7-on-7 Official Rules

1 · Field of Play

• The field is 40 yards long plus a traditional end zone.
• Zone 1 (25–40 yd): 3 downs to gain a first down.
• Zone 2 (10–25 yd): 3 downs to gain a first down.
• Zone 3 — Redzone (0–10 yd): 3 downs to score.
• The ball is placed at the hash mark of the yard line gained.
• No kicking, punting, or field goals — possessions change on a score or a stop.

2 · Players & Alignment

• 7 players on the field per team at all times.
• Offense: a maximum of 5 eligible receivers + QB + center (OC). Every player except the center is an eligible receiver.
• The center may only snap — no going out for a pass.
• No players behind the offense — no backfield setup behind the QB.
• No throwbacks to the QB — the QB must throw the ball.

3 · Game Format & Clock

• Each game is 20 minutes on a running clock.
• Clock warnings at 5 minutes, 2 minutes, and 30 seconds.
• Games are played every half hour, with a 10-minute break between rounds.
• Each team plays 3 games; registration opens 8:00 AM and the tournament kicks off 9:00 AM (weather may affect the schedule).
• Play clock: 25 seconds to snap — exceeding it is a loss of down.
• QB clock: the shotgun snap starts a 4-second count; if the ball is still in hand at 4 seconds, it's a sack.

4 · Offense (Playing Rules)

• Passing-only camp. No laterals, no double passes, no run plays.
• One forward pass per play, thrown from behind the line — and the QB must throw it (no throwbacks).
• No blocking — results in a loss of down, with the ball spotted at the block.
• No fumbles: the play is dead and the ball is spotted at the fumble location. A dropped QB snap is the exception — the play continues with no rush.
• Sack = loss of down only. The ball must be released within 4 seconds of the snap or it's a sack.
• Downs: 3 downs to reach the next zone (Zones 1 & 2), then 3 downs to score in the Redzone.
• Catches: a receiver needs control with at least one foot in bounds. The play is dead at the touch.

5 · Defense & Contact

• No rush, no blitz, no tackling or physical play — the 4-second clock is the pass-rush. Physical play may result in ejection.
• Down by touch — one-hand touch below the shoulders only.
• Press / bump is allowed only within 5 yards of the line, with a 2-yard cushion. Contact must be below the shoulders — no hands to the head or face.
• Defensive holding is treated the same as defensive pass interference → the offense gets the next zone.
• Unnecessary roughness = automatic first down for the offense (or half the distance in Zone 3) plus new downs. Excessive force may result in suspension.
• Interception: dead ball — the defense takes possession at the 40-yard line and earns 3 points (not on extra-point tries).
• A defensive stop or turnover on downs gives the defense possession and 2 points.

6 · Scoring

7 · Penalties

8 · Starting the Game

• A horn signals the start of the game.
• All games start and end on the game manager's clock.
• Each team captain must attend the pre-game officials' meeting.
• The coin-toss winner chooses offense or defense.

9 · Equipment & Safety

• Cleats are recommended.
• This is a non-contact event — no tackling and no physical play. Multiple offenses by the same player may result in ejection.
• Injury rule: a serious injury requiring an EMT ends the game with the current score.