Please reference the above links for rule clarifications.
NEFL members must realize that the NEFL is a working man's league and safety is one of our main concerns. The rule listed below will be strictly enforced this year. When a player is obviously out of the play, please be informed that he cannot be blocked or hit.
A 15 yd. penalty will be accessed and possible ejection for "Intent to injure"
"No player shall run into or throw himself against an opponent obviously out of the play either before or after the ball is dead."
"Horse Collar"
The NEFL will be using the NCAA version of the horse collar rule.
All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down.
This does not apply to a runner who is inside the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket.
Coaches should certify that an EMT is present. The game cannot start without proper medical personal present. The EMT cannot be a player in uniform.
Mandatory Equipment
Mandatory league equipment is different than specified in the NCAA manual. Coaches should be well aware of what is required and should certify that all players are wearing mandatory league equipment. For further clarification: Helmet visors do not have to be clear as specified in the NCAA manuel. Crew Chiefs should certify with the coaches prior to kickoff that all players are wearing mandatory league equipment.
Mandatory League Equipment.
- Football helmet with facemask and chinstrap (Buckled)
- Shoulder pads
- Football cleats (rubber or plastic only)
Recommended Player Equipment
- Knee pads - Thigh pads - Mouthpiece
Ask the coaches if all their players are wearing Mandatory league Equipment. If he says yes, that should be sufficient. I ask them to sign my score-card, it has that statement on it, verifying that all players are wearing mandatory league equipment.
All team members must be dressed alike, no exceptions! All helmets and facemasks must match in color. All pants and shirts must match as well. The rules do not allow a player to wear 2 different color socks. The wearing of one solid color sock and one white sock is not allowed. Both socks must match if they wear them. Some teams have issued socks that match which is perfect although not required.
Teams shall use any new, or nearly new, college or professional ball. Kickers can not bring in a special ball for kicking situations. Composite balls are not authorized. They must be leather, either the NFL or NCAA ball.
Before each game, the referee and umpire should count the number of players each team has dressed for the game. League rules allow only: 60 players to be dressed in AAA, 50 players in AA, 40 players in A. Delay penalty (15 yds.) will be assessed on the opening kickoff. Coaches must have some players undress to get down to the mandatory player limit. League does not require a minimum amount of players. Teams can continue until they do not have enough players on the field. As always, safety is a concern and final judgment is in the hands of the referee.
If both teams agree, it is not a problem if teams are over the player limit. Both have to agree otherwise they have to dress down to league limit.
Each team has been instructed to pay the referee $200.00 per game. This should be collected prior to kickoff. Teams cannot pay with checks.
All games in the N.E.F.L. are played under NCAA rules with the following
exceptions:
GENERAL
RULES:
If the ball carrier is grounded not due to defensive contact, he may get up and continue. If a defensive player touches him, he is considered down. Unnecessary roughness is at the discretion of the officials.
Any player is allowed to wear a towel. Towels may not have any markings that could promote ill will.
Do
not make an issue about tape on the uniforms unless it becomes a safety issue.
TIMING:
Games consist of 15-minute quarters. On a pass play, if the clock has been stopped according to rule, the clock will again start when the ball is declared ready for play. On a running play, if the ball goes out of bounds the clock will also start on the ready for play. On a change of possession, the clock will start on the snap. Game clock does not stop on a first down except during the last two minutes of each half. The last five minutes of each half will be played according to NCAA rules.......when a ball carrier, fumble, or backward pass goes out of bounds, clock starts on the ready. Clock will start on the snap on all incomplete pass plays. During the last two minutes of each half, ball going out of bounds or on an incomplete forward pass, the clock and start on the snap. Games should run between two hours and two hours and fifteen minutes. Games should run between two hours and two hours and fifteen minutes.
Teams will be notified when there is approximately 5 minutes remaining in either half. This warning should be given when there is a natural stoppage in play. They will also be notified when approximately 2 minutes remain in either half; clock should be stopped for this purpose.
Teams may use 3 time outs per half. No more than two coaches from each team may go onto the field during a timeout. Coaches on the field during a timeout may only address their teams.
Teams will have 30 seconds from the ready for play whistle to put the ball in play. The back judge will raise his hand with 10 seconds remaining in the play clock; he will drop his hand at the 5 second mark.
The
N. F. L. tie breaker will be used in all games. One 15 minute
sudden death period will be used. One time-out will be allotted each team for
the overtime period. Timeouts do not carry over.
KICKS & PUNTS:
Kickoffs will be from the 35-yd. line unless a penalty is enforced.
Teams will be allowed to kick off only one time. If the ball goes out of bounds, there is no option for a re-kick; the receiving team has the option of putting the ball into play at the out of bounds spot, and tacking on the proper penalty, or 30 yds beyond the restraining line of the kicking team, and tacking on the proper penalty.
Exception: If either team is offside on the kickoff, offended team is given the option of taking the result of the play, or re-kicking with the proper penalty applied.
Kicking tees may be used.
