Teams can have a maximum of 8 players (Recreation teams are a maximum of 2 players from a competitive team). Players must play a minimum of 3 league games to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Double headers count as 1 game. Injuries and extenuating circumstances will be taken under consideration when a team does not meet these qualifications.  Please discuss this with the commissioner well in advance of playoffs. Failure to do so will result in no consideration.

All players must check in with game referee before each game.

Team rosters must be turned in at the beginning of the season. No roster changes will be allowed on teams after the 5th game of the season.

Teams must have a least 3 players on the field, and no more than 4.

Teams must have a minimum of 3 players on the field to start the game. If a team only has 3 players for their game they may ask anyone not currently playing to substitute. The opposing team captain, the referees, and the commissioner must approve the player.

If a team (at least 3 players) fails to arrive within 5 minutes of the designated start time the opposition will be awarded 7 points and the game will be shortened by 10 minutes. If a team is more than 10 minutes late they will automatically forfeit the contest. If a team captain knows the team will be late or cannot show, they are responsible for contacting the AFFA at least 2 days in advance. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.

A referee will flip a coin or have team captain choose odd or even to determine possession of the ball on the opening drive. Winner may choose ball or direction.

Games are 32 minutes long. 16 minute halves, teams will switch sides of the field, and will lose possession of the ball. 2 timeouts are allowed in the 2nd half.

30 second play clock: Huddle clock will start at referee’s discretion.

Referees can stop the clock at their own discretion. Timeouts: 30 seconds long. After which, 30 second play clock will resume.

All drives will begin at the 5 yard line with the exception of interceptions. The ball will be spotted at the point the referee deems the play over.

If the offense fails to score or achieve a 1st down the defending team will get the ball at their own 5 yard line, the offense has 3 downs to reach a 1st down, then 3 downs to score.

Team captains are the only ones able to approach the referees about clarifications or interpretations of the rules and or penalties.

Once a player receives a warning from a referee the next infraction will be an ejection.

Fighting will result in an ejection from the game and a suspension for a number of games to be determined by the Commissioner.

The player must serve the ejection at the next game or he/she will not be allowed to play until that ejection is served.

Defensive Pass Interference is a spot foul penalty and repeat down.

Offensive penalties are 5 yards and loss of down.

Defensive penalties are 5 yards and repeat down.

Offensive penalties in the offense’s end zone results in a safety.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty.

Players must hand the flag back to the ball carrier or a 5 yard penalty will be issued.

On extra points - If the intercepting team is returning an extra point and has a foul committed against them during the return, the intercepting team will have the chance for the 3 point conversion from the 10 yard line.

Touchdown = 6 points.

Extra points = 1 point (5 yards out), 2 points (10 yards out).

Safeties = 2 points.

Mercy Rule - if there are fewer than 2 minutes left in a game and a point difference of 22 points or more the game will be called.

Interceptions may be returned for touchdowns.

Extra point interceptions can be returned for 3 points.

No metal cleats.

All shirts will be tucked into shorts. Players will be responsible checking their attire.

The AFFA will supply a game ball that both teams will use.

There is no blocking allowed.

Once the ball is moved past the line of scrimmage, the offensive players without the ball must stand in place. If the players are moving while the ball is in play, they may be considered blocking.

The ball carrier may use his or her anchored teammates as a blocker as long as they are non-moving.

The QB has a 7 second “pass clock”. If the pass is not thrown within 7 seconds the ball will be ruled dead, with a loss of down.

The “pass clock” will be counted down from 7 to 1; once the word "one" is spoken the play will be called dead.

If the ball is handed off, there will be a new “pass clock” and there will be no more than 2 “pass clocks” per down. Once the 2nd pass clock has expired the ball carrier may only advance the ball by running.

The 1st person to have full possession is considered the QB.

Direct snaps are legal.

If the passer goes beyond the line of scrimmage, the play will be ruled dead.

The receiver must have the 1st foot down inbounds and have control of the ball for the pass to be considered a completion. Only 1 receiver is allowed in motion at the time of the snap.

