FXA Football is Northern Virginia's (VA/DC/MD) Largest Co-ed, Men's, & Women's Adult Flag Football League with over 480 teams & 7,680 players annually. We offer Team & Individual (Free Agent) Registrations for our Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter Seasons.
1. Team Size / Roster -Each team shall field eight players, with at least three women at all times. Teams that are not able to field a complete team may play with a minimum of six players (no more than five men, no less than two women). A maximum of two “pick-up” players (one male/one female, two females) will be permitted only when a team does not have enough of its own players present to field a team. Teams are not permitted to use pickup players when roster players of the same gender are present. Teams that are not able to field at least six players may play a "legal" game with the consent of the opposing captain. It is illegal for a team to have more than eight players on the field of play. Teams with coaches and/or additional players that enter the field of play without entering the game will be penalized for illegal participation.
Additionally, the league now requires the team captain or a team representative to provide the full name of each pick-up player before they can enter the field. In extreme cases, that pick up player may be required to show ID. A pick-up player can only play for the same team twice (2) in any league / season. This will eliminate teams illegally "sharing" players. Any team that does not report their pick up player(s) may have that game result in a forfeit. A pick up player is defined as any male or female that is not listed on the team's roster.
Team rosters and online player waiver & release forms must be completed and submitted prior to the first scheduled game of the season. Any team that has not submitted these documents by that time will have its scheduled games declared a “forfeit” until all forms are received. If a player fails to submit their online player waiver & release form, all liability and legal issues will be the responsibility of the team captain. Fairfax Athletics will not be responsible for players that do not submit an online player waiver & release form.
Players may only be listed on one team’s roster per league. Leagues are defined as Tuesday Night Co-ed League, Thursday Night Co-ed League, Saturday Co-ed League, Sunday Co-ed league, Wednesday Night Men's League, Thursday Night Men's League, and Sunday Night Men's League. Players can play (and be on a team's roster) in multiple leagues, they just cannot play for 2 teams in the Tuesday Night League for example.
For a player to be considered “playoff eligible” (eligible to participate in the playoffs), he/she must be listed on the team’s roster.
Any team that does not have a full roster uploaded to the website and visible to the public by week 3 will not be eligible for the playoffs. No exceptions will be made!
2. No Pocket / Flag Belt Rule - Due to safety reasons, players cannot wear any article of clothing that contains pockets (shorts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, hand warmers, etc). If a player wears an article of clothing with pockets, they will not be allowed to wear a flag belt and will be marked down at the spot where the ball was caught.
If a player (other than the QB) begins the play without a flag belt, the player will be marked down at the spot where the ball was caught. There is no additional penalty because the player has no opportunity to gain additional yardage. If the QB begins a play without a flag belt, it is a 5 yard equipment penalty and replay down.
3. GameTime / Play Clock – The game will be divided into two 20 minute halves. Each team is allowed two one-minute timeouts per game. Both timeouts may be used in either half. The offensive team will have 35 seconds to snap the ball once the referee has spotted the ball. The official game clock will be maintained by a referee and will run continuously except for time-outs or serious injury. The clock will stop during the final 2 minutes of play for the following occurrences:
Incomplete pass
Player advancing the ball goes out of bounds
First Down
Change of possession
Either team scores. (The clock will not continue until the opposing team snaps the ball after the PAT attempt. The clock does not run during extra points.)
Penalty
Declared punt
Time Out
**If a team is leading by 17 points or more, the clock will run continuously during the last two minutes of play. In this scenario, the team that is winning will not be allowed to use any timeouts that is has left. **
4. Beginning of the Game – Teams must be lined up on opposite sidelines. Before the start of the game the referee will toss a coin in the presence of opposing captains, after first designating which captain shall call the toss. The team that wins the coin flip at the start of the game must choose one of the following:
Offense;
Defense;
To defer the choice of the above options to begin the second half;
The team that does not choose offense/defense will select which goal to defend
Play starts from the 10-yard line at the beginning of each half. At the beginning of the second half, the teams will change their direction of play. There will be a maximum ten minute “grace period” before each game. The game will be deemed a forfeit thereafter at the discretion of the Referee.
