C.F.L. Ruleboook

SECTION 1: THE FIELD

The field shall be 110 yards long by 50 yards wide. It shall be distinctly marked as indicated herein.

The lines marking the sides of the field shall be named side-lines.

The lines marking the ends of the field shall be named goal-lines.

The area bounded by these two sets of lines shall be called the field - of - play.

The side lines extended from goal line to dead line shall be named the side lines in goal.

The four intersections of goal lines and side lines and the four intersections of dead lines and side lines in goal shall be indicated by flexible markers which must be so placed that the are not touching the surface of the playing field.

SECTION 2: THE BALL

The official ball for a Rockland Flag Football League game shall be a CFL/NFL WILSON

SECTION 3: THE FLAG

Flags supplied by the league, adjustable nylon belt with orange flags.

SECTION 4: POSSESSION

Possession means having the ball firmly held in the hand or hands, arm or arms, leg or legs, or under the body

When players of the opposite teams have possession of the ball it shall belong to the player who first gained possession and who has not lost possession.

If players of both teams legally gain possession of the ball simultaneously it shall belong the team which last had possession.

A ball not in possession of a player is still in play. A ball shall be considered to have been fumbled if the player last in possession has lost control of it.

SECTION 5: DEAD BALL

The ball is dead:

Whenever a field official blows his whistle;

When an official has signaled a score;

When the ball goes out of bounds;

When a forward pass is declared incomplete;

When a kicked ball strikes the opponent’s goal post assembly in flight, without first

touching the ground, a player or an official;

When the quarterback, in possession of the ball, intentionally knells on the ground during the last 2 minutes of the half;

When a player having possession of the ball in his own goal area, intentionally knells

on the ground

When a ball carrier is on the ground and in the judgement of the official, is not

attempting to advance the ball.

When a player enters the field without flags, and obtains possession of the ball. (Dead ball player)

Note : A ball lying on the ground and not in possession of a player is not dead.

A ball striking an official is not dead except on a forward pass.

SECTION 6: TACKLING

Player in possession of ball is tackled when:

i) flag or flags are removed by an opposing player

ii) touched after having lost one or more flags prior to receiving the ball

iii) touched when on the ground.

SECTION 7: TEAMS

For reference hereinafter the team which puts the ball in play shall be identified as TEAM A and the other team shall be named TEAM B. The game is played by teams of 7 men of each team.

SECTION 8: TEAM CAPTAINS

At all times each team must have on the field a player designated as captain, and so

identified to the referee.

The captain shall be the sole communicator between his team and the officials and he may appeal to the official only on the questions of interpretation and application of rules. Such consultations should be held apart from other players on the field.

The referee’s decision cannot be disputed. A captain is entitled to an explanation of any

decision but no prolonged argument is to be allowed.

In case of a foul the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of no penalty or the option provided.

SECTION 9: STARTING AND TIMING

ARTICLE 1: STARTING

The game shall start promptly at the time prescribed by the LEAGUE. If the team is late

appearing on the field at the start of the first or second half-

Prior to the start of the game the captains of both teams shall meet the referee at centre

field to inform him of their choices.

At the start of the game the captain of the home team shall declare whether he wishes to

have the choice at the start of the first or second half.

The captain of the team with first choice at the start of the first half shall choose between

(A) kicking off or receiving the kickoff, or

(B) the end of the field to defend.

At the start of the second half the captain of the other team shall have the first choice.

ARTICLE 2: PLAYING AND REST PERIODS

The length of the game shall be 50 minutes of playing time, divided into two periods of

twenty-five minutes each. Time will be non-stop except for the last 2 minutes, which will be stop time.

ARTICLE 3: TIME OUT

Time shall start when the ball is touched following the kick-off at the start of the first and

second half and shall continue until the last 2 minutes of the second half.

Time shall stop for any of the following reasons in the last 2 minutes:

(A) when a score has been made;

(B) when the ball goes out of bounds;

(C) when a forward pass is incomplete;

(D) for the application of penalties;

(E) for delay caused by player injury;

(F) when the ball becomes dead after the 2 minute warning;

(G) when a player requests a time out;

(H) when the referee deems it necessary to suspend play.

If in any period the ball becomes dead with only a short period of time remaining the team in possession shall be entitled to one complete play even though that play may extend beyond the normal termination of that period.

If a touchdown is scored on the last play of the period the period shall be extended to include the convert attempt.

If in any period time expires during a play in which a foul occurs, the non-offending team may

(A) accept the penalty in which case the team entitled to possession shall be required to put the ball into play, or

(B) decline the penalty and accept the play as it terminated to end the period, or

(C) elect to have the penalty applied on the first play of the following half, if the foul was a Major Foul.

(Note) for the purpose of this rule an offside pass shall not be considered a foul.

Should the play be terminated by an official’s whistle prior to the ball being put into play

the penalty shall be applied and the period extended for another play.

ARTICLE 4: TIME IN

After a Time Out for any reason

When ball is touched following a kick-off

When ARTICLE 3 has been invoked

ARTICLE 5: TEAM TIME-OUT

A team shall be permitted to call one time-out per half, subject to the following:

(A) the time out may be requested by any player on the field and may be directed to any official on the field.

(B) the time-out shall be 30 seconds in duration.

(C) the game time shall resume on the snap.

ARTICLE 6: BALL IN PLAY

The ball shall be considered in play until an official stops the game by sounding his

whistle.

The game shall not be stopped because of player injury until the ball is dead.

The referee shall not stop the game to impose a penalty until the ball is dead.

ARTICLE 7: DELAY OF GAME

The game shall not be delayed accept by permission of the referee. Any unauthorized delay shall be subject to penalty.

(A) If the referee finds it necessary to suspend play

(B) On a kick off team A shall be required to kick the ball within twenty seconds of notification by the referee that play is to commence.

(C) If a team B player interferes with the placement of the ball after it has been declared in play by the referee, his team shall be penalized.

ARTICLE 8: CROWD NOISE

Excessive crowd noise not applicable at this time. ( to be reviewed )

ARTICLE 9: BALL IN GOAL

The ball is in goal if it is on or behind the goal line , even in the air.

SECTION 10: TIE GAME ( APPLICABLE ONLY TO PLAY-OFFS )

If the score is tied at the end of the second half there shall be a two minute intermission followed by an overtime period consisting of two five minute halves. Prior to the start of the overtime period the captain of the team winning the coin toss shall declare whether he wishes to have first choice at the start of the first or second half of the overtime period. The game timing rules that apply in the last two minutes of the second half shall apply during the last minute of each half of the overtime period. The same procedure shall continue in consecutive overtime periods until a winner is declared. There shall be a two minute intermission before the start of overtime and between any subsequent overtime periods.

SECTION 11: OUT OF BOUNDS

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS

The ball is out of bounds when it touches a side-line, side-line-in-goal, dead line, or the

ground or any other object beyond these lines.

The ball is out of bounds when a player in possession of the ball touches the side-line, side-line-in-goal, dead-line, or the ground or any other object beyond these lines.

