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FAIRFAX ATHLETICS
CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL RULES (Revised April 2010)
1. Team Size –Each team shall field eight players, with at least three women at all times. Teams that are not able to field a complete team may play with a minimum of six players (no more than five men, no less than two women). A maximum of two “pick-up” players (one male/one female, two females) will be permitted only when a team does not have enough of its own players present to field a team. Teams are not permitted to use pickup players when roster players of the same gender are present. Teams that are not able to field at least six players may play a "legal" game with the consent of the opposing captain. It is illegal for a team to have more than eight players on the field of play. Teams with coaches and/or additional players whom enter the field of play without entering the game will be penalized for illegal participation.
Team rosters and online player waiver & release forms must be completed and submitted prior to the first scheduled game of the season. Any team that has not submitted these documents by that time will have its scheduled games declared a “forfeit” until all forms are received. If a player fails to submit their online player waiver & release form, all liability and legal issues will be the responsibility of the team captain. Fairfax Athletics will not be responsible for players that do not submit an online player waiver & release form.
Players may be listed only on one team’s roster per season throughout the league. For a player to be considered “playoff eligible” (eligible to participate in the playoffs), he/she must be listed on a team’s roster and must have played in a minimum of two regular season games for that particular team.
2. Time – The game will be divided into two 20 minute halves. Each team is allowed two one-minute timeouts per game. Both timeouts may be used in either half. The offensive team will have 35 seconds to snap the ball once the referee has spotted the ball. The official game clock will be maintained by a referee and will run continuously except for time-outs or serious injury. The clock will stop during the final 2 minutes of play for the following occurrences:
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Incomplete pass
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Player advancing the ball goes out of bounds
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First Down
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Change of possession
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Either team scores. (The clock will not continue until the opposing team snaps the ball after the PAT attempt. The clock does not run during extra points.)
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Penalty
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Declared punt
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Time Out
**If a team is leading by 17 points or more, the clock will run continuously during the last two minutes of play. In this scenario, the team that is winning will not be allowed to use any timeouts that is has left. **
3. Beginning of the Game – Teams must be lined up on opposite sidelines. Before the start of the game the referee will toss a coin in the presence of opposing captains, after first designating which captain shall call the toss. The team that wins the coin flip at the start of the game must choose one of the following:
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Offense;
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Defense;
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To defer the choice of the above options to begin the second half;
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The team that does not choose offense/defense will select which goal to defend
Play starts from the 10-yard line at the beginning of each half. At the beginning of the second half, the teams will change their direction of play. There will be a maximum tenminute “grace period” before each game. The game will be deemed a forfeit thereafter at the discretion of the Referee.
4. Snapping the Ball Into Play – To begin each play, the ball must be snapped by a center to the QB who is lined up behind the center. The ball must be snapped to the person calling the snap count and there are no “silent counts”. Players may shift and change formations prior to the snap of the ball, but must be stationary at the time the ball is snapped. One player is allowed in motion at the time the ball is snapped, but cannot be moving towards the line of scrimmage. A snap from center is not required on declared punts. A minimum of four players must be lined up (set) at the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
**Before the ball is snapped into play, the head referee will announce when the line is legally set and play can begin. The QB does not have to wait until the referee makes this announcement, however the line must be legally set before a snap can occur.
**If the ball is located within 5-yards of the goal line the QB must be at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap.
5. Intentional Grounding – Intentional grounding will be called when a passer due to pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of completion. Intentional grounding will not be called when a passer throws a pass that lands at or beyond the line of scrimmage, even if no offensive player(s) has a realistic chance to catch the ball (including if the ball lands out of bounds, over the sideline or endline).
6. Inadvertent Whistles – Should an inadvertent whistle be blown, the team in possession of the ball at the time of the whistle will have two options: take the result of the play with the ball declared “dead” at the spot where the whistle was blown, or replay the down from the original line of scrimmage. If an inadvertent whistle is blown during a pass play while the ball is in the air, the play will be declared "dead" and replayed from the original line of scrimmage.
