S3 Flag Gridiron Homebush [Thu] Rules

THE TEAM 

5-aside

Each team fields five (5) players on the field.
Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players

  • Minimum one (1) female player

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants

Teams can start with a minimum 4 players, those players can be all one gender, if the league is an open league.

Please refer to our Default, Forfeit and Substitute Policy for full eligibility rules.

SUBTITUTES 

Substitutes are permitted provided they:

  • Have created an Urban Rec account, and
  • Have signed the most up-to-date Urban Rec waiver

Unlimited substitutions are permitted between plays (downs)

GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME 

The game is played in two (2) 18 min halves with a few minutes break at half time. If there are games that run long, or short, this may affect the set time for the game, and the halves. At half time, teams will swap ends of the field.

Each team receives one (1) 30-second timeout per half. Timeouts do not carry over.

FIELD BOUNDARIES

The playing field is generally 55 metres (60 yards) long and 21 metres (25 yards) wide, some variations may occur depending on the venue.

STARTING THE GAME Captains will Scissors, Paper, Rock to see who has first possession or they can choose direction of play instead. The team who does not win, will have first possession in the second half. Every offensive possession begins from the team's 5-yard line, except following an interception return. There are no kick-offs.
 

SCORING Each ‘touchdown’ is worth 6 points. Once a touchdown is scored teams can elect to go for;

  • 1 point conversion (from 5 yards)
  • 2 point conversion (from 10 yards)

A safety is worth 2 points. Interceptions on conversion attempts may be returned for points.

RULE SPECIFICS

STARTING PLAY

Every play begins with a legal snap between the centre’s legs to the quarterback.

  • Only the Quarterback (QB) may receive the snap.
  • Direct snaps to any otehr player are not permitted.
  • The centre may not receive an immediate handoff back from the quarterback.
OFFENSIVE PLAY

Only one forward pass is permitted on each down and it must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.

Only one offensive player may be in motion before the snap. The player must not be moving toward the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

The offence may use:

  • Backward handoffs
  • Laterals
  • Pitches

provided they all occur behind the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage:

  • No further passes
  • No handoffs
  • No laterals

are permitted.

The player receiving a handoff or lateral behind the line of scrimmage may legally throw the forward pass. Spinning is permitted.

Players may not:

  • Dive
  • Hurdle
  • Jump to avoid a defender
  • Lower the shoulder to gain an advantage

The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled.

DOWNS & POSSESSION

Every offensive possession begins on the team’s 5-yard line.

The offence has:

  • Four (4) downs to cross midfield.
  • Once midfield has been crossed, a further four (4) down to score.

Failure to achieve either results in a turnover on downs.

All new possessions, except interceptions, begin from the offence’s 5-yard line.

An automatic first down awarded by penatly overrides the down count.

RECEIVING

All players are eligible receivers.

The quarterback may become an eligible receiver after legally handing off or lateralling the football.

Receivers must have at least one foot in bounds when completing a catch.

QUARTERBACK RUSH

Defensive players must begin 7 yards for intermediate division or 10 yards for recreational division behind the line of scrimmage to rush the quarterback.

The rusher must clearly nominate themselves before the snap by raising a hand.

Once the ball is snapped, the nominated defender may rush immediately.

Blocking and tackling are not permitted.

DEFENSIVE PLAY

Flag pulling is the only legal method of stopping the ball carrier.

Defenders may:

  • Pull flags
  • Deflect passes
  • Intercept passes

Defenders may not:

  • Tackle
  • Block
  • Push
  • Hold
  • Strip the football

Pass interference results in a 5-yard penalty and replay of the down.


INTERCEPTIONS

An interception immediately changes possession.

Interceptions may be returned.

If the interceptor is downed inside their own end zone, play results in a touchback and the next offensive drive begins from the 5-yard line.

If the interceptor leaves the end zone, possession begins where the play becomes dead.

DEAD BALLS

The ball becomes dead when:

  • A player's flag is legally pulled.
  • The ball carrier touches the ground with any part of the body other than hands or feet.
  • The ball carrier steps out of bounds.
  • A touchdown or safety is scored.
  • A player's flag falls off before being legally pulled.
  • A fumble occurs.

If a player's flag falls off during play, the ball is spotted where the flag first falls.

Players without legally attached flags may not receive the ball.

Fumbles are dead balls and possession remains with the offence at the spot of the fumble.

Substitutions may only occur between plays

PENALTIES

Unless otherwise specified:

  • All penalties are 5 yards.
  • Penalties cannot exceed half the distance to the goal line.
  • Defensive penalties cannot end the game unless declined by the offence.

Common penalties include:

  • Offside
  • Illegal Contact
  • Pass Interference
  • Flag Guarding
  • Delay of Game
  • Illegal Rush

The quarterback has 20 seconds to begin each play.

Failure to snap the ball before the play clock expires results in a 5-yard penalty and loss of down.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Flag Pulling Technique

  • Flags must be worn securely on each hip, clearly visible and unobstructed.
  • Defenders should make a genuine attempt to pull the flag only.
  • Grabbing clothing, pushing players or making unnecessary contact may be penalised, even if a flag is eventually pulled.
  • Our aim is to reward good defensive technique, not physicality.

Quarterback Pressure

  • Defenders should rush under control.
  • Launching at, intimidating or making unnecessary contact with the quarterback may result in an illegal contact penalty, even if no tackle occurs.
  • Remember, you're rushing a passer, not sacking one.

Flag Guarding

  • Ball carriers must make the flag accessible.
  • Using the ball, hands, elbows or body to deliberately shield or protect the flag from a defender is considered Flag Guarding and will be penalised.
  • Good footwork beats hidden flags.

Playing the Ball

  • When contesting a pass, players should make a genuine attempt to play the football.
  • Making significant contact with an opponent before attempting to play the ball may be ruled pass interference.
  • Play the ball, not the body.
URBAN REC SPECIFICS
FUN FIRST POLICY 

All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed
  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play
  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

DISCIPLINE

League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

  • Ask the player to sub off and take a break
  • Issue further warnings
  • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

INCLUSION

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome
  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported
  • Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.
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