Unsportsmanlike Conduct

A major role of the officials on the field is make sure that the game is played in a controlled and sportsmanlike manner. Unfortunately, there are some players and situations that refuse to conform. In these instances, the officials must quickly use their penalty flags, whistles and voices to control the game. Below are the guidelines for assessing an Unsportsmanlike Penalty - its ramifications for the player, their team, and the game as a whole. It is important that no unsporting behavior go unchecked. Officials should strive to use preventative measures whenever possible to avoid having to throw an unsportsmanlike penalty.

Any Acts of Unfair Play Including:
Using disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap to interfere with the offense. Intentionally kicking, swinging an arm, hand or fist at any opposing player.

 Dead Ball Player Fouls Including:
• Intentionally kicking the ball
• Spiking the ball into the ground or throwing the ball high into the air
• Excessive celebration of a touchdown

Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Attempting to influence a decision by an official
• Disrespectfully addressing an official
• Indicating objections to an official’s decision
• Holding an unauthorized conference, or being on the field illegally
• Using profane, insulting or vulgar language or gestures
• Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the game by persons subject to the rules. (Making contact with an official results in three UCs and the immediate forfeiture of the game)

Personal Fouls
No player shall commit a personal foul during a period or an intermission. Any act prohibited hereunder or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul. Personal fouls result in the immediate ejection of the player.

 Personal Fouls include:
• Punching, striking, or kicking at another player
• Tripping, clipping or tackling an opponent
• Contacting an opponent who is on the ground
• Throwing the runner to the ground
• Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is declared dead
• Unnecessary contact of any nature including using fists, locked hands, elbows, or any part of the forearm or hand, except according to the rules
• Deliberately driving or running into a defensive player
• Punching or swiping at the ball (no ejection)
• Hurdling another player (no ejection)

 Ejections
A player will be ejected after receiving two unsportsmanlike penalties in one game. Flag Football is a non-contact sport. Contact that is incidental is allowed, provided it is not reckless or dangerous. All other contact is subject to penalties per the rules of the game. Contact that is in excess of the provided rules will result in the ejection of the player.

Tackling, tripping, striking and clipping other players is not acceptable. Likewise, contact made not in an attempt to get the ball or stop a play is also unacceptable. This includes, kicking, punching, biting or striking other players.

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