7. Overtime – There will be no overtime during the regular season. In the playoffs, overtime will consist of each team having one offensive possession starting at the opponent’s 20-yard line. The offensive team will have 4 un-timed downs to score a touchdown (all regular penalties will apply during the overtime period). If a touchdown is scored the offensive team will have the option to go for a 1- or 2-point conversion (female scoring will still result in 8 point touchdowns and double conversion points). If teams are tied after the 1st overtime period, the process will be repeated until a winner is determined. Starting with the 3rd overtime period, teams will be required to go for a 2-point conversion upon scoring a touchdown.
8. No Contact/No Blocking – There is no blocking or tackling permitted in the league. Players acting as offensive linemen may not use their hands when protecting the quarterback from defensive rushers. Offensive linemen can position their bodies at any particular angle in an attempt to direct the rushers to a particular area, but there is no contact permitted. "Picks" are also NOT Permitted at anytime.
No downfield blocking/tackling is permitted. Illegal contact includes tripping, contact with the QB, any intentional contact by an opposing player and contact with an opposing player after a ball is tipped. Also note that rough play may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. Anyone in violation of this rule is subject to penalty, suspension and/or expulsion from the league.
9. Co-ed Requirements – The offense will be penalized if it fails to use a female as an “operative player” at least once within three consecutive downs. The penalty for running three consecutive plays without using a female as an “operative player” will be a five yard penalty, loss of down and a female must be the “operative player” on the next play. For example, if a male player catches or runs the ball on a play that a female must be the “operative player”, the offense will be penalized and must replay the gender requirement.
Note: The term "closed" or “forced gender” means that a female must be the “operative player”. The term "open" means that any player, male or female, is eligible to be the operative player.
A pass attempt must cross the line of scrimmage to count as an operative play.
An operative player is defined as a player who:
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Is the intended receiver of a forward pass across the line of scrimmage. The pass does not have to be completed.
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If a ball is tipped or under/over thrown, the play’s gender is determined by the last player who made an attempt to catch the ball.
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Runs the ball as the primary runner (must cross the line of scrimmage)
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Receives the snap as the QB and scrambles past the line of scrimmage or attempts a pass the crosses the line of scrimmage.
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Throws or catches a forward pass that is complete behind the line of scrimmage but the resulting run moves past the line of scrimmage.
An operative player is NOT defined as a player who:
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Hands off the football to another player
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Snaps the ball into play
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Receives a handoff only to pass or handoff the ball to a male before crossing the line of scrimmage
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Female who throws a lateral pass
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Receives a lateral from another player and does not cross the line of scrimmage.
Examples:
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A pass deflected by a male and caught by a female is a female “operative” play
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If a female pitches the ball to a male behind the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
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If a male laterals the ball to a female past the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
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If a female throws a forward pass that does not cross the line of scrimmage, but is caught and gains positive yardage, that does count as a female operative play
Rule Clarification
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A pass that is deflected by a female, and caught by a male does not count as a female “operative” play
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If this occurs on a “closed” play, the offense has the option of:
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Accepting the play as an incomplete pass and having it count as a female play
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Accepting a 5-yard penalty and replaying the down as a closed play
There is no gender requirement for extra points and punt plays.
10. First Downs – Each team shall have four downs to earn a first down or score. First downs are achieved when a team crosses either of the 20 yard markers (20, 20) based on its original field position. Offensive teams may elect to punt on fourth downs. All punts are “live” and may be fielded after bouncing on the ground. However, if a receiving player “muffs” (touches) the ball and it hits the ground, the play is dead. If a team does not punt, fails to score or earn a first down the opposing team will obtain possession.
11. Scoring – The scoring shall be assigned as follows:
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Touchdown:
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A 9-point touchdown will be awarded in the following scenarios:
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A female runs the ball (can be QB or RB) from behind the line of scrimmage for the score
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A male QB throws to a female receiver who scores
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A pass that is tipped by a male and caught by a female will be awarded 8-points
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A female returns an interception or punt for a score
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A female QB throws to any receiver for the score
*In all of the above scenarios, the touchdown will result in only 6-points if there are any pitches during the play that involve a male player
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All other touchdowns will be awarded 6 points
o From the 5 yd line
1-point for all normal conversions
2-points will be awarded using the same scenarios listed above for the 9-point TD
o From the 10 yd line
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2-point for all normal conversions
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3-points will be awarded using the same scenarios listed above for the 9-point TD
The defense may return an interception for two points on a two-point attempt.
