WHAT SPORTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Currently we offer coed Flag Football and coed Basketball. Dodgeball at SkyZone will be back soon and we also anticipate the return of LAX and Indoor Street Hockey. *Some of our sports are played multiple seasons all year long and some are limited to certain seasons. Check the website for availability. Additional sports and tournaments are in the process. Information regarding them will be released as it becomes available.
WHO CAN REGISTER TO PLAY?
N.E.S. is a Co-Ed youth sports league for athletes ranging from ages 4.5 - 15 years old (Grades K-9).
IS NEW ENGLAND SPORTS ONLY IN DANVERS?
No. We are located and based in Danvers, Massachusetts, but we proudly offer one central, combined league to ALL cities and towns on ther north and south shore. We will accommodate players from all of the surrounding communities now and as the league grows.
WHAT MAKES NEW ENGLAND SPORTS DIFFERENT?
N.E.S. proudly offers a full eight week programs of flag football, basketball & dodgeball. *Six regular season games, a minimum of two playoff games per team and no pre-season games. Teams that advance to the Super Bowl will receive exquisite, custom made trophies/SuperBowl Rings and awards at an exciting award ceremony. N.E.S. ensures a ‘big league’ atmosphere with custom, player personalized gear and LED Digital scoreboards with time-keepers tracking the action, an announcer calling the "NES Featured Game of the Week" making each game a more immersive experience for players, coaches and spectators. Players will take the field through a sport tunnel while a live DJ is spinning tunes and announcing teams and coaches at every game! Sure to be an experience like no other!
*Our youngest divisions in each sport will have a full 8-week season and each player receives a beautiful All-Star trophy for their effort and participation.
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION OPEN AND WHAT IS THE COST?
Registration for all sports open 60 days prior to each opening day and closes two weeks before. The registration fee varies depending on indoors or outdoors sports and venues and ranges from $139-$159. which includes all games, each player's custom, designed and personalized jersey, mouth guards, and flags (for football.) We currently offer a Sibling discount ($10) and a multi-sport discount ($10).
WHERE ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?
Fall & Spring Flag Football are played on the new turf field at Essex Agricultural & Technical High School. 565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Our two flag football Winter leagues are played indoors at the D&R Indoor Sports Arena at 207 Boston Street, Topsfield, MA 01983.
All seasons of basketball are played at Gordon College in Wenham MA. Our Dodgeball is played at SkyZone Trampoline Park at the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers MA.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE COMPASS FOR THE LEAGUE LOGO?
New England Sports chose The Compass for our badge as a symbol for our heritage and the goals of the league. As a sports organization in the heart of New England, the compass is our nod to all New England mariners. We also believe the Compass gives us direction to stay focused on our mission of helping young athletes follow their path to success. It symbolizes a way to lead them to find their ‘True North' in sports.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THOSE TEAM LOGOS?
Natural Disaster themed logos: New England Sports chose to deviate from the norm of ordinary animals or other theme characters to represent our teams. The Natural Disaster characters gave us the freedom to create a fun and visual effect that opens up the imagination of these young players minds and reminds them that the idea of following your own path and thinking outside-the-box is completely acceptable. We chose teams such as the Lightning, Tsunami, Blizzard, Cyclone, Thunder, Earthquake, Volcano, Asteroid, Wild Fire & Avalanche as they represent a sign of strength and promote team solidarity.
WHAT IS THE NES REFUND POLICY?
New England Sports Refund Policy: Due to the high cost of our player customized gear, expense of each venue and limited roster spots per team, New England Sports does NOT offer a refund for any registration fees once the payment has been received. On a case by case basis, N.E.S. may choose to offer a partial refund based on injury or illness, but must be accompanied by a letter from the players doctor noting that he/she is unable to participate in any of our sporting activities. NO Refund will be offered for a parent/player choosing not to participate in a sport program they chose and paid for. .
Note: A partial credit towards future seasons may be considered if games/full seasons are not played for unforeseen factors out of NES' control.
NOTE: FOR ANY NES GAMES THAT MUST BE CANCELED DUE TO THE WEATHER OR ACT OF GOD, NES WILL TRY TO MAKE THEM UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON OR WITH A DOUBLEHEADER IF POSSIBLE. DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF THE VENUES, GEAR, INSURANCE AND OVERALL COST OF THE SEASON, NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS WILL BE GIVEN FOR CANCELED GAMES THAT ARE NOT MADE UP.
WHAT IF MY SEASON IS CANCELLED? WILL I GET A REFUND?
NES understands the concern over the Covid-19 outbreak and below is our policy addressing cancellations due to the pandemic.
