THE
CANADIAN RULE BOOK FOR AMATEUR TACKLE FOOTBALL
RULE 1
- CONDUCT
OF THE GAME
Article 1-Definition and Markings
(a)
The field of play shall be 110 yards long by 65 yards wide.
In addition, there shall be an end zone
20 yards long
at each end. These areas shall be
marked as shown in the field diagram.
(b)
Sidelines – the lines marking the sides of the field.
(c)
Goal Lines – the lines marking the end of the field.
(d)
Dead Line – the line 20 yards behind each goal line and parallel to it.
(e)
End Zone Sideline – the sideline extended from the goal line to the
dead line.
(f)
End Zone – the area bounded by the goal line, end zone sidelines, and
dead line. The goal line is part of
the end zone.
(g)
Field of Play – the area bounded by the goal lines and the sidelines.
Article
2 – Boundaries
The bounds of the playing field are
defined as the inside of the sidelines, end zone sidelines and the dead lines.
These boundary lines are out of bounds.
Article
3 – Field Dimension Measurements
All measurements shall be taken from the
inside edge of any boundary line.
Article
4 – Distance Lines
The field of play shall be marked every
5 yards by lines parallel to the goal line, and extending completely across the
field between the sidelines.
Article
5 – Special Lines
The 35 and 45-yard lines shall be of
double thickness or double lines.
Article
6 – Hash Marks
Twenty four yards from each sideline,
each 5 yard stripe shall be marked by a short cross stripe parallel to the
sideline (hash mark).
Article
7 – Distance Markers
It is recommended that markers be placed
opposite each 5-yard line, indicating the distance of each line from the goal
line toward the centre of the field.
Article
8 – End Zone Markings
(a)
The four intersections of the goal lines and sidelines, and the four
intersections of the dead lines and the end zone sidelines, shall be marked by
flexible markers or flags which must be placed so that they are considered out
of bounds.
(b)
If flags are used, the shafts must be a flexible type, not rigid or
wooden shafts, in order to preclude injury to players.
(c)
Flexible markers may be used to prevent injury.
These are soft, flexible, four sided pylons 4”x4” and an overall
height of 18 inches, which may include a two inch space between the bottom of
the pylon and the ground and be orange or red in colour.
Article
9 – Goal Post Assembly
The goal post assembly shall consist of
2 vertical goal posts, 18 feet 6 inches apart, centered on the goal line, the
mandatory padding specified in paragraph 2 and the crossbar joining them, whose
upper edge is 10 feet above the ground. The
top of the goalposts shall be at least 20 feet above ground level.
For new installations the top of the goalposts should measure 30 feet above
ground level. A wishbone type or single shaft goal post may be used if the height and
length of the crossbar meet the above standards, and the base of the goal post
is not further than 75 inches behind the goal line.
For safety reasons, all goal posts must
be properly padded. It is the
responsibility of the home team to provide the padding.
In the case of a neutral field, the participating teams shall decide
which team shall be responsible for padding the goal posts.
NOTE: Goal
posts on the goal line are considered to be part of the end zone.
Article
10 – Non-Regulation Fields
When the length or width of the fields
is less than regulation, due to running tracks or other obstructions, a clear
set of boundary lines shall be provided, at least 1 foot inside the track or
obstruction.
If an end zone is less than the required
20 yards long, and is enclosed by a track, the dead line and the end zone
sideline shall be clearly marked, at least 1 foot inside the curb.
Article
1 – Description
The game is played with a four-panel
ball made of pebbled grain leather, enclosing a rubber bladder and tightly
inflated to a pressure of not less than 12 1/2 pounds and not more that 13 1/2
pounds. It shall be in the shape of
a prolate spheroid. The
circumference of the long axis shall be from 27 3/4 to 28 1/2 inches. Circumference of the short axis shall be from 20 3/4 to 21
3/8 inches. Length of the long axis
shall be 10 7/8 to 11 7/16 inches. Weight
from 14 to 15 ounces. The decision
of the Referee shall be final as to the suitability of the ball.
Article
2 – Day and Night Games
For day games the ball shall be of a
natural tan in colour. For night
games the ball must be of such colour as will make it clearly visible.
In both day and night games the colour of the ball shall, in no way,
closely blend with the colour of the uniforms of the competing teams.
Article
3 – Wet Day Procedure
On wet days it is recommended that at
least three balls be available which may be changed at the discretion of the
Referee. It is suggested that
“ball boys” be used, one on
either side of the field, to keep the balls as clean and dry as possible.
Article
1 – Length of Game
The game shall consist of 60 minutes of
actual playing time, divided into 4 periods of 15 minutes each.
For players at the High School level, it is recommended that the game
consist of 48 minutes of actual playing time, divided into 4 periods of 12
minutes each.
Article
2 – Choice of Kick Off, Receiving Kick Off, or End of Field
At the start of the game, the captain of
the visiting team, or the team winning the coin toss, shall declare whether he
wishes to have first choice at the start of the first or second half.
