Flag Football

Intramural Sports General Information

The Intramural Sports Office is located in the atrium of the Student Recreation Center.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone Numbers:
205-348-8055
205-348-3906
Rain Hotline: 205-348-2708

Email address:imsports@bama.ua.edu

Rule 1: Playing Field

Section 1: Zone Markings
The field shall be a rectangular area with lines and zones. The width of the field should be lined at 20 yard intervals from goal line to goal line. These zone markings may be changed according to field dimensions. There shall be a 3 and 10 yard mark on each end of the field for extra points. There shall also be an “X” at the 14 yard mark on each end of the field.

Section 2: Team Box
There will be a team box on each side of the field. The box will be 2 yards back from the boundary line and will run from 20 to 20. The team is required to remain in this box while the game is being played.

Rule 2: Game Equipment

Section 1: Game Ball
The official game ball shall be pebble-grained leather or rubber covered and meets the recommendations of size and shape for a regulation football. There are no requirements regarding ball pressure and markings. Men shall use the official/regulation size ball only. The regular, intermediate, youth, or junior size football shall be used for Women’s and Co-Rec games. The referee shall judge if the ball is legal for play and may change the ball during play at his/her discretion. During the game each team must use a legal ball of its choice when in possession.

Section 2: Ball Spotters
Two soft and pliable ball spotters with be provided by the Intramural Sports Department for use during the game. One, orange in color, will mark the offensive scrimmage line. The second, gold in color, shall mark the defensive scrimmage line. They will always be one yard apart.

Section 3: Flag Belts
Each player must wear a one piece belt, without any knots, at the waistline with three flags permanently attached, one flag on each side and one in the center of the back. The flags must be a contrasting color to their opponent’s. The Intramural Sports Department will provide flag belts to be used during the game.

Rule 3: Players Equipment

Section 1: Jersey and Pants/Shorts
Players of the opposing teams must wear contrasting colored jerseys, without pockets, numbered on the front and/or rear of the jersey. Jerseys must be either long enough to remained tucked in or short enough so that there is a minimum of 4” between the bottom of the jersey and the player’s waistline. All players are required to either wear shorts or pants. There shall be no belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s), or exposed drawstrings on the pants or shorts of the player. Players are not permitted to play in boxer shorts. The player’s shorts shall not be the same color as the flags. Teams must also have the same color jerseys, each with a different number.

Section 2: Shoes
Shoes shall be made of a canvas, leather, or synthetic material which covers the entire foot. The sole of the shoe must be firm and attached to the rest of the shoe. The sole maybe made of leather, rubber, or composition material which may or may not have rubber or plastic cleats. No metal cleats with be allowed.

Section 3: Optional Equipment- Legal
Players may wear any of the following equipment:

Ace Bandage- must not be more than two turns and be anchored with tape
Gloves- Must be soft and pliable with no abrasive material
Headwear

Players may wear nit or stocking caps with no bills
Players may wear headbands made of non-abrasive material
Skull Caps may be worn as long as they fit tightly with no knots used to secure the cap

Knee Pads- Must be soft and pliable pads
Knee Braces- Braces must be approved by the Certified Athletic Trainer on staff
Mouth Piece
Play Books- Players may carry a playbook inside their clothing as long as it is not made of unyielding material, and is not visible. If carried on the field, a player must keep it rather than throwing it on the ground.
Sunglasses- Players may wear pliable and non-rigid sunglasses

Section 4: Illegal Equipment
A player wearing illegal equipment shall not be permitted to play. This applies to any equipment which, in the opinion of the referee, is dangerous or confusing. Types of equipment or substances which shall always be declared illegal include, but are not limited to:

