To all Flag Footballers, we appreciate your attendance last saturday for the friendly matches. It's the 11th week already! Training is on the 29th June and 2nd July.

Training grounds:
29th June - Admin Field (the field at cheers)
2nd July- Blk 50 field (field near SIM/ block 50)

Training times:
5pm to 7pm

Wet-weather plan (if it stops raining we can resume training):
29th June - gather at Cheers
2nd July - gather under Makan Place

Gear:
Boots (soccer boots)
FBTs or running shorts
T-Shirt (dry-fit preferable)

You're welcome to bring along friends to join in. Don't forget to bring your gear!

Cheers,
FFB Committee

Hey all flag footballers! In view of the upcoming match with SIM, we have attached the rules and regulations of the game. This is to inform you on the gameplay. There will be training on 18th June 2010. The timing and location will be sent to your emails respectively. Cheers

Game Flow and Penalty Summary for SFFA 7-on-7 Playing Rules (v.1-2009)

General principles in penalty enforcement:
1. Offended teams can decline all fouls and penalties except: a) When the fouls are player conduct fouls, and b) When otherwise stated.
2. When penalties are accepted, downs are repeated unless otherwise specified.
3. When there are simultaneous fouls that keep the ball in play, only the net yardage will be enforced.
4. When fouls result in dead balls, only the penalty of the first foul is enforced. 5. When fouls that result in dead balls happen simultaneously, the play is repeated.
6. Each team will designate three (3) team captains at the coin toss. The captains are the only players allowed to approach, speak to, argue calls, etc. Any unauthorized player on the field or on the sideline complaining to or abusing the game officials will be given a WARNING. Should he continue, a 10 yard penalty (still same down) will be given to that team. Should he still persist, an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty (Yellow Card) will be assessed.
7. The Referee’s Call on the playing field stands. Requests for Review related to the outcome of the game will NOT be entertained.

I. Timing the Game
A. Game Timing
1. Duration of the game is thirty (30) minutes, divided into fifteen (15) minute halves.
2. Halftime break is five (5) minutes long but may be shortened by game officials.
3. A two (2) minute warning shall mark the last two (2) minutes of the 2nd half and the clock shall be stopped. From then on, the clock will be stopped according to dead ball rules. 4. Running time shall be used for the rest of the game except during point-after attempts and timeouts, when the clock is stopped.
5. Timeouts will last for one (1) minute. Each team has two (2) timeouts per half.
6. Ties will be settled by a single overtime period applying the one-stop-one-score rule on point after attempts.


II. Starting the game
1. The field dimensions are 100 yards in length x 40 yards in width (300 x 120 feet). This is inclusive of two end zones on each side of the field, which measure 10 yards in length and 40 yards in width.
2. The away team jerseys calls the coin-toss.
3. The winner of the coin toss picks the option for the first half. (Possession or field)
4. Each team is composed of seven (7) players on the playing field.

