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Rules and Regulations

SANTA BARBARA FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SPRING 2024 SEASON!

Get ready for the BEST youth flag football experience in Santa Barbara County!

FNL SPRING 2024 RULES & REGULATIONS

Santa Barbara “FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” (FNL) Flag Football is a 6 on 6 game filled with fun and action. The offensive team plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Running and passing plays are allowed, although there are “no running zones” at midfield and near each goal line. The defensive team covers receivers, rushes the passer and grabs flags to make “tackles”. It is intended to be a “non-contact” sport

THE BASICS

● A coin toss determines first possession. Winner of the coin toss can choose offense or defense to start the game. Whichever team starts on offense in the first half, will start on defense in the second half.

● The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has 3 plays to cross midfield for a 1st down. Once a team crosses midfield, it has 3 plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.
● If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

● All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line. ● Interceptions may be returned.
● Teams change sides after halftime. Possession changes to loser of coin toss.

● For ONLY divisions K, 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th Grade....one coach is allowed on the field per team.

PLAYERS/GAMES

In an effort to ensure balanced playing time for all FNL players and to ensure that all games are being managed on a level playing field, the following minimum participation time will be followed in all FNL games, regardless of a player's attendance at practices.

Teams must field a minimum of 5 players at all times. Teams generally consist of 8 players – 6 on the field, with 2 substitutes.

ALL PLAYERS MUST PLAY A MINIMUM 3 OUT OF THE 4 QUARTERS (EVERYONE SITS ONE FULL QUARTER). SUBSTITUTIONS ARE ONLY ALLOWED AT THE QUARTER BREAKS UNLESS THERE IS AN INJURY.

8 Player Team Roster: * Coaches will adhere to the following 8 player substitution policy - 2 different players will sit each of the 4 quarters.....therefore each player will play 3 out of 4 quarters.

• 7-Player Team: ADVANTAGE RULE against teams of 8 or 9 players)
If a team has only 7 players, that would allow them to play 3 of their ‘best’ players for the entire game. If one team has 8 or 9 players and the other team has 7 players.....The coach with 7 players, must notify the Referee prior to the start of game that he/she only has 7 players. The referee will then notify the other coach who has 8 or more players, that they have the OPTION to identify which of the 7 players MUST sit one quarter. The 7 player teams coach will then decide which quarter this player will sit. If this is not identified prior to the start of the game, for whatever reason, and later recognized during the game.....the 8 or 9 player teams coach can still identify the player that must sit. It is both the Referee and 7 player Coach’s responsibility to recognize and identify this prior to the start of the game.

*NEW*:  7-player team during playoffs. The team with 8 or 9 players may chose (3) players to sit out. The coach of the 7-player team will decide when each of these 3 players will sit. Every player must play at least 3 quarters during playoffs. 

9 PLAYER TEAM: SUBSTITUTION RULE: Some teams may have 9 players.
1st Qtr: 3 play offense only, 3 different play defense only and the other 3 play the whole Qtr. (This way...all 9 players play in the 1st Qtr.) 2nd-4th Quarter: 3 different players sit out each qtr.

PENALTY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE If a coach fails to adhere to the player participation requirement and it is caught prior the end of the game, the following penalty will be assessed: - 7 points will be awarded to the other team....each time the infraction is caught. - If it occurs in a subsequent game, the game will be forfeited with a win given to the opposing team. The Head Coach will also receive a 1 game suspension. The referees will do the best they can to manage the player participation policy, but it is ultimately the head coach's responsibility to understand and manage the rule as it is written. Any variation to this policy must receive Commissioner approval prior to the start of the game and explained to the opposing head coach.

NO MERCY RULE: We want kids to play... always ..and the entire game.

MAKING THE GAMES THIS SPRING EVEN MORE FUN!

Parents, players and coaches all agree that it is not fun for anyone to watch a team get crushed on the field by their opponent. Fact is that there will always be some teams better than others, however, to limit this unbalance, FNL has initiated the following rules:

IF A TEAM IS AHEAD BY 20 POINTS OR MORE:

20/2 RULE: When a team is ahead by 20 points or more, the referee will reduce the winning team's downs from 3 to 2. The stronger team will have 2 downs to make a first and 2 downs to score. Once the game is 19 points or less, their downs immediately return to 3 downs.

IF A TEAM IS AHEAD BY 30 POINTS OR MORE:

30/2 RULE: When a team is ahead by 30 points or more, the referee will reduce the winning team's downs from 3 to 2. The lower scoring team will then have 4 downs instead of 3.  4 downs to cross midfield and 4 downs to score. The stronger team will have 2 downs to make a first and 2 downs to score. Once the game is 29 points or less, the lower scoring team immediately return to 3 downs.

