AIFFL RULEBOOK
Default: When there is no AIFFL rule for a given situation, by default, Indoor Football Rules will be used.
A. Field Dimensions and Markings:
Length: 60 yards
Width: 30 yards
End Zones: 10 yards deep
B. Equipment
Teams must have their own game ball
Cleats or turf shoes are allowed No metal cleats
No Jewelry
Team jerseys must be of like color and have a visible Number
No protective equipment
Flag Belts, the league will provide flags and flag belts
Mouth guards are highly recommended, but not required
C. Players/Game Schedule
Teams are allowed a maximum of 12 players and a minimum of 10 on the roster. Teams must turn in a final roster after the fourth game of the season. The league office must approve all player transactions
5 players shall constitute a team. A team must have 4 players to begin (A minimum of 4 players for any game to continue.) All players must be 18 years of age or older. All players must carry ID or proof of age.
If a team or teams are more than 5 minutes late for their scheduled games, they will be forfeited. In case of a forfeit, the official score will be 28-0 and those points WILL count towards your "Points For" category
AIFFL reserves the right to reduce, shorten, or reschedule games due to unforeseen circumstances.
D. Timing/Overtime
Games are played in two 22-minute halves with running time. There will be a 3-minute halftime. The last minute of the first half will be stop clock on change of possessions only. The last minute of the second half will be stop clock on regulation play. In the last minute of the game there is NO downing of the ball; offense must make forward progress to run the clock.
If the score is tied at the end of 44 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line. Each team gets one series of downs to score No first downs, if neither team scores then winner will be determined by how much yardage is gained or amount of plays in the series to score.
Each time the ball is spotted a team has 25 seconds to snap the ball Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
Each team has One (1) 60-second time out per half and one for overtime. Time Outs do not carry over from regulation play.
E. Scoring
Touchdowns: 6 points
Extra point: 1 point (played from 5-yard line).
2 points (played from 10-yard line)
Safety: 2 points
Intercepted Extra Points: On the offenses extra point, the defense can intercept and return it across the other goal line for two points This is regardless of the original line of scrimmage or how many points the offense was trying to score.
F. Possession
A coin toss determines first possession: Loser of the coin toss has choice of end zone to defend. The team that loses the coin toss gets possession at the beginning of the second half starts at its own 5-yard line.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has four plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on dead ball spot. An automatic first down by penalty will overrule the other requirements regarding four plays to make either a first down or score. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from dead ball spot. All possessions, except interceptions, start on the offense's 5-yard line. On fourth down the offensive team has the option to punt, ball would be placed on the opposition 5-yard line. Teams change sides at half time
Onside possession: After a score a team trailing in the last minute of the game may call onside try. The ball will be placed on the 20 yard line and the team will get one down to score. If team is successful team doesn’t receive the points but regains possession and its own 5 yard line.
G. Line Of Scrimmage
The offensive team must have at least three (3) players on the line of scrimmage to begin a play
There must be a one- (1) yard space between players. Three point stances are not allowed on either offense or defense (Except center snapping the ball.)
Only players lined up behind the line of scrimmage may be in motion; limit two players in motion each play. Player in motion may move parallel or diagonal to from line of scrimmage, but must be out of the 5 yard box before the snap
H. Start Play:
To start the play, the ball must be snapped between the legs of the snapper.
The center is the player who gives the ball to the quarterback via a snap. The center cannot take a direct handoff back from the quarterback (no center sneak play).
The quarterback is the player who receives the ball directly from the snap.
The quarterback cannot run with the ball past the line of scrimmage.
Only team captains who are so designated before the game begins may speak to the officials during the game.
A First down may be gained by advancing the ball past the twenty- (20) yard zone.
A moving screening in the backfield for the quarterback is legal. A downfield screen a player must be set as in a basketball pick, but the player setting the screen must give defensive players a chance to avoid the screen. If contact is made, a penalty will be assessed
Between downs, any number of eligible substitutes may replace players, provided the substitution is completed by having the replaced players off the field before the ball is snapped. Players must report to their team's side of the field. The offensive team must have all players in the huddle. Substitutions may not be used in any manner to deceive your opponents No sleeper plays are allowed
The last down in either half will be replayed if there is a penalty by either team (offense or defense) and the other team (offense or defense) accepts it.
The offensive team is responsible for returning the ball to an official or the line of scrimmage promptly. This includes attempt during fourth (4th) down.
For a player who is bleeding, or has an open wound or found to have an excessive amount of blood on his/her clothing. This player MUST leave the field to:
1.Cover the wound; 2.Stop the bleeding; 3.Change soiled clothing.