A receiver may run toward the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

The player is considered down when their flag is pulled after possession of the ball, knee touches the ground, steps out of bounds, fumbles the ball (ball is down where the player loses control).

If the receiver’s flag falls off accidentally or if the flag is pulled before possession of the ball, the player is not down, the defense must revert to 1 hand touch.

A player may not intentionally tip a ball to a teammate.

If an offensive receiver steps out of bounds, that player is not eligible to catch a pass unless tipped by a defensive player 1st.

The are no fumbles.

The QB cannot run the ball.

Pitches & direct handoffs are legal behind the line of scrimmage.

No handoffs or laterals of any kind beyond the line of scrimmage.

“No Running Zones” are 5 yards from either side of the 1st down, and 5 yards from either end zone.

The ball may be handed off in the “No Running Zone”, but if the ball carrier goes beyond the line of scrimmage the play will be ruled dead.

Once the ball is handed off all defensive players are able to rush.

Once the ball is handed off there will be a new “pass clock”.

Spinning, jumping and diving are allowed.

If the defensive player has established position for grabbing the ball carriers flag, the ball carrier must make an attempt to avoid contact with the defender (charging). Any number of players can rush the QB.

All players must start with flag belts on.

The ball must be snapped between the centers legs to start the play.

There are no fumbles.  The ball is spotted where the player loses control of the ball.

Max 4 people in the huddle. During timeout team is allowed more players in the huddle.

Players must enter/exit the field of play from the sidelines.

All rushers must be lined up at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage which is marked by the down field referee.

Once the ball is handed off all defensive players will be eligible to rush no matter what their position is on the field.

It is the rusher’s responsibility to avoid the receivers when rushing the QB.

Offensive players cannot fake into the rusher, screen, make contact or impede his progress to the QB in anyway.

The blitzer cannot line up directly opposite the center.

While the blitzer and the center have a right to their own route, if contact is made it left to the referee's discretion to determine who impeded who's route. The blitzer and the center are responsible for avoiding each other.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game will move directly to overtime.

There will be no ties.

The team that wins the coin toss or the odd or even call, will have the choice to have the ball 1st or defend 1st, the team that loses will determine the direction of play. Each team will go the same direction.

Each team receives one offensive play. 5 yards = 1 point, 10 yards = 2 points.

If a there isn’t a winner after 3 rounds, the ball will be moved to the 3 yard line and play will continue until a winner is determined.

There are no turnovers in OT.

OFF the field while you are NOT playing:

Do not make comments to the referee or players. Your comments could be distracting to the referee and is not appreciated by the players. The same respect will be awarded to you during your game.

OFF the field while you ARE playing:

Do not make comments to the referee. If you do the referee has the authority to remove you from the game. Do not make comments to the opposing team, at all. If you do you will be ejected after an initial warning. Stay off the sideline and out of the referee’s way.

ON the field:

Only the captain is allowed to speak to the referee. Any other member of the team speaking to the referee, questioning a call or making remarks will be penalized 10 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

ON the field:

If your team is questioning, or attempting to call a penalty, touchdown, or any other call LOUDER than the referee YOUR team will be penalized 5 yards, or half the distance to goal.

ON the field:

Failure to hand the flag back is a 5 yard penalty at all times.

ON the field:

UNSPORTSMANSLIKE CONDUCT IS NOT TOLERATED.

ON the field:

Unsportsmanlike conduct is completely not tolerated between opposing teams. As listed in our penalties section—first you are warned, and then ejected. Some examples we've seen which will receive a warning and then ejection are list below, however unsportsmanlike conduct is left to the referee's discretion.

1. "Trash talking" - This will not be tolerated. Unless it is positive, keep it to yourself. This includes anything directed toward a referee.
2. Not handing the flag back.
3. Excessive contact - It is unnecessary and will get you penalized and/or ejected.

The referee has full discretion to make any and all calls without opposition. Any questions to this call shall be addressed by the team's captain.

