7v7 tournament rules

1. Teams
*Maximum of 14 players per team
*The age cutoff date for each division is 7/31/23
*Players must present a copy of their original birth certificate, report card and headshot to verify age or present proof they have been verified in Zorts or NSID.
*Maximum of 3 Coaches allowed on the sideline during game.
*Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with plastic or rubber spikes.
*Players may not wear jewelry or hats during game play. The only exception the hat rule is for quarterback. He is allowed to wear hat.

2. Coaches

*Each team is permitted a maximum of 3 coaches on the sideline during game.

*One offensive coach allowed on field and in huddle with players, but must be a minimum of 5 yards behind quarterback before ball snapped so he does not interfere with game play or referee.

*Defensive Coach are not allowed on field at any time.

*Coaches are responsible for knowing all rules and educating their players on rules and conduct.

(Any Coach that is overly aggressive or uses any physical force towards Referees, Staff Member, or Spectator will be removed from event venue and not be allow to return)

3. Officials

*Each game will have a minimum of (2) official. There will be a Head Referee/Field Judge and a Back Judge.

*Head referee/ Field Judge will keep the 4 second clock and Back Judge will keep the game clock (Manages the 25 second play clock)

*A field Manager will be on site to assist with crowd, player, coach, and referee control.

*Officials and Field Managers should always keep the game flowing and clean as per rules.

4. Scoring

6 points for touchdown

1 points for a PAT from 3-yard line

2 points for a PAT from 10-yard line

3 Points for Interception (Ball dead at interceptions- No run backs)

*0 points for turnover on PAT- it is dead ball

*Official scores will be kept by field referee and sideline scorekeeper

5. Game Times

*Games will be (2) 20-minute running clock halves with a 10-minute halftime.

*Teams must be ready to start game on time. If a team is not ready to start or not there when referee is ready, the referee will start the clock and reward the other team 2 points. If a team is not there or ready after 5 minutes has elapsed the referee will call the game a forfeit and the other team will win the game 2-0.

*2 timeouts per game that will stop the game clock (1 minute in length), a timeout prior to the attempt of an extra point will stop the game clock until the ensuing change of possession

EXCEPTION: Injuries. All games will halt until injured player(s) can be safely removed from the field

Overtime: Higher seeded team will choose offense or defense. Each team will have 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score. If after 2 overtimes, it is still tied all PAT's must be 2 Point attempts. Each team is awarded 1 (30 second) timeout during overtime. Overtime periods are not timed.

6. Gameplay
*Mouth guards ARE REQUIRED!

*Field will be 40 yards in length. 10 yard deep End Zone.
*40, 25 & 10 are the first down lines.
*Teams will flip for choice of starting on offense or defense.
*Ball will always start on the right hash on the 40 yard line.
*Ball will be spotted on the closest hash or side where play was stopped.
*Ball will be placed in the middle of field for PAT attempt.
*Defense is allowed to jam at line and play tight defense. Excessive holdings, hands to the face, slapping head or throwing player down will not do it here.
*Offense is not allowed to shove a defensive player to create separation. Hand fighting is tolerated as per referees judgment.
*The center will be responsible for setting the ball at line of scrimmage. The center is not an eligible receiver. if you do not use a center and there is a QB Tee in use the Quarterback will be responsible for setting ball.

*If using a QB Tee, it does count as a player.
*All offensive formations must be legal sets and respect the tackle box (3 yards) Outside receivers on the line other receivers off the line.
*No Kicking or Punting.
*No Blitzing.
*Quarterback cannot run with ball
*No Handoffs.
*No Blocking.
*Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or two hands. (Excessive force or shoving will not be tolerated and will be penalized with automatic first down and 5 yards. A player can be ejected from the game if ruled Unsportsmanlike or Flagrant)
*Fumbles are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession. A Fumbled snap is not a dead ball, but the 4 second clock remains in effect.
*The Quarterback is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts on the snap of the ball and stops on the Quarterbacks release. If the release is under 4.0 seconds the play continues or if the release is after 4.0 seconds the play is blown dead.
*Interceptions are dead balls and cannot be returned.
*There are no 4th downs. Offense has 3 plays to gain 15 yards or required yardage for a 1st down. 3 downs in all zones.
*Ball Size for 7/8th grade or 13u/14u is TDY
*Ball Size for 10u and 12u TDJ

*Ball Size for 6u and 8u is Peewee

 7. Penalties

Offense:
*Offsides=Loss of down
*Delay of game= Loss of down(offense will have 25 second to snap the ball once it has been marked for a play and blown live).
*Pass Interference= 5 yard penalty and Loss of down. Receivers cannot shove defenders to create space.
*No penalty may be assessed in excess of the 40 yard line. If a penalty would move the offense beyond the 40 yard line, the offensive team will only be charged a loss of down.
*If the referee sees the clock exceeded 4.0 seconds the play will be blown dead and the ball will be returned to the original line of scrimmage with loss of down.
*Offensive team is responsible for retrieving the ball to the previous spot or the new line of scrimmage spot. Clock does not stop and any delay by the offense in retrieving and returning the ball to the referee will result in a delay and a 5 yard penalty.
 

Defense:
*Off-sides= 5 yard penalty
*Defensive Holding= 5 yard penalty
*Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul (1st down at the spot foul occurred) If Defensive Pass Interference occurs in the end zone it will result in a 1st down at the 1 yard line.
*Any dead ball penalty on the defense that occurs after a change of possession will result in a loss of down for that team’s offense when they begin their ensuing possession.
Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense. The defense is allowed initial disruption and then must cover. Excessive or prolonged contact will result in a "tack on" penalty at the end of play. (5-yard penalty)

 8. Tiebreakers
If teams are tied at the end of game, the tiebreaker order is as follows: Head to head records, Points Allowed, Points Scored, Coin Flip.

9. Appeals

*If during a game a coach disagree with an official's judgment call, they MAY NOT dispute that call with official at that time.
*If during game play a Coach disagree with a rules interpretation they MAY stop the game to determine/discuss the issue with Officials and Field Manager.
*To dispute a game the Head Coach must report all game play ruling discrepancies immediately after the effected game to the Field Manager or Director in order to be considered. Any reversal or game- changing decisions will be made at the discretion of the Field Manager or Director. Coaches of both teams involved in disputed game will be made aware of any changes.

 10. Conduct

*All coaches and players are expected to conduct themselves in a positive manner and refrain from unsportsmanlike actions.
*Fighting will not be tolerated and will result in removal from event. Verbal abuse and/or will also result in removal from event.
*No taunting or excessive foul language
*No vandalism of venue property
*Weapons, drugs, alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco products are PROHIBITED at this event.