Note: The ball shall remain in play when it is knocked or batted back into the field of play by a player who is off the ground and who has not touched the ground or any object out of bounds.

Note: If a player gains possession of the ball while off the ground in bounds and is contacted by an opponent in a manner which causes him to land out of bounds in possession of the ball such player shall retain possession.

Note: If a player gains possession of the ball near the sideline and touches the ground in bounds with his first step he shall retain possession even if his next step takes him out of bounds.

ARTICLE 2

When the ball is kicked out of bounds it shall belong to the opposite team, subject to penalty applicable on a kick-off.

ARTICLE 3

When on any play, the ball is fumbled out of bounds, or touches a player in the field of

play and then goes out of bounds, it shall belong to the team which last touched the ball in the field of play.

The ball shall next be scrimmaged :

(A) at the point where the ball went out of bounds, or

(B) at the point where the ball was last touched in the field of play; whichever point is closer to the goal line of the team entitled to possession.

ARTICLE 4

When a player directs the ball, other than by kicking, from the field of play over the opponent’s goal line and hence out of bounds in the goal area without the ball touching an opponent, it shall be ruled as a fumble out of bounds in the field of play, with the ball declared dead at the point where it was last touched in the field of play.

ARTICLE 5

When a player fumbles or directs the ball from the field of play into his own goal area, where the ball goes out of bounds without possession being gained by either team, a safety touch score shall be awarded.

ARTICLE 6

When a player directs the ball other than by kicking, from the field of play over the opponent’s goal line where it is recovered by an opponent, or is touched by an opponent before going out of bounds in the goal area, there shall be no score and the ball shall be awarded to the

opponent’s team at its 25 yard line. If in attempting to run the ball out of the goal area the opponent’s team commits an infraction the penalty shall be applied from the 25 yard line.

ARTICLE 7

When a player in his own goal area fumbles or directs the ball, other than by kicking, across the goal line and out bounds in the field of play without being touching an opponent the non-offending team may;

(a) accept a two point score if the offending team had previously directed the ball into its own goal area, or

(b) accept a one point score if the non-offending team had kicked the ball into the goal area, or

(c) decline the score and require the team entitled to possession to scrimmage the ball 24 yards in from the point where the ball went out of bounds.

ARTICLE 8

A player of either team who goes out of bounds, except as a result of bodily contact must

remain out of that play.

ARTICLE 9

When a player in his own goal area kicks the ball out of bounds in his goal area, the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at the 10 yard line.

If the ball was in the goal area as the result of an opponent ‘s kick the opponent may elect to take a single point score. If the ball had been carried, passed or kicked into the goal area by the player’s team the opponent may elect to take a safety touch score

ARTICLE 10

When a player in the opponent’s goal area kicks the ball out of bounds in the opponent’s goal area the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at the 25 yard line.

SECTION 12: PLAYING UNIFORMS

ARTICLE 1: EQUIPMENT

No player shall wear or use equipment or clothing which in the opinion of the officials

endangers or confuses his opponents. (NO POCKETS/ OFFICIAL LEAGUE JERSEY)

No player shall wear metal on or on any part of his uniform other than such metal as may be necessary in the regular manufacture of the uniform, such as metal eyelets and nails, such as are used fastening cleats.

Where a cleat comes in contact with the playing surface, it must measure not less than three-sixteenths of an inch across any dimension and it must not be concave or hollow.

A cleat made of metals is illegal but a composition cleat with a metal tip which conforms

to all other requirements shall be permitted.

League supplied flags must be worn, belt tight, flags on hips and shirt tucked in.

ARTICLE 2: ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE

A player shall not be permitted to apply or have applied on his uniform, his equipment or

his body;

(a) an adhesive substance which, in the sole judgement of the officials, has made the game ball

unsuitable for play as a result of direct or indirect contact with that player, and/or

(b) a greasy substance which, in the sole judgement of the officials, has the potential to give that player an unfair advantage.

SECTION 13: TEAM PERSONNEL

ARTICLE 1: SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE

A substitute may enter the field of play any time the ball is dead and only at that time.

If the substitute enters the game to the extent that he can communicate with a teammate

on the field he must remain in the game for at least one play.

A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the side-line on which his bench is located and, thence, outside the field of play to his bench.

When team A breaks the huddle or, if no huddle, the official declares the ball in play. No

further substitution shall be permitted.

ARTICLE 2: SLEEPER PLAY

A team shall not be permitted to use player substitution as a means of disguising a sleeper play. If prior to a scrimmage play team A makes a player substitution a sleeper play shall be illegal on that play. If a team A player does not participate in the team huddle he shall not, prior to the snap, occupy a position within eleven yards of the sideline adjacent to his team bench area.

ARTICLE 3: ERROR IN NUMBER OF PLAYERS

If through error in substitution or otherwise, a team has more than 8 players on the field the offending team shall be penalized.

SECTION 14: OTHER PERSONNEL

ARTICLE 1

If a person entitled to be in a team bench area (i.e. a substitute player in uniform or one of the accredited persons) interferes with the play in progress, his team shall be subject to penalty as follows:

(a) if the opponent had possession of the ball the referee shall award an AUTOMATIC TOUCHDOWN to the opponent.

(b) if the offending person’s team had possession it shall be penalized for illegal interference

(L10 PBH OR PBD) while the downs shall continue without interruption.

(c) if neither team had possession the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at the point of recovery with a penalty of half the distance to the goal-line and the opponent shall be permitted a series of three downs regardless of the time remaining in the half.

FURTHERMORE, the offending person shall be disqualified from the game immediately, and subject to disciplinary action by the league. There shall not be any additional yardage penalty by reason of the disqualification.

ARTICLE 2

If a person other than one described in Article 1 should interfere with the play in progress the penalty shall be:

(a) if such a person interfered to the advantage of the team in possession that team shall be penalized for illegal interference at the point where the ball was held when the interference occurred.

(b) if such a person interfered to the advantage of the team not in possession the team in possession shall be awarded

(i) a TOUCHDOWN score if, in the judgement of the official, a touchdown would have been scored on the play, or

(ii) a penalty of half the distance to the goal line from

1. The point where the ball was held when the interference occurred, or

2. The point where the ball became dead, or

3. The point where the ball was put into play , or the team gained possession whichever is the greater advantage to the team in possession, plus a series of three downs regardless of the time remaining in the half.

(c) if such a person interferes with the play when the ball is not in possession of either team the referee shall whistle the play dead immediately. The entire play shall be repeated at the point the ball was previously put into play, with the down, yardage, score and time remaining the same.

(d) if such person interferes with a forward pass play in the goal area the ball shall be awarded to

(i) Team A at the one yard line if the interference was to the advantage of Team B, or

(ii) Team B at the ten yard line if the interference was to the advantage of Team A

SECTION 1: JURISDICTION & DUTIES OF OFFICIALS

ARTICLE 1: GENERAL

All field officials are equally responsible for the conduct of the game and no agreement shall be undertaken that would prevent the calling of any foul, against either team by an official

Each field official shall be equipped with a whistle and a coloured marker to be used to indicate a foul.

