TFL Rulebook 2014-2015

TOTEM FOOTBALL LEAGUE OFFICIAL RULEBOOK 2014 - 2015 Table of Contents General…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...3 Field…………………………………………………………………………………………………………........3 Equipment………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Players Equipment………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Number of Players………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Timing, Overtime, and Time Outs……………………………………………………………………………..4 Scoring Touchdown………………………………………………………………………………………………………6 Convert…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7 Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Rules of Play Pre-Game Conference………………………………………………………………………………………….6 General Play……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Kick-Off…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7 Offense…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7 Defense…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Flagging…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Flag Guarding……………………………………………………………………………………………………8 Punting and Kicking……………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Out of Bounds……………………………………………………………………………………………………9 Substitutions……………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Fouls and Penalties……………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Other…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 The following rules are derived from the Canadian Flag Football Rulebook, but are specific to the Totem Football League (2014-2015). Everyone participating in the Totem Football League, both players and officials, should read and understand these rules. Section 1 – General 1.1 The games of the Totem Football League shall be governed by the playing rules, regulations and definitions as written in this Rulebook. 1.2 Whenever changes to the rulebook occur, as permitted by the league officials (TFL Committee members), these changes will be provided in writing to each participating team prior to the beginning of the season. 1.3 The referee is responsible for the adherence to the rules and regulations by both teams and all officials. The referee will make the final decision on any on-field situation not covered by the rules and regulations. All officials will strive to maintain a safe environment for the players. 1.4 At any time during the game, if a referee feels that continuing to play the game may jeopardize a player’s safety, the official may remove that player from the game immediately, or may cease the game in its entirety. An explanation should be included on the game sheet as to the reason why the player was removed. A referee’s decision in this matter is final and cannot be challenged by the player/ team(s) affected. Teams/players wishing to protest an official’s decision must do so in writing to the Committee ([email protected]) within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game. 1.5 A participant (player or official), suffering from a wound or laceration, where oozing or bleeding occurs, must leave the playing field until appropriate medical treatment is administered. The participant may return to the playing field only after the bleeding has stopped and the affected area or the open wound has been completely and securely covered. 1.6 Players must be a resident of Totem Park in order to be eligible to play. 1.7 Each player must sign a waiver prior to participation. In the event that the Totem Football League misplaces a waiver, the player will be asked to sign another one. 1.8 Foul play will not be tolerated. 1.9 Trash talking/ taunting is illegal. If trash talking/ taunting occurs, the referee will give a 10-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. i. If a play continues to be unsportsmanlike, they will be automatically ejected from the game. 1.10 If the referee witnesses any acts of contact, tackling, elbowing, tripping, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and that player will be ejected from the game. i. A player is not guilty of contacting their opponent if the bodily contact was caused by a sudden stop or change in direction by the opponent and the player made every attempt to avoid the contact. Section 2 – The Field 2.1 The official Totem Park Football League will be approximately 60 x 20 yards (60 yards in length and 20 yards in width), with each half measuring 25 yards from the front end zone line to the center field line. Each end zone will be approximately five (5) yards in length. 2.2 The field dimensions will be marked with white field paints. Section 3 – Equipment 3.1 One standard game ball will be used for the entirety of the game. 3.2 All players on the field must be wearing a flag belt, which will be provided by the TFL officials prior to the game. These belts must be returned at the end of the game. Section 4 – Players Equipment 4.1 Teams must wear jerseys or t-shirts that are matching in colour (i.e. House Shirts). i. If two teams are using similar jerseys/t-shirts, the winner of the coin toss has the option to change shirts, unless one team agrees to change their colours voluntarily. ii. Clothing that covers or interferes with an opponent’s ability to reach the flag is not permitted. 4.2 Jewelry must be removed prior to the start of the game. If it is not possible to remove the jeweler it must be covered us completely, padded and secured. i. Medical bracelets may be worn but they must be fastened securely so as not to cause injury. 4.3 Orthopedic braces may be worn but must be completely covered by pants or by adhesive or tensor bandages so that no part of the brace is exposed. The referee will have the final decision on the acceptability of this type of equipment. 4.4 Players may wear cleats but they must be rubber cleats. Spikes or similar sharp pointed type shoes such as track spikes, metal baseball cleats, or golf shoes are not permitted. 