishes to attempt a 1-pt. conversion (from the 5-yard line) or a 2-pt. conversion (from the 12-yard line).
   • Any change, once a decision is made to try for the extra point, requires a charged time out.  
   • Decisions cannot be changed after a penalty. 
   • Interceptions on conversions can not be returned.

5. Scrimmage Mode: The losing team gets the ball for up to three possessions. Each possession lasts until the team scores or fails to achieve the Line-To-Gain. Points do not count in the final score. After three possessions the game is over.

Coaches

1. Coaches are typically volunteer parents or family members helping the players learn and enjoy the game.
2. Parents are encouraged to support the coach at all times.
3. Coaches are allowed on the field to direct players according to need and bracket. 
4. Coaches must move to the sidelines before the snap of the ball.  
5. Only one of the two coaches can be on the field at one time, there must always be a coach on the sideline with their players that are out of play.
6. Coaches are expected to adhere to NFL FLAG philosophies, coaching guidelines and codes of conduct.
7. Only three coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines.

Live Ball/Dead Ball

1. The ball is live at the snap of the ball and remains live until the official whistles the ball dead.
2. The official will indicate the neutral zone and line of scrimmage. It is an automatic dead ball foul if any player on defense or offense enters the neutral zone. Regarding the neutral zone, the official may give both teams a “courtesy” neutral zone notification to allow their players to move back beyond the line.
3. A player who gains possession in the air is considered in bounds if one foot comes down in the field of play.
4. The defense may not mimic the offensive team signals, by trying to confuse the offensive players, while the quarterback is calling out signals to start the play.
5. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
6. Any official can whistle the play dead.
7. Play is ruled “dead” when:
   • The ball hits the ground.
   • The ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
   • The ball carrier steps out of bounds
   • A touchdown, PAT or safety is scored.
   • The ball carrier’s knee or arm hits the ground.
   • The ball carrier’s flag falls out.
   • The receiver catches the ball while in possession of one flag.
   • The pass clock expires.
   • An inadvertent whistle is performed (at the spot where the ball was whistled dead).
   • The ball is fumbled, and the ball hits the ground. This counts for the QB to the RB handoff as well, this does not count on the Center to QB snap.
   • If the ball is dropped from the QB from the Center snap, it is still a live ball. Unless the knee is down, then it's dead.
8. In the case of an inadvertent whistle, the offense has two options:
   • Take the ball where the whistle blew.
   • Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage.
   • Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
9. A team can use a time out to question an official’s rule interpretation. If the rule is interpreted incorrectly, the time out will not be charged, and the proper ruling will be enforced. Officials should all agree upon any controversial call to give each team the full benefit of each call. If the ruling is correct the team will be charged a time out.

Running

1. The ball is spotted where the runner’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball carrier has the ball. If one foot precedes the other, the forward foot marks the spot.
2. The quarterback can only run with the ball when the defense blitzes and only after the defender has crossed the line of scrimmage (LOS).
   • 5-yard penalty will be assessed if QB crosses LOS before blitzer
3. Handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.  Once the ball is handed off, defense can cross the line of scrimmage.  
4. In the event of a fake handoff and the defense crosses the line of scrimmage and the quarterback has the ball in possession still the defender must retreat past their side of the line of scrimmage.
5. Laterals, Pitches and Tosses are allowed if they are done behind the line of scrimmage.
6. “No-Run Zones,” located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either side of midfield, are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations. Teams are not allowed to run in these zones IF the subsequent line is LIVE. (Reminder: Each offensive squad approaches only TWO No Run Zones in each drive - one 5 yards from midfield to gain the first down, one 5 yards from the goal line to score a TD 5 yards).
7. The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
8. Once the ball has been handed off in front or behind the quarterback, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
9. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving or hurdling is considered flag guarding.  If this motion is done, the runner will be called down at the point of leaving their feet.
10. Spinning and jump cuts are allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a flag pull.
11. Runners may leave their feet if there is a clear indication that he/she has done so to avoid collision with another player without a flag guarding penalty enforced.
12. No blocking or “screening” is allowed at any time.
13. Offensive players without the ball must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball carrier.
14. Flag Obstruction – All jerseys MUST be tucked in before play begins. The flags must be on the player’s hips and free from obstruction. Deliberately obstructed flags will be considered flag guarding.