The sounding of the whistle shall stop the game.

The throwing of a marker indicates that a foul has been committed.

ARTICLE 2: TIMEKEEPER

Timekeeping is the responsibility of the referee’s.

SECTION 1: TABLE OF SCORES

The team scoring the majority of points shall be the winner.

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 1: TOUCHDOWN

A touchdown is scored when the ball is in the possession of a player in his opponents goal area, or when the ball in the possession of a player crosses or touches the plane of the opponent’s goal line. Should the ball subsequently be fumbled, or the player in possession forced back into the field of play, the touchdown shall score.

After a touchdown the team scored against may kick-off from its own 35 yard line, or require the scoring team to kick-off from its ( scoring team’s ) 35 yard line.

ARTICLE 2: FIELD GOAL

A field goal is scored by a drop kick or a place kick ( except on a kick-off ) when the ball, after being kicked and without again touching the ground goes over the cross bar and between the goal posts ( or goal posts produced ) of the opponents goal.

The ball shall be dead immediately, i.e. it crosses the cross bar.

After a field goal the team scored against may kick-off or scrimmage the ball as first down at its own 35 yard line or require the scoring team to kick-off form its 35 yard line.

AR Team A attempts a field goal. After ball is kicked and before crossing line of scrimmage it touches or is touched by a player of either team and them proceeds through the uprights and over the cross bar in flight. Ruling - Field Goal.

AR Team A attempts a field goal. After the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage it touches or is touched by a player of team B before it proceeds through the uprights and above the cross bar in flight. Ruling - Field Goal.

ARTICLE 3: SAFETY TOUCH

A safety touch is scored when the ball becomes dead in the possession of a team in its own goal area, or touches or crosses the deadline or a side-line-in-goal as a result of the ball having been carried, kicked, fumbled or otherwise directed from the field of play into the goal area by the team scored against, or as a direct result of a kick from scrimmage having been blocked in the field of play or goal area.

After a safety touch, the scoring team may elect to have the ball next put into play as follows:

(A) By scrimmaging the ball at its own 35 yard line, or

(B) By kicking off from its own 35 yard line, or

(C) By requiring the team scored against to kick off from its 35 yard line.

When rough play or unnecessary roughness foul is committed on a play during which a safety touch is scored by the non-offending team, the score shall be allowed and the penalty assessed from the point where the ball is next put in play.

ARTICLE 4: ROUGE OR SINGLE POINT

If the ball is kicked into the goal area by an opponent, a rouge is scored when (1) when the ball becomes dead in possession of a player in his own goal area or (2) when the ball touches or crosses the deadline, or a side-in-goal, and touches the ground, a player or some object beyond these lines.

AR Team A kicks to team B. B1 attempting to catch the ball on his third yard line, fumbles it and is tackled with the ball in his possession in his goal area. Ruling - rouge ( ball considered kicked into goal area by team A).

AR Team A kicks to team B. B1 catches the ball in field of play while moving toward his goal line and, in the judgement of the official, his momentum carries him into his goal area. Ruling - possession deemed to have been gained int he goal area.

After a rouge the team scored against shall next put the ball into play by a scrimmage as first down at any point between the hash marks on its 35 yard line.

If the field goal was scored as a result of an unsuccessful field goal attempt the team scored against may elect to scrimmage the ball at its own 35 yard line or at the point of last scrimmage.

ARTICLE 5: CONVERT

A team scoring a touchdown may attempt to add to its score by means of a scrimmage play from any point between the hash marks on or outside the opponent’s five yard line, as follows:

1 point - By kicking a field goal.

or

2 points - by scoring a touchdown by means of a ball carrying or passing play.

The ball shall remain in play until a score is made or play has been terminated.

If team B legally obtains possession by means of an interception, fumble, blocked kick or an unsuccessful field goal attempt, it may score two points by advancing the ball across team A’s goal line. If team A legally regains possession it may resume its original scoring attempt.

If the team in possession should commit an infraction while advancing the ball it shall forfeit its right to score. If the team not in possession commits the infraction the penalty shall be applied on the ensuing kickoff. If the infraction is committed while neither team is in possession the offending team shall forfeit its right to score.

Note: For infraction on convert attempt, see Rule 8, Section 5.

SECTION 3: TERMINATING A PLAY IN GOAL

A player in possession of the ball in his goal area may terminate the play by dropping on the ground on one knee. The official shall immediately declare the play dead.

SECTION 4: MISCELLANEOUS

No score from a kick-off can be made unless the ball, after it is kicked off, is touched by a player of either team within bounds.

Note: Where a violation under this rule occurs before the ball has been snapped the officials are empowered to stop the play and apply the penalty. Such penalty shall apply without option, however the yardage may be declined. For a violation during the last three minutes of a half, see Rule 1, Section 7, Article 4.

SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 1: LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line, extending from side-line to side-line, parallel

to the goal-line, passing through the point of the ball farthest from Team A’s goal-line.

ARTICLE 2: SCRIMMAGE ZONE

The scrimmage zone is the area extending one yard on each side of the line of scrimmage

and from side-line to side-line.

ARTICLE 3: DEFENSIVE LINE

On a play from scrimmage, players of Team B must line up at least 5 yards back of, and on their own side of the line of scrimmage, until the ball is put into play.

ARTICLE 4: OFFENSIVE LINE

On a play from scrimmage, no players of Team A shall be in a position that will create

doubt as to whether he is on the line of scrimmage.

SECTION 2: METHOD OF SCRIMMAGE

ARTICLE 1: THE CENTER

At the commencement of a scrimmage play one Team A player (the center) shall take up his position facing the opponent’s goal-line with the ball on the playing surface immediately in front of him. He shall put the ball in play by snapping it back between his legs in one continuous motion to another Team A player behind the line of scrimmage. The ball must leave the center’s hands and he shall not touch the ball again until it has been in the possession of another player.

Team A shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside if,

(a) the center fakes a snap, without snapping the ball, or

(b) the center, having assumed his stance holding the ball, bobs his head, moves his shoulders or flexes his knees without snapping the ball.

ARTICLE 2: ILLEGAL MOVEMENT

Team A shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside if,

(a) the quarterback makes a quick movement towards the center position without the ball being

snapped immediately, or

(b) the quarterback, having assumed his stance (5 yards back of center), bobs his head moves his shoulders or flexes his joints in a jerking motion without the ball being snapped, or

(c) the quarterback, having assumed his stance (5 yards back of center), moves away without the ball being snapped.

Either team shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside if a player makes a motion or voices a signal which, in the judgement of the official, is intended to draw an opponent offside.

ARTICLE 3: OFFSIDE - AT THE SNAP

Team A players must be completely behind the line of scrimmage, except that the head, arms, and hands of the center may be in advance of the kine of scrimmage.

If a Team B player is offside on his on his own one yard line.