FNL Scoring
• Score/Substitution Card (attached): Must be filled out before start of game and given to REFS. (cards available at ref station) May lose a time out if game delay is called due to this card being filled out prior to the start of game.

Scores & Rank: All scores will be recorded on website within 24 hours of game. please check scores for accuracy and notify any corrections within 7 days of game.

Team Ranking:

• 1) Win/Loss Winning % (All games are included)   2) Head to Head
  3) Avg Pts. Allowed per game (PA)

• 28 Point Differential rule: Max score spread posted online = 28pts

TIMING
Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams may receive one warning before a delay of game penalty is enforced. 2 timeouts per half and they do not carry over to 2nd half, if unused.

TIMING/OVERTIME Games are played with 10 minute running quarters (8 minute running quarters in K division), 1 minute water break between quarters and a 3 minute halftime. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime (EXCEPT K, 1ST/2ND GRADE AND 3RD/4TH GRADE DIVISION WHICH WILL REMAIN A TIE). The following tie-breaker system will be used for all overtime games.

  • Coin flip determines possession

  • Ball is placed at Midfield
    After 3 plays, the referee will mark where the ball ended up (cone, flag, etc)

  • Opposing team will now take over at Midfield run their 3 plays going in the same direction.

  • Whichever team gains the most yards on 3 plays wins the game
    If both teams are tied after 3 plays, we do it again until there is a winner.

  • Negative net yards on offense will count against you. Other team must still run their 3 plays.

  • If ball is intercepted and returned for a touchdown, game is over.

  • Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. (except :15 sec in 4th quarter 2min clock) Teams will receive one warning before a delay of game penalty is enforced. 2 timeouts per half and they do not carry over to 2nd half if unused.

    Most common OVERTIME scenario:

    Ball starts at the 50 yard line.
    Team 1 gets 3 plays and advances 12 yards.
    Referee may use a cone to physically mark the 12 yards.
    Team 2 gets the ball, and then uses 3 plays to try to gain more than 12 yards. If they get 13 or more yards...they win. If they don't, they lose.

    Another common scenario is when Team 1 scores a Touchdown.

    Team 1 scores a TD in two plays.
    Team 2 then gets the ball and scores a TD in ONE play. Team 2 wins.

    Interception scenario 1:

    Team 1 advances 12 yards in three plays
    Team 2 throws an interception on any play...game over. Team 1 wins.

    Interception scenario 2:

    Team 1 throws an interception and it's returned by Team 2 for a TD. Game over...Team 2 wins.

    The only way Overtime ever goes to a second overtime is if:
    Both teams gain the same amount of yards (i.e. 12 yards) on their 3 plays, or if both teams score in the same # of plays (i.e. 2nd play)

    *If game goes into a 2nd overtime, the team that started with the ball in the 1st overtime starts on defense for the 2nd overtime.

    GENERAL SCORING

• Touchdown = 6 points Extra Point:

  • 1 point (played from 5 yard line) or

  • 2 points (played from 12 yard line) Max score spread posted online = 28pts.

    RUNNING

  • The quarterback cannot run with the ball.
    Handoffs, laterals and pitches are allowed as per NFL rules. NO CENTER SNEAKS!!

  • No-Running zones located approx. 5 yards from each end zone (as marked) and approx. 5 yards on either side of midfield (as marked) are designed to avoid short yardage, power-running situations.

  • The player who takes the handoff, lateral or pitch can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

  • Once the ball has been handed off, lateraled or pitched, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

  • Spinning and jumping are allowed. If flag is pulled while player is in the air.....then ball is marked where he left his feet.

  • The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.

    RECEIVING

  • All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB, if the ball has been handed off, lateraled or pitched behind the line of scrimmage as per NFL Rules). As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time. A player must have

  • At least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

    PASSING

  • The QB has a seven second “pass clock”. If the QB does not get rid of the ball within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven second rule no longer is in effect.

  • Shovel passes are allowed

  • Interceptions may be returned.

    DEAD BALLS

  • The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play. Play is ruled “dead” when:

  • Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
    Ball carrier steps out of bounds Touchdown or safety is scored Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground Ball carrier’s flag falls out

  • **NOTE: THERE ARE NO FUMBLES (therefore NO STRIPPING OF THE BALL). THE BALL IS SPOTTED WHERE THE BALL HITS THE GROUND**

RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK

  • All players who rush the QB must be a minimum of 10 YARDS from the line of scrimmage (as marked by ref) when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the QB. Players not rushing the QB may defend on the line of scrimmage only until the ball leaves QB hands.

