7 on 7 Tournament Rules

Last Updated July 24, 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 halfway between the 3rd and 4th cone from the end zone they are defending

GAME LENGTH:
- 40 minutes per game
- 20 minutes per half with a running clock (May be shortened with prior notice)
- 35 Second Play clock
- 5 minute half-time (Teams switch sides)
- Game clock will only be stopped after a score, a time-out, or at the two-minute warning of the 2nd half (championship game 2 min warning in both halves), and dead balls (excluding fumbles) following the 2 minute warning.
- In the case of overtime, there will be a 3-minute intermission prior to starting overtime.
- Each team is allotted 3 timeouts, up to two (2) one-minute time-outs per half.

OVERTIME:

A coin toss 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. 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 points = 1 point from 4 yards away from goal line
Extra Points = 2 points from 8 yards away from goal line
Safety = 2 points
The Defensive Team cannot score on an extra point conversion.
Once a team has made their choice on the extra point, they can only change their decision by taking a time-out if available. Otherwise, no change.

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 endzone
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 from the 3rd and 4th cone from the end zone they are defending.

PUNTING

A punt must be kicked, it cannot be thrown.
Center may hand ball to punter (does not have to be between legs)
Quick punts are illegal. On fourth down the Referee must ask the Offensive team if they want a protected scrimmage punt. The only way the offense can change their decision is to call a time-out or after a foul occurs anytime prior to or during the down, resulting in the down having to be re- played.
The kicking team must have all of its players, except for the punter, on the line of scrimmage; with three offensive linemen with 1 yard splits (same as offensive formation).
Players on the kicking team may not move until the ball is kicked.
At least two defensive players must be lined up on the defensive line, in any stance during a punt.
Defensive players MAY attempt to block the punt by jumping straight up in the air (not side to side) but they cannot rush the punter.
If the punt is blocked, the ball cannot be advanced unless it is caught in the air
The kicking team cannot advance a blocked punt under any circumstances.
If the ball is not touched by the receiving team, the punting team may “down” the punt wherever they first touch the ball.
The ball is NOT live if the receiving team does not touch the ball.
If the ball is dropped by the punter the ball is dead and the receiving team takes possession of the ball at the spot of the dead ball.
Down field blocking is not allowed on punts.

PLAYERS

Each team should start the game with 7 players on the field; a minimum of 6 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 that is designated on the field (Approximately 2 cone distance).
First downs are awarded once the ball crosses over the first down marker by a completed pass, a rush, or penalty. Referees Discretion.

OFFENSIVE SETS

Entire offense is eligible (including lineman)
Must have a minimum of 3 offensive linemen on the line of scrimmage at the center of the field, lined up at or behind the line of scrimmage. (all 3 players must be within “1 yard” from one another. If this is not done, an illegal formation penalty will be assessed (5 yards)).
The offensive center must snap the ball between his legs, unless the team is punting the ball.
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

DEFENSIVE SETS

Must have a minimum of 2 players on the line of scrimmage in a 3-point stance; otherwise illegal formation penalty will be assessed
Defensive players CANNOT fake towards the quarterback or enter the neutral zone to draw a false start. A defensive player can move side to side, but NOT forward. Resulting penalty is offside – 5 “yards” from the line of scrimmage & replay down.

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 or 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 BALLS

The ball is declared DEAD when the ball touches the ground; on punt when the ball touches the player then hits the ground.

FUMBLES

Once the ball touches the ground it is considered dead and may NOT be recovered or advanced by either team. If the ball is caught and clearly controlled before it is fumbled, the ball is dead at the spot of the fumble.
A ball fumbled FORWARD will be put into play at the point it was fumbled.
All fumbled balls remain with the team with possession (except on fourth downs resulting in a turnover).
Either team may advance a fumble that is caught in the air before reaching the ground. An incomplete lateral is treated as a fumble and is whistled dead at the spot where it touches the ground. A backwards pass is considered a lateral and is also dead at the spot where it touches the ground.
Fumbles DO NOT stop the clock under 2 minute warnings.

LATERALS/BACKWARD PASSES

A team may lateral passes backward 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 behind the line of scrimmage 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 receiver 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 in-bounds 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 when the whistle blew or taking the play over. (Rule does not apply when the offensive team fumbles the ball)

EQUIPMENT/FIELD:

The offensive team must 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 96 yds x 30 yds Games will be played on outdoor grass fields. The field is striped for sidelines and the end zones will be marked by cones and lines.
First downs will be spotted by the refs (approximately 2 cone length)
Out of bounds is represented by a white line.
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.
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 35 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 MEN ON THE FIELD

Having more than 7 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:

Players are allowed to run the ball across the line of scrimmage without a handoff taking place. Players who receive handoffs can throw the ball if the hand off takes place behind the line of scrimmage, the ball has not crossed the line of scrimmage, and is executing the first forward pass.

PASSING/RECEIVING:

One forward pass is allowed per play. Pass attempts that hit any nets are dead.
One foot must be inbounds for a completed catch.
All players are eligible to receive a pass from another player (cannot throw to oneself). One player in motion at a time, no forward motion allowed.

BLOCKING:

No Blocking down field.
Blocks are allowed behind the line of scrimmage (no bull rush and block with open hand).
Picks, the offensive player with their arms down to their sides, are allowed down field. Cannot be in motion. Referees Discretion.

FORFEIT:

If a team does not have at least 6 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, The MFL will factor in more parameters.

QUICK REFERENCE – PENALTY SHEET

Examples of 5-yard penalties include:

Defensive holding (automatic first down)
Defensive illegal use of hands (automatic first down)
Delay of game (offensive/defensive)
Offside, Encroachment,Neutral zone infraction
False start
Illegal motion/formation/shift
Illegal contact (automatic first down)
Illegal forward pass (loss of down)
Intentional grounding
Too many men on the field
Flag guarding

Examples of 10-yard penalties include:

Offensive pass interference
Offensive holding
Offensive illegal use of hands
Illegal block in the back
Tripping
Roughing the passer

Examples of 15-yard penalties include:

Interfering with fair catch
Stiffarm, Striking,or Kneeing
Striking opponent below shoulders with forearm or elbow by turning or pivoting
Falling/excessive contact with player on the ground
Unnecessary roughness, tackling
Unsportsmanlike conduct – taunting, profanity/swearing, argumentative/ confrontational behavior
Illegal conduct by non-players (ejection from team sideline)
Chop block, Clipping
Illegal blindside/crackback/peel back block
Diving
Tying flag
Physical fighting or threatening to punch/kick/etc. – even if contact is not made (ejection)
Abusive/threatening/obscene language or gestures (ejection)

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 Line of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Offensive Holding: 5 “yards” from the Line of Scrimmage & Replay Down
Offensive Pass Interference: 10 “yards” from Line of Scrimmage & Loss 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” and Loss of down
Intentional Grounding: 5 “yards” & Loss of Down
Flag Guarding/ Stiff Arm: 5 “yards” from Spot of the Foul (Result of play before the foul will stand)

DEFENSE:

Offside/Encroachment/Fake Forward: 5 “yards” from Line of Scrimmage & Replay of Down
Defensive Holding: 5 “yards” from the Line of Scrimmage & Automatic 1st Down
Illegal Formation –(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

MISCELLANEOUS:

Too Many Men on the Field: 5 “yards” from line of scrimmage & Replay Down
No Flag on Before Snap of Ball: 5 “yards” penalty from line of scrimmage & Replay 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 Or Pushing Runner Of Bounds
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 Potentially Entire Team If Deemed Appropriate By The Referees And/Or The 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.