5. Snapping the Ball Into Play – To begin each play, the ball must be snapped by a center to the QB who is lined up at least 5 yards behind the center. The ball can be snapped to any Qb lined up at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage (within the blockers) with a verbal or non-verbal command. Silent counts / snaps are now legal. Players may shift and change formations prior to the snap of the ball, but must be stationary at the time the ball is snapped. One player is allowed in motion at the time the ball is snapped, but cannot be moving towards the line of scrimmage. A snap from center is not required on declared punts. A minimum of four players must be lined up (set) at the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball.
**Before the ball is snapped into play, the head referee will announce when the line is legally set and play can begin. The QB does not have to wait until the referee makes this announcement, however the line must be legally set before a snap can occur.
6. Intentional Grounding – There is No Intentional Grounding rule
7. Inadvertent Whistles – Should an inadvertent whistle be blown, the team in possession of the ball at the time of the whistle will have two options: take the result of the play with the ball declared “dead” at the spot where the whistle was blown, or replay the down from the original line of scrimmage. If an inadvertent whistle is blown during a pass play while the ball is in the air, the play will be declared "dead" and replayed from the original line of scrimmage.
8. Overtime – There will be no overtime during the regular season. In the playoffs, overtime will consist of each team having one offensive possession starting at the opponent’s 20-yard line. The offensive team will have 4 un-timed downs to score a touchdown (all regular penalties will apply during the overtime period). If a touchdown is scored the offensive team will have the option to go for a 1- or 2-point conversion (female scoring will still result in 9 point touchdowns and double conversion points). If teams are tied after the 1st overtime period, the process will be repeated until a winner is determined. Starting with the 3rd overtime period, teams will be required to go for a 2-point conversion upon scoring a touchdown.
9. No Contact/No Downfield Blocking – There is no blocking or tackling permitted in the league. Players acting as offensive linemen may not use their hands when protecting the quarterback from defensive rushers. Offensive linemen can position their bodies at any particular angle in an attempt to direct the rushers to a particular area, but there is no contact permitted. Offensive lineman must have their hands at their sides or behind their backs when blocking to prevent their arms from extending. "Picks" are also NOT Permitted at anytime.
No downfield blocking/tackling is permitted. Illegal contact includes tripping, contact with the QB, any intentional contact by an opposing player and contact with an opposing player after a ball is tipped. Also note that rough play may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. Anyone in violation of this rule is subject to penalty, suspension and/or expulsion from the league.
"Picks" or Illegal Screens are NOT Permitted at anytime.
10. Co-ed / Gender Play Requirements – The offense will be penalized if it fails to use a female as an “operative player” at least once within three consecutive downs. The penalty for running three consecutive plays without using a female as an “operative player” will be a five yard penalty, loss of down and a female must be the “operative player” on the next play. For example, if a male player catches or runs the ball on a play that a female must be the “operative player”, the offense will be penalized and must replay the gender requirement.
Note: The term "closed" or “forced gender” means that a female must be the “operative player”. The term "open" means that any player, male or female, is eligible to be the operative player.
A pass attempt must cross the line of scrimmage to count as an operative play.
An operative player is defined as a player who:
Is the intended receiver of a forward pass across the line of scrimmage. The pass does not have to be completed.
If a ball is tipped or under/over thrown, the play’s gender is determined by the last player who made an attempt to catch the ball.
Runs the ball as the primary runner (must cross the line of scrimmage)
Receives the snap as the QB and scrambles past the line of scrimmage or attempts a pass the crosses the line of scrimmage.
Throws or catches a forward pass that is complete behind the line of scrimmage but the resulting run moves past the line of scrimmage.
An operative player is NOT defined as a player who:
Hands off the football to another player
Snaps the ball into play
Receives a handoff only to pass or handoff the ball to a male before crossing the line of scrimmage
Female who throws a lateral pass
Receives a lateral from another player and does not cross the line of scrimmage.
