Rule 1: PLAYERS AND COACHES

Maximum of 3 coaches per team

1. A game is played between two teams of 9 players each.
2. Each team roster shall have a maximum of 16 players and a minimum of 10
   players who must be dressed and ready to play each game. A forfeit will result
   when the minimum is not met.
3. Only players appearing on the official team roster form are to be counted
   as players. The form is completed before the first game of the season and
   then certified by the league.
4. Each team shall designate two players as captains and only they shall represent
   the team and address the officials on matters of rule interpretation, or to
   obtain essential information.
5. The offensive team must have six players on the line and three in the backfield.
6. The defensive team may choose 6-3 0r 6-2-1 formation.
7. The team will consist of players 5,6,7, and 8 yrs old.

Rule 2: PLAYING FIELDS

1. The field shall be rectangular with lines and zones as listed.
   
   1. The field shall be sixty yards long by thirty yards wide; The playing
      area will be fifty yards with two five yard end zones.
   2. Goal posts are not needed as extra points are passed or ran in. There
      are no field goals.
   3. A conversion line will be marked three yards from each goal line and
      at an equal distance from each side line.
2. Field Equipment
   
   1. A down marker may be used to indicate the number of the down.
   2. A zone marker may be used to indicate the distance to go for the first
      down. (Placed at the forward zone line)
   3. Corner flags with flexible staffs will be placed at the four sections
      of the end zones and the side lines. Soft pylons may be used if flags
      are not available.

Rule 3: EQUPIMENT

1. Game ball shall be of good grade leather or rubber. It shall be a pee wee size ball
2. Flags
   
   1. Each player must wear a triple threat flag belt. The flags will be supplied
      by the league and may not be altered.
   2. The flags will be attached to the belt and extend or hang from each
      side of the player's body.
   3. Flags will be 14-20 inches long and a minimum of 2 inches wide.
   4. The belt must be light to prevent being turned around during de-flagging.
   5. The securing of the flags to the body or the belt other than by normal
      means (b) will be illegal.
   6. Jerseys cannot be worn over flags.
   7. If a players flag is lost, he is ineligible to handle the ball.
3. Game Uniforms
   
   1. All jerseys must be supplied by the league, and shall be tucked in at
      all times.
   2. Any type pants may be worn.
   3. All male players must wear an athletic supporter.
   4. Sneakers are the preferred shoe, however, non-detachable rubber cleat
      shoes (soccer style) are allowed. No other footwear is acceptable.
4. Eye Glasses
   
   1. Eye glasses shall be of an athletically approved construction with Non
      shattering lens (safety glass).
   2. Contact lens may be worn.
   3. Any player not wearing eye glasses per part (a) shall wear protective
      eye wear.

Rule 4 PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT

1. Spiked or street shoes.
2. Padding of any kind, including hard surface padding such as shoulder pads,
   hip pads, and helmets.
3. Hard metal or any other hard substance on a players clothing or person.
4. Anything that conceals the flags (see Rule 3-2f, regarding jerseys)
5. Foreign substances such as grease or glue on a players clothing.
6. Any equipment, in the referee's opinion, that will endanger of confuse players.
   (jewelry)

Rule 5: REFEREES

1. There will be at least two officials appointed by the league prior to the
   Game.
2. The league may assign more that two referees for a game.
3. Each referee shall carry a red or yellow handkerchief and drop it when an
   infraction occurs.

Rule 6: RULES OF THE GAME

1. The free substitution rule is in effect and a player may enter the game
   at any time the ball is dead.
2. Team captains.
   
   1. The captain shall address the referee's only on matters of interpretation
      and to obtain information.
3. One coach for each team will be permitted on the field at all times.
4. Time.
   
   1. There are four 12 minute quarters of running time.
   2. Five minutes at the half.
   3. Three time outs per half.
   4. Clock will stop at two minutes from the end of the game.
5. Each half will start with the offensive team putting the ball in play at
   their own ten yard line.
   
