Format/Rules

Youth divisions will play games under the guidelines of NFL Flag.  A copy of their rulebook can be found at NFL_Flag_Rulebook_standard.

Adult divisions will play games under iFlag rules. Additional rules / guidelines may be added and or modified.  iFlag Rules

General Information:

• The Show-Me State Games Competition Coordinator and/or Tournament Officials reserve the right to combine divisions when necessary. Coaches will be made aware of any changes.
• Coaches associated with more than one team are encouraged to have alternates available to coach team(s) when schedule conflicts arise; schedule variations will not be made to accommodate coaches.

General Rules:

Youth divisions will play games under the guidelines of NFL Flag.  A copy of their rulebook can be found at NFL_Flag_Rulebook_standard.

• At the start of each game, captains from both teams
  meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who
  starts with the ball. The visiting team calls the toss.
  • The winner of the coin toss has the choice of offense or
    defense. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of
    direction. There is no option to defer. Teams will auto
    matically switch sides of the field and the team that
    started the game with possession will begin the 2nd
    half on defense.
• The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its
  5-yard line and has four (4) downs to cross midfield.
  Once a team crosses midfield, it has three (3) downs to
  score a touchdown.
  • If the offensive team fails to cross midfield after 3rd
    down and elect to "punt" on 4th down, possession
    of the ball changes and the opposing team will start
    a new possession from its own 5-yard line.
  • If the offensive team goes for it on 4th down and does not
    cross midfield, the opposing team will start a new
    possession from the spot where 4th down ended.
• Any time there is a ‘PUNT or PLAY decision on 4th or
  3rd down, the referee WILL ask the offense’s Head
  Coach to declare ‘Punt or Play’. The coach MUST
  make an immediate decision or risk a delay of game
  penalty.
• Teams may use a timeout to change the declaration
  of “Play” at any time prior to the expiration of the
  play clock.
• After crossing midfield, if the offense fails to score
  on 3rd down, the ball changes possession and the
  new offensive team starts at its 5-yard line

Equipment Rules:

• All players must wear team provided belts and flags. All players MUST wear mouth
  guards at all times while on the field. Game balls should be age specific.
• It is the responsibility of the home team (listed first on the schedule) to change uniforms in case of conflict and asked to do so by a game official. Each team should bring two sets of numbered shirts; each set a different color.
• Players must wear shoes. Cleats may not be allowed at certain locations. This will be
  specified by your league organizer or site director. However, cleats with exposed metal are never allowed and must be removed.
• Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with exposed metals are not allowed.
• Players must remove all jewelry and hats. Headbands or winter beanies are allowed.
• Players may wear soft shell helmets, halos and sunglasses but they must be secured at all times while on the field. Prescription glasses are permitted without a strap.
• Players’ jerseys must be tucked into shorts or pants, if they hang below the belt line.
• We recommend players wear shorts or pants that do not have pockets or belt loops. Games will not be delayed for a player to tape their pockets.
• Participants must bring their own official flag belts and mouth guards to the field.
• The home team will be responsible for providing a game ball.
• Flag belts and flags cannot be the same color as the player’s shorts or pants.
• Electronic communication between any player with their coach or spectator for their team is prohibited. If a team or individual is using electronic communication with a player or coach, at any time, that team will be disqualified immediately from play. This does not limit possible additional discipline at the sole discretion of the local league organizer or FLAG Tournament staff.

Sportsmanship:

If the field monitor or game officials’ witnesses any acts of intentional tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. The decision is made at the game officials’ discretion. No appeals will be considered.

INTENTIONAL PHYSICAL PLAY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED!

• Offensive or confrontational language is NOT allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If offensive or confrontational language occurs, the officials’ will pentalize for unsportsman like conduct and determine if an ejection is warranted.
• Players or Coaches may not physically or verbally abuse any opponent, coach or game official.
• Ball-carriers MUST make an effort to avoid defenders with an established position.
• Defenders must give free releases off the line of scrimmage to offensive players and are not allowed to run through the ball carrier when pulling flags. Offensive players may NOT initiate contact at the line of scrimmage with defenders.
• Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship as well:
  • Fans should cheer on their players only, not harass officials or opposing team.
  • Comments must be clean and profanity free.
  • Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
  • Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly and adhere to league requirements for seating:
    • Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents a minimum of 10 yards off the field.
    • Stay in the designated spectator areas.
    • Dispose of ALL trash in designated trash cans.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties:
  • Defensive penalty +10 yards from the dead ball spot and an automatic first down
    Offensive penalty -10 yards from the dead ball spot and a loss of down
  • Two (2) unsportsmanlike penalties on any player or coach in a game result in a disqualification and may lead to additional discipline.

Appeals/Protests:

• Disputes will be settled by the tournament director. All decisions of the referees, with regard to facts and the Laws of the Game are final, and appeals with regard to such matters will not be heard. All other disputes will be settled by a protest committee, but must be filed in writing with the tournament director at the venue where game took place. The protest must be filed within 30 minutes after completion of protested game by the coach and accompanied by a fee of $30.00 cash. This deposit will not be returned unless the protest is upheld by the protest committee. Dispute forms will be available during the tournament from tournament director.
• It is the responsibility of the coach to check standings, scores, posted information, and other tournament communications at the official's tent at the venue where games took place. It is the responsibility of the team coaches to check score and sign the official referee's game card at the completion of the game.

Rain Policy:

In the event of rain, we will do our best to make sure the tournament is completed. Depending upon the amount of rain we get, different scenarios may be used.

1. All scheduled games will be moved back.
2. Time limits will be shortened on games.
3. Pool-play games may be moved to Sunday morning.
4. Worse-case scenario, a round of pool play games will be eliminated and then all pool winners and undefeated teams will advance to a playoff bracket.

Heat Policy:

In the event of excess heat, games will be shortened and additional water breaks may be added. Also, games may be adjusted as needed. This is not only for the safety of the players, but also the officials who are working multiple games during the day.

Event Codes

Results