1.) If the season is cancelled prior to Opening Day, NES will cancel the players registration and credit their account the *full amount paid. This credit may be used towards the registration of any future season offered by NES. *less $3 fee collected by Sports Connect 2.) If the season is cancelled after opening Day, NES will cancel the players registration and credit their account $13.00 per each remaining game that was cancelled. Example: If the season is cancelled and there are Six remaining games to be played, the player will receive a $78.00 credit that may be used towards the registration of any future season of any sport offered by NES.
WHAT SAFETY MEASURES ARE NES TAKING TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19?
NES takes this issue very serious and have plans in place to meet and exceed all safety protocols set forth by the office of the Governor of the state of Massachusetts. When applicable the steps taken are:
1.) NES will adhere to MA required Mask Mandates when required by the state of Mass or CDC.
2.) Signs encouraging social distancing will be posted throughout the facility.
3.) Hand Sanitizing stations will be conveniently located throughout the facility.
4.) Rest Room facilities will be cleaned regularly and have proper cleaning & hand sanitizing stations.
5.) When required by the state or venue, NES staff will wear cotton, washable face masks at each event.
6.) When face coverings are required by the state or venue, players will be issued NES Custom Face Screens that must be worn by the players at all times, with the exception of when they are actively playing flag football. This includes while entering and exiting the facility, taking the field, leaving the field, standing on the sidelines, "in the huddle", rest rooms, etc. They must have them cover their nose & mouth at all times unless actively playing the game on the field.
7.) When required by the state or venue, coaches will be issued a washable cotton mask that they MUST wear at all times! This includes while entering and exiting the facility, taking & exiting the field, while on the sidelines, restrooms, etc. Coaches MUST wear their face masks at ALL TIMES!
8.) When required by the state or venue, Fans must wear face masks at all times. The ONLY exception will be while they are seated and sitting a minimum of SIX feet from any other fan. This includes while entering and exiting the facility, restrooms, concessions etc. Unless they are seated and socially distanced, ALL fans must wear a mask. Note: The stands are taped and marked off to accurately and properly social distance. Additional face masks & face screens will be available at each event.
9.) Players, coaches, NES staff & fans will enter through one section of the facility and exit through a different one to ensure no one is crossing paths or crowding. Note: ONLY players, coaches and NES staff are permitted on the field.
10.) NES equipment will be sanitized prior to, during and after each game. Note: Players will not share, equipment with each other or other teams on any other playing surface.
11.) ALL players, coaches, volunteers, staff, family & fans will be required to avoid coming to any event if they are feeling signs of illness, fatigue, fever, or any signs they may be getting sick. They will be asked to leave and seek medical attention if they show signs while at the facility.
NES RULES & REGULATIONS FOR FLAG FOOTBALL
Here are the New England Sports Rules and Regulations for our youth and adult Five vs. Five and Seven vs. Seven Flag Football Leagues… Note: Rules apply to both 5v5 and *7v7 except *when specified.
GAME PLAY
For 5v5 Flag Football, two teams of 8-11 players will compete with five players per team on the field at a time. Five players on Offense and five players on Defense. *For 7v7 Flag Football, two teams of 12-14 players will compete with seven players per team on an expanded larger flag football field. Seven on Offense and seven players on the Defense. Two Captains from each team will meet at midfield for the Coin Toss. The AWAY team calls it. The winner will determine the first possession and opposing team will determine direction.
Offense: Once both teams have taken the field, the referee will blow the whistle to start the game. Note: This same procedure will take place after Half time. The clock runs and the ball is a ‘Live ball’. The Offense does not have to wait for the Defense to set up prior to snapping the ball. Note: At the start of the first and second half, the ball is not live until the referee blows the whistle. There are NO kick offs or actual punts. The Offense starts on their own 5-yard line. They will take possession and have 4 downs to cross midfield (Green Cone) for a first down.
The ball must be snapped between the legs of the Center to start each play. (Or pitched backwards in the Woman’s 30+ league) For 5v5 Flag Football, the Center is the only player required to be set on the LOS (Line of Scrimmage). The Quarterback is set under Center or in the shotgun position and the three Receivers/Running Backs may be set on or off the LOS. *Adult ladies may pitch backwards on the snap instead of through the legs of the Center.
*For 7v7 Flag Football, the Center AND Two additional Offensive player (3 in total, including the Center) must be set on the LOS. Note: The Quarterback is set under Center or in the shotgun position, with two Receivers (& the Center) set on the LOS and the other three Receivers/Running Backs may be set ON or OFF the LOS or in the backfield. ALL players are eligible Receivers.
In both 5v5 and 7v7 Flag Football, only one players is allowed to go in motion prior to the snap and must go parallel with the LOS.