Passing

1. All passes must be from behind the line of scrimmage, thrown forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.  
2. Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.  Shovel passes will NOT be permitted in the no run zone
3. The quarterback has a “pass clock.” (See League Setup).  If a pass is not thrown within the time, the play is dead, the down is consumed, and the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage. Once the ball is handed off, the Pass Clock rule no longer is in effect.
4. If the QB is standing in the end zone at the end of the 7-second clock, the ball is returned to the line of scrimmage (LOS).

Receiving

1. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line) and including the center.
2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be parallel to the line of scrimmage and no motion is permitted towards the line of scrimmage.  
3. Multiple motions are allowed prior to the snap as long as each comes to a complete stop before the next one starts their motion.
4. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
5. In the case of simultaneous possession by both an offensive and defensive player, possession is awarded to the offense.
6. 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.
7. Interceptions are returnable, but not on conversions after touchdowns.

Rushing the Passer

1. All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
2. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.
3. A special marker (Orange=LOS)(Yellow=Blitz), or the referee, will designate a Rush Line seven yards from the line of scrimmage.  Defensive players should verify they are in the correct position with the official on every play.
4. A legal rush/blitz is:
   • Any rush/blitz from a point 7 yards from the defensive line of scrimmage. 
   • A team can blitz as many players during the blitzing play as they want.
   • A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the quarterback.
   • If a rusher leaves the rush line early, they may return to the 7-yard rush line, reset and then legally rush the quarterback.
   • If a rusher leaves the rush line early and the ball is handed off before they cross the line of scrimmage, they may legally rush the quarterback.
5. A penalty may be called if:
   • The rusher leaves the rush line before the snap and crosses the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass – Illegal Rush (5 yards LOS and first down).
   • The QB runs on a blitz but crosses the line of scrimmage BEFORE the blitzer crosses the LOS - illegal man downfield (5 yd + loss of down)
   • Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped – Offsides (5 yards LOS and first down).
   • Any defensive player, not lined up at the rush line crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is passed or handed – Illegal Rush (5 yards LOS and first down).
6. Special circumstances:
   • Teams are not required to rush the quarterback, pass clock in effect.
   • Teams are not required to identify their rusher before the play, 
   • If a rusher leaves the 7-yard line before the snap, he/she may immediately drop back to act as a defender with no offside penalty enforced.
7. Players rushing the Quarterback may attempt to block a pass. However, NO contact can be made with the quarterback in any way, if contact is made it will result in a penalty.
8. Offense cannot impede the rusher in any way. The rusher has a CLEAR PATH to the QB and any interference that would impede his/her path to the QB will be considered screening.
9. Blocking the pass and then striking the passer will result in a 10-yard penalty.
10. A Sack occurs if the QB’s flags are pulled behind the line of scrimmage. The ball is placed where the QB’s feet are when the flag is pulled.

11. A Safety is awarded if the sack takes place in the offensive team’s end zone.

Flag Pulling

1. A legal flag pull takes place when the ball carrier is in full possession of the ball.
2. Defenders can dive to pull flags, but cannot tackle, hold or run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.
3. It is illegal to attempt to strip or pull the ball or pull from the ball carrier’s possession at any time.
4. If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off during the play, the player is down immediately upon possession of the ball and the play ends.
5. A defensive player may not intentionally pull the flags off of a player who is not in possession of the ball.
6. Flag guarding is an attempt by the ball carrier to obstruct the defender’s access to the flags by stiff arming, dropping of head, hand, arm or shoulder, or intentionally covering flags with the football or jersey.
7. If a runner’s flag comes off the rusher, the runner can still advance, a play is dead when the defense touches the player with one hand.

Formations

1. An offensive team must have a minimum of one player on the line of scrimmage (the Center) and up to four players on the line of scrimmage. The quarterback must be off the line of scrimmage.
   • One player at a time may go in motion 1-yard beyond and parallel to the line of scrimmage.
   • No motion is allowed towards the line of scrimmage.
2. Offensive players must come to a complete stop for one second before the ball is snapped unless he/she is the one player in motion.
3. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.
4. The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion to a player in the backfield, and the ball must completely leave his/her hands.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

1. If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped, and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the referee’s discretion. No appeals! FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
2. Offensive or confrontational language is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.
3. Players may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent or official.
4. Ball carriers MUST try to avoid defenders with an established position.
5. Defenders are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags.
6. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship:
   • Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
   • Keep comments clean and profanity free.
   • Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
7. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly.
   • Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents away from the sidelines.
   • Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.

