University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Campus Recreation
Intramural Sports
Flag Football Rules
INTRAMURAL FLAG FOOTBALL WILL BE GOVERNED BY FEDERATION RULES WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS:
Players
1. You must have a UTC ID to participate. NO ID, NO PLAY… NO EXCEPTIONS!
2. No person shall play on more than one team.
3. Each team consists of seven persons on the playing field, but the game can start with only five players. However, both teams must have seven players at the start of the second half.
Equipment
1. Shoes will be of a solid molded sole. (soccer shoe)
2. Length of the field shall be 80 x 40 yards with a 10 yard end zone
3. Each player shall wear a set of three flags.
4. Shirts must be tucked in at all times for the offense.
Game
1. The game shall start with the scrimmage like being on the 20 yd. line. The winner of the toss shall have a choice of goals to which they shall defend or have possession of the ball. The situation is reversed for the start of the second half.
2. Ball shall be placed on the twenty yard line after any touchback or safety.
3. Time out will be limited to one minute. Two per half. (No rollover!)
4. The game will consist of two halves, 20 minutes each, with five minutes between the halves. The clock will run until the last two minutes of the second half, after at which time will be stopped on all dead balls. However, if one team is ahead by 17 or more points, the clock will not be stopped at any time, unless a timeout is called.
5. In case of a tie in score at the end of regulation time, the ball will be placed on the 20 yard line. Each team will be given 4 plays to score. If a second overtime is needed, the ball will be placed on the 10 yard line.
6. All infractions (with the exception of rules 4, 5, and 6) and pass interference penalties shall be 10 yards***
Offense
1. Any deliberate attempt by the ball carrier to stiff arm or shield is an infraction: 10 yard penalty from point of foul and loss of down***
2. Any deliberate attempt to intentionally run into a player is an infraction: 10 yard penalty from point of foul***
3. Offensive team must have four players on the line of scrimmage
4. Each member of a team is eligible to receive a pass.
5. Teams will have four downs to cross a twenty yard marker and a first down. Exception: When a team begins a new series of downs on the opponent’s 20 yard line, the team with the ball shall have four downs to make a touchdown.
Defense
1. The grabbing of an offensive player on his/her clothing by the defense in order to remove his/her flag or the deliberate pushing of a ball carrier out of bounds will constitute an infraction: 10 yard penalty from the point of the foul***
2. There shall be a two yard restraining like for the defensive team unless the offensive team is within its five yard line; then the defensive restraining line shall be one yard.
3. A legal touch is made when one detaches a flag from the ball carrier.
4. Defensive pass interference is a 10 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and an automatic 1st down.
5. Stripping is not legal…..personal foul.
6. ANY OTHER CONDUCT DEEMED TO BE ILLEGAL BY THE OFFICIAL.
Disqualification
1. ANY ACTION DEEMED TO BE VIOLENT, DISORDERLY, OR IF NECESSARY MAY BE MEANS FOR DISQUALIFICATION.
Punting
1. Punts must be announced. NO FAKE PUNTS!! No rush by either team until ball is kicked. Team will also have the option to take a 30 yard walk-off.
2. The defensive team must have three people on the line of scrimmage at the time of punt.
Scoring
1. There shall be a try for point after touchdown by pass or run from the five yard line (one pt.) or ten yard line (2 pts.)
2. Each touchdown is worth 6 pts.
3. In the event of a safety 2 points shall be awarded. Defense gains possession.