League Rulebook | Charm City Athletics
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Charm City Athletics
League Rulebook

Official CCA rules for all divisions — based on NFL Flag with our own modifications. Amended Fall 2026.

This is CCA's abridged rulebook. Our league is based on NFL Flag Football rules with several CCA-specific modifications. Anywhere you see a difference from standard NFL Flag rules, it is intentional and CCA's version applies.
What's New for Fall 2026
  • Pee Wee now allows passing plays. Pee Wee defenders line up 5 yards off the LOS.
  • Pee Wee's 1-point PAT can now be a run or a pass (previously run only).
  • Pee Wee: limit of 1 fake handoff per offensive play.
  • Reminder: the player in motion does not need to be set before the snap — only the other players do.
General Rules — All Divisions
Field & Gameplay
  • Boundary lines are OUT-OF-BOUNDS. Ball is spotted where the ball was when the player stepped out.
  • The ball is spotted where it is when the flag is pulled.
  • Inadvertent whistle: offense may replay the down or take the ball at the spot.
  • The "QB" is defined as the player who receives the snap from the center.
  • Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 35 points, the opponent gets one possession. If unsuccessful, the game ends. Teams can agree to lock the score and continue as a scrimmage.
  • Downs: Offense starts at its own 5 YL and has 4 downs to reach midfield for a 1st down, then 4 downs to score.
  • Captains play rock/paper/scissors or coin toss for possession. The deferred team gets possession after halftime.
Timing
  • Two 22-minute halves on a running clock with a 3-minute halftime.
  • The clock stops only for: referee timeouts, coach timeouts, and extra point conversions within 2 minutes of halftime or end of game.
  • A 2-minute warning before each half is announced by the official. The clock does not stop at the warning.
  • Extra point conversions are untimed.
  • 2 timeouts per team per half(40 seconds each). Timeouts do not carry over. No timeouts in overtime.
  • Once the ball is spotted, the offense has 40 seconds to snap the ball.
Scoring & Extra Points
  • Touchdown = 6 pts  |  Safety = 2 pts
  • 1-Point PAT from the 5-yard line: Pass only for Junior & Senior. Run or pass for Pee Wee.
  • 2-Point PAT from the 10-yard line: Run or pass for all divisions.
  • Interceptions returned for a TD during regulation = 6 pts. Returned on a PAT attempt = 2 pts.
  • Pee Wee & Junior exception: Interceptions are dead at the spot. No returns allowed.
Game Mechanics
  • Only one player in motion at a time. All players except the player in motion must be set for 1 second before the snap.
  • Catches require control + first body part in bounds. Simultaneous possession goes to offense.
  • QB cannot run the ball — ever, even during a pass rush.
  • No fumbles — ball is dead at the spot it hits the ground.
  • Ball carrier is down when one flag is pulled off their belt.
  • 7-second pass clock applies to pass plays only. Expiry = loss of down.
  • No blocking or screening at any time.
  • Player receiving a handoff may pass from behind the LOS.
Overtime — Playoffs & Standings-Deciding Games Only
CCA Rule: Overtime applies only to playoff games and the final regular season week when standings are at stake. All other tied regular season games end as ties.
  • 1st OT: Coin toss. Each team gets one play from the 5 YL (1 pt) or 10 YL (2 pts) — each team chooses. Highest score wins the round.
  • 2nd OT: Both teams must attempt a 2-point conversion from the 10 YL.
  • 3rd OT: One play from own 5 YL. Team with the most yardage wins (+1 pt to final score).
  • No timeouts in overtime. Interceptions returned for a score in OT end the game immediately.
Equipment
  • Mouthguards are REQUIRED — must be worn in the mouth during play.
  • NFL FLAG belt and flags required. Flags must be on hips, visible, and unobstructed.
  • Ball must be snapped between the legs. Pee Wee & Junior exception: side snap allowed.
  • No jewelry. No exposed metal cleats. No hard casts or braces with exposed metal.
  • Jerseys must be tucked in if they hang below the belt line.
Division-Specific Rules
Pee Wee Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
QB & Offense
  • Coach plays QB — always
  • Run and pass plays allowed
  • Limit of 1 fake handoff per play
  • 7-second pass clock applies
  • 5 players + coach QB vs. 5 defenders
  • Coach QB only on field during play
  • Side snap or between-legs allowed
  • Player receiving a handoff may pass from behind the LOS
Defense
  • Defenders line up 5 yds from LOS
  • No rushing the QB — ever