Examples:
A pass deflected by a male and caught by a female is a female “operative” play
If a female pitches the ball to a male behind the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
If a male laterals the ball to a female past the line of scrimmage, this will not result in a female “operative” play
If a female throws a forward pass that does not cross the line of scrimmage, but is caught and gains positive yardage, that does count as a female operative play
Gender Play (Tipped Pass) Clarification
A pass that is deflected by a female, and caught by a male does not count as a female “operative” play
If this occurs on a “closed” play, the offense has the option of:
Accepting the play as an incomplete pass and having it count as a female play
Accepting a 5-yard penalty and replaying the down as a closed play
There is no gender requirement for extra points and punt plays.
11. First Downs – Each team shall have four downs to earn a first down or score. First downs are achieved when a team crosses either of the 20 yard markers (20, 20) based on its original field position. Offensive teams may elect to punt on fourth downs. All punts are “live” and may be fielded after bouncing on the ground. However, if a receiving player “muffs” (touches) the ball and it hits the ground, the play is dead. If a team does not punt, fails to score or earn a first down the opposing team will obtain possession.
12. Scoring – The scoring shall be assigned as follows:
Touchdown:
A Male Touchdown is awarded 6 points
A 9-point touchdown will be awarded in the following scenarios:
A female runs the ball (can be QB or RB) from behind the line of scrimmage for the score
A male QB throws to a female receiver who scores
A pass that is tipped by a male and caught by a female will be awarded a 9 point female TD
A female returns an interception or punt for a score
A female QB throws to any receiver for the score (regardless of any pitches to a male)
*In all of the above scenarios, the touchdown will result in only 6-points if there are any pitches during the play that involve a male player. Now if a female QB throws to any receiver, and the ball is pitched to a male, the TD will still result in 9 points because the ball was thrown by a female.
All other touchdowns will be awarded 6 points
Extra Point(s):
oFrom the 5 yd line
1-point for all normal conversions
2-points will be awarded using the same scenarios listed above for the 9-point TD
oFrom the 10 yd line
2-point for all normal conversions
3-points will be awarded using the same scenarios listed above for the 9-point TD
The defense may return an interception for two points on a two-point attempt.
13. Pass Rush – Once the line of scrimmage has been marked, the referee will walk off five paces in the direction the offense is going and place another marker. This "5 pace" marker is the "RUSH LINE". Only defensive players that are behind this marker when the ball is snapped may cross the line of scrimmage to rush the QB. No players lined up within this "zone", may rush the QB. If the QB pitches the ball or hands-off to another offensive player, any defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage no matter where they were lined up before the snap. If the line of scrimmage is between the goal line and the five-yard line, the RUSH LINE will be the goal line. The rush line can never be placed inside the endzone.
14. Continuance of Play
Play shall continue until:
Ball carrier has flag-belt pulled by an opponent (see flag specifics for the few exceptions/additions concerning flag pulling)
Ball carrier leaves the field of play
Ball carrier scores
Ball carrier's knee touches the ground
Ball touches the ground
15. Spot of the Ball – The ball will be spotted where the ball is at the time the ball carrier's flag is pulled. If the ball crosses the plane of the goal line before the ball carrier's flag has been pulled it will result in a touchdown (ball extension).
16. Punts – A punt must be declared and cannot be faked. The receiving team may return a punt once it has hit the ground. The referee shall notify the defensive team prior to a punt. All punts are "free punts". Punts must be kicked and cannot be thrown. A team need not snap during a punt. A dropped snap during a punt is not a fumble. The kicking team may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked. Downfield blocking is not permitted. The receiving team can line up be no closer than the 5-yard rush line and may not raise hands or jump to block a punt. If a punt is "shanked" and caught it is a live ball and is returnable. The punting team may down the punted ball if the receiving team makes no effort to gain the ball. A punt through the end zone will be spotted at the 10-yard line. If a player drops the ball in the end zone, the ball is spotted at the 10-yard line and is not counted as a safety.
17. Turnovers – A change of possession (not after a score) can only occur due to downs or an interception. A fumble is not a turnover and the play is considered dead at the point of the fumble. A lateral may be intercepted and returned by the opposing team.
18. Flag Guarding - Flag guarding is not allowed. Flag guarding is defined as any action that is made with the arms, hands, or legs that prevents a player from being able to pull another player’s flag. A player engaging in flag guarding will be penalized. It is illegal to pull the flag of a player who does not have possession of the football. Throwing flag belts after making a pull is not allowed, and can be penalized as a personal foul.
