BSSC FOOTBALL GAME RULES
BSSC FOOTBALL PENALTIES
2010 BSSC FOOTBALL TEAM RULES
SPORTSMANSHIP
BSSC is an organization that encourages members not to take winning or losing too seriously, and stresses that the social aspects of the league are really more important than a win or a loss. We expect all participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off of the field. We strive to ensure that each member "shows that he or she has qualities of fairness, courtesy, and grace in winning and in losing."
PENALTY FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
BSSC staff will have the right to have any player(s) sit-out for a series if necessary for a "cooling-off period." However, if the player's actions are considered unsportsmanlike, they will be removed from the game. The decision on whether to have a player sit-out or be ejected/suspended is dependent upon the severity of the infraction.
Cooling Off Period:
- Teams may replace the player on the field during a "cooling-off" period.
Ejected Player(s):
- Teams will lose a position on the field for any player that has been ejected for the duration of the game. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
Suspended Player(s):
- A suspended player is not only removed from the game in which the infraction occurred, the player will also not be eligible to play in the next scheduled game. Teams will lose a position on the field for any player that has been suspended for the duration of the game. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
- The suspended player will NOT be eligible to play in the next scheduled game. If the next scheduled game is a forfeit, then the suspension will extend to the following weeks' game.
- If that player is caught playing the next scheduled game, the team will forfeit all regular season games and a forfeit fine will be assessed
- In addition, the coach of the team will sit out the next scheduled game. NOTE: If the removal of this unsportsmanlike player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
- A photo will be taken of the suspended player. This photo will be referred by BSSC Staff during the next regular season game.
- The next regular season game after a suspended player was confirmed, the BSSC staff will institute an ID check for ALL team members.
Post Season Suspensions:
- Players will only be suspended in the post seasonl; no ejections will be handed out. Any player suspended will NOT be eligible to participate in any remaining post season game(s) their team may play.
Removal from the League:
- Any player who has been ejected two times during the season will be removed from the league. If that player is caught playing after being removed from the league, the team will not be allowed to play their remaining games for that season.
- Any player(s) who is involve in any physical confrontation during any BSSC activity, will be banned for LIFE. If this confrontation occurs during a game, all players will be removed from the field and the game will end. If it can be determined who started the confrontation, that player's team will have a loss recorded for the game.
PLAYER RESTRICTIONS
- All BSSC participants must be at least 22 years old before the season starts.
- Players that have participated in NCAA Division I sports must be five years removed from Division I participation if they wish to play in a similar BSSC sport (e.g., if a player played D I football in college you must wait five years to play BSSC football).
- Teams will forfeit all games if either of the above GAME RULES is broken.
- BSSC will have the right to request ID from any player throughout the regular and/or play-off season.
- Any player whose athletic ability exceeds league definitions may be removed from the league (e.g., a player with Social league ability playing in Super Extreme). If the BSSC determines that more than one player on a team should be in a higher league, the BSSC has the option to forfeit all future games for that team. (No refund will be given.)
ILLEGAL PLAYER
If a team does not have the minimum number of players needed to play on a particular night, they may NOT use someone to "fill-in" to complete team requirements. Using someone not on your roster is considered to be unsportsmanlike conduct by the BSSC.
Illegal Player definitions:
- A player who is on the roster for one BSSC team, but plays in a game for another team in the regular or post season.
- A player who is not a member of any current BSSC team, but plays in a regular or post season game.
- A player who has broken the age or division one (D I) requirements and has played in a regular or post season game.
- A player who is on the roster for more than one team in the same sport.
Illegal Player Penalties:
- Teams will forfeit ALL of their remaining regular season games and the coach and illegal player will be removed from the league.
- After the discovery of an illegal player, all wins will be removed from the team's standings and opponents' record will be reversed to reflect a win.
- The penalized coach will no longer be allowed to coach in the BSSC for any sport.
- If an illegal player is used in a play-off game, that team will not only lose the game, but will be suspended for one year.
PLAYER PARTICIPATION LIMITS
Each BSSC player must sign their team waiver/roster before participating in their first game. Players may only sign up for one team/league in any sport. Players will be considered as illegal if they break this rule and penalties to both player and team will be assessed.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD
Go to GAME RULES for information about the specific numbers of players needed for a particular sport including the male to female ratio.
ROSTER LIMIT
There is no maximum number of players allowed on your roster for any BSSC sport.
ONLINE ROSTER MODIFICATIONS
- The ONLY way to add a new player to your roster after the final T-shirt order deadline has passed is by first dropping a player from your online roster, then adding the new player online.
- In order to do this it must be done by the 3rd week of the season.
- The new player must obtain the T-shirt from the dropped player in order to play (since the T-shirt order deadline will have passed, SEE ADDITIONAL SHIRTS).
- All changes must be sent to the BSSC and the new player must sign the roster/release at or before their first game.
- After the 3rd week of the regular season, ALL rosters will be frozen and NO additional players may be added.
ON-LINE ROSTER DEADLINES
- Night Before Happy Hour: Completed team online roster form (all full names AND valid personal email address for each player). Coaches may enter the kick-off happy hour for FREE.
- Before Start of First Game: All players’ names and valid personal email addresses must be on the online form BEFORE the start of the first regular season game in order for BSSC to check-off game day signatures. Teams will have a LOSS recorded if all players’ names are not online by the beginning of the first regular season game.
- First Monday After Third Week: In order for a team to become eligible for the POST SEASON, the online roster form (all names and e-mails) must be completed by this date. Teams will be allowed to play their full regular season schedule, but will not be allowed to participate in the play-offs.
FIELD/GAME EQUIPMENT
BSSC will provide all necessary equipment for each court, field or diamond (cones, bases, nets, etc.). Baltimore City Recs and Parks are responsible for lining the football, kickball or softball fields. Players must provide all equipment to play the game (gloves, bats, broom ball pads, footballs, etc.) unless otherwise noted in the BSSC GAME RULES.
GAME UNIFORMS
- BSSC T-shirts are your team's uniforms.
- All players must wear their current BSSC tee shirt to participate.
- Any player not wearing his/her T-shirt will be will be sidelined for that game. If the sidelined player(s) will cause the team to forfeit, they will be allowed to play in the game with the following stipulations:
- Players must show proper ID.
- Every player present from the team must print his/her name and sign a roster form.
- Players are not allowed to swap shirts. If players are caught exchanging shirts, both players will be suspended for that game. These players must sign a roster sheet to confirm roster eligibility. Signed names will be checked against the online form and signed roster. If the names do not match up, the illegal player penalty will be assessed.
UNIFORM ALTERATIONS
BSSC T-shirts must remain in the original color ordered.
Alterations that are allowed:
- Name of the player/team may be on the placed on the upper back of the shirt along the shoulders ONLY.
- American flag, team name patch, or player's number may be placed on the SLEEVE ONLY.
