Rules
 This
is a league for everyone to have a good time. 
Please lets work together to make it the best league for all the
kids that enjoy playing sports.
Remember:
“When the game ceases to be fun, it ceases to be a game!”
SFSL League Rules COMPETITION RULES
1.0 Divisions 3
1.1 Member Uniform & Colors 3
1.2 Age / Classes 3
1.3 Field Dimensions 3
1.4 Field Dimensions 3
1.5 Football Sizes 3
1.6 Equipment 3
2.0 TEAM CERTIFICATION 3
2.1 Team Rosters 3
2.2 Roster / Book Certification 3
2.3 Roster Size 3
2.4 Roster Moves 3
2.5 Roster Number Change 3
2.6 New Players 3
2.7 Lost Book 3
3.0 PLAYER CERTIFICATION 3
3.1 Player Registration 3
3.2 Player Identification 4
3.3 Age Verification 4
3.4 Illegal Players 4
3.5 Player Eligibility 4
3.6 Release of Player 4
4.0 COACHES CERTIFICATION 4
4.1 Background Check 4
5.0 PREGAME PROCEDURES TEAM CHECK-IN 4
5.1 CHECK - IN Certification 4
5.2 Check in Representative and Witness 4
5.3 Check-In Procedure 4
5.4 Check-In Outcome 4
5.5 Roster Submittals 4
5.6 Pregame Handshake 4
5.7 Start of Games 4
6.0 GAME 4
6.1 Rules of the Game 4
6.2 LEAGUE EQUIPMENT 5
6.3 COACHES PARTICIPATION 5
6.4 PLAYERS CHANGING TEAMS and ILLEGAL PARTICIPATION RULE 5
6.5 Timing / Overtime 5
6.6 Scoring 6
6.7 LEAGUE TIE BREAKER SYSTEM 6
7.0 Running 6
7.1 Passing / Receiving: 6
7.2 Dead Ball 6
7.3 Rushing the Quarterback 6
8.0 SPORTSMANSHIP / ROUGHING 6
8.1 SFSL has the right to enforce and /or extend any rules 7
8.2 THE STATE LAW a sports officials’ protection bill 7
9.0 PENALTIES 7
SFSL League Rules
COMPETITION RULES
1.0 Divisions – The league will be
composed of five divisions as follows:
6 & Under
8 & Under
10 & Under
12 & Under
14 & Under
1.1. Member Uniform & Colors – All teams
must wear the approved uniform for the SFSL 4 on 4 Youth Flag
Football League. Any player that wears any other uniform shirt
will not be allowed to play in the game. No player or players
will be allowed to play with shorts that have pockets.
1.2. Age / Classes – In season age classes
are as follows:
DIVISION AGE
U-6 6 & Under
U-8 8 & Under
U-10 10 & Under
U-12 12 & Under
U-14 14 & Under
1.3. Field Dimensions – Field dimensions
shall comply as described by SFSL Rules of the Game. The ALL Divisions
shall be limited to 60 yards in length with 7 yards deep end zones
and 25 yards in width.
1.4. Game Lengths – Games will be Two Halves
with lengths as follows:
DIVISION QUARTER LENGTH
ALL DIVISIONS (2) 15 MINUTES HALVES
HALF TIME 1 MINUTE
1.5. Football Sizes – Game balls shall be
inflated to the recommended pressure and shall be in acceptable
conditions to the game officials. Classes will use the football
sizes as follows:
6 & Under Wilson TDK / Nike 1000K
8 & Under Wilson TDK / Nike 1000K
10 & Under Wilson TDJ / Nike 2000J
12 & Under Wilson TDJ / Nike 2000J
14 & Under Wilson TDY / /Nike 2000Y
1.6 Equipment
1. All players must play the entire game with
a mouth piece. If a referee sees players without a mouth piece
its Illegal equipment a 5yd penalty for each time.
2. All players must play with SFSL league's flag.
All players must wear one flag on each side and facing out.
