SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION - THE WEEKLY BULL FOR FLAG FOOTBALL – September 28, 2026
DPI Penalty on a Try – When the defense fouls during a 1-point try from the 3-YL, the offense can change their decision to go for 1-Point. They can choose to go for 2 from the 10-YL, then we administer the penalty to the 5-YL and they can go for 2-points from there.
Flag Pulled Early – It is a foul if a defender thinks the receiver is going to get the ball and intentionally removes the flag from the opponent who does not have possession of the ball. In this example, the pass was tipped by a teammate high up into the air and that is when the defender was pulling the flag. 10-yard penalty for illegal use of hands. The receiver then did catch the deflected pass so she needed to be one-hand tagged, or pull the other flag, in order to be down. There are 2 exceptions to this foul: 1) if the player has been faked to, so as to confuse the defense, or 2) if the player has muffed a pass or airborne fumble and is attempting to secure possession.
Stripe Rimming the Pant Leg of the Shorts – We are awaiting a ruling from CIF on this issue. In the meantime, unless there is no clear contrast and it is hiding the visibility of the flags, we will allow their use.
Sunglasses – Legal. All sunglasses are legal.
Roll On Glitter – It was reported this week that a player was wearing a roll-on glitter under her eyes, that one of the USA national team members wears a lot. It’s similar to eye black in application, but it is clearly against the rules regarding eye black. Please consider it adornment.
Wearing Your Flag Belt in a Proper Manner – All players must wear their flags in a legal manner before the ball becomes live. Officials and coaches should be constantly checking shirts and flags for legal compliance. If the player begins the play with the flags at the sides and the belt and flags slip to the front and back, that slippage can be due due to the player wearing the belt at the hips, not at the narrower waist. Thus, when the player runs, the flag can slide up and loosen around the waist. Flags should be worn at the narrower waist area and the belt tight.
Backward Pass (Lateral) – A backward pass, or lateral, can be used on any play at any time. Even after a change of possession, like an interception or on a punt return. It is always legal if it is backwards.
QB Sneaks at the Goal Line – This is a legal offensive play UNLESS there are stationary defensive players in the way. If so, the offense may not make contact with the defenders as they have the Right of Place. Offensive players would have to avoid any contact with the defenders who are stationary.
CA Mercy Rule – The same as tackle football except the point margin is 27-points. At the conclusion of the third quarter or any point thereafter, if there is a point differential of 27 or more points, a running clock shall be instituted for the remainder of the game regardless of the score. The game clock should stop only for a score, following a fair catch or awarded fair catch, a charged team timeout, a coach-referee conference or an official’s timeout (like an injury). Once the stoppage is over (for example the TD and extra point have been completed) the clock will start on the ready for play whistle.
Playoffs - Save the dates. The first round of playoffs will be October 27th and 28th, and the championship games will be November 6th and 7th.