- Any addition must be minimal in size, not offensive in nature, or cover the BSSC or sponsors logo.
Alterations that are NOT allowed:
- Altering a shirt's general color through dyeing or bleaching, cutting of the shirt to make it unrecognizable, adding a company name/logo/patch, website address, phone number, etc
- Teams that break these rules must purchase new BSSC shirts @ $15 per shirt. Teams will forfeit all games until the balance is paid on the purchase of new shirts.
GAME FOOTWEAR
In order to participate in the BSSC, members must wear appropriate athletic footwear while playing in their game.
Dress shoes, sandals, flip flops, bear feet, socks, etc is not considered appropriate footwear. Wearing other types of footwear will be at discretion of the BSSC staff.
TEAM REFEREEING DUTIES
Certain sports are officiated by BSSC staff and/or outside organizations. Other sports will be refereed by BSSC teams participating in the sport. Reference the GAME RULES pages for clarification.
NO REFEREE FINES
If a referee is required, teams will be fined $75 for not providing a referee (or line judge if applicable) when scheduled to do so. In addition, the team will be awarded a loss for that week's game in which they were to provide a referee/line judge. Teams will be allowed to play the game and no forfeit fine will be assessed. The $75 fine will go be donated to the Sweet Baby Grace Fund to help find a cure for Krabbe Disease (see the social calendar for details). If you would like the BSSC to outline your refereeing duties, please email a copy of your schedule.
FORFEITS
A team must have the minimum number of players (see GAME RULE page) in order for teams to start play. Because of the large amount of teams playing in the league, game time is considered forfeit time. The BSSC will add 5 extra minutes to the start time if an unplanned traffic event has occurred. A $50 forfeit fine will be assessed if a team cannot begin play due to the number of players present at game time. This fine will go towards your opponent's bar tab to be used at our bar sponsor(s) the next week. Teams will be given their voucher by BSSC staff at their next regularly scheduled game. Teams that receive a forfeit fine must use it the following week or lose it.
NOTE: Once a game has been called in, it cannot be reversed. Forfeits will not be rescheduled for another date.
Forfeit Time Exemption:
If your team emails the BSSC prior to a forfeit (see GAME RULES for specific time frame), your team will not be assessed a forfeit fine. The deadline will allow for the BSSC to contact the coach and players of the opposing team.
Called in Forfeit:
Once a team has emailed the BSSC they cannot participate in a regular or post season game, that notice CANNOT be reversed. If your "called in forfeit" game was rained out, the forfeit stands. No forfeited games will be moved to a make up date, the opposing will recieve a win for the game.
Called in Forfeit Line Judge Duties:
If a team has called in a forfeit for that weeks' game they are still responsible for providing a line judge (if applicable). Teams will be fined $75 the following week if a line judge was not provided.
Playing a Forfeited Game:
If the game has officially been called a forfeit, teams will have the option to play an officiated "FUN GAME". Whether a forfeiting team wins or loses a fun game does not affect the fact that the opposing team receives a win on its record and a $50 bar voucher.
PAYING LEAGUE FINES
All fines (forfeit/no-ref) must be paid before your next scheduled game by either cash or check. The BSSC will email the entire team to remind them about a fine owed from the previous week. Teams will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game until the fine(s) are paid. Teams that have any outstanding forfeit/no-ref fines from the last regular season game will not be allowed back into the BSSC for any sport until these fines are paid in full.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather, the BSSC uses the following to communicate cancellations to it's members:
- a text message
- a flash banner on the home page
- an email to coaches and league participants
- Voice message on the rain-out # 410-461-5550
- If a cancellation message is not made through one of these means, then all games are on. At times, inclement weather may occur after the first game has started. In this case, a cancellation message will be posted as soon as possible.
- If the BSSC sport is outdoors, ALL games will be immediately cancelled if lightening is spotted. If a storm passes rapidly, later games may be able to be played that day if field conditions allow. No games will begin until 30 minutes after the last lightening strike. Any cancelled games will be added to the "rain out" schedule on the website.
- If the game is called because of lightning ALL PLAYERS must retreat to their cars IMMEDIATELY and my not return to the field until instructed to do so by BSSC staff.
AFTER GAME TIME LIMITS
After teams have completed their game, they may stay in the park for one game after their game has been completed. This will limit the amount of community complaints filed to the police/BSSC about players loitering in the parks consuming "beverages." Teams will receive one warning from staff, but will have wins removed from their season total if time limit/warnings are ignored.
REGULAR SEASON POINTS AWARDED
Win - 2 points, Tie - 1 point, Loss - 0 points
PLAY-OFF TEAM ADVANCEMENT POLICY
The number of play-off teams that will advance to the next higher division will be based on the number of teams that played in the post season. This format will help balance out the caliber of teams in all BSSC sports leagues.
- 32 team play-off schedule, the "elite eight" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- 16 team play-off schedule, the "final four" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- 8 team play-off schedule, the "top two" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- Any BSSC team may choose to move up to a higher league.
- Teams with a regular season record of 2 wins or less, may choose to move down to the next lower level
REGULAR/PLAY-OFF SCHEDULE DEVIATIONS
- The objective of the BSSC is to have every team complete their regular season schedule. Sometimes in order to achieve this, the number of teams participating in the post season will be affected. Occasionally, circumstances beyond the BSSC's control (inclement weather, field conditions, Recs and Parks equipment malfunction, etc.) dictates modifications in the regular/post season, which may cause the shortening of either the regular season or the post season schedule. Although every effort will be made to have each team play all of their regularly scheduled games, if circumstances dictate that all regular season games can not be completed, each team will receive a "tie" (1 point) on their record. This rule follows the spirit of the BSSC, which strives for the largest percentage of member participation.
- Make-up/play-off games may not be scheduled on the same days as teams play in the regular season. Example: Softball plays Monday thru Thursday, make up/play-offs games may be played on a weekend or another day. The make-up date(s) will be provided before the start of the season to allow players to make adjustments to their schedules.
- Neither refunds nor pro-rated refunds will be given if the season is shortened due to inclement weather or by actions taken by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.
PLAYOFF GAMES
- Play-offs will start after the completion of the regular season including any rescheduled games.
- Teams are awarded 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss during the regular season. Teams with the most points at the end of the regular season will make the play-offs.
- The number of play-off teams will be determined by the total number of teams in each league. A software program will randomly seed teams based on regular season point totals. Example: 5 teams are 8-0; the software will randomly seed each one of those teams 1 through 5. Alternatively, if there are 32 teams in the play-offs and 10 teams have the same record for the last seed, the software will randomly select the 32nd seed.
- In the spirit of the BSSC, random seeding by our software eliminates the issue of teams needing to focus on beating another team by a certain amount of runs or points, strength of schedule, head to head competition, etc. The seeding schedule will be found on the play-off link, however, team numbers will not be filled in until after the last regular season games are completed.