Headwear containing any hard, unyielding, stiff material, including billed hats, or items containing exposed knots.
Jewelry
Pads or Braces worn above the waist
Shoes with metal, ceramic, screw-in, or detachable cleats. Exception: Screw in cleats are allowed if the screws are part of the cleat.
Shirts or jerseys which do not remain tucked in. Any hood on a coat, sweatshirt, or shirt which does not remain tucked in. Tear-away jerseys or jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like protrusion or creates a tear-away jersey.
Shirts or jerseys with names that may be deemed vulgar by the Intramural Sports Staff.
Pants or shorts with any belt(s), belt loop(s), pocket(s), or exposed drawstring(s).
Any leg or knee brace deemed unsafe by the Certified Athletic Trainer on staff.
Any slippery or sticky foreign substance on any equipment or exposed part of the body.
Equipment which includes computers or any electronic or mechanical device for communication.
Exposed metal on clothes or person. This includes “O” or “D” rings used to secure flag belts.
Towels attached at the player’s waist.

Rule 4: Game

Section 1: Number of Players
The game shall be played between two teams of seven players each. Five players are required to start the game and avoid a forfeit. The game may be continued with less then five players as long as the team has a chance to win.

Section 2: Forfeit Time
Game time is forfeit time. The Intramural Sports Supervisor has the correct game time. The Intramural Sports Department recommends that the team arrive at their field 15 minutes before game time.

Section 3: Start of the Game
The game shall start with a captain’s meeting held at midfield. The officials will bring in both team’s captains and have a coin toss. The away team will call the toss. The team that wins the toss will have the option to defer, choose offense or defense, or end to defend. The other time will have the option to choose from the remaining options after the other team has chosen.

Section 4: Tie Game
If at the end of regulation the game is tied the following procedures with be implemented:

The officials will bring in both captains for another meeting at midfield. The home team will call the toss. The team winning the toss will have the option to be on offense, on defense, or choose the end to play on.
If after the first overtime the game remains tied. The teams will choose again to be on offense or defense. All overtime periods will be played on the same end of the field.
Unless the overtime starts with a penalty each team will start from the 10-yard line.
The overtime period will continue until a winner is determined. The overtime period is not sudden-victory. Each team will have an opportunity to score in each period.
The goal line will always be the line to gain.
Each team will be awarded one time-out per overtime period. Time-outs will not carry over to the next period.
If the defense intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown the game will be over. If the interception is not returned for a touchdown the series is over.
Penalties will be enforced the same as during regulation play. There will be no changes to the enforcement of penalties during the overtime period.

Section 5: Mercy Rule
The game will be over if at the two minute warning a team is winning by 19 or more points. Also, if at any time after the two minute warning a team scores to create a point differential of 19 or more points, the game will be over. This rule will only apply to men’s and women’s games. Co-Rec games will have a different mercy rule.

Section 6: Protest Procedure
Protests must be made during the game immediately after the play in question has ended. A team must call a time-out and notify the official of the protest. Protests will only occur when there is a rules interpretation in question. No Protests will be made on judgment calls made by the officials. Eligibility Protests may be made after the game as long as the protest is in compliance with the Policies and Procedures of The University of Alabama Intramural Sports Department. Procedures for all protests will be found in the Policies and Procedures Manual of The University of Alabama Intramural Sports Department.

Rule 5: Players, Substitutes, and Captains

Section 1: Players
All players must check-in with a valid University of Alabama Action Card to be eligible to participate. All players must be legally and properly equipped according to Rule 3.

Section 2: Substitutes
All substitutes must stay on the sideline inside the team box specified in Rule 1. Substitutes must enter the game during dead ball situations. Players who have been subbed for must leave the field to their team’s sideline in a timely manner.

Section 3: Team Captain
Each team should have a player(s) designated as the team’s captain(s). If more than one player is designated as the captain, a speaking captain must be designated.

Section 4: Team Captain’s Responsibilities
The captain(s) is responsible for all team representatives. All players, coaches, trainers, and spectators are considered team representatives. The captain is also responsible for making all decisions on behalf of the team.

Rule 6: Timing Procedures

Section 1: Game Time
The regulation game shall consist of two 22 minute halves. In the event of inclement weather cancellation, any game that has completed the first half of play will be considered an official game and will not be rescheduled.