At least one girl per team to play COED.

A girl must be on the field for every play when playing another COED team.

Only two competitive players per team. If a competitive player is playing quarterback for both competitive and COED/recreational teams, then a girl must be on all offensive plays. A competitive quarterback may not quarterback for a non COED team.

Teams can have a maximum of 8 players (Recreation teams are a maximum of 2 players from a competitive team). Players must play a minimum of 3 league games to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Double headers count as 1 game. Injuries and extenuating circumstances will be taken under consideration when a team does not meet these qualifications. Please discuss this with the commissioner well in advance of playoffs. Failure to do so will result in no consideration.

Team rosters must be turned in at the beginning of the season. No roster changes will be allowed on teams after the 5th game of the season.

Teams must have a minimum of 3 players on the field to start the game. If a team only has 3 players for their game they may ask anyone not currently playing to substitute. The opposing team captain, the referees, and the commissioner must approve the player.

If a team (at least 3 players) fails to arrive within 5 minutes of the designated start time the opposition will be awarded 7 points and the game will be shortened by 10 minutes. If a team is more than 10 minutes late they will automatically forfeit the contest. If a team captain knows the team will be late or cannot show, they are responsible for contacting the AFFA at least 2 days in advance. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.

A referee will flip a coin or have team captain choose odd or even to determine possession of the ball on the opening drive. Winner may choose ball or direction.

Games are 28 minutes long.  Each team has 2 time outs per game.

Starting at 1 minute left to play, the clock will not run on extra points. The clock will also stop on incomplete passes.

30 second play clock: Huddle clock will start at referee’s discretion.

Referees can stop the clock at their own discretion. Timeouts: 30 seconds long. After which, 30 second play clock will resume.

On first down there will be no "hurry up" plays allowed. Offense and defense must wait until the referees are set before snapping the ball.

All drives will begin at the 5 yard line with the exception of interceptions. The ball will be spotted at the point the referee deems the play over.

If the offense fails to score after 4 downs, the defense will get the ball at their own 5 yard line.

Team captains are the only ones able to approach the referees about clarifications or interpretations of the rules and or penalties.

Once a player receives a warning from a referee the next infraction will be an ejection.

Fighting will result in an ejection from the game and a suspension for a number of games to be determined by the Commissioner.

The player must serve the ejection at the next game or he/she will not be allowed to play until that ejection is served.

Defensive Pass Interference is a spot foul penalty and repeat down.

Illegal contact is a 5 yard penalty and repeat down.

Offensive penalties are 5 yards and a loss of down or half the distance.

Defensive penalties are 5 yards and repeat down. Aggressive penalties are 10 yards.

Offensive penalties in the offense’s end zone results in a safety.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty.

Players must hand the flag back to the ball carrier or a 5 yard penalty will be issued.

On extra points - If the intercepting team is returning an extra point and has a foul committed against them during the return, the intercepting team will have the chance for the 3 point conversion from the 5 yard line.

Touchdown = 6 points.

Extra points = 1 point (5 yards out), 2 points (10 yards out).

Safeties = 2 points.

Mercy Rule - if there are fewer than 2 minutes left in a game and a point difference of 22 points or more the game will be called.

Interceptions may be returned for touchdowns.

Extra point interceptions can be returned for 3 points.

No cleats or shoes of any kind allowed. Barefoot or sand socks only.

All shirts will be tucked into shorts. Players will be responsible checking their attire.

The AFFA will supply a game ball that both teams will use. Only adult footballs can be used.  Absolutely NO youth footballs. All non The AFFA footballs are subject to referee approval.

There is no blocking allowed.

Once the ball is moved past the line of scrimmage, the offensive players without the ball must stand in place. If the players are moving while the ball is in play, they may be considered blocking.

The ball carrier may use his or her anchored teammates as a blocker as long as they are non-moving.

The QB has a 7 second “pass clock”. If the pass is not thrown within 7 seconds the ball will be ruled dead, with a loss of down.