3. All teams must wear the approved uniform for
the SFSL 4 on 4 Youth Flag Football League. Any player that wears
any other uniform shirt will not be allowed to play in the game.
4. No player or players will be allowed to play
with shorts that have pockets.
2.0 TEAM CERTIFICTION
2.1 Team Rosters - All Rosters must be computer
generated and when certified may not be altered. Any altered rosters
will be considered tampered with and will be illegal. League will
create and provide each association with a blank roster (Via email)
for each age division. Football Commissioners or Team Coach are
responsible for the final registration and Roster.
2.2 Roster / Book Certification - Park Commissioner’s
and Team Coach are responsible for errors on the rosters and certification
cards. The Park Commissioner and Team Coach must sign each roster
before being certified. Five (5) copies of the rosters (4 for
the League and 1 for the Park) will be brought to Certification
along with I.D. cards for proof of age. Certification will be
held on the date picked by SFSL prior to the start of the season,
with day and time to be set by SFSL. Team failing to certify on
the original certification date will forfeit the first game of
the season and the game shall not played. A copy of all Certification
cards FRONT and BACK & rosters must be submitted to SFSL before
week #3. Random Roster verification will be done by SFSL
2.3 Roster Size - Teams must have a minimum of
5 players on their roster to be certified.
A. Team rosters may have a maximum of eight (8)
players (4 on the field and 4 substitutes).
2.4 Roster Moves All players who are on a Certified Team Roster
must make age by their team’s respective FIRST game. The
player not making the age can transfer to the next higher division
by being added to that team’s roster. The new roster that
the player appears on must be re-certified by the Wednesday prior
to the third game.
2.5 Roster Number Changes
A. No players may change jersey number once the
certification card has been certifiy.
2.6 New Players - There will be no certification
of new players after the second week of the season.
2.7 Lost Books – Any team that loses the
certification book will be fined $100.00 and must recertify the
certification book the Wednesday prior to the next game or the
game will be a forfeit. It’s the team’s responsibility
to get the book to the league office. You may only certify the
same players on the original book.
3.0 PLAYER CERTIFICATION
3.1 Player Registration - No player can register
in more than one program at the same time. After a player has
registered to play for any member program he/she may not play
for any other program during that Flag Football season. As part
of the registration process, no participant shall be permitted
to participate in any activities until the participants' parent
or guardian has signed a release. All parks, teams, and associations
should insure that participant, parent or guardian is made fully
aware of the provision of agreement before signing.
3.2 Player Identification - All Flag Football
Players must have South Florida Sports League Inc. Flag Football
League Certification Cards. Certification cards must be typed.
Note: Cards that are not typed will be denied at time of registration,
no exceptions. All cards must be completed and must include the
following:
A. Notarized Certification Card
B. Certification cards must be typed
C. All signatures on Cards must be in blue ink.
3.3 Age Verification - Birth certificates and
current year photographs of players must be attached (glued) to
the color coded identification card. A Passport style photo must
be used (1” X 1”). The Photo has to be easily identified.
Photo’s that are too dark or outdated will not be certified.
Birth certificates, current year school letters (with raised or
stamped seal and signature of school registrar) and/or passport
are the ONLY proof of age allowed.
3.4 Illegal Players - A Player that does not appear
on a certified roster will be considered an illegal player. A
forfeit of all games where said player was weighed-in/crossed
the scale.
3.5 Player Eligibility - Certification cards are
the property of SFSL league and must be surrendered upon request
of SFSL. Failure to do so will result in suspension of the Coach
and Park Association. Only the players certified at the initial
certification will be allowed to play in the first game.
3.6 Release of Player - The SFSL does not condone
the cutting of players (arbitrary cutting of participants who
have in good faith signed up to play). No participant may be denied
a place to play.
4.0 COACHES CERTIFICATION
4.1 Background Check - In accordance with the
NEW Miami-Dade County Ordinance. All coaches will have to meet
other requirements (background checks) set by SFSL prior to the
first practice and games.