Section 2: First Half Timing
During play of the first half the clock will start on the first snap of the game and run continuously until the end of the half. The clock will only stop during the following situations:

Team Timeout- Clock will start on the snap
Official’s Timeout- Clock will start on the ready for play

Section 3: Two Minute Warning
Approximately two minutes before the end of the second half the referee shall stop the clock and inform both captains of the playing time remaining in the half. The clock will restart on the snap. The back judge will announce the time remaining in the half at the end of every play during the final two minutes of the second half.

Section 4: Timing Procedures for Final Two Minutes
During the final two minutes of the second half the clock will stop for the following:

Situations when clock restarts on snap:

Incomplete legal or illegal forward pass
Player out-of-bounds
Safety
Team time-out
Touchdown (after the try)
Touchback
Team attempting to illegally consume time
First Down with player going out-of-bounds
Turnover on Downs or Punt
Change of Possession Turnover
Penalty – Only when one of the above occurred during previous play Exception: Delay of Game-always restarts on snap

Situations when clock restarts on ready for play:

Inadvertent whistle
Team attempting to conserve time illegally
Referee’s time-out
First down with runners flag pulled in bounds
Penalty- When one of the above occurred during previous play or when a play did not result in a stoppage in play

Section 5: Extension of Periods
A period must be extended by one un-timed down, except for unsportsmanlike or non-player fouls, if during the last timed down, one of the following occurs:

There was a foul, other than unsportsmanlike or non-player fouls which specify loss of down, by either team and the penalty was accepted. In the latter case any score by the team that fouled will be cancelled.
There was a double foul.
There was an inadvertent whistle.
If a touchdown was scored, the Try is attempted unless the touchdown is scored during the last down of the second half and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game or the playoff qualifying.

If (A), (B), or (C) occurs during the un-timed down, the procedure is repeated. NOTE: The period shall not be extended further when the defense fouls during a successful Try and the offended team accepts the result of the play with the enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot.

Section 6: Team Time-Outs
Each team is entitled to two charged time-outs during each half. Successive charged time-outs may be granted to each team during a dead ball period. If the ball is dead and a team has not exhausted its charged time-outs, the referee shall allow a time-out and charge that team with a time-out. All time-outs must be requested from the field of play, not the sideline.

Rule 7: Start of Play

Section 1: Minimum Number of Players on Line
The offensive team is required to have at least four players on the line of scrimmage at the snap. This rule only applies to Men’s and Women’s games. Co-Rec games will not follow this rule.

Section 2: Ball Responsibility
Offensive players are responsible for retrieving the ball after the down. The snapper will bring it from the huddle to the scrimmage line (orange ball spotter). A towel may be placed under the ball.

Section 3: Action during the Snap

Motion – One offensive player may be in motion, but not in motion toward the opponent’s goal line at the snap. Other offensive players must be stationary in their positions without movement of the feet, body, head, or arms.
No Direct Snap – The player who receives the snap must be at least two yards behind the offensive scrimmage line.
Illegal Snap – The snapper may not snap the ball to him/herself. The snap must be one fluid motion.
Shift – In a snap preceded by a shift or huddle, all offensive players must come to a complete stop and remain stationary in legal position without movement of feet, body, head, or arms for at least one full second before the snap.

Section 4: Defensive Penalties before Snap
A defensive player may not cross the defensive scrimmage line before the ball is snapped. This will be considered encroachment on the defense. The defensive team may not verbally try to draw the offense off sides.

Rule 8: Passing

Section 1: Illegal Forward Pass
A forward pass shall be considered illegal if:

If the passer’s foot is beyond the offensive scrimmage line plane when the ball leaves his/her hand
If thrown after team possession has changed during down
If intentionally thrown to the ground or out-of-bounds to avoid loss of yardage
If a passer catches his/her untouched forward or backwards pass
If there is more than one forward pass per down

Section 2: Eligible Receivers
All receivers are considered eligible receivers. This rule will apply only to Men’s and Women’s games.

