Rules

As an attiliate of the United States Flag and Touch Football League, the GBFFL
follows the 2006-2007 USFTL flag football rule book and official's manual (for MOST rules).

Any modifications made to the rules after May 24, 2009 will appear in red

FORFEITS

**If you do not have the required 2 players to begin the game within 5 minutes of the scheduled starting time you forfeit the game. If you do not get to the field within 5 minutes of the scheduled starting time you forfeit the game. Get to the field on time and get your flags on!!!

**A team that forfeits will be credited with a loss. A team that receives a forfeit will be credited with a win. A team that receives a forfeit and subsequently the win, will receive their own average "points for" and 0 points against. The team that forfeits will receive zero "points for". The "points against" for the team that forfeitted will be the average "points for" of the team they forfeitted to.

**In the case of a double forfeit both teams are credited with a loss. Both teams receive 0 "points for" and THEIR OWN average "points against", for the standings.

**From week #4 on, if you forfeit you are responsible for paying the officials for your team AND THE OTHER TEAM ($20 per game). In the case of a double forfeit each team pays the officials ($10 per game per team).

SPECTATORS: Only GBFFL players, officials, management, UB staff and those approved by the GBFFL shall be allowed to stand inside the fence that surrounds the track. Spectators shall view the game from behind the fence or in the stands. Spectators shall cheer and encourage their team. Spectators shall not heckle opposing players or act inappropriately or they will be directed to leave.

DIVISIONS OF PLAY: Mens competitive and recreation.

AGE CLASSIFICATION: 18 years and older.

THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD: A maximum of 4 players on the field per team. 2 players are required to avoid forfeit.

GAME PLAY:
Each team will play a minimum of 2 games per day.

GAME LENGTH/THE CLOCK:
A. Two 15 minute halves with a 1 minute halftime.
B. The clock is a running clock. Referee may stop the clock at their discretion.
C. The clock will not run on extra point attempts inside of one minute.
D. The clock stops for the 1 minute warning when 1 minute is left in the game. The clock also stops inside of 1 minute for incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possessions, time outs, penalties, fumbles, and touchdowns. INSIDE ONE MINUTE LEFT IN THE GAME THE CLOCK WILL STOP FOR FIRST DOWNS UNTIL THE PUCKS ARE SET. ONCE THE PUCKS ARE SET THE GAME CLOCK RESUMES.

Time outs:
Each team gets one (1) time out per half.

THE FLAGS: Flags will be provided by the GBFFL (sonic boom).
A. If you wear flags other than the GBFFL flags the official shall throw a flag and your team will be penalized on every play that you do so.
B. All 24 of the red flag belts are 42". 12 of the yellow flag belts are 42" and 12 are 52". Therefore, if you are slim you should wear a red belt OR a 42" yellow belt. All flag belts are equipped with a clip that holds the slack of your belt close to your body. If a player has the extra slack of their belt hanging down the official shall throw a flag and a penalty shall be called, no warnings shall be given.

THE BALL: Players must use a regular size football (no youth balls). THE OFFENSE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RETRIEVING THEIR OWN BALL AFTER EACH PLAY, NOT THE DEFENSE OR THE REFS.

PLAYING FIELD SIZE: The playing field is 46 yds. X 25. Each end zone is 7 yards deep.

SCORING:
A. Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 28 or more points at halftime or later, the game shall be over.
B. Touchdown = 6 points
C. Safety = 2 points
D. Extra Points: 1. By running or passing only (no kicking allowed) from 5 yards = 1 point. 2. By running or passing from 10 yards = 2 points.
Note: A team is given one choice which cannot be changed, even if a penalty should occur. If you declare you are going for 2 points, the ball is placed at the 10 yard line and even if a penalty shall occur, the team will only be able to run or pass and if successful, no matter from what distance, the value of the try is 2 points.
EXCEPTION: If a team chooses to go for 1 or 2 and a time out is granted, called by either team, the offensive team will have the option to choose to go for 1 or 2. Hence, there needs to be a timeout called, and awarded, in order for a team to change their selection.
E. The return of an extra point attempt = 2 points.

ELIIGIBLE RECEIVERS: Everyone is eligible.

THE COIN TOSS: A coin toss shall begin each game. The captain winning the toss shall choose one of the following options.
A. Offense
B. Defense
C. Designate which goal his/her team will defend.
D. Defer choice to the second half.
E. The loser of the coin toss shall make a choice of the remaining options.
F. The team that loses the coin toss will have first choice at the start of the second half, unless the team that won the coin toss defers, in that case the team that won the coin toss shall have choice in the second half.
G. Teams shall always change directions in the second half.