The “pass clock” will be counted down from 7 to 1; once the word "one" is spoken the play will be called dead.

If the ball is handed off, there will be a new “pass clock” and there will be no more than 2 “pass clocks” per down. Once the 2nd pass clock has expired the ball carrier may only advance the ball by running.

The 1st person to have full possession is considered the QB.

Direct snaps are legal.

If the passer goes beyond the line of scrimmage, the play will be ruled dead.

The receiver must have the 1st foot down inbounds and have control of the ball for the pass to be considered a completion. Only 1 receiver is allowed in motion at the time of the snap.

A receiver may run toward the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

The player is considered down when their flag is pulled after possession of the ball, knee touches the ground, steps out of bounds, fumbles the ball (ball is down where the player loses control).

If the receiver’s flag falls off accidentally or if the flag is pulled before possession of the ball, the player is not down, the defense must revert to 1 hand touch.

A player may not intentionally tip a ball to a teammate.

If an offensive receiver steps out of bounds, that player is not eligible to catch a pass unless tipped by a defensive player 1st.

The are no fumbles.

The QB cannot run the ball.

Pitches & direct handoffs are legal behind the line of scrimmage.

No handoffs or laterals of any kind beyond the line of scrimmage.

“No Running Zones” are 5 yards from both end zones and marked using a red pylon.

The ball may be handed off in the “No Running Zone”, but if the ball carrier goes beyond the line of scrimmage the play will be ruled dead.

Once the ball is handed off all defensive players are able to rush.

Once the ball is handed off there will be a new “pass clock”.

Spinning, jumping and diving are allowed.

If the defensive player has established position for grabbing the ball carriers flag, the ball carrier must make an attempt to avoid contact with the defender (charging). Any number of players can rush the QB.

All players must start with flag belts on.

The ball must be snapped between the centers legs to start the play.

There are no fumbles.  The ball is spotted where the player loses control of the ball.

Max 4 people in the huddle. During timeout team is allowed more players in the huddle.

Players must enter/exit the field of play from the sidelines.

All rushers must be lined up at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage which is marked by the down field referee.

Once the ball is handed off all defensive players will be eligible to rush no matter what their position is on the field.

It is the rusher’s responsibility to avoid the receivers when rushing the QB.

Offensive players cannot fake into the rusher, screen, make contact or impede his progress to the QB in anyway.

The blitzer cannot line up directly opposite the center.

While the blitzer and the center have a right to their own route, if contact is made it left to the referee's discretion to determine who impeded who's route. The blitzer and the center are responsible for avoiding each other.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game will move directly to overtime.

There will be no ties.

The team that wins the coin toss or the odd or even call, will have the choice to have the ball 1st or defend 1st, the team that loses will determine the direction of play. Each team will go the same direction.

Each team receives one offensive play. 5 yards = 1 point, 10 yards = 2 points.

If a there isn’t a winner after 3 rounds, the ball will be moved to the 3 yard line and play will continue until a winner is determined.

There are no turnovers in OT.

OFF the field while you are NOT playing:

Do not make comments to the referee or players. Your comments could be distracting to the referee and is not appreciated by the players. The same respect will be awarded to you during your game.

OFF the field while you ARE playing:

Do not make comments to the referee. If you do the referee has the authority to remove you from the game. Do not make comments to the opposing team, at all. If you do you will be ejected after an initial warning. Stay off the sideline and out of the referee’s way.

ON the field:

Only the captain is allowed to speak to the referee. Any other member of the team speaking to the referee, questioning a call or making remarks will be penalized 10 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

ON the field:

If your team is questioning, or attempting to call a penalty, touchdown, or any other call LOUDER than the referee YOUR team will be penalized 5 yards, or half the distance to goal.

ON the field:

Failure to hand the flag back is a 5 yard penalty at all times.

ON the field:

UNSPORTSMANSLIKE CONDUCT IS NOT TOLERATED.

