Ramara Youth Flag Football Rules & Guidelines

The Ramara Flag Football League officially kicks off on Tuesday, May 12th.

Players from Tops in Pizza, Brechin & Disctrict Lions Club, and Synergy Healthcare show off their new jerseys that will be given to all players on Tuesday evening.

Before taking the field, we ask players, coaches, game managers, and parents to review the following rules and guidelines.

1. Field & Equipment

• Dimensions: The field is 65 yards long by 30 yards wide.

• Markings: End zones are marked with a white line. Goal lines and back lines will be clearly marked with corner cones.

• The Ball: A drive begins at the possessing team’s own 5-yard line.

• Equipment : When on the field, players must wear their team issued uniform shirt that is given to them at the start of the season, and supplied mouth guard.

• Flags: Proper Flags must be worn with issued Flag Football Belts.  Flags are to be worn at each side at the waist / hip level.  Flags must be worn outside of the team jersey.  Jerseys should preferably be tucked in.  Absolutely No blocking a defender from grabbing the flag, or altering the belt and or flag in any way.

  
  

2. Team Size & Playtime

• On-Field Strength: Teams field 5 players at a time. Games may proceed at 4 vs 4 if necessitated by attendance.

• Substitutions: Players may not sub in or out once a drive has begun (unless an injury occurs). Substitutions must be made at the start of a new drive.

• Equal Play: Coaches are responsible for ensuring equal playing time. With a full 10-player roster, it is recommended to set offensive and defensive units for each half.

  
  

3. Game Format

• Start of Game: A coin flip determines possession. The winner chooses to receive first or take the first possession of the second half. The loser chooses which end to defend.

• Structure: The game consists of 4 quarters. Teams swap sides at halftime.

• Possessions: Each team receives exactly 8 possessions per game (2 per quarter).

• Halftime: There is a 2-minute break between the second and third quarters.

4. Offensive Rules

• Quarterbacks: A player is limited to a maximum of 4 quarterback drives per game. Any pass thrown beyond the line of scrimmage designates that player as the QB for that drive.

• The Snap: Every play must begin with a legal snap or hand-off to the quarterback.

• Downs: The offense has 3 plays to cross midfield (marked by a white line). If successful, they earn a fresh set of 3 downs to score. On 3rd down (before crossing midfield), a team may "go for it" or "punt" (turn the ball over). Punting results in the opponent taking over at their own 5-yard line. Failing a "go for it" attempt results in a turnover at the spot of the ball.

• No-Run Zones: If the ball is spotted within 5 yards of the midfield line or 5 yards of the goal line, the offense must pass. Running plays are strictly prohibited in these zones.

5. Defensive Rules

• Pass Rush: Defenders must count out loud: "One Steamboat, Two Steamboat... Five Steamboat." They may only cross the line of scrimmage after "Five" is fully voiced.

• Flag Pulling: The play is dead when a flag is fully removed.

• Illegal Moves: Offensive players cannot guard their flags, spin, or jump while in possession of the ball.

• Blocking: No physical blocking or contact is allowed. Offensive players may not place hands on defenders.

• Flags: The Defensive player must only grab the flags of the ball carrier.  No grabbing of jerseys, shorts, belts, or hair.

6. Scoring & Turnovers

• Touchdown: 6 points.

• Conversions: 1 point (from the 5-yard line) or 2 points (from the 10-yard line).

• Safety: 2 points. The drive ends, and the defending team takes over at their own 5-yard line.

• Interceptions: Results in a dead ball at the spot of the catch. The ball cannot be returned. The intercepting team takes over possession.

• Fumbles: Results in a dead ball. The offensive team maintains possession at the spot of the fumble.

  
  

7. Penalties & Sportsmanship

• Philosophy: This league is built on fun, inclusion, and learning. Players and coaches are expected to be kind and graceful.

• Offensive Penalties: Result in a loss of down; the ball returns to the previous line of scrimmage.

• Defensive Penalties: Result in a "replay down" and a 5-yard gain for the offense.

• Disagreements: Only Coaches and Captains may discuss calls with Officials / Game Managers. Discussions must remain respectful.

8. Playoffs & Overtime

• Overtime: Regular season games will end in a tie at the end of regulation. In the playoffs, play will resume with each team getting one offensive possession. If still tied, the process repeats until a winner is determined.

  
  

• Season Structure: Each team plays 4 regular season weeks, followed by two weeks of playoffs.

  
  

• The Ramara Flag Football Playoffs and Power Bowl

The 4th seed faces the 1st seed; the 3rd seed faces the 2nd seed. The winners of these two games advance to the Township of Ramara Power Bowl. The losing teams will play for 3rd place.