The captain of the team having first
choice at the start of the first half shall have the option of one of the three
following choices:
1.
Kicking Off
2.
Receiving the kick off
3.
Defending an end of the field
The captain of the other team shall have
the option of the 1 or 2 remaining choices.
At the start of the 3rd
period, the procedure shall be reversed. The
team captain having the first choice for the 2nd half shall have the
option of the 3 choices above, and the other captain the option of the remaining
1 or 2 choices.
After a touchdown, the captain of the
team scored against shall have the choice of kicking off or receiving the kick
off.
Article
3 – Change of End
At the end of the 1st and 3rd
periods, the teams shall change ends. At
the start of the 2nd and 4th periods, the ball shall be
put into play by the team entitled to do so, at a point corresponding exactly to
the point where the ball became dead at the opposite end of the field, and in
exactly the same manner as if play had not been interrupted by the end of the
previous period.
Article
4 – Half Time
At the end of the 2nd period,
a 20-minute rest period shall be allowed – or such other rest period as the
league shall decide.
Article
5 – Late Start
The game shall start promptly at the
time scheduled. If a team is late
appearing on the field at the start of the 1st or 3rd
period:
Penalty
– L 10.
No option
Article
6 – Tie Game
When the score is tied at the end of the
4th period and it is necessary to declare a winner, the procedure to
break the tie shall be the prerogative of the governing football association,
with the consideration that the safety of the athlete is of prime importance.
Any such procedures shall be
communicated in writing to both teams, and to the Referee, prior to the game in
which the procedure may be used. In
the event that no such regulations have been prepared, the following procedure
shall be used.
There shall be a rest period of 10
minutes, with the teams allowed to return to their dressing rooms.
Overtime shall be played as a new game
of 20 minutes duration, divided into 2 periods of 10 minutes each.
A coin toss shall be made, with the team
winning the toss declaring whether he wishes to have first choice at the start
of the first or second half of overtime. The
captain of the team having first choice at the start of the first overtime half
shall have the option to kick off, receive the kick off, or defend an end of the
field. The team having the choice
at the start of the second overtime half shall have the choice of the 3 options.
If the score is still tied at the end of
the 1st 20-minute overtime, there shall be a 5-minute rest period,
with the teams not allowed to return to their dressing room.
A 2nd 20-minute overtime game
will be played, with the same procedure as the 1st ,starting with a
coin toss. The same procedure will
be repeated in complete 20-minute games until one team is declared the winner.
In the event of darkness, the overtime
periods may be shortened to 5 minutes by mutual agreement.
Article
1 – Teams
Each team consists of 12 players on the
field at any one time.
Article
2 – Team Designation
The team which puts the ball into play
shall be identified as Team A and the other team as Team B for identification
in Approved Rulings in the Case Book.
Article
3 – Team Captains
a)
At all times, each team shall have on the field a player designated as
captain, and so identified to the officials.
He shall be the sole communicator between his team and the officials,
through the Referee, and shall be entitled to an explanation of the rules, no
prolonged argument is to be allowed and the Referee’s decision cannot be
disputed.
b)
Commenting by a player, or any occupant of the bench, for the supposed
benefits of the officials shall be penalized.
Penalty: Loss of 10 yards. No
option.
c)
A captain will be informed by the Referee when he has a choice to make,
such as on a kick off at the start of a half, or after a touchdown or a
field goal, or safety touch or in the case of a foul where the captain of the
non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty, or option provided.
After the choice on a kick off has been communicated to the opponents by
the Referee, the choice may not be revoked.
After the choice of penalty or option has been made, the choice may not
be revoked.
d) The Referee may decline a request a request for a measurement if he is
satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that a first down has or has not been
made.
e)
When the distance chains are called into to determine whether a first
down has been made, only the on-field captain of each team shall be permitted in
the vicinity of the measurement.
Article
1 – Time Starts
Time shall start on the signal of the
Referee when:
(a) The ball, following a kick off, touches, or is touched by a player of
either team, in bounds.
(b) The ball is ready to be scrimmaged.
(c) The ball is snapped after a “time count” foul, or after a “time
out” due to crowd noise.
(d) The ball is snapped following a requested time out.
(e) The ball is snapped following an incomplete forward pass, or the ball
being carried out of bounds, after the 3 minute warning signal has been given in
any half, including overtime.
(f) The ball is snapped immediately following a play during which possession
changes after the 3 minute warning signal has been given in any half, including
overtime. This includes the change
of possession after a score of 1 or 3 points when the ball is put into play by a
scrimmage.
(g) The ball
is snapped on a play immediately following a kick off, a kick from scrimmage, a
return kick, or an open
field kick after the 3 minute warning signal has been
given in any half, including overtime.
(h) The ball is snapped after the penalty application for a foul which occurs
after the 3 minute warning signal has been given in any half, including
overtime. The no-offending team may
decline the penalty and permit time to resume as though a foul had not occurred.
