Pass / Run Game Rules

Pass Game Rules

  • The Offense has to throw the ball within:

  • K – 2ndGrade – 6 seconds

  • 3rd - 6th Grade – 4 seconds

  • 7th - 8th Grade – 3 seconds

  • The sack count starts on the snap of the ball no matter what offensive play is attempted.

  • Forward pass can be underhand or overhand as long as it is beyond the LOS.

  • If the QB does not release the ball before time expires, the result of the play is a sack and the ball stays at the LOS.

  • There are NO FORWARD passes behind the LOS. This is a 5 yard penalty and loss of down. THE DEFENSE CAN ELECT TO DECLINE THE PENALTY (THIS IS NOT A STOPPAGE OF PLAY)

  • NO RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK!

  • K-4th Grade, the QB can HAND or PITCH the ball off to another player and they can throw the ball within the allotted time. If/When the QB hands or pitches or throws a backward pass to another player, this alerts the defense that they CAN cross the LOS to pull the flag of the player with the ball. The sack count does NOT reset when a lateral or backward pass is made

  • All grade levels have the option to throw a backward pass for a double pass play.  This alerts the defense that they CAN cross the LOS to pull the flag of the player with the ball. (5th-8th grade can never take a hand off nor run the ball across the line of scrimmage on a backwards pass.). The sack count does NOT reset when a lateral or backward pass is made

  • Defense must start 2 yds off the LOS  unless the ball is at the +1 then the Defense can start at Goalline.

  • Catch Rule Clarification: To be considered a valid catch, the receiver must have at least one foot inbounds. If the receiver has one foot inbounds and the other foot out of bounds at the same time, it is not considered a catch.

  • Illegal Touching of a Forward Pass: If an eligible receiver goes out of bounds by their own volition (Not by being illegally forced out) and then re-establishes themselves inbounds, they cannot be the first to touch the forward pass. This action is considered illegal touching.  The penalty is loss of 5 yards from the original spot and loss of down

  • LAST 1 MINUTE OF THE GAME

    1. The clock will  stop in the final 1 minute of the game on these actions:

  • UPDATED 3-21-26 The clock stops once the time reaches the final minute or when the previous play ends under 1:00.

  • Incompletions

  • Out of Bounds 

  • QB Sack and kneel downs

  • Spiking of the football

  • Change of Possession 

  • Penalties. If it’s an offensive penalty the clock will start on the official unless dead ball foul.

Run Game Rules

  • A play will be considered arun play, when the ball carrier crosses the lineof scrimmage, or if a player takes a hand-off from the quarterback, and does not cross the line of scrimmage in the allotted time. A play in which a player takes a hand-off from the quarterback, and then throws a forward pass will be considereda pass play, and not count as a team’s run play.
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The play is dead when the following occurs to the ball carrier:

  • Flag is pulled

  • Runner’s knee touches the ground

  • Runner steps out of bounds

  • Runner loses his flag then the opposing team must touch him down WITH ONE HAND TOUCH.

  • Runner dives, jumps or leaps; ball is spotted where the runner left his feet.

  • NO direct QB runs

  • The ball carrier can spin to avoid their flag being pulled but cannot flag guard.

  • No fumbles (a fumbled, or stripped ball is dead and placed at the spot of the fumble with the offensive team retaining possession)

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