On long snaps (PATs, punts, field goals), no defensive player may line up head-up on the center.
Defensive players may be in the guard-center gap and must allow the one-second before contact on the center. Exception: on Shot Gun Formation.
Punt receiver must be given a 5-yd. buffer zone when receiving a punt. He must be given an unmolested opportunity to catch the ball. (15 yd. penalty for contact with the punt receiver, 5 yd. penalty for non-contact foul.)
On a punt, only the two end men on the line (kicking team) can go down field on the snap. All other players on the kicking team must hold their positions until the ball is kicked. (5 yd. penalty).
"Blocked Scrimmage Kicks" This caused some issues in the past......please review with crew members
A scrimmage kick is a legal kick that is made in or behind the neutral zone during a scrimmage down. We're talking about a punt, a field goal attempt, or a try for extra point. The most important fact to consider is whether the kick crossed the neutral zone.
If the ball did not cross the neutral zone:
IF the ball did cross the neutral zone:
In order to be considered to have crossed the neutral zone, the ball must touch something beyond the neutral zone, e.g. a player, the ground, an official.
BLOCKING:
There is NO blocking below the waist:
Exception1: blocking below the waist is permitted in the rectangular area (former legal clipping zone). However; players are prohibited from clipping in this area.
Exception2: Blockers, when protecting on a pass rush, may legally block below the waist.
There is NO blocking below the waist downfield.
PASSING:
In order to protect the quarterbacks, a modified ?In the Grasp? rule will be in effect. The whistle should blow when the referee feels that the quarterback is no longer ?MOBILE.? If you feel the quarterback can still make a play even though an opponent has grabbed him, HOLD YOUR WHISTLE! The intent of the rule is to prevent a free shot on the quarterback.
Only one foot, first foot down, in bounds on a catch.
Pass interference can only occur as follows:
a. Pass must cross the neutral zone.
b. Must be a legal forward pass.
c. Has to be an eligible receiver in order to be interference.
d. No interference after the ball has been touched.
e. There must be ?intent to impede.?
f. Pass must be catchable; when in doubt, the pass is catchable.
Face guarding is not interference unless there is contact.
Tangled feet are considered incidental contact.
There is no 5-yard buffer zone as in the N. F. L.
Defensive contact must be established within one (1) yard of the line of scrimmage.
Defender may contact the receiver until the receiver makes a move cutting off
from the defender. This indicates that he is now a pass receiver, and not a
blocker. Once the potential receiver has reached the same yd. line as the
defender (parallel to him), all contact must cease if the ball is thrown.
Defensive Pass Interference Clarified.
NUMBERING:
The offensive formation must have five men numbered 50 -79. In a scrimmage kick formation any number can be an exception to this rule as long as they are not the end men on the line.
Players who have both offensive and defensive positions must wear a jersey indicative of their offensive position. This rule is enforced in all divisions. However in some instances, common sense should prevail.
Numbers must be visible on the front, back, and either the shoulder or sleeves
of the jersey.
The numbers ?0? and ?00? can not be used.
EJECTIONS:
Any player or coach involved in a fight will be suspended for one game.
Any player or coach leaving the bench area during a fight will be suspended for three games.
Any player receiving three personal fouls in one game will be automatically ejected from that game.
Any player or coach verbally abusive to a game official will automatically ejected from that game.
Any player or coach physically abusive to a game official will be suspended from the league indefinitely.
Any player penalized for intentionally trying to injure another player will be suspended from the league for one calendar year.
Any player or coach ejected from three games in one season will be suspended for the remainder of that season. Additional suspension at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Any player or coach that uses any racial, ethnic, or discriminatory slurs towards another player, coach, or game official, will automatically be ejected from that game. Additional suspension at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Home team will be required to provide at least two players to escort the officials off the field after the game. Please try to park in the same vicinity. This is mandatory procedure on part of the home team. Inform Bob Oreal, Supervisor of Officials, if this procedure is not followed.
Bob Oreal, Supervisor of Officials, has an evaluation form on his website that crew chiefs must fill out after each game.
In case of inclement weather, call Bob Oreal, 603-474-2218, at least two hours prior to kickoff to check for possible cancellations. Should your game be cancelled due to inclement weather the rain date is the next day. I will notify you of the makeup time. Teams usually try to keep the time the same. Please have replacements ready should any crewmembers be unavailable.
When working the "N.E.F.L." please do not over-officiate. Common sense officiating will be tested here. End the "Trash Talk" early, clean up the cheap stuff, and act professionally. League officials will back us on any decisions we make. Make sure no crewmembers officiate with an attitude. Stress professionalism at all times.
Realize that teams have the use of their fields for a specific amount of time. Arrive on time so that the starting time is not compromised.
All officials and area assignors working the N. E. F. L. are under the direction and supervision of the Supervisor of Officials of the New England Football League. All additional games will be assigned out of this office.
Please realize that all games may be changed or cancelled at any time at the discretion of the Supervisor of Officials of the New England Football League.
Have a great season,
Bob Oreal