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 Youth Sports Unlimited SCV – Official NFL FLAG League

Our league is built on fun, competition, player development, and sportsmanship. We are committed to creating a safe and structured environment where athletes can grow both on and off the field.

Below is a clear overview of game structure, rules, division differences, and overall game flow.

 Please note: Certain rules, game timing, and number of players on the field may vary slightly from traditional NFL FLAG guidelines. These adjustments allow us to accommodate other leagues and organizations throughout Santa Clarita that operate in a 6-on-6 format. 

We encourage all parents and coaches to review the guidelines carefully to help make the season smooth, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.

 General Format 

•  6-on-6 format with a running clock ( If we need to run a 5-on-5 or 4-on-4 to support any absent athletes we can)
• No tackling, flag pulling only
• No blocking or screen blocking 
• No fumbles (ball is dead when it hits the ground) 
• All players are eligible receivers

 Game Clock 

• Two (2) 20 -minute halves   
•  Halftime - 5 minute break between halves. 
• Running clock
• One (1) timeout per half
• Clock stops for injuries and official timeouts

Start of Game Procedure

• Team captains meet at midfield for coin toss
• Visiting team calls the toss
• Winner chooses offense or defense 
• Loser chooses field direction
• No deferring
• Teams switch sides at halftime
• Team that starts with the ball begins the 2nd half on defense

Field Set up 

• 25 yards wide × 50 yards long 
• Two 5 -yard end zone

No-Run Zones (4th–5th Grade & Above Only)

• 5 yards before midfield
• 5 yards before the goal line
• All plays in these zones must be passes

Possession & Downs (Easy Breakdown)  - Different them NFL Flag Rules (Please Review) 

Four (4) Downs to Reach Midfield 

• Offense starts at their own 5-yard line
• Team has 4 downs to cross midfield
• If offense cross midfield, they receive Four (4) downs to score
• Fail to cross midfield, possession changes

Four (4) Downs to Score After Midfield 

• Once across midfield, the offense has another 4 downs to score
• If they fail to score, ball changes possession at the opponent’s 5-yard line

  ****4th Down Decision (Before Midfield) 

If the offense has not crossed midfield on 4th down, the referee will ask the Head Coach to declare: 

• "Punt” or “Play”

If “Punt” is declared:

• Ball is placed at the opponent’s 5-yard line 
• No actual kicking

If “Play” is declared:

• Offense attempts to reach midfield 
• If successful, they get 3 downs to score
• If unsuccessful, opponent takes possession at that spot

***Coaches must declare immediately

***Delay may result in delay-of-game penalty

***Timeout may be used to change decision before play clock expires

Offensive Rules 

• Quarterback cannot run unless the ball is handed off first
• Handoffs, laterals, and pitches allowed behind line of scrimmage
• 7-second pass clock (automatic dead play if exceeded)
• QB becomes eligible receiver after handoff or lateral

Defensive Rules 

 Pass Rush (4th–5th Grade & Above)

• Rushers must start 7 yards behind line of scrimmage
• Rush allowed after handoff or lateral
   

Flag Pulling

• No tackling
• No pushing
• No jersey grabbing
• Must pull flag cleanly

Scoring 

• Touchdown = 6 points
• Extra Point = 1 point from 5-yard line (pass only) 
• Extra Point = 2 points from 10-yard line (run or pass) 
• Safety: 2 points
• Forfeits will be scored 35-0 for the winning team.

*****Interceptions returned for scores during a regulation scrimmage down are worth 6 points. 1 and 2 pt. extra point conversions or overtime interceptions returned are worth 2 points.

****The coaches, officials and scorekeeper must verify the score sheet. If a coach does not verify the score sheet before

leaving the field, the scorekeeper will note on that score sheet and the score will be FINAL.

Division Differences 

Kindergarten -  3rd Grade 

• No No-Run Zones (can run anywhere)
• Defense lines up 5 yards back
• Pass rush allowed only after legal handoff
• Coaches may assist on field (must move before snap)
• 
  

 4th – 5th Grade & Above (Coed Youth)

• Standard No-Run Zones apply
• 7-second pass clock enforced
• Rushers must start 7 yards back
• No blocking or screening allowed
• Offensive players may not impede defenders

Overtime (Playoffs & Championships Only)

Regular season games may end in a tie. 

Overtime is used only during playoffs and championship games.

Format Overview:

• Coin toss determines first possession
• Teams alternate attempts
• No timeouts in overtime
• Interceptions can be returned for points
• Final score includes overtime points

 Substitutions & Playing Time

• Substitutions allowed on any dead ball 
• Coaches must rotate players 
• Equal playing time is required

Equipment Requirements 

• Mouthguards required  
• Official NFL FLAG reversible jersey
• Official No-Pocket NFL FLAG Shorts
• Official NFL FLAG belt & flags
   

Sportsmanship Policy 

• No flag guarding, stiff arms, or charging
• No excessive celebrations or taunting
• No negative comments toward officials
• Coaches must maintain control of sidelines
• Parents and spectators must model positive behavior