- The play-off schedule may deviate from the day in which your team played during the regular season.
- Play-off games will not end in a tie. Formats are in place to break ties at the end of a post season game
- Note: Super Extreme leagues will not have play-offs.
BEVERAGES
- The City of Baltimore prohibits both possession and/or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on city property. Players will be responsible for any citations given by the Baltimore City Police Department.
- NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of the BSSC indoor/outdoor venues.
- If, at their own risk, members transport beverages to the field:
- Beverages must be in a cooler and need to be in opaque cups or coozies only. Staff will revoke drinking privileges if beverage cans are visible during the game.
- If members are walking in sight of any BSSC venue with opened or unopened packaging that is not in a cooler or opaque container, the entire team will lose their drinking priviledges for the day and must return all beverages to their car.
- Players must drink beverages out of opaque cups or coozie.
- No beverages may be in glass containers. If a team has any glass containers, the team will forfeit all games for the season.
- Teams are also responsible for removal of trash before leaving the fields. BSSC and its members have the responsibility to leave all Recs and Parks venues in clean, trash-free condition. A local homeless shelter, BEANS & BREAD, recycles aluminum cans from our fields to exchange for food for their facility. In order to help the volunteers who collect the cans, we will have two sets of trash bags at every field. CLEAR BAGS will be used for cans (to recycle) and DARK BAGS for general trash.
INJURY
If a player is injured during the game, they must sit out one series (offense & defense) before reentering the game. A player can be removed from the game, if on the recommendation of BSSC or MedStar staff, their injury warrants such action.
GAME CLOCK FOR INJURIES
In the spirit of the BSSC, the number one concern is the care of an injured BSSC player. A player will only be moved off of the field/court, once they are stable enough to do so. The game clock will stop with the injury and will resume once the player has moved to the sideline. If in the event this extends past the allotted time for the entire game, the score will recorded from the time the clocked stopped. Time will not be added into the next scheduled time slot on that field/court. Example: Injury occurs at 11:45am (game tied) and the player is taken off of the field/court at 12:00pm. Fifteen minutes will not be added to play past 12pm. The game was tied at 11:45am when the injury occurred and it will be recorded as a tie.
BLOOD RULE
If an injury results in a bleeding/non-bleeding open wound, the player must immediately be removed from the field to receive medical attention. They may re-enter the game ONLY after the wound is bandaged and bleeding has stopped.
PREGNANCY RULE
For the safety of both mother and baby, pregnant women are not permitted to play in any BSSC sport. Even though the BSSC is a non contact league, accidents do occur. This does not prohibit a pregnant woman from managing a team. If this rule is ignored and a pregnant player is caught playing, that player will be suspended from play for the season and no refunds will be given.
I. BSSC FOOTBALL GAME RULES
SEC. 1 - EACH TEAM MUST PROVIDE A LINE JUDGE
A. All teams participating in football must provide a line judge to assist the BSSC staff member on your field for either the game before or after the game throughout the season. The HOME team is the determining factor on whether your team provides a line judge before or after the game.
B. If you are the HOME team, you must provide a line judge that week. Exception: The 3pm VISITING team line judges the 4pm games. The 4pm teams will NOT have to linejudge.
C. The team listed FIRST on the schedule is considered the HOME team (Ex. 25 vs 49... 25 is the HOME team).
D. If you are the HOME team, please use the chart below to determine the time of your line judge responsibility. If you would like help, please COPY your regular season schedule (include coach, team # and league) and send to mikec@baltssc.com. We will highlight the weeks are you are provide a line judge.
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If your game begins at:
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You must provide a line judge at:
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10 AM
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11 AM
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11 AM
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10 AM
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12 Noon
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1 PM
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1 PM
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12 Noon
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2 PM
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3 PM
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3 PM
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2 PM
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3 PM (VISITORS)
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4 PM
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4 PM
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BYE
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SEC. 2 - LINE JUDGE DUTIES
A. Following the schedule above, the line judge should introduce themselves to the BSSC staff on the field on which they play.
B. The BSSC staff will provide the line judge with all materials needed.
C. A line judge's responsibilities include the following:
1. The line judge will orally count off the five second rush in this manner, "ONE ONE THOUSAND, TWO ONE THOUSAND, etc. to FIVE ONE THOUSAND." The count must be loud enough for all players on the field to hear.
2. The line judge will keep score and inform the BSSC referee of the score after every TD.
3. The line judge MUST blow his/her whistle after every play.
4. The line judge is also responsible for calling any penalties he/she may see during the game.
NOTE: Line judges that are intoxicated or conducts him/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner will be removed from that game and will sit out their team's next scheduled game. Line Judge is a duty that is to be taken seriously. The line judge supplied needs to have a basic knowledge of BSSC and regular football rules. The line jusge is not to carry on casual conversations with players of either team, or players of their own team while they are performing this duty. In addition, cell phones and blackberrys are not to be used during the game by any line judge.
SEC. 3 - FINES WHEN A TEAM FAILS TO PROVIDE A LINE JUDGE
A. Teams will be fined $75 for not providing a line judge as scheduled.
B. Teams will have a loss recorded for the game played on the day in which they were to provide a line judge.
NOTE: All $75 fines will be donated to the Sweet Baby Grace Fund to help find a cure for Krabbe Disease (see the social calendar for more details).
SEC. 4 - PLAY-OFF LINE JUDGE DUTIES
A. Teams will follow the above format for providing a line judge in the play-offs unless otherwise informed by the BSSC.
B. Teams that DO NOT provide a line judge when required will forfeit their play-off game and will not advance to the next round.
C. If a team's coach has a question about their responsibility to provide a line judge, he/she should ask any BSSC staff member for clarification.
SEC. 5 - FIELDING A TEAM
A. There is a maximum of 8 players allowed on the field at one time (standard, 5 men, 3 women).
1. There is no limit to the number of women allowed on the field at one time (8 women - 0 men).
2. No more than 5 men are allowed on the field under any circumstances.
B. To start a game, a team must have a minimum of 6 players, 2 of whom must be women.
C. When starting a game with 2 women, a team is allowed to have 5 men on the field.
D. If a team is playing either a man or woman short, any players arriving late may enter the game at any time.
E. If less than 2 women are present to start the game, a forfeit will be assessed (see VII "FORFEIT") .
F. If one team has only 6 players, then the opposing team may chose to play 6 on 6 or may play with a full team of 8 against 6.
SEC. 6 - START OF GAME
A. The BSSC official will have the home team coach choose whether he/she has an odd or even number of fingers behind their back.
B. The winning coach will have THREE choices:
1. Offense
2. Defense
3. Direction in the first half. If direction is selected, then the other coach will pick either offense or defense.
C. Possession starts on the second hash mark from the chosen end zone (2-point conversion line).
NOTE: Teams will flip-flop direction and possession after half time.
