Intramurals Game Rules Football 5: Starting Game & Flag Removal

Starting a Game

1. Each half shall start with a kick-off. The referee shall toss a coin in the presence of the opposing managers, after first designating which manager shall call the toss. The team winning the toss shall have choice of options for the first half or shall defer their option to the second half. The options for each half shall be:
   • To choose whether his/her team will kick or receive.
   • To choose the goal his/her team will defend.
   • The manager, not having the first choice of options for a half, shall exercise the remaining option (above two).
     

Note: Team A is considered the team that won the coin toss. If Team A decides to kick or receive for the first half, Team B is given the option of kicking or receiving for the second half. If Team A defers to Team B in the first half, Team B has the option of kicking or receiving. Team A is then given the option of kicking or receiving for the second half.

Flag Belt Removal

1. In order to down a ball carrier, flags must be withdrawn from the waist by a tackle. The tackler must stop at the point of the tackle and extend his arm with the withdrawn flag upward. The ball carrier is declared downed at this point. It is illegal for the ball carrier to deliberately touch his own flags or to defend them in any manner, i.e., guarding, spinning, or jumping. Penalty: Personal foul, 15 yards from the spot of the penalty and loss of down.
2. It shall be illegal for a player to deliberately withdraw an opponent's flag unless that player is in possession of the ball. The official shall consider this action as unsportsmanlike conduct. If a flag is inadvertently lost, the player is still eligible and play reverts to one hand touch rule, between the shoulders and knees.