2003 Northern Football League Rules and Regulations

These rules and regulations are modifications that the Northern Football League has placed into effect for the safety and protection of its players and coaches.  All teams playing in the Northern Football league are subject to these rules and regulations.  The remaining balance of rules and regulations follow the state high school rulebook otherwise known as Federation Rules.

Team:
1. Player roster is limited to 35 players, but only 30 may dress for games.
2. Rosters must be submitted no later than the last weekend of the regular season and if not received by that time will be eliminated from the playoffs.
3. Picture I.D. is required for roster checks at each playoff game and can only be reviewed in the pregame warm up.

Offense:
1. A receiver may bump within the first 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.
2. Offensive linemen (guard to guard) will not have splits wider than 1 yard.
3. If a quarterback remains in the pocket (guard to guard) only the defensive linemen are allowed to rush.  Only when a quarterback steps outside of the pocket (guard to guard), can he be rushed by any other defensive player.
4. Absolutely NO blocking below the waist.  1st offence is a warning and 15 yards.  2nd offence is 15 yards and game misconduct. 

Defense:
1. Three defensive linemen must line up with a shoulder-to-shoulder shade of any offensive player who is down on the line. (Must be in a 3 point stance, if not 5 Yard penalty)
2. Only defensive line may rush a quarterback in the pocket.  Only when a quarterback moves out of the pocket can any other defensive player rush.
3. A receiver may be bumped within 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.
4. No blitzing. (5 yard penalty and automatic 1st down)
5. TE can only be covered if in a 3 point stance.

Special Teams:
1. For each man on the line in a 3 point stance, one man can rush but must be lined up in a shoulder-to-shoulder shade. 
2. Can't HIT center during snap.  (this will be strictly enforced)

Game:
1. 4 Quarters 12 minutes long (stop time federations rules) Overtimes will be run as in High School overtimes from the 10-yd line.
2. Officials will keep game time, and must report time to bench on a regular basis.
3. All penalties are according to (federation) High School rules
4. There will be a spot of the infraction foul and automatic 1st down on all pass interference calls.
5. 1 foot in bounds on a reception with ball control constitutes as a completed pass.

Field:
1. All game fields must be 100 yards long, striped accordingly (min. every 10 yards) with a minimum of 1 regulation field goal post.
2. Teams unable to provide a regulation field will become a traveling team with out any games at home.
3. The Sideline will be end zone to end zone, no strict bench area.
4. The league commissioner will approve all fields for safety and for acceptability of league.

Officials:
1. Home team will provide 3 refs per game, with a minimum that the head official must be a "WHITE HAT"
2. If a team does not provide 3 officials, they will be warned and then become a traveling team for all playoff rounds.
3. All officials must be 18 years of age or older with appropriate football experience.
4. Refs must above all rules protect the players from intentional injury.
2003 Northern Football League Rules and Regulations
These rules and regulations are modifications that the Northern Football League has placed into effect for the safety and protection of its players and coaches.  All teams playing in the Northern Football league are subject to these rules and regulations.  The remaining balance of rules and regulations follow the state high school rulebook otherwise known as Federation Rules.

2003 Rules addendum Penalty
1. Player roster is limited to 35 players, but only 30 may dress for games. Each player over suspended
2. Rosters must be submitted no later than the last weekend of the regular season. eliminated from the playoffs
3. Picture I.D. is required for roster checks at each playoff game and can only be reviewed in the pregame warm up. Game forfeit
4. A receiver may bump within the first 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. 5 yard penalty and 1st down
5. Offensive linemen (guard to guard) will not have splits wider than 1 yard. Warning, 5 yard Penalty
6. No blitzing. Only when a quarterback steps outside of the pocket (guard to guard), can he be rushed by any other defensive player. 5 yard penalty and automatic 1st down
7. Absolutely NO blocking below the waist.  1st offence is a warning and 15 yards.  2nd offence is 15 yards and ejection. 
8. Three defensive linemen must line up with a shoulder-to-shoulder shade of any offensive player who is down on the line.
Must be in a 3 point stance, if not 5 yard penalty
9. TE can only be covered if in a 3 point stance 5 yard Penalty
10. For each man on the line in a 3 point stance, one man can rush but must be lined up in a shoulder-to-shoulder shade.  15 yard penalty
11. Can't HIT center during snap.  (Special Teams) 15 yard penalty
12. All game fields must be 100 yards long, striped accordingly (min. every 10 yards) with a minimum of 1 regulation field goal post. No home playoffs
13. Home team will provide 3 refs per game, with a minimum that the head official must be a "WHITE HAT" No home playoffs