Last Updated June 21, 2025
CONCUSSION PROTOCOL:
A ref or any board member can request a player to go through concussion screening via medical personnel appointed by the board. MFL board will have final say on outcome and procedure.
THE GAME:
Games are played based on in-house rules, NFL Flag/IHSA rules apply. The MFL Board reserves the right to make changes for the improvement of the program.
- COIN TOSS TO BEGIN THE GAME
- DEFER RULE: If a team wins the toss and chooses to DEFER the CHOICE to the other team for the first half and they will be given the opportunity to choose to receive OR defend at the start of the second half.
- START OF THE GAME:
- Offensive team takes possession of the ball 10 yards from the end zone they are defending
- GAME LENGTH:
- 20 minutes per game
- 10 minutes per half (May be shortened with prior notice)
- 30 second play clock (After ball is spotted)
- 2 Minute halftime (Teams switch sides)
- Running clock except for the last minute of the second half, official time
- If a team is winning by 15 points or more inside the one-minute period, running clock will be in effect.
- Clock stops for extra points in the final minute.
- 3 time-outs per game, limited to 2 per half max.
Overtime:
- Regular season overtime time follows Penetration Rule:
- Coin flip – results in the team receiving the ball at midfield and having four downs to score (1 or 2 extra point included) or set mark for furthest penetration on non-scoring possession.
- If a team fails to score, the opposing team receives the ball at midfield and has 4 downs to best mark or score.
- If the game is still tied, another series is played and so on until a winner is determined.
- Championship game overtime:
- Coin flip will determine which team wins the right to choose to (1) take possession of the ball or (2) defend.
- Each team will have the chance to score in a series of four downs from the 1st and goal cone (10 yards from goal line). If the team scores, they must attempt either a one-point or two-point conversion.
- If the score is still tied after each team has had a try, a second series is played, and so on until a winner is determined.
SCORING:
- Touchdowns 6 points
- Extra Point (5 yds) 1 point
- Safety 2 points
- The offensive player must have possession of the ball and must be in bounds when the ball crosses the plane of the goal line to be considered a score. Referees Discretion Defense can not score on extra point conversion.
SAFETY:
- An offensive player carries the ball across the goal line they are defending and is de-flagged while in possession of the ball.
- When the offensive team commits a holding penalty in the end zone.
- If a dead ball, holding, or intentional grounding occurs in the end zone then the defensive team will be awarded a safety
- The opposing team will receive the 2 points and the ball 5 yards from the end zone they are defending.
PUNTING:
- If the offensive team elects to Punt, the opposing team will start their offensive drive 5 yards from the end zone they are defending.
PLAYERS:
- Each team should start the game with 3 players on the field; a minimum of 2 is needed to play (Otherwise the offending team will forfeit the game)
PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Players may substitute on dead balls only.
FIRST DOWNS:
- Result in crossing over the first down marker designated as the mid field cone.
- First downs are awarded once the ball crosses over the first down marker by a completed pass, a rush, or penalty. Referees Discretion.
- Only one first down is available per offensive drive. Regardless if a penalty moves the ball back behind the first down marker.
OFFENSE:
Teams play with 3 players on the field. Offensive Team – quarterback and 2 receivers. The play starts when the QB verbally initiates the start of the play e.g. “hike or go.” From the start of the play, the referee will count to 5 at which point the ball must be thrown or will be called dead. Substitutions may be made in-between plays and must be recognized by the officials. Only the QB (person who snaps the ball) is allowed to throw the ball.
- The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three downs to cross the first down marker; teams may choose to go for it on 4th down.
- If the team fails to get a first down after three plays, they may declare to punt on 4th down, the opposing team takes over on downs at their own 5-yard line.
- If a team fails to get a first down after going for it on 4th down, the opposing team will receive the ball from that spot.
- Once a team crosses the first down marker, it has four downs to score a touchdown. If a team fails to score a touchdown, the opposing team receives the ball at that spot.
- If a team receives a first down and then loses yards behind the first down marker (result of penalty or play), the game continues as if the team is still inside the first down marker.
- Teams play with 3 players on the field.
- Offensive Team – Quarterback and 2 receivers.
- Teams may start a game with 2 players and may not continue with less than 2 players. If a team starts with 2 players, they may add a 3rd player anytime during the game if that player is recognized by the official and substitutions may be made on dead balls.
- Ball carriers can spin but cannot leave their feet. Player cannot leave their feet to avoid defense or to gain yards (no diving). Leaving their feet will result in a dead ball at the spot.
- All offensive players must be ’set’ prior before the start of a valid offensive play.
- Any player on the offensive team that moves prior to the snap or after “set” is called (except player in motion) will be penalized for a false start (5 yards from line of scrimmage & replay down).
- Only one player can be in motion at a given time
- If a ball is fumbled the play is dead at the spot where the ball hits the ground.
