BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY INTRAMURAL PROGRAMS
7-4259
http://intramurals.binghamton.edu
The Arena Flag Football league is designed to
promote fair play, sportsmanship, and overall participation in an athletic atmosphere
other than Interscholastic Varsity Competition. We ask that you adhere to all rules and stipulations
presented. Please note rules and
infractions are similar to Flag Football rules. Exception: 10 yd
penalties are 8 yd penalties for arena.
MANDATORY PARTICIPATION FEE: All teams
are required to pay a participation fee of $10.00. This fee must be paid at time of registration.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY:
Individuals and/or teams who arrive to a scheduled competition
intoxicated, suspected of consumption, or possessing alcohol and/or other
illegal substances will not be permitted to play. The game will be forfeited immediately. There are no exceptions to this stipulation. The supervisor in charge will have the final
decision.
MEDICAL PROCEDURES: The Campus
Recreation Office, Intramural Program Office, and Binghamton University will
not assume the responsibility for any injuries received during
competition. Participants are reminded
that their participation is voluntary.
We strongly recommend that all participants have a physical examination
and secure medical health insurance.
Any injury and/or accident should be reported immediately to the
supervisor in charge.
SAFETY: Proper attire should be worn
while competing. All jewelry, watches, hats,
and any other personal item should be removed before participation. Individuals wearing casts should have them
padded and checked for approval with the supervisor in charge. Any person(s) bleeding and/or having blood
on clothing will be removed from competition until this problem is
resolved. Appropriate measures must be
taken into account.
PLAYER PARTICIPATION: All
players that appear on a team’s roster must be a current student, faculty, or staff member at Binghamton
University. In addition, players can
not be added after the first game has been played. Any team that violates the participation rule will forfeit all
games prior and be ineligible for playoff competition. A valid ID CARD for all participants must be
shown to the staff members before all games.
TEAM JERSEYS: All teams are encouraged to
provide their own shirts with numbers.
The schedule has designated Home and Visitor Teams. Home teams will be required to wear dark
shirts while Visitor team will be required to wear light shirts.
EQUIPMENT: All flags and game
footballs will be provided. Practice
footballs will not be provided. Teams
are allowed to footwear that will mark the gym floor.
CANCELLATION/ FORFEIT OF GAMES: All
games must start on time. However, all
teams will have a maximum of 10 minutes after the official start time. Any games beginning after the official start
time will then play in a speed-up rule format.
Any team that does not show for a scheduled game will be given a
forfeit.
CANCELATION OF GAME DURING PLAY: In
extreme circumstances, a game may be called during play. This will be decided upon the Intramural
and/or West Gym site supervisors.
Captains may provide feedback, but the final decision will come from the
supervisors. A game will be replayed if
the first half is not completed. If
called during play of the second half, the team who is ahead at the time will
be declared the winner. If called
during half-time, the second half will be played at a later date. Each score and penalty situations, ie.
Sportsmanship, will be carried over.
GAME TIME AND LENGTH:
·
Two
18 min. halves- running time. Stop time
the last 2 min. of the 2nd half.
3 minute half time.
·
Speed-Up
time will be two 15 minute halves. 1
minute halftime.
TIME OUTS:
·
Each
team will have a total of 3 time outs per game.
OVERTIME PROCEDURE:
·
No
clock
·
Each
team will have one possession to score from the 20yd. Zone line.
·
If
a score is accomplished, an extra point conversions may be done.
·
If
both teams score on their only possession, a second overtime will take place
using the same format.
·
There
will be no tied games, unless unusual circumstances are present.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS:
·
Double
penalties will offset each other.
Repeat down.
·
No
Punting.
·
First
Downs are made by passing a zone line
·
1
Player is allowed to be in motion. 4
Offensive players must still be on the line.
·
25
Second Play-Clock.
·
All
offensive players are eligible receivers.
NUMBERS OF PLAYERS ON FIELD:
·
Offense-
6
·
Defense-
6
·
A
team may start a game with a minimum number of 5 players. A forfeit will result if a team can not
supply the appropriate amount.
SUBSTITUTION OF PLAYERS: Players
may only be substituted on dead ball situations and time outs. A dead ball occurs when there is an
incomplete pass or play is taken out-of-bounds.
Substitutes
must be made when the line official is notified.
SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY: All teams
and players must refrain from abusive language while on the field to officials
and opposing team members. Abusive
language may include but is not limited to swearing, continuous challenge to
official’s call, and inappropriate gestures.
A violation of this policy will result in a loss of down, 20yd loss, and
a warning to the entire team. If
continued, each player in violation will be ejected for the remainder of the
game.
FORFEIT
POLICY: Any team that does not show for a scheduled
game at any time during league play will be receive an automatic forfeit and be
removed from the league. Also, any team
that does not provide the minimum amount of players to start a game at any time
during league play will receive a forfeit, thus eliminating the team from the
league. EXCEPTION: If a team
knows they can not play a scheduled game, the game may be reschedule. A call
must be made no later than 5pm on the Wednesday before the weekend of scheduled
play. Games requested to be
rescheduled are not guaranteed.
(All NCAA
rules and penalties will be used unless mentioned)
Incidental contact is part of competing. All participants are reminded to keep away
from heavy contact. Players must
refrain from pushing, pulling, holding, and tripping. When violated, the appropriate condition will be used.
PENALTY
COMMITED
RESULT
DESCRIPTION BY WHO
1.
Illegal
handing the ball forward offense *
loss of down and 5yds
2.
Illegal
forward pass offense *
loss of down and 5yds
3.
Illegally
secured flag belt offense *
loss of down and 5yds
4.
Illegally
secured flag belt defense *
auto. 1st down and 5yds
5.
Pass
interference (personal) offense *
loss of down and 10yds
6.
Pass
interference (personal) defense *
auto. 1st down and 10yds
7.
Illegal
contact/ block (personal) offense *
loss of 10yds @ spot
8.
Illegal
contact/ block (personal) defense *
add 10yds. to offense
9.
Roughing
the passer (personal) defense *
auto. 1st down and 10yds
10. Flag Guarding (personal) offense *
loss of 10yds @ spot
11. Flag Guarding (personal) defense *
loss of 10yds @ spot
12. Encroachment on kick-off offense *
re-kick and loss of 10yds
13. False start (before snap) offense *
stop play, loss of 5yds, repeat
down
14. Illegal snap (movement of
ball) offense *
stop play, loss of 5yds, repeat
down
15.
Encroachment (before ball snap) defense * stop play,
loss of 5yds, repeat
down
16. Leaving field on wrong side offense/ * stop play, loss of 5yds, repeat
(before ball snap) defense
down
17. Delay of game (after 25sec.
before offense/ * stop play, loss of 5yds, repeat
ball snap) defense
down
18. Illegal motion/ shift (with snap) offense *
loss of 5yds @ spot, repeat
down
19. Less than minimum of players on offense * loss of 5yds,
repeat down
the entire line of scrim. (4)
20. Illegal substitution (dead
balls only) offense/ * loss of 5yds, repeat down
defense
21. Player not within 15yds of
ball offense *
loss of 5yds, repeat down
22. Too many players on the
field offense/ * loss of 5yds, repeat down
defense
23. Illegal snap (continue play- offense *
loss of 5yds @ spot, repeat QB must be at least 2yds from ball) down
AFTER A TOUCHDOWN:
·
1 point attempt from the 5yd line… 2 points from the 10 yd line… 3
points from the 20yd line.
DESCRIPTIVE GAME PLAY
RULES AND CONSIDERATIONS
I. Game, Field,
Players, and Equipment
Shirts
must be long enough to tuck in so that they remain tucked in the
pants/shorts during the entire down or
short enough so there is a minimum 4" from the bottom of the shirt to the
player’s waistline.
Pants
or shorts with BELT LOOPS or POCKETS are prohibited.
A.
Towels
may not hang form a player’s waist or otherwise interfere with the possible
removal of a flag. Towels however may be used and kept on the ground on the
ball before the snap.
B.
All
jewelry must be removed including watches, earrings, bracelets, etc. Players
may wear soft, pliable basketball or wrestling knee pads on legs, knees and/or
ankle.
C.
The
game shall be played between two teams of 7 players each on a rectangular
field. Each team must have 5 players on the field in order to begin the game.
D.
The
field is divided into 4 zones of 20 yards each and 2 end zones of 10 yards
each.
E.
Each
team shall designate a captain to act as team spokesperson and make decisions.