(i)
If after the last 3 minutes warning signal in any half, including
overtime, either team commits a foul before the ball can be snapped, except a
time count foul. The non-offending team shall have the option to:
(1) Accept
the penalty. The time clock will
start on the snap of the ball.
OR (2) Decline the
distance portion of the penalty. The
time clock will start on the
snap of the
ball.
OR
(3) Decline the penalty.
The time clock will start with the signal of the Referee when the
ball
is ready to be scrimmaged.
Article
2 – Time Stops
Time shall stop
on the signal of a field official when:
(a)
A score has been made and throughout any convert attempt.
(b)
A live ball goes out of bounds.
(c)
A forward pass is incomplete.
(d)
Penalty application is required.
(e)
Player substitution is requested.
(f)
Player injury occurs. Time
stops after the ball is dead and the injured player must be replaced.
(g)
Time expires at the end of a period.
(h)
First down distance has been made. Time
stops after the ball is dead.
(i)
The ball becomes dead after the three-minute warning signal in any half,
including overtime.
(j)
Any field official recognizes a request for a time out.
(k)
The Referee feels it necessary to suspend play – defective equipment,
measurements, etc.
Article
3 – End of Period
If
in any period, the ball becomes dead with only a short period of time remaining,
the team in possession shall be entitled to one complete play even though that
play may extend beyond the normal termination of that period.
Where
the last play is a legally scored touchdown, the period will be extended for the
convert attempt following
the touchdown. The period will end
when the ball is declared dead on the convert, without a foul.
If a foul occurs,
See Rule 1, Section 5, Article 6. (Foul in the Last Play of
Period)
Article
4 – Time Out
Each
team shall be entitled to two time outs in each half of a game, and in each half of
overtime. Each time out is 1 minute
long. Any player may request a time
out from the time the ball becomes dead until it is put into play.
Time outs may not be accumulated from one half to the next.
After
a time out, and any conference with the coaches, Team A players shall not remain
in close proximity to their bench, but must return to their huddle, or move
clearly away from the team bench area, if they are not using a huddle, or be
penalized for illegal procedure.
Penalty: L5 PLS DR
Article
5 – Crowd Noise
The
Team A captain may request the Referee to stop the game if excessive crowd noise
prevents Team A from putting the ball into play.
The Referee, if he agrees with the captain, may permit Team A to return
to its huddle. The Referee shall
allow a reasonable time, but under no circumstances shall he permit the play to
be delayed more than 3 times.
Article
6 – Foul in the Last Play of Period
If
in any period, time expires during a play in which a foul occurs, the
non-offending team has the option to:
(a)
Accept the penalty, in which case the team entitled to possession shall
be required to put the ball into play
and the period extended for that play,
OR
(b)
Decline the penalty and accept the play as it terminated, in which case
the period is ended.
Should
the play be terminated by an official’s whistle prior
to the ball being put into play, the period shall be extended for another play.
If
a foul occurs during the last play of
a period, including a convert, the non-offending team may decline the penalty in
order to terminate the period. If the foul is Unnecessary Roughness or Rough Play, the non-offending team
will
have the option to have the penalty applied in the same period, in which case
another play will take place, or to have the penalty applied on the opening play
of the next period.
If a time count foul occurs on the convert, the penalty will be applied on a
repeated convert, with no option to apply the penalty on the kickoff.
If
the last play of the period is a legally scored touchdown, any penalty for UR,
RP occurring during the play, or during the interval between the touchdown and
the convert, may be applied at the option of the non-offending team as follows:
(1) on the convert following a touchdown
OR (2) on the kick off in the same period
OR (3) on a kick off to open the next period
If
the foul is committed in the end zone, and the penalty for the foul would award
a score to the non-offending team, the non-offending team may accept the penalty
and the resultant score, and may also elect to terminate the period.
If
the last play of the period is a legally scored touchdown, Objectionable Conduct
or no mouth guard occurring during the play, or during the interval between the
touchdown and the convert, may be applied at the option of the non-offending
team, as follows:
(1) on the convert following the touchdown
OR (2) on
a kick off to open the next period.
If
the foul is Objectionable Conduct or No Mouthguard, on the convert, the penalty
will be applied on the opening play of the next period (Rule 1 –11 Penalty
c, Rule 7-4 Penalty).
NOTE:
An offside pass is not a foul.
Article
1 – Player Possession
A
player is in possession if he has the ball firmly held in the hand or hands, arm
or arms, leg or legs or under his body.
Article
2 – Disputed Possession
When
players of opposite teams have possession of the ball, it shall belong to the
player who first gained possession, and who has not lost possession.
Article
3 – Simultaneous Possession
If
players of opposite teams legally gain simultaneous possession of the ball, it
shall belong to the team, which last previously had possession.