Rule 9: Running

Section 1: Legal Running Play
A team can choose to run the ball past the line of scrimmage at any point during the play. All players on the team are able to run the ball past the line of scrimmage. This rule will only apply to Men’s and Women’s games.

Section 2: Handing the Ball
Any player may hand the ball forward or backwards at any point during the play. Players may also lateral the ball backwards at any point during the play.

Rule 10: Punts

Section 1: Declaring a Punt
Prior to making the ball ready for play on fourth down, the referee must ask the offensive captain if he/she wants to punt. The referee must communicate this decision to all offensive and defensive players. The offensive captain may declare a punt on any down. After a punt has been declared, the ball must be punted. The following exceptions will apply to the rule:

If a time-out is called by either team.
The period ends.
A foul occurs anytime prior to or during this down.

If any of the following occur the offensive captain will have the option to choose again. The official must communicate the decision again with all players and officials on the field.

Section 2: Punting the Ball
After receiving the snap, the kicker must punt the ball immediately in a continuous motion.

Section 3: Touchbacks
If a punted ball crosses the goal line it shall become dead and not be able to be returned. The ball will then be placed at the 14-yard line for the series to begin.

Rule 11: Scoring

Section 1: Touchdowns
If the ball crosses the goal line while in possession of the ball before his/her flags are pulled the play will result in a touchdown. The touchdown will have a value of 6 points in a Men’s or Women’s game. Co-Rec games will have a different point system.

Section 2: Player Responsibility
The player scoring the touchdown must raise his/her arms so the nearest official can remove the flags of the player. If the player is not deflagged with one pull and the official determines the flag belt has been secured illegally, the touchdown is disallowed, and the player is ejected from the game.

Section 3: Try
An opportunity to score 1, 2, or 3 points shall be granted to the team scoring the touchdown. The point values will be determined by the yardage as follows:

1 point – Try is attempted from 3-yard line
2 points – Try is attempted from 10-yard line
3 points – Try is attempted from 20-yard line

The point value will be chosen by the offensive team captain after the touchdown. Once the point value is chosen it may not be changed unless the offensive team calls time-out. The try will not be attempted if the touchdown is scored on the last timed down of the second half unless it will affect the outcome of the game.

Section 4: Turnover on Try
If a turnover occurs during the try the defense will have the opportunity to return the try for 3 points. The point value the offense has chosen does not affect the points that the defense receives.

Rule 12: Blocking

Section 1: Offensive Screen Blocking
The offensive screen block shall take place without contact. The screen blocker shall have his/her hands or arms at his/her side or behind his/her back. Any use of the hands, arms, elbows, legs or body to initiate contact during an offensive player’s screen block is illegal. A blocker may use his/her hand or arm to break a fall or retain balance. A player must be on his/her feet before, during and after screen blocking.
Section 2: Screen Blocking Fundamentals
A player who screen blocks shall not:

Take a position closer than a normal step when behind a stationary opponent.
Make contact when assuming a position at the side or in front of a stationary opponent.
Take a position so close to a moving opponent that he/she 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 1 or 2 normal steps or strides from the opponent.
After assuming his/her legal screening position move to maintain it, unless he/she moves in the same direction and/or path as his/her opponent.

If the screener violates any of these provisions and contact results, he/she has committed a personal foul.

Section 3: 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.

Section 4: Use of Hands or Arms by the Defense
Defensive players must go around the offensive players screen block. The arms and hands may not be used as a wedge to contact the opponent. The application of this rule depends entirely on the judgment of the official.

Rule 13: Flag Belt Removal

Section 1: Basic Tenets

Players must have possession of the ball before they can be deflagged legally by an opponent.
When a runner loses his/her flag belt accidentally, inadvertently (not removed by grabbing or pulling) or on purpose, play continues. The deflagging reverts to a one hand tag of the runner between the shoulders and the waist by an opponent.
In circumstances where a flag belt is removed illegally, play should continue with the option of the penalty or the play.
An opponent intentionally pulling a flag belt from an offensive player without the ball is illegal.
Tampering with the flag belt in anyway to gain an advantage, including tying, using foreign materials or other such acts, is illegal.

