Intramural - 2019 and 2020 NIRSA Flag and Touch Football Rules Book and Officials Manual

Nineteenth Edition

2019 & 2020 NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials Manual

ISBN: 978-1-4925-8996-9 (print)

Copyright 2020, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1991, 1989, 1987, 1985, 1983 by NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation

All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Reprinted with permission of the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Thanks to BSN SPORTS for the flag belts used in the cover photo. Contact Chris Hutton at 800-527-7510, x9046, to purchase flag belts.

The web addresses cited in this text were current as of March 2019, unless otherwise noted.

Acquisitions Editor: Amy N. Tocco; Senior Developmental Editor: Melissa Feld; Managing Editor: Melissa J. Zavala; Copyeditor: Karla Walsh; Permissions Manager: Dalene Reeder; Graphic Designer: Whitney Milburn; Cover Designer: Keri Evans; Photograph (cover): Human Kinetics; Photo Production Manager: Jason Allen; Senior Art Manager: Kelly Hendren; Illustrations: Human Kinetics, unless otherwise noted; Printer: Versa Press

Printed in the United States of America10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The paper in this book is certified under a sustainable forestry program.

Human Kinetics

P.O. Box 5076

Champaign, IL 61825-5076

Website: www.HumanKinetics.com

In the United States, email info@hkusa.com or call 800-747-4457.

In Canada, email info@hkcanada.com.

In the United Kingdom/Europe, email hk@hkeurope.com.

For information about Human Kinetics coverage in other areas of the world, please visit our website: www.HumanKinetics.com

NIRSA

www.nirsa.org

541-766-8211

E7475

CONTENTS

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*Any rule and play interpretation not discussed in this Rules Book will be covered by the National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Book and Case Book.

NIRSA: LEADERS IN COLLEGIATE RECREATION

NIRSA is the premier association of leaders in collegiate recreation that transforms lives and facilitates the development of healthy communities worldwide. By providing opportunities for learning and growth, supporting and sharing meaningful research, and fostering networking among our member community, NIRSA is a leader in higher education and champion for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellness. Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA membership has grown to comprise nearly 4,500 dedicated professionals, students, and associates, serving an estimated 8.1 million students. Supported by the NIRSA Headquarters team, based in Corvallis, Oregon, NIRSA is governed by volunteer leaders from across North America.

NIRSA provides access to educational resource materials as well as a professional support network. Ensuring that those involved in recreational sports remain current and up-to-date is a prime concern for NIRSA. Through professional support materials and sponsored projects, the quality of collegiate recreation is greatly enhanced. NIRSA publications, career opportunities services, the NIRSA Sports Officials Development Program, and sponsored national and regional conferences and workshops contribute to the overall quality of collegiate recreation programs, services, and personnel.

The 11 small-college intramural directors who originally met as the founding members of the association could not have imagined the rapid and extensive growth of the collegiate recreation field. As the field has evolved, so has NIRSA. Today, the challenges of meeting the recreational sports programming needs of over 2,200 colleges, universities, military installations, and local communities are met by highly trained and caring professionals supported through the efforts of NIRSA.

NIRSA Headquarters is located at 4185 SW Research Way in Corvallis, OR 97333, (541) 766-8211.

NIRSA FLAG & TOUCH FOOTBALL EDITORIAL BOARD

DEDICATION: JAMES L. LEONARD

In 1987, the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Editorial Board began a tradition of dedicating each edition of the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials Manual to a person who has made significant contributions and played a pivotal role in the development of flag football. The editorial board has selected James L. Leonard as the recipient of this honor for the 19th edition.

Jim is a Vietnam War veteran who started officiating tackle and flag football after retiring from the U.S. Army. He first came to love the sport as an official for the U.S. Armys Department of Morale Welfare and Recreation in Europe. Jim took great pride in his officiating, but because he wanted to get better and learn more, he attended the U.S. Army NIRSA Flag Football Officials Clinic conducted for by Jim Potter (Trinity University) for the first time in 1982.

Around this time, Jim also began officiating tackle football. His career on the field spanned more than 30 years. Jims success and ability were recognized numerous times. He was selected to work the Italian Bowl (Italys equivalent of the Super Bowl) in 1999, 2007, and 2012, and he was the Referee in 2012. In 2012, Jim was honored as the Outstanding Official of the Year for his work in the Italian Football League.

It was in 1991, however, that Jim found his calling when he started teaching others how to officiate. Based on his experiences with the NIRSA Flag Football Clinic, Jim took what he had learned and made it his own. Over the last 25 years, he has conducted nearly a hundred flag football clinics all across Europe for the U.S. Army. Even though Jim retired in 2012, he continues to attend the NIRSA clinic in Italy every year in order to keep up with the game and to learn all he can in order to teach it to others. Additionally, Jim has provided valuable feedback to the Flag Football Editorial Board for potential rule changes and development.

Today, Jim continues to volunteer his time as an observer for the Italian Football League, where he helps teach the Rookie Clinic. It is flag football, however, that Jim has a warm spot for and is committed to carry on the tradition of. Jim continues to be involved in the NIRSA Flag Football Officials Clinic held annually in Italy and continues to mentor rookie and veteran officials alike.

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation proudly recognizes James L. Leonard for his outstanding contributions to NIRSA flag and touch football by dedicating this publication in his honor.

The Editorial Board recognizes in memoriam Dr. Rodney J. Grambeau, who passed away August 22, 2018. Dr. Grambeau was instrumental in the founding of NIRSA flag football and was a profound influence, writing the first NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials Manual. He was also honored for his dedication to the sport with the first rules book dedication in 1987.