If
a forward pass is caught simultaneously be eligible receivers of both teams, the
ball shall belong to Team A (Rule 6-4-6-c)
If
a kick off is legally caught simultaneously by players of opposite teams:
-
Before it has been touched by any other player after the kick off –
kick off repeated at the previous line of kick off.
-
After it has been touched by another player, or players – possession to
the team which last touched it before the simultaneous possession.
Article
4 – Change of Possession
Change
of possession occurs as follows:
(a)
Scrimmage Play – Team A is in possession until it loses possession.
Team B is in possession when B player gains possession.
Between these times, the ball is in neither team’s possession and is a
“loose ball.”
(b)
Forward Pass – Team A is in possession until the pass is ruled
incomplete, or the ball is intercepted by Team B.
Team B is in possession when a B player intercepts the pass.
(c) Scrimmage
Kick – Team A is in possession until the ball is kicked.
Team B is in possession when a B player gains possession.
Between these times. The ball is in neither team’s possession and is a
ball “in flight.”
(d)
Return Kick – Team B is in possession until the B player has kicked the
ball, which is then “in flight” until either Team A or Team B regains
possession.
(e)
Kick Off – Neither team is in possession prior to the kick off.
Team B is in possession when a B player gains possession. Until Team B or Team A gain possession, the ball is in
neither team’s possession and is a ball “in flight.”
NOTE: These definitions will apply when penalty applications are involved with
"before change of
possession",
"loose
ball"," ball in
flight", or
"after change of
possession".
Article
1 – Ball in Play
The ball is in play when:
(a)
It has been put into play by a kick off or scrimmage, until a field
official stops play by sounding his whistle.
(b)
It strikes an official who is not out of bounds, except on a forward
pass.
(c)
It is on the ground not in possession of a player.
(d)
It is held in position by a player for the purpose of making a place
kick, except on a kick off.
(e)
A forward pass is intercepted by a player in his end zone.
(f)
An offside pass is made and /or the ball goes loose.
(g)
A ball is dribbled in bounds.
(h)
A dribbled ball hits the goal post assembly.
(i)
A kicked ball hits the goal post assembly after striking the ground, a
player or official, or after being kicked from
the end zone.
Article
2 – Injury Stoppage
The play shall not be stopped because of
player injury, or to impose a penalty until the ball is dead.
No
delay shall be allowed for player injury, or for any other reason, except by
permission of the Referee, who has the full authority to require the immediate
removal from the field of a player who may require the services of a trainer or
doctor.
Penalty
for unauthorized delay: L10,
No option
So as not to penalize teams unduly, the
Referee will call an official time out of no more than two (2) minutes to allow
for medical attention and/or care of equipment related to bleeding.
Neither Team shall be charged with a time out.
(Refer to Code of Ethics
– Responsibilities to Players – 7, 8 )
Article
1
The ball becomes dead when:
(a)
A field official blows his whistle to end play
(NOTE 4)
(b)
The ball, or a player with the ball in his possession, goes out of
bounds.
(c)
Any score is made.
(d)
The ball carrier is tackled, held and his
forward progress is stopped. (See
NOTES 1, 2, 3 )
(e)
A forward pass is declared incomplete, or it strikes a game official, the
goal post assembly, downs box marker or distance chain rod.
(f)
It is in possession of a player lying on the ground or is being held by a
player for a kick off, prior to the kick off.
(g)
It strikes the opponent’s goal post assembly "in flight" from a punt,
return kick, place kick or kick off without touching the ground, a player or an
official after being kicked provided that such kick originated in the field of
play. When this occurs on a field goal or convert attempt, the play shall be
whistled dead, but the ball will remain alive until the score is made or missed.
(h)
Any part of a ball carrier, other than his hands or feet touches the
ground, even without contact by an opponent.
The ball shall be dead AT THE POINT WHERE IT WAS HELD when the ball
carrier touched the ground.
Exceptions: The
ball is not dead when a player:
(1)
is holding the ball for a field goal or convert attempt.
(2)
goes to one or both knees in making a catch from a punt, place kick or
kick off from an opponent,
provided such action is part of the attempt to catch
the ball.
(3)
goes to one or both knees in attempting to catch the ball on a snap from
centre, provided such action
is part of the attempt to catch the ball.
NOTE 1: When a ball carrier is tackled and driven back towards his own goal line,
it is assumed that he was
attempting to advance the ball, and that only the
contact with the opponent prevented the advance, therefore,
the most forward
point of advance is considered to be the point where the ball became dead.
NOTE
2:
If the ball carrier who is contacted by the opponent breaks the tackle
and in his effort to advance the ball, retreats toward his own goal line, the
point of advance where the ball becomes dead is considered as the point at which
he is subsequently held.
NOTE
3: When a player is carrying the ball out of his end zone, and he is
contacted by an opponent, so that the force of the opponent’s contact drives
him back into his end zone, but he is not held, he is still free to advance the
ball. If the ball subsequently goes
dead in his end zone, in his team’s possession, without having again left the
end zone, the defending team shall be awarded 1 or 2 points as applicable.
