NEFL Modified rules, game policies and information
October 2025
All games in the NEFL are played under NCAA rules with the following exceptions. In the event that a head coach wishes to challenge the enforcement of a specific modified rule on this list, the procedure is outlined in rule (21) CHALLENGE FLAG.
(1) DOWN BY CONTACT: If a ball carrier is not down by contact, he can get up andcontinue to advance the ball. He must be touched by a defensive player.
(2) BLOCKING: No down field blocking below the waist - only in legal clipping area (threeyards to either side of the line of scrimmage).
(3) EXTRA POINTS AND FIELD GOALS: A kicking tee may be used on all extra points andfield goals.
(4) OFFICIAL TIME: Games consist of fifteen minute quarters. On a pass play, if the clock has been stopped according to rule, the clock will again start when the ball is declared ready for play. On a running play, if the ball goes out of bounds, the clock will also start on the ready for play. On a change of possession, the clock will start on the snap. Games should run about two and a half hours. The last five minutes of each half should be regulation time with a two minute warning given to each team at the end of each half.
(5) TIMEOUTS: Teams may use three timeouts per half. No more than two coaches from each team may go onto the field during a timeout. Coaches on the field during a timeout may only address their team.
(6) KICKOFFS: Kickoffs will be from the 35-yard line. No re-kicks on kickoffs. If ball goes out of bounds or if There is an off sides or other penalty, the game official will spot the ball accordingly and the Receiving team will start play from that spot or at the 35-yard line. If a fair catch is called on a kickoff, the receiving team will start play from the spot of the fair catch.
(7) PUNTS: A player must be allowed three yards to field a punt and the team punting the ball may only release the two split ends before the ball is punted.
(8) LONG SNAP RULE: The defense cannot position a defender “head-up” on the long snapper. Center/guard gap or outside only.
(9) PASS INTERFERENCE/CONTACT ON RECEIVER: If the opposing player is head up (in front of you), you canbump him one time within the first five yards of the line of scrimmage, but once the player isparallel to you or breaks away, he cannot be touched.
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(10) IN THE GRASP RULE: The game official will blow the whistle and stop the play whenthe quarterback is considered no longer mobile.
(11) OVERTIME: At the end of four quarters, if a game is tied, after a five minute intermission, another fifteen minutes of official time will be added by the game officials on the field. The first team to score in this “sudden-death” period, will win the game. Regular season
will consist of one overtime period only. If the game is still tied at the end of that period, it is considered a tie game.
Playoff overtime will consist of one “sudden-death” period only. If any playoff game remains tied after the one “sudden-death” period, after a five minute intermission play will resume using the NCAA Tie-breaking system (see NCAA Rules).
(12) NUMBERING
- All non eligible offensive positions must wear jersey numbers 50 - 79.
- Players who have both offensive and defensive positions must wear a jersey number
indicative of their offensive position. - #0 or #00 may be used, but are considered eligible
position numbers when used on offense
- Numbers must be visible on the front, back and either the shoulders or sleeves of the
jersey.
- One exception (max.) is allowed at any time. Teams may use an eligible player in an
ineligible position or use and ineligible numbered player in an eligible position. (An
ineligible numbered player can play in the backfield without being an exception, can carry
the ball, but cannot receive a pass) teams must announce the intention of using an
exception to the referee each time a player who is an exception to the numbering rule
enters the game. The referee will announce it to the defensive team. Teams may change
what player is an exception, but must announce the # and position to the referee.
− A player failing to report as an exception will result in a 5 yd penalty and loss of down.
− Head coach may be assessed a 15 yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct for a player who
deceptively violates the exception to the numbering rule. (ex. A player wearing #98
who is an exception in the tackle position is used as a receiver)
(13) PAYMENT TO GAME OFFICIALS: Each team will be required to pay the crew chief $300.00 before the game. Game fee is in cash only. No checks accepted! The crew chief will then pay each crew member. All NEFL games will be worked using five man crews at $120.00 per official. (Fee does not include additional travel expenses for certain teams in certain areas. This additional expense will be the responsibility of the host team.)
(14) ESCORTS FOR GAME OFFICIALS: Home team will be required to provide at least two players to escort the officials off the field after the game when requested by the officials.
(15) MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: Referees will have each head coach certify that each player is wearing mandatory league equipment. The mandatory league equipment consists of a helmet with a facemask and chinstrap, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads and either rubber or plastic cleats only . It is the responsibility of the head coaches to certify that all his players are wearing mandatory league equipment as mandated by the NEFL
(16) CERTIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL: The home team head coach must verify and identify the certified Medical Professional that is present and will be working the game. The game cannot start and will not start without proper medical personnel present.
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(17) GAME CLOCK (SCOREBOARD): The field or stadium scoreboard will be allowed to operate at the discretion of the game officials, providing they feel that the clock operator is qualified to do so. If at their discretion there is no one adequately qualified, the game clock (scoreboard) will be shut off and official time will only be kept on the field. Home teams wishing to use an official game clock “scoreboard” operator will pay a mandatory $75.00 fee.
(18) GOALPOSTS: Goalposts can be high school or college width.
(19) AUTHORIZED FIELD/SIDELINE PASSES: The NEFL will issue twelve authorized field/sideline passes to each team. These passes will be used for coaches, trainers, sponsors, or any other person(s) at said team’s discretion. Any individual not possessing an authorized field/sideline pass will not be allowed on said team’s sideline. If the game officials see an unauthorized person(s) on a team’s sideline, one warning will be given to remove said person(s) from the sideline. If said team is found in violation a second time, the game will be stopped and a delay of game penalty will be issued to said team, and the game will not continue until said person(s) are removed from the sideline.
(20) PRESS BOX: If stadium or field has a press box that the home team has access to for its coaches, the home team must also make it accessible to coaches from the visiting team as well, or disciplinary action will be taken by the officers of the NEFL including fine, probation and/or forfeit if access is denied to the visiting team and game officials will not allow coaches of home team access to the press box.
(21) CHALLENGE FLAG: In the event a head coach wishes to challenge the enforcement of a modified rule, the following applies. Each coach must have a red challenge flag/beanbag onhis person. Team will have 1 challenge per half. Should the coach wish to challenge
enforcement of a modified rule, he throws the flag near the sideline official before the next snap. The official upon seeing the flag will immediately stop play and notify the referee that a rule has been challenged. Referee will then discuss the challenge with the head coach.
− Should the challenge be upheld, the correct ruling will be enforced. Game will then proceed at the point of interruption. Coach will retain his challenge.
− Should the challenge be turned down, the head coach will be charged with a time out and have no remaining challenges for that half.
(22) TINTED VISORS: All Players have signed waivers that include the player assuming any liability related to the use of non-clear visors. Players may wear them with the understanding that Game Officials may remove any player wearing a visor for medical evaluation at any time until cleared by the EMT.
(23) AERIAL DRONES: Aerial drones are not permitted above or around the field of play due to safety, liability, and other concerns.
