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Seaside Beach Football League Rulebook

 

5v5 & 7v7 Beach Flag Football

 

1. Game Format

  • Game Time: 25 minutes, running clock

  • Teams switch direction at the 12:30 mark (optional depending on field and wind)

  • No timeouts unless league playoffs specify otherwise.

  • Clock stops only for:

    • Injury

    • Official timeout

    • Final minute under playoff rules (optional)​

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2. Team Roster Sizes​​

  • 5v5 = 8 players on roster

  • 7v7 = 10 players on roster

  • Substitutions allowed between plays only.

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3. Field Dimensions

  • Length: 40 yards

  • End Zones: 10 yards each

  • Width: 25 yards

  • Midfield First Down Line: 20-yard line

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4. Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 points

  • Extra Point:

    • From 5-yard line: 1 point

    • From 10-yard line: 2 points

  • Safety: 2 points

  • No field goals or kicking.

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5. Running Rules

  • Offense may run the ball except in the following zones:

    • No running inside the 5-yard line

    • No running within 5 yards of midfield first-down line

  • A handoff, pitch, or lateral counts as a run play.

  • Quarterback cannot run unless ball is handed off or pitched first.

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6. Passing Rules

  • All players are eligible receivers.

  • Only one forward pass per play, must be behind the line of scrimmage.

  • Laterals are allowed.

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7. Blocking & Contact Rules

  • No blocking or screening contact allowed.

  • Offensive players may move but cannot impede the defender's path intentionally.

  • No stiff arms, lowering shoulders, or initiating contact.

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8. Flag Rules

  • Flags must be visible and worn on the hips.

  • Ball carrier must attempt to avoid defenders.

  • Flag guarding is illegal — includes:

    • Swatting hands

    • Covering flags

    • Spinning into a defender

  • Spin moves allowed only if they do not initiate contact.

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9. Defense Rules

  • No tackling or excessive force.

  • Defender must pull the flag to stop play.

  • Once a flag is removed, play ends where the runner's feet were positioned.

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10. Interceptions

  • Live ball, returnable.

  • If returned for a touchdown, full scoring applies.

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11. Penalties

  • Flag guarding-5 yards from spot

  • Illegal contact+5 yards automatic first down

  • Defensive pass interferenceSpot foul + automatic first down

  • Offensive pass interference-5 yards & replay down

  • Delay of game-5 yards

  • False start/offside-5 yards

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12. Overtime (If Applicable)

  • Each team gets ball at the 10-yard line.

  • One possession each.

  • If tied after both attempts → sudden death from the 10.

13. Sportsmanship & Conduct

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in:

    • Warning

    • Loss of play

    • Ejection

Referee decisions are final.

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