If the ball is subsequently carried out of the end zone, the forward
point of advance will be the point where the ball becomes dead. (Exception: Rule
3, Section 2, Article 4)
NOTE 4:
When
the whistle is blown inadvertently and the ball is:
(1) In Team A possession
–
DNG - Team A option - PLS DR
- PBH downs continued
DG – PBH and 1D
(2) In Team B possession
- PBH and 1D
(3)
Loose on a fumble, or offside pass, possession will be given to the team
last in possession at the point
where possession was lost or at the Point of Origin of Pass, and downs
continue.
If a foul, which normally would award possession to the
non-offending team, is called at the same time as the inadvertent whistle is
blown (e.g. offside “A” illegally first touches a kick or commits a
restraining zone foul: illegal interference on a loose ball, etc.) possession
will be awarded to the non-offending team at the point of foul, and the
appropriate yardage, if applicable, shall be applied at that point.
Loose on a lateral pass, possession will be given to the team
last in possession, at the POP, downs continue, or at PLS, DR.
If possession has changed prior to
the lateral pass and inadvertent whistle at POP.
(4)
In the air on a forward pass; or a punt or attempted field goal which
lands on the field of play – PLS DR (see
5, 6, 7, below)
(5)
In the air on an attempted field goal, which is successful or on a punt
kicked out of the end zone in flight, the score shall count. Play will continue as after any successful field goal, or
rouge as applicable.
(6) In the air on an unsuccessful field goal which lands in the end zone, a
punt which lands in the end zone, or such a kick which lands in the end zone and
goes out of bounds in the end zone. Team
B option – allow Team A 1 point and Team B 1D at B 35 or at PLS if rouge is
after an unsuccessful field goal attempt or Team A PLS DR.
(7)
In the air on a return kick from the end zone or on a kick or return kick
from the end zone which hits the goal post assembly in flight. – cancel the entire play – Team A – PLS DR.
(8)
In the air on a punt or unsuccessful field goal, from the field of play,
which hits the goal post assembly in flight or after hitting the ground – Team
B – 1D at the B 20.
(9) In the air on a punt or field
goal which is kicked out of bounds in
flight, the regular ruling applies-
(a) Field of Play – Team B 1D at the out-of-bounds point (hash mark)
(b) End Zone – score (1 pt) Team B 1D at the appropriate point.
(10)
In play on a 2 point
conversion, the convert attempt will be repeated at PLS.
(11) In the air on an attempted 1 point conversion.
If the kick is successful, 1 point shall be scored; if the kick is not
successful, the convert attempt is completed; the ball will be put in play by a
normal kick off following a convert.
(12) Kicked on a kick off, strikes the ground or a player and then hits the
goal post assembly, and then the whistle is blown, repeat the kick off at the
point of previous kick off.
(13) Any fouls, which occur during the play will be
administered as they
would be in a regular play situation on which no whistle had been blown.
The ball is in the End Zone when:
(a) Any part of the ball is
on or behind the goal line, even in the air.
(b) Any part of the ball touches the
"plane" of the goal line.
The ball is not in the End Zone when the
whole ball is completely ahead of the goal line, or the "plane" of the goal line.
Article
1 - Definition
The ball is out of bounds when:
(a)
It touches any boundary line, or the ground or any object on or beyond
these lines, including an official, any player or substitute.
(b)
A player with the ball in his possession touches any boundary line, or
the ground or any object beyond these lines, except a field official or another
player who is out of bounds, while the ball carrier is fully in bounds.
Article
2 – Carried Out of Bounds
When the ball is carried out of bounds
on the field of play; it shall belong to the team carrying it out of bounds, at
the point where the ball crossed the line before it went out of bounds, except
on third down when the required distance has not been gained.
Article
3 – Kicked Out of Bounds
(a)
When the ball is kicked out of bounds on the field of play, it shall
belong to the opposite team, subject to the option of penalty applicable on the
play.
(b)
When a player kicks a ball out of bounds in his own end zone, it will
result in a score of 1 or 2 points, unless the ball is in the end zone from a
forward pass intercepted in the end zone, or as a result of a fumble into the
end zone by an opponent.
A ball thrown out of bounds on a forward
pass shall remain in possession of the passing team, except on third down when
the required distance has not been gained.
With the exception of article 4 above, a
ball which is fumbled out of bounds, or touches a player in the field of play
and then goes out of bounds, shall belong to the team which last touched the
ball, 24 yards in from the sideline at whichever point is closer to the goal
line of the team entitled to possession, as follows:
(a)
Where the ball went out of bounds,
OR
(b)
Where the ball was last touched in the field of play.
NOTE:
Rulings on kicked ball blocked
out of bounds – See
Rule 5, Section 3, Articles 3,4.
