Safeties are only awarded on 3 types of plays and are worth 2 points:
James Madison University Intramural Sports
Officials Development Program- Flag Football
Safeties and the Momentum Rule
Aside from Touchdowns and Extra Points, the only way for a team to score is by obtaining a Safety. While rare, the proper application of the Momentum Rule will keep unearned points off the board and allow an official to shine.
Safeties and the Momentum Rules
Safeties
Safeties rarely occur during Intramural Flag Football. However, it is important that the official know and understand all the aspects of the game and its rules. The following section will guide you through the rule and its enforcement.
Safeties are only awarded on 3 types of plays and are worth 2 points:
1. A runner carries the ball from the field of play to or across their own goal line, and it becomes dead there in their team's possession.
2. A player passes, fumbles, snaps, muffs, or bats a loose ball from the field of play to or across their goal line and the ball subsequently becomes dead in their team's possession. This includes when the ball is declared dead on or behind the goal line.
3. A player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and the measurement is from a spot in their end zone.
Example 1: The QB fumbles the snap in their own endzone and it hits the ground. The ball is declared dead and a safety awarded to the other team.
Example 2: The QB scrambles in their own endzone and touches the net at the back of the endzone. The net is considered out of bounds so the play is blown dead and a safety awarded to the other team.
Example: The offense is called for illegal contact in their own endzone. According to the All-but-One principle, the penalty is marked from the spot of the foul (in this case, in the end zone) and a safety is awarded to the defense.
Exception: The Momentum Rule
When a defensive player intercepts their opponents forward pass, fumble, or backward pass between their own 5 yard line and their goal line, and their original momentum carries them into their own endzone where the ball is then declared dead, the ball will belong to the defensive team at the spot where possession was originally gained.
Momentum Rule Example:
A defensive player jumps to intercept the ball at their own 3 yard line and due to their momentum, stumbles backwards after they land into their own end zone where they fall down and the play is blown dead.
Rather than the play being scored a Safety (per Rule 1), the defensive team will gain possession at the 3 yard line, according to the Momentum Rule
Touchbacks
A Touchback occurs when the offensive team cannot get the ball out of their own end zone and onto the field of play. When a Touchback is called, the ball is marked at the 20 yard line. Specifically a Touchback is called, when a player gains possession of the ball in their own endzone and the ball subsequently declared dead before crossing their own goal line.
Example #1: A defensive player intercepts the ball and is deflagged in their own end zone before crossing the goal line or makes no attempt at a run.
Or, when the ball becomes dead, not in possession, on, above or behind the teams own goal line and the attacking team is responsible for the position of the ball.
The Throw Bag
Uses of the Throw Bag
1. The throw bag is always used to mark a precise spot, it should be carried to that spot and dropped - or at least spotted
on the yard line
2. Keep the bag in your belt.
3. Referees may find it helpful to mark the forward progress of a passer who is being sacked.
4. It is not a good idea to drop the bag in an out of bounds position. Hold the spot and drop the bag in the case of an unusual situation.
Additional Information:
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