SEC. 7 - FORFEITS
A. The minimum number of players to start the game is 6 (2 of the players MUST be women.)
B. Due to the large amount of games scheduled, all games must start on time. GAME TIME IS FORFEIT TIME. (Five extra minutes will be added to the start time if an unplanned traffic event has occurred.)
C. A forfeit will be called and a $50 fine will be assessed if a team is unable to start on time (unless prior notice was given - see FORFEIT NOTICE).
1. This fine will go towards non-forfeiting team's bar tab to be used at a BSSC sponsor bar(s) the following week.
2. The $50 voucher will be given by BSSC staff at their next scheduled game. Teams that receive a forfeit voucher must use it the following week or lose it.
3. Please remember to add the $50 to your total team bar tab when figuring out the bartender's tip.
SEC. 8 - FORFEIT NOTICE
A. Forfeiting coach/representative must contact the BSSC by NOON on the Friday prior to the schedules game in order to avoid a forfeit fine. This deadline will allow the BSSC to contact the coach and players of the opposing team.
SEC. 9 - GAME CLOCK
A. Play will be divided into 20-minute halves. BSSC staff will provide remaining time updates of 15-10-5-2 minutes throughout both halves.
B. There will be a 5 minute half-time.
C. The first 19 minutes of the first half of the game will be a "running-clock" half.
1. With one minute or less remaining in the 1st half, the game clock will stop ONLY after the extra point conversion attempt or change of possession.
a. The official will allow 30-seconds after an attempted conversion/change of possession for teams to substitute players.
b. The clock will begin and the offense may snap the ball only after the official has given the ready for play signal.
D. In the second half of the game, the clock will be a "running-clock" for the first 18 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of play:
2. For each of the following, the game clock is stopped if the next play begins with a snap, the game clack will start on the snap. Ex: touchdowns,dead balls, out of bounds, incomplete passes, change of possession, penalties, injuries, and time outs.
Exception: If a team is ahead by 18 pts or more, the clock will continue to run.
a. If the losing team scores after the 2-minute warning to go down less than 18 points, the clock will still continue to run.
b. No time-outs can be called during a "running clock" in this situation.
3.The official will allow 30-seconds after an attempted conversion or change of possession for teams to substitute players. After a touchdown ( with less then 2 minutes in the 2nd half ) the extra point attempt will be untimed and the clock will begin on the next offensive snap, after the change of possession.
The clock will begin and the offense may snap the ball only after the official has given the ready for play signal. This rule is in effect unless a team is ahead by 18 points.
4. There will be 10 seconds removed from the clock if a penalty is committed during the last two minutes by the offensive team. The game may end while those 10 seconds are taken off the clock.
NOTE: The defense has the option to decline the 10-second penalty (which will provide more time for the defense to attempt to get the ball back).
5. If the defensive team commits a foul when it has no time outs left in the final 30 seconds of the 2nd half, the offensive team can decline the penalty for the foul and have the time on the clock expire.
6. If a foul by the defense has occurred and time has run out, the offensive team may choose to extend the period by one down (enforcement as usual).
E. Time will be stopped during the first 38 minutes for called time outs and serious injuries.
F. If an injury occurs, the injured player must leave the game for one scrimmage series.
G. If time expires at the end of either half and the ball is in play, then time will not be called until the down ends.
H. If a touchdown occurs during a play in which the time expires, the touchdown will count and the extra point conversion will be allowed.
I. After the immediate completion of a play, the line judge will place either the current game ball or back up ball on the scrimmage line. The offensive team has 20 seconds to put the ball in play after play has been declared by the back judge (the ball cannot be put into play until declared "ready-for-play").
SEC. 10 - TIMEOUTS
A. Each team is allowed 2 one-minute time outs per game.
B. Time outs cannot be called by either with 2 minutes left in the game if a team is ahead by 18 points or more entering the 2-minute period.
C. The team that calls a timeout has the option of denoting the timeout as a "clock stoppage only" timeout and play will continue immediately without a one minute pause. The clock will stop at the time the TO is called, and start again on the subsequent snap of the ball; the 20-second play clock will start when the ball is made "ready for play". The team calling the timeout will be charged with one of their two timeouts. NOTE: both teams will be allowed to make any necessary substitutions before the ball is snapped.
SEC. 11 - SCRIMMAGE LINE
A. Centers may adjust the ball, including picking it up to reposition before each play so as long as he/she does not move the ball in a manner to intentionally draw the defensive players off sides.
B. All offensive players must be within the designated hash marks at midfield before the ball is snapped.
C. All offensive players (except a motion player) must be set (remain motionless) for one full second before ball is snapped.
D. The player in motion may initially move towards the line of scrimmage, but must be in a parallel or backward motion to the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is snapped.
E. There is no blocking at the line of scrimmage (see "BLOCKING" below).
SEC. 12 - DEFENSIVE RUSH COUNT
A. Defensive players may rush at the end of the five-second count by the line judge.
B. If the defense crosses the line before the end of the five-second count, offsides will be called AFTER the played has been completed.
SEC. 13 - PLAY LIMITS/FIRST DOWN
A. Extreme and Super-X Leagues
1. The field will be divided into halves by cones at mid-field.
2. The offensive team has a limit of one first down and four additional plays to cross midfield.
3. An automatic first down is awarded once the ball crosses mid-field.
4. The offense then has a limit of one first down and four additional plays to score a touchdown.
5. A first down is earned by completing 2 passes beyond the line of scrimmage.
6. If a team fails to earn a first down by completing two passes or crossing mid-field, or if a team fails to score within the downs allotted, the other team will assume possession of the ball.
7. The offensive team may elect to punt on fourth down.
8. A first down cannot be carried over from one half to the other.
9. BSSC staff will convey the down situation on the field.
EXAMPLES: "1st down and 2, open" (1st down, 2 completions needed to get a first down and any gender may catch the ball). Or, " 3rd down and mid, open" (3rd down, ball must cross mid-field to get a first and any gender may catch the ball). Or, "2nd down and goal, "gender" (2nd down, ball must cross the goal line and a woman must be involved in the play - see "SEC.16 - GENDER PLAY").
B. Social League
1. The field will be divided into halves by cones at mid-field.
2. The offensive team has a limit of 6 plays with one first down to cross mid-field.
3. An automatic first down is awarded once the ball crosses mid-field.
4. The offense then has a limit of 6 plays with one first down to score a touchdown.
5. A first down is earned by completing 2 passes beyond the line of scrimmage.
6. If a team fails to earn a first down by completing two passes or crossing mid-field, or if a team fails to score within the downs allotted, the other team will assume possession of the ball.