12. Pass Rush – Once the line of scrimmage has been marked, the referee will walk off five paces in the direction the offense is going and place another marker. This "5 pace" marker is the "RUSH LINE". Only defensive players that are behind this marker when the ball is snapped may cross the line of scrimmage to rush the QB. No players lined up within this "zone", may rush the QB. If the QB pitches the ball or hands-off to another offensive player, any defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage no matter where they were lined up before the snap. If the line of scrimmage is between the goal line and the five-yard line, the RUSH LINE will be the goal line. The rush line can never be placed inside the endzone.
13. Continuance of Play
Play shall continue until:
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Ball carrier has flag-belt pulled by an opponent (see flag specifics for the few exceptions/additions concerning flag pulling)
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Ball carrier leaves the field of play
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Ball carrier scores
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Ball carrier's knee touches the ground
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Ball touches the ground
14. Spot of the Ball – The ball will be spotted where the ball is at the time the ball carrier's flag is pulled. If the ball crosses the plane of the goal line before the ball carrier's flag has been pulled it will result in a touchdown (ball extension).
15. Punts – A punt must be declared and cannot be faked. The receiving team may return a punt once it has hit the ground. The referee shall notify the defensive team prior to a punt. All punts are "free punts". Punts must be kicked and cannot be thrown. A team need not snap during a punt. A dropped snap during a punt is not a fumble. The kicking team may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked. Downfield blocking is not permitted. The receiving team can line up be no closer than the 5-yard rush line and may not raise hands or jump to block a punt. The receiving team may not raise hands or jump to block a punt. If a punt is "shanked" and caught it is a live ball and is returnable. The punting team may down the punted ball if the receiving team makes no effort to gain the ball. A punt through the end zone will be spotted at the 10-yard line. If a player drops the ball in the end zone, the ball is spotted at the 10-yard line and is not counted as a safety.
16. Turnovers – A change of possession (not after a score) can only occur due to downs or an interception. A fumble is not a turnover and the play is considered dead at the point of the fumble. A lateral may be intercepted and returned by the opposing team.
17. Flag Requirements – Flag guarding is not allowed. Flag guarding is defined as any action that is made with the arms, hands, or legs that prevents a player from being able to pull another player’s flag. A player engaging in flag guarding will be penalized. It is illegal to pull the flag of a player who does not have possession of the football. Throwing flags is not allowed.
Flag belts must be fastened outside of all clothing with nothing obstructing them. If during a play, any clothing obstructs the defenses ability to grab a flag (shirt is hanging over the flag belt), then the player will be called down at the first instance that the defense had a chance to pull the flag. A ball carrier whose flag-belt falls off inadvertently during a play will be considered stopped upon a one-handed touch. However, if a player starts a play without a flag-belt on, then an illegal equipment penalty will be charged. It is a penalty for a ball carrier to stiff-arm, charge into, or deliberately try to knock over a defensive player. In addition, a ball carrier may not leave his/her feet (hurdle/dive) in an effort to gain extra yardage.
18. Sportsmanship – FXA endorses the principles of good sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct can include the following: Fighting, pushing, verbal/physical abuse directed toward an official or opponent, profanity/obscene gestures, flagrant/violent fouls, taunting/trash talking/baiting, cheating, throwing/abusing equipment and physical intimidation. A player may be ejected from a game (or a team may be evicted from the field of play) for engaging in Unsportsmanlike Conduct. An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit. The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts. These guidelines apply to players and spectators.
FXA CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL PENALTIES
Defensive Penalties:
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Off Sides = 5 yards/Replay Down
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Illegal Participation = 5 yards/Line of Scrimmage/Replay Down
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Illegal Rushing = 5 yards/Replay Down
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Pass Interference = 10 yards/First Down
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Holding = 5 yards/Previous Line of Scrimmage on pass plays/End of the run for run plays/Result of play (once a player catches the pass, it is considered a run play when applying this rule)
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Replay the down if the penalty occurs on 4th down or inside the 10-yard line
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Illegal Flag Pull = 5 yards/Spot of Foul
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Illegal Contact = 5 yards/Replay Down
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Tripping
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Contact with the QB
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Any intentional contact by an opposing player (referee discretion)
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Contact with an opposing player after a ball is tipped
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Rough play may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty
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Illegal Stripping = 5 yards/Spot Foul
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It is illegal to bat or strip a ball from a player’s hand.
