STETSON UNIVERSITY INTRAMURAL SPORTS
4x4 Football Rules
Revised 01/10
Field of Play for 4 on 4 Flag Football
The field of play is 25 yards wide by 70 yards long including a 10 yard end zone. The first down line is at the 25 yard line.
Teams must field a minimum of 3 players at all times (unless injury).
A coin toss determines first possession.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at their 5-yard line and has four plays to cross mid-field.
The QB must be at least 2 yards from the center snapping the ball.
Once a team crosses mid-field they have four plays to score.
If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession.
If the offense fails to cross mid-field, the ball changes possession.
All drives start from the 5-yard line except interceptions.
Teams will change sides after the half.
Game Clock Format in 4 on 4 Flag Football
Each game is 30 minutes long.
Two 14-minute halves and a 2-minute halftime.
The clock will not stop unless a time out has been called or the official feels it is necessary.
Each time the ball is spotted the offensive team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
(Officials will warn the offense when there are 10 seconds left to snap the ball).
Teams may not snap the ball until the officials are set. (No Quick Snaps)
Time Outs
Each team has two time outs per game.
Time outs will only stop the game clock for 30 seconds. The offense must snap at
the completion of the time out.
If time out is called after a touchdown the clock will not run during the extra point.
Attire
Cleats are allowed, but NO METAL SPIKES.
Shirts must be tucked in.
Flags must be worn on each side of the players' hips.
Scoring in 4 on 4 Flag Football
TD = 6 points
Extra point = 5 yards out = 1 point, 12 yards out = 2 points.
Safety = 2 points
Running
The quarterback may not run unless the ball has been handed off to him.
Teams may handoff, pitch, or throw back the football in the backfield. The player who receives the pitch or handoff may throw the ball as long as he is not beyond the line of scrimmage.
No run zones are located 5 yards before mid-field and 5-yards before the end zone.
The ball is spotted where the flag was pulled.
The flag must break the plane of the midfield or goal line to be considered a first down or a touchdown.
Players may not block at any time.
An athletic move can be made so long as the player is not jumping, diving, spinning, etc into another player or flag guarding.
Passing
The quarterback has 7 seconds to pass the ball if there is no rush. If the ball is not thrown, the play is dead, resulting in a loss of down. The ball returns to the line of scrimmage. (Once the ball has been handed off or pitched there is no 7-second count).
If the defensive team rushes the quarterback there is no 7-second count.
Interceptions may be returned. The ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.
The rusher may not hit the quarterbacks' arm, or knock the ball out of the quarterbacks' hand.
The rusher must play the flags.
Receiving
All players are eligible to receive a pass, including the quarterback, if the ball has been pitched or handed off behind the line of scrimmage.
Players must have at least one foot in bounds when making a catch.
Dead Balls
Only one player may be in motion prior to the snap.
Players may not be moving forward when the ball is snapped.
Play is ruled dead when:
The offensive players flag is pulled.
If their flag has fallen off without contact then a one-handed touch rule is in effect.
The 7-second play clock expires (Note there is no 7 second play clock if there is a rush or if the ball has been handed off)
Ball carrier steps out of bounds
Touchdown is scored.
Ball carrier's knee touches the ground or if forearm, back, etc. touches the ground.
Incomplete pass.
Ball hits the ground.
If a player starts the play without a flag they are down where they touch the ball.
There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hit the ground.
Defensive Penalties:
Offsides
Interference
Illegal contact (holding, bump and run, blocking) Note the officials will determine incidental contact.
Roughing the quarterback.
All defensive penalties are five yards from the line of scrimmage and automatic first down except holding which is added on to the end of the play.
Offensive Penalties:
Illegal motion
Illegal forward pass
Offensive pass interference (illegal pick, pushing off defender)
Impeding the rush (the offensive players must avoid the rusher)
Flag guarding (players must keep their hands above their waist)
Delay of game (clock will stop)
All offensive penalties are five yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down except flag guarding which is from the point of infraction.
Overtime (Playoffs only)
Kansas Tie Breaker from the 12 yard line.