Once a team crosses midfield and gets a 1st Down, they have 4 downs to score a touchdown. If the Offense fails to cross midfield or score in four downs, possession of the ball changes. If that Offense chose to “Punt”, the opposing team would take possession and begin their drive from their own 5-yard line. If that Offense decides to “Go for It” on 4th Down and does not get a first down or score a touchdown, the opposing team would take possession at the previous line of scrimmage unless it’s within 5 yards of their endzone in which case the ball will be spotted on the Offense’s 5 yard line.
All “Punt” or after score possession changes start on the offense’s 5-yard line. *Interceptions may be returned for touchdowns or receive the distance returned when changing possession.
***NEW RULE for the PAT (Point After Try): PAT’s after Touchdowns may now be run back if intercepted by the Defense. If the opposing team intercepts the ball on a Point-After-Try, they may try to run it back to the opposite endzone. If they succeed, they will earn the ONE or TWO points that the Offense was going for.
Both teams change sides after halftime. Possession changes to the team who did not start with the ball in the first half. Note: When a change of possession or when teams are subbing players, the Offense does NOT have to wait on the Defense to be set and run a play. Only at the beginning of each half do the teams have to wait to be set on the field. Note: If the Offense snaps the ball and the Defense is subbing players with too many on the field at that time, a flag will fly and a penalty for too many men on the field will be called.
ROSTERS
For N.E.S. 5v5 Flag Football, most teams consist of 8-11 players. N.E.S. 7v7 Flag Football teams will consist of Aprox 12-14 players. N.E.S. 5v5 Flag Football, teams must field a minimum of 5 players to play a recorded game. For N.E.S. 7v7 Flag Football, teams must field 7 players to play a recorded game.
SUBSTITUTIONS!
All players must have ample playing time with New England Sports and with our extended game time of 44 minutes, we ensure enough time for all players to get it. Each player MUST substitute several times during the game on BOTH sides of the ball. Every player must be allowed to play Offense and Defense during each regular season and playoff game. All teams make the playoffs. Any player that wishes to ‘play up’ or ‘play down’ a division must also be fully approved by the League Commissioner well in advance of the season.
ONLY players that are registered are allowed to play for their own team. Random players may not “fill-in” or “substitute” for a non-roster player…Even if that player is already registered in the league! Any team caught using a “fill-in” player without permission from the League Commissioner will forfeit that game automatically in which they were used and receive the lowest Seed in the post-season as a penalty. The Winning Team of the forfeit will be given their lowest score of the season for that victory, Note: If a forfeit takes place on Week 1, the winning team will be given a 6-0 win.
COACHES
Divisions:
6U: A maximum of Three(3) Coaches per team with one coach per team permitted on the field at all times during all of the games. Defensive coaches MUST exit the field prior to the snap of the ball.
8U: A maximum of Three(3) Coaches per team. Offensive and Defensive Coaches are allowed on the field but MUST exit the field prior to the snap. If a coach is on the field after the snap and it is seen by an NES League Official, a penalty flag will fly and be enforced against that coach/team. Offensive and Defensive coaches must coach from their specific sidelines on the field during actual game play. Coaches are NOT permitted in either endzone or behind either endzone during game play.
10U: A maximum of Three(3) Coaches per team. Offensive and Defensive Coaches are allowed on the field but MUST exit the field prior to the snap. If a coach is on the field after the snap and it is seen by an NES League Official, a penalty flag will fly and be enforced against that coach/team. Offensive and Defensive coaches must coach from their specific sidelines on the field during actual game play. Coaches are NOT permitted in either endzone or behind either endzone during game play.
12/14/16/18U: A maximum of TWO (2) Coaches per team. Offensive and Defensive Coaches are allowed on the field but MUST exit the field prior to the snap. If a coach is on the field after the snap and it is seen by an NES League Official, a penalty flag will fly and be enforced against that coach/team. Offensive and Defensive coaches must coach from their specific sidelines on the field during actual game play. Coaches are NOT permitted in either endzone or behind either endzone during game play.
FIELDS
5v5 (Spring & Fall) Games are played on football fields running the full length (Horizontally) and with a flag football field width of 22- 25 Yards. U12 & U14, 7v7 (Spring & Fall) Games are played on high school football fields running 30 Yard width fields. NOTE: In the Winter 1 & 2 seasons, the field space is limited and a max of 5v5 may be necessary for all divisions based on venue and field availability.
TIMING
ALL games are played with Two (22) minute halves. *Total of 44 minutes. There is a 2-minute Half-Time intermission. The clock is a running clock and will not stop unless injury or time-out called by the Referee, on-field QB or a Coach. Each team receives One 30-second timeout per half and they do not carry over to 2nd half if unused.
