DAWG Culture 7v7 Football Tournament Rules and Guidelines
“BATTLE OF THE DAWGS”
Field Dimensions/Specs:
The field dimensions are 40 yards in length and between 145’ - 160’ in width, with 10 yards deep in the End Zone.
First down lines are marked at 40, 25, and 10-yard intervals.
Field hash marks follow high school dimensions.
Team Members:
*Updated* Each team may consist of a maximum of 25 players, who must be registered as part of a team.
Offensive centers are optional; however, if utilized, they are ineligible receivers and are responsible for setting or re-positioning the football at the line of scrimmage.
Age Verification:
Age verification is mandatory for all players through the player registration process with Zorts.
This tournament is for the 15U Division:
Age Based on January 1, 2024.
Coaches:
Each team is allowed a maximum of 4 coaches, who are permitted on the sidelines during games.
Offensive coaches may join the huddle but must not interfere during gameplay, while defensive coaches remain off the field at all times.
Officials:
Each game will have a minimum of three (3) officials, including a Referee, Field Judge and a Back Judge.
Scorekeeper/timekeeper and field managers will ensure smooth operation and fair play during matches.
Game Times:
Pool play games feature a running clock of twenty-five (25) minutes.
*Updated* Bracket play games utilize a twenty-three (25) minute running clock, with each team possessing 1 timeout (30 secs) - TIMEOUTS AVAILABLE IN BRACKET PLAY ONLY.
Overtime:
Overtime is applicable during tournament bracket play only, with alternating three (3) plays from the ten-yard line.
Subsequent overtimes involve one-play, two-point attempts from the 10-yard line, alternating between teams until a winner emerges.
Scoring:
Touchdowns are worth six (6) points, with various point values for PATs, defensive stops, and interceptions.
Official scores are recorded by field referees and sideline scorekeepers.
One (1) point for a PAT from the 3 yard line.
Two (2) points for a PAT from the 10 yard line.
Two (2) points for a Defensive stop on downs.
Three (3) points for an interception.
Interceptions are LIVE!!!
Six (6) points for an interception returned for a Touchdown (40 yard line).
Team ONLY receives (3) points if defender does not score.
Penalties:
Penalties are enforced for various infractions, with specific rules regarding off-sides, delay of game, pass interference, and defensive holding.
Dead ball penalties, including those occurring after a change of possession, are strictly enforced.
Off-sides = Loss of Down.
Delay of Game = Loss of Down.
Each Team has 25 seconds to snap the ball once the referee puts the ball in play.
Pass Interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down.
If a penalty is to move the offense beyond the 40 yard line the offense will be forced to take a Loss of Down.
Turnovers/Dead-balls:
Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or both hands. (Player can be expelled if ruled unsportsmanlike & flagrant).
Fumbles that hit the ground are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap by the QB is not a dead ball. The 4.0 second count remains in effect on snaps.
The offense must gain at least 15 yards in the first 3 or less plays or the defense takes over. No 4th downs. (3) downs in all zones.
Offense is responsible for retrieving and returning the ball to the referee.
The clock does not stop and any delay by the offense in retrieving and returning the ball TO THE REFEREE will result in a delay of game and will be a 5 yard penalty from the succeeding spot.
If defensive holding occurs on the same play as a sack the defense will be penalized and the sack is void.
Offense:
The Quarterback has 4 seconds to complete a pass. Referees will blow the play dead upon the clock reaching 4 seconds and the ball is not out of the QB’s hand. Play is blown dead after 4.0 seconds.
Receivers’ alignment should respect the tackle box. Any completed pass within the tackle box within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage will be ruled an illegal pass. This will result in a loss of down for the offense.
On all snaps, the ball must come from a Center or the QB Tee. If a QB Tee is used, player cannot hold the timer down with his hand and snap the ball. This will be a loss of down.
Off-sides = Loss of Down.
Delay of Game = Loss of Down.
