7 Man Screen Rules and Guidelines

USFTL STYLE Rules. Per Rule 18, Article 12 of the USFTL Rulebook – Playing Rules may be modified.

Flags: Triple Threat Flags

Field Size: 80×50 with 10 yard end zones.

Length: Competitive Division – 40 Minutes Games w/20 minute halves. 1 minute half time.

Recreational Division – 38 Minute Games w/19 minute halves. 1 minute half time.

The only time the clock stops is the final minute of the game. Continuous clock during all other points of the game. In the final minute of the game, the clock will stop on incomplete passes, out of bounds, change of possessions, first downs, and time-outs.

Mouthpieces are not mandatory but they are encouraged.

No flag guarding.

First Downs are every 20 yards.

Each team receives 2 timeouts per half. These do not carry over.

It is the spot of the BALL, not the hips.

Mercy Rule: Automatic mercy rule is when a team is up by 17 points with 2 minutes to go in the game. The game will be called. With less than 2 minutes to go, if a team scores to create a 17 point or more lead, the game is over. If a team is up by 36 points at any time in the game, it will be called regardless of how much time is left in the game.

4 Players must be on the line of scrimmage every play to set the line.

Blocking: Screen Blocking shall be used at all times. Screen blocking is obstructing the path of the defender without initiating contact. The natural width of a players’ body is all a player may use to block and his feet must have a firm setting. There is no extension of the arms and legs, ex: like a pick in basketball. There is downfield blocking but it may not occur via a moving screen. Blocks must be with firmly planted feet. All players must avoid contact. Players who “flop” will be warned.

Anytime the ball touches the ground, the ball is blown immediately dead. Kick/Punt returners must catch the kicks clean. If they muff it, it will be automatically dead.

Kickoffs: Kickoffs are from the 20 yard line. There will be a kickoff to start each half. One at the start of the game and one after halftime. No onside kicks are allowed and the kicking team may not recover a kick. Receiving teams must have 3 players on the line. Players from the kicking team must remain onside until the ball is kicked. If a ball is kicked out of bounds, teams will receive it on the 35 yard line or they may take the rekick from the 15 yard line. If a ball is kicked for a touchback, the ball will be played on the 20 yard line to start the drive.

Punts: Punts must be declared. Once declared, a team may only change once a timeout has been called. The punter upon receiving the snap must kick the ball immediately. The defensive team must have 4 people on the line of scrimmage. These players may attempt to block the punt ONLY by jumping at the line of scrimmage, they may not rush.

Safeties: If a team forces a safety, they will receive a free punt from the 20 yard line.

Field Goals: Field goals may be attempted from anywhere on the field. If missed short, the defending team may return the field goal. FGs count as 3 points.

Extra Points: Teams may go for 1 point from the 3 yard line, 2 points from the 10 yard line, or 3 points from the 20 yard line. Kicks are allowed and will receive the same amount of points from the different yard lines. The defending team may only line up on the line of scrimmage and attempt to block by jumping. They may not rush.

Snapping: Quarterbacks may receive a shotgun snap, a side snap from the ground, or an under the center exchange.

Simulating the Snap Count: If a team is caught simulating the snap count, we will issue a warning for the entire field. If a player is caught simulating the snap count again, it will be a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Quarterback Running: QB may run the ball at any point on the field.

Laterals and Pitches are allowed. Only 1 forward pass per down.

Rushing the Quarterback: There will be a 1 yard rush zone that will be spotted by the referees each play.

There is no chucking or jamming at the Cornerback position.

All receptions only require 1 foot to be in bounds for it to be ruled a completion.

If a players flags falls off without a defender forcing them to fall, it reverts to a 1 hand tag to down the runner.

If a player is wearing a towel and it is pulled, it counts as their flag.

If a player is found to have tied his flag belt, he will be automatically ejected from the game.

Players must start the play with their flag belt on, if they do not it will be an illegal participation.

Quarterbacks are not to be contacted outside of attempting to pull his flag. This will be called strictly.

Fighting: If a player throws a punch, they will be ejected from the tournament. They will be suspended from all TFFL events until a fine of $150.00 is paid directly to the league. If not, they will be reported to the USFTL, in which they will incur a $500.00 fine until they will be able to play in any USFTL events.

Respecting the Officials/Staff: Respect everybody who is making this event a possibility for you and your team. If you disrespect anybody on the immediate staff (referee, overseer of the field, facility employees, etc) you will be immediately ejected from the tournament and asked to leave the premises. The second something turns from “I believe that is a bad call” to personally insulting a referee, telling them to shut up, calling them a name, saying they suck, the offending player will be immediately ejected.