III. Offense
1. To avoid forfeiture, a team must have at least seven (7) players to start a game. Only seven (7) players are allowed at a time on offense. An illegal player on field (more than seven players on field) will be penalized 5 yards from the previous spot and the play is declared dead.
2. Illegal formation is committed when a. there are less than three offensive linemen b. another lineman other than the offensive center snaps the ball c. offensive players in the backfield (except the quarterback) are less than one yard behind the linemen. d. an offensive lineman’s head does not cross the waist of the centere. an offensive player lines up out of bounds at snapf. there are more than or less than four (4) players on the line of scrimmage Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
3. The offense has four (4) downs to advance the ball 15 yards. If the offense fails to gain a new set of downs, the opposing offense will start at the spot of the turnover.
4. Delay of game penalty is committed when offense takes more than 40 seconds to snap the ball. Ball is dead. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
5. Prior to snap, offense is in illegal motion if there is: a. more than one player in motion b. player’s motion is towards the LOSc. motions does not occur at least one (1) yard behind the LOSPenalty is 5 yards from previous spot.
6. Prior to snap, it is a false start if: a. linemen are moving after set in stance b. receivers move when not in legal motionc. quarterback moves head or arms as if to take snap and ball is not snapped (fake snap)d. Once the center has set the ball on the ground, he is NOT allowed to move the ball without releasing it.e. center moves before releasing ball Ball is dead. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot. (NO DECLINE)
7. At the snap, lining up in the neutral zone (which is defined as the length of the football where it is spotted) is penalized 5 yards from previous spot and the ball is dead. Only the centre may line up in the neutral zone.Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
8. An incomplete exchange at DIRECT SNAP between center and the quarterback that results in the ball touching the ground is a dead ball and a used down. Ball is spotted where dead.
An incomplete exchange at SHOTGUN (e.g. ball dropped by QB; ball sails over QB’s head and lands on the ground) is a live ball and can be recovered by any player.
9. An illegal block occurs when it is a. performed with body part other than open palm or forearmb. performed on the back of a player (unless that player gives his back to the blocker)c. done with arms extended sideways d. block performed below waist or above the neck e. block performed without at least one foot on the ground Penalty: Illegal block behind or on LOS, 10 yards from previous spot. Illegal block beyond LOS, 10 yards from spot of foul.
10. If a lineman loses contact with a defensive player and crosses the LOS on a passing down, he is an illegal man downfield, unless 1) a forward pass has been thrown by offensive player, or 2) the offense executes a running play. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
11. It is an illegal touch if:a. eligible receiver steps out of bounds, returns, and is the first to touch a forward pass, except when forced out by defensive player b. ineligible receiver is the first to touch a forward pass Penalty is 5 yards from previous spot.
12. It is offensive pass interference when a catchable pass is in the air and an offensive player establishes contact with defensive player to gain undue advantage before he touches the ball. Penalty: 10 yards from previous spot and loss of down.
13. When offensive player has the ball, it is an offensive foul if:a. runner leads with his head or shoulders Penalty: 10 yards from spot of foul and used down
b. runner or his teammates protect the flag with hands, arm, or ball Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and used down
c. runner stiff-arms another player Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and used down
d. offensive players push the runner to move forwardPenalty: 10 yards from spot of foul and used down.
e. runner leaves feet and lunges forward to gain yards if defensive players are in proximityPenalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and used down
14. It is an illegal forward pass when:a. ball is thrown from behind LOS after the ball has crossed line Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot and used down
b. ball is thrown from beyond LOS Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and used down
c. it is the second forward pass from behind LOSPenalty: 5 yards from previous spot and used down
d. ball is intentionally grounded (can only occur within the pocket) Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot and loss of down; It is a safety if it happens in end zone
15. The offense shall line up with 3 men on the line, a center (who snaps the ball), a tackle and a tight end. The center must line up in between tackle and tight end. Both the center and tackle are ineligible receivers, while the tight end is the only eligible receiver among them. The tight end must raise his hand before the snap until he is acknowledged by the head official. Penalty: Loss of down
16. The quarterback (first person to have possession of the ball off the snap) is only allowed to cross the line of scrimmage once per drive. Penalty: Loss of down
17. Pitches, laterals and any other type of pass (forward or backward) are not allowed beyond the LOS. Penalty: Loss of down, ball returns to previous spot.