   1. A coin toss will decide which team will take the ball or go on Defense.
      The winning captain has the choice.
   2. The losing captain has the choice at the start of the second half.
6. Downs.
   
   1. Each team will have four consecutive downs to advance the ball into
      the next zone or to score a touchdown.
   2. Once a team enters the next zone, it is a first down and a new series
      of downs begin. If the offensive team loses yardage behind the previous
      zone line, a first down can be achieved by reaching the second zone line;
      ie The one they needed to reach before the loss of yardage.
   3. A team failing to move the ball into the next zone within 4 downs will
      lose possession. The opposing team will take over at their own ten yard
      line.
   4. The forward part of the ball touching any part of the line will be the
      determining factor in measuring for the first down.
   5. A down will be repeated as provided for in the rules (see penalties).
   6. When the offensive team has the ball within the last zone, it will be
      considered first and goal to go.
   7. At the conclusion of each down, the referee will place the ball at the
      center of the field equal distance from each sideline.
   8. There will be only 1 handoff, pass, or pitch per play
   9. There will be no reverses, a ball carrier must start from the area between
      the offensive tackles.
   10. The ball may not be run in the area between the two offensive guards.
7. De-flagging
   
   1. There will be no tackling of the ball carrier or passer.
   2. The player carrying or having possession of the ball is down when the
      flag is removed from his waist (de-flagging). The defensive player shall
      hold the flag above his head and stand still.
   3. The defensive player cannot hold or push the ball carrier to remove
      his flag. An accidental touch of the body or shoulder while reaching for
      the flag shall not be considered a violation; however, touching of the
      face or head shall be considered a violation.
   4. A defensive player may not run over, or pull a blocker away from him.
   5. A defensive player must go for the passer�s flag, and he may not
      touch the passers arm.
   6. The defensive team may have only one player eligible to cross the line
      of scrimmage to rush the quarterback. The rusher must identify their self
      before the snap of the ball. The rusher may not rush in the area between
      the 2 offensive guards. Once the quarterback hands the ball off to another
      player, any defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage to de-flag
      the ball carrier.
   7. A defensive player may not line up over the center.
   8. The offense may not line up more than six players on the line of scrimmage.
   9. The Defense will use a standard 6-2-1 or 6-3 defense.
8. Blocking
   
   1. A blocker must be on his feet at all times while blocking. All lineman,
      except the center, must not assume the three point stance or otherwise
      spring from a coiled or crouching start. Instead they must simply stand
      on the line of scrimmage and await the snap. The center, though crouching,
      if he is to block, must first stand straight up.
   2. Cross body or roll blocking are not permitted.
   3. A blocker may use his hands (open handed block).
   4. Shoulder and brush blocking are also permitted.
   5. A defensive player cannot block or push a ball carrier out of bounds.
      Incidental contact will not be penalized.
   6. Butting, elbowing, or knee blocking are not permitted.
   7. There will be no two on one blocking for the ball carrier beyond the
      line of scrimmage.
   8. Blocking a player from behind is not permitted (clipping).
   9. There will be no interlock blocking.
   10. A defensive player will be restricted in the use of his hands to the
       blockers body or shoulders.
9. Ball Carrier.
   
   1. The ball carrier cannot use his hands or arms to protect his flags.
      The defensive player must have the opportunity to remove the ball carrier's
      flags.
   2. The ball carrier may not lower his head to drive or run into a defensive
      player.
   3. Stiff arming by the ball carrier is illegal.
   4. The ball carrier cannot hurdle or drive to prevent a defensive player
      from removing his flags.
   5. A ball carrier may run in any direction until the ball is declared dead.
   6. Quarterback sneaks will not be allowed. A quarterback draw is allowed
      provided the quarterback takes a three step drop.
10. Center
    
    1. The center must snap the ball between his legs.
    2. He must have both feet on the line of scrimmage with no part of his
       body beyond the forward point of the ball.
    3. He may adjust the long part of the ball at right angles to the line
       of scrimmage, one time only.
11. Passing.
    
