TOURNAMENT
RULES
SECTION A: TEAMS / PLAYERS
1. Any player involved in a fight or throwing a punch the team will be
ejected from the tournament.
2. Maximum of 24 players per team.
3. Age Divisions: High School (HS) (18U), 15U, 14U, 12U, 10U, 8u,
Girls HS 3. Seniors are eligible to play if they have not signed a
National Letter of Intent (NLI). Once a senior signs the NLI, they
are ineligible. Any team caught playing with an ineligible player
will be disqualified.
4. The cut-off age date for each age division is January 1st.
Whatever age the player is on, January 1st is the age that player is
eligible for the entire season.
5. All players must be age verified in Zorts with a valid Player's Cards and must check-in an
hour before their first game.
6. A player can participate on multiple teams if eligible.
7. Maximum of 3 coaches allowed on the sideline during the game.
All coaches must be approved and have a wristband on at all
times.
8. All players will wear their registered team uniforms – Jerseys must
have numbers.
9. Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with plastic
or rubber spikes.
SECTION B: COACHES
1. Each team is permitted a MAXIMUM of 3 coaches on the sideline
during the game. NON-Approved coaches or other persons will not be
allowed on the sideline.
2. It is the coach’s responsibility to know all his players and ages.
3. The 4 coaches have free gate entry at the event & will be given a
wristband which must be worn for the entire event.
4. One offensive coach is allowed on the field and in the huddle with
players but must be a MINIMUM of 5 yards behind the QB before the
ball is snapped so he does not interfere with gameplay or the referee.
5. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field at any time.
6. Coaches are responsible for knowing all rules and educating their
players on the rules & conduct.
7. Head coaches are responsible for maintaining their sideline.
8. Any coach, player, or person (spectator) that is overly aggressive,
threatens, or uses physical force towards the referee, staff member,
coach, player, or spectator will be disqualified from the event, removed
from the event venue, and not be allowed to return. Note: Any player
or coach involved in a fight the ENTIRE team will be ejected from the
event.
SECTION C: OFFICIALS
1. Each game will have a minimum of (2) officials. There will be a head
referee/ field judge and a back judge.
2. The head referee/field judge will keep the 4-second clock, and the back
judge will keep game time.
3. The head referee will keep score, sign card, and turn into field manager
after each game.
4. A field manager will assist the crowd, players, coach, and the referees.
The field manager DOES NOT have the authority to overturn a referee
judgment call but is there with the rules to provide clarity if there is a
rules question.
5. The referees and field managers should always keep the games flowing
and clean as per rules.
SECTION D: SCORING
The head referee will keep the official score.
1. 0 Points for a turnover on a point after touchdown (PAT) – It
is a dead ball.
2. 1 Point for a PAT from the 3-yard line.
3. 2 Points for a PAT from the 10-yard line
4. 2 Points for a defensive stop on downs
5. 2 Points for a safety
6. 3 Points for interception
7. 3 points for interception are not added to the 6 if returned for
a score.
8. 6 Points for interception return for touchdown (TD)
9. 6 Points for a touchdown
Note: Points for a defensive stop and interception are NOT
added together
SECTION E: GAME TIMES / OVERTIME
1. All games have a 20-minute running clock.
2. There is no overtime in pool play.
3. Teams must be ready to start games on time. If a team is
not ready to start or not there when the referee is ready, the
referee will start the game clock and award the present
team 2 points.
4. If the team is not present after 5 minutes have elapsed, the
referee will call the game a forfeit, and the present team
will receive 6 points. The present team will win the
forfeited game 8-0.
5. No overtime during Pool Play.
6. In the Championship Game there will be a 25-minute
running clock.
7. There are no time outs.
SECTION F: BRACKET PLAY
1. There are no time outs.
2. The higher seeded team will choose offense or defense on 1st OT 3.
Each team will have 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score.
3. In the 2nd overtime, the choice of offense or defense goes to the lower
seed. 5. Each team will have 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score.
4. If after the 2nd overtime the teams are still tied, each team will get 1
play from the 40, and the team that produces the most yardage from
this play will win.
