Rules & Regulations 

7-on-7 Touch Football Tournament Rules and Regulations

General Information

• Tournament Date: April 13, 2025
• Location: Mesa del Sol Football Fields, 5601 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM
• Game Format: Single-elimination
• Game Duration: 20 minutes, divided into 2 halves (10 minutes each).
• Divisions:
  1. U8 Boys
  2. U10 Boys
  3. U12 Boys
  4. U14 Boys
  5. U15 Boys
  6. U16 Boys
  7. U18 Boys and Girls
• Prize: $1,500 awarded to the winner in each division.

1. Team Composition

• Roster Limit: A maximum of 24 players per team.
• On-Field Players: Seven players per team on the field at a time.
• Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are allowed but must be made during stoppages or between plays.

2. Game Rules

Start of the Game:

• A coin toss determines possession or choice of side.
• The team that wins the toss can choose to start on offense or defense.

Timing:

• Each game consists of two 10-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime break.
• Running clock throughout the game except for the final 2 minutes of the second half (clock stops for incomplete passes, out-of-bounds, and penalties).

Possession Rules:

• Each team starts at its own 10-yard line.
• The offense has 4 downs to cross midfield for a first down.
• After crossing midfield, the offense has 4 additional downs to score a touchdown.

Scoring:

• Touchdown: 6 points.
• Extra Point:
  • 1 point from the 5-yard line.
  • 2 points from the 10-yard line.
• No field goals or punts.

Turnovers:

• Interceptions can be returned for touchdowns.
• The intercepted team takes over possession at the spot of the interception.
• Turnover on downs occurs if the offense fails to reach the first down marker or score within their set of downs.

Play Clock:

• Offense has 30 seconds to snap the ball after the previous play ends.

Contact Rules:

• This is a non-contact game. Any form of tackling, blocking, or holding is prohibited.
• Players must tag opponents with one hand below the shoulders to end the play.

3. Penalties

Offensive Penalties:

• False Start: 5-yard penalty, repeat the down.
• Offensive Pass Interference: Loss of down and 10-yard penalty.
• Illegal Contact: 10-yard penalty and repeat the down.

Defensive Penalties:

• Defensive Pass Interference: Spot foul, automatic first down.
• Illegal Contact: 10-yard penalty, automatic first down.
• Offside: 5-yard penalty, repeat the down.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

• 15-yard penalty and a warning to the offending player. A second offense results in player ejection.

4. Overtime Rules

• Overtime begins with a coin toss to determine possession.
• Each team starts from the 10-yard line and has 4 plays to score a touchdown.
• If both teams score, they must attempt a 2-point conversion.
• The process continues until one team scores and prevents the other from scoring.

5. Conduct and Sportsmanship

• Player Behavior: All players are expected to exhibit sportsmanship. Fighting, taunting, or abusive language results in immediate disqualification.
• Coach Behavior: Coaches must remain on the sideline and may not interfere with the game. Poor behavior may result in team penalties or ejection.
• Spectator Behavior: Spectators are required to remain respectful and supportive. Disruptive behavior can result in removal from the premises.

6. Uniforms and Equipment

• Flags: Each player must wear flag belts provided by the tournament.
• Footwear: Cleats are allowed but must not have metal spikes.
• Prohibited Equipment: Helmets, pads, and jewelry are not allowed.

7. Tournament Structure

• Single-Elimination Format:
  • Teams advance by winning their match.
  • A tie at the end of regulation leads to overtime.
• Division Winners: Each division will have one champion who receives a $1,500 prize.
• Bracket Seeding: Teams are seeded randomly before the tournament begins.

8. Referees

• Each game will be officiated by certified referees responsible for enforcing the rules.
• Referees have the final authority on all calls. Arguing with referees may result in penalties or ejection.

9. Liability Waiver

All players and guardians (for minors) must sign the tournament’s liability waiver before participating. No exceptions.

10. Disputes and Appeals

• Any disputes must be addressed by the coach to the tournament director immediately after the game.
• The tournament director's decision is final.

11. Inclement Weather Policy

• Games will be played rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the tournament organizers.
• In the event of lightning, games will be paused and resumed once safe.