Only the captain may talk to officials. Team representatives including players,
spectators, team managers, coaches, and group members subject to the rules.
F.
The
use of dangerous equipment is prohibited. Sneakers can be worn; cleats are
allowed.
G.
Kicking
tees may not be in excess of 3 inches thick.
H.
Men
will use the regular size football, while women will use the intermediate size
football (Co-Rec may use either size balls). Game balls will be provided but
teams may choose to use their own footballs. Referees will not handle the
football, the offense is responsible for the ball at all times.
II. Periods, Time Factors, Substitutions
A. The winner of the pre-game toss shall have
the first choice of options
·
offense/defense
·
which goal to defend
·
to defer their choice of A or B until the second
half.
B. Playing time and intermissions A game shall
consist of 2 halves with a 3-5 minute
intermission. Each half shall consist of 18 minutes. The clock will run continuously during the
first half. During the last 2 minutes of the second half, the clock will stop such as in college
football:
· Penalties
· Scoring plays
· Incomplete passes/out of bounds
· Injured players
· First downs (until the ball is set in play by referee’s ready to play whistle).
C. Kickoffs: The ball will be kicked off to
begin each half and after all touchdowns.
D. Free substitution is allowed after any
whistle provided the substitution does not delay
the game. However, no offensive
substitute may enter unless he joins the huddle and
is part of the huddle at the time when
it breaks.
E. The offensive team has 25 seconds to put the
ball in play after referee signals "ready
for play." Penalty: 5 yards.
F. A coin toss will precede "Tie
Breaker". The team winning the toss has 3 options:
Offense, Defense, or Direction. The
opposing team then has the remaining choice.
The object is to score a touchdown and
subsequent extra point (1 or 2 points). After
team A scores, team B then has 4 plays
within which to score. If no team has scored
after their respective plays the process
is repeated. When
a pass is intercepted the
defense becomes the offense and begins
their series of 4 plays. If the interception is
returned for a touchdown, the game is
over.
G. Penalties are assessed similar to the
regular game. A team shall be given a new series
of 4 plays when an automatic first down
penalty is accepted. Dead ball penalties after
a touchdown are penalized on the extra
point attempt. Live ball penalties committed
by either team after team B gains
possession during an attempt or an overtime shall
be enforced at the succeeding spot. Dead
ball penalties following a successful attempt
will be penalized from the succeeding
spot, the team B 10-yard line, if accepted.
III. Defintion of Playing Terms
1- Removal of flag
belt: When the flag belt is clearly taken from the ball carrier the
down shall end and the
ball is declared dead. A player who removes the flag belt from the ball carrier
should immediately hold the flag belt above his head to assist the official in
locating the spot where the capture occurred. A player may dive to remove a
flag belt as long as no contact is made with the opposing team. The position of the ball when a player is
deflagged determines the spot of the next line of scrimmage.
2- A defensive player
may not hold, push, or knock down the ball carrier in an attempt to remove the
flag, nor shall an offensive player hold, block, or run through a defensive
player trying to remove the flag belt.
3- When a runner loses
his/her flag belt, either accidentally or inadvertently, play will discontinue-
The ball and play is dead. In the event of an interception by a player without
a flag belt, the interception will be upheld, providing there are no other
penalties/infraction prior to the interception. The play, interception, will be deemed as a dead ball.
4- Scrimmage line: The
scrimmage line for team A is the yard line and its vertical plane which passes
through the point of the ball nearest its own goal line. The scrimmage line for
team B is the yard line and its vertical plane, which passes one yard from the point
of the ball nearest its own goal line. A colored puck will signify each.
IV. Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out-Of-Bounds
A. The ball is
declared dead when the ball touches the ground: A) on a fumble B) on a
lateral C) on a pass or D) after touching
a player on a punt.
B. The sideline and end lines are considered
out of bounds. (Only one foot needs to
touch in bounds in order for a pass to
be complete).
C. Once an offensive or defensive player steps
out of bounds, that player is no longer
eligible to touch the ball. Penalty: 5
yards and replay the down.
V. Series of Downs, Number of Downs
A. In a series of 4 downs, the ball must be
advanced forward into the next zone in order
for a new series of downs to be awarded.
Yardage lines are considered part of the
forward zone.