Rule 14: Penalties by the Runner

Section 1: Guarding the Flag Belt
Runners shall not flag guard by using their hands, arms, or the ball to deny the opportunity for an opponent to pull or remove the flag belt. Examples of flag guarding include but are not limited to:

Placing or swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt
Placing the ball over the flag belt
Lowering the shoulders in a manner which places the arm over the flag belt

Section 2: Stiff Arm
The runner shall be prohibited from contacting an opponent with an extended arm or hand. This includes the use of a “stiff arm” extended to ward off an opponent attempting to deflag/tag.

Section 3: Obstructing the Runner
A runner shall not charge into an opponent in his/her path, attempt to run between two opponents, or between an opponent and a sideline, unless the space is such as to provide reasonable chance for him/her to go through without contact. If a runner in his/her progress has established a straight line path, he/she may not be crowded out of that path, but if an opponent is able to legally establish defensive position in that path, the runner must avoid contact by changing direction.

Section 4: Hurdling the Defense
A runner shall not hurdle an opponent in his path.

Rule 15: Pass Interference

Section 1: Defensive Pass Interference
After the pass is released by the passer, and until it is touched, there shall be defensive pass interference beyond the offense’s scrimmage line while the ball is in flight. Any of the following acts will be deemed pass interference:

Contact with the receiver
Face Guarding the Receiver
Holding the Receiver

There will be no rule that states that pass interference is negated by an uncatchable ball.

Section 2: Offensive Pass Interference
After the pass is released by the passer, and until it is touched, there shall be no offensive pass interference beyond the offense’s scrimmage line while the ball is in flight. Any of the following acts will be deemed pass interference:

Contact with the defender
Holding the defender
Face Guarding the defender

Rule 16: Illegal Participation

Section 1: Illegal Participation
The following acts will be considered illegal participation:

A team having 8 or more players participating at the time of the snap in a Men’s or Women’s game. A team having 9 or more players participating at the time of the snap in a Co-Rec game.
An injured player is not replaced for at least one down; unless the end of the half occurs
Use of a replaced player or substitute in a substitution or pretend substitution to deceive opponents at or immediately before the snap
A player to lie on the ground to deceive opponents at or immediately before the snap
A ejected player to re-enter the game
A replaced player or substitute to hinder an opponent, touch the ball, influence the play or otherwise participate
Prior to the change of possession, an offensive or defensive player goes out-of-bounds and returns during the down, unless blocked out-of-bounds by an opponent. If a player is blocked out-of-bounds by an opponent and returns inbounds during the down, he/she shall return at the first opportunity.

Rule 17: Personal Fouls

Section 1: Player Restrictions
No player or non-player shall commit a personal foul during a period or an intermission. The following acts shall be considered a personal foul:

Strip or attempt to strip the ball from the runner by punching, striking, or stealing.
Contact an opponent who is on the ground
Throw the runner to the ground
Hurdle another player
Contact an opponent before or after the ball is declared dead
Make contact of any nature with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary this includes using fists, locking hands, elbows, or any part of the forearm or hand, except according to the rules.
Deliberately dive or run into a defensive player
Position himself/herself on the shoulders or body of a teammate or opponent to gain an advantage.
Tackle the runner by grasping or encircling with the hand(s) or arm(s) and taking the opponent toward the ground as in tackle football.

Section 2: Roughing the Passer
Defensive players must make a definitive effort to avoid charging into a passer after it is clear the ball has been thrown forward legally. No defensive player shall contact the passer who is standing still or fading back as he/she is considered out of play after the pass. Roughing the passer restrictions do not apply if the forward pass is thrown from beyond the offensive scrimmage line.

