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2024 CQL Spring Flag Football Rules

03/06/23 Revised

Player Registration

● Player Levels 7U, 9U, 11U & 14U based on ages as of July 31st, 2024
7U - 5, 6 & 7
9U - 8 & 9
11U - 10 & 11
14U - 12, 13 & 14

● Player Eligibility includes verification of Age, Schooling Zone, & Association currently active the previous year.

● There will be no waivers for Spring 7x7, only approved loaners by Voting Reps & Northern/Southern Commissioners.

● If any levels of an Association are not participating in spring, their players are eligible to play at another Association for Spring Only but must return to Home Association for Fall of 2024.

Association Requirements

● Only active Associations are eligible for 7x7.

● Any new Associations requesting participation must be approved by the Executive Board and voted on by Voting Reps for Spring Participation Only.

● All Non-Chesterfield Resident Players are eligible based on current CQL By-Laws

● All Coaches must have a current Chesterfield County Coaches card, All NEW Coaches must be approved by Chesterfield County's Background Check with current coaches card prior to the season.

● Coaches Cards MUST be on persons and displayed while on the field.

● All Spring Player Shirts will be provided by CQL, price is included in Player Cost.

● GAMES WILL BE READY PLAY after the first set is played.

Game Rules, Equipment & Field Setup

● Flags must be a contrasting color to team colors, pop flags will be provided by the league ... these are the ONLY flags that will be acceptable to wear during all games. (SHIRTS MUST BE TUCKED IN)

● Mouth guards are required.

● Football sizes: 7U/9U: K2, 11U: TDJ, 14U TDY – Home team to provide game ball.

● The 7×7 game will be played on a 40 yard field (100 yard field split in half) with two-20 minute halves (running clock).

● There is a 25-second play clock in between plays.

● Each team gets 2 timeouts per game (used at any time)

● Only ONE Coach per team is allowed on the field at a time. The Defensive Coach must be 10 yards behind the defensive line.

● Halftime will be 5 minutes.

● The Home Team is responsible for field setup and break down.

2024 CQL SPRING 7x7 Flag Football

03/06/23 Revised

Offense (9U, 11U & 14U Only)

● All possessions will start on the 40 yard line and the offensive team can achieve only one first down when they reach the 20 yard line.

● The offense must have a center to snap the ball to the quarterback (under center or shotgun). Ball must be snapped from the ground

● Only forward pass plays are allowed and must be beyond the line of scrimmage. The quarterback only has four seconds to pass the ball. Pitches or handoffs are not allowed behind the line of scrimmage. Under hand pitches that go beyond the line of scrimmage are legal.

● The center is eligible to receive a pass.

● A fumble is considered a dead ball.

● No blocking or contact is allowed.

● Offensive receivers not catching the ball must stop when the ball is caught. No blocking is allowed.

● Quarterback is allowed to step outside the 45 yard line without being penalized.

● Offensive player with football cannot flag guard or stiff arm a defensive player at any level.

● Penalty against offensive will be dead ball at the point of infraction.

Defense

● Tackling or other contact is not allowed.

● The defensive player must make an effort to pull the flag of the offensive player.

● The defense can’t rush the QB.

● The defense cannot “Jam the receiver” with any physical contact at any time. (Penalty will be enforced)

● Interceptions – Dead ball at the point of interception. Intercepting team gets ball at 20 yard line.

Penalties

● Offensive penalties include: blocking, pass interference, unnecessary roughness. Penalties will result in loss of down.

● Defensive penalties include: pass interference, illegal contact and unnecessary roughness.

Penalties result in an automatic first down at the spot of the foul.

Scoring Tournament Only

● Touchdown – 6 points

● Extra point from 10 yard line – 1 point PASSING ONLY

● Overtime – Each team will have 4 downs to score from the 10 yard line. Passing Only (no OT during regular season)

2024 CQL SPRING 7x7 Flag Football

03/06/23 Revised

7U 11 vs 11 Only

● All offenses are eligible for running/passing plays.

● Ball will start on the 40 yard line, offense will have 4 downs to get to the 20 yard line for a first down and 4 downs within the 20 yard line to score.
If offense does not get first down, change of possession will start on the 40 yard line.

● Offensive player with football cannot flag guard or stiff arm a defensive player at any level.

● Penalty against offensive will be dead ball at the point of infraction.

● In the event of an interception, the ball is dead at the point of interception. Intercepting team gets ball at 20 yard line.

● Defense is allowed to rush.

● There is a 25-second play clock in between plays.

● Only ONE Coach per team is allowed on the field at a time. The Defensive Coach must be 10 yards behind the defensive line.

● Halftime will be 5 minutes.

● Any Offensive Penalty will result in dead ball, loss of down.

● Any Defense Penalty will result in dead ball, automatic first down at the spot of the foul.

● Each team gets 2 timeouts per game (used at any time)

● Extra point will be played from the 10 yard line

Scoring - Tournament Only