I. Ball Handling
Bumping-Out on the sidelines is not permitted, unless in the judgment of the referee:
1. No block was thrown.
2. Unnecessary roughness is not employed.
3. An attempt to pull the flag is made.
When the flag is pulled, the position of the ball shall determine placement of the ball.
If the ball carriers flag inadvertently falls off, they may be downed by a one-hand touch by the defense. If any member of the defense pulls flags from offensive players not in possession of the ball intentionally, the offensive team shall be awarded a major penalty
Tackling and carrying ball: The ball carrier may not run through a defensive player (they may not charge) and must attempt to evade the defense whenever possible. He defense may not hold or run through a ball carrier, but must "play the flag" rather than hold the player. In contact between the ball carrier and the defense when both are the aggressors, the ball shall be dead at the spot of contact. The official shall decide those situations just as a basketball referee rules on charging versus blocking. May result in unnecessary roughness and/or ejection.
The ball carrier will be allowed to spin to elude the defense. Runner must have at least one foot on the ground.
A ball player running with the ball may not hurdle, dive, or jump in order to score or avoid having flags pulled.
A runner may not intentionally guard flag with arms or hands to prevent them from being pulled. Penalty from point of infraction (If a player has altered the flag belt in any way to prevent an opposing player from successfully pulling off the belt, they will be ejected from the game)
The center-snapper may adjust the ball and/or pick it up to dry off prior to the snap.
An offensive player who is bumped out of bounds by a defensive player does not lose eligibility to receive the ball. Penalty will be assessed to the defense for illegal use of hand or arm.
If an offensive player goes out on own accord then back into play to catch a pass. No catch-loss of down, no yardage penalty.
The quarterback has 5(Five) seconds to throw the ball. If a pass is not thrown within the five seconds, play is dead, and the ball is spotted at the previous line of scrimmage
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been passed behind the line of scrimmage) Shovel passes are allowed outside the 5 yard box
Once the ball is passed over the line of scrimmage, it may not be brought back over, and passed. Play will be allowed to continue until play is dead. If intercepted, play stands. All other cases-next down, no penalty will be assessed. Penalties will be enforced from the line of scrimmage.
A pass that is received behind the line of scrimmage must be parallel or behind to the player who is passing it, then it may be passed again (5 second rule applies) If a pass is completed behind the line of scrimmage ball carrier may advance over the line of scrimmage by running. If the ball is advanced over the line of scrimmage by any other means than passing, the play is dead and there is no yardage penalty.
Pass may not be intentionally tipped in any direction to another teammate
Handoffs or tosses are not allowed, although laterals past the line of scrimmage are allowed
Interceptions change the possession of the ball. The defense can return interceptions. On interceptions that occur and remain in the end zone, the ball will become dead and will result in the ball belonging to the intercepting team at its 5-yard line. Should an interception occur in the end zone and the ball carrier leave the end zone, the ball will belong to the intercepting team at the spot the ball becomes dead. However, should the ball carrier return to the end zone and be de-flagged, or the ball is ruled dead, the result would be a safety for the other team.
K. Dead Balls:
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.
Note: There are no fumbles the ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground. If Player purposely fumbles the ball forward it will be Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from the spot of the fumble.
The defense cannot cross the line of scrimmage before the snap. It is encroachment for any player to cross the neutral zone
Legal two-man pick: If two offensive players stand side-by-side with feet touching, defensive player may not hurdle between them Penalty: 5 yards and replay down.
Man-handling pick man: Defensive players must go around the screen or “pick” block. The arms or hands cannot be used as a wedge to contact the opponent or to manhandle or push-off from the screen blocker Penalty-Illegal Contact: 10 yards and first down or penalty be tacked on the play.
Stripping: No stripping or slapping at the ball, when it is in the ball carrier’s hands Penalty: Unsportsmanlike conduct: 10 yards and first down or penalty can be tacked on to the play.
Rushline: Rusher starts five yards off the line of scrimmage and may rush immediately. Only 1 (one) player can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage. If the QB scrabbles out of the 5 yard box (pocket) a secondary rusher may rush. A special marker, or the referee, will designate five yards from the line of scrimmage Remember no blocking or tackling is allowed. Encroachment occurs if the defender enters the neutral zone at the time the ball is snapped
Defensive contact: The defender cannot use contact to break up a pass It does not matter if he is going for the ball Penalty-Illegal contact: 10 yards and first down Very minor incidental contact between defender and receiver will be allowed Rough contact by defender will always be penalized
Passer contact: Do not make contact with the passer above his waist under any circumstance If you hit the ball and the QB, you will be penalized Go for his flag Penalty-Roughing: 10 yards and first down or penalty can be tacked on to the play.