Rule 18: Conduct of Players

Section 1: Non-contact Player Acts
No player or non-player shall commit non-contact acts before the game, during the game, or after the game. The following are examples of non-contact acts:

Refusal to comply or abide by the request or decision of an official.
Using words similar to the offensive audibles and quarterback cadence prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with the offensive team’s signals or movements
Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during a punt.
Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or with permission of the referee.
Intentionally kicking at any opposing player (shall result in an ejection).
Intentionally swinging an arm, hand, or fist at any opposing player (shall result in an ejection).
Participate while wearing illegal equipment.

All of the following acts shall result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. Some acts may result in an ejection.

Section 2: Dead Ball Player Fouls
When the ball becomes dead in the possession of a player he/she shall not commit one of the following acts:

Intentionally kick the ball
Spike the ball into the ground
Throw the ball high into the air

All of the following acts shall result in an unsportsmanlike penalty.

Section 3: Prohibited Acts
There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by players, substitutes, coaches, or any others subject to the rules. Examples included but are not limited to:

Attempting to influence a decision by an official
Disrespectfully addressing an official
Indicating objections to an official’s decision
Holding an unauthorized conference or being on the field illegally
Using profanity, taunting, insulting, or vulgar language/gestures
Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the game (shall result in an ejection)
Fighting an opponent (shall result in an ejection)
Leaving the team box and entering the field of play during a fight (shall result in an ejection)

All of the following acts shall result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. Some acts may result in an ejection.

Section 4: Second Unsportsmanlike Foul
The second unsportsmanlike foul by the same player or nonplayer results in ejection.

Section 5: Player Ejection
If a player is ejected from a game due to unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she may be allowed to remain on the bench. If the ejected player creates a problem for the game officials or any of the Intramural Sports Staff from the bench area, he/she will be told to leave the field area. The field area is defined as “out of sight, out of sound.” If the ejected player refuses to leave after a reasonable amount of time the referee will inform the captain/coach that the game will be forfeited.
Section 6: Third Unsportsmanlike Foul
The third unsportsmanlike foul by the same team results in their forfeiture of the game.

Rule 19: Enforcement of Penalties

Section 1: Procedure after Foul
When the foul occurs during a live ball, the referee shall, at the end of the play, notify both captains. He/she shall inform the captain of the offended team regarding the rights of penalty acceptance or declination and shall indicate to him/her the number of the ensuing down, distance to be gained, and the status of the ball for each available choice. The distance penalty for any foul may be declined. If the penalty is declined or there is a double foul, there is no loss of distance. A captain’s choice of options may not be revoked.

Rule 20: Co-Rec Rules

Section 1: The Game
The game shall be played between two teams of eight players, four men and four women. Teams with seven players shall be four men and three women or four women and three men. Six players, three men and three women, four men and two women, or four women and two men are required to start the game and avoid a forfeit. The game may be continued with less than 6 players as long as the team has a chance to win.

Section 2: The Ball
The regular, intermediate, youth, or junior size football shall be used during play.

Section 3: Minimum Players on the Scrimmage Line
The offensive team must have at least five players on their scrimmage line at the snap.

Section 4: Male Runner
An offensive male runner cannot advance the ball through the offensive scrimmage line. There are no restrictions during a run by a male runner once the ball is beyond the offensive scrimmage line, during a run by a female player, and after a change of possession during the play.

Section 5: Male to Male Completion
During the offensive teams possession there may not be two consecutive legal forward pass completions from a male passer to a male receiver. This rule applies to the Try also. If a male passer completes a legal forward pass to a male receiver, the next legal forward pass completion must involve either a female passer or a female receiver for positive yards. The spot where the ball becomes dead by rule must be beyond the offensive scrimmage line. There are no restrictions concerning a male passer completing legal forward passes to a female receiver, or female to female, or female to male.

Section 6: Illegal Forward Pass
If a female passer completes a forward pass to a male receiver behind the offensive scrimmage line, and any offensive team male runs beyond this scrimmage line, it is an illegal forward pass.

Section 7: Mercy Rule
If a team is 25 or more points ahead when the referee announces the two minute warning for the second half, the game shall be over. Also if at any point after the two minute warning a team scores and the margin becomes 25 or more points the game shall end at that point.