For 5v5, the football is spotted and the 40-second play clock will start. When the play clock gets to 10 seconds, the referee will count it down aloud to inform the Offense of the remaining time available. If the play clock reaches Zero (0) a Delay of Game penalty is issued. Note: After spotting the ball and starting the play-clock, the referee will step off the 7-yard Blitz Line.
For 7v7, the football is spotted and the 40 second play-clock is started as well. However; on 7v.7, the referee will step off the 10-Yard Blitz Line. When the play clock gets to 10 seconds, the referee will count it down aloud to inform the Offense of the remaining time available. If the play clock reaches Zero (0) a Delay of Game penalty is issued.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If at any time in the game, the Offense is running a “Rush Offense” and decides to snap the ball prior to the referee stepping off the 7 Yard (or 10 yard for 7v7) Blitz Line, the Blitz line then becomes where the Referee is at the time the ball is snapped. Example: If the ref has only taken two steps while stepping off the blitz line and the ball is snapped by the Offense, then the Blitz Line is then at the referee’s second step and the Defense may blitz the QB from there.
SCORING
Touchdown: 6 Points
PAT (Point-After Try) from the 5 Yard line (pass ONLY): 1 Point
Two Point Conversion from the 12 Yard line (Run or Pass):2 Points
Safety: *QB/Ball Carrier’s flag is pulled in End Zone or if the football is snapped and lands in End Zone: 2 Points
*Interception on PAT: If the opposing Defense intercepts the ball in a Point After Try and they run it back to the opposite endzone, they will receive either ONE or TWO Points... Whichever the Offense went for.
OVERTIME
There is NO overtime in the regular season. In the post-season, Overtime rules are as follows: If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the teams move directly into a 10- Minute overtime. A coin toss determines possession. The team that did NOT call the Coin Toss at the beginning of the game will call Heads or Tails. The winner will determine the first possession and opposing team will determine direction. The Offense begin at their own 5-yard line. They will take possession and have 4 downs to cross midfield (Green Cone) for the first down. The ball must be snapped between the legs to start the play. Once a team crosses midfield and gets a 1st down, they have 4 downs to score a touchdown. If the Offense fails to cross midfield or score, possession of the ball changes. If that Offense chose to “Punt”, the opposing team would take possession and begin their drive from their own 5-yard line. If that Offense “Went for It” on 4th done and didn’t get it, the opposing team would take possession at the previous line of scrimmage. Each team will be given one possession in Overtime to score. After each possession, whichever team has scored will be the winner. If both or neither team has scored, the next score wins. A “Safety” at anytime ends the game and that scoring team wins.
RUSHING
The quarterback may NOT run with the ball. *The Quarterback is defined as the first player to take FULL possession of the football from the Centers through his/her legs. Hand-offs, laterals and pitches left, right or back are allowed behind the Line of Scrimmage as per NFL rules. Our NES version of the “*Center Sneak” IS allowed. *If the Center is to run the ball, after he/she snaps the ball, the Center must take two steps back behind the LOS and is then eligible to take the ball and run with it. The player who takes the hand-off, lateral or pitch from the Quarterback may choose to run or throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. Note: Once the ball is handed off, the 7-second QB clock ends and there is unlimited time for that player to run or throw the ball. The Quarterback may lateral or pitch the ball back, left, right but those passes must be thrown/pitched underhand. The football may NOT be thrown overhand backwards, Left or Right. NOTE: Regardless of which player throws a pass, a forward pass must be thrown beyond the Line of Scrimmage to be considered a legal pass. ANY forward passes that do not make it beyond the Line of Scrimmage will be deemed an incomplete pass. Note: Forward passes may be overhand, underhand or a shovel pass as long as they travel in the air beyond the Line of Scrimmage. Note: IF a player receives a hand-off, lateral, or pitch in the Pass ONLY zone, the player still must throw the ball forward (beyond the Line of Scrimmage) for it to obey the Pass ONLY rule.
Players may NOT receive a forward pass behind the LOS in the backfield. That is an illegal pass in flag football and will be deemed incomplete. Once the ball has been handed off, lateral pass or pitched, all defensive players are all eligible to rush in beyond the Line of Scrimmage. Spinning is allowed. There is NO *diving on Offense or Defernse! *NES defines Diving as a player lunging forward and both feet leave the ground to advance the football or grab a flag .
Running backs may “jump-cut” Left, Right or Back but NOT forward. That will be deemed a penalty with a loss of down and a 5 yard penalty from the spot of the foul.