5. In the 3rdOT The higher seed will choose to play offense or defense
first.
6. Overtime periods are not timed.
SECTION G: GAME PLAY
1. The field will be 40-50 yards in length with 10 yards deep end zone
2. The ball size for High School & 15U division is official Collegiate/High School
3. The ball size for 14u is Youth
4. The ball size for 12u & 10u is Junior
5. Ball size for 8u is PeeWee
6. Play begins on the 40 and right hash. The 25- & 10-yard lines are the first down
lines.
7. There are no 4 downs. The offense has 3 plays to gain a 1st down at the following
lines (25 & 10) to gain and a touchdown at the goal line. (3 downs in all zones)
8. Pool Play – Teams will flip for the choice of starting on offense or defense.
9. Bracket Play – Higher seed gets choice of starting on offense or defense.
10. The ball will always start on the right hash on the 40-yard line.
11. The ball will be spotted on the closest hash or side where play was stopped.
12. The ball will be placed in the middle of the field for the PAT attempt.
13. The center/QB will be responsible for setting the ball at the line of scrimmage.
The center is not an eligible receiver but can tag a defender that has made an
interception.
14. QB must take a direct snap from center or QB Tee from the 40 (shotgun snap from
the 40-yard line is NOT allowed).
15. All offensive formations must be legal sets and respect the tackle box (3 yards).
16. There must be at least 1 wide receiver (WR) on each side of the center on the line
of scrimmage.
17. Pick Plays are NOT allowed.
18. No Kicking or Punting.
19. No Blitzing.
20. The QB cannot run with the ball.
21. No Handoffs.
22. No Blocking.
23. The receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or
two hands. (Excessive force or shoving will not be tolerated and penalized with an
automatic first down and 5 yards. A player can be ejected from the game if ruled
Unsportsmanlike or Flagrant.)
24. Fumbles are dead balls at the spot, with the last team retaining possession. A
fumbled snap is not a dead ball, but the 4 second remains in effect.
25. The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts on the snap of the
ball and stops on the QBs' release. If the release is under 4.0 seconds, the play stands,
but if the release is at or after 4.0 seconds, the play is no good.
26. The referee can blow a play dead before the ball's release if the 4.0 clock is
reached.
27.Interceptions can be returned.
28. If the defense scores on an interception, their offense will come on the field to
attempt the extra point. The team that threw the interception will get the ball on
offense at the 40.
29. The offense player is not allowed to shove a defensive player to create separation.
Hand fighting is tolerated as per the referee's judgment.
30. A defensive player can jam within 5 yards and play tight defense. However,
excessive holding, shoving, hands to the face, slapping the head, or throwing a player
down will not be tolerated.
SECTION H: PENALTIES
PART A: OFFENSE
# Infraction Penalty
1. Blocking = Blocking is not allowed and will
result in loss of down and return to
the previous spot.
2. Delay of Game
Note: The offense will have 25
seconds to snap the ball once it has
been marked for play. The
the offensive team is responsible
for retrieving and returning the ball
to the previous spot or the new line
of scrimmage.= 5-yard penalty repeat down
3. Excessive Celebration = Not allowed and will be a 15-yard
penalty. If this occurs during PAT,
the extra point will not count, and 15
yards will be assessed towards your
defense.
4. False Start = 5-yard penalty repeat down
5. Illegal Formation = 5-yard penalty repeat down
6. Illegal Motion =
Note: The player going
forward before ball is snapped
5-yard penalty repeat down
7. Illegal Participation =
Note: Having extra players on the
field.
5-yard penalty repeat down
8. Illegal Shift =
Note: Multiple players moving at
the same time and not set before
the ball is snapped.
5-yard penalty repeat down
9. Pass Interference = Return to previous spot and loss of
down.
10. Penalty on Point After
Touchdown (PAT) =
Penalty on PAT will be assessed,
and the down is repeated.
11. Unsportsmanlike or
Unnecessary Roughness =
15-yard penalty
Note: Half the distance to the goal if
yards to give are not available.
PART B: DEFENSE
# Infraction Penalty
1. Dead Ball Penalty
(any) =
Any dead ball penalty on the defense that occurs
after a change of possession will result in a loss of
down for that team's offense when they begin their
ensuing possession.