PENALTY: TEAM A SHALL BE AWARDED A FIRST DOWN OR SCORE MADE.

If a Team B player goes offside and breaks the plane of the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped, the officials shall stop the play immediately and award the penalty, subject to the right of Team A to decline the yardage penalty and order the same down to be repeated as though a foul had never occurred.

If players of both teams are offside on the same play, the same down shall be repeated without penalty from the point of the last scrimmage.

A player of either team who is offside and contacts an opponent, even though he recovers his onside position prior to snap, shall be penalized for being offside.

Team A may put the ball into play without waiting for Team B players to be onside, but an offside penalty cannot be claimed against Team B. Such an offside player shall not interfere with the play in any manner.

ARTICLE 4: TIME COUNT

The referee shall allow Team A 20 seconds in which to put the ball into play. The referee

shall be the sole judge as to when the time count shall commence, after allowing both teams reasonable time in which to line up after the preceding play.

NOTE: After the 2 minute warning has been given in a half the penalty shall be 12D - LD, 3D -

L10 DR.

NOTE: If in the opinion of the referee Team A is taking a deliberate third down time count penalty the referee may order Team A to put the ball in play legally within 20 seconds or forfeit possession to Team B.

SECTION 3: INTERFERENCE

ARTICLE 1: GENERAL DEFINITION

Interference takes place when a player obstructs, blocks, screens, or charges towards an opponent, with or without direct contact, in such a manner that he prevents the opponent’s approach to the ball carrier, potential ball carrier or the ball.

NOTE: For interference on a forward pass play see RULE 6 SECTION 4 ARTICLE 8(B)

For interference on a kicking play see RULE 5, SECTION 4, ARTICLE 3.

SECTION 4: PLACEMENT OF BALL

ARTICLE 1: WITHIN FIVE YARDS OF GOAL LINE

If Team A has possession of the ball within five yards of Team B’s goal-line, it shall be

scrimmaged five yards out from such goal-line.

ARTICLE 2: WITHIN ONE YARD OF GOAL LINE

If Team A has possession of the ball within one yard of their own goal-line, it shall be scrimmaged one yard out from such goal-line.

ARTICLE 3: WITHIN FIFTEEN YARDS OF OWN GOAL

When, on third down, Team A scrimmages on or within its own 15 yard line, Team A may position the ball away from the goal posts towards the closest side-line.

ARTICLE 4: WITHIN FIVE YARDS OF OWN GOAL

If Team A is scrimmaging within 5 yards of its own goal line it shall be permitted to have the ball moved out to the nearest hash mark.

SECTION 5: SERIES OF DOWNS

ARTICLE 1: FIFTEEN YARDS ON THREE DOWNS

Team A shall have three downs in which to gain the required distance of fifteen yards. A

down may be repeated following the application of a penalty against either team. If in a series of

three downs Team A has not gained the required fifteen yards, the ball shall be awarded to the opponents as a first down at the point where the ball becomes dead. If the required fifteen yards are gained a new series of downs begins.

ARTICLE 2: POSITION OF BALL IN MEASURING

Measurement for downs will be done by the official by walking off the required yards

gained.

SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 1: KICKED BALL

A kicked ball is one struck by a player’s foot, or leg below the knee.

NOTE: If the ball accidentally strikes a player’s leg or foot it shall not be ruled as a kicked ball.

ARTICLE 2: DROP KICK

A drop kick is made by dropping the ball from the hands kicking it with the foot just as it rises from the ground.

ARTICLE 3: PLACE KICK

A place kick is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed on the ground and held by a Team A player who shall be considered "offside" with reference to the position of the ball.

On a kickoff the ball may be held, placed on the ground, or placed on a tee, provided that the lowest point of the ball shall be raised not more than one inch above the surface.

On a field goal or convert attempt a kicking tee may be used provided that the ball shall be raised not more than one inch above the playing field.

ARTICLE 4: PUNT

A punt is made by letting the ball fall from the hands and kicking it with the foot before it touches the ground.

ARTICLE 5: DRIBBLED BALL

A dribbled ball occurs when the ball is kicked while not in possession or control of a player, i.e. a loose ball following a fumble, a blocked kick, a kickoff, or a kick from scrimmage. Such a dribbled ball may be touched by the kicker or an onside player without penalty. If touched by an offside player,

If touched by an offside player in the opponent’s goal area.

If touched by an offside player in his own goal area.

NOTE: A ball dribbled by Team A across the line of scrimmage does not interrupt the continuity of downs.

NOTE: A dribbled ball which strikes a goal post shall remain in play.

ARTICLE 6: ONSIDE AND OFFSIDE

An onside player is a member of the kicker’s team who is behind the ball at the instant it is kicked towards the opponent’s deadline.

An offside player is a member of the kicker’s team who is not onside.

An offside player becomes an onside player when the ball, after being kicked towards the opponent’s deadline, touches or is touched by an opponent, the kicker or another onside player.

EXCEPTION: On a kick from scrimmage if a Team B player touches the ball before it crosses the line of scrimmage such touching does not put an offside player of Team A onside.

ARTICLE 7: APPLICATION OF PENALTIES

Under this Rule 5, the penalty for any infraction which occurs after the ball has been kicked and before possession has been gained by the receiving team shall be applied as follows:

(a) Fouls by kicking team ( other than "NO YARDS" to kick receiver or failure to kickoff ten yards)

- At point of last scrimmage , or point of kickoff, or point of actual kick on an open field kick, as the case may be. If the open field kick originates in the goal area , the penalty shall be applied at the ten yard line.

(b) Foul by receiving team (other than contacting the kicker)

- At point receiving team gains possession or is entitled to possession. If possession gained in the goal area penalty shall be applied from receiving team’s 10 yard line.

SECTION 2: KICKOFF

ARTICLE 1: POINTS OF KICK-OFF

The ball shall be kicked-off, by a place kick, from any point between the hash marks on Team A’s:

(a) 35 yard line - at the start of the game, or any half, or after a touchdown.

(b) 35 yard line - after a score of 3 points by the kicking team; or the team scored against may elect to put the ball in play by kick-off or scrimmage from its own 35 yard line.

(c) 35 yard line - after a score of 2 points against the kicking team; or the scoring team may elect to put the ball in play by kick-off or scrimmage from its own 35 yard line.

ARTICLE 2: LEGAL KICK-OFF

(a) The ball, unless touched by an opponent, must be kicked more than ten yards towards the opponents goal.

Note: If team A kicks off for a distance of fewer than 10 yards and recovers the ball, or touches the ball before it goes out of bounds Team B shall have the option to take possession at the point the ball was recovered by Team A, or at the point where the ball went out of bounds.

(b) The ball, unless touched, shall not go out of bounds.

(c) Should the ball be kicked out of bounds in the receiving teams goal area without being touched by a player of either team there shall be no penalty and the ball shall next be put into play by the receiving teams at its 25 yard line.

(d) Should the kicked ball strike the goal post assembly in flight it shall be declared dead immediately and awarded to the receiving team at its 25 yard line.

