These are the rules for Nova football games within tournaments and leagues ​​​​​​​[Basic Structure] Tournament Formats: - Pool Play Tournament | Pool play to decide bracket placement. Single elimination bracket to follow - Classic Tournament | Double elimination bracket. Games continue consecutively until a champion is decided Team Size: - 7v7s | Maximum 15 players, minimum 6 to play - 5v5s | Maximum 10 players, minimum 4 to play Player Eligibility: - Must be 16 years old - Cannot be on two rosters Equipment: - Teams provide their own regulation size game ball - Teams provide their own jerseys/shirts coinciding with team color - If two teams have the same color, one team must change uniforms or wear a penny. This applies to individual players as well Personal Conduct Policies: - Fighting | Results in ejection from the tournament and a lifetime ban - Contact Responsibility | Players must avoid purposeful contact. Three-strike rule for excessive contact. A 5-yard penalty can be assessed for each instance - Substance Policy | Alcohol and drugs are prohibited and will result in ejection without refund - Penalty Disputes | The head referee makes the final decision on penalties. If needed, the Tournament Director will have the final say [Gameplay] Time: - Two 15-minute halves with a continuous clock. - Two 1-minute timeouts per half - 5-minute halftime - 25-second play clock - QB has 5 seconds to throw the ball - Change of Possession | Referees pause play for 5 seconds before the offense is allowed to proceed - Close Game Clock Stoppage | Inside the last 2-minutes of the second half for close games (within 8 points at the 2-minute mark) the clock stops for scores, out of bounds, incompletions, first downs, change of possession, and sacks. 2-point conversions are untimed. Teams are still allowed to use timeouts - Overtime | No timer. Teams are guaranteed 1 possession each. Rock-paper-scissors determines possession. The ball is placed at mid-field with no first downs (4 plays to score/convert). Teams reverse possession until one fails to match the opponent’s score Flag Wear: - Each player must wear a flag belt with 2 flags - A catch made with less than 2 flags results in the player being declared down at the spot of the catch - If a player chooses to wear a towel, the towel will count as an additional flag Offense/Defense: - First Down | Achieved by crossing the mid-field line. - Touchdown | Worth 6 points - Two-Point Conversion | Worth 2 points. Defense can score 2 points on an interception return during the conversion try - Passing league only. No hand-offs, kickoffs, or punts - The offense has 4 downs to reach the first down (mid-line). If the offense fails to advance on their own side of the field, the defense takes over at the midline with 4 downs to score - If the offense advances beyond the first down line and then fails to score, the defense takes over at the current line of scrimmage - QB arm must be in forward motion when the timer sounds, or the play is considered a sack - QB must keep at least one foot behind the front pylon of the QB tee, or it will be considered a running attempt and result in a dead play - Blitzing is strictly prohibited - A player is down where/when a flag is pulled or where/when one knee, elbow, or wrist touches the ground [Penalties] Pushing: - Intentionally pushing a ball carrier out of bounds or during gameplay, with no attempt to pull the flag, will result in a penalty. 5-yards will be added to the end of the run - This will also be a warning for the player with a repeat offense resulting in ejection from the game ​ Use of Hands, Holding, Pass Interference, & Blocking: - No protection by stiff-arm, slapping, or lowering the shoulder outside of the natural running motion is allowed for the ball carrier. This would be flag guarding. Immediate stoppage and a 5-yard penalty against the offensive team from the spot of the infraction - No extension of arms or legs beyond the natural running motion is permitted for a non ball carrier (offense and defense). This would be a block/press/pass interference. 5-yard penalty and repeat of down if on the defense (no automatic first down) and a 5-yard penalty and loss of down if on the offense - No flag pulling on a non ball carrier. 5-yard penalty and repeat of down if on the defense (no automatic first down) and a 5-yard penalty and loss of down if on the offense Two-Point Conversion Infraction: - If an interception occurs during a 2-point attempt, the offense is not allowed to hold or impede the progress of the returning player beyond what is considered normal play. Doing so results in an automatic 2 points being awarded to the returning team Extra: - All other infractions on the flow of the game will result in a 5-yard penalty and repeat of down if on the defense (no automatic first down) and a 5-yard penalty and loss of down if on the offense