4.5 While on the field, players must wear a regulation flag belt at all times. These belts are provided by TFL and must be returned at the end of every game. i. Every effort must be made to keep one flag on each hip. Players are responsible for their own flag belt and must ensure that the flags are clearly visible and are not covered in any way by their uniform. 4.6 If a player is wearing unacceptable attire, equipment or shoes, the player must leave the game for at least one play and remove the equipment before returning. If the player returns to the game with the unacceptable equipment, the team will be penalized for objectionable conduct and the player will be ejected. Section 5 – Number of Players 5.1 A team may have a maximum of five (5) players on the field during a play 5.2 A team must have a minimum of four (4) players on the field at the scheduled start time. If they do not meet this requirement within five (5) minutes of the scheduled start time, they will forfeit the game by an automatic score of 14-0. 5.3 A team may play with a minimum of four (4) players during a play i. Over the course of the game, a team can continue to play with a minimum of three (3) players as a result of disqualification or injury. 5.4 If you are unable to play a particular weekend, you must notify the TFL Committee by email at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday before your game is scheduled. If you fail to do so, you will forfeit the game. The default score is 14-0 for the opposing team. 5.5 A team may also forfeit by failing to show up within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time of the game. Teams will be ejected from the league after more than two (2) forfeits without notifying the TFL Committee 72 hours in advance of their scheduled game time. Section 6 – Timing, Overtime, and Time Outs Time 6.1 Games will consist of two 17-minute running time halves with an additional 5 plays after the time has elapsed. i. Kickoffs and conversion plays do not count towards the final 5 plays. ii. The period for half-time will be 5 minutes. iii. Teams will change end zones prior to the start of the second half. 6.2 No half shall end until the ball is dead and all penalties are resolved. i. If a touchdown is scored on the last play, the half shall be extended to include the convert attempt. No kick off will take place afterwards. 6.3 Time runs continually and is only stopped for time outs and injuries. When the clock is stopped, it will start again at the snap. 6.4 The referee shall be the official time keeper. Only the referee can stop and start the clock. Overtime 6.5 There is no overtime during the regular season. If the score is tied at the end of two (2) halves, the game will end as a tie. 6.6 During the playoffs, the following procedure will be followed in the event of a tied game: i. Captains will be called for another coin toss. The winning side has the option of going first, going second, or to defer. ii. The ball will start at the half way marker. Each team will get 4 downs to reach the end zone. iii. There are no convert attempts during the first two (2) possessions for each team. If the game is still tied after two (2) possessions (per team), convert attempts will be re-introduced during the third possession. iv. There are no kickoffs or punt returns during the overtime period. v. All rules outlined in the "Rules of Play" still apply. Time Outs 6.7 Each team is entitled to one (1) 60-second time out per game. i. Time outs can only be called when the ball is dead. ii. Time outs can only be called by on-field players and must be authorized by the referee. iii. After the time out, all players who were on the field when the time out was called must return to the field. iv. Clock will stop for the length of the time out. v. Referees may call an injury time out to allow a team to attend to an injured player. The injured play must be removed from the field for at least one (1) play. The referee has full authority to delay the game until the injured player is safely removed from the field. Section 7 – Scoring 7.1 The team scoring the most points during regulation time is the declared the winner. 7.2 In the event of a tied game during regular season, the game will end in a tie. 7.3 In the event of a tied game during playoffs, overtime will be played to determine a winner. Touchdown: six (6) points Extra point: one (1) point (Played from midpoint of 5-yard line) Extra point: two (2) points (Played from midpoint of ten-yard line) Safety: two (2) points Touchdown 7.4 A touchdown is worth six (6) points. 7.5 A touchdown is scored when the ball is in the possession of a player with both feet in the opponent's goal area. 7.6 Both the ball and the offensive player’s two (2) feet must be clearly in the end zone, within the boundaries. Convert 7.7 A convert is scored when a player has legal possession of the ball in the opponent’s end zone during a convert attempt. A team scoring a touchdown may attempt a convert in the following ways: i. 1 point – running or passing from 5 yards out ii. 2 points – running or passing from 10 yards out 7.8 The ball shall remain in play until a score is made or the play has been terminated. 7.9 If the defending team legally gains possession during an unsuccessful convert attempt (i.e. interception of forward pass, recovery of fumble or blocked kick), the play is ruled dead. 7.10 When a penalty affects the normal point of scrimmage of a convert attempt, the awarding of one (1) or two (2) points will be based on where the original convert attempt was scrimmaged prior to any penalty application or repeated convert attempt. Safety 7.11 A team scoring a safety touch is awarded 2 points. 7.12 A team scores a safety when their opponents cause the ball to be brought into their end zone and the ball is ruled dead in the end zone before they can bring it out legally, or the ball is considered to have not left the end zone. 7.13 A safety touch is not awarded when a player’s momentum, while intercepting a pass in the field of play, causes the ball to be brought into the end zone, where it is eventually ruled dead; the intercepting team shall be awarded a first down at the point of interception. 