5 on a field at a time, unless otherwise agreed on by the coaches prior to the game

Games are played to 50 minutes running time. If the score is tied at the end of 50 minutes, teams move directly into sudden death overtime. Each team will be given 1 play to score from the opponents 5-yard line. The first team to take an advantage wins.

Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.

Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half.

Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

Touchdown:
6 points

Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line - must be a passing play)

Safety:
2 points

The quarterback cannot run with the ball.
Offense may use multiple handoffs.
"No-running zones" located five yards from each end zone and five yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
Absolutely NO laterals of any kind are allowed. Laterals occur once the ball passes the line of scrimmage and is tossed backwards. A "pitch" occurs in the backfield and is when a player, usually the QB, tosses the ball to another offensive player who can in turn run or pass the ball.

All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off or pitched behind the line of scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Shovel passes are allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second "pass clock." If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception or where the interception is returned to. Once a pass is intercepted, it can be returned. Extra points can not be returned. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.

The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play. (Exception in 5-7 age group - ball can be side snapped)
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled "dead" when:
- Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
- Ball carrier steps out of bounds
- Touchdown or safety is scored
- Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground
- Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
There is no stripping of the football either, turnovers only occur when there is a thrown pass that is intercepted.No dead ball if the exchange between the center and QB is dropped. If ball is dropped, pick up and continue playing.

All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 10-yards away from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. (10-11 age group and the 12-14 age group) All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 15-yards away from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. (5-7 and 8-9 year old age groups). Any number of players can rush the quarterback.

Once the ball is handed off, the 10-yard and 15-yard rush rule are no longer in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate the 10-yard and 15-yard markers from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

All penalties will be called by the referee.

Defense:

Offsides
Five yards, repeat the down

Interference
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal contact
(holding, blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal FLAG pull
(before receiver has ball)
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 10-yard marker in the 10-11 and 12-14 groups and starting inside the 15-yard marker in the 5-7 and 8-9 age groups)
10 yards and automatic first down

Offense:

Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards

Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down

Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards

FLAG guarding
10 yards (from line of scrimmage) loss of down. Players will get a warning and play will be blown dead. Multiple infractions will result in the 10 yard penalty and loss of down.

Delay of game
Clock stops, 5 yards, repeat the down

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

Only the 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.

Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.

Official SJYFF FLAG Football shirts must be worn during play.

Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.