Scrum type plays are now allowed.  Attached is a video of a scrum play that lead to a touchdown and changed the outcome of the game.  You may be asking why aren't they allowed, it seems like a normal play, but in fact it is not.  Scrum play by definition are a deception play and are not allowed.  They cover up and skew the sight line of the ball and confuse players as to who is in control.  Unlike a fake handoff where the defender may be tricked by who has the ball, the ball is readily able to be seen and can be viewed by all who are watching. In a Scrum play the ball is unable to be located due to the multiple players blocking the view, also those players are blocking the defenders ability to rush the QB and create a blocking screen of multiple players blocking out any who are attempting to pull a flag.  This is a flag football league and as such deception plays are illegal, blocking is illegal and impeding the rusher is illegal.  Since a Scrum play create all three of these scenarios it has been deemed an illegal play.  If a Scrum play is run you are to blow the play dead and treat it as a delay of game which is 10 yard penalty or half the distance to the goal and carries a loss of down.  If you are unclear about what a scrum play is please seek me out.  

For those of you that didn't make the meeting or scrimmage games on the 21st be aware that there is a New Rule this year.  The rule states that you only speak with the Head Coach and ONLY THE HEAD COACH.  However, understand that the Head Coach has 3 methods or ways they can speak with you about rules, plays or if they need clarification.
1.  They can call a timeout and speak to you. 
2.  They can wait until quarter or halftime breaks. 
3.  They can talk to you after the game is over. 

DO NOT speak with anyone about the game or rules unless they are the Head Coach, including after the game is over.  The Head Coach is responsible for their players, fans, coaches and sidelines.  This means any unsportsmanlike penalties from the sidelines will go against the Head Coach, since they are responsible for their people.  If the Head Coach receives 2 unsportsmanlike penalties they are automatically ejected from the game.  Make sure you have thick skin and warn the Head Coaches to handle whatever business is arising from the sidelines before it gets out of control.  Remember the fans, players and spectators don't know you, but they do know the Head Coach, so let him be the point of contact between you and anything that shouldn't be happening.  Also be prepared to write a statement and submit it to me for any ejections that arise as it is required that you submit a written statement to me.  If you don't understand this rule or need help during a game try to wait until their is a quarter break or if urgent then send someone to get me and I will help you.

Welcome back to another great season of FNL youth flag football.  This year along with our regular FNL league will be hosting 7 vs 7 HighSchool Flag Football League.  Week#1 is just around the corner so if you were unable to make our paid training day please check the website and scroll down for a list of rules and other items to update yourself on the what you need to know.  This Blog Post will be used Week in and Week out to update on any rules interpretations, changes or clarifications, so please check back weekly and "Stay In The Know".  As always you can contact me about anything and let's get out there and have another awesome season.  

Hey everybody we have now put Week #1 in the books and if your new to the league this blog post is where I will share needed information, answer questions and update you on the league.  Below I will explain some of the basic rules of the FNL and iCanReferee to clear up any confusion people may have.

First you are all expected to read the rules manual posted on in a link at the bottom of the 2019 Spring Season page.  If you have questions about interpretations of a rule or rules please come and see me, email me or text me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.  Knowing the rules is one main aspect of what it is to be a referee, so the only way you can  referee is if you know what they are and how they are interpreted.  Every week I will be posting a blog along with this one titled Know the Rules, in which I will answer a rules question, explain it's interpretation and how we are going to enforce the rule.  

Second is you are all expected to be on time to the fields.  This means you need to be at the fields 15 mins prior to game time.  You are responsible for checking in the players on each team 5 mins prior to the start of the game, so you need to be fully dressed and ready to go at that time.  This season with so many people now wanting to referee things will be watched more closer as both the league administrators and both Bill Thomas & myself will be tracking those who show up late, call out last minute or are a complete no show.  Remember you are the only ones on the fields that is being paid to perform, so take it seriously as the coaches, players & fans expect you to be professional and be on time and ready to go at the start of their games.   

