Rules Page 2

F. First Downs  Page 1  Page 2  Page 3  Page 4   Page 5

A team registers a 1st down when it crosses one of the 1st down lines in 4 downs or less.
Once a team crosses a 1st down line, that team may not make another 1st down by crossing the same line during that series.
An automatic 1st down is registered by the offense for defensive pass interference or interfering with the quarterback.

G. Kicking Game

All punts must be announced.
Options available for potential kicking situations include:
The offense may announce their intent to punt at which time the officials will notify both teams that a kick is pending.
The offense team must have three (3) players lined up on the ball, not necessarily in a 3 point stance however. No offensive player may release downfield until the ball has been kicked.
The defensive team must have 3 players on the defensive l.o.s. (line of scrimmage).
No rushing the kick. Ball may be returned after it hits the ground, but not after it hits a player 1st.
The offensive team may elect to play it as a normal down and distance play.
Punts, or interceptions may be run out of the end zone. If an INT on a PAT and it's advanced to the other endzone, that will result in 2 points.

H. Fumbles

A fumble is dead at the point the ball touches the ground if fumbled backward, or at the spot where the fumble occurred if fumbled forward. The ball goes to the team which last had possession, with the resulting loss of down. A ball that has not hit the ground can be recovered and advanced by either team.
Touching the ball, whether held or not, with the ball hitting the ground, shall be interpreted as a fumble. This pertains to balls snapped by the center and punted balls.
If a ball strikes an official, the ball is dead.

I. Playing Rules-1

All players are eligible to receive a pass.
The center cannot carry the ball from scrimmage if it is given to him by the QB. He must turn 180 degrees toward the QB and then receive the ball.
An intercepted pass in the end zone may be run out. If on an extra point and returned to the other endzone, the defense is awarded 2 points and then will take the ball on offense.
The ball carriers must run to AVOID tacklers. Deliberate charging of an opponent is a 12 yd penalty from s.o.f. (spot of foul) and possible ejection from the game. (Officials will use the same judgment on charging and blocking by offensive and defensive players as in basketball. "Brushing contact" and unavoidable contact is not willful "charging").
The ball carrier cannot use a "stiff-arm". Pen-12 yds from s.o.f.
The ball carrier shall not protect his flags by blocking with his arms or hands the opportunity of an opponent to remove flags. Penalty: 12 yds from s.o.f.
Wrapping, tying or in any way securing the flags to the uniform other than prescribed by rule, is illegal. Penalty: 12 yd from previous spot and possible disqualification of the offending player.
Any act prohibited hereunder or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul:
No player will block in a manner that would cause his feet, knees or legs to strike an opponent. All blocking shall be screen block as in basketball.
There will be no clipping.
No contact with an opponent who is on the ground.
There will be no hurdling. Hurdling shall be interpreted as an attempt by the runner to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over a player. Player must run around.
No player shall contact an opponent obviously out of the play either before or after the ball is declared dead.
There shall be no diving by a runner, either to avoid a flag pull or to reach a line. Pen: 12 yds (The hips indicate ball placement).
The ball carrier shall not lower his head and deliberately run into a defensive player. Pen: 12 yd and possible disqualification.
A defensive player may not hold, push or knock the ball carrier down in an attempt to remove the
flag. Pen: 12 yd from s.o.f.
Holding is grasping or encircling an opponent with the hand or arm in a way that impedes his movement and is prohibited. Pen: 12 yds from foul.
Tripping is using the lower leg or foot to obstruct an opponent (including the ball carrier) below the knees. Pen: 12 yd from foul or previous spot and possible ejection.