(e) If the kicked ball is simultaneously recovered by players of both teams, or is simultaneously touched by players of both teams before going out of bounds, the kick-off shall be repeated.

ARTICLE 3: OFFSIDE ON KICK-OFF - TEAM A

At the instant the ball is kicked-off no player from the kicking team shall be in advance of the ball, except the player who may be holding the ball for such kick-off.

ARTICLE 4: OFFSIDE ON KICK-OFF TEAM B

Players on the receiving team must stand at least 10 yards on their own side of the kick-off line when the ball is kicked.

ARTICLE 5: INTERFERENCE BY TEAM B

On a kick-off a player of the receiving team may interfere with an opponent anywhere within bounds commencing from the moment the ball is kicked, provided that contact is made only above the waist of the opponent.

ARTICLE 6: INTERFERENCE BY TEAM A

(a) Before gaining possession - a player of the kicking team shall not be permitted to interfere with an opponent until his team has gained possession.

Penalty: L10 - kick-off repeated, or option.

(b) After gaining possession - if a player on the kicking team recovers the ball on the kick-off his team may then interfere with opponents anywhere within bounds, provided that contact is made only above the waist of the opponent.

SECTION 3: BLOCKED KICK

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITION

A blocked kick is a kick from scrimmage in which, after being kicked, the ball is prevented from crossing the line of scrimmage because of contact with an opponent or player of the kicking team who is offside.

It is not a blocked kick if, on a kick from scrimmage, the ball is touched by, or touches, an opponent or player of the kicking team who is offside and then crosses the line of scrimmage. Such touching of the ball shall be disregarded.

If the kicked ball, after being so touched prior to crossing the line of scrimmage, should strike any part of the goal post assembly in flight without touching the ground, an official or a player, it shall be declared dead immediately and awarded to the receiving team on its 25 yard line.

ARTICLE 2: RECOVERY OF BLOCKED KICK

If the ball is blocked, without going out of bounds, it may legally be recovered by a player of either team. If, however, the ball is recovered by a player of the kicking team the continuing play shall be considered as any other play from scrimmage.

ARTICLE 3: BLOCKED OUT-OF-BOUNDS

Where a ball is kicked and goes out-of-bounds:

(a) On a first and second down it shall belong to the team last touching it in the field-of-play 24 yards in from the side line

(1) at the point where the ball left the field-of-play

(2) at the point where the ball was last touched in the field-of-play - whichever point is closer to the goal line of the team entitled to possession;

(b) On third down it shall belong to the non-kicking team at either of the points set out in (a) above.

ARTICLE 4: BLOCKED THROUGH GOAL AREA

When a kick is blocked in the field of play or goal area and without again being touched the ball goes directly out of bounds in the goal area possession shall be awarded to the opponent’s team as first down at the point of last scrimmage, or the option of 2 points.

Note: This article shall also apply if immediately prior to the ball going out of bounds in the goal area, it is last touched by Team B in the goal area.

AR Team A punt from scrimmage is blocked on A 5 yard line. Team B player touches the ball, without gaining possession, on A 2 yard line before ball crosses goal line and out of bounds in goal area. Ruling - Team B has option of 1^st down at A 2 or a 2 point score.

SECTION 4: KICK FROM SCRIMMAGE AND OPEN FIELD KICK

ARTICLE 1: RESTRICTION ON OFFSIDE PLAYER ( NO YARDS )

( This article does not apply to a "dribbled ball" .)

When on a kick from scrimmage ( ball crosses line of scrimmage ), or on an open field kick, a player is "offside" in relation to his kicker.

(a) He shall not touch the ball, or interfere with an opponent attempting to gain possession of the kicked ball.

(b) He shall allow 5 yard to an opponent attempting to gain possession of the kicked ball. The 5 yard zone is determined by a circle of radius five yards, with the centre point being the ball at the instant it is first touched by an opponent.

(c) The kicker or an onside player may enter the restraining zone and legally recover the kicked ball, but shall not interfere with an opponent attempting to recover the ball.

(d) If the kicked ball has not yet been touched and a player of the receiving team fakes an attempt to recover the ball he may be tackled without penalty. If and offside player touches the ball there shall be not penalty and the ball shall be awarded to the receiving team.

(e) If the kicked ball has not yet been touched and , in the judgement of the official, no effort is being made by either team to recover the ball, he may declare the ball dead and award possession to the receiving team.

ARTICLE 2: KICKED BALL STRIKING GOAL POST ASSEMBLY

(a) If the ball after being kicked should strike the opposing teams goal post assembly in flight the ball shall be declared dead immediately and awarded to the receiving team as first down at its 25 yard line.

(b) A kicked ball striking the goal post assembly after having touched an official, the ground or a player shall remain in play.

(c) A kicked ball striking the kicking teams goal post assembly shall remain in play

(d) If the kicked ball on a field goal or convert attempt should strike the goal post assembly in flight and then proceed through the uprights above the crossbar the score shall count.

ARTICLE 6: RECOVERY OF OWN KICK

The kicker or onside player may recover the kick across the line of scrimmage, in which case the ensuing down shall be first down whether or not the original yardage has been gained.

Following such recovery by the kicker or an onside player, a player of the kicking team may interfere with an opponent provided that contact is made only above the waist of the opponent.

ARTICLE 7: KICK THAT FAILS TO CROSS THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

When a ball kicked from scrimmage fails to cross the line of scrimmage and is recovered by an onside player of the kicking team, the series of downs shall not be interrupted unless after the recovery the yardage required for a first down is gained.

If touched by offside player:

If touched by offside player in his own goal area:

SECTION 1: LATERAL OR ONSIDE PASS

A lateral or onside pass is one thrown, handed, batted or fumbled by a player parallel to or in the direction of his own dead ball line.

A player shall be considered onside to a team-mate in possession of the ball if he is not closer to the opponents deadline than such player in possession.

The point at which the ball is caught, strikes another player, an official, or the ground, or goes out of bounds is the factor which determines whether it is a lateral or an offside pass, regardless of the direction in which it goes afterwards.

A lateral pass striking the ground is not dead and may be recovered by either team without penalty.

When a lateral pass goes out of bounds in the field of play, the ball shall be put in play by scrimmage at a point 24 yards in from the point where the ball went out of bounds.

SECTION 2: HAND-OFF PASS

A hand-off pass is made on a scrimmage play when the ball is handed, but not thrown, by one Team A player to another behind the line of scrimmage. There is no restriction on the number of hand-off passes on any one play.

The player receiving the pass must not occupy the position of lineman.

SECTION 3: OFFSIDE PASS

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITION

An offside pass is made when the ball is directed towards the opponents deadline in any manner other than by being kicked.

A team making an offside pass shall not be permitted to advance the ball or retain possession beyond the point of origin of the pass.

Exceptions: Hand-off Pass ( Rule 6, sec. 2 )

Forward Pass ( Rule 6, sec. 4 )

ARTICLE 2: OFFSIDE PASS IN FIELD OF PLAY

An offside pass shall be ruled as having occurred in the following situations:

(a) On a scrimmage play, a Team A player makes an offside pass after he has crossed the line of scrimmage.