7. The offensive team may elect to punt on fourth down (see "PUNTS" below).
8. A first down cannot be carried over from one half to the other.
9. BSSC staff will convey the down situation on the field. For example, "1st down and 2, open" (1st down, 2 completions needed to get a first down and any gender may catch the ball). Or, " 3rd down and mid, open" (3rd down, ball must cross mid-field to get a first and any gender may catch the ball). Or, "2nd down and goal, gender" (2nd down, ball must cross the goal line and a woman must be involved in the play).
SEC. 14 - PUNTS
A. If the offensive team decides to punt, they must inform the opposing team and the BSSC staff.
B. No fake punts are allowed.
C. All punts must be kicked.
D. The punting team must stay on the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted.
E. Five players from the receiving team must be on the line of scrimmage.
F. The receiving team may call for a fair catch or catch and advance the ball.
G. If the ball hits the ground it becomes a dead ball.
H. If the ball travels outside or is downed in the end zone, it will be placed on the 2-point conversion line to begin play.
I. No blocking is allowed (see "BLOCKING" below).
J. The receiving team may not attempt to block the punt in any way.
SEC. 15 - BLOCKING
A. No blocking or contact of any kind is allowed in BSSC touch football.
1. This includes:
a. Downfield "blocking" of any kind;
b. Blocking during punts or interceptions;
c. At the line of scrimmage;
d. While guarding a receiver.
NOTE: All players MUST TRY TO AVOID CONTACT with any player on the football field at all times.
SEC. 16 - GENDER PLAY
A. Open/Gender Play
1. Teams must use a female as an operative player within 3 consecutive downs (gender play).
2. An open play will be called by the official if a gender play is not required on the current play.
3. For open plays, the ball may be thrown to either a male or female player.
4. Once a female is used in any play, then the gender count is reset.
B. Forced Gender Play
1. When the offense has not used a female as an "operative" player (being thrown to, throwing, or running with the ball) within the last 2 plays, the next play MUST be a gender play.
2. A female may be used as an operative player on any play at any time.
3. On a forced gender play, if a female is in the backfield/slot position, the offensive team MUST declare who is receiving the snap from center.
4. The ball can not be snapped past the slot position on a forced gender play. This rule doesn't apply to an OPEN play.
5. If a female is the regular quarterback, then the play will be considered "open" without regard to special defensive coverage.
6. Gender will be called "good" by the official if the operative player was judged to be the intended receiver, runs the ball as the primary runner, (a female runner may not transfer the ball to a male runner during a gender play- hook & ladder), or is the quarterback (even if positive yards are not gained).
7. If the QB is sacked or fumbles the snap on a forced gender play, the next play must be gender.
C. Examples:
1. Gender Play.
a. A pass intended for a female (in the eyes of the official) whether it is caught or not.
b. A female lines up as quarterback and throws a pass to a male or female.
c. A female runs with the ball from scrimmage in an attempt to gain positive yardage.
2. NOT a Gender Play
a. A female receives a hand off only to hand it back to a male behind the line of scrimmage.
b. A female snaps (or hikes) the ball.
c. A pass is deflected by a male and caught by a female.
d. A male QB deliberately throws the ball into the ground at the feet of a female.
e. A female QB grounds the ball to stop the clock.
f. A female QB receives the snap with no intention of throwing or running the ball for positive yards.
D. Defensive Coverage for a Forced Gender Play
1. The male defensive players must play "man-to-man" and may not use a zone defense on a forced gender play. If the offensive team sends more then 4 men on a pass pattern, the defensive team must cover them. If less then 4 men are running a pattern, then the defense will not have to cover the receivers.
2. Male defensive players can only leave their "man-to-man" assignment only after the ball is caught by the female to tag her.
3. Male defenders (guarding the quarterback), will be penalized if they knock a thrown ball down. The quarterback will be penalized if they intentionally throw the ball into the defender who is rushing the QB.
4. Men may not cover women on a forced gender play (they may guard women on open plays).
5. If the offense plays more than 3 women on the field (for a forced gender play), they must designate which 3 females will be used in the gender play. The remaining female(s) will not have gender protection. The male defender(s) may not release from "man to man" coverage or intercept the ball. They may be able to knock the ball down from the female receiver they are covering.
6. If the defense is down a female player (5 men-2 women on the field), a man may cover the opposing team's woman on a forced gender play.
a. The offense will designate which female is to be covered before the snap of the ball.
b. The male may guard the female, but may not contact the ball until caught by the female (see "Penalty on Gender Play" below).
EXCEPTION: If the play starts on the defensive team's 2 pt. conversion line or less and is thrown in the end zone, the male defender may knock the ball down, but can not intercept in the end zone.
c. The defensive team must rotate their male players every gender play to cover the offense's extra female. Once the rotation is complete, then the male that began the rotation may cover her again.
7. On any forced gender play, women will have three defensive options; woman to woman, zone or the use of a free safety but they may never use a double team defense.
8. If the offensive team only has 2 women on the field, the defense may use the 3rd women to play zone, but can not double team.
E. Illegal Contact With the Ball in a Forced Gender Situation:
1. A thrown ball cannot be intercepted by a male on a forced gender. This includes a ball that is tipped/deflected off of a female player. The ball will be placed where the interception occurred, offense will retain possession and the gender play will be declared good.
2. A defensive woman MAY intercept a ball on forced gender.
F. Penalty on Gender Play
1. If the foul is on the defensive team, the offense will have 2 options:
a. Take the penalty and repeat the gender play
b. Decline the penalty and the next play will be open.
2. If the foul is on the offensive player, the penalty will be assessed and the next play will be gender.
SEC. 17 - PASSING
A. Complete/Incomplete Pass
1. A forward pass is completed when caught by any player of the offensive team who has at least one foot in-bounds and is past the line of scrimmage.
2. If an offensive and defensive player catch the ball simultaneously, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the passing team at the spot of the catch.
3. If a player goes out-of-bounds and comes back in-bounds to catch the ball, it is an incomplete pass.
B. Catch in the End Zone
1. A touchdown will be signaled by the official when both the football and player's entire body has broken the plane of the opponent's goal line.
EXAMPLE: If a player extends the ball with their arm into the end zone, but their body is tagged on the 1 yard. line, the ball will be placed on the 1 yard line.
C. Turnovers
1. A change of possession can only occur due to downs or an interception on a pass.
a. A catch of an opponent's pass or fumble before it hits the ground is an interception.
2. A fumble is not a turnover (the ball is dead at the spot of the fumble).
3. A lateral is not a forward pass and cannot be advanced if intercepted (the ball is dead at the spot of occurrence and possession awarded to the intercepting team).
4. A player must be in bounds and have control of the ball before an interception is called
D. Hook & Ladder
1. FORCED GENDER
a. The ball is dead at the point of release by the female (the hook) to the male (ladder). Gender is good and the completion is counted. No penalty. Completed pass, dead at the spot of the lateral. On a forced gender play, a male cannot be the "hook".