2. Defensive Contact = Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense.
The defense is allowed an initial 5-yard disruption
and then must cover without making illegal contact.
Excessive or prolonged contact after 5 yards will
result in a "tack on" penalty of 5 yards at the end of
the play.
3. Defensive Holding = 5-yard penalty repeat down
4. Defensive Pass
Interference =
15-yard penalty & 1st.
Note: If pass interference occurs in the End Zone it
will result in a 1st down, and the ball will be placed
on the 1-yard line.
5. Excessive
Celebration =
Will not be tolerated and will result in a 15-yard
penalty.
Note: Any dead ball penalty on the defense
that occurs after a change of possession will
result in a loss of down for that team's offense
when they begin their ensuing possession.
6. Face Guarding = Face Guarding is allowed.
7. Illegal
Participation
Note: Extra
players on the
field =
5-yard penalty
8. Off-sides = 5-yard penalty
9. Penalty on Point
After
Touchdown (PAT) =
Penalty on PAT will be assessed, and the down is
repeated.
10. Unsportsmanlike
or
Unnecessary
Roughness =
15-yard penalty
Note: Half the distance to the goal if yards to give
are not available.
SECTION I: TIEBREAKERS
If teams are tied at the end of Pool Play, the tie-breaker order is as
follows:
1. Pool Play Record
2. Point Differential
3. Points Scored
4. Head-To-Head
5. Coin Flip
SECTION J: APPEALS
1. If during a game a coach disagrees with an official's judgment call, they
MAY NOT dispute that call with the referee as it is a judgment call.
2. If a coach disagrees with a rule’s interpretation during gameplay, they
MAY REQUEST the referee stop the game clock to discuss and
determine the Rule issue with the referee and field manager.
3. If a coach disagrees with the eligibility of a player(s) and wants to
challenge the following protocol takes place in this specified order: As
soon as a team notices a potential ineligible player, they notify the
referee and field manager. That player must immediately report to the
field manager for verification while the game continues. If the player is
found to be ineligible, then the game is automatically ended, and the
team that has the ineligible player loses by disqualification. If a player
is found to be legal, then he may return to play.
4. To dispute a game, the head coach must report all gameplay ruling
discrepancies immediately after the end of the affected game to the
head referee and field manager to be considered. REQUEST MAY BE
GRANTED OR DENIED.
5. After all information is reviewed, any reversal or game-changing
decisions will be made at the Tournament Directors' discretion. Both
teams involved in the dispute will be made aware of any changes.
SECTION K: CONDUCT /GUIDELINES / RESTRICTIONS
1. All coaches, players, and Spectators are expected to conduct
themselves positively and refrain from unsportsmanlike actions.
2. All coaches, players & spectators - Fighting, Verbal Abuse, and/or
Threats will NOT be tolerated and result in disqualification & removal
from the event. The Tournament Director will determine the length of
the suspension.
3. No taunting or excessive foul language.
4. Teams are responsible for cleaning their trash on their sideline.
5. No vandalism of venue property.
6. Weapons, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and chewing tobacco products are
PROHIBITED at our events.
7. No electronic communication with the Offensive coach while on the
field from another coach, player, or spectator will be allowed.
8. Boomboxes, speakers, or other amplified music devices are
PROHIBITED.
9. Other Restrictions as per venues will be noted in information sent out
to teams before the event.
Note: 336 Elite reserves the right to have anyone that is deemed
belligerent or dangerous removed from the event
SECTION L: RAINOUT POLICY FOR SANCTIONED EVENTS:
1. If the event is canceled or rained out before the event starts, full refunds
will be given, or a credit (entry) into another one of our Sanctioned
events will be processed.
2. Once Pool Games begin on Saturday, there will be no full refunds. We
will continue to play games if it is safe. We may go into rain delays and
adjust times.
3. If there is a weather delay during Pool Play and play resumes, but your
team left without getting instructions from Tournament Director, your
Games will be forfeited.