Each team will have 25 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game penalty will be assessed.
Pass interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down.
Defense:
Defense gets ONE (1) blitz per game. Use it wisely!
Multiple players are able to blitz.
Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty & a Replay of the down. If the 5 yards marked off results in a 1st down, then the offense will have a 1st down. If inside the 10 yard line, it will be half the distance to the goal line.
Off-sides = 5 yard penalty.
Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty.
Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul (1st down at the spot).
If Defensive Pass Interference occurs in the end zone, it will result in a 1st down at the 1-yard line.
Any dead ball penalty on the defense AFTER a change of possession would result in a loss of down for that team’s offense when they begin their ensuing possession.
The defense is allowed an INITIAL disruption within the first 5 yards of the route, and then MUST cover. Both WR & DB has a right to the football when the ball is in the air.
Points for defensive stops and interceptions are not “added together”. One or the other ends a possession with defensive points.
For example, you cannot receive 5 points for a interception on 3rd down.
Additional Game Format Rules:
All offensive formations must adhere to legal sets, with strict enforcement of rules regarding blocking, and fighting.
Lateral passes are permitted after the completion of a forward pass, adding an element of strategic play.
Bracket Play - Higher seed gets choice of offense/defense for opening possession.
No kicking or punting.
No passer may run with the ball.
All passes must be thrown forward. The only laterals that will be allowed will be laterals that occur after the completion of a forward pass. Or lateral passes that lead to a double pass.
Laterals are limited to ONE Backwards Pass Per Play. Teams are limited to ONE Lateral Play Per Possession.
Hand offs in the backfield are NOT allowed!!!
All offensive formations must be legal sets. Receivers’ alignment should respect the tackle box. Any completed pass within the tackle box within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage will be ruled an illegal pass. This will result in a loss of down for the offense.
No blocking allowed.
Tiebreakers:
Tiebreaker rules include head-to-head records, points allowed, points scored, and a Captain coin flip if necessary to determine winners.
DAWG RULES:
PICK 6!!! INTERCEPTIONS ARE LIVE!!! Interceptions can be ran back for touchdowns for 6 points. No blocking!!! If players do not reach the 40 yard line (TD), team will only acquire the 3 points that the interception is worth.
DAWG DOWN!!! Each team gets ONE (1) DAWG DOWN per game!!! A DAWG DOWN is essentially an extra down (4th Down) to score or gain a first down after you've gone 3 & Out. The clock will automatically STOP when a DAWG DOWN is executed. You might be DOWN but A DAWG IS NEVER OUT!!! Execute your DAWG DOWN to EXTEND THE DRIVE or WIN THE GAME!!! If you're on Defense, It's time to Be A DAWG & Make A Play!!!
*CHAMPIONSHIP DAWG DOWN RULE:* If you execute your DAWG DOWN and you are successful, you get 1 extra DAWG DOWN to use for the remainder of the game!!!
"PLAYMAKER AWARD" – Teams can nominate one player from each match as the "Playmaker of the Game" based on exceptional performance or sportsmanship. Winners receive special recognition and increases their chance in winning the “TOP DAWG” of the Tournament Award!!! (PLAYOFFS ONLY)
*Updated* CELEBRATION BUCKET: A Celebration Bucket will be placed in the back of each End Zone during Playoff Matchups! Upon making big plays (Touchdowns/Interceptions/Big Catches), Players are encouraged to grab an item out of the bucket, find the nearest camera, and Celebrate with THEIR TEAMMATES!!! Let's have some fun! But let's respect our opponents.
NO FIGHTING ALLOWED:
THIS IS THE FIRST & ONLY WARNING! ANY PLAYER THAT FIGHTS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE TOURNAMENT IMMEDIATELY AND PLACED ON A BANNED LIST FOR FUTURE TOURNAMENTS!!! IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 PERSON FIGHTING, BOTH TEAMS ARE ELIMINATED FROM THE TOURNAMENT IMMEDIATELY!!! OUR TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE IF THE PLAYER(S) OR TEAM(S) ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER FUTURE TOURNAMENTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW/INVESTIGATION. ANY ADULTS THAT PARTICIPATE IN FIGHTING WILL BE ARRESTED AND HAVE CHARGES PRESSED AGAINST THEM.
THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! OUR JOB AS LEADERS IS TO SET THE STANDARD AND EMPOWER THE YOUTH THROUGH POSITIVITY AND PROPER DECISION MAKING. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE TORCH CARRIERS AND LEADERS OF THE WORLD!!! LET’S BE RESPONSIBLE, LET’S BE ACCOUNTABLE. LET’S RAISE THE BAR AND TAKE BEING A DAWG TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
NO SMOKING/NO ALCOHOL:
ANYONE CAUGHT SMOKING OR DRINKING ALCOHOL WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND BANNED FROM FUTURE DAWG CULTURE EVENTS INDEFINITELY!!!
RESPECT THE GAME:
WE ASK THAT YOU RESPECT OUR STAFF, RESPECT OUR REFS, RESPECT THE ADVERSITY THAT COMES ALONG WITH HUMAN ERROR/FOOTBALL, AND RESPECT YOUR OPPONENT. WE KNOW ADVERSITY WILL STRIKE! IT IS YOUR JOB AS COACHES AND AS TEAMS TO RALLY BEHIND YOUR PURPOSE FOR SHOWING UP AND OVERCOME THE ADVERSITY BY TAPPING INTO YOUR INNER DAWG.
OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS A FAIR SHOT AT COMPETING AND WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP. YOUR JOB IS TO MAKE NO EXCUSES AND WEATHER THE STORM THAT CHAMPIONS MUST WEATHER TO CLAIM THE TITLE AS TOP DAWG!!!
THANK YOU!!!
MIKE HILL - DAWG CULTURE FOUNDER/CEO
“BATTLE OF THE DAWGS”
Field Dimensions/Specs:
The field dimensions are 40 yards in length and between 145’ - 160’ in width, with 10 yards deep in the End Zone.
First down lines are marked at 40, 25, and 10-yard intervals.
Field hash marks follow high school dimensions.
Team Members:
*Updated* Each team may consist of a maximum of 25 players, who must be registered as part of a team.
Offensive centers are optional; however, if utilized, they are ineligible receivers and are responsible for setting or re-positioning the football at the line of scrimmage.
Age Verification:
Age verification is mandatory for all players through the player registration process with Zorts.
This tournament is for the 15U Division:
Age Based on January 1, 2024.
Coaches:
Each team is allowed a maximum of 4 coaches, who are permitted on the sidelines during games.
Offensive coaches may join the huddle but must not interfere during gameplay, while defensive coaches remain off the field at all times.
Officials:
Each game will have a minimum of three (3) officials, including a Referee, Field Judge and a Back Judge.
Scorekeeper/timekeeper and field managers will ensure smooth operation and fair play during matches.
Game Times:
Pool play games feature a running clock of twenty-five (25) minutes.
*Updated* Bracket play games utilize a twenty-three (25) minute running clock, with each team possessing 1 timeout (30 secs) - TIMEOUTS AVAILABLE IN BRACKET PLAY ONLY.
Overtime:
Overtime is applicable during tournament bracket play only, with alternating three (3) plays from the ten-yard line.
Subsequent overtimes involve one-play, two-point attempts from the 10-yard line, alternating between teams until a winner emerges.
Scoring:
Touchdowns are worth six (6) points, with various point values for PATs, defensive stops, and interceptions.
Official scores are recorded by field referees and sideline scorekeepers.
One (1) point for a PAT from the 3 yard line.
Two (2) points for a PAT from the 10 yard line.
Two (2) points for a Defensive stop on downs.
Three (3) points for an interception.
Interceptions are LIVE!!!