Third as part of this season I have created an Availability form which is accessible from the Home page.  You are not required to login to utilize this form.  This form will be the only way, barring an emergency, that I will accept for you to block dates that you cannot officiate.  An example on how and when to use a form, if you are unavailable to work on Thurday nights, you need to fill out the form and check each and every check box that has a Thurday night date on it.  I made it easy for you by listed Thursday or Friday next to the date so that you won't make a mistake or get confused.  Please do not email or text me that you are unable to make your assigned games unless it is an emergency situation.  I expect each of you to fill them out so that I can start scheduling the for the entire season.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 

Rules Question of the Week?
In this week's rules question I have posted the Timing/OT Rules that come directly from the FNL Rules Manual.  Please read them and message me if you have any questions.

TIMING/OVERTIME
Games are played with 10 minute running quarters (40minutes), 1 minute water break between quarters and a 5 minute halftime. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime.
​
The following tie-breaker system will be used for all overtime games.
• Coin flip determines possession
• Ball is placed at Midfield
• After 3 plays, the referee will mark where the ball ended up (cone, flag, etc)
• Opposing team will now take over at Midfield run their 3 plays going in the same direction.
• Whichever team gains the most yards on 3 plays wins the game
• If both teams are tied after 3 plays, we do it again until there is a winner.
• Negative net yards on offense will count against you. Other team must still run their 3 plays.
• If the ball is intercepted and the runner’s flags are pulled before they reach the end zone. The ball is spotted at mid field and the team only needs to gain one yard. If they gain one yard on the first play, the team can take knee the ball twice and they will win the game.
• If ball is intercepted and returned for a touchdown, game is over.
• Overtime is only for all Premier Games, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th, and playoff games.

- Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.
- Teams will receive one warning before a delay of game penalty is enforced.
- 2 timeouts per half and they do not carry over to 2nd half if unused.

Guys & Gals it is Playoff's Week and we need to be on our "A game."  Please review the "Know The Rules?" blog posts and send me any questions you have.  This season has shaped up to be a great one at both Murrieta and Temecula and the teams are vying to win it all, so let's make sure we hustle and are in the right spots to make the correct calls.  That said we have a couple of reminders to improve upon before the season is over.

First
It has been mentioned in past posts, but needs to be brought up again we need to be placing markers on both the rush line and LOS.  It is not just you as a ref who needs to be aware of the lines but the players and coaches do too.  It is not fair to tell a quarterback that they threw an illegal forward pass when you don't have the marker on the LOS to show them how far they can run before throwing the ball.  Also it is very hard to argue that a player committed an illegal rush or illegal forward pass when I see the video and their are no markers signifying the spot on the ground.  Please don't make me have to tell you on the field as this is something we all need to be doing no matter how much experience we have refereeing.  

Second
This rule is similar to the first one in that as the offensive referee you must signal the Ready-for-Play whistle.  Once you have both markers set and the ball placed at the LOS marker hack and blow you whistle.  The Ready-for-Play whistle starts the 30 second play clock for each offensive play.  It is hard to penalize a team for delay of game when you never whistled to signal the start of the play clock.  It is your job to make sure both markers are set and the ball is placed correctly and both officials are ready before blowing the Ready-for-Play whistle.  Again if a team violates the delay of game the first time it is a warning, afterward any additional penalties for delay of game will be loss of down + yardage.  Remember some teams take advantage of you not blowing the whistle as a tactic to keep the opposing team from having the ball, so let's be fair and make sure we are the one's controlling the start of every play.  

Third
Please remember to have thick skin and ignore comments that don't need to be answered.  When a coach complains let them, but if those complaints go beyond what is acceptable it is your job to tell the coach that it is enough and warn them they will receive a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct if they continue.  However, with that said if a coach blatantly says something that is not tolerated, whether it is a threat, foul language or anything personal in nature, you have every right to flag them on the first occurrence and/or eject them if it is warranted.  Please know that any ejection must be followed up in writing to me within 24 hours of the end of the game and you will need to explain the whole situation.  Also remember everyone is recording you so no matter what a coach, player or fan does your job is to be professional and respond respectfully.  Playoffs is always intense as fans, players and coaches want to win, so have some thick skin, but also take charge and control of your game from the start of your pregame talks with the coaches.  If you do these things mentioned above you will set yourself and your game up for success.