Article
6 – Into End Zone
(a)
When a player fumbles the ball from the field
of play directly over
the opponents’ goal line and then out of bounds in the end zone without the
ball touching an opponent, it shall be ruled as a fumble, out of bounds, in the
field of play, with the ball declared dead at the point where it was last
touched in the field of play.
(b)
When a player fumbles the ball over the opponents’ goal line, and it is
last touched by a teammate without gaining possession and then goes out of
bounds in the end zone, the ball shall be awarded to the team making the fumble,
at the point of original fumble.
(c)
When a player fumbles the ball over the opponent’s goal line, where it
is recovered by an opponent, or it is last touched by an opponent without
gaining possession, and then goes out of bounds in the end zone, there shall be
no score and the ball shall be awarded to the opponent, at any point between the
hash marks on the 10 yard line if the ball goes dead in the end zone. Exception
– Blocked Kick – Rule 5, Section 3, Article 4.
NOTE: If the team recovering the ball in his own end zone commits a foul while
attempting to advance the ball out of the end zone, there shall be no score and
the penalty shall be applied at the 10 yard line (UR, RP etc., may be applied at
PBD)
Article
7 – From End Zone
(a) When a player fumbles the ball in his own end zone, to out of bounds in
the end zone, even if touched by another player, a score of 1 or 2 points shall
be awarded as applicable (NOTE 1).
(b)
When a player fumbles the ball from his own end zone, over the goal line,
and then out of bounds, without the ball touching an opponent, it shall be ruled
as an offside pass in the end zone (NOTE 1).
Penalty:
Team A -
1.2 D safety touch to B, or B option to allow A to scrimmage 24 yards in
from the
out-of-bounds point, downs continue.
-
3D safety touch to B, or B possession 24 yards in from
out-of-bounds
point.
Team B -
1 or 2 points as applicable, or A option to allow B to scrimmage 24 yards
in from the
out-of-bounds point.
NOTE 1: Exception – no score in (a) or (b) if the ball is in the end zone from
a forward pass intercepted in the end
zone, or as a result of a fumble into the end zone by an opponent, or if the ball
carrier has been knocked back
into the
end zone by an opponent and is not subsequently free to advance the ball.
A player who goes out of bounds
either by intent or misjudgment, or in order to use the out-of-bounds area to his advantage,
must not participate further in that play. A
player who goes out of bounds as a result of contact with an opponent, a
missed block or tackle, or who slides out of bounds on slippery field may
legally
return to the field and participate in the play.
The point of the foul (PF) is the point where the illegal participation
occurs.
NOTE:
This article does not apply to a ball carrier who goes out of bounds,
which makes the ball automatically
dead
.
Penalty:
Team A 1.2D – L10 DR,
3D DG – L10 DR, DNG – LB PBD
Team B L10 PLS, PBH or PF.
(a)
No player shall wear equipment of any kind which may injure the opponent,
except as necessary in the manufacture of protective equipment. The Referee may
have removed from the game any player who is wearing equipment which in his
opinion endangers the opponents.
(b)
No team shall wear uniforms that blend closely with the color of the
ball.
(c)
The following equipment is mandatory and shall be worn by all players.
The equipment shall be designed and manufactured by a professional
manufacturer, and shall not be altered in any way which may decrease the
protection of the player:
1- Soft knee pads at least ½ inch thick, worn over the
knees and covered by the pants.
2- Thigh guards.
3- Hip pads, with tailbone protector.
4- Shoulder pads.
5- Mouthguard covering all the
upper jaw teeth, as specified in Article 3 of this Section 11.
6- Shoes which meet the specifications as in article 4 of
this Section 11, or which may provide less fixation to the ground, such as ripple
soles, ore broomball type shoes, where no “cleats” are provided.
No player shall participate in the game without being properly equipped,
and wearing shoes as specified.
(d)
Adhesive material, grease or any other slippery substance, applied on a
player’s person or clothing, that affects the
ball or an opponent, is illegal.
(e) All players’ numbers must conform to those listed on the score sheet.
Players shall retain the same numbers throughout the game, except when
permission to change is given by the Referee.
Where a sweater is torn, the Referee shall allow reasonable time for a
substitution, but any change in number must be reported to the scorer.
Penalty: (a) (b)
(d) (e): the offending player shall be removed from the game until the illegal
equipment is
replaced or the score sheet is corrected.
Immediate substitution will be made but the game shall not be delayed.
Penalty: (c) L5 from point where the ball would have been put into play, if no other
foul had occurred, or added
to
the penalty for any other foul.
The offending player shall be removed from the game until the illegal
equipment is replaced.
Immediate substitution will be made, but the game shall
not be delayed. If more
than 1 player offends on the same play, only 1
penalty L5 will
be applied for that play. Fouls on
subsequent plays will be penalized in the same way – L5 on each play where 1 or more players offend.