DEFENSE:
- Teams play with 2 defenders on the field. No rushers. The official will have the starting point identified.
- Defensive Players must wait until the ball crosses the line of scrimmage before pulling the flag.
- Defensive players play up to the line of scrimmage, 5-yard contact rule is allowed.
- Interceptions are allowed but cannot be returned, dead at the spot. Defending team will take over from the dead ball spot after an interception.
- Fumbles are not allowed. Fumbles result in a dead ball and spotted where the ball hits the ground or from the spot of the fumble if the ball is fumbled forward, a fumble cannot gain positive yardage.
- Face guarding is allowed if there is no contact.
GENERAL INFO
- Only the captain of each team is allowed to “challenge” the referee. Any team members, other than the captain, that are consistent in “arguing” with the referees will be penalized/ejected at the referee’s discretion.
REGULAR SEASON & PLAYOFFS:
- Team seeding is determined on the team’s previous year tournament placements. New teams will be seeded last.
- Teams are grouped into brackets based on their seeds following the “snake” format. For example, in a 2-bracket tournament, the seeds will be grouped as 1,4,5,8 | 2,3,6,7.
- In the regular season, teams play against the other teams in their bracket.
- After regular season games, all teams are re-seeded and then move into single-elimination playoffs. Lowest seeded teams are eliminated before playoffs.
- The playoff reseeding depends on the number of teams in the tournament. It’s calculated either by record, head-to-head, or points against OR record and points against.
THE FLAG BELT (Triple Threat Flag Belts © are provided)
- ALL T-SHIRTS/JERSEYS THAT FALL BELOW THE WAIST MUST BE TUCKED IN DURING TOURNAMENT PLAY! This is so that shirts will not be an obstruction to pulling a player’s flag. If your shirt is not tucked in before the start a play, you may be reminded by referees; however, if a player’s shirt prevents him from being de-flagged during a play after being reminded by the referee, a 5-yard penalty will be assessed from the spot of the obstruction.
- If during a play, the shirt of an offensive player is inadvertently pulled out and
obstructs the ability of the defense to pull a flag, the play will revert to a legal one-hand tag. A one-hand tag must be placed on the offensive player by the defense between the shoulders and knees, including the hand and arm for the offensive player to be ruled down. - Should a player who has lost their flag belt (either legally or illegally) during a
down gain possession of a live ball, that player will be considered down only when a legal one-hand tag is made. - When a player scores, he must immediately raise his hands and allow an official to remove his flag belt. This is done to assure that the flag belt has not been illegally secured. If the belt
has been illegally secured the score is disallowed, the player is ejected from the game (possibly the tournament), and a 10-yard penalty is assessed from the original line of scrimmage.
ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT
- No jewelry is allowed
- No hard billed hats are allowed forward
- No glasses are allowed; can have goggles with band connection between the frame/temple portion/temple tips of the goggles.
- NO METAL OR SCREW-IN CLEATS ARE PERMITTED! If you bring metal/screw-in cleats to the tournament you will not be allowed to play with them on. However, molded cleats are allowed and recommended.
- Any slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment or exposed parts of the body is illegal.
- No device (protective of otherwise) that may cause injury is permitted.
PLAYER RULED “DOWN”
- When a flag is pulled from a runner in possession of the ball, the player is ruled “down”.
- Accidental or inadvertent loss of flag after play starts, play continues until a one-hand tag is made
- Once ONE knee (or back/butt hits the ground) or if the ball touches the ground.
- Players must have possession of the ball before they can legally be deflagged. It is illegal for a defensive player to intentionally pull a flag from an offensive player who is not in possession of the ball (pass interference). The result is a spot foul or 5-yard penalty from the line of scrimmage (whichever is greater) & automatic first down.
DEAD BALL:
- The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled.
- Ball hits the ground.
- Ball carrier steps out of bounds.
- Touchdown, Safety, or Interceptions
- Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.
- Ball carrier’s flag is hidden from the opponent.
- Ball hits any part of the net
LATERALS/BACKWARD PASSES:
- A team may lateral/backward pass an unlimited number of times as long as the pass is
thrown behind the possessing player.
- A player may throw a forward pass after a lateral pass, handoff, or backwards pass if the ball has not passed the line of scrimmage.
- Only one forward pass may be made per play.
LEGAL CATCH
- For a catch to be deemed legal, the player must catch the ball without ANY part of the ball touching the ground. A player must be able to make the catch without the aid of the ground (trapping the ball). This rule applies to both offensive and defensive players.
- If a player hits the ground and loses possession of the ball before having clear possession of it, the pass is ruled incomplete.
- If a player is in the air attempting to catch a ball, he must land with at least one foot inbounds with clear possession of the ball before going out of bounds.