Penalties

General Penalties

• The referee will call all penalties.
• Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play.
• All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage, except as noted (spot fouls).
• Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.
• Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
• Penalties are assessed Live Ball, then Dead Ball. Live Ball penalties must be assessed before play is considered completed.
• Penalties will be assessed half the distance to the goal yardage when the penalty yardage is more than half the distance to the goal.

5 Yard Penalties

• Illegal Equipment
• Offsides
• Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
• Illegal forward pass (pass received behind line of scrimmage or throwing a pass beyond the line of scrimmage)
• Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
• Screening, Blocking or Running with the ball carrier
• Delay of game
• Defense Illegal contact (holding, blocking, etc.)
• Defense Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball)

• Defense Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)

10 Yard Penalties

• Roughing the passer
• Taunting
• Unsportsmanlike conduct.

• After scoring and touchdown is good, offense receives a 10 yard penalty from the yard line of PAT attempt after touchdown (one warning to the player and team before ejection)

Spot Fouls

• Flag guarding.  10 yards & loss of down
• Charging. 10 yards & loss of down
• Defensive Pass Interference.  first down
• Stripping. 10 yards & first down
• Offensive Unnecessary Roughness.  10 yards & loss of down
• Screening, Blocking or Running with the ball carrier.  5 yards & loss of down

• Defensive Unnecessary Roughness.  10 yards & first down

Defense

• Offside. 5 yards from the LOS & automatic first down
• Illegal contact (Holding, blocking, etc.).  5 yards from the LOS & automatic first down
• Illegal flag pull (Before receiver has ball). 5 yards from the LOS & automatic first down
• Illegal rushing (Starting rush from inside 7-yard marker). 5 yards from the LOS & automatic first down
• Roughing the passer. 10 yards from the LOS & first down
• Taunting. 10 yards from the LOS & first down
• Unnecessary Roughness.  Spot foul, 10 yards & first down
• Stripping. Spot foul, 10 yards & first down

• Defensive Pass Interference. Spot foul & first down

Offense

• Illegal motion (More than one person moving, false start, etc.). 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down
• Illegal forward pass (Pass received behind line of scrimmage or throwing a pass beyond the line of scrimmage). 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down
• Offensive pass interference (Illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) . 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down
• Flag guarding. Spot foul, 10 yards & loss of down
• Screening, Blocking or Running with the ball carrier. Spot foul, 5 yards & loss of down
• Charging.  Spot foul, 10 yards & loss of down
• Delay of game. 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down
• Offensive Unnecessary Roughness. Spot foul, 10 yards & loss of down
• Offside. 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down
• Illegal Man Downfield. QB runs without a blitzer crossing the LOS first. 5 yards from the LOS & loss of down

Consequences for Player/Parent/Coach Unsportsmanlike Behavior

• Ejected Player – Any player who throws any type of equipment in anger will be ejected from the game. ALL COACHES ARE TO MAKE THEIR PLAYERS AWARE OF THIS RULE. A player ejected from a game more than once during a season will be suspended from further competition, as decided by the division commissioner, flag football president or the WAA Board.
• Suspended Player/Coach – Any player/coach displaying unsportsmanlike behavior will be ejected from the game. ALL COACHES ARE TO MAKE THEIR PLAYERS AWARE OF THIS RULE. The player or coach ejected from the game will also be suspended for their team's next played game, and will not be allowed anywhere near the field.

• Parent Code Of Conduct – Any parent displaying unsportsmanlike behavior during the game will be removed from the field area. If the unsportsmanlike behavior continues, their child will be removed from the game and asked to leave the complex. If the situation continues or escalates further, local law enforcement may be called in.

The WAA Flag Football Commissioners and its Board Of Directors thank you in advance for your cooperation and adherence with all of the above guidelines. Thank you, now let’s have FUN & PLAY BALL! :-)