Field
  • No Run Zones eliminated — offense may run anywhere
Downs
  • Always 4 downs. No punt
  • Turnover → switch fields, start at own 5 YL
  • Interceptions dead at spot. No returns.
PAT
  • 1 pt: run or pass from 5 YL
  • 2 pts: run or pass from 10 YL
Junior 3rd – 5th Grade
QB & Offense
  • Coach plays QB — always
  • Run and pass plays allowed
  • 4 players + coach QB vs. 5 defenders
  • Coach QB only on field during play
  • Side snap allowed
  • Player receiving a handoff may pass from behind the LOS
Defense
  • No rushing the QB
Field
  • No Run Zones in effect
Downs
  • Always 4 downs. No punt
  • Turnover → switch fields, start at own 5 YL
  • Interceptions dead at spot. No returns.
PAT
  • 1 pt: pass only from 5 YL
  • 2 pts: run or pass from 10 YL
Senior 6th – 8th Grade
QB & Offense
  • Player plays QB
  • 5 players vs. 5 defenders — coaches must stay off field
  • Run, pass, rush all allowed
  • Player receiving a handoff may pass from behind the LOS
Defense / Rush
  • Rush line 8 yards from LOS
  • Up to 2 designated rushers per play
  • No Run Zones in effect
Downs
  • Optional 4th down. Play the down or "punt" — declare before the snap
  • No physical punts: a "punt" gives the other team the ball at its own 5 YL
  • Failed 4th: turnover at spot or opponent's 5 YL, whichever is better for the new offense
  • Interceptions returnable. TD = 6 pts. PAT = 2 pts.
PAT
  • 1 pt: pass only from 5 YL
  • 2 pts: run or pass from 10 YL
Penalties
Offensive Penalties
Penalty Definition Side Result
False Start Multiple players moving at snap; forward motion; flinching without snap Offense –5 yds + loss of down
OPI / Illegal Forward Pass / Delay of Game / Illegal Motion Interfering with defender; illegal pass; >40 sec to snap; 2+ in motion Offense –5 yds + loss of down
Flag Guarding Using arms, body, or jersey to block flag access; excessive spinning; jumping to avoid flag pull Offense –5 yds + loss of down
Charging / Blocking / Screening Running into set defender; impeding defensive player near ball carrier Offense –5 yds + loss of down
Illegal Rush (O) / Lateral / Center Sneak Handoff in the No-Rush Zone; non-forward pass between players; center is first to receive handoff from QB Offense –10 yds + loss of down
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Taunting, heckling, inappropriate language, arguing with officials Offense –10 yds + loss of down
Defensive Penalties
Penalty Definition Side Result
Holding / Tackling Going for anything other than flags; shirt stretch; player appears to run in place Defense +5 yds + auto 1st
Illegal Rush / Offsides / Roughing the Passer Wrong rusher; crossing LOS before snap; contact with QB Defense +5 yds + auto 1st
Stripping Any attempt to take ball from a secured offensive player Defense +5 yds + auto 1st
Defensive Pass Interference Interfering with receiver's ability to catch or run a route Defense Auto 1st (spot foul)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct / Unnecessary Roughness Taunting, heckling, inappropriate language, arguing with officials; intentional physical contact beyond a flag pull Defense +10 yds + auto 1st
Penalty Notes: All penalties assessed from the LOS unless marked as spot fouls. Half-distance to goal applies when yardage exceeds half the remaining distance. Two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on any player or coach = automatic disqualification. Only the team captain or head coach may ask officials for rule clarification.
Sportsmanship & Conduct
CCA is a recreational, non-contact, co-ed league. All players, coaches, and parents are expected to model positive behavior at all times. The tone starts with the adults on the sideline.
  • If a player argues with a referee: flag thrown, 100% of the time.
  • If a coach argues with a referee: warning first; all future incidents = flag; report to game day director.
  • Two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on any player or coach = automatic disqualification.
  • Intentional physical contact, cheap shots, or taunting = ejection at the official's discretion. No appeals.
  • Parents must remain outside the sideline boundary during play.
  • The referee's call is final. Questions and clarifications can be raised during a coach's timeout, at halftime, or after the game.
  • All jewelry must be removed. Mouthguards must be in the mouth. Flags must be properly attached before taking the field.
Still have questions?

Reach out and we'll be happy to help.
chris@charmcityathletics.com

Download the full CCA Rulebook PDF for complete rules and procedures.

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