  • Once the ball is handed off, the 10-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, NO BLOCKING, TACKLING, OR STRIPPING OF THE BALL IS ALLOWED.

    SPORTSMANSHIP/ROUGHING

  • If the field Official/Referee or Commissioner witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or ANY unsportsmanlike act, without a warning, the game will be stopped and the player/coach or fan may be ejected from the game.

  • The penalty if called is a dead ball at point of infraction and automatic 1st down. It will ALWAYS benefit the other team.

  • **FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED**

  • Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee may give one warning and if it continues, the player(s), coach’s and fans will be subject to ejection from the field and premises. The game will not continue until the ejected party has left the premises. If they do not leave, the ref will forfeit the game immediately and award the Win to the opposing team.

  • Anyone ejected from a game (player, coach, fans), for any reason, will not be allowed on the premises for the next game. If they are ejected a 2nd time during the season, they will not be allowed on the premises for the next TWO games and are subject to dismissal from the league with NO REFUND.

  • UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BY ANYONE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!

    Additionally, all coaches be advised that we are implementing a new policy based on the existing Coaches Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rules. All Head & Assistant Coaches should be advised that FNL has implemented a new policy. Some coaches become increasingly vocal towards the referees after penalties are called or a ‘no call' is made contrary to a coaches opinion. The verbal complaints have become excessive in frequency and tone and will no longer be tolerated. Please note points below.

    1- Verbal complaints during the course of play from coaches is no longer allowed. If a coach has an issue regarding a repeated call or no- call, said coach has the following options:

    A) Take a time out to discuss. Team will be charged with a time out.

    B) Wait until the quarter or half break to quietly discuss with the ref 1 on 1. Opposing team coach has option to join discussion.

    2- A call or no-call made/not made by any referee is a final call and cannot be changed due to disagreement by any coaches, players or fans. The only reverse of a call can be made by the lead ref on the field.

    Penalty- Referee may choose to give a coach a warning but is not obligated to do so. Violation of these policies will result in an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty which is:

1st time- loss of possession 1st down opposing team at midfield. 2nd time- ejection of offending coach from game.

PENALTIES (ALL PENALTIES CAN BE DECLINED) All penalties will be called by the referee.

DEFENSE:

• Offsides: • 5 yards and automatic 1st down
• Interference: • 10 yards and automatic 1st down
• Illegal Contact: • (Holding, blocking, etc) • 10 yards and automatic 1st down
• Illegal Flag pull • (before receiver has ball) • 10 yards and automatic 1st down
• Illegal rushing • (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker) • 10 yards and automatic 1st down
• Last Man Standing” - (last defender tackles ball carrier, instead of pulling flag) • Automatic Touchdown

OFFENSE:

• Offsides: 5 yards and automatic 1st down / Illegal Motion (More than one person moving, false start)

• Interference: 10 yards and automatic 1st down

• Illegal Contact: (Holding, blocking, etc) 10 yards and automatic 1st down

• Illegal Flag pull (before receiver has ball) 10 yards and automatic 1st down

• Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 7-yard marker) 10 yards and automatic 1st down

• “Last Man Standing” - (last defender tackles ball carrier, instead of pulling flag) Automatic Touchdown

• Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.) 5 Yards and loss of down

• Illegal forward pass (pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage) 5 Yards and loss of down

• Illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) 10 yards (from line of scrimmage and loss of down)

• Delay of Game -Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down

Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage!!

Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

ATTIRE

Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections will be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions!!

Official FNL Team jerseys, shorts and FNL Flags must be worn during play. Flags must be of a different color than the shorts. FNL commissioners and/or referees will determine if there are any uniform violations. Any violation of the attire rule should be rectified ASAP. If violation continues a second time, the Head Coach is subject to a 1 game suspension and game is subject to forfeit as determined by the FNL head ref and Commissioner.

THERE ARE NO KICKOFFS, AND NO BLOCKING IS ALLOWED

Questions? EMAIL US AT: santabarbarafnl@gmail.com
ASK THE REF A QUESTION: fnlref@gmail.com
Always check our website for important information and updates! www.santabarbarafnl.com


Get ready for an exciting season at FNL and best of luck to all of you! TIME TO GET READY FOR SPRING!

PLEASE REMEMBER:

COACHES COACH. PLAYERS PLAY. REFEREES REF. FANS CHEER.

Always about the kids. Always about the fun!

League Commissioners: Ted & Nevin Pallad

FNL League Manager: Shane Lopes

Girls League Director: Jaylon Letendre

 santabarbarafnl@gmail.com

FNL: 5100 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, California. 93111