BASIC PLAY:
- There will be a 5 minute grace period from the time that the game is scheduled to start. If a team cannot field the required 2 or more players at the end of the five minute grace period, they forfeit. If a team wins by forfeit they win by their average offensive score and a defensive (points against) score of 0.
- The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross mid-field.  If the offensive team crosses mid-field they are awarded 3 more downs to score a touchdown. If the offensive team fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on their 5-yard line.
- All drives and possession changes except interceptions, start on the 5-yard line of the offense. 
- If the offensive team fails to cross mid-field, possession of the ball changes and the opposite team starts their drive from their 5-yard line.
- Teams will switch ends at halftime.
- The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play. Direct snaps are legal.
- There are no quick snaps.  The ball can only be snapped after the official blows the whistle.
- Offensive players MUST BE SET AT THE SNAP OF THE BALL. Exception: One player may be in motion at the snap, but cannot be motioning towards the L.O.S.
- Any player that starts a play without a flag will result in a penalty.
- The ball is ruled dead when the following:
A. snap to a QB hits the ground.
B. A fumble hits the ground (no fumble recoveries allowed). The ball cannot be fumbled in any way. For example, even if a ball carrier loses control of the ball while running, by themselves, and the ball goes up in the air and the opposing team catches it before it hits the ground = not a fumble, the play is dead where the ball carrier lost control of the ball. A defensive player therefore cannot slap the ball out of a ball carriers hands. A defender CAN swipe, slap, hit the ball at the exact time a receiver places his hands on it, PRIOR to the receiver obtaining possession of the ball.
C. A ball carrier’s knee touches the ground.
D. A ball carrier steps out of bounds.
E. A ball carrier’s flag is legally removed.
F. A ball carrier touches the ball to the ground.
- 25 second clock – Each time the pucks are spotted, the offense has 25 seconds to snap the ball. The 25 second clock will start once both pucks are spotted by the referees.The offense shall retrieve their own ball, quickly. The referee shall start the 25 second clock before the offense gets the ball back to the line of scrimmage if they do not hustle. THE OFFICIALS SHALL NOT WAIVE ONE ARM AS IF TO INFORM THE PLAYERS THAT THE CLOCK IS RUNNING, AS THIS PRACTICE USUALLY INDICATES THAT THE OFFICIAL IS NOT ACUTALLY KEEPING TRACK OF THE 25 SECOND CLOCK WITH AN ACTUAL CLOCK. THE OFFICIAL SHALL USE A WATCH OR CLOCK DEVICE TO TRACK THE 25 SECOND CLOCK AND HE SHALL BLOW THE WHISTLE IF THE BALL IS NOT SNAPPED WHEN THE 25 SECOND CLOCK EXPIRES.
- Blocking – NO BLOCKING and NO CONTACT ALLOWED – anywhere, anytime.  If your team is on offense and a player on your team catches the ball you are to stop and stand still.  By standing still you can act as a blocker in the aspect that the player with the ball can use you as an obstruction for the defense.  In that circumstance you must stand still, no moving, sliding, leaning etc. allowed.
EXCEPTION- If player "A" is attempting to catch a ball and player "B", on the opposite team, attempts to hit the ball as the ball makes contact with player "A's" hands, player "B" may make contact with player "A's" hand and/or wrist, while in the act of attempting to hit the ball. Contact shall not be made above the wrist. Contact shall not be made before the ball hits player "A's" hand. Contact shall not be made, even on the hand or wrist after a catch is made.
- Interceptions may be returned.  If you return an interception during regular play and you do not score, your team takes over at that point, first down.  If you return an extra point to the end zone your team is awarded 2 points. 
- No kicking or punting.
- Roster - Your roster must be submitted to GBFFL by May 24, 2009(opening day).  Either bring your roster with you to the field on May 24, 2009, or mail it to the GBFFL PRIOR to June 29, 2008 (GBFFL, P.O. Box 19 Williamsville, NY 14231).  Do not mail your roster on May 22, 2009 as it will not arrive in time.  Teams are limited to eleven (11) players on their roster.  You may add or delete players to/from your roster by submitting a “Roster add/delete form” until May 31st (week 2).  After May 31st ALL ROSTERS ARE FROZEN.  If a team uses a player who is under 18 OR not on their roster, they forfeit the game(s) the illegal player played in AND the team captain sits out the next two games.  League officials can ask for identification at their discretion.
- Changing teams- Once a player has signed the roster/waiver they cannot switch from their team and get onto another team.
- Changing teams from one year to the next
1. If a player was on a 2008 GBFFL teams roster and the team is entered for the 2009 GBFFL season, under the same name, with the same captain, the player must obtain a release from the team captain in order to play for a different team. The team captain can simply send an email to contact@gbffl.com if they wish to release the particular player that was on their roster from the previous year.
2. If a 2008 GBFFL team changes its name for the 2009 season, or if the team is not entered for 2009, all players from the 2008 team are released and can play for any team they choose.
3. If a 2009 GBFFL team has a new captain, all players from the 2008 roster are released and can play for any team they choose.
4. These rules are in place to keep teams in tact and to discourage players from switching teams right before the season begins and leaving a captain "high and dry". Captains are encouraged to release players who wish to be released and who have expressed their desire to be released in a timely fashion.
5. In the event that a captain will not release a player, they must allow the player to play on their team. If the captain does not release said player to play on another team, and will not allow them to play on their team, the GBFFL may intervene and release the player.