ON the field:

Unsportsmanlike conduct is completely not tolerated between opposing teams. As listed in our penalties section—first you are warned, and then ejected. Some examples we've seen which will receive a warning and then ejection are list below, however unsportsmanlike conduct is left to the referee's discretion.

1. "Trash talking" - This will not be tolerated. Unless it is positive, keep it to yourself. This includes anything directed toward a referee.
2. Not handing the flag back.
3. Excessive contact - It is unnecessary and will get you penalized and/or ejected.

The referee has full discretion to make any and all calls without opposition. Any questions to this call shall be addressed by the team's captain.

At least one girl per team to play COED.

A girl must be on the field for every play when playing another COED team.

Only two competitive players per team. If a competitive player is playing quarterback for both competitive and COED/recreational teams, then a girl must be on all offensive plays. A competitive quarterback may not quarterback for a non COED team.

A complete roster must be issued by each team before the start of league play.

Teams must field a minimum of 5 rostered players at all times.

Teams may consist of 14 players to assure adequate substitutions and compensate for players who may have conflicts on certain nights.

Teams must use players on their roster.  Teams may add to rosters until the beginning of their 3rd game. Substitutions and additions to any team's rosters may NOT be made after the 3rd game.  All players must have played in at least 1 regular season game to be able to participate in a playoff game.  To make changes to a roster a player being taken off must be injured or not returning for the rest of the season.

A player may not play for any other team in the league and can be rostered only on 1 team. If a player plays for any other team it will be considered a forfeit.

If a team (at least 5 players) fails to arrive within 5 minutes of the designated start time the opposition will be awarded 7 points and the game will be shortened by 10 minutes. If a team is more than 10 minutes late they will automatically forfeit the contest. If a team captain knows the team will be late or cannot show, they are responsible for contacting the AFFA at least 2 days in advance. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.

All forfeits will be scored 50 - 25.

A referee will flip a coin or have team captain choose odd or even to determine possession of the ball on the opening drive. Winner may choose ball or direction.

All games will consist of 2 18 minute halves with a continuous clock. When the 1st half is over there will be a change of possession and the game will continue. The clock will stop for timeouts and in the final minute of the 2nd half for incomplete passes, touchdowns, and out of play.

The offense has 30 seconds to snap the ball after the referee sets the ball on the line of scrimmage.

If a timeout is called after a touchdown, the ensuing conversion will be an untimed down.

There are no timeouts in the first half. Each team is allotted 2 – 30 second time outs in the 2nd half. All timeouts must be called from the field of play to the referee. Timeouts called from the sidelines and to the scorekeeper will not be granted.

Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its own end zone line and has 4 downs to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has 4 downs to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to make a 1st down or score after a 1st down is made, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over at their own end line.

All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offensive’s end zone line.

Teams change sides after the 1st 18 minute half.

The referee will call all penalties. The non offending team can decline penalties.

Off sides – 5 yards, repeat down.

Interference – spot foul (Interference will be called if defender makes contact with receiver before the ball arrives, if the defender is not making a play on the ball, and if the contact is more than incidental, resulting in the receiver being unable to catch the ball that could have been caught).

Illegal contact – (holding, blocking, etc.) - 10 yards, repeat down.

Illegal flag pull – (pulling before receiver has the ball) - 5 yards.

Roughing the quarterback - 10 yards, repeat down.

Illegal rushing – (starting from inside the 7 yards) - 5 yards, repeat down.

Illegal motion (one man in motion at a time at the time of the snap) – 5 yards or half the distance, loss of down.

Illegal forward pass – 5 yards, loss of down.

Offensive pass interference (illegal pick, pushing away defender) – 10 yards.

Illegal flags – (shirt not tucked in or not handing flags back) - 5 yards.

Flag guarding – 5 yards from spot of the foul.

Delay of game – 5 yards.

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

Holding with possession - 5 yards.

Touchdown = 6 points.

Extra points = 1 point (5 yards out), 2 points (12 yards out).

Safeties = 2 points. Games will begin on the 5 yard line. If the quarterback's flags are pulled (sacked) while the ball is in the end zone it will be considered a safety. The team on offense will lose possession of the ball.