The football is spotted where the nose of the ball is at the time the ball carrier’s flag is pulled or falls off. Players running with the ball must make every effort to avoid running through or initiating ANY contact with a Defensive player. Offensive players must avoid running in to the blitz or other defenders when running their routes. If an Offensive player is in motion and runs in to a Defender, that Offensive player will be called for “Charging”. If the Offensive player is not moving and a Defensive player collides with him/her, no Offensive penalty will be called, but a Defensive penalty may be called if an NES official deems it intentional or not incidental contact. NOTE: Intentional contact by either the Offense or Defense will be penaltied as a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. One or more unsportsman-like conduct penalties may result in ejection from the game. Multiple may result in ejection from the league per the League Commissioner.
RECEIVING
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the QB, if the ball has been handed off, lateral pass, pitched behind the line of scrimmage or tipped as per NFL Rules). As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time parallel with the Line of Scrimmage. In Flag Football, a player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception. Note: If a player is in the air when a ball is caught he/she must come down with one foot inbounds BEFORE their other foot lands out-of-bounds to be considered a catch. Reminder that Offensive players MUST avoid contact with defenders. Note: If while running their route, an Offensive player makes contact with the Defender that is Blitzing and that Offensive player is moving/in motion, a penalty is called on the Offense. Offensive players must make every effort to avoid contact. If contact is made with the Blitz or any other Defender while the Offensive player was in motion, a penalty will be called on the Offense. If the Offensive player was stopped and not in motion, no penalty will be called on them. Note: If an official deems that any player (Offense or Defense) made intentional contact, the league official will call a personal foul against that player. Two or more personal fouls may result in ejection from the game or season per the League Commissioner.
PASSING
For Both 5v5 and 7v7, the QB has a seven-second “pass clock”. The Referee on the Line of Scrimmage will keep count and as the QB Clock runs he will yell aloud “4-5-6-7” to let the QB know the time available. If the Referee gets to “7”, a penalty flag will fly blowing the play dead and the ball is placed where the QB was when the play ended. Note: If the QB is standing in the endzone when the play is blown dead, it is a Safety. Two points and the ball is awarded to the opposing team. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule is no longer in affect. *Shovel passes are allowed. *An underhand forward toss is considered a forward pass as long as it thrown to or beyond the LOS! Interceptions may be returned for a Touchdown or in a PAT attempt.
***ALL FORWARD PASSES MUST GO BEYOND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE OR THEY ARE RULED AN INCOMPLETE PASS (no penalty.)
Pass ONLY Zones: 5 yards from each end zone ad 5 yards on either side of midfield (1st down marker) is the PASS ONLY ZONE. These zones are intended to keep teams from running the football with potential blockers and avoiding any contact/injury. The Pass ONLY zone is in effect when the offensive team is trying for a touchdown or first down within five yards of the line. The ball must be passed. NOTE: In the Pass Only Zone, All forward passes MUST be thrown BEYOND the Line of Scrimmage. Any pass that does not go past the Line of Scrimmage will NOT be considered a legal forward pass and be considered incomplete. In the Pass-Only Zone, the QB may hand off the ball, however, the player receiving the handoff must still pass the ball to another receiver beyond the Line of Scrimmage to obey the Pass-Only rule. Alternatively, any other spot on the field outside the Pass Only Zone it is legal to run or pass the ball per NES Flag rules.
NOTE: For the 6U Division ONLY, the Pass only Zones are located at each Endzone and NOT at the first down marker at midfield. Also there are no “Safety’s” in the 6U division.
DEAD BALL
The play is ruled dead when:
- When the Referee blows the whistle.
- The Ball Carrier’s flag is pulled.
- The Ball Carrier steps out of bounds.
- The Quarterback steps over the Line of Scrimmage prior to handing off or passing the football.
- Touchdown or Safety is scored.
- The Ball Carrier’s knee, elbow, or body hits the ground.
- The Ball Carrier’s flags fall off.
- *The Ball Carrier’s flags are NOT positioned on the players hips, the flags tucked in or hidden by the jersey making them difficult to pull. (*all are Referee discretion.)
- The football hits the ground. Incomplete pass, bad snap, dropped while running, etc. NO stripping of the ball allowed!
*Note: A ball dropped by the Offense in their own end zone is a Safety. **Also Note: At the beginning of each half, the Offense MUST wait for the official to spot the ball, get in position and blow the whistle to snap the ball. Other than that, it is a ‘live ball’ when it is placed.