RULES
SECTION A: TEAMS / PLAYERS
1. Any player involved in a fight or throwing a punch the team will be
ejected from the tournament.
2. Maximum of 24 players per team.
3. Age Divisions: High School (HS) (18U), 15U, 14U, 12U, 10U, 8u,
Girls HS 3. Seniors are eligible to play if they have not signed a
National Letter of Intent (NLI). Once a senior signs the NLI, they
are ineligible. Any team caught playing with an ineligible player
will be disqualified.
4. The cut-off age date for each age division is January 1st.
Whatever age the player is on, January 1st is the age that player is
eligible for the entire season.
5. All players must be age verified in Zorts with a valid Player's Cards and must check-in an
hour before their first game.
6. A player can participate on multiple teams if eligible.
7. Maximum of 3 coaches allowed on the sideline during the game.
All coaches must be approved and have a wristband on at all
times.
8. All players will wear their registered team uniforms – Jerseys must
have numbers.
9. Players are permitted to wear standard football cleats with plastic
or rubber spikes.
SECTION B: COACHES
1. Each team is permitted a MAXIMUM of 3 coaches on the sideline
during the game. NON-Approved coaches or other persons will not be
allowed on the sideline.
2. It is the coach’s responsibility to know all his players and ages.
3. The 4 coaches have free gate entry at the event & will be given a
wristband which must be worn for the entire event.
4. One offensive coach is allowed on the field and in the huddle with
players but must be a MINIMUM of 5 yards behind the QB before the
ball is snapped so he does not interfere with gameplay or the referee.
5. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field at any time.
6. Coaches are responsible for knowing all rules and educating their
players on the rules & conduct.
7. Head coaches are responsible for maintaining their sideline.
8. Any coach, player, or person (spectator) that is overly aggressive,
threatens, or uses physical force towards the referee, staff member,
coach, player, or spectator will be disqualified from the event, removed
from the event venue, and not be allowed to return. Note: Any player
or coach involved in a fight the ENTIRE team will be ejected from the
event.
SECTION C: OFFICIALS
1. Each game will have a minimum of (2) officials. There will be a head
referee/ field judge and a back judge.
2. The head referee/field judge will keep the 4-second clock, and the back
judge will keep game time.
3. The head referee will keep score, sign card, and turn into field manager
after each game.
4. A field manager will assist the crowd, players, coach, and the referees.
The field manager DOES NOT have the authority to overturn a referee
judgment call but is there with the rules to provide clarity if there is a
rules question.
5. The referees and field managers should always keep the games flowing
and clean as per rules.
SECTION D: SCORING
The head referee will keep the official score.
1. 0 Points for a turnover on a point after touchdown (PAT) – It
is a dead ball.
2. 1 Point for a PAT from the 3-yard line.
3. 2 Points for a PAT from the 10-yard line
4. 2 Points for a defensive stop on downs
5. 2 Points for a safety
6. 3 Points for interception
7. 3 points for interception are not added to the 6 if returned for
a score.
8. 6 Points for interception return for touchdown (TD)
9. 6 Points for a touchdown
Note: Points for a defensive stop and interception are NOT
added together
SECTION E: GAME TIMES / OVERTIME
1. All games have a 20-minute running clock.
2. There is no overtime in pool play.
3. Teams must be ready to start games on time. If a team is
not ready to start or not there when the referee is ready, the
referee will start the game clock and award the present
team 2 points.
4. If the team is not present after 5 minutes have elapsed, the
referee will call the game a forfeit, and the present team
will receive 6 points. The present team will win the
forfeited game 8-0.
5. No overtime during Pool Play.
6. In the Championship Game there will be a 25-minute
running clock.
7. There are no time outs.
SECTION F: BRACKET PLAY
1. There are no time outs.
2. The higher seeded team will choose offense or defense on 1st OT 3.
Each team will have 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score.
3. In the 2nd overtime, the choice of offense or defense goes to the lower
seed. 5. Each team will have 3 plays from the 10-yard line to score.
4. If after the 2nd overtime the teams are still tied, each team will get 1
play from the 40, and the team that produces the most yardage from
this play will win.
5. In the 3rdOT The higher seed will choose to play offense or defense
first.