7.14 After a safety, the team scored against kicks off from its ten (10) yard line and two (2) points are rewarded to the opposing team. Section 8 – Rules of Play Pre-game Conference 8.1 Prior to the start of the game, at least one captain from each team will meet with the referee at the center field to conduct the coin toss 8.2 The winner of the coin toss starts with possession of the football, while the losers of the coin toss have a choice of end zone to defend. 8.3 The team that loses the coin toss gets possession at the beginning of the second half. General Play 8.4 To begin a play, a player on the offensive team must snap the ball from the line of scrimmage. 8.5 One (1) yard is required between the offensive and defensive line. 8.6 The referee will determine the line of scrimmage and mark it with a bean bag/cone. 8.7 The offensive team may use multiple handoffs behind the line of scrimmage. Once the ball carrier has crossed the line of scrimmage the ball cannot be handed off, tossed, or passed forward in any way. i. For a forward pass to be legal, the ball must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. Kick-off 8.8 The game begins with a kickoff. The ball shall be kicked-off, by a place kick, 10 yards from the end. 8. 9 If the ball is kicked directly out of play, then the receiving team will be given two options: i. 5 Yard Penalty - kickoff repeated ii. Receiving team may take possession at the point where the ball went out of bounds. 8.10 If the second place kick is kicked directly out of bounds, then the receiving team may take the ball at the 40-yard line of the kicking team. 8.11 If the ball is kicked, but contacts the field of play before landing out of bounds, then the receiving team plays the ball from the point where the ball left the field of play. 8.12 If during a kickoff the kicked ball proceeds through the goal area and across the deadline or sideline in goal without being touched there shall be no score and the ball shall be awarded to the receiving team at any point between the hash marks on their own 10-yard line 8.13 If the receiving team drops the kick the play is instantly blown dead. Offense 8.14 The offense has 4 downs to obtain the halfway line. 8.15 From the time the referee has blown the play in, teams have no more than 20 seconds to snap the ball. 8.16 Failure to snap the ball within 20 seconds will result in a delay of game penalty. 8.17 The snap must completely leave the blocker’s hands 8.18 A backward pass or fumble, which touches the ground in the end zone, will be considered a safety. 8.19 All fumbles are immediately called dead when the ball makes contact with the ground. If a ball is fumbled forwards, the play will be ruled dead at the fumbling players back foot. 8.20 A team may execute as many laterals or backwards passes as they wish during play. 8.21 A forward pass is illegal in the following situations: i. On a scrimmage play, if a player makes a forward pass after crossing the line of scrimmage. Or in other words, if the passer's foot is beyond the scrimmage line when the ball leaves his/her hand. ii. If thrown after team possession has changed during the down. iii. If intentionally thrown to the ground or out of bounds to save loss of yardage iv. If a passer catches his/her untouched forward or backward pass v. If there is more than one forward pass per down. vi. On a play, other than from scrimmage (e.g. kick return, kick-off return, interception return, fumble return, recovery of onside kick or kickoff), a player makes a forward pass. vii. In the event that a forward pass is illegal, the play will be blown dead and a loss of down will occur from the point of the illegal pass. 8.22 If the offensive team fails to cross midfield within 4 downs, possession of the ball changes to the opposition. Defense 8.23 During scrimmage plays, the defense will have one player – the rusher- pursue the QB. The rusher must line up directly opposite the snapper within one yard in a three-point stance. i. The rusher will be allowed to rush after 3 steamboats have been called. ii. If the rusher does not line up directly opposite the snapper, his team forfeits the ability to rush for that play. iii. Blocking and tackling are not allowed. Flagging 8.24 All players must begin the play with a flag belt. All belts must have two flags: one on each hip. 8.25 To prevent the ball carrier from advancing, an opponent must pull off one (1) or two (2) flags without preventing the ball carrier from moving forward. Once the defender has removed a flag, they should remain in place and hold the flag up for the referee to confirm the play has stopped. The opponent should then return the flag to the ball carrier. 8.26 Defensive players are not allowed to pull an opponent’s flag unless they are in possession of the ball. 8.27 If the ball carrier loses their belt unintentionally during a play, the play does not stop. The play shall continue and a one-hand touch on the ball carrier, between their shoulders and knees, replaces the act of flagging. Flag Guarding 8.28 Flag Guarding is strictly prohibited. This includes: swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent an opponent from flagging, placing the ball in a position over the flag to prevent an opponent from flagging, or lowering the shoulders in such a manner which places the arm over the flag to prevent an opponent from flagging. 8.29 Players may not hurdle, leap or spin away from a defender in an attempt to avoid being flagged. 8.30 Any infraction committed by the ball carrier will result in the play being blown dead at the point of the infraction. Punting and Kicking 8.31 Teams may punt the ball on any play and in doing so give possession of the ball to the receiving team. 8.32 No Yards: When a player on the receiving team is retrieving the kick he/she must be given a 5 yard zone, determined by a circle of radius 5 yards, with the center point being the ball at the instant it is first touched by an opponent, must be allowed on all punts that are at least 20 yards. 