Big 7 Football - 7on7 Tournaments
Big 7 Football - 7on7 Tournaments
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Tournament Rules

Team composition

  • Offense: 7 players (includes quarterback, 5 eligible receivers, and an optional center)
  • Defense: 7 players (includes defensive backs and linebackers)
  • Roster Limits: Maximum of 25 players per team (unless specified otherwise)

Playing field and setup

  • Field size: 40 yards long by 53 yards wide (standard length/width of a football field)
  • End zone: 10 yards deep
  • Starting point: Offense begins each possession at the 40-yard line

Timing Rules

  • Game Duration:  20-minute running clock (stops only for timeouts or injuries)
  • Play Clock: 25 seconds to snap the ball after the referee signals the ball is ready
  • Overtime: Each team allowed one possession starting at 15-yard line; team scoring most points wins

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 pts
  • PAT (Point After Touchdown):

                  Scoring play from 3-yard line = 1 pt 

                  Scoring play from 10-yard line = 2 pts 

  • Interception: 3 points (no return allowed)

Downs and possession

  • Each offensive possession starts on the 40-yard line
  • Offense is allowed three (3) downs to gain a first down or score
  • First down markers are set every 15 yards (at 25-yard and 10-yard lines)
  • Turnover on downs occurs if the offense fails to gain a first down or score in 4 plays

Passing Rules

  • Each QB has 4 seconds to throw the ball. If the ball is not released within this time, the play is considered dead and results in a loss of the down
  • All passes must cross the line of scrimmage
  • QBs are not allowed to run past the line of scrimmage

Defensive Rules

  • No physical contact is allowed: Tackling, holding, or bumping receivers is prohibited
  • Defenders may shadow WRs but must allow free movement
  • Interceptions end the offensive possession and result in 3 points for the defense

Penalties

Defensive Penalties

  • Offsides:  5-yard penalty
  • Defensive holding:  Automatic first down
  • Pass interference:  Spot foul (ball placed at spot of infraction) + automatic first down.


Offensive Penalties

  • Delay of game: Loss of down
  • Illegal motion: 5-yard penalty
  • Offensive pass interference: 10-yard penalty + loss of down
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct: 10-yard penalty (repeat offenses may result in player ejection)

Substitutions

Teams are allowed unlimited substitutions, but the play clock will not stop for substitutions. To avoid a delay of game penalty, substitutions must not interrupt the game

Safety Rules

Players are required to wear mouthguards, soft-shell helmets, and appropriate jerseys. Coaches are responsible for ensuring all players adhere to safety guidelines (available in the registration portal)

Code of Conduct

  • All participants are expected to be respectful to all officials, coaches, opponents,  teammates, and spectators.  Any disrespectful behavior will result in immediate discipline,(point deduction or ejection from competition as deemed appropriate)
  • Coaches and players will respect the decision(s) of the referees and officials (refrain from arguing or showing dissent during games, regardless of the outcome). 
  • Trash talk or physical altercations will not be tolerated and will result in either penalties or disqualification
  • Only credentialed coaches are allowed on the field--sideline coaching or berating players from the stands is not allowed and will result in verbal warning/ejection

Are you ready for some football?

Adhering to these rules will ensure a fair, competitive, and enjoyable experience for all the participants.  Let the games begin! 

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