Extra point interceptions can be returned for 3 points.

Mercy Rule - if there is 1 minute left in a game and a point difference of 22 points or more the clock will run continously.

Cleats are not allowed.

Shirts will be tucked in (and/or inside of the flags) at all times to alleviate obstruction of flags.

Shorts and athletic pants must be worn.

Flag color cannot match pants/shorts color.

The offense will have 2 seconds to move the ball past the line of scrimmage once the ball is snapped. The played will be called dead on the count of one.

Interceptions may be run back.

Interceptions and laterals are the only changes of possession that do not start at the goal line.

Any contact with the quarterback other than the grabbing of flags will not be tolerated.

All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off or pitched backward behind the line of scrimmage).

Only 1 player is allowed in motion at the time of the snap.

A player must have at least 1 foot in bounds when making a reception.

There is no bumping or jamming receivers at the line when on defense.

The quarterback can only run once a rushing defender has crossed the line of scrimmage. The quarterback can run in a no run zone if rushed.

Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Pitch plays are allowed, but only if behind the person pitching the ball. Offense may use multiple handoffs. The pass clock resets once. After it expires the player possessing the ball must run. The play is not over until the flag is pulled.

"No handoff zones" and "no pitch zones" are located 5 yards in front of the end zone and 5 yards in front of midfield (the 1st down) , these zones only occur if the line of scrimmage is within the 5 yards. They are designed to avoid short yardage, power running situations. The quarterback may run if rushed.

The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball behind the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

Spinning, jumping, or diving is allowed at a players own risk.

The ball is spotted where the ball is when the flag is pulled, where the carrier’s knee or ball hits the ground or where they go out of bounds.

The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.

Substitutions may be made at any dead ball. Once the ball is snapped, no substitutions can be made.

Play is ruled dead when: ball carrier’s flag is pulled, ball carrier steps out of bounds, touchdown or safety is scored, ball carrier’s knee or ball touches ground, the snap of the ball hits the ground, or if the ball carrier’s flag falls off it is a one hand touch.

There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground unless fumbled forward, then the ball is spotted where it left the ball carriers hand.

All players who rush the quarterback must be a minimum of 7 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. The referee will walk off the distance and stand alone the sideline; all defenders must be behind the referee to be eligible to rush.

Any number of players may rush.

Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage. Players rushing the quarterback cannot use their hands to push, grab, throw, or in any way try to move the blocker out of the way to get to the quarterback. The defender is responsible for using footwork only to get around the blocker. A "lineman" may protect the quarterback with their hands behind their back or side using footwork only to disrupt the path of the rushing defender. They may not raise their hands, throw their bodies into the rushing defenseman in an overtly physical way, push the rushing defender, or grab the rusher in any way.

Once the ball is handed off, the 7 yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage.

The blocker cannot move past the line of scrimmage to block.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game will move directly to overtime.

There will be no ties.

The team who wins the coin toss or the odd or even call, will have the choice to have the ball 1st or defend 1st, the team who loses will determine the direction of play. Each team will go the same direction.

Each team receives one offensive play. 5 yards = 1 point, 10 yards = 2 points.

If a there isn’t a winner after 3 rounds, the ball will be moved to the 2.5 yard line and play will continue until a winner is determined.

If the referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, overtly physical contact or any unsportsmanlike act, the referee may call illegal contact, and a warning will be issued. Any more such behavior will result in ejection from the game and a one game suspension.

Officials have the right to determine offensive language. Trash talking that is offensive to either the referee; the other players or the spectators will not be tolerated. A warning will be given for one infraction; any more will result in an ejection. Referees have a difficult job and do not need comments made about any judgment calls they make. All calls made will be supported by the league director.

Any person ejected from a game will serve an additional game suspension, which will be served onsite at the next scheduled game. If another ejection occurs, the player will be suspended from the league.

Only the team's captain may address a referee regarding a call.  

No swearing.