    1. All backfield players are eligible passers.
    2. Passing will be attempted from behind the line of scrimmage only.
    3. A lateral pass is a pass thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or
       back towards the passers own goal line. A lateral pass is not considered
       a forward pass.
    4. A forward pass is a pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage towards
       the defensive teams goal line.
    5. Interception: A forward pass may be intercepted by a defensive player
       and advanced until the ball is declared dead. The intercepting team shall
       take over on offense at the point the ball was declared dead.
12. Receiving
    
    1. All players receiving passes must be in a position that is eligible
       to receive forward passes. (ie RB,WR,TE)
    2. A player may catch the ball even if he steps out of bounds or out of
       the end zone after he catches the ball, as long as he comes down with
       one foot in bounds.
    3. Two or more receivers may touch the ball in succession resulting in
       a completed pass.
    4. If an offensive and defensive player catch a pass simultaneously, the
       ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch and the passing team is
       awarded possession.
    5. An offensive player cannot be out of bounds and return in bounds to
       catch a pass. This will be ruled an incomplete pass.
13. Dead Ball. All balls touching the ground are immediately dead.
    
    1. When the ball carrier touches the ground with his body other than hands
       and feet.
    2. When the ball carriers flag has been pulled.
    3. If a pass receiver or ball carrier has a missing flag the ball is dead
       at that spot.
    4. Following a touchdown, safety, or touchback.
    5. When the ball goes out of bounds for any reason.
    6. If the center snap hits the ground before reaching the backfield man.
    7. When the ball hits the ground as a result of a fumble or muffed play.
       There are no fumble recoveries.
    8. If a lateral pass touches the ground the ball is declared dead at that
       point. If a lateral pass goes out of bounds the ball is ruled dead at
       the point it crosses the boundary line.
    9. If a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught at the same time by
       an opposing player.
14. Game termination (Slaughter rule)

When one team is 30 or more points ahead at the end of the first half or it
takes this lead during the second half, the game is ended at this point.

NO PARENTS OR FANS ARE PERMITTED ON THE TEAM SIDELINES, THEY MUST BE ON THE
OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FIELD. OFFENDING TEAM PENALIZED (See Penalties 4c)

Rule 7: SCORING VALUES

1. Touchdown - 6 points
2. Safety - 2 points
3. Points after touchdown
   
   1. Passing - 2 points
   2. Running - 1 point
4. Forfeit (offended teams wins by 1-0)

Rule 8: TIE GAME

1. Tie games will go into the record as such and will not be played off in
   regular season play.

Rule 9: INJURED PLAYERS

Once a player has been removed from a game because of injury,
the player must sit out at least one series of downs.

Rule 10: PRACTICES

1. Practices may not begin until dates detrmined by league board
2. Practices are limited to two days per week, not to exceed 1 hour each practice,
   while school is in session. When school is not in session practices are limited
   to three days per week not to exceed 2 hours in duration.

Rule 11: SCHEDULES

Schedule of games will be determined by the executive board of
PLATTSBURGH PAL FOOLTBALL LEAGUE.

Rule 12: PENALTIES

1. The offended team will always have the choice of accepting or declining
   a penalty. If the penalty is declined, the down will remain the as if no infraction
   occurred. If the penalty is accepted, the down is repeated unless otherwise
   noted below. Also, when the penalty is greater than the distance to the goal
   line, the penalty shall be half the distance to the goal line.
2. Line of scrimmage centering
   
   1. Offside; defense or offense: 5 yds
   2. Illegal snap: 5 yds.
   3. Failure to obey 30/40 second rule: 5 yds
   4. Illegal motion; more than one backfield man in motion: 5 yds.
3. Passing
   