5.0 PREGAME PROCEDURES TEAM CHECK-IN
5.1 CHECK - IN Certification - Each Team is responsible for arriving
40 minutes before the scheduled game. Check-in will be conducted
30 minutes before the schedule game. Failure to arrive at schedule
time team will forfeit the game and the team will be fined $50.00
for the forfeit game or games.
5.2 Check in Representative and Witness - Head
Coaches, Park Commissioner or Designee will conduct the check-ins.
No more than two (2) representatives will be allowed in the check-in
area
5.3 Check-In Procedure - All players will be lined
up in front of each other. Representative (COACH) from each team
will check each others team certification book and roster. Each
player will get two (2) chances to make check – in once
during that teams check-in the other at half time of the game.
If a player or players do not make the check in before the game,
each of these players may not play until the check in at Half
Time.
The following steps will be taken:
The following must be complied with during the
check-in process:
1) If there is any doubt on any players eligibility
by any certified coach during a game, that coach is to go to a
SFSL commissioner with his/her question and that park commissioner
may check the certification book in question, after check-in,
ONE TIME ONLY, anytime during the game.
2) Teams not present during the Check-in 30 minutes
before the scheduled game time will forfeit the game and be fined
$50.00 dollars. This fee will cover the referee’s fees per
each offense.
3) Certification cards are to be signed before
players exit the check-in and leave the check-in area.
4) Failure to check-in (waiving check-in) between
games will result in forfeiture of game(s) and suspension of the
Head Coach for one (1) game and fined $50.00
5) SFSL Commissioner or his designee can use any
or all information from the certification card to verify the identity
of the player.
6) All teams must wear the approved uniform for
the SFSL 4 on 4 Youth Flag Football League. Any player that wears
any other uniform shirt will not be allowed to play in the game.
No player or players will be allowed to play with shorts that
have pockets.
5.4 Check-In Outcome - All players must check-in
and his card is marked at each game. Players that do not make
the check-in before the game can NOT play until the half time
check-in. Coaches who allow any player or players to play that
did not check-in before the game. The coach will be and the players
will be ejected from that game and the next game.
5.5 Roster Submittals – A copy of the roster
shall be submitted to opposing head coach along with the Certification
book. At all check-ins, two (2) copies of the certified rosters
will be supplied. One will go to the opposing coach and the other
copy will be given to the Head Official before the start of the
game.
Failure to supply the Head Official with a copy
of the roster will result in the following penalties:
A. First time offense:
Team will forfeit the game and pay a fine of $50.00.
B. Second time offense:
The Head Coach will be suspended for his team’s next game
and forfeit that game. This penalty will also be in effect for
all playoff rounds.
5.6 Pregame Handshake - The SFSL handshake ceremony will be conducted
before the start of each game.
5.7 Start of Games - Officials are authorized
to start the clock at assigned game times if teams are not ready
to play at the schedule start time game will be a forfeit. $50.00
Dollar Fines will apply.
6.0 GAME
6.1 Rules of the Game - The SFSL will play under
Football Rules set down by the National Federation of High School
Athletic Association and the Florida High School Activities Association
except those modified by the Bylaws and SFSL. It is the responsibility
of each Park Commissioner to have a rules book.
6.2 LEAGUE EQUIPMENT
1. All players must play the entire game with
a mouth piece. If a referee sees players without a mouth piece
its Illegal equipment a 5yd penalty for each time.
2. All players must play with SFSL league's flag.
All players must wear one flag on each side and facing out.
3. All teams must wear the approved uniform for the SFSL 4 on
4 Youth Flag Football League. Any player that wears any other
uniform shirt will not be allowed to play in the game.
4. No player or players will be allowed to play
with shorts that have pockets.
6.3 COACHES PARTICIPATION
a. ONE coach in the (U6) and (U8) Division may
be on the field to call plays in the huddle and to set-up players
in their formations. Once QB starts his cadence all coaches must
back up out of the play if a coach interferes with the play in
any way it’s considered Illegal participation 5 yard loss
of down.
b. In (U10), (U12) & (U14) all coaching must be done from
the side-lines.