Six (6) points for an interception returned for a Touchdown (40 yard line).
Team ONLY receives (3) points if defender does not score.
Penalties:
Penalties are enforced for various infractions, with specific rules regarding off-sides, delay of game, pass interference, and defensive holding.
Dead ball penalties, including those occurring after a change of possession, are strictly enforced.
Off-sides = Loss of Down.
Delay of Game = Loss of Down.
Each Team has 25 seconds to snap the ball once the referee puts the ball in play.
Pass Interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down.
If a penalty is to move the offense beyond the 40 yard line the offense will be forced to take a Loss of Down.
Turnovers/Dead-balls:
Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or both hands. (Player can be expelled if ruled unsportsmanlike & flagrant).
Fumbles that hit the ground are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap by the QB is not a dead ball. The 4.0 second count remains in effect on snaps.
The offense must gain at least 15 yards in the first 3 or less plays or the defense takes over. No 4th downs. (3) downs in all zones.
Offense is responsible for retrieving and returning the ball to the referee.
The clock does not stop and any delay by the offense in retrieving and returning the ball TO THE REFEREE will result in a delay of game and will be a 5 yard penalty from the succeeding spot.
If defensive holding occurs on the same play as a sack the defense will be penalized and the sack is void.
Offense:
The Quarterback has 4 seconds to complete a pass. Referees will blow the play dead upon the clock reaching 4 seconds and the ball is not out of the QB’s hand. Play is blown dead after 4.0 seconds.
Receivers’ alignment should respect the tackle box. Any completed pass within the tackle box within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage will be ruled an illegal pass. This will result in a loss of down for the offense.
On all snaps, the ball must come from a Center or the QB Tee. If a QB Tee is used, player cannot hold the timer down with his hand and snap the ball. This will be a loss of down.
Off-sides = Loss of Down.
Delay of Game = Loss of Down.
Each team will have 25 seconds to snap the ball once it has been marked ready for play; delay of game penalty will be assessed.
Pass interference = 5 yard penalty and Loss of Down.
Defense:
Defense gets ONE (1) blitz per game. Use it wisely!
Multiple players are able to blitz.
Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty & a Replay of the down. If the 5 yards marked off results in a 1st down, then the offense will have a 1st down. If inside the 10 yard line, it will be half the distance to the goal line.
Off-sides = 5 yard penalty.
Defensive Holding = 5 yard penalty.
Defensive Pass Interference will be a spot foul (1st down at the spot).
If Defensive Pass Interference occurs in the end zone, it will result in a 1st down at the 1-yard line.
Any dead ball penalty on the defense AFTER a change of possession would result in a loss of down for that team’s offense when they begin their ensuing possession.
The defense is allowed an INITIAL disruption within the first 5 yards of the route, and then MUST cover. Both WR & DB has a right to the football when the ball is in the air.
Points for defensive stops and interceptions are not “added together”. One or the other ends a possession with defensive points.
For example, you cannot receive 5 points for a interception on 3rd down.
Additional Game Format Rules:
All offensive formations must adhere to legal sets, with strict enforcement of rules regarding blocking, and fighting.
Lateral passes are permitted after the completion of a forward pass, adding an element of strategic play.
Bracket Play - Higher seed gets choice of offense/defense for opening possession.
No kicking or punting.
No passer may run with the ball.
All passes must be thrown forward. The only laterals that will be allowed will be laterals that occur after the completion of a forward pass. Or lateral passes that lead to a double pass.
Laterals are limited to ONE Backwards Pass Per Play. Teams are limited to ONE Lateral Play Per Possession.
Hand offs in the backfield are NOT allowed!!!
All offensive formations must be legal sets. Receivers’ alignment should respect the tackle box. Any completed pass within the tackle box within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage will be ruled an illegal pass. This will result in a loss of down for the offense.
No blocking allowed.
Tiebreakers:
Tiebreaker rules include head-to-head records, points allowed, points scored, and a Captain coin flip if necessary to determine winners.
