The PNFL follows most of the same rules as the National Federation of State High School Associations
(NFHS), but with a few exceptions. See below for a list of notable NFHS rules adopted by the PNFL, as
well as the differences between PNFL rules and NFHS rules. Please note, this is not a comprehensive list
of ALL rules, but just a list of rules that differ from the NFHS, as well as a summary of notable other rules
the league wants to highlight. If you have any questions, concerns, or need clarification on any rules,
please email the league at info@pnfl.org.
TIMING
Each game will consist of four quarters, with each quarter lasting 12 minutes.
The play clock will last 40 seconds.
- The offensive team has 40 seconds from the time the ball is spotted to start a new play.
- If play has stopped, such as for a timeout, then the offense has 25 seconds from the time the
referee spots the ball and starts the play clock.
The game clock will stop only under the following scenarios:
- During timeouts.
- At the end of a quarter.
- When a ball carrier runs out of bounds.
- On a penalty.
- When a player is injured.
- When a team scores.
- After an incomplete pass.
- When the officials