- If a player is forced/pushed out of bounds by a defender before getting one foot down, a referee must determine whether or not it was a legal catch. This rule applies to both offensive and defensive players.
- If a player goes out of bounds on his own volition, he is deemed ineligible to receive a pass. If a player is forced out of bounds by a defensive player, he is
eligible to return to the field of play to receive a pass.
INADVERTENT WHISTLE
- When the whistle blows while the ball is live, the offended team has the option of taking the ball at the spot where the whistle blew (if it can be determined) or taking the play over. (Rule does not apply when the offensive team fumbles the ball)
EQUIPMENT/FIELD:
- The offensive team may provide their own ball, must be an official size football.
- Each team must have the same color shirt, numbers on shirts are optional.
- The playing field is 63 yds x 27 yds. Games will be played on the indoor athletic fields. The field is striped for sidelines and the end zones will be marked by cones and lines.
- First down marker is midfield.
- Out of bounds is represented by a line and or cones.
- No metal or screw-in cleats permitted. If you bring metal/screw-in
cleats to the tournament you will not be allowed to play with them on. Turf shoes are recommended, however molded cleats are allowed. - Any slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment or exposed parts of the body is illegal.
- No device (protective of otherwise) that may cause injury is permitted.
GAME PENALTIES
- All penalties can be declined if deemed the better option by offended team (except unsportsmanlike, fighting, or others like it)
- Penalties cannot be committed intentionally to assist the offending player’s team; will result in Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty
- Multiple penalties against the same team, offended team may choose 1 penalty to be enforced
- Multiple penalties against BOTH teams; penalties offset no matter the severity and down is replayed
DELAY OF GAME
- Offensive plays must be run before the 30 second play clock runs down. Penalty is 5 “yards” from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.
FLAG GUARDING
- Runner denying the opportunity for an opponent to pull/remove the flag belt results in a 5 “yard” penalty from the spot of the foul. (Result of the play before the foul will stand; If 1st down is gained before the penalty, the offensive team is awarded the first down before the penalty is assessed).
- Flag guarding includes:
- Swinging the hand or arm over the flag belt to prevent de-flagging
- Placing the ball over the flag belt to prevent de-flagging
- Lowering the shoulders in a manner that flag guards.
STIFF ARM
- Movement of extending arm to create separation and to prevent the flag pull is NOT allowed; results in 5 “yards” from spot of foul. (Result of the play before the foul will stand).
OFFENSIVE HOLDING
- Pulling and restraining of another player or blocking outside the frame of the defender.
- 5 yard penalty from line of scrimmage and replay of down
DEFENSIVE HOLDING
- Pulling and restraining of a player outside the 5 yard contact area results in a 5 yard penalty from line of scrimmage and automatic first down
STRIPPING OF POSSESSION
- Players MAY NOT Punch, strike, strip, steal, or attempt to steal the ball from a player in possession of the ball; results in a 5 yard penalty from the spot of the foul (or from line of scrimmage if penalty occurs behind line of scrimmage) and a replay of down.
- A player IS allowed to block a pass by jumping and deflecting it when thrown, but inadvertently hitting the quarterback’s hand while he is in a throwing motion results in a 5 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and replay down.
OBSTRUCTING THE RUNNER
- Holding or grasping the runner, when attempting to remove the flag belt, to obstruct forward progress results in a 5 yard penalty from the end of the run.
DEFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE
- If an eligible receiver is intentionally deflagged or physically interfered with prior to touching the ball on a pass thrown beyond the 5-yard contact area; results in an automatic first down from the spot of the foul or 5 yards from line of scrimmage (whichever is greater)
OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE
- Physical interference before touching the ball.
- A 10 yard loss from the line of scrimmage for the offense and a loss of down.
ILLEGAL CONTACT
- Defensive players are not allowed to make contact with receivers beyond the 5 “yard” contact area, resulting in an illegal contact penalty 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.
- Defensive players CAN make contact with the offensive player within 5 “yards”, but cannot hold or obstruct the receiver’s path.
- Wide Receivers may not initiate contact with defensive players in order to gain an advantage.
- Wide receiver IS ALLOWED to screen another receiver without making contact with a defensive player. (example: screen pass)
- Wide receiver picks CANNOT block (set a PICK) by making contact with a defensive player before another receiver catches the ball.
TOO MANY PLAYERS ON THE FIELD
- Having more than 3 players at the snap of the ball; resulting penalty is 5 “yards” from line of scrimmage & replay of down.
ILLEGAL FORWARD PASS
- Throwing the ball forward when beyond the line of scrimmage or throwing more than one forward pass; results in a penalty of 5 “yards” from the line of scrimmage and a loss of down.
CLIPPING/BLOCK IN THE BACK
- An offensive player MAY NOT push a defensive player in the back to maintain a block; the resulting penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage & a replay of down.