RUSHING/BLITZING THE QUARTERBACK
For 5v5, All players who choose to rush the QB and cross the Line of Scrimmage before the ball is thrown or handed off must be a minimum of Seven(7) Yards back from the line of scrimmage (as marked by referee) before the ball is snapped. Note: For *7v7, All players who choose to rush the QB and cross the Line of Scrimmage before the ball is thrown or handed off must be a minimum of Ten(10) Yards back from the line of scrimmage (as marked by referee)
As many Defensive players as a team chooses are permitted to Rush/Blitz from 7 yards back as spotted by the referee. (*or 10 yards for 7v.7) When the ball is snapped, any number of players who started from the blitz line may rush the QB. Those players MUST wait until the ball is snapped to start Rushing/Blitzing. Note: If a player(s) who is/are blitzing leaves the Blitz Line set by the official prior to the ball is snapped the official will raise his hand indicating a potential penalty. If that player then continues and crosses the Line of Scrimmage prior to the ball being handed off or thrown, a penalty will be called on the Defense. NOTE: If the blitzing player leaves before the ball is snapped and does NOT cross the Line of Scrimmage, it is NOT a penalty. Or if the Blitz leaves early and the ball is handed off or thrown prior to the Defender crossing the LOS, no penalty will be called.
NOTE: Absolutely NO contact with the QB is allowed by the blitz. Physical contact with a QB will result in a personal foul with a 10-yard penalty and automatic First Down. All players not rushing the QB may defend on the line of scrimmage (but not cross it) until the ball leaves QB hands. Once the ball is handed off or thrown, the 7-yard rule (10 yards for 7v7.) is no longer is in effect and all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage to attack.
Remember, for both 5v5 and 7v7, there is NO BLOCKING, TACKLING, TRIPPING, STRIPPING THE BALL or PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE BALL CARRIER, QUARTERBACK OR ANY OTHER PLAYER IS ALLOWED. ONLY PULLING HIS/HER FLAG IS PERMITTED! NO CUSSING, SWEARING, PUSHING OR FIGHTING! PERSONAL FOUL PENALTIES WILL BE ISSUED FOR ANY OF THESE INFRACTIONS. ANY OF THESE MAY BE GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE EJECTION OF ANY PLAYER, COACH OR FAN! ALL DEFENSIVE PENALTIES MAY BE DECLINED *EXCEPT FOR PERSONAL FOULS.
NES LEAGUE OFFICALS
All NES League official referees go through rigorous training and have a full understanding of the NES Rules & Regulations prior to officiating any games. They are well-versed in flag football and are trained to watch for specific infractions on the field and sidelines. All NES referees have specific points on the field they occupy giving them a clear view of the action. NES referees are positioned on opposite sides of the field, one on the Line of Scrimmage and one on the Blitz Line giving them a clear view of the game on and up & down the field. All penalties are called by League Officials. The Officials have to make split second calls during the chaotic speed of the game and will be granted time to do so. If there is a question about a play, the Referees will stop the clock, convene and discuss it. They will then make the decision and it is final. In the rare instance that more clarification needs to be made, they may get the League Commissioners call on it.
Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. Only the Head Coach may calmly and respectfully ask the referee questions or get more clarification about a call.
Note: players may NOT question the referees judgment calls. If a player or coach is yelling, cussing, berating or trying to intimidate a Referee, his/her questions are null and void and it may result in a personal foul against him/her and the team. He/she may also be ejected from the game! This type of behavior has no place at New England Sports. Multiple personal fouls may result in ejection of a player, coach &/or forfeit of the game.
DEFENSIVE PENALTIES:
Offsides - Player crosses the LOS prior to the ball being snapped: 5 yards & automatic First Down (*delayed whistle)
Pass Interference - Contact preventing Receiver from catching the football: Spot Foul & Automatic First Down
Illegal Contact - *Contact with QB’s arm, body or head. *Running into the QB. *Intentional contact with an Offensive Player: 10 yards & Automatic First Down
Illegal Flag Pull - Defender pulls the flag before receiver has ball: 5 yards & Repeat Down or may be declined. NOTE: Defensive players may NOT dive towards or leave the ground when pulling a flag. Defensive players must have at least one foot on the ground when grabbing flags. No intentional, direct contact is to be made with another player. Diving at or intentional contact is a personal foul and will be charged 10 yards and automatic First Down.
