Rules

• 7 players per team are allowed on the field.
  
  
• Everyone is an eligible receiver.
  
  
• As in tackle football, the offensive team has 3 attempts or downs to advance the ball 10 yards down the field.  Meanwhile, the defense tries to stop or delay the progress.
  
  
• A ball carrier is stopped when he/she is tagged or “touched”.
  
  
• A defensive rusher (or rushers) stands 5 yards from the ball and at the snap of the ball runs in to attempt to touch the quarterback.
  
  
• The quarterback stands at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage.  He/she receives the ball from the centre by means of a long snap between the legs.
  
  
• All games are 25 minute halves including 5 plays.
  
  
• Kick-off is a free punt from the team's own 35 yard line.
  
  
• All kick-offs and punts are dead immediately when the ball hits the ground.
  
  
• QBs cannot run over the line of scrimmage.
  
  
• Balls handed off backwards make the receiver a QB. Balls handed off forward are considered a pass.
  
  
• Coaches are allowed on the field for 8/9 age grp all season, 10/11 age grp for the first 3wks, 12+ age group for no wks
  
  
• The 8/9 age group is allowed to start the play by tossing the ball back to the QB. A true snap between the centre's legs is not required but should be taught. All other age groups the ball must be snapped between the legs.
  
  
• Following single points or safeties, ball is to be scrimmaged on the 25 yard line.
  
  
• Remind players to remove all jewellery.

Formation of Offence and Defence

Below is the basic formation for the offence and defence.  The options are almost limitless!

Scoring

A team receives points for a touch-down (6 points).  There are no field goals allowed, a convert is accomplished by a running or passing play and cannot be kicked in.

Specific Rules for Different Age Groups

8/9 Years (Riders Division)

• Rusher at 5 yards, count 5 elephants by official in offensive backfield with hand up, drop hand on 5th elephant so rusher may go.
• Ball does not have to be centered between legs.
• Coaches are always allowed on the field.

10/11 Years (Thunder Division)

• Rusher at 5 yards, count 3 elephants as above.
• Ball has to be snapped between legs.
• Coaches are allowed on the field for the first 3 weeks

12+ Years (Rams Division)

• Rusher at 7 yards, goes on the snap of the ball.
• Ball has to be snapped between legs.
• Coaches are not allowed on the field, unless during a timeout or injury

Field Setup

Printable version of these rules in PDF format