Rules

RSFL Rules Spring ‘21

General 

A game consists of 4 8-play quarters.  PAT tries do not count as plays.

If needed, there will be a 12 play (max) sudden death OT, following NFL scoring rules.

All usual football rules apply, such as offensive formation requirements.

No stacking of any player except the QB under center.

If starting a set of downs inside the redzone going toward the motor, the offense may elect to play out the downs at the other end of the field.

 

Play from Scrimmage

Offense sets up on LOS

Defense sets up one yard off LOS

Offense can adjust all players

Defense can adjust all players.  Defenders can start out of bounds.

For a running back to receive an automatic handoff, he must be 10 yards off the LOS and fully between the tackles.  QB cannot be lead blocker.

All men not on the line (slot receiver) are 5 yards off LOS.

Rush

Offensive coach indicates who has the ball (RB or QB).  Board is run until play is complete.

Pass

Offensive coach calls “pass.”  Board is run until a receiver is open or the QB is sacked (down over).

Passing sticks are used.

QB can pass to an eligible receiver, pitch to a player who is behind the LOS and within a white stick distance (automatic), tuck and run, or throw the ball away (must have an open receiver).

If the QB goes over the LOS on a pass play, it’s a scramble.  No adjustment for offense, defense may adjust unengaged players, and board is run until the down is complete.

On a completed pass or pitch, the new ball carrier may be adjusted as well as any unengaged defensive player.  On tuck and run, QB may be adjusted as well as any unengaged defensive player.

If an unintended eligible receiver gets to the ball first, the pass is complete and the ball is down at the spot.

DPI occurs when a defender makes contact while even with or behind the intended receiver who is traveling toward the ball more than a base-length away from the ball.

OPI occurs when the intended receiver makes contact with a defender who is closer to the ball and heading toward it, more than a base-length away.

 

Special Teams

Kick Off

Kicking team: at or behind the 50

Receiving team: 5 at the 40, 4 at the 20, 2 on goal line at the hash marks

Kicking coach drops ball between the returners—player closest to ball is the carrier

Both teams may adjust their players

Run board till completion of return.

Onsides Kick

To attempt an onsides kick, it needs to be in the 4th quarter.  Kicking team lines up 5 players at or behind the 34 yard line.  The receiving team lines up 6 players at their own 46 yard line.  

Kicking coach drops the ball along their own 45 yard line from 14-16”.  When the ball comes to rest, it is moved vertically (if needed) on the field so that it rests on the 45.  Both teams may pivot players, and the board is run.  First team to touch it recovers the kick at that spot.  

If the ball hits a member of the kicking team, it is still moved to the 45.  If it hits a member of the receiving team, they gain possession at that spot (dead ball).

If the ball goes out of bounds, the receiving team gets the ball where it went out.

Punt

Punting team sets 5 interior linemen at LOS, matched by 5 receiving team players facing them.  These players may not be adjusted.

Punter is placed 18 yards behind LOS.  He may be adjusted after the punt.

Punt returner is placed 60 yards down field from LOS, but no deeper than his own 5 yard line.

Punting team sets up 5 gunners halfway between LOS and punt returner (down field), which are matched with 5 receiving team blockers.  These players may be adjusted after the punt.

Punting coach drops ball from approximately 14-16” (elbow on frame) above the field along the yard line the return man is at, between the numbers on the field.  Returner is placed where the ball rests, eligible players are adjusted, and board is run until the play is complete.  

If the ball is in the endzone, return team may elect to take a touchback (new LOS is the 20).  

If the ball goes out of bounds, LOS is where the ball went out.  

If the ball first hits any punting team player, it is dead at that spot.  

If the ball first hits a receiving team blocker, it’s a live ball where it comes to rest and all eligible players may be adjusted.  Board is turned on.  First player to touch it recovers the muff.  

If the ball hits the return man, he starts from where he was positioned, players are adjusted, and board is run.

Field Goal/Extra Point

Board is cleared of players.  Blue passing stick is placed at the goal line, magnets put on both ends, then stick is removed.

Offense sets one player at the LOS/PAT mark.

Defense sets one player at the goal line.

Players are adjusted, offense first.

Board is run.

Try is good if the offensive player makes it in between the magnets.

Try is no good if the offensive player goes out of bounds, in the endzone outside the magnets, or travels 5 or more yards behind the LOS/PAT mark.  

Contact between the players does NOT constitute a tackle.

The offense needs to be at the 35 yardline or closer to attempt a field goal, unless they are behind and it’s 4th down OR the last play of regulation.