IV. Defense
1. A team must have at least seven (7) players avoid forfeit. Only seven players are allowed on defense.
2. An illegal player on field (more than seven total players) will be penalized 5 yards from the previous spot and the play is declared dead.
3. The defense must have at least two (2) players on their line. The two defensive linemen must be in a 3 or 4 point stance, and have at least half their body within the tackle box. Illegal formation is committed when the above rule is not adhered to: Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot 4. It is offside when: a. defense lines up in the neutral zone prior to the snapb. defense is in the neutral zone at the snap Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
5. It is encroachment when defensive player crosses LOS and touches an offensive player or goes unabated to the quarterback before the ball is snapped. The ball is dead. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot. (NO DECLINE)
6. Removing runner’s flagThe only allowable method of stopping the progress of a runner is by pulling the flags. The ball is dead where the runner’s feet are when flag is pulled except in cases when the ball has crossed the goal line, in which case it is a touchdown.
Note: A runner is down only if:a. Either of his flags were removed after he has gained possession of the ball, b. if he has at least one knee or an equivalent on the groundc. he is tagged deliberately by a defensive player with at least one hand after the flags were removed illegally.
If any of the procedures are accompanied by a simultaneous attempt to down a runner (defensive player is holding on to runner while another defensive player or players pull the flags), the runner is considered live until legally downed.
7. It is defensive holding if:a. defense uses hands illegally to impede a ball carrier’s or any offensive player’s progress beyond the LOS Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and first down.b. If defense grabs and pulls jersey, pants, or shorts of offensive players, it is guilty of holding. Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and first down. 8. It is tripping if defensive player clearly interferes with the motion of the feet of an offensive player. Penalty: 5 yards from spot of foul and first down if runner behind the LOS or offensive player (with or without the ball) beyond the LOS; Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot if offensive player without the ball on or behind the LOS

9. It is ball-swiping if defensive player uses any part of his body to release the ball from a runner’s possession. Penalty: 5 yards from the previous spot if runner is behind LOS Penalty: 5 yards from the spot of the foul if runner is across LOS.
10. It is illegal contact downfield if defender establishes contact with a receiver 5 yards after the LOS and the ball has not been thrown the receiver’s way. Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.
11. It is defensive pass interference when: a. a catchable pass is in the air; andb. the defensive player establishes contact with offensive player and gains undue advantage before defensive player touches the ball or while the offensive player has a chance at catching the ball.
Penalty: first down at spot of foul; or first down at goal-line if foul occurs in the end zone.
12. It is roughing the passer if a defensive player hits the body, head or arm of the passer, pushes or throws him down, trips him. Penalty: 10 yards from previous spot and automatic first down pass is incomplete; Penalty: 10 yards from point of completion and first down if pass is complete.The exceptions are: a. if the defensive player, without hitting the passer, cleanly removes the flags of the passer, after which, contact with the passer is made; b. if after pressuring the passer, and after the ball has been released, the defensive player bear-hugs the passer to keep him from falling.
13. If a sack and pass occur simultaneously, the pass is favored.
14. A defensive player, who is not part of the defensive line, must be 7 yards away from the spot of the ball if he shall rush the quarterback.Penalty: 5 yards from previous spot.

V. KICKING
1. The ball will be kicked off at the start of every half, and after every score.
2. The ball will be kicked off from the 20 yard line, with no member of the kicking team being ahead of the 20 yard line prior to the ball being kicked off.Penalty: Re-kick 5 yards back from the previous spot.
3. The receiving team shall not cross the 40 yard line prior to kick off.Penalty: Re-kick 5 yards ahead from the previous spot.
4. The ball must travel at least 20 yards before the kicking team is allowed to recover the ball.Penalty: Re-kck 5 yards back from the previous spot.
5. If the ball is kicked out of bounds, the receiving team may take the ball 10 yards ahead of the spot where the ball went out of bounds, or opt for a re-kick 10 yards behind the previous spot.
6. If the ball goes out of bounds, then the ball will be spotted where it crosses the boundary. If the ball lands in or across the end zone, then it is a touchback, and the ball will start on the 10 yard line of the receiving team.

VI. PUNTING
1. The same offensive and defensive formations apply to the kicking and receiving team respectively.
2. No player of the kicking team may recover or advance the ball unless it is first touched by a member of the receiving team. If a member of the kicking team recovers the ball after the punt, the ball is dead at the spot of the recovery.
3. No player of the kicking team may contact the ball to make it go forward. Penalty: 10 yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
4. The player catching the punt may call for a fair catch by waving his arm clearly above his head. No member of the kicking team may interfere with the catch if a fair catch is called.Penalty: 10 yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
5. If the ball is first touched by a member of the receiving team and then fumbled, then the ball is live and either team may advance the ball.
6. If the ball goes out of bounds, then the ball will be spotted where it crosses the boundary. If the ball lands in or across the end zone, then it is a touchback, and the ball will start on the 10 yard line of the receiving team.