Section 8: Touchdown Value
If a female player scores a touchdown, the point value is 9. If a female player throws a legal forward pass and a touchdown is scored by any offensive player, prior to change of possession, the point value is 9. All other touchdowns are 6 points.

Rule 21: Fouls and Penalties

Section 1: 5-yard Penalties
The following penalties will result in a loss of 5-yards:

Required equipment worn illegally
Delay of Game (Dead Ball)
Illegally conserving or consuming time
Substitution rules infractions
Infraction of punt formation - Line Players
Infraction of punt formation – Kicker
Encroachment
False Start
Illegal Snap
Offensive player not within 15 yards of the ball
Infraction of the scrimmage formation
Player out-of-bounds when the ball is snapped
Offensive player illegally in motion
Player receiving the snap within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage
Illegal Shift
Advancement by a male runner (Co-Rec Only)
Intentionally throwing a backward pass or fumble out-bounds (loss of down if by offensive team)
Illegal Forward Pass (Loss of down if by offensive team)
Intentional Grounding (Loss of Down)
Illegal forward pass – 2 Consecutive male to male forward pass completions (Loss of Down) (Co-Rec Only)
Illegal forward pass – Male catches pass and runs beyond the scrimmage line (Loss of Down) (Co-Rec Only)
Helping the Runner

Section 2: 10-yard Penalties
The following penalties will carry a loss of 10-yards:

Illegal player equipment
Quick Kick
Kick catch interference
Two or more consecutive encroachments during the same interval between scrimmage downs
Forward pass interference – Offensive (Loss of Down)
Forward pass interference – Defensive (Automatic First Down)
Illegally secured flag belt on a touchdown (Loss of Down if by offense) (Automatic First Down if by defense)
Unsportsmanlike Player Conduct
Spiking, Kicking, or Throwing the ball during a dead ball
Unsportsmanlike Conduct by Coaches, Substitutes, or Others
Strip or attempt to strip the ball
Contact with opponent on the ground
Throwing runner to the ground
Hurdle any player
Contact before or after the ball is dead
Unnecessary contact of any nature
Dive or Run into a player
Positioning yourself upon the shoulders or body of a teammate
Tackle the runner
Roughing the passer (Automatic First Down)
Illegal offensive screen blocking
Interlocked interference
Defensive use of hands
Flag Guarding
Stiff Arm
Obstructing or holding the runner
Batting a free ball
Illegal kicking
Illegal Participation
Illegal Substitution
Pretend/Unfair substitution
Illegal flag belt removal

Section 3: 10-yard Penalties with Ejections
The following penalties will carry a loss of 10 yards and an ejection:

Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Player Conduct
Intentionally kicking at or swinging arm, hand, or fist at any opposing team representative or official
Flagrant spiking, kicking, or throwing of the ball
Flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, substitutes, or other team representatives
Intentionally contacting an official
Flagrant personal fouls
Tackling the runner
Intentionally tampering with flag belt – Offense (Loss of Down)
Intentionally tampering with flag belt – Defense (Automatic First Down)

Rule 22: Officials Jurisdiction

Section 1: Game Official’s Authority
The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present. The official’s jurisdiction extends through the referee’s declaration of the end of the second half or overtime.

Section 2: Captain’s Meeting
The referee shall conduct a meeting between both captain’s before the first half, second half, and if necessary overtime. The meeting should be attended by all of the officials for that game.

Section 3: Referee’s Authority
The referee has the authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any situation not specifically covered in the rules. The referee’s decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game unless there is a proper protest made during the game.
Rule 23: Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is an important part of intramural sports. Any player who uses foul language, violently protests a call, or curses an official or staff member, will be removed from the game and will automatically be suspended from his/her team's next game. In addition, he/she will have to meet with the Coordinator of Intramural Sports during office hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before he/she is eligible to participate again. Any player who touches an official or staff member will be placed on suspension from all Intramural activities for a minimum period of one calendar year from the time of the incident.