Rules of 7 on 7 you must know
1. No tackling: The game is non-contact and tackling is not allowed in 7 on 7 to protect players.
2. No linemen: There are no offensive or defensive linemen in seven-on-seven football.
3. Passing Only: Running plays are not allowed, so all plays will involve passing.
4. Four Downs: Teams have four downs to advance the ball and score.
5. Field Size: Usually, rather than full 100-yard field, the field is split in 40-yard portions.
6. Flag System: Flags are used rather than body tackles to show when a player falls off.
7. Defensive Stopping: To stop the play, defensive players need to contact the ball carrier with one or two hands under the head.
8. On turn result: interceptions count for three points but turnovers on downs for two.
9 Use QB-Tee: Many times, a QB-Tee or comparable apparatus will help to control the play clock.
10. First Downs: First downs are achieved by crossing the 25-yard and 10-yard lines.
11. Tournament competition permits 2-point conversions from the 10-yard line; pool play does not offer such flexibility.
12. Play Clock: Throughout the game, there is a constant play clock except for the last minute.
13. Timeouts: One timeout per game is allowed for each team in addition to one timeout in overtime.
14. Pass Limitations: Double passes and shovel passes are forbidden.
15. Defensive pass interference results in first down and penalty from the line of scrimmage.
16. Offensive Pass Interception causes a loss of down.
17. Quarterback Play Clock: The quarterback is given four seconds to pass the ball; not doing so leads to a sack.
18. Standard helmet safety calls for helmets without metallic parts.
19. Unsportsmanlike Behavior: Ejections take place for frills, such players fighting from the sidelines.
20. Tournament play has three 10-yard line plays in overtime and compulsory 2-point conversions from the third extra time on.
21. Mercy Rule: The game clock runs constantly if a team leads by 21 points at the end of the first half.
Penalties in 7v7 Football
Penalties in 7v7 football help maintain fairness and ensure player safety. Below are common infractions and their consequences:
Offensive Penalties
- False Start – The play is stopped, and the offense loses 5 yards.
- Offensive Pass Interference – The offense loses the down, and the ball is moved back 10 yards.
- Delay of Game – If the ball is not snapped within the play clock time (usually 4 seconds), it is considered a sack, and the offense loses the down.
- Illegal Forward Pass – If the quarterback throws a second forward pass, the offense loses the down.
- Illegal Motion – More than one player moving at the snap results in a 5-yard penalty.
- Blocking – Physical blocking is not allowed and results in a 5-yard penalty.
Defensive Penalties
- Defensive Pass Interference – The offense is awarded a first down at the spot of the foul.
- Holding – The defense is penalized 5 yards, and the offense gets an automatic first down.
- Offsides – The defense jumps over the neutral zone before the snap, resulting in a 5-yard penalty.
- Illegal Contact – Any physical contact beyond 5 yards from the line of scrimmage results in a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Game Management & Conduct Penalties
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Includes taunting, arguing with officials, or inappropriate behavior. The team is penalized 10 yards, and repeated infractions lead to ejection.
- Sideline Interference – If a player or coach interferes with the game from the sideline, the team is penalized 5 yards.
- Fighting – Any player involved in a fight is immediately ejected from the game.
- Too Many Players on the Field – If a team has more than seven players on the field, they receive a 5-yard penalty.
- Illegal Equipment – Players must follow safety regulations. If a player wears illegal gear (such as metal components in helmets), they are removed from play until corrected.
Additional Penalties
Offensive Penalties
- Illegal Substitution – If a player enters or exits the field improperly, the team is penalized 5 yards.
- Flag Guarding – The ball carrier cannot block defenders from pulling their flag. This results in a 5-yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
- Illegal Snap – If the ball is not snapped properly, the play is dead, and the offense loses 5 yards.
Defensive Penalties
- Stripping the Ball – Defenders are not allowed to strip the ball from the ball carrier. This results in a 5-yard penalty.
- Early Contact – If a defender contacts a receiver before the ball arrives, it is a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
- Rough Play – Any aggressive contact, such as excessive pushing, results in a 10-yard penalty and a possible ejection.
Special Situations
- Illegal Participation – If a player leaves the field and returns during the same play, their team is penalized 10 yards.
- Improper Flag Placement – If a player’s flag is not worn correctly, they must fix it before continuing play. If ignored, a 5-yard penalty is given.