6. Overtime periods are not timed.
SECTION G: GAME PLAY
1. The field will be 40-50 yards in length with 10 yards deep end zone
2. The ball size for High School & 15U division is official Collegiate/High School
3. The ball size for 14u is Youth
4. The ball size for 12u & 10u is Junior
5. Ball size for 8u is PeeWee
6. Play begins on the 40 and right hash. The 25- & 10-yard lines are the first down
lines.
7. There are no 4 downs. The offense has 3 plays to gain a 1st down at the following
lines (25 & 10) to gain and a touchdown at the goal line. (3 downs in all zones)
8. Pool Play – Teams will flip for the choice of starting on offense or defense.
9. Bracket Play – Higher seed gets choice of starting on offense or defense.
10. The ball will always start on the right hash on the 40-yard line.
11. The ball will be spotted on the closest hash or side where play was stopped.
12. The ball will be placed in the middle of the field for the PAT attempt.
13. The center/QB will be responsible for setting the ball at the line of scrimmage.
The center is not an eligible receiver but can tag a defender that has made an
interception.
14. QB must take a direct snap from center or QB Tee from the 40 (shotgun snap from
the 40-yard line is NOT allowed).
15. All offensive formations must be legal sets and respect the tackle box (3 yards).
16. There must be at least 1 wide receiver (WR) on each side of the center on the line
of scrimmage.
17. Pick Plays are NOT allowed.
18. No Kicking or Punting.
19. No Blitzing.
20. The QB cannot run with the ball.
21. No Handoffs.
22. No Blocking.
23. The receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched below the neck with one or
two hands. (Excessive force or shoving will not be tolerated and penalized with an
automatic first down and 5 yards. A player can be ejected from the game if ruled
Unsportsmanlike or Flagrant.)
24. Fumbles are dead balls at the spot, with the last team retaining possession. A
fumbled snap is not a dead ball, but the 4 second remains in effect.
25. The QB is allowed 4.0 seconds to throw the ball. Time starts on the snap of the
ball and stops on the QBs' release. If the release is under 4.0 seconds, the play stands,
but if the release is at or after 4.0 seconds, the play is no good.
26. The referee can blow a play dead before the ball's release if the 4.0 clock is
reached.
27.Interceptions can be returned.
28. If the defense scores on an interception, their offense will come on the field to
attempt the extra point. The team that threw the interception will get the ball on
offense at the 40.
29. The offense player is not allowed to shove a defensive player to create separation.
Hand fighting is tolerated as per the referee's judgment.
30. A defensive player can jam within 5 yards and play tight defense. However,
excessive holding, shoving, hands to the face, slapping the head, or throwing a player
down will not be tolerated.
SECTION H: PENALTIES
PART A: OFFENSE
# Infraction Penalty
1. Blocking = Blocking is not allowed and will
result in loss of down and return to
the previous spot.
2. Delay of Game
Note: The offense will have 25
seconds to snap the ball once it has
been marked for play. The
the offensive team is responsible
for retrieving and returning the ball
to the previous spot or the new line
of scrimmage.= 5-yard penalty repeat down
3. Excessive Celebration = Not allowed and will be a 15-yard
penalty. If this occurs during PAT,
the extra point will not count, and 15
yards will be assessed towards your
defense.
4. False Start = 5-yard penalty repeat down
5. Illegal Formation = 5-yard penalty repeat down
6. Illegal Motion =
Note: The player going
forward before ball is snapped
5-yard penalty repeat down
7. Illegal Participation =
Note: Having extra players on the
field.
5-yard penalty repeat down
8. Illegal Shift =
Note: Multiple players moving at
the same time and not set before
the ball is snapped.
5-yard penalty repeat down
9. Pass Interference = Return to previous spot and loss of
down.
10. Penalty on Point After
Touchdown (PAT) =
Penalty on PAT will be assessed,
and the down is repeated.
11. Unsportsmanlike or
Unnecessary Roughness =
15-yard penalty
Note: Half the distance to the goal if
yards to give are not available.