2. OPEN PLAY
a. If you execute the hook and ladder (female is either one) on an "open play", the play is legal. However, it does not satisfy the gender requirement. The female is simply an intermediary, much like a double hand off in the backfield: therefore, she is not a primary player.
3. ANY PLAY
a. If you execute this play with females being BOTH the hook and the ladder the play will be allowed to continue w/o interruption. It will be a completed pass, the ball will NOT be called dead at the spot of the lateral and it will count as a gender play. If a TD is scored as a result of this play, then 8 points will be awarded.
SEC. 18 - RUNNING THE BALL
A. QB run from scrimmage
1. If the offensive line of scrimmage is BEFORE mid field, the QB may run at any time.
2. If the offensive line of scrimmage is in the opposing teams' half of the field, then the QB CANNOT run for positive yards unless a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage after the 5 second rush count.
a. This includes extra point attempt plays.
B. A team may at any time execute a running play from scrimmage with the following guidelines:
1. The QB rule above applies until the ball is transferred to another player.
2. At the time the QB transfers the possession of the ball to another player, the 5 second rush protection is lost. Transfer of possession is executed by:
a. Hand-off
b. Pitch/Lateral
c. Forward pass caught behind the line of scrimmage.
3. A ball that is transferred from the QB to another player behind the line of scrimmage may be advanced across the line of scrimmage regardless of where the line of scrimmage originates.
4. If the ball is transferred to another player and then back to the QB, the 5 second rush protection is NOT regained.
5. A ball that has been transferred may still be thrown downfield unless:
a. The ball has traveled past the line of scrimmage.
b. A forward pass of any kind has been thrown.
6. Forward hand offs or passes that occur behind the line of scrimmage are illegal. The play will be blown dead and the ball placed where it was initially handed off or passed from.
SEC. 19 - STOPPAGE OF PLAY
A. When an opponent touches the ball carrier with two hands.
1. This does not have to occur simultaneously if the offensive player has not taken more then 2 steps.
2. Once the ball has contacted carrier, they are eligible for downed contact.
3. The football is considered part of the body if the ball is touched in a tag situation.
B. Ball carrier leaves the field of play or scores.
C. Receiver catches the ball in the end zone to score a touchdown or extra point.
1. A player that has ball control and is pushed out of the end zone or sideline before his/her feet touch the ground will be considered inbounds.
D. An eligible receiver becomes ineligible if he/she goes out of bounds (prior to or during a pass) and remains ineligible until an eligible receiver or any defensive player touches the pass.
1. A penalty will be assessed if the ineligible receiver catches the ball before an eligible receiver or defensive player touches the pass.
EXCEPTION: If the eligible receiver is forced out of bounds he will become eligible to legally catch a pass as soon as he/she returns inbounds.
E. Ball touches the ground because of a fumble, punt or incomplete pass.
F. Ball carrier slips or falls and any part of this body (except feet or hands) is touching the ground.
G. Timeout is called (see SEC 10 - TIMEOUTS).
H. If an inadvertent whistle is blown the ball becomes dead immediately.
1. If this happens during a running play or after a player has caught the ball, the offensive team has the following 2 options:
a. ball will be placed at the spot of the runner at the time of the whistle.
b. replay the down
2. If a forward pass is in flight, or during a punting or hiking situation, the down will be replayed.
SEC. 20 - SCORING
A. Six points are awarded for a touchdown (see "C. Gender Exceptions" below).
B. After a touchdown, the offensive team will attempt an extra point conversion.
1. The gender count will extend from the previous series to include extra point conversions.
2. Teams receive 2 points for a 10-yard conversion (2-pt. conversion line) and 1 point for a 5-yard conversion (1-pt. conversion line). (see "C. Gender Exceptions" below).
3. An intercepted extra point cannot be run back.
C. Gender Exceptions:
1. On an OPEN PLAY if a woman-to-woman pass results in a touchdown, that team will receive 8 points (instead of 6). On a FORCED GENDER play, the touchdown will result in 6 points.
a. Teams will still then have the option for a one or two point conversion.
2. On an OPEN PLAY a woman-to-woman pass from the 2 pt. conversion line will result in 3 points being awarded. On a FORCED GENDER play the conversion will result in 2 points.
3. On an OPEN PLAY a woman-to-woman pass from the 1 pt. conversion line will result in 2 points being awarded. On a FORCED GENDER play the conversion will result in 1 point.
D. Two points are awarded for a safety when one of the following occurs in the end zone:
1. Any offensive penalty occurring in the end zone
2. The ball carrier or QB is tagged in the end zone (not on a punt or intercepted pass).
3. The ball carrier or QB runs out of bounds in their own end zone.
4. The center snaps the ball out of the end zone.
5. A player fumbles in their own end zone.
NOTE: After a safety, the offensive team will punt a free kick from the 20 yard line.
SEC. 21 - UNABATED RUNNER
A. Once a player running unabated has crossed the opposing team's 2 pt. conversion line they have 2 options:
1. "Take a knee."
2. Score a TD within 5 seconds.
B. If the runner has not scored a TD within the 5 second limit or stops before the 2 pt. conversion line, the official will blow the play dead and clock will stop.
1. A 15 yd. dead ball unsportsmanlike penalty will be called and penalty enforced from the spot that the player stopped running.
SEC. 22 - BALL PLACEMENT FOR PENALTIES
A. Dead-Ball Foul
1. Succeeding Spot
a. The spot where the ball next would be put in play if no distance penalty were to be enforced.
EXAMPLE: Receiver catches the ball and runs out of bounds. While out of bounds, the defender pushes the receiver. The ball will be spotted where the receiver went out of bounds, and a 15 yd unsportsmanlike 'dead ball ' penalty will be added to the play because of the penalty.
B. Live-Ball Foul
1. Previous Spot
a. The spot where the ball was put into play.
EXAMPLE: Receiver catches a long pass and is touched at the 5 yd. line. However, on the play, one of the offensive players holds a defensive player. This is a 'live ball' foul for holding and 10 yards is assessed from the original line of scrimmage, NOT at the 5 yd. line where the receiver was downed.
C. Double Foul
a. If there is a double foul during a down in which there is a change of possesion, the team last gaining possession may keep the ball unless its foul was committed prior to the change of possession.
b. If double foul occurs after change of possession, the defensive team retains the ball at the spot of its foul or dead ball spot.
c. If one of the fouls of a double foul involves disqualification, that player must be removed, but no penalty yardage is to be assessed.
SEC. 23 OVERTIME (Play-Offs ONLY)
A. The BSSC official will have the home team coach choose whether he/she has an odd or even number of fingers behind their back. The winning coach will decide offense or defense. If a team started on offense (round 1) then they will start on defense, if a round 2 is needed.