- A legal block which inadvertently becomes a block in the back due to a defensive player’s movement (such as a spin move) will not be ruled a penalty.
INTENTIONAL GROUNDING
- The passer throws a forward pass without a real chance of completion while within the pocket and facing a loss due to defensive pressure.
- The pocket refers to the distance between both offensive line tackles (tight end included if he stays to pass protect) and from line of scrimmage to end line.
- Resulting in a 5 yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and loss of down.
ILLEGAL FORWARD LATERAL
- Throwing the ball forward when past the line of scrimmage results in a 5 “yard” penalty from the spot of the foul.
PLAYER CONDUCT:
- Player’s must respect the official, Village Officials, and other players and spectators. Any player ejected from a game or displays unsportsmanlike conduct may result in a game forfeiture and will be subject to a fine and suspension.
- Team captains are responsible for the actions of their players and spectators. Please see the Fines and Suspension sheet for additional actions on teams and player conduct.
- Teams are reminded that the MFL and the hosting facility is not responsible for injuries or personal loss.
PROTESTS:
- Only the captain of each team is allowed to “challenge” the referees. Any team members, other than the captain, that are consistent in “arguing” with the referees will be penalized/ejected at the referee’s discretion.
RUNNING:
- Quarterbacks are not allowed to run the ball.
- Leaving their feet will result in a dead ball and the ball will be spotted at that point. No jumping forward also applies to No Diving forward.
RECEIVING:
- Only receivers are eligible to catch the ball.
- Players must have at least one foot inbounds to complete a reception.
- Only one player allowed to be in motion at a time, no forward motion allowed.
PASSING:
- If the ball is not snapped on time, it is considered a delay of game.
- One forward pass is allowed per down.
- Pass attempts that hit any nets or field structures are considered dead on contact.
- One foot must be inbounds for a reception to be complete.
BLOCKING:
- No Blocking down field! Referees Discretion.
FORFEIT:
- If a team does not have at least 4 players at the start of the game, the game will be forfeited.
TIE BREAKERS:
- Ties will be determined by record, head to head, then point scored against. If still tied, TheMFL.com will factor in more parameters.
QUICK REFERENCE – PENALTY SHEET
GAME PENALTIES:
Offense:
-Delay Of Game: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Illegal Formation: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-False Start: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Clipping/Block In The Back: 5 “Yards” From The Spot Of The Foul (Line Of Scrimmage If Penalty Occurs Downfield) & Replay Down
-Offensive Holding: 5 “Yards” From The Spot Of The Foul (Line Of Scrimmage If Penalty Occurs Downfield) & Replay Down
-Offensive Pass Interference: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Illegal Contact (Offensive): 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Illegal Forward Pass/Illegal Pass Beyond The Line Of Scrimmage: 5 “Yards”/Loss Of Down
-Intentional Grounding: 5 “Yards” & Loss Of Down
-Stiff Arm/Flag Guarding: 5 “Yards” From Spot Of The Foul (Result Of Play Before The Foul Will Stand – If 1st Down Is Gained Before The Penalty, The Offensive Team Is Awarded The First Down Before Penalty Is Assessed)
Defense:
-Offside/Encroachment/Fake Forward: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Defensive Holding: 5 “Yards” From The Spot Of The Foul (Line Of Scrimmage If Penalty Occurs Downfield) & Automatic 1st Down For Offensive Team
-Illegal Formation – Defense (3-Point Stance): 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Defensive Pass Interference: Automatic 1st Down At The Spot Of The Foul
-Illegal Contact (Defensive): 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
-Obstructing The Runner: 5 “Yards” Added To The End Of The Run
-Stripping The Ball: 5 “Yards” Added To The End Of The Run
-Stripping The Qb: 5 “Yards” From Line Of Scrimmage & Replay Of Down
Personal Fouls:
–All Penalties Listed Below Will Result In Either A Loss Of Down (Offensive Penalty) Or 1st Down For The Offense (Defensive Penalty) In Addition To Loss Of
Yardage (10 “Yards”).
- Swearing/Taunting
- Tackling The Runner
- Throwing The Runner To The Ground
- Roughing The Passer
- Tripping An Opponent
- Excessive Contact With An Opponent Who Is On The Ground
- Making Any Contact With An Opponent Which Is Deemed Unnecessary/Rough
- Deliberately Driving Or Running Into A Defensive Player
- Any Form Of Cheating, Such As Illegal Equipment, Flag Concealment, Etc.
- Fighting – Fighting Will Result In An Automatic Ejection From The Entire Tournament For The Offending Player(S) And Possibly The Team If Deemed Appropriate By The Referees/Mfl Board.
- Illegal Equipment
Penalties May Be Greater If Viewed As Unsportsmanlike Or Done With Intent To Harm/Injure. Such Actions May Result In Ejection Or Additional Yardage Being Assessed To The Penalty.