PART B: DEFENSE
# Infraction Penalty
1. Dead Ball Penalty
(any) =
Any dead ball penalty on the defense that occurs
after a change of possession will result in a loss of
down for that team's offense when they begin their
ensuing possession.
2. Defensive Contact = Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense.
The defense is allowed an initial 5-yard disruption
and then must cover without making illegal contact.
Excessive or prolonged contact after 5 yards will
result in a "tack on" penalty of 5 yards at the end of
the play.
3. Defensive Holding = 5-yard penalty repeat down
4. Defensive Pass
Interference =
15-yard penalty & 1st.
Note: If pass interference occurs in the End Zone it
will result in a 1st down, and the ball will be placed
on the 1-yard line.
5. Excessive
Celebration =
Will not be tolerated and will result in a 15-yard
penalty.
Note: Any dead ball penalty on the defense
that occurs after a change of possession will
result in a loss of down for that team's offense
when they begin their ensuing possession.
6. Face Guarding = Face Guarding is allowed.
7. Illegal
Participation
Note: Extra
players on the
field =
5-yard penalty
8. Off-sides = 5-yard penalty
9. Penalty on Point
After
Touchdown (PAT) =
Penalty on PAT will be assessed, and the down is
repeated.
10. Unsportsmanlike
or
Unnecessary
Roughness =
15-yard penalty
Note: Half the distance to the goal if yards to give
are not available.
SECTION I: TIEBREAKERS
If teams are tied at the end of Pool Play, the tie-breaker order is as
follows:
1. Pool Play Record
2. Point Differential
3. Points Scored
4. Head-To-Head
5. Coin Flip
SECTION J: APPEALS
1. If during a game a coach disagrees with an official's judgment call, they
MAY NOT dispute that call with the referee as it is a judgment call.
2. If a coach disagrees with a rule’s interpretation during gameplay, they
MAY REQUEST the referee stop the game clock to discuss and
determine the Rule issue with the referee and field manager.
3. If a coach disagrees with the eligibility of a player(s) and wants to
challenge the following protocol takes place in this specified order: As
soon as a team notices a potential ineligible player, they notify the
referee and field manager. That player must immediately report to the
field manager for verification while the game continues. If the player is
found to be ineligible, then the game is automatically ended, and the
team that has the ineligible player loses by disqualification. If a player
is found to be legal, then he may return to play.
4. To dispute a game, the head coach must report all gameplay ruling
discrepancies immediately after the end of the affected game to the
head referee and field manager to be considered. REQUEST MAY BE
GRANTED OR DENIED.
5. After all information is reviewed, any reversal or game-changing
decisions will be made at the Tournament Directors' discretion. Both
teams involved in the dispute will be made aware of any changes.
SECTION K: CONDUCT /GUIDELINES / RESTRICTIONS
1. All coaches, players, and Spectators are expected to conduct
themselves positively and refrain from unsportsmanlike actions.
2. All coaches, players & spectators - Fighting, Verbal Abuse, and/or
Threats will NOT be tolerated and result in disqualification & removal
from the event. The Tournament Director will determine the length of
the suspension.
3. No taunting or excessive foul language.
4. Teams are responsible for cleaning their trash on their sideline.
5. No vandalism of venue property.
6. Weapons, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and chewing tobacco products are
PROHIBITED at our events.
7. No electronic communication with the Offensive coach while on the
field from another coach, player, or spectator will be allowed.
8. Boomboxes, speakers, or other amplified music devices are
PROHIBITED.
9. Other Restrictions as per venues will be noted in information sent out
to teams before the event.
Note: 336 Elite reserves the right to have anyone that is deemed
belligerent or dangerous removed from the event
SECTION L: RAINOUT POLICY FOR SANCTIONED EVENTS:
1. If the event is canceled or rained out before the event starts, full refunds
will be given, or a credit (entry) into another one of our Sanctioned
events will be processed.
2. Once Pool Games begin on Saturday, there will be no full refunds. We
will continue to play games if it is safe. We may go into rain delays and
adjust times.
3. If there is a weather delay during Pool Play and play resumes, but your
team left without getting instructions from Tournament Director, your
Games will be forfeited.
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