(b) On a play, other than from scrimmage ( e.g. kick return, kick-off return, interception return, fumble return, recovery of onside kick or kick-off ), a player makes an offside pass.

(c) In attempting to catch a forward pass, a Team A eligible receiver tips, deflects, knocks or bats the ball in an offside direction where it is caught by another Team A player who is not eligible as a receiver.

Penalty: Ball to team making offside pass, at point of origin of pass ( downs continue unless yards gained at that point - or option ).

ARTICLE 3: NOT AN OFFSIDE PASS

An offside pass shall be ruled not to have occurred in the following situations:

(a) On a scrimmage play, before the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, a Team A player in possession of the ball makes an offside pass - rule as forward pass.

(b) On a forward pass play, an eligible Team A receiver, in attempting to catch the ball, tips, deflects knocks or bats the ball in an offside direction where it is caught by another eligible Team A receiver.

(c) In attempting to intercept a forward pass, a Team B player directs the ball in an offside direction where it is caught by another Team B player.

(d) On any play where the ball carrier, or player attempting to catch a kicked ball, unintentionally drops or fumbles the ball forward and it is recovered by a player of the same team.

ARTICLE 4: OFFSIDE PASS IN GOAL AREA

(a) If Team A makes an offside pass in its own goal area and retains possession of the ball, Team B shall be awarded 2 points, or option.

(b) If Team B makes an offside pass in its own goal area after gaining possession from a Team A kick, Team A shall be awarded 1 point, or option.

(c) If Team B makes an offside pass in its own goal area after gaining possession by interception of a Team A forward pass, or by recovery of a Team A fumble, it will scrimmage at its own 25 yard line, or option.

(d) If a player deliberately throws the ball out of his own goal area and it is touched or goes out of bounds in the field of play, the play shall be ruled as an offside pass in the goal area and the opponent shall have the option to accept a one or two point score, as applicable, or to accept the play as it is terminated.

Note: This article applies to a ball fumbled from the goal area, into the field of play, and out of bounds without touching an opponent.

SECTION 4: FORWARD PASS

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITION & POSSESSION

A legal forward pass is thrown by any Team A player from a point behind the scrimmage line, towards the opponents dead line, to any eligible receiver or receivers. The ball shall not touch the ground, a goal post or cross bar, an official or any other object. It shall not go out of bounds. The ball is considered to be in the possession of Team A until the pass is ruled complete or incomplete.

ARTICLE 2: ONE FORWARD PASS ON ANY DOWN

Only one forward pass shall be thrown on any down. If a second pass is thrown:

ARTICLE 3: ELIGIBILITY OF PASSER

A pass may be thrown by any Team A player who was behind the scrimmage line when he passed the ball. The passer need not be the first player to receive the ball from the centre.

If pass thrown from point across line of scrimmage:

ARTICLE 5: COMPLETED FORWARD PASS

A pass is completed under the following conditions:

(a) When caught by a Team A eligible receiver, or by two or more such receivers simultaneously.

(b) When caught by a player or, simultaneously, by two players of Team B or when such a pass is touched by, or touches B1 and then is caught by B2 then caught simultaneously by players of both teams who maintain possession until the play is terminated the ball shall be awarded to Team A.

(d) If an eligible receiver of either team catches a pass while off the ground and inbounds, but is carried or pushed out of bounds in possession of the ball, pass shall be ruled as complete at the furthest point of advance.

(e) If an eligible receiver of either team catches a pass near the sideline and touches the ground in bounds with his first step he shall retain possession even if his next step takes him out of bounds.

ARTICLE 6: INCOMPLETE FORWARD PASS

A forward pass shall be declared incomplete and the ball next put into play at the point of the last scrimmage with downs continuing:

(a) When the ball strikes the ground, goal-post assembly, an official, or any object on or back of the goal-line or out-of-bounds (even if previously touched by a player).

(b) When the ball goes out-of-bounds, even though touched by a player in the field-of-play.

(c) when the ball is caught by an eligible of either team while off the ground who, on landing, touches a side-line, a side-line-in-goal, a dead-line, or any object or ground beyond such lines.

(d) When the passer has commenced with his forward passing motion with the ball moving forward and, as a result of contact with an opponent, the ball leaves the passer’s hand and strikes the ground.

ARTICLE 7: INTENTIONAL GROUNDING

If a Team A passer deliberately, in the official’s opinion, throws the ball out of bounds or to an area in which there is not an eligible Team A receiver for the purpose of avoiding los of yardage his team shall be penalized.

ACCEPT TO PLAY AS IT TERMINATED.

ARTICLE 8: INTERFERENCE

Neither Team A or Team B shall be allowed to interfere with an opposing player.

NOTE: Pass interference shall not be penalized if, in the judgement of the official

(I) players of Team A and Team B make contact in a simultaneous attempt to catch or bat the ball, or

(II) the ball has previously been touched by an eligible receiver ,or

(III) the ball is clearly uncatchable.

ARTICLE 9: INTERCEPTION IN THE GOAL AREA

Pass intercepted by Team B in its goal area.

If B in possession of ball is "held" within his goal-area, the ball dead without score.

If B intercepts and then fumbles in attempting to run the ball out of the goal area, the ball may be legally recovered by Team A.

When ball is dead without score, B shall scrimmage it at its 25 yard line, first down.

If Team B, while in possession in its goal area following an interception in goal commits any infraction in the goal area or in the field of play, the penalty shall be applied from the 25 yard line, or option.

If Team B intercepts a pass in its goal area and the play is ruled dead in B’s goal area and Team A is called for ROUGH PLAY Or UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS in the field of play or in the goal area, the penalty shall be applied from Team B’s 25 yard line.

Note: If a Team B player intercepts a pass in the field of play while moving toward the goal his goal line and his momentum carries him into his goal area the play shall be ruled as an interception in goal.

Note: The only score that can result from a Team B interception in its goal area, while the ball remains in the goal area, is a touchdown by Team A following recovery of a Team B fumble.

SECTION 1: ILLEGAL TACTICS

ARTICLE 1: HOLDING

Holding is defined as the use of hands and/or arms to grasp or encircle an opponent. It is

illegal at all times. Holding hands and locking arms during a scrimmage is prohibited.

ARTICLE 2: BLOCKING

Blocking is illegal at all times.

ARTICLE 3: CHARGING

Player must run in upright position. Charging is defined as a player in possession of ball puts head or shoulder down in an attempt to advance the ball.

PENALTY: L15 PBH

ARTICLE 4: ILLEGAL TACKLE

No player shall remove flags from a player who is not involved in the play.

PENALTY: L10 PBD

ARTICLE 5: CONTACTING THE KICKER

It shall be illegal to touch the kicker when he is in the act of kicking from scrimmage,

subject to the following conditions:

(a) If the kicker momentarily fumbles the ball before kicking he shall receive the same protection,

provided he remains in his normal kicking spot. Should he leave this spot or make any motion to pass the ball from the normal kicking spot he shall be considered as a ball carrier.