Flag belts must be fastened outside of all clothing with nothing obstructing them. If during a play, any clothing obstructs the defenses ability to grab a flag (shirt is hanging over the flag belt), then the player will be called down at the first instance that the defense had a chance to pull the flag. A ball carrier whose flag-belt falls off inadvertently during a play will be considered stopped upon a one-handed touch. However, if a player starts a play without a flag-belt on, then an illegal equipment penalty will be charged. It is a penalty for a ball carrier to stiff-arm, charge into, or deliberately try to knock over a defensive player. In addition, a ball carrier may not leave his/her feet (hurdle/dive) in an effort to gain extra yardage.
19. Sportsmanship – FXA endorses the principles of good sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct can include the following: Fighting, pushing, verbal/physical abuse directed toward an official or opponent, profanity/obscene gestures, flagrant/violent fouls, taunting/trash talking/baiting, cheating, throwing/abusing equipment and physical intimidation. A player may be ejected from a game (or a team may be evicted from the field of play) for engaging in Unsportsmanlike Conduct. An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit. The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts. These guidelines apply to players and spectators.
20. Game Cancellation Policy - Games may be cancelled due to existing weather conditions, dangerous or unplayable field conditions, facility constraints, etc. FXA staff makes every effort to play all scheduled games, thus we will not cancel games until absolutely necessary. Therefore, if you call the FXA Hotline to find out if the fields are open and/or games are cancelled, remember we will not update the hotline until close to the start of the game. With that said, we will update the hotline as soon as we have updated status.
If the games are cancelled, FXA will update the hotline immediately. FXA will then change the status of the field to Closed on the website, which will send out an email to all roster players letting them know the game is cancelled. It is still the captain's responsibility to inform all teammates of the cancellation. If a game is cancelled on site, FXA will attempt to contact those teams still scheduled to play the remainder of the day/night. Depending on the time of cancellation, some teams will have to be notified on siteIf we do cancel, follow next week's schedule unless otherwise notified, (i.e. If June 20th games are cancelled, teams should follow the June 27th schedule for their next game). The games that are cancelled will be made up towards the end of the season if time allows.
In extreme circumstances, FXA reserves the right to run a shortened season without a refund. FXA will make every attempt to get all regular season games played, however for every two (2) game cancellations due to weather, the season may be shortened one (1) regular season game. FXA also reserves the right to schedule games on days other than your regularly scheduled league day/night if necessary.
21. Forfeit Fees - If your team needs to forfeit a game (for whatever reason), please make sure to let us know ASAP. FXA Football has now implemented the following forfeit fees:
$100 within 8 hours of gametime (Monday - Friday) and within 12 hours of gametime (Saturdays & Sundays).
22. No Jewelry Policy - At the Referee's discretion, he/she can ask any player to remove jewerly they feel is not safe for play. Failure to comply could result in a suspension and game forfeit.
PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT
OFFENSIVE FOULS
PENALTY
ENFORCEMENT SPOT
DOWN
Flag Guarding
5 Yards
Spot Foul
Next Down
Offsides
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Downfield Blocking
5 Yards
Spot Foul
Next Down
False Start (*Dead Ball Foul)
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Gender Violation (Still Closed)
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Next Down
Illegal Contact/Pick (Pre-Pass)
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Illegal Contact/Pick (Post-Pass)
5 Yards
Spot Foul
Next Down
Illegal Forward Pass
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Loss of Down
Illegal Motion
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Illegal Participation
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Illegal Formation
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Offensive Pass Interference
10 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Diving
5 Yards
Spot Foul
Next Down
DEFENSIVE FOULS
PENALTY
ENFORCEMENT SPOT
DOWN
Illegal Rushing
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Offsides
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Illegal Contact
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Pass Interference
10 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Auto 1st Down
Roughing the Passer
10 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Auto 1st Down
Holding (on Run Plays)
5 Yards
End of Run
Next Down
Holding (on Pass Plays)
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
Illegal Flag Pull
5 Yards
Spot Foul
Next Down
Illegal Stripping
5 Yards
End of Run
Next Down
Illegal Participation
5 Yards
Previous L.O.S.