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A game cannot end on a defensive penalty even if time expires. One un-timed down will be required to complete the game.
Offensive Penalties:
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Illegal Participation = 5 yards/Line of Scrimmage/Replay Down
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Illegal Formation = 5 yards/Line of Scrimmage/Replay Down
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Illegal Motion = 5 yards/ Replay Down
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False Start = 5 yards/ Replay Down
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This is a “dead ball” foul and may not be declined.
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Illegal Pass = 5 yards/Line of Scrimmage/Loss of down
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Intentional Grounding = Loss of Down/Spot Foul
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Gender Violation = 5 yards/Loss of Down/Next play remains “closed”
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Offensive Pass Interference = 5 yards/Previous Line of Scrimmage/Replay Down
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Holding = 5 yards/ Line of Scrimmage/Replay Down
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Illegal Contact = 5 yards/Loss of Down
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Pushing Off
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Any other intentional contact by an offensive player on a defensive player in the field of play
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Flag Guarding = 5 yards/Spot of Foul/Loss of Down
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Hurdling/Diving = 5 yards/Spot of Foul/ Loss of Down
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Off Sides = 5 yards/Repeat Down
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Blocking = 5 yards/Spot of Foul
General Penalties:
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Unsportsmanlike Conduct
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Arguing with Officials = 10 yards/Possible Ejection
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Any unsportsmanlike conduct (towards players, referees, league staff, coaches, sidelines, spectators) = 10 yards/Possible Ejection
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Excessive Contact/Rough Play
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10 yards and loss of down (offensive)/First Down (defensive)
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If official determines that contact was initiated "with intent to harm", the offending player will be ejected from the game. The player must leave the field of play immediately. If the player does not leave the field his/her team may be charged with a forfeit for the game regardless of score or time remaining. Any player ejected from a game may not play in any other games that day.
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The ejected player may not play in future games without league approval.
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An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit.
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The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts.
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Fighting
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Automatic ejection from the game
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Once ejected, a player must leave the field. If the player does not leave the field his/her team may be charged a “forfeit” for that game, regardless of score or time remaining. Any player ejected from a game may not play in any other games that day.
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The ejected player may not play in future games without league approval.
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An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit.
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The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts.
FXA Flag Football League Policies
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Team Captains are responsible for the complete payment of all league fees.
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A Captains’ Meeting will be held prior to the start of the season. Captains, or a team representative, are required to attend. League rules and procedures will be discussed at that time.
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League fees may be paid by credit card online before the first game. Failure to make payment before this time may lead to expulsion from the league.
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Team Rosters must be filled out completely and submitted via Excel Spreadsheet before the first game. Additions and changes to the Roster are permitted through the fourth game of the season.
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The Online Player Waiver & Release form must be filled out completely by each player, and submitted online before the first game.
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If a team is not prepared to play at its designated game time and/or does not have the minimum number of players at the designated game time, the game will be declared a forfeit. There will be a ten-minute “grace period” prior to a forfeit being declared.
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A maximum of two "pick-up" players (1 male & 1 female or 2 females) will be permitted only when a team does not have enough of its own players present to field a team.
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If a game is stopped due to dangerous weather conditions prior to the beginning of the second half or prior to a previously designated point, the game will be replayed in its entirety. If a game is stopped thereafter, it will be considered a complete game and the score will stand. There is no requirement that each team have the same number of offensive series before a game is stopped.
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Any excessive verbal or physical activity will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This rule applies to players, managers and coaches on the field and on the sidelines.
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Fighting or obscene language will result in an automatic ejection from the league with no refund of payments. Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
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ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR DRUG USE ARE ALLOWED ON THE FIELD. Any player using drugs or alcohol in the playing area, the parking lot, before, during or after games will be ejected from the league with no refund of payments. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
Rules have been updated on April 9, 2010.
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