   1. If an illegal forward pass is thrown and intercepted, the play will
      continue until the ball is declared dead. The intercepting team has the
      option of possession from that spot or accepting the penalty. 5 yds .
   2. Passer crosses the line of scrimmage: 5 yds / loss of down.
   3. Intentional grounding: 5 yds / loss of down.
   4. Offensive pass interference: 10 yds from line of scrimmage loss of down.
   5. Defensive pass interference: First down from spot of infraction for
      the offensive team. If interference occurs in the end zone, offensive
      team will put ball into play at the 1 yd line; first down.
   6. More than one defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before
      the quarterback hands ball off or a non designated rusher crosses line
      of scrimmage: 5 yds
   7. Player does not have safety glasses on:
      
      1. offensive player: stop play at snap, loss of down
      2. defensive player: 5 y
4. Delay of game
   
   1. Continuing to play after ball is dead: 5 yds from spot ball is dead.
   2. Recovering fumble or falling on loose ball: 5 yds
   3. Unnecessary delay of game for any reason: 5yds
5. Flag wearing / De-flagging
   
   1. Tackling: 5 yds
   2. Wearing flags illegally: 5 yds
   3. Ball carrier using hands to prevent de-flagging: 10 yds
   4. Holding, pushing, or hitting ball carrier while de-flagging: 5 yds from
      spot of foul.
   5. Leaving feet (diving) while de-flagging: 10 yds from spot of foul.
   6. Wearing of less than 3 flags: 5 yds
6. Illegal handoff
   
   1. If ball is handed forward beyond line of scrimmage: 5 yds / loss of
      down.
   2. Handing or snapping a ball to a lineman: 5 yds
7. Illegal substitutions
   
   1. More than nine players on field: 5 yds
   2. Substitutions while ball is in play or not declared dead: 5 yds
   3. Disqualified player enters game: 10 yds
8. Blocking
   
   1. Leaving feet to block: 10 yds
   2. Cross body or roll blocking: 10 yds
   3. Illegal use of hands by blocker: 10 yds
   4. Holding a defensive player: 10 yds
   5. Defensive player blocking or pushing ball carrier out of bounds 10 yds
   6. Butting, elbowing, or knee blocking: 10 yds
   7. Defensive player using hands illegally: 5 yds
   8. More than two blockers for the ball carrier ( on one defensive player)
      beyond the line of scrimmage: 5 yds
   9. Clipping: 15 yds
   10. Interlock blocking: 5 yds from spot of foul
9. Ball carrier
   
   1. Stiff arming: 10 yds from spot of foul
   2. Lowering head to drive or run into defensive player: 10 yds
   3. Use of head: 10 yds
   4. Use of hands or arms to protect flags: 10 yds
   5. Spinning, hurdling, or diving: 5 yds
10. Unnecessary Roughness
    
    1. Offensive and defensive: 10 yds
    2. Disqualification of player or players if repeated.
11. Unsportsmanlike conduct
    
    1. Fighting: 10 yds / offenders ejected from game
    2. Defensive player pulling offensive players flag to make him ineligible
       to play: 10 yds
    3. Insulting or abusive language: 10 yds
    4. Interference with progress of game by coaches or any other team personnel:
       10 yds
    5. Illegal play 10 yds
    6. Team leaving field before game is completed: 10 yds. Failure to return
       is a forfeit. Win for team remaining on field.
    7. Failure of team to control players or its own fans: 10 yds / forfeit
       if not controlled.

Rule 13. PROTESTS

1. Only protests involving rules interpretations of the eligibility of a player
   shall be considered, never the judgment of an official calling a play.
2. Protests are decided at the local level in accordance with the administrative
   procedures of the league.

Rule 14. STANDING RULES COMMITTEE

Questions relating to the interpretation of these rules and regulations
should be addressed in writing to Plattsburgh Pal Football league Rules
committee only. A written reply shall follow after receipt of the letter.