Illegal Blitz/Rushing - For 5v5: Leaving early from 7-yard rush line before the ball is snapped and the Blitz crosses the LOS: 5 yards & Automatic First Down Note: When a Blitz leaves early, the referees will raise their hand indicating the Blitz left early and if they cross the LOS, a flag will be thrown. If the Blitz goes back and “tags-up” the referees will lower their hand indicating no penalty will be called from crossing the LOS. If the Blitz leaves early and crosses the LOS AFTER the ball is handed off or thrown, there is no penalty for an illegal blitz.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – TACKLING, TRIPPING, STRIPPING THE BALL, PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH A QB or BALL CARRIER, CUSSING, SWEARING, PUSHING, INTIMIDATING A PLAYER OR LEAGUE OFFICIAL OR FIGHTING *10 yards from spot of foul/automatic First Down AND potential ejection. Second Personal Foul by same player must get Commissioner (Nathan Farrar) involved for possible Ejection of that player. Third Personal Foul by a team: Team Forfeits and loses that game EVEN if they’re ahead in the score of that game!
**The half or Game may not end on a Defensive penalty unless the Offense declines it.
OFFENSIVE PENALTIES:
Illegal Motion - False Start, More than one player in motion: 5 yard penalty & Loss of Down
Illegal Formation – For 5v5, the Offense does NOT have at least One(1) player (including the Center) set on the Line of Scrimmage: 5 yard penalty & Loss of Down. *For 7v7, the Offense does NOT have at least Three(3) players (including the Center) set on the Line of Scrimmage: 5 yard penalty & Loss of Down
Illegal Forward Pass - pass does NOT fly to or beyond L.O.S. or if it’s an overhand pass backwards: Incomplete Pass & Loss of Down.
Offensive Pass Interference - Illegal pick-play, pushing off Defender, Offensive Pass interference: 5 Yards & Loss of Down.
Running in to the Defensive Blitz – Offensive player doesn’t avoid contact with the Defensive Blitz while running their route. The Offensive player doesn’t stop or go around to avoid making contact with the Blitzing player or Defender while the Offensive player is moving/in motion: 5 Yards, automatic 1st Down. If deemed intentional, it may be called for a personal foul: 10 yards, loss of down, possible ejection. Offensive players must avoid contact with a defender.
Flag Guarding – Offesnive player uses his hg5 Offensive player uses his hand, arm, elbow, any other part of their body or the ball to prevent the Defender from grabbing their flag: 5 yard loss from the spot of the Foul.
Charging – Intentional or accidental contact with a defender while moving/in motion: 5 Yard loss from the spot of the Foul and Loss of Down. Note: If deemed intentional, may result in a personal foul with 10 yard loss of down and possible ejection of the game.
Blocking: Offensive running with the ball-carrier. Note: Offensive players MUST freeze in place and stop running when anywhere in the vicinity of the ball carrier after they cross the Line of Scrimmage.
Delay of Game – 40 second play clock expires prior to the Offense snapping the ball: 5 Yard loss and & Loss of Down - Note: on 3rd Down, this would force a force the team to either punt or “Go for It.” On a 4th Down this would result in a turnover on Downs.
Important: The Offense may NOT use the delay of game penalty to be pushed back out of the “Pass Only Zone”. If a delay of game penalty happens in the Pass Only zone, the Offense loses a down, is moved back 5 yards and is STILL in the pass only zone. This rule applies for the first down marker and the endzone. Note: A team may not be penaltied into or out of the Pass Only Zone.
Pass Clock: - QB does not hand off or pass the football within in 7 seconds: Loss of Down & Ball spotted at point QB was when clock ran out. Note: IF QB is in End Zone, play results in a Safety. **NES does not call “Intentional Grounding”
Unsportsmanlike Conduct - *10 yards from LOS and Loss of Down/ Warning for potential ejection. * Second Personal Foul by same player must get the Commissioner (Nathan Farrar) involved for possible Ejection of that player. Third Personal Foul by a team: Team Forfeits and loses that game EVEN if they’re ahead in the score of that game!
SPORTSMANSHIP
If on the field, the Referee or Commissioner witnesses any acts of taunting, bullying, tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or ANY unsportsmanlike act, by a player, coach or fan, the game will be stopped and the player/coach or fan may be ejected from the game. Tampering with Flags in an attempt to make them difficult to pull out is immediate disqualification for that team and opposing team gets the win.
**FOUL PLAY OR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT HAS NO PLACE AT NEW ENGLAND SPORTS AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
Officials have the right to determine offensive language. Offensive language towards officials, opposing players, teams or spectators is not acceptable in this league. If this occurs, the referee may give one warning or chose to eject them from the field and premises based on the severity. The game will not continue until the ejected party has left the premises. If they do not leave, the referee will forfeit the game immediately and award the Win to the opposing team regardless of the score. If any such incident occurs, the Referee must get the League Commissioner (Nathan Farrar) involved.
NES RULES & REGULATIONS FOR NES BASKETBALL
Here are the New England Sports Rules and Regulations for our youth Basketball Leagues by division:.