VII. Equipment
1. The officials will stop the clock if necessary to ensure that proper playing equipment is being used on the field.
2. If flags are found by an official to be incomplete on any player on the field, it is Illegal Procedure. Penalty: 5 yards. The other team can decline the penalty.
* If the flags fall off a player on offense during the play, the defensive player needs only to touch the player with one hand to rule him down.
3. If a player attempts to manipulate playing equipment during a game for his or his team’s advantage, that player will be called for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul. He will be removed from that game and suspended for two succeeding games. His team will be penalized 20 yards and a down from the previous spot.

VIII. Scoring
1. Each touchdown will merit six (6) points. A TD is counted once the ball crosses the plane of the end zone PRIOR to any of the player’s flags being pulled or being ruled down.
2. Point after attempts from the 10-yard line will merit two (2) points. Point after attempts from the five-yard line merit one (1) point.
3. Each safety merits two (2) points.
4. If a referee determines that a palpably unfair act deprived a team of a touchdown (touchdown would have been scored without doubt had the foul not occurred), the touchdown will count and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be enforced.

VII. Player Conduct
The jurisdiction on these Rules applies not only to the playing field, but also to the entire area of responsibility of where the games are being held.
To promote fair play and ensure the safety of players, excessive roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct receive heavy penalties.
In addition, player conduct is monitored using a Card System. Please be aware of the following:
1. Any player, coach or team official who, by his act, word or conduct tries to intimidate, threaten, incite or start a fight or a free-for-all or is in the act of hurting anyone during or immediately after the game, or a player penalized with excessive roughness or repeated illegal contact (holding, extending the arms to block, etc.) or unsportsmanlike conduct (abusing the game officials, excessive taunting, etc.) shall be penalized with a Yellow Card. No warnings are necessary prior to giving the SECOND Yellow Card.
2. If a team walks out of the game for whatever reason, the game officials shall immediately inform the team to return and continue the game within five (5) minutes. If after the five (5) minute grace period the team still does not return to the field, the referee shall forfeit the team and all roster members will be assessed Yellow Cards. The rules for Yellow Cards shall follow for these players.
3. A player with an existing Yellow Card, who is called for another foul of excessive roughness, repeated illegal contact or unsportsmanlike conduct, will automatically receive a SECOND Yellow Card. Two (2) Yellow Cards is equal to one Red Card. A Red Card carries an ejection from that game and suspension for at least the next playable game.
4. A player, who exhibits no regard for the safety of other players, assumes a threatening posture against another player or instigates a fight, will automatically receive a Red Card. If a player accumulates two (2) Red Cards within the same tournament, he is disqualified for a period of no less than 1 full year (365 or 366 days) from the date of the disqualification.
5. A player who deliberately attempts to hurt another player or throws a punch automatically receives two (2) Red Cards and is disqualified for a period of no less than 1 full year (365 or 366 days) from the date of the disqualification.
6. Any player proven to be in possession or in the act of using any illegal substance(s) will be suspended for a period of at least one (1) year. His reinstatement after this period will not be automatic. Should he wish to be reinstated, a formal letter requesting reinstatement together with valid drug test results (at his own expense) proving he is clear of the said illegal substance(s) are to be submitted.
7. Any player disqualified for 1 full year (365 or 366 days) is not allowed to act in any player capacity for his team. This includes coaching, scouting, refereeing, etc. This player may however be allowed to watch the games as a fan or spectator.
8. TWO STRIKE RULE – Any disqualification for 1 full year (365 or 366 days) will be counted as a STRIKE against that player. Should a player be disqualified for the second time, therefore a 2nd STRIKE, he is banned from playing. This 2 Strike Rule applies to all players and league members of the PFFL.
9. The captains are responsible for promoting fair play and safety on their teams. They are also responsible to know what the yellow and red card status of his players is. Games where a suspended player participates in will be ruled in forfeit. If the Commissioner requests for a Team Captains Meeting, each team must send one of their captains or an approved representative to attend.