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NSC FOOTBALL CLASSIC RULES

Game Times

  • »  4 quarters, 12 minute running clock, time will stop during final two minutes of each half
  • »  Each team has two one-minute time outs each half
  • »  After a timeout, the clock will continue outside of the last two minutes of each half
  • »  Halftime will last 10 minutes
  • »  If a player is injured on the field the official will call an injury timeout
  • »  If one team is leading by more than 21 points, there is no stoppage of time after the 2:00 mark in the second-half

Extra Points

  • »  No extra points will be kicked after a touchdown
  • »  Teams have the option to go for one or two points
  • »  Teams will receive 1 point if they successfully score from the 2.5-yard line
  • »  Teams will receive 2 points if they successfully score from the 5-yard line
  • »  Teams can choose to spot the ball in the middle or on the hash mark
  • »  Extra point play is a dead ball situation
  • »  Offensive penalties will be enforced
  • »  Defensive penalties before the snap will result in moving the ball half the distance to goal line for same point value
  • »  Defensive penalty after the snap can be declined or accepted

Kickoffs

  • »  For 5th and 6th grade, kickoffs will be made from kicking team’s 40-yard line
  • »  For 7th and 8th grade, kickoffs will be made from kicking team’s 40-yard line
  • »  All kickoffs are live footballs

Punt Return/Coverage

  • 5th and 6th

  • »  All punts are dead from the snap
  • »  Punts will be kicked
  • »  The football will be placed at the spot where the receiver makes the mandatory fair catch or where the football comes to a complete stop
  • »  Receiving teams must keep nine players on the line of scrimmage
  • »  No turnovers
  • »  No fake punts allowed

  • 7th and 8th

  • »  All punts and punt returns are live
  • »  Fake punts will be allowed

Overtime

  • »  Games may not end in tie. In case of a tie at the end of regulation, each team will have 4 plays to score a touchdown from the opponents 10 yd. line. Same extra point rules will apply. If the score remains in a tie after first OT, a second OT round will be played using same format.
  • »  If needed, a third OT will be played from the 5-yard line with a mandatory two-point conversion

Fair Advantage Rule

  • »  If a team receiving the kickoff is losing by 21 or more points, they have the option to receive the kick or  accept the ball at the 50-yard line
  • »  If a team receiving the kickoff is losing by 28 or more points, they will accept the football on their opponent’s 35-yard line.

Game Balls

  • »  TDJ Junior football for the grades 5th–6th
  • »  TDY footballs for grades 7th-8th

Coaches on the Field

  • »  Every Age Level – One coach per team will have the option to be on the field under the direction of the game officials
  • »  Coaches must stay behind the officials during the entirety of the play

Team Eligibility

  • »  Teams will be accepted on a first-come first-serve basis through August  10, 2007. After August 10, teams will be placed on a waiting list and duly notified of their acceptance.
  • »  Each team may roster up to six players who are within eight months of the age cut-offs.
  • »  If age eligible, players may play up or down.
  • »  Age group offered are as follows
    • »  5th Grade: Born on or between July 1, 1996 to August 22, 1997
    • »  6th Grade: Born on or between July 1, 1995 to August 22, 1996
    • »  7th Grade: Born on or between July 1, 1994 to August 22, 1995
    • »  8th Grade: Born on or between July 1, 1993 to August 22, 1994

Weight Restrictions

  • »  Weight restrictions will be placed on all offensive skill positions (QB, RB, WR, and TE) or anyone who carries the football
  • »  The play will be blown dead when a player outside of the weight restriction has the ball on offense, defense or special teams
  • »  No restrictions for any defensive player who advances a turnover
  • »  On Defense, if a restricted ball carrier obtains possession of the ball via turnover (fumble, int., etc.) the play is blown dead on the spot.  The defensive team retains possession of the ball.
  • »  Ball carriers will be designated with color-coded helmet sticker
    • »  8th grade 160 lbs. or less
    • »  7th grade 150 lbs. or less
    • »  6th grade 140 lbs. or less
    • »  5th grade 130 lbs. or less

Team Play Requirements

  • »  Defense: Must have a minimum of 4 down lineman.
  • »  Offense: Must have at least 5 down lineman, 7 players on the line
  • »  Shotgun offense is allowed

Roster and Participation

  • »  Teams are required to play every player who is on the team roster in every game

 Personal Fouls (All Grades)

  • »  Any player or coach who receives one unsportsmanlike penalty, he or she will be forced to sit out the rest of the contest. Unsportsmanlike penalties will be recorded.
  • »  If a player or coach receives two unsportsmanlike fouls they will be removed from his or her roster and unable to play for the remainder of his team’s games at the USA Football Classic

Defense/Blitzing

  • »  Blitzing is allowed at the 7th and 8th grade levels.
  • »  Blitzing is not allowed at the 4th, 5th or 6th grade levels, however all defenders on the line of scrimmage may rush the passer.
  • »  4th, 5th and 6th grades must use a 4-3 or a 5-2 defensive front.

 

The USA Football Classic uses high school (NFHS) base rules. Contact your local high school to review the NFHS rulebook.

 

Rules were updated 8.21.07