PENALTIES:
A. All penalties are 10 yards and assessed from the line of scrimmage.
B. Offensive penalties are 10 yards and loss of down.
C. Defensive penalties are 10 yards and result in automatic first down for the offensive team.
D. Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
E. All penalties will be assessed from the original line of scrimmage.
EXCEPTION 1:  Interception returns; Offensive penalties will be assessed from the point of interception.  Defensive penalties will be assessed from the end of the play.  Both result in automatic first down.
EXCEPTION 2:  Flag guarding is from the point of infraction.
EXCEPTION 3:  Unsportsmanlike conduct/Unnecessary roughness penalty is 10 yards added on to the end of the play.
F. On defensive holding and/or interference calls, the offense has the option of taking the result of the play or ten yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down.
G. Games cannot end on a defensive penalty.
H. Any offensive penalty that occurs while and offensive player holds the ball while in the end zone will result in a safety (2 points).
I. Last Man Rule (If the last defensive player between the ball carrier and the end zone holds or tackles the ball carrier and it is clear to the referee that the player would have scored if they were not held or tackled, a TD will be awarded.)
J. Roughting the passer: The rusher MUST make contact with the passer in order for "roughing the passer" to be called.

INTERACTION WITH THE OFFICIALS:
A. Only team captains may approach the officials about rule clarifications and interpretations.
B. The captain can protest a rule interpretation. The protest must take place prior to the snap for the next play. If the team that protested a rule interpretation loses the protest, they will lose their time out. If they have already used their time out they will be penalized a delay of game.
C. If you "get in the officials face, swear at an official, threaten an official, touch an official" you will be, at the very least, kicked out of the game and quite possibly asked not to come back (kicked out of the league). This is not major league baseball, this is not the WWF, do not put on a show and demean the officials in any way. If there is a discrepency your captain may calmly speak to the officials. As Ron Burgundy would say "stay classy."

RUNNING PLAYS:
A. The QB cannot run the ball at any time.
B. Handoffs are allowed.
C. Laterals and pitches are NOT allowed anywhere on the field.
D. The player that takes the handoff can throw the ball as long as he does not cross the line of scrimmage.
E. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
F. The player who takes a handoff may run with the ball OR pass.
G. No run zones are locate from the 5 yard to the goalline and 5 yards on either side of mid-field. No player is allowed to run the ball if the ball was snapped from inside the no run zone. The no run zone is designed to avoid short yardage running situations.
I. Once the ball has been handed off, the seven second pass rule is no longer in effect.
J. Defensive players that did not start behind the rushing puck cannot pass the line of scrimmage, during a direct hand-off play, until the ball is handed off.
K. Spinning to avoid the flag puller is allowed.  Jumping over a defender or diving to advance the ball is not allowed.
L. The ball is spotted where the flag was pulled. I.E. if the flag is pulled on the 1 yardline but the ball was acros the goalline the ball is down on the 1.