6.4 PLAYERS CHANGING TEAMS and ILLEGAL PARTICIPATION RULE:
a. No coach may switch players to play on two different teams,
also no player/players may be pick-up by a team to fill there
roster for any game. If a player/players plays for any other team
his team will forfeit their game and the team he/she or they play
on will also forfeit their game and be fined $50.00 dollars.
b. Any player/players or team that repeats rule
3a the he/she/they or the entire team will be suspended for the
rest of the season. There will be no refunds of money!
c. Any team caught playing with an illegal player
or players:
1. Any player or players playing out of age, meaning playing on
a younger team will be ejected from the league, the team will
forfeit every game the player played in and the coach will be
suspended for 2 games and be fined $50.00 dollars.
2. Any player or players playing with a false birth certificate
or false date of birth will be ejected from the league, the team
will forfeit every game the player played in and the coach will
be suspended for 2 games and be fined $50.00 dollars.
6.5 Game (General):
a. a coin toss will determine starting possession.
The winner of the toss will have choice of offense, or defense.
The loser of the toss will have the remaining option. Choices
will change at the start of the second half.
b. The offense will take possession at their five
(5) yard line, where it has three (3) downs to cross midfield.
If successful, the team will have three (3) downs to score.
c. All possessions begin at the five (5) yard
line, with the exception of interceptions, which may be returned
and the ball spotted where it becomes dead.
d. Teams must field a minimum of four (4) players.
Teams may only use players from their roster; they may not grab
players from the sidelines. Teams may begin the game with three
(3) players.
e. A player may not switch teams once the season
starts. Special circumstances may prevail, but must be approved
by the league director.
f. Team rosters may have a maximum of eight (8)
players (4 on the field and 4 substitutes).
g. Each player must play in a minimum of fifty
percent of the season schedule in order to be eligible to play
in the playoffs.
h. Players may only wear ½ inch cleats
or rubber studded shoes. Metal spikes or cleats are prohibited.
I. SFSL reserves the right to reduce, shorten,
or reschedule games due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
j. The center must snap the football with both flags on. (If the
center snaps the football with one flag the referee will blow
the whistle and the play is dead at the spot.
6.5 Timing / Overtime:
a. Games will consist of two (2) fifteen (15)
minute halves. A running clock format will be used, except for
the last two (2) minutes of the game, provided the point differential
is less than fourteen (14) points. There is a 25 second play clock.
b. Each team will have two (2) thirty (30) second
time-outs per half. If a timeout is called before an extra point
is attempted the clock will start when the ball is hiked, unless
the score is less then (14) points and in the second half.
c. Officials may stop the clock at any time for
administrative purposes.
d. Should the score remain tied at the end of
regulation; the teams will go directly into overtime. A coin toss
will determine starting possession. The winner of the toss will
have choice of starting on offense or defense. The loser of the
toss will have choice of direction for the entire overtime. Each
team will be provided one (1) time-out for the entire over-time
(no carry over).
1) Each team will have one (1) extra point play from their five
(5) yard line. (A team may elect to go for 2 points from the twelve
yard line.) Should the defense return an interception for a touchdown,
the game is over.
2) Should the score remain tied at the end of
the first overtime period, the teams move directly into the second
overtime period? The team that started on defense will now start
on offense. Each team will have one (1) extra point play from
their twelve (12) yard line, Should the defense return an interception
for a touchdown, the game is over.
3) Should the score remain tied at the end of
the second overtime period, the teams move directly into the second
overtime period? Each team will have one (1) play from the five
(5) yard line, and the team that gains the most yardages will
be declared the winner. The winner in overtime will be awarded
the points accordingly (1) point from the five, (2) points from
the twelve, (1) point for the longest yard, these points will
be added to the final score
6.6 Scoring:
a. Touchdown = 6 Points
b. Point after Touchdown = 1 Point from five (5) yard line or
two (2) points from the twelve (12) yard line.
c. PAT Intercepted and returned for a Score = 2 Points
d. Safety = 2 Points
e. It's a score or a first down when a player's one flag only
and ball crosses the goal line or first down line marker.
f. Mercy Rule: If team (a) reaches a 28 point lead or greater.
