This rule is applied to prevent running plays that might disproportionately favor the offense in tight spaces near critical scoring or first-down areas. Here's how the "No Run Zone" works according to the rules:
Where It Applies: The "No Run Zone" comes into effect only when the offensive team is within 5 yards of either a first down or the end zone. It's specifically enforced in the Gold Junior Varsity and Varsity Divisions to avoid short-yardage, power-running plays near these critical areas of the field.
Exception: If the offensive team has already achieved a first down but has been pushed back into the midfield "No Run Zone," then the "No Run Zone" is not in effect. This means that runs can occur if the team is pushed back due to penalties or negative plays.
Enforcement: When a team is in the "No Run Zone," the referee will notify both teams that the ball is spotted in this zone. If a run play is called while in the "No Run Zone," the play is immediately considered dead, the ball is placed at the original line of scrimmage (LOS), and a loss of down is applied.
Game Format and Field: Games are 5v5 on fields that are 40 yards long and half the width of a standard field. There are no kickoffs; play starts at the 5-yard line. Each game consists of two 25-minute halves.
Scoring: Touchdowns earn 6 points, with options for extra points from the 5-yard line (1 point, no run zone applies in certain divisions) or the 10-yard line (2 points, run or pass).
Downs: A first down is achieved by crossing the midfield. If the offensive team does not cross midfield in 3 downs, they may choose to "punt," giving the ball to the opposing team at their 5-yard line, or attempt to go for it.
Offense Rules: No intentional contact is allowed; blocking is illegal. Quarterbacks cannot advance the ball immediately after receiving a snap but can do so after a handoff or receiving a pass. Quarterbacks are not allowed to run the ball forward immediately after receiving the snap. They can only advance the ball if they first hand it off to another player and then receive it back, or after catching a pass. Additionally, only one player is allowed to be in motion at a time before the snap, and these players cannot move towards the line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped.
Defense Rules: No intentional contact is allowed. Defensive players cannot cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is handed off or if a defensive player starts 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
Turnovers: Interceptions can be returned, except on extra-point attempts. Fumbles do not result in turnovers but are instead marked down at the spot of the fumble.
Penalties: Include 5-yard penalties for pre-snap infractions like false starts, and post-snap penalties for actions like flag guarding. Unsportsmanlike conduct results in 10-yard penalties and potential disqualification.
Player Rotation: Every player must play at least 50% of the plays, but there are no mandatory rotation rules.
Misc:
Each team will receive two 60-second timeouts per half, timeouts do not carry over.
Games can end in a tie - there is no overtime.
All passes must cross the line of scrimmage **No bubble screens
Every player must provide their own mouth guard, and football cleats are recommended but not required (molded spikes only, no metal).
Silicon or braided fabric bracelets/necklaces are OK, but metal jewelry, watches or wearable technology (anything with metal or hard plastic) are prohibited.
Rules