Replay Down
GENERAL FOULS
PENALTY
ENFORCEMENT SPOT
DOWN
Arguing w/ Official
10 Yards
End of Play
Next Down
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
10 Yards
End of Play
Next Down
Defensive Excessive Contact / Rough Play
10 Yards
End of Play
Auto 1st Down
Offensive Excessive Contact / Rough Play
10 Yards
End of Play
Loss of Down
Defensive Penalty Clarifications:
Holding = Replay the down if the penalty occurs on 4th down or inside the 10-yard line
Illegal Contact is defined as:
Tripping
Contact with the QB
Any intentional contact by an opposing player (referee discretion)
Contact with an opposing player after a ball is tipped
Rough play may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty
Illegal Stripping = It is illegal to bat or strip a ball from a player’s hand.
A game cannot end on a defensive penalty even if time expires. One un-timed down will be required to complete the game.
Offensive Penalty Clarifications:
Illegal Contact is defined as:
Pushing Off
Any other intentional contact by an offensive player on a defensive player in the field of play
General Penalty Clarifications:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Any unsportsmanlike conduct (towards players, referees, league staff, coaches, sidelines, spectators) = 10 yards/Possible Ejection
Excessive Contact/Rough Play
If official determines that contact was initiated "with intent to harm", the offending player will be ejected from the game. The player must leave the field of play immediately. If the player does not leave the field his/her team may be charged with a forfeit for the game regardless of score or time remaining. Any player ejected from a game may not play in any other games that day.
The ejected player may not play in future games without league approval.
An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit.
The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts.
Fighting
Automatic ejection from the game
Once ejected, a player must leave the field. If the player does not leave the field his/her team may be charged a “forfeit” for that game, regardless of score or time remaining. Any player ejected from a game may not play in any other games that day.
The ejected player may not play in future games without league approval.
An official may call a forfeit for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even if the game has ended, an official may call a forfeit.
The League has the authority to suspend and/or expel a player or team from the league and/or future game(s) at its discretion with no refund of monies for such acts.
FXA League Policies
Team Captains are responsible for the complete payment of all league fees.
A Captains’ Meeting will be held prior to the start of the season. Captains, or a team representative, are required to attend. League rules and procedures will be discussed at that time.
League fees must be paid by PayPal before the first game. Failure to make payment before this time may lead to expulsion from the league.
Team Rosters must be completed and submitted online. Additions and changes to the Roster are permitted up until the fourth game of the season.
The Online Player Waiver & Release form must be filled out completely by each player, and submitted online before the first game.
If a team is not prepared to play at its designated game time and/or does not have the minimum number of players at the designated game time, the game will be declared a forfeit. There will be a ten-minute “grace period” prior to a forfeit being declared.
A maximum of two "pick-up" players (1 male & 1 female or 2 females) will be permitted only when a team does not have enough of its own players present to field a team. Additionally, the league now requires the team captain or a team representative to provide the full name of each pick-up player before they can enter the field. In extreme cases, that pick up player may be required to show ID. A pick-up player can only play for the same team twice (2) in any league / season. This will eliminate teams illegally "sharing" players. Any team that does not report their pick up player(s) may have that game result in a forfeit. A pick up player is defined as any male or female that is not listed on the team's roster.
If a game is stopped due to dangerous weather conditions prior to the beginning of the second half or prior to a previously designated point, the game will be replayed in its entirety. If a game is stopped thereafter, it will be considered a complete game and the score will stand. There is no requirement that each team have the same number of offensive series before a game is stopped.
Any excessive verbal or physical activity will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This rule applies to players, managers and coaches on the field and on the sidelines.
Fighting or obscene language will result in an automatic ejection from the league with no refund of payments. Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR DRUG USE ARE ALLOWED ON THE FIELD. Any player using drugs or alcohol in the playing area, the parking lot, before, during or after games will be ejected from the league with no refund of payments. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
These rules & policies are designed to make the league run as smoothly and safely as possible, and provide continuity for its participants. Each player in the league is responsible for this information: please advise your team of these rules / league policies and thanks for playing.