8.33 If a punted ball hits the ground or turf inbounds and then goes out of bounds it will be placed at the center in line with where it went out of bounds. 8.34 If the kicked ball has not yet been touched and, in the judgment of the official, no effort is being made by either team to recover the ball, he may declare the ball dead and award possession to the receiving team. 8.35 Punts may only occur from behind the line of scrimmage. 8.36 A punt that goes through the back of the opposition’s end zone is worth one (1) point to the punting team. 8.37 A punt that goes out the side of the end zone is a touchback and the ball will be placed at the receiving teams10 yard line. Out of Bounds 8.38 The ball is out of bounds when it touches or crosses the boundary lines (sidelines, sidelines-in- goal, or deadlines). 8.39 The ball is out of bounds when a player in possession of the ball touches a boundary line or the ground or any other object on or beyond these lines. 8.40 Two feet must be in bounds, and the receiver must have control for a catch to be considered legal. If a receiver catches the ball in mid-air and is pushed out-of-bounds before he/she lands on the ground, the play is considered complete and the ball will be placed at the point where the ball is dead. Substitutions 8.41 Free substitution is allowed after any whistle provided the substitution does not delay the game. 8.42 The players switching must notify the referee prior to making the substitution. 8.43 The two players must exchange the flag belt in a timely manner. Section 9 – Fouls and Penalties 9.1 If a foul occurs during a running play, the penalty is marked from where the run ends. (Exception: offensive penalty before the end of the run, then it is marked from the spot of the foul.) 9.2 If a foul occurs during a loose ball play (ball in flight), the penalty is marked off from the previous spot (exception; see defensive forward pass interference). 9.3 Intentional physical contact is to be avoided. Blocking, holding, and any other intentional contact are prohibited. 9.4 The following actions will result in play being blown dead i. Diving with the ball ii. Jumping with the ball iii. Flag guarding iv. Spinning of the ball carrier 9.5 The following actions will result in a 5-yard penalty: i. Delay of game/ Time count violation ii. False start iii. Illegal snap iv. Illegal forward pass (down counts) v. Intentional grounding (down counts) vi. Offside/ Encroachment vii. Illegal rush viii. Illegal substitution ix. Violation of the “no yards” rule x. Holding: The use of hands or an arm to grasp or encircle an opponent xi. Blocking downfield xii. Illegally secured flag belt 9.6 The following actions will result in a 10-yard penalty: i. Offensive forward pass interference (down counts) ii. Unnecessary roughness. iii. Illegal contact iv. Roughing the passer v. Clipping/ Tripping vi. Pyramiding: Using the body of another player in any way to elevate oneself in an attempt to block a kick or pass. vii. Unsportsmanlike conduct viii. Illegal use of hands ix. Contacting the kicker: It shall be illegal to touch the kicker when they are in the act of kicking from scrimmage subject to the following conditions: a. An opponent shall not be penalized when a player of the kicking team causes him to contact the kicker. b. If, in the official’s opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kick makes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the play, he shall not be penalized. 9.7 The following fouls will result in the ball being placed at the spot of the foul: i. Defensive forward pass interference: ii. Pass interference shall not be called against either team if an official rules the ball uncatchable. iii. Pass interference shall not be called if it occurs after an eligible receiver on either team has touched the ball. iv. Inadvertent tripping by a player with equal position shall not be ruled as interference. v. Tripping an opponent from behind shall be considered pass interference. vi. Screening (faceguarding) of an opponent during an attempt to catch the ball is pass interference. vii. It is pass interference by either team when a player physically restricts or impedes an opponent in a manner that is visually evident and materially affects the opponent's opportunity to play the ball. A player who has gained position shall not be considered to have impeded or restricted the opponent in a prohibited manner if all such actions are a bona fide effort to go to and play the ball. The defensive team may choose to either: i. Accept the penalty and take the ball where the foul was committed or ii. Replay the down from the original line of scrimmage. Section 10 – Other 10.1 If the penalty is greater than or equal to the distance to the goal, the penalty will be assessed as half the distance to the goal. 10.2 A double foul is when both teams have committed a foul during the same live ball period, and team possession has not changed. The difference between the penalties will be applied and the down will be replayed. 10.3 A controlled ejection (game ejection) can be assessed to any player that TFL officials deem necessary. This player must immediately leave the game and must not be present on the player bench. 10.4 A game ejection will be assessed to any player whose conduct is with intent to injure, or of verbal or physical abuse directed at a TFL Official, TFL Staff member, participant or spectator. i. All game ejections are reported through the Supplementary Discipline System. 10.5 If a team has an objection to a call that has been made, only the captain of the team may discuss with the referees. 10.6 If a referee has to talk to a player three (3) times about his/her conduct on the field they may be ejected from the game. Any incidents that occur on or off the field of play are subject to prosecution under the full extent of the Residence Contract. 8 TFL Rulebook 9