Team (b) will get the ball at mid field and continue to be on
offense until score gets less than 28 points. But the clock will
not stop.
g. It's a score or a first down when a player's one flag only
and ball crosses the goal line or first down line marker.
h. The last man rule: If a player is attempting to score and he
is prevented from scoring by a penalty (holding, tackling, tripping,
pushing etc.) committed by a defender who is the last possible
player who could have legally prevented the score, the offensive
player will be awarded the score. The same rule applies to a defensive
player returning an interception.
6.7 LEAGUE TIE BREAKER SYSTEM
1 BEST WINS PCT%
2 HEAD TO HEAD
3 LEAST POINTS ALLOWED
4 POINT DIFFERENTAL
5 MOST POINTS SCORED
6 COIN TOSS
7.0 Running:
a. The quarterback can only run the ball after he has made a complete
exchange with another player (Officials must see the exchange).
The quarterback is defined as the first player to receive the
ball after the snap.
b. Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.
The offense may use multiple handoffs. If the ball ends up in
the original quarterback’s possession, he may run the ball;
however the five (5) counts is stopped.
c. Lateral or pitches of any kind are PROHIBITTED.
d. “No Run Zones,” are located five (5) yards on either
side of midfield, and five (5) yards from each end zone.
e. A player, who receives a handoff behind the line of scrimmage,
may throw a forward pass.
f. Spinning is allowed, however players cannot leave their feet
to avoid a flag pull or a defender.
g. Diving is PROHIBITTED
h. The ball is spotted where the player’s flags are located,
NOT where the ball is located at the time of the pull.
i. You may run the option or ride play. The quarterback may only
take three (3) steps prior to handing off or pulling the ball
back.
j. You may run the center sneak play, provided the quarterback
completely releases the ball prior to the center moving down field.
The five (5) second count is suspended upon the exchange.
k. It's a score or a first down when a player's one flag only
and ball crosses the goal line or first down line marker.
l. Illegal Contact/Charging by an Offensive Player - 5 yards from
the spot of the foul. No offensive player shall dislodge or run
over a defender who has established a legal defensive position
and is attempting to pull a flag.
m. Blocking or Screening Rule: When the ball carrier is running
the ball. All offensive players must come to a complete stop.
n. Stiff Arm Rule: When the ball carrier is running the ball.
If the ball carrier uses any part of the body to protect the flags
it’s - 5 yards from the spot of the foul.
7.1 Passing / Receiving:
a. All players are eligible to receive passes
(including the quarterback provided the ball has been handed off).
b. Only one player allowed in motion.
c. A completion is established upon the first foot touching the
ground with possession.
d. All passes must be forward and cross the line of scrimmage
e. Shovel passes are allowed, provided they cross the line of
scrimmage
f. The quarterback has a “five (5)” second pass clock
if there is no rush. The ball is declared dead if the football
has not been RELEASED prior to the whistle. The count is suspended
upon a rush, or handoff.
g. Interceptions are live, and may be returned. The interception
will retain possession at the point where downed.
7.2 Dead Ball:
a. The ball must be snapped through the centers
legs, not off to the side to start play.
b. Substitutions may be made during any dead ball period.
c. Play is ruled “dead,” when:
d. Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
e. Ball carrier is out of bounds
g. A touchdown or safety is scored
h. Ball carrier’s flag falls out
I. Ball carrier losses possession of the ball (NO FUMBLES)
j. No play may start until both referees’ are set and ready
for play.
7.3 Rushing the Quarterback:
a. All players who rush the quarterback must be
lined up seven yards off the line of scrimmage at the snap.
b. The rusher must pick a side to rush, no head-up rushing.
c. The rusher is protected on a STRAIGHT LINE to the quarterback;
once the rusher changes his initial direction he is no longer
protected.
d. Once the ball is handed off, the rusher is no longer protected.
e. The rusher may not initiate contact with the center.
f. Rusher must rush outside if two or three players are lined-up
side by side, ONLY if they are stationary once the offensive player
move the offense must yield the right of way to the rusher.
