Game Rules

Game/Team Rules
1. The game will be officiated by one NFL referee and six college officials.
2. Professional hash marks will be used.
3. Each team will be permitted to have three captains (offensive, defensive, special teams).
4. Quarters will be 15 minutes long.
5. The game clock will run continuously until the last four minutes of each half. During this time the clock stops on out of bounds plays and incomplete passes.

Offensive Rules
1. The offense must have at least one back in the backfield at all times.
2. No shifts.
3. The offense can send a man in motion, except the tight end who cannot move. (If lined up on LOS)
4. A tight end may be flexed or split out.
5. Absolutely no chop blocks or cut blocking allowed.
6. No crack back blocks by a running back and/or a wide receiver will be allowed.
7. No unbalanced lines.

Defensive Rules
1. Mandatory Base 4-3-4 Defensive Alignment.
2. The strong side outside linebacker can be over the tight end on the line of scrimmage, but he cannot rush the quarterback on a pass play, unless the quarterback leaves the pocket.
3. Only the four interior linemen in four point stands may pass rush.
4. Defensive linemen must line heads up to the offensive linemen. They may shade to an eye only. No one may line up in the gaps.
5. The center may not be covered.
6. There will be no blitzes, no slants or no stunts such as twists, loops, etc.
7. The linebackers must be two yards off the heels of the down linemen on the snap of the ball. This does not include the outside linebacker covering the tight end.
8. Secondary coverage’s allowed: Cover 3, Man-on-Man.
8A. Free Safety must remain between the hash marks.
8B. MLB alignment must be “touching” center at snap.
9. In a prevent defense, a down lineman may be substituted for a defensive back.
9A. Prevent defense can only be played in last two minutes of both halves.
10. The defense can never rush less than three down linemen at any time.
11. When a tight end is used in a wing alignment, the defense may cover the tight end on the line of scrimmage with an outside linebacker and move up the strong safety to linebacker depth.
12. Penalties for violating any of the above defensive rules will be as follows: First Time … Warning by officials:
Second Time … Five-yard penalty
Third Time … 15-yard penalty

Short Yardage Situations
1.In a three yards or less situation on third or fourth down, a double tight end formation may be used by the offense.
2. In the above situation, the defense may cover both tight ends at line of scrimmage with outside linebacker, thus resulting in a 6-1 defensive alignment. (LBers cannot rush unless QB breaks pocket)
4. Goal line offense will be considered from and within the five-yard line.

Special Team Rules
Punts
1. No fake punts.
2. Each team receives a maximum of two punts per half.
3. No rushing the punter. Only four down interior defensive linemen can rush up the middle of the punting team’s line.
4. A spread punt formation must be utilized.
5. Only two outside “Ball Hawks” may leave on the snap. Every other player is allowed to go once the ball is kicked.
5A. Only 1-ball hawk on each side of formation may be split and all other players must be in tight formation.
6. The punt team will be penalized five yards and must replay the down if anyone but the Ball Hawks release on the snap.
Field Goals and PATS
1. No one may line up in “A” gaps and the center must remain uncovered.
2. No one may jump on the back of a teammate in an effort to block a kick.
3. The offense may fake either a PAT or a field goal.
4. The defense can return a blocked extra point, interception on a fake PAT or a fumble for two points.
5. Only (four down linemen) may rush to block the kick. LBer’s covering TE’s may not rush. No rush off corners
Miscellaneous Rules
1. Fumbles may be advanced.
2. In overtime, the ball will start at the 25-yard line.
3. Alternating coin toss at the end of each overtime period.
4. A fumble or interception may not be returned in overtime.
5. When a team is behind 10 or more points at halftime, that team will receive the ball to start the second half.
6. During the fourth quarter (only), a team that scores and still trails by 14 or more points will retain possession of the ball after they have scored.

Onside Kicks
1. Only permitted in last four minutes of game.