VI. Snapping, Handling, and Passing the Ball
A. The ball may be snapped between the legs or
to the side of the snapper.
B. The player who receives the snap must be at
least 2 yards behind the offensive
scrimmage line. Direct snaps are always
illegal (under center).
C. It is defensive pass interference if an
eligible receiver is deflagged prior to touching
the ball on a forward pass attempt.
D. The offensive team must have a minimum of
four players on the line of scrimmage.
E. All players are eligible for a forward pass.
The passer may pass from anywhere
behind the LINE OF SCRIMMAGE.
F. The passer shall not intentionally ground
the ball in order to avoid a sack.
Penalty: 5 yards and loss of down
VII. Scoring Plays and Touchbacks
A. A team is given the choice of going for 1 or
2 points after scoring a touchdown. Once
the captain makes the choice, it may
only be changed if a time out is called. Ways of
scoring a successful
point-after-attempt: A) By running or passing from 3 yards = 1
point. B) By running or passing from 10
yards = 2 points.
B. Touchdown Verification: The player scoring
the touchdown must raise his/her arms
so the nearest official can deflag the
player. If the player is not deflagged with one
good pull, and the official determines
the flag belt has been secured illegally, the
touchdown is disallowed. The player is
disqualified, and it is a foul. Penalty: 10 yards
from the previous spot and a loss of
down.
C. Play after safety. After a safety is scored,
the team that is awarded 2 points will
automatically gain possession at their
own 15-yard line. (No kick will take place)
VIII. Players’ Conduct
A. It is illegal to steal or attempt to steal
(strip) the ball from a player in possession. The
object of the game is to deflag a ball
carrier, not to steal the ball.
Penalty: 10 yards from the end of the
run.
B. Roughing the passer. Defensive players must
make a definite effort to avoid charging
into a passer after it is clear that the
ball has thrown and may not make contact with
the throwing arm. Penalty: 10 yards and
automatic first down, tack on the end of the
play (if positive yards have been
gained), if not, 10 yards from the original spot and
automatic first down.
C. Guarding the flag belt. Ball carriers shall
not guard their flags by blocking, with arms,
hands or ball, the opportunity for an
opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Penalty:
10 yards.
D. The defensive player shall not
(intentionally or accidentally) hold, grasp, or obstruct
forward progress of a ball carrier when
in the act of removing the flag belt. Penalty:
10 yards.
IX. The flag belt removal.
A. Intentionally pulling or removing a flag
belt from an offensive player without the ball
by a defensive player is illegal.
Penalty: 10 yards.
B Offensive screen blocking. The offensive screen block shall take
place without
contact. The screen blocker shall have
his/her hands and arms at his/her side or
behind his/her back. Any use of the
arms, elbows, legs, or knees to initiate contact
during an offensive player’s screen
block is illegal. A blocker may use his/her feet in
order to gain position before, during
and after screen blocking. Penalty: 10 yards.
C. Screen blocking fundamentals – a player who
screens shall not: A.when he/she is
behind a stationary opponent, take a
position closer than a normal step from him or
her; B.when he/she assumes a position at
the side or in front of a stationary opponent,
make contact with him/her; C.take a position
so close to a moving opponent that his
opponent cannot avoid contact by
stopping or changing direction. The speed of the
player to be screened will determine
where the screener may take his/her stationary
position. This position will vary and
may be one to two normal steps or strides from
the opponent. D.After assuming his/her legal screening position, move to
maintain it,
unless he/she moves in the same
direction and path of his/her opponent. Penalty: 10
yards.
D. Blocking and interlocked interference.
Teammates of a runner or passer may interfere
for him/her by screen blocking, but shall
not use interlocked interference by grasping
or encircling one another in any manner.
Penalty: 10 yards.
E. Use of hands or arms by the defense.
Defensive players must go around the offensive
player’s screen block. The arms and hands
may not be used to grab or push the
opponent aside. The application of this
rule depends entirely on the judgement of the
official. A rusher may use his/her arms
or hands to break a fall or retain his/her
balance. Penalty: 10 yards.
F. There shall be no bumping, checking, or
other intentional contact between a defender
and an offensive pass receiver. Both
offense and defense are limited to screening an
opponent. If a player attempting a diving flag removal trips the ball
carrier there is a
penalty of 10 yards from the spot of the
foul.