8.0 Sportsmanship / Roughing:
a. If the officials witness ANY acts of tackling,
elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or other unnecessary conduct,
the offender will be EJECTED. (The player or players will be automatically
suspended for 2 games.)
b. Trash talking is illegal: Officials will determine what is
and what is not offensive in nature. Offenders are subject to
ejection. (The player or players will be automatically suspended
for 2 games.)
c. Excessive Celebrations is illegal: No team is allowed to do
excessive celebration during or after a big play, touchdown, or
at the end of the game. We as an organization are trying to promote
good sportsmanship.
d. ** Any player, players, coach, coaches, team,
teams parents and/or fans using abusive language or threaten an
official or any SFSL staff member before, during, or after the
game. Will be ejected from the game and will be suspended for
the next (2) games. Fines may apply to this rule!
e. Any player ejected for fighting (throwing punches,
slapping, or other physical contact) will be automatically suspended
for 2 games and/or the remainder of the season. (Leagues Discretion)
(There will be no refunds of money for an ejection!)
f. There is No Cursing allowed in the park that
(SFSL) has a permit.
g. Any player, players, head coach, coaches, team,
teams parents and/or fans that (is/are) ejected from the game
will have 1 minute leave the entire park and player, players,
head coach, coaches, & team will be suspended for the next
3 games.
i. Head Coach is responsible for his teams
(parents, fans/spectator) watching the game. if any parents, fans/spectator
can not maintain good conduct they will be asked to leave the
park. The referee will stop the game and anyone ejected (Parents,
fan/spectator) will have 1 minute leave the entire park. If anyone
refuses to leave the (game/field). The game will be stopped and
the opposing team will awarded the victory by forfeit.
8.1 ** SFSL has the right to enforce and /or extend any rules
and /or suspensions to include the complete season, playoff, and
/ or the entire year. **
8.2 The State Law: The sports officials’ protection bill.
This is the Florida law as of 10/01/2004. Florida Governor Jeb
Bush signed a sports officials’ protection bill, giving
Florida sports officials at all levels of competition added protection
from assaults effective Oct. 1. With the governor’s signature,
Florida becomes the 18th state to specifically pass legislation
protecting sports officials. The new law, which was unanimously
approved by the Florida Senate and House, provides enhanced penalties
for assault, battery, aggravated assault or aggravated battery
against sports officials. Those crimes against officials could
now result in fines up to $10,000 and three years in jail. **
9.0 Penalties: (All fouls called by the officials: Referee &
Field Judge)
Offense:
a. False Start: 5 yards, down repeated
b. Illegal Equipment 5 yards down repeated
c. Illegal Motion: 5 yards, loss of down
d. Illegal Forward Pass: 5 yards, loss of down
e. Offensive Pass Interference: 10 yards, loss of down
f. Flag Guarding: 5 yards from the spot the foul, loss of down
g. Impeding the Rusher: 5 yards, loss of down
h. . Illegal Contact / Charging by an Offensive Player - 5 yards
from the spot of the foul.
i. Blocking or Screening 5 yards from the spot of the foul.
j. Stiff Arm Rule: - 5 yards from the spot of the foul.
k. Delay of Game: 1st offense: clock stops, warning 2nd offense:
clock stops, 5 yards, down repeated
Defense:
a. Encroachment: 5 yards, down repeated
b. Illegal Equipment 5 yards down repeated
c. Defensive Pass Interference: 10 yards, first down
d. Illegal Contact: 10 yards, first down
e. Holding: 5 yards from the end of the run, first down
f. Illegal Flag Pull: 10 yards, first down
g. Illegal Rush: 5 yards, first down
h. All penalties are enforced from the line of scrimmage, unless
noted.
i. Officials will determine incidental contact, that may result
during play
j. Games can not end a defensive foul, unless declined
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