Article 2 –
Helmets and Imitation of the Ball
(a)
It is recommended that only helmets approved by the National Operating
Committee on Safety in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) be worn by players.
(b)
A player shall be required to wear his helmet while in bounds, and shall
not voluntarily remove while the play is in progress.
The use of the helmet or other objects to deceive opponents as to the
location of the ball is illegal.
(c)
The use of tactics to deceive opponents such as the alleged need for
equipment such as a tee, mouthguard etc; or the pretense of calling players
toward the bench as if a time out had been called, is illegal.
Penalty:
1.2D-L5 DR, 3D DG-L5 DR,
3D DNG-LB PBD
A
player shall wear an intra-oral (within the mouth) mouth and tooth protector,
which includes an occlusial (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) and
a labial (protecting the lips) portion. It is also recommended that the
protector be either (a) constructed from a model made from an impression of the
individual’s teeth, or (b) constructed and fitted to the individual by
impressing his teeth into the mouth and tooth protector itself.
It
shall be illegal for a player to participate in the game unless the mouthguard
is being worn in the proper position by the player.
Penalty:
1st
Infraction - The Referee only shall clearly warn the offending player that the
mouthguard must be in the proper position while participating.
2nd
& subsequent infractions by any player previously warned as above by
the Referee – L5 from the point where the ball would have been put in play if
no foul had occurred. The player
shall be removed until properly equipped. Immediate
substitution shall be allowed.
NOTE 1: Subsequent infractions, if deemed deliberate, will be ruled and penalized
as objectionable conduct.
NOTE 2: A penalty card or similar card should be used to record the number of the
player warned, in order to ensure
accuracy.
Natural Turf – For play on
natural turf, a shoe with the following specifications will be accepted:
(
i)
Minimum of 7 cleats per sole, with a minimum cleat tip diameter of 3/16
inch (4.8 mm.).
(ii)
Additional cleats may be of lesser tip diameter, provided the maximum
length is ½ inch (12.7 mm.).
(iii)
Maximum cleat length of ½ inch (12.7 mm.).
(iv)
A cleat made of metal or metal tip is illegal.
NOTE 1: Illegal cleats include those made of metal, or with a metal tip, or made
of any material that burrs, chips, of fractures.
Penalty:
L5 from point where the ball would have been put into play if no other
foul had occurred or added to the penalty for any other foul.
If more than 1 player offends on the same play, only 1 penalty L5 will be
applied on that play. The offending
player shall be removed from the game until the illegal equipment is replaced.
Immediate substitution will be made, but the game shall not be delayed.
The head coach, or his designated
representative, shall certify to the umpire before the game that all players:
(a)
Have been informed of the mandatory equipment specified in the rules, and
what equipment is illegal.
(b)
Have been provided with the mandatory equipment as specified in the
rules.
(c)
Have been instructed to wear the mandatory equipment, and how to wear it
during the game.
(d)
Have been instructed to notify the coaching staff when equipment becomes
illegal for any reason during the game.
The following equipment shall be
provided for the use of the minor officials as follows:
(a)
Distance chain – two rods shall be connected near the lower end with a
chain so that the distance between the rods is exactly 10 yards.
The rods shall be made of wood or aluminum, at least 6 feet high,
preferably with a distinctive marking device at the top of each rod.
(b)
Downsbox – shall be a wooden or aluminum post, with plates or a box
numbered from 1 to 3, with numbers at
least 10 inches high, and clearly visible
to all officials and players.
(c)
Timer’s Flag – shall be a standard flag, preferably of contrasting
colours to make it visible from any part of the
field.
(d)
Stop watch or Timer’s clock.
All
players must be registered by name and number with the scorer prior to the start
of each game.
Penalty:
The offending player shall be removed from the game until the score sheet
has been corrected. Immediate substitution will be made and the game shall not
be delayed.
NOTE 1: Any score made by a non-registered player is legal, provided the player
is then registered on the score sheet
(a) Substitutes may enter the field of play when the ball is dead and only at
that time.
(b) A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the sideline on which
his bench is located, and then to his bench in
the out-of-bounds area.
(c) The sideline officials (Head Linesman and Line Judge) shall control the
substitutes. As soon as possible
after the ball is
dead on a play, they shall observe their sidelines for
possible substitutes, until Team A breaks its huddle.
At this time,
they will raise their arms to shoulder level, after which
no substitute shall enter the field for any reason – regardless of
the number
of players a team may have on the field.
(d) The use of substitution proceedings, or alleged substitution proceedings
to deceive the opponents is illegal. If
one or
more Team A players or substitutes legally enter or leave the field, a
sleeper play is illegal on the subsequent play.
(A sleeper play is a pass play designed to catch the defense out of
position. It is usually set up by leaving one A player
at or near one sideline,
while the play moves the ball to the opposite side of the field.