(b) An opponent who blocks or touches the ball shall not be penalized for contacting the kicker.

(c) An opponent shall not be penalized when a player of the kicking team causes him to contact the kicker.

(d) If, in the referee’s opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kick makes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the play, he shall not be penalized.

(e) This section does not apply to a "quick kick" or to an "open field" kick.

(f) The act of kicking shall begin when the kicker’s kicking foot leaves the ground, and shall terminate when his foot returns to the ground after kicking, or attempting to kick, the ball.

ARTICLE 6: PYRAMIDING

It shall be illegal for a player to use the body of another player or the goal post assembly in any way to elevate himself in an attempt to block a field goal or a convert attempt.

ARTICLE 7: TRIPPING

A player shall not use his leg below the knee to hinder the progress of an opponent, or while attempting a tackle.

ARTICLE 8: FLAG GUARDING

A player may not obstruct his flag in any way as to prevent being tackled.

PENALTY: L15 LD

ARTICLE 9: HURDLING

Offensive hurdling occurs when player in possession of ball has both feet leave the ground to avoid being tackled. (Feet leaving the ground to avoid a fallen player will be legal)

Defensive hurdling occurs when in an attempt to tackle a ball carrier the defensive player has both feet leave the ground.

PENALTY: L15

SECTION 2: MAJOR FOULS

NOTE: THE RULES COMMITTEE HAS DECLARED ITS TOTAL ABHORRENCE OF

ROUGH PLAY AND UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS. OFFICIALS ARE INSTRUCTED THAT NO TOLERANCE WHATSOEVER IS TO BE GIVEN TO INFRACTIONS UNDER THIS SECTION.

ARTICLE 1: GENERAL APPLICATION

(a) The penalty for a major foul shall be applied in addition to:

(i) any other penalty or any other foul, and

(ii) the advantage of any distance gained or score made.

(b) If the foul occurs during a scrimmage play prior to a first down being gained the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied

(i) from the point of the last scrimmage with same down repeated, or

(ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play with the downs continuing.

(c) If the foul occurs during a scrimmage play after a first down has been gained the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied.

i) from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred, or

ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.

(d) If the foul occurs after a change in possession the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied

i) from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred, or

ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.

(e) If the foul occurs when neither team is in possession the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied

i) from the point where possession was gained or deemed to have been gained, or

ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.

(f) If the foul occurs after the play has been terminated the penalty shall be applied from the point where the ball became dead on the play.

(g) If the foul occurs after a scoring play the score shall count and the penalty shall be applied from the point where the ball would normally next be put into play. If the scoring play was a touchdown the penalty shall be applied on the convert or the subsequent kickoff at the option of the non-offending team. If the foul occurs after a convert attempt the penalty shall be applied on the subsequent kickoff.

ARTICLE 2: ROUGH PLAY

A player shall be penalized and subject to disqualification for any act of rough play against an opponent, including but not limited to:

(a) Striking an opponent with the fist, hand, knee or elbow in an excessively rough manner.

(b) Kicking an opponent.

(c) Any other act of excessive roughness considered by the referee to warrant disqualification.

When a player has been disqualified the referee shall inform the coaches of both teams and the official scorer.

In the event of dual fouls under this Article 2 the offending players shall be disqualified and penalties balanced at the point of application. If the fouls occur on a scrimmage play Team A shall be awarded a first down by virtue of the penalty against Team B.

ARTICLE 3: UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS

A player shall be penalized for any act of unnecessary roughness against an opponent, including but not limited to:

(a) Piling by a player who, in an unnecessarily rough manner, falls upon the ball carrier after the play has been terminated.

(b) Contacting an opponent out of bounds in an unnecessarily rough manner.

(c) Contacting the passer in an unnecessarily rough manner.

(d) Unnecessary roughness against the punter, or the kicker or the ball holder on a place kick.

(e) Contacting an opponent above the shoulders in an unnecessarily rough manner.

(f) Any other act of roughness or unfair play, provided it is not considered excessive enough to warrant disqualification.

ARTICLE 4: DISQUALIFICATION

A player shall be disqualified from the game, and substitution permitted, for any act of serious misconduct, including but not limited to:

(a) Rough play against an opponent.

(b) Physical abuse of an official.

(c) Excessive objectionable conduct against and opponent or an official.

A player who has been disqualified from the game shall be required to leave the bench area and not permitted to return.

ARTICLE 5: OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT

A player shall be penalized for any act of objectionable conduct, including but not limited to:

(a) Verbal abuse or objectionable gesture directed at an opponent , official or spectator, or

(b) throwing the ball at an opponent, official or occupant of the team bench area, or

(c) interfering with the placement of the official’s flag marking the spot for a penalty.

If a team continues with objectionable conduct after a penalty has been applied a further penalty may be assessed.

For physical abuse of an official in any manner whatsoever.

Penalty: L25 plus disqualification of the offending player.

SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 1: LOSS OF A DOWN

In any penalty "loss of a down" means the down upon which the foul occurred has used up one of the permissible series of consecutive downs.

ARTICLE 2: LOSS OF YARDS

In any penalty where there is a loss of yardage there shall be no loss of down.

Exception: - Major foul

(see Rule 7, Section 2 )

ARTICLE 3: OPTION PROVIDED

When a foul has been committed on any play, the non-offending team shall be entitled to the penalty, or the option of declining the penalty to take advantage of position, score, down, time, etc. The non-offending team may decline a score to take advantage of a penalty or may decline a penalty to permit a score by the offending team to stand.

In certain cases, where so stated, a penalty shall be applied without option.

SECTION 2: FOULS AND LEGAL GAINS

ARTICLE 1

Should any foul be committed on a play from scrimmage after the yardage necessary for a first down has been gained the penalty shall be applied from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred.

ARTICLE 2

Should any foul be committed on a play from scrimmage during which the yardage necessary for a first down was gained, but the foul occurred prior to the necessary yardage being gained the penalty shall be applied from the point of last scrimmage.

ARTICLE 3

Should any foul be committed after a team has gained possession by a pass, interception, a fumble recovery or a kick the penalty shall be applied from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred.

SECTION 3: DUAL AND DOUBLE FOULS

ARTICLE 1

Double fouls occur when the same team commits one or more fouls on the same play.

The non-offending team shall have the option of accepting either penalty, or may decline the penalties to take advantage of the play as it is terminated. If one of the fouls is a major foul that penalty shall be applied whether or not the non-offending team accepts the penalty or the other foul.

ARTICLE 2

Dual fouls occur when each team commits one or more fouls on the same play.

ARTICLE 3

When on a play from scrimmage not involving a change in possession dual fouls are committed, the following rules shall apply.

(A) If both fouls are committed prior to yards being gained the referee shall cancel the play. If the fouls are of equal value the down shall be repeated at the point of last scrimmage. If the fouls are not of equal value the referee shall apply the penalties for both fouls balancing one penalty against the other from the point of the last scrimmage.