PASSING:
A. Backward passes and laterals are not allowed (all passes must be forward).
B. Quarterback has a 7 second pass clock. If a pass is not thrown within the 7 seconds, play is dead, loss of down. The ball is spotted at the line of scrimmage. On the snap of the ball the referee shall count 7 seconds ("thousand-one, thousand-two, thousand-three, thousand-four, thousand-five, thousand-six, THEN THE WHISTLE WILL BE BLOWN".) Please note the referee will not say "thousand-seven" and then blow the whistle as that would actually be 8 seconds. The referee shall blow his whistle on "thousand-seven".
C. Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of the interception. Interceptions are the only change of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. Interceptions may be returned.
D. Shovel passes are legal, but must be beyond the line of scrimmage.
E. If a penalty occurs on an interception return by the offense, the penalty will be assessed from the spot of the interception (10 yards).
F. If the penalty occurs on an interception return by the defense, the penalty will be assessed from the end of the run (10 yards).
G. Intentional grounding- a player may not intentionally throw the ball into the ground to avoid a loss of yardage. Exception- In the last 1 minute of the game, a passer may throw the ball into the ground to stop the clock and conserve time for their team. This play is legal, provided the passer is not trying to avoid a loss of yardage.
H. If any part of the QB's body has touched the ground, beyond the line of scrimmage, when he throws a pass, a flag shall be thrown. The penalty shall be called "illegal forward pass" (QB beyond the LOS).

Receiving:
A. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB after the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
B. A player must have at least one foot in bounds to make a legal reception.
C. Only one person is allowed to be in motion at a time.
D. The receiver is down where his or her flag belt is pulled. Exception: In order to achieve a first down, or a touchdown, at least one flag and the ball must cross the plane of the first down line or goal line.
E. Receiver is down at point of reception if flag belt falls off before catch is made. If a ball carriers flag falls off without being pulled off, he or she is down where he or she catches the ball. If a player is running with the ball and their flag falls off while the ball is in their hands THEY ARE DOWN, the play is over. The ball is spotted where the flag came off.
F. Situation: Player "A" attempts to catch the football and the ball touches his hands and an opposing player pulls player "A's" flags, and then player "A" bobbles the ball and then finally catches it, player "A" is called down at the spot where he gained possession, no penalty against the player who pulled the flag after the ball touched player "A's" hand(s).. (If a player pulls another players flag BEFORE the ball hits the other players hands, a penalty flag is thrown).
spectators cannot
F. A player may tip the football to a teammate, as long as the initial receiver does not gain possession of the ball.
G. If a receiver catches a pass and is incidentally pushed out of bounds by a defender while in the air, the referee has the right to rule the catch complete, if he judges that the receiver would have come down in bounds, had he not been pushed. If a player intentionally pushed another player a flag is thrown. If the player that was pushed out caught the ball but was pushed out the official may award a touchdown if he thinks the player would have came down in bounds without the push. If the player that was pushed drops the ball the call is illegal contact (contact is not allowed).
H. An offensive player who goes out-of-bounds loses eligibility until the ball has been touched by an opponent.

SPOTTING OF THE BALL:
A. One referee shall place a puck on the line of scrimmage, in the middle of the field.
B. The other referee shall place another puck on the defensive side of the ball, 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
C. When both pucks are placed on the ground the 25 second clock starts. The referee shall notify everyone when there is "10" and "5" seconds left on the 25 second clock.
D. The offensive team will place their ball on the ground anywhere from sideline to sideline on the line of scrimmage. To be clear, the offense may snap the ball anywhere on the line of scrimmage that they choose.

RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK:
A. Defensive players that rush the passer must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the QB.
B. The rusher is allowed a direct line to the quarterback long as he rushes from either side of the field and not up the “middle”.  The “middle” is considered 1 yard on both sides of the puck or line marker.  The “middle” is a judgment call made by the referee since there are no hash marks on the field.  The offense must avoid interfering with the rusher, as long as the rusher rushes on a straight line as previously described. If the rusher alters his path from a straight line, for any reason, he does not have the right of way. For example, if the QB gets the snap and rolls to his left, the rusher may alter his path from a straight line, but he will not longer have the right of way. The rusher ONLY has the right of way as long as he runs in a straight line from where he starts TO the spot to where the QB receives the snap. Another example, if the QB rolls to his left and the center just stands in his spot after snapping the ball the rusher may not run through the center or touch him as the rusher is supposed to start 1 yard to the left or right of the center line. The Center can stand his ground at the place where he snapped the ball, without moving. The center cannot however cut in front of a rusher and make contact or interfere as long as the rusher is running in the aforementioned straight path, one yard to the side of center. IF THE RUSHER FLOPS INITIATES CONTACT FROM THE CENTER BY VEERING INTO THE CENTER AND FALLS DOWN THE REFEREE SHALL THROW A FLAG AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT SHALL BE CALLED AGAINST THE RUSHER. A RUSHER DID THIS IN THE 2008 GBFFL SEMI-FINALS AND THE REFEREE CALLED THE PENALTY ON THE CENTER. THAT PLAY CHANGED THE OUTCOME OF THE GAME. FLOPPING SHALL NOT BE TOLERATED.
C. One official shall mark the line of scrimmage while the other marks the rushers starting point.
D. Rushers must go for the Quarterback's flag and are not allowed to make contact with the QB. The rusher cannot hit the Qb's arm to block a pass, they must go for the flag.
E. Once the ball is handed off, the seven yard rush rule is no longer in effect.  Any player may rush beyond the line of scrimmage, from any position on the field, once the ball has been handed off. Once the ball has been handed off the 7 second passing clock is eliminated, therefore the official will stop counting to "thousand seven". I.E. If the ball is snapped to a "player A" who subsequently hands off to " player B", behind the line of scrimmage, "player B" can scramble for as long as he would like. "Player B" has the option to scramble, pass or run the ball, without a time limit.
F. If a player wishes to hand off to another player behind the line of scrimmage, they must actually HAND OFF. IF one player tosses the ball to another, behind the line of scrimmage, it is a PENALTY. This includes tosses that only travel a few inches, hence the ball must be handed off, not tossed from player to player behind the line of scrimmage.
F. Only defensive players who started behind the rushing puck are allowed to cross the line of scrimmage PRIOR to a handoff. I.E. If the QB fakes a handoff and a defensive player who started within 7 yards of the line of scrimmage crosses the line of scrimmage, the ref throws a flag and the defense is penalized. I.E. #2. If a receiver runs behind the QB for a reverse and the defensive player follows the offensive player, while crossing the line of scrimmage, the defensive team is penalized. (Remember, the ball cannot be thrown to a receiver who is standing behind the line of scrimmage).
F. If the rusher steps past the puck before the ball is snapped he may not rush the passer. In that case the rusher may play defense, he just cannot rush the passer (even if he resets himself). In that case another player who started behind the puck could rush the QB.

OVERTIME:
A. Scoring is the same as in a regular game.
B. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams go directly into overtime.
C. Coin toss determines possession. 
D. The team that did not call the opening coin toss will call the overtime coin toss.
E. The team that wins the coin toss has the choice to take the ball first, or to defend first.  Both teams will
drive into the same end zone.
F. Each team will start from the 20 yard line, driving into the same end zone, 1st and goal.  They will have three plays to attempt to score.  If a team scores, they may attempt an extra point afterwards. (One or Two point conversion)
G. The game is over when each team has had the possession of the ball an equal amount of times, and one team is able to score more points than their opponents.
H. If the score is still tied after the first overtime, the team that defended first will start the second overtime on offense. 
I. If the score is still tied after the 2nd overtime, there will be another coin toss to determine who starts first.
J. The aforementioned procedure will repeat (both teams get a chance to score from the 20 yard line) until one team outscores the other.

ATTIRE:
A. Cleats are allowed, but they must be rubber. No metal spikes are allowed.
B. Jerseys must be tucked into pants/shorts. No waist length or half jerseys allowed.
C. If players jersey/shirt is hanging over their flag belt flag guarding will be called.
D. Excessively baggy pants are not permitted.
E. It is recommended that all players wear a protective mouthpiece.
F. Sunglasses are illegal.
G. Hats are not allowed.

GAME STOPPAGES OR CANCELATIONS
If a game is stopped (prior to the end of the game) due to inclement weather in the second half, the team that is ahead wins the game by the score of the game at the stoppage. If the game is stopped in the second half and the score is tied, overtime will be played at a later date to determine the winner. If a game is stopped in the first half and one team is winning by 13 or more points, they win the game by the score at the stoppage. If the game is stopped in the first half and one team is leading by 12 or less points, or the score is tied, the game is ruled a no contest and does not count. GAMES THAT ARE STOPPED IN THE FIRST HALF THAT ARE RULED "NO CONTEST" AND GAMES THAT ARE NOT PLAYED (CANCELLED PRIOR TO THE START OF THE GAME) DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER WILL NOT BE MADE UP, THEY WILL NEVER BE PLAYED. The game officials and GBFFL league officials will make the decision whether or not to stop games. Players shall not lobby, complain or argue for or against game stoppages. Game stoppage decisions are at the discretion of game officials and GBFFL league officials.