6U NES Basketball Rules Time:
The game will be two 20-minute halves with a running clock. Each half will be divided into four 5-minute intervals for substitutions to encourage fair playing time. Play will be stopped at a convenient time as not to interrupt play, but will be as close to 5- minute intervals as possible.
General Rules: At this level, the main objective is teaching the game and rules. Mainly the referee will not make many violation calls but, when necessary, will blow the whistle to stop play and talk to the kids explaining the violations as they occur. At the Refs discretion, the player may then take the ball to proceed on Offense. The referee and scorer will have the final say on all matters.
Team Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of team fouls. Personal Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of personal fouls.
Free Throws: No free throws will be administered at this level. Any whistle blown will result in stopping the play and the Ref will decide if the Offense retain possession or the opposing team will take possession of the ball out of bounds.
Three Point Field Goals: 3-point goals are not allowed at this level.
Timeouts: One 30 second timeout allowed per half.
Defense: All defenses should be one-on-one, no double teaming. No stealing allowed. Full Court Press: No pressing allowed; each team gets to bring the ball over half court without being covered.
8U NES Basketball Rules
Time: The game will be two 20-minute halves with a running clock. Each half will be divided into four 5-minute intervals for substitutions to encourage fair playing time. Play will be stopped at a convenient time as not to interrupt play, but will be as close to 5- minute intervals as possible.
General Rules: The referee shall enforce all rules at this level. Discretion will be allowed for less skilled/confident players The referee and scorer will have the final say on all matters.
Team Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of team fouls. Personal Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of personal fouls.
Free Throws: Free throws will be administered at this level for shooting fouls only.
Three Point Field Goals: 3-point goals are allowed at this level.
Timeouts: One 30 second timeout allowed per half.
Defense: All defenses should be one-on-one, no double teaming.
Full Court Press: No pressing allowed; each team gets to bring the ball over half court without being covered.
10U NES Basketball Rules
Time: The game will be two 20-minute halves with a running clock. Each half will be divided into four 5-minute intervals for substitutions to encourage fair playing time. Play will be stopped at a convenient time as not to interrupt play, but will be as close to 5- minute intervals as possible.
General Rules: The referee shall enforce all rules at this level. Discretion will be allowed for less skilled/confident players The referee and scorer will have the final say on all matters.
Team Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of team fouls. Personal Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of personal fouls. Free Throws: Free throws will be administered at this level for shooting fouls only.
Three Point Field Goals: 3-point goals are allowed at this level.
Timeouts: One 30 second timeout allowed per half. Defense: All defenses should be one-on-one, no double teaming. Full Court Press: No pressing allowed; each team gets to bring the ball over half court without being covered. ** Each team may press in the last 2 minutes of the game. Pressing is not allowed when a team is ahead by 10 or more points.
13U NES Basketball Rules Time:
The game will be two 20-minute halves with a running clock. Each half will be divided into four 5-minute intervals for substitutions to encourage fair playing time. Play will be stopped at a convenient time as not to interrupt play, but will be as close to 5- minute intervals as possible.
General Rules: The referee shall enforce all rules at this level. Discretion will be allowed for less skilled/confident players The referee and scorer will have the final say on all matters.
Team Fouls: Scorer will keep track of team fouls. Personal Fouls: Scorer will not keep track of personal fouls.
Free Throws: Free throws will be administered at this level for shooting fouls. When a team reaches 7 fouls in a half, the opposing team will shoot a 1 and 1 free throw. When a team reaches 10 fouls in a half, the opposing team will shoot 2 free throws.
Three Point Field Goals: 3-point goals are allowed at this level.
Timeouts: One 30 second timeout allowed per half.
Defense: All defenses should be one-on-one, no double teaming. Full Court Press : No pressing allowed; each team gets to bring the ball over half court without being covered. **Each team may press in the last 2 minutes of the game. Pressing is not allowed when a team is ahead by 10 or more points.
All Rules, Guidelines and Penalties were written and approved by the N.E.S. League Commissioner for the years of 2021-2022. All participants on New England Sports properties during sponsored N.E.S. events must adhere to our strict code of conduct and high standard set by New England Sports LLC. All rules and regulations are agreed upon by New England Sports LLC Owners, Employees, Referees, Volunteers, Players, Coaches, Spectators and Affiliates. All penalties and ejections of a player, coach or spectator are enforced by N.E.S. Referees and the League Commissioner. Expulsion from the league must come from the Commissioner.
Nathan Farrar, League Commissioner
New England Sports League
Office: 978-880-7944
E: [email protected]
Web: www.NewEnglandSportsLeague.com
For more information regarding any of our aforementioned policies, please email the league commissioner, Nathan Farrar at [email protected] or call 978-880-7944