(B) If both fouls are committed after the yards are gained the penalties shall be applied at the point the ball was held at the time of the first foul. However the non-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play as it was completed subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.

(C) If the first foul is committed before yards have been gained and the second foul after yards have been gained the penalties shall be balanced and applied from the last point of scrimmage. However the non-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play as it was completed subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at that normal point of application.

(D) If one of the dual fouls involves a non-yardage penalty (e.g. AFD or LD) it shall be deemed to have the same yardage value as the other foul, in which event the two penalties shall be balanced against each other at the point of the last scrimmage.

ARTICLE 4

When on a play from scrimmage involving a change of possession ( i.e. a kicking play or a forward pass interception , or a play in which a fumble is lost ) dual fouls are committed, the following rules shall apply. For the purpose of this Article 4 "possession" shall be deem not to have changed until the second team has gained possession . A "No yards" infraction shall be deemed to have occurred after the change in possession.

(a) If both fouls are committed before the change in possession the penalties shall be applied as provided in Article 3.

(b) If both fouls are committed after the change in possession the penalties shall be applied and balanced at the point the ball was held at the time of the first infraction. The non-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.

(c) If the first foul is committed before the change in possession and the second foul after the change in possession, the penalties shall be applied and balanced at the point of application for the first foul. The non-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play as it was completed subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.

(d) If both fouls are committed in goal after the second team has gained possession in its own goal area the penalties shall be applied and balanced from the second team’s ten yard line, or the twenty five yard line if possession had been gained by an interception or a fumble.

(e) If the first foul is committed in goal after the change in possession and the second foul in the field of play the penalties shall be applied and balanced from the ten yard line. The non- offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play as it progressed subject to the penalty against itself at the normal point of application.

ARTICLE 5

When on a kickoff play dual fouls are committed, the following rules shall apply:

(a) If both fouls are committed before possession has been gained the penalties shall be applied and balanced at the point of kickoff with the kickoff repeated. No option.

(b) If both fouls are committed after possession has been gained the penalties shall be applied and balanced at the point of application for the first foul. The non-offending team on the first foul may decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.

(c) If the first foul has been committed before possession has been gained and the second foul after possession has been gained the penalties shall be applied and balanced at the point of kickoff with the kickoff repeated. The non-offending team on the first foul may decline the penalty against the opponent subject to penalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.

SECTION 4: RESTRICTION NEAR A GOAL LINE

ARTICLE 1

If a distance penalty is applied within 30 yards of the offending teams goal line it shall not exceed one half the distance between the point from where the penalty is applied and said goal line. In no case shall the ball be scrimmaged within the one yard line.

ARTICLE 2

In no case shall a distance penalty applied from a point outside the offending teams 30 yard line bring the ball closer to the goal line than the offending teams 15 yard line. ( This applies to a 25 yard penalty.)

ARTICLE 3

Where an unrestricted penalty would have resulted in yards gained or goal line reached by Team A , a first down shall be awarded.

ARTICLE 4

If double fouls are called against the same team, one of which is for a major foul, the penalties shall be applied consecutively. The normal penalty shall be applied first, followed by the penalty for the major foul. Each penalty shall be subject to the limitation of half the distance to the goal line although the aggregate of the two penalties be greater than half the distance to the goal line from the point of application of the first penalty.

SECTION 5: FOUL ON CONVERT

ARTICLE 1

If a foul is committed on a convert attempt the non-offending team may:

(a) Apply the penalty from PLS with the convert attempt repeated, or

(b) Accept the play as it terminated with the penalty applied on the subsequent kickoff.

ARTICLE 2

If either team commits an infraction before the ball can be snapped the penalty may be applied from PLS or, at the option of the non-offending team, on the subsequent kickoff.

ARTICLE 3

If either team commits a Major foul after the convert attempt the penalty shall be applied on the subsequent kickoff.

ARTICLE 4

If time has expired in the period the kickoff will take place at the start of the following period. If game time has expired no further play shall be permitted.

SECTION 6: FOUL IN GOAL

ARTICLE 1: FOUL IN OWN GOAL

(a) If Team A commits a foul while in possession of the ball in its goal area, the penalty shall be applied from PLS or option.

Exception - See Intentional Grounding - Rule 6, Section 4, Article 7, Offside Pass - Rule 6, Section 3, Article 4.

(b) If Team B commits a foul in its goal area while in possession of the ball in its goal area, Team A may elect to:

(i) accept the one or two point score, if applicable, or

(ii) decline the penalty and accept the play as it terminated, or

(iii) decline the score and require the penalty to be applied against Team B from its 10 yard line.

If the foul is committed outside the goal area while Team B is in possession of the ball in its goal area the penalty shall be applied from Team B’s 10 yard line or option.

Exception - see interception in goal area - Rule 6, Section 4, Article 9, and recover of opposite fumble in goal area - Rule 1, Section 9, Article 7.

ARTICLE 2: FOUL IN OPPONENT’S GOAL AREA

If a team commits a foul in the opponents goal area the penalty shall be applied as though the foul had occurred in the field of play. However, where the yardage penalty would otherwise be applicable in the goal area it shall be applied as follows:

(a) If the foul occurs before a score is made , the score shall be disallowed and the penalty shall be applied form the goal line.

(b) If the foul occurs after a score is made, the score shall count and the penalty applied from the point where the ball is next put into play. If the scoring play was a touchdown the non- offending team may elect to have the penalty applied on the convert or subsequent kickoff.

(c) If foul occurs after interception in goal area see Rule 6, section 4, Article 9.

(d) If Team A makes an offside pass in Team B’s goal area in the act of completing a forward pass, i.e. the ball is touched by an ineligible Team A receiver in Team B’s goal area, and deflected in a offside direction where it is caught by another Team A player who is not eligible as a receiver, the pass shall be ruled as caught by the second Team A player at the point where it was touched by the first Team A player.

SECTION 1: GENERAL DEFINITION

Interference takes place when a player obstructs, blocks, screens or charges towards an opponent, with or without direct contact, in such a manner that he prevents the opponents approach to the ball carrier, potential ball carrier or the ball.

SECTION 2: INTERFERENCE ON A FUMBLED BALL

ARTICLE 1

A player shall not deliberately interfere with an opponent attempting to recover a fumble, including but not limited to a loose ball following a blocked kick, a dribbled ball or a wild snap from the centre.

If foul occurs in the goal area the ball shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

(a) At the 10 yard line if the foul occurred in the offending team’s goal area, or

(b) At the 25 yard line if the foul occurred in the non-offending team’s goal area.

If in attempting to recover a fumbled ball two or more players come into contact the play shall not be ruled as interference.

(a) The team with the least number of forfeits

(b) Has won the greater number of games played against the other tied club(s), or

(c) Has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against the other tied club(s)

(d) Has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against the other tied club(s)

(e) Team has won the greater number of games played against all clubs.