Team A lines up quickly, snaps
the ball, and throws a pass to the remote
A player. There is no requirement
for any player to return to the huddle after
each play, or after a substitution
or even to have a huddle. After an
A substitution, or alleged substitution, such a
sleeper pass is illegal on the
subsequent play. Other plays such
as a running play, or a pass play to other A players
who are with the remainder of the team, and not in the same area as the remote A player, are legal)
(e) A substitute who enters the field to the extent that he is able to
communicate with a member of his team must remain
on the filed for the
subsequent play.
Penalty:
Team A 1.2D – L10 DR, 3D
DG – L10 DR, 3D DNG – LB PBD.
Team B L10
It
is illegal for a team to have more than 12 players and /or substitutes on the
field during a play, through an error in substitution or otherwise.
Penalty:
Team A 1.2D – L10 DR, 3D
DG – L10 DR, 3D DNG – LB PBD.
Team B L10
NOTE:
Coaches, not officials are responsible for fielding the correct number of
players.
(a)
During the game, the only persons who may legally occupy any position on
the sidelines are: field officials, the downsman, the linesmen, the time keeper,
and the scorer.
(b)
During the game, the team bench area may be occupied only by substitute
players, and other authorized non-playing personnel of the team, consisting of
coaches, doctors, trainers, and equipment men, who must remain in close proximity
of their bench and must not encroach on the sidelines or playing field while
play is in progress. The team bench
area shall be located a minimum of 5 yards and a maximum of 10 yards from the
sideline. The area shall be
enclosed by a line 4 inches wide, which is located at least 2 yards minimum, and
5 yards optimum from the sideline, and a line at each end of the bench 5 yards
from the end. (See Field Drawing)
Occupants
of the bench shall remain within the enclosed area, except during legal
substitution proceedings, or by express permission of the Referee, in order to
keep the sideline clear for both officials and coaches.
Penalty:
L10, No option, from point where the ball would have been put in play if
no foul had occurred.
A
coach who is playing with his team shall be considered as a player when on the
field. A coach who is operating as
a trainer shall restrict himself to trainer’s duties while attending an
injured player on the field and refrain from performing coaching duties at that
time.
Penalty:
L5 PBD
During
an official time out, a conference at the sideline between coaches and players
of each team is legal. A similar
conference is legal whenever the clock is stopped and a significant time delay
occurs, e.g. a measurement, injury, TV commercial, etc.
An
unauthorized person shall not enter or reach into the field while play is in
progress and/or interfere with a player of either team, or with a loose ball:
(a)
Acting to the advantage of the team in possession.
Penalty:
If it is obvious to the Referee that a score (such as a rouge or safety touch)
would have been made, he
shall award the score.
If not, L10 PBH.
(b) Acting to the advantage of the team not in possession.
Penalty:
If it is obvious to the Referee that a touchdown would have been scored,
or if the unauthorized person
is
a substitute, coach, trainer or other occupant
of the team bench, he shall award the touchdown.
If
not
the non-offending team shall be awarded:
(1)
Half the distance to the goal line from PLS or PBD.
(2)
For illegal interference on a forward pass –
-Field of Play – Half the distance to the goal line from PF.
-End Zone - against Team A, award the ball to
team A at the 1-yard line. (unless a touchdown
is
awarded
)
-against team B, award the ball to team B
at the 10 yard Line.
(3) 3 downs, regardless of time remaining in the period (unless Team A scores
on 1st or 2nd down, or
loses possession on 1st
or 2nd down, with Team B making a legal recovery)
(c)
Touching or kicking a loose ball.
Penalty:
If it is obvious to the Referee that a score would have been made, he
shall award the score. If the
person is a substitute, coach, trainer, or other occupant of the team bench, his
team will be penalized half the distance to their goal line from PF.
If the non-offending team was previously in possession, or was normally
expecting to gain possession by receiving a scrimmage kick, it shall be awarded
the ball, and 3 additional downs shall be awarded regardless of time remaining,
(unless Team A scores on 1st or 2nd down, or loses
possession with Team B making a legal recovery).
If the person is not associated with a team as described in (d) below, the play
shall be repeated at PLS , subject to any team penalties which will be applied
at PLS.
(d)
If the unauthorized person is a substitute, coach, trainer, or other
occupant of a team bench:
Penalty: Disqualification from further participation in any capacity.
During
a stoppage in play for injury, or other reason, no more than 2 representatives
of each team shall be allowed to enter the field (including water boys) and then
only with the Referee’s permission.
Doctors
are not included in the restriction to 2 attendants, and there are not
restrictions regarding the number of doctors allowed to attend an injured
player.
The
Referee need not permit the attendants of both teams to enter the field in case
of injury to a player of 1 team only. He
shall indicate his permission to attendants of one or both teams.
When
time out has been called for a player injury or for equipment repair, that
player shall be required to leave the game for at least one play.
If a team time out is called and the player injury has been properly
treated or the equipment has been repaired satisfactorily at the end of the time
out, the player may re-enter the game without penalty.
Penalty:
L10, No option.
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