DAWG RULES:
PICK 6!!! INTERCEPTIONS ARE LIVE!!! Interceptions can be ran back for touchdowns for 6 points. No blocking!!! If players do not reach the 40 yard line (TD), team will only acquire the 3 points that the interception is worth.
DAWG DOWN!!! Each team gets ONE (1) DAWG DOWN per game!!! A DAWG DOWN is essentially an extra down (4th Down) to score or gain a first down after you've gone 3 & Out. The clock will automatically STOP when a DAWG DOWN is executed. You might be DOWN but A DAWG IS NEVER OUT!!! Execute your DAWG DOWN to EXTEND THE DRIVE or WIN THE GAME!!! If you're on Defense, It's time to Be A DAWG & Make A Play!!!
*CHAMPIONSHIP DAWG DOWN RULE:* If you execute your DAWG DOWN and you are successful, you get 1 extra DAWG DOWN to use for the remainder of the game!!!
"PLAYMAKER AWARD" – Teams can nominate one player from each match as the "Playmaker of the Game" based on exceptional performance or sportsmanship. Winners receive special recognition and increases their chance in winning the “TOP DAWG” of the Tournament Award!!! (PLAYOFFS ONLY)
*Updated* CELEBRATION BUCKET: A Celebration Bucket will be placed in the back of each End Zone during Playoff Matchups! Upon making big plays (Touchdowns/Interceptions/Big Catches), Players are encouraged to grab an item out of the bucket, find the nearest camera, and Celebrate with THEIR TEAMMATES!!! Let's have some fun! But let's respect our opponents.
NO FIGHTING ALLOWED:
THIS IS THE FIRST & ONLY WARNING! ANY PLAYER THAT FIGHTS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE TOURNAMENT IMMEDIATELY AND PLACED ON A BANNED LIST FOR FUTURE TOURNAMENTS!!! IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 PERSON FIGHTING, BOTH TEAMS ARE ELIMINATED FROM THE TOURNAMENT IMMEDIATELY!!! OUR TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE IF THE PLAYER(S) OR TEAM(S) ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER FUTURE TOURNAMENTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW/INVESTIGATION. ANY ADULTS THAT PARTICIPATE IN FIGHTING WILL BE ARRESTED AND HAVE CHARGES PRESSED AGAINST THEM.
THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! OUR JOB AS LEADERS IS TO SET THE STANDARD AND EMPOWER THE YOUTH THROUGH POSITIVITY AND PROPER DECISION MAKING. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE TORCH CARRIERS AND LEADERS OF THE WORLD!!! LET’S BE RESPONSIBLE, LET’S BE ACCOUNTABLE. LET’S RAISE THE BAR AND TAKE BEING A DAWG TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
NO SMOKING/NO ALCOHOL:
ANYONE CAUGHT SMOKING OR DRINKING ALCOHOL WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND BANNED FROM FUTURE DAWG CULTURE EVENTS INDEFINITELY!!!
RESPECT THE GAME:
WE ASK THAT YOU RESPECT OUR STAFF, RESPECT OUR REFS, RESPECT THE ADVERSITY THAT COMES ALONG WITH HUMAN ERROR/FOOTBALL, AND RESPECT YOUR OPPONENT. WE KNOW ADVERSITY WILL STRIKE! IT IS YOUR JOB AS COACHES AND AS TEAMS TO RALLY BEHIND YOUR PURPOSE FOR SHOWING UP AND OVERCOME THE ADVERSITY BY TAPPING INTO YOUR INNER DAWG.
OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS A FAIR SHOT AT COMPETING AND WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP. YOUR JOB IS TO MAKE NO EXCUSES AND WEATHER THE STORM THAT CHAMPIONS MUST WEATHER TO CLAIM THE TITLE AS TOP DAWG!!!
THANK YOU!!!
MIKE HILL - DAWG CULTURE FOUNDER/CEO
