Rules
The St. Mary's intramural rules that change how we play. Everything else follows NIRSA flag football rules.
The field
- 100 by 40 yards, including two 10-yard end zones.Rule 1-A1
- Every drive starts at our own 25. First downs are at the 50 and at their 25. Four downs to get there.Rule 1-A1
Lining up
- Seven players a side. Co-rec is 4 men and 3 women, or 3 men and 4 women.Rule 1-B1, 1-C1
- At least 5 players on the line at the snap. A player in motion doesn't count.Rule 4-A2
- Whoever takes the snap must be at least 2 yards behind the line.Rule 4-A1
- Everyone must be within 15 yards of the ball.Rule 8-A16
- After a huddle or shift, everyone holds still for a full second.Rule 8-A12
- 25 seconds to snap the ball.Rule 8-A5
The ball
- Everyone is eligible to catch a pass.Rule 4-B1
- Backward passes (pitches) are live.Rule 4-B3
- A fumble is dead where it hits the ground. Nobody can pick it up.Rule 4-A3
- Interceptions can be returned for a touchdown.Rule 4-B7
- Only one foot needs to be in bounds on a catch.Rule 4-B6
Contact
- Screen blocks only: get in the way with your hands at your sides or behind your back. No contact.Rule 5-A1, 5-A2
- Defenders go around screens and never touch the passer. They can try to knock the ball down.Rule 4-B5, 5-A3
- Ball carriers can't guard their flags or stiff-arm.Rule 8-A20, 8-B21
- No diving for flags or extra yards. Diving for a pass is fine.Rule 5-A6
Scoring (men's and women's leagues)
- Touchdown 6. Safety 2.Rule 6-A1, 6-A2
- Extra point: 1 from the 5, 2 from the 10, 3 from the 25.Rule 6-A3
From the St. Mary's intramural flag football rules, revised fall 2019.