B. Each team will have four downs to score from 2-point conversion line using the same end zone.
C. If a team scores, they will have the opportunity to go for one or two on the PAT. The female to female PAT rule will still be in effect.
D. A female player must be used once within the first three plays or on the 1st and 4th downs when applicable.
E. Interceptions will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points.
F. If a tie occurs after the first round, then teams will begin at the 1-point conversion line using the same format. EACH TEAM MUST GO FOR A TWO-POINT CONVERSION AFTER THE SCORE.
G. If a third round is needed; the ball will be place on the goal line using the same format. EACH TEAM MUST GO FOR A TWO-POINT CONVERSION AFTER THE SCORE.
H. The game will be decided when one team scores more points in the round.
I. No 1st downs will be awarded except in the case of a penalty.
SEC. 23 DECEITFUL PLAY
A. Any deceitful play to circumvent / undermine the above rules or the spirit of the BSSC will be called dead. The down will be replayed and the coach will be warned by BSSC staff.
II. BSSC FOOTBALL PENALTIES
SEC. 1 LOSS OF FIVE YARDS/SPOT FOUL PENALTIES/LOSS OF DOWN
A. DEFENSE
1. Defensive Offsides: A player is offsides when any part of his/her body is beyond the line of scrimmage before the snap of the ball or before the five second count is over.
a.. The offensive team has the option to accept or decline the 5-yard penalty and accept the spot where the ball would be put in play if no penalty were to be enforced.
2. Defensive Encroachment: When any part of a player's body is in the neutral zone and contacts opposing player before the snap.
a. The official will blow his/her whistle immediately to stop play which results in a dead ball.
b. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed.
3. Double-Teaming a Female on a Forced Gender Play: Female receivers may not be defended by 2 players on a forced gender play.
a. The offense may take the penalty, repeat the gender play or decline the penalty and the next play will be open.
Exception: When a women is QB, the defense may double team the female receiver.
4. Deflecting a Thrown Ball on a Forced Gender Play: Male defenders at the scrimmage line may not touch a thrown ball. (See Sec. 16 / D-3 )
a. The offense may take the penalty, repeat the gender play or decline the penalty and the next play will be open.
5. Not Rotating a Defensive Male Player on a Forced Gender Play: When the defense is short a female player, a male player may cover a female receiver. The defensive team must rotate each of their defensive male players to cover the extra female. Once the rotation is complete, then the male that began the rotation may cover the female receiver again.
a. Five-yard penalty and the offense will have the option to reset the gender count or have the next play be gender.
6. Intercepting a Thrown Ball on Gender Play: When a male defensive player intercepts a ball on a gender play.
a. Ball will remain with the offense, will be placed where it was intercepted and gender play will be declared good.
B. OFFENSE
1. Delay of Game: The offensive team must put the ball into play 20 seconds after official has signaled "ready for play".
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed.
2. Illegal Participation: Each team may not have more than 8 players on the field at one time or more than 5 men on the field.
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed after play has been completed
3. Illegal QB Cadence: If the player calling the cadence does not receive the snap.
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed, the play will not stand and the down will be repeated.
4. Offensive Offsides: When any part of the offensive player's body is beyond the scrimmage line before the ball is snapped.
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed.
5. Offense Not Stationary for One Full Second: All offensive players (except a motion player) must be set (remain motionless) for one full second before ball is snapped. The player in motion may initially move towards the line of scrimmage, but must be in a parallel or backward motion to the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is snapped.
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed.
6. Not Using a Female as an Operative Player in a Forced Gender Situation: A team may not run 3 consecutive plays without a female as an operative player.
a. Penalty will be loss of down.
EXAMPLE: If it was first down when the penalty was called, it will now be second down.
- A female must now be an operative player on the next play.
- The penalty will be enforced until a female is used.
- If the penalty occurs on fourth down, the ball will be turned over to the opposing team.
- On a bad snap, the ball is considered dead and the next play must be a gender play.
- If a male QB is rushed and he runs past the line of scrimmage with the ball, the penalty will be enforced.
7. Not Declaring QB in a Forced Gender Situation: If a female is in the backfield or slot position on a forced gender play, the offensive team MUST declare who is receiving the snap from center.
a. The ball cannot be snapped past the slot position on a forced gender play.
b. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed.
8. Illegal Forward Pass: The offensive team may make one forward pass from behind the line during each play from scrimmage. At no time may the ball cross the line and then return behind line before the pass.
a. When an illegal pass is caught by an offensive player, the ball is declared dead immediately, the pass is considered incomplete, and there is a loss of down.
b. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed from the scrimmage line.
9. Ineligible Receiver Reception: An eligible receiver becomes ineligible if he/she goes out of bounds (prior to or during a pass) and remains ineligible until an eligible receiver or any defensive player touches the ball first.
a. If an ineligible receiver catches a pass before an eligible receiver or defensive player touches the pass a loss of down and a 5-yard penalty will be assessed from the scrimmage line.
10. QB Illegal Forward Pass: A QB cannot cross the line of scrimmage before making a forward pass.
a. The defense can either decline the penalty or have the 5-yard penalty assessed from the line of scrimmage and loss of down declared.
11. Intentionally Grounding the Ball: Grounding will be called when a passer, facing an imminent loss of yardage because of pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of it being completed.
a. This will result in a loss of down and a 5-yard penalty being assessed from the line of scrimmage.
EXCEPTION: A passer is permitted to stop the clock legally to save time if immediately upon receiving the snap he/she throws the ball forward directly into the ground in front of them. This does not apply during a forced gender play.
12. During a forced gender play, the QB may not intentionally throw the ball into a defender to draw a penalty.
a. This will result in a loss of a down adn a 5-yard penalty assessed from the line of scrimmage and repeat gender.
13. Illegal Diving: No player may leave his or her feet in order to gain positive yards.
a. If committed in the open field, a 5-yard penalty will be assessed from the spot of the foul.
b. If the dive is an attempt to score a touchdown or extra point conversion, the penalty will be assessed from the original line of scrimmage.
13. Sleeper/Sideline Play: Before the ball is snapped, all players must line up inside of the marked line which begins at mid-field and continues unmarked the length of the field. A substitution must report to the huddle or in "no huddle" situations must report to the ref.
a. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed from the scrimmage line.
SEC. 2 - LOSS OF TEN YARDS/SPOT FOUL PENALTIES/LOSS OF DOWN
A. ALL PLAYERS
1. Stiff-Arm: A player with the may not use a "stiff-arm" (extended arm) to ward off any opponent attempting to touch.
a. Penalty assessed from the spot of foul.
2.Charging Into Another Player: A player with the ball may not charge into a defensive player.
a. Penalty assessed from the spot of the foul.