Holding: No defensive holding. This is a judgment call If the defender grabs the offensive player to impede his progress, (such as wrapping the arms around a player), defense will be penalized Penalty-10 yards and first down. Also, in the event that a defensive player holds an offensive player to “save a touchdown”, it is the judgment of the referee that if there were no defensive players in a position to reasonably stop the offensive player from scoring, the referee may award the offensive team a touchdown
Unintentional holding: No unintentional holding If defender is going for the flag and unintentionally impedes the forward progress of the runner, a 5 yard penalty will be tacked on to the play Incidental holding that does not materially impede the forward progress of the runner will not be penalized.
Tackling: No tackling Penalty: Roughing; 10 yards from the spot Any tackle within 10 yards of the end zone or in a “last defender” situation, the play can be judged a touchdown by officials
Pushing: No pushing ball carrier out of bounds Penalty-Roughing: 10 yards and first down or tacked on to the end of the play. The previous rule will also apply.
One hand touch: If player inadvertently loses the flag belt, one hand touch prevails Narrow Escape will be made in defender’s favor.
Defensive diving: Defense may dive for the flag.
Loss of down and yardage for the following violations:
Loss of 5 yards:
Loss of 10 yards:
Any of the preceding fouls or any foul not covered herein: If in the judgment of the game officials the foul is flagrant and/or deliberate, player shall be ejected from the game.
Any distance penalty shall be no greater than half the distance to the goal line.
Offensive penalties occurring in the offenses' own end zone, if accepted will result in a safety.
No blocking by the offense or using hands by the defense. This is a non-contact League.
Illegal team/personal action or conduct penalty...The intent of this penalty is to warn players/coaches that their action(s) are escalating towards unsportsmanlike conduct.
L. Player/Coach Suspension
Player who is ejected will be suspended a minimum of one (1) game. AIFFL director will decide on length of suspension. End of the season suspension will carry over into the following season. Players or coaches ejected from the game will leave the field immediately or automatically forfeit the game and face possible expulsion from the league.
Any player or coach ejected from a game for physically abusing an official or player will be suspended from all AIFFL activities for a minimum of one (1) year.
Players and coaches are responsible for the actions of their spectators. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will be assessed against the team the spectator(s) represents. The spectator(s) will be asked to leave the facility immediately or the team will automatically forfeit the game.
Two (2) unsportsmanlike penalties in one game, on one player, shall result in an automatic ejection. Each additional unsportsmanlike penalty on any player shall result in an ejection for that player.
An accumulation of Four (4) unsportsmanlike penalties on an individual player during the season shall result in an automatic suspension from all remaining games and playoffs.
Any player suspended cannot accompany the team to any scheduled games during the suspension.
M. Team Suspension
Teams accumulating four (4) or more unsportsmanlike penalties during the season will be automatically suspended from all remaining games and playoffs.
N. Protests
To file protest, the team manager/captain must inform the game officials, A protested game must be declared before the next play following the incident. The team manager or captain must then contact an AIFFL representative and inform them that protest is being filed and the reason. The protest must be in written form, and a fee of $100 cash (refunded if upheld) must accompany the protest. Judgment errors on the part of the officials may not be protested. All decisions are final.
Teams are seeded into the playoffs based on final league record. If a tie exists at the end of the league, the following methods will be used to break ties:
Tie Breaker Criteria:
► Most wins.
► Division Record
► Head to head.
► Most points scored.
► Biggest point differential.
► Least points scored against.
► Least unsportsmanlike penalties.
► Coin flip
The League director or their representatives have the final authority to make rulings on any and all dealings regarding league play. All decisions are final.
Adult Flag Football Rule Supplement
CASUAL PROFANITY RULE
Casual Profanity is defined as expletives and verbal unsporting language that is not directed at officials or opposing players, but rather is being uttered by a player out of frustration. This type of behavior is penalized by "Loss of Ten (10) Yards" being declared against the offending team.
Purpose: The "Casual Profanity Rule" provides a lesser penalty for the gray area between accepted conduct and those situations where the offender must be ejected. This rule is to discourage the ball players from saying things, which others may feel are offensive. It has been discovered that the players will police themselves when this rule is applied. Profanity directed at officials or others will result in ejection.
The purpose of this rule is to cleanup language problems that some might find offensive and to give the game officials a tool other than ejection. The spirit of this rule is to bring the fans and families back to the ball park by providing a controlling tool, similar to the technical foul in basketball, so that officials can address profanity consistently, without creating an environment where there is a trend towards forfeiting games
The guidelines will be that if a player expresses frustration through profanity so that it can only be heard by that player and the official and has no influence on others when there is not a problem. If the profanity is loud enough to be heard by other players or the fans then we are to expect that it is loud enough to have offended someone and the penalty "loss of ten (10)" should be imposed.
The most important rule of all… HAVE FUN!