Friday Gridiron League

Friday Gridiron League • Player & Coach Handbook Page 2 of 4

OFFICIAL 7v7 RULES OF PLAY

Gameplay, Scoring Systems, and Penalty Infractions

Gameplay & Timing

Game Duration: Consists of two 20-minute running halves. Halftime is exactly 5 minutes.

Pacing Check: Game 1 kicks off at exactly 5:00 PM, and Game 2 at 6:00 PM.

Possession Start: The offensive team begins their drive on their own 5-yard line. They have 4 downs to cross midfield (the first down marker) and 4 downs to reach the endzone from there.

Punting: No actual punting occurs. If an offense fails to gain a first down, possession transfers to the opponent at their own 5-yard line.

Scoring Rubric

Touchdown: 6 Points

PAT (5-yard line option): 1 Point (Pass only)

PAT (10-yard line option): 2 Points (Run/Pass)

Safety: 2 Points (Defense)

Note: Interceptions returned on extra points are worth 2 points to the defending team.

Essential Rules of Conduct

No Flag Guarding: Ball carriers must not shield flag belts using hands, arms, or ball jerseys.

Dead Ball Status: Play ends immediately if flag falls off, carrier's knee touches, or ball hits ground (no fumbles).

No Contact: Direct checking, tackling, pushing, or blocking is strictly prohibited.

Passing Game: Behind the line handoffs are legal. Forward passes must be made from behind line of scrimmage.

Critical Penalty System

Offside / Delay of Game: 5 yards from previous spot; repeat down.

Flag Guarding: 10 yards from spot of foul; loss of down.

Pass Interference (Defense): Spot of foul; automatic 1st down.

Pass Interference (Offense): 10 yards from line; loss of down.

Unsportsmanlike Behavior: 15 yards; automatic ejection on second infraction.

Coaches Strategy: Speed & Safety

Keep your passing routes crisp! Since blocking is not permitted, receivers must use agility, speed cuts, and precise timing to create separation from defensive cornerbacks and linebackers.

Friday Gridiron League • Player & Coach Handbook Page 3 of 4

LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT

The Honor Pledge for Players, Coaches, & Supporters

Respect

Treat officials, opponents, coaches, and parents with absolute courtesy.

Safety

Play clean, follow non-contact rules, wear mouthguards, and tuck jerseys.

Effort

Strive for personal excellence and support teammate growth at every stage.

Code Regulations & Zero Tolerance Policies

• Positive Sideline Support: Parents, family members, and fans must focus exclusively on positive reinforcement. Disparaging comments to referees or opponent teams will lead to field ejection.
• Referee Protection: Game referees are student/parent volunteers. Coaches and players may ask for rule clarifications during halves, but heated arguments or yelling at officials is strictly prohibited.
• Equipment Standard Compliance: Jersey, official shorts (with no pockets or loops), and mouthguards are mandatory during every official down. Flag belts must remain uncovered by jerseys.

GRIDIRON HONOR PLEDGE & SIGN-OFF

"I pledge to play with honor, push my skills to their highest level, respect every opponent, protect the safety of all participants, and honor the decisions of league coordinators and field referees during every down."

Athlete Name (Print): _______________________ Athlete Signature: ______________________

Coach Name (Print): _______________________ Coach Signature: _______________________

Friday Gridiron League • Player & Coach Handbook Page 4 of 4

GAME W1 • 5:00 PM Field 1

#4 Seed:

#5 Seed:

🍁 HOLIDAY BREAK Friday, November 27 No Games • Happy Thanksgiving!

SEMIFINAL A • 5:00 PM Field 1

#1 Seed:

Winner W1:

SEMIFINAL B • 6:00 PM Field 1

#2 Seed:

#3 Seed:

Gridiron Bowl

🏆 GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Winner Semi A:

Winner Semi B:

FRIDAY, DEC 18 • 6:00 PM

Consolation Bowl Weeks: Dec 11 features special placement games including the 3rd Place Bronze Bowl and 5th Place Consolation!

Official Friday Gridiron Print Registry • Hang on Clipboard or Locker Bulletin Poster Page 2

Play is whistled dead if flag is pulled, carrier's knee hits ground, or if ball drops to turf. There are no fumbles!

Co-Ed Extra Points

Touchdowns count for 6 points. Opt to go for 1 extra point from the 5-yard line, or 2 extra points from the 10-yard line.

Friday Gridiron League Launch Slides • Gameplay Rules Slide 4 of 5

THE CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

Postseason Playoff Timeline & Matchups

NOV 20 WILDCARD

#4 vs #5 seeds clash in a sudden-death opener at 5:00 PM.

NOV 27 FALL BREAK

No games scheduled. Enjoy family time and Thanksgiving holiday!

DEC 4 & 11 SEMIS & BOWL

Top seeds compete for finals spots at 5:00 & 6:00 PM.

Grand Finale

DEC 18 FINALS FRIDAY

Championship Game kicks off under lights at 6:00 PM.

Train hard, play fair, and represent your franchise with excellence. See you on the gridiron!

Friday Gridiron League Launch Slides • Postseason Run Slide 5 of 5