3. Reckless Play: Players must avoid contact with other players at all costs.
a. This includes:
i. Leaping into a crowd to make a catch
ii. Making contact while running through a crowd to make a tag, etc.
b. When this penalty is called, the player must sit out one series and a 10-yard penalty will be assessed at from the line of scrimmage.
c. If the official determines the act was unsportsmanlike, the player will be ejected from the game.
NOTE: A 15-yard penalty will be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct.
4. Blocking: No player may use his hands or any part of their body to block an opponent. Players may not run down field with the intention of becoming a "blocker".
a. Penalty is assessed from the line of scrimmage.
5. Intentional Foul/Penalty: No player may intentionally commit a penalty or foul of any kind in order to gain an advantage for his team.
a. The player will be ejected from the game.
b. The 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
c. If the foul is committed during a mandatory gender play, the gender play must be played on the following down.
B. DEFENSE
1. Illegal Contact/Holding: A defender may in no way touch, impede or restrict a receiver until a thrown ball is caught by the receiver.
a. A 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and a first down awarded.
b. If the penalty was assessed on a gender play, then the gender count is reset.
2. Defensive Face Guarding: When a forward pass is in the air, the defender may not use his/her hands or arms to screen the offensive player from catching the ball while the defensive player's back is towards the ball.
EXCEPTION: If the defender is making a bona fide attempt to catch or bat the ball.
a. A 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
b. If the penalty was on a gender play, then the gender count is reset.
3. Defensive Pass Interference: It is defensive pass interference when a defensive player significantly hinders the progress of an eligible offensive player or that player's opportunity to catch the ball during a forward pass. Prohibited contact is defined as a player physically restricting or impeding the opponent in a manner that is visually evident and affects the player's opportunity to gain position or retain his position to catch the ball.
a. A 1st down will be awarded at the spot of the foul.
b. If the penalty was on a gender play, then the gender count is reset
NOTE: When offensive and defensive players are competing for position to make a play on the ball, any contact by hands, arms or body shall be considered incidental unless prohibited. If a player has gained position, he shall not be considered to have impeded or restricted his opponent.
a. The penalty is assessed at the line of scrimmage.
b. The offense will have the option to reset the gender count or have the next play gender.
4. Zone Defense/Not Playing Man-to-Man in a Forced Gender Situation:
See FOOTBALL GAME RULES, SEC. 16, D.
5. Defensive Coverage for a Forced Gender Play:
a. The penalty is assessed from the line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.
b. The offense will have the option to reset the gender count or have the next play be gender.
C. OFFENSE
1. Illegal Contact/Holding: An offensive player may in no way touch, impede or restrict a defensive player.
a. A 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and a first down awarded.
b. If the penalty was assessed on a gender play, then the gender count is reset.
2. Offensive Picking/Blocking: Action by an offensive player who with or without contact delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position will be considered to have committed an illegal pick or block.
a. A completed pass will be ruled a no catch.
b. Penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
c. If this occurs during forced gender situation, then gender play will be replayed.
3. Offensive Pass Interference: It is offensive pass interference when an offensive player significantly hinders the progress of a defensive player if that player has placed him/herself in a position to catch (intercept) the ball. Prohibited contact is defined as a player physically restricting or impeding the opponent in a manner that is visually evident and affects the player's opportunity to gain position or retain his position to catch the ball.
NOTE: When offensive and defensive players are competing for position to make a play on the ball, any contact by hands, arms or body shall be considered incidental unless prohibited. If a player has gained position, he shall not be considered to have impeded or restricted his opponent.
a. If the defensive player catches the ball after being interfered with, they will have the option of taking the penalty or declining the penalty and a change of possession will occur.
b. If the defensive player does not catch the ball after being interfered with, a 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and the offensive team will maintain control of the ball.
c. If the penalty was on a gender play, a 10-yard penalty will be assessed from the line of scrimmage and then the next play will be gender.
d. If the penalty was on an extra point, the conversion will be declared "no good".
4. Penalty After Interception:
a. After the interception, if there is a penalty called on the intercepting team, the enforcement is from the spot of the foul.
SEC. 3 - LOSS OF FIFTEEN YARDS PENALTIES
A. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1. Illegal tag such as grabbing, excessive rough touching, tackling, pushing, or purposely touching in inappropriate places.
2. Abusive and/or insulting language or gestures to a player or official
3. Spiking the ball
4. Taunting opponents or similar theatrics before or after the touchdown
5. Any contact with the QB before or after they have released the ball (unless it is a normal tag prior to the release of the ball or he/she is running).
6. Not scoring a TD or taking a knee within the 2 pt. conversion line (see FOOTBALL GAME RULES, SEC. 20, UNABATED RUNNER)
7. Wearing metal spikes.
8. Using the F-word towards an opponent or BSSC staff ( immediate suspension.)
9. A defender whistles, yells, screams, or otherwise causes a distraction in an attempt to make the receiver drop the ball.
10. Any other violations deemed by the officials as unsportsmanlike.
a. A 15-yard penalty will be assessed from the point of infraction or the line of scrimmage as determined by the official.
NOTE: The player(s) will be ejected for above noted flagrant actions and if judged by the BSSC staff to be excessive, they will be suspended for next week's game. Disqualified player's names must be provided to the BSSC staff official or the team will forfeit their next scheduled game. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated in the BSSC!
SEC. 4 - COOLING OFF PERIOD/EJECTIONS/SUSPENSIONS
A. Cooling Off Period
1. BSSC staff has the right to have any player(s) sit-out for a series if necessary for a "cooling-off period."
a. Teams may replace the player on the field during a cooling-off period.
B. Ejection
1. Players shall be removed from the current game.
2. Teams may NOT replace the ejected player on the field.
3. Player(s) will be eligible to play in the next scheduled game.
C. Suspension
1. Players shall be removed from current game.
2. Teams will play a person short for the remaining of the game.
3. Player must leave the field or the game will be called and a forfeit noted for the team for whom the player is a member.
4. The suspended player will NOT be eligible to play in the next scheduled game. If the next scheduled game is a forfeit, then the suspension will extend to the following weeks game.
a. If that player is caught playing the next scheduled game, the team have a forfeit recorded and a forfeit fine assessed.
b. In addition, the coach of the team will sit out the next scheduled game.
NOTE: If the removal of this unsportsmanlike player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
D. Post Season Suspension
1. There will not be ejections in teh post season, only suspensions. Any player suspended in the post season will NOT be eligible to participate in future post season game(s) that his/her team may play.
SEC. 5 - REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE
A. Any player(s) who has been ejected or suspended 2 times during the season will be removed from the league.
1. If that player is caught playing, his/her team will forfeit all games for the rest of the season.
B. Any player(s) who engage in any physical contact as the result of an argument will be banned from the BSSC for LIFE.
1. If any contact resulting from anger occurs during a game, all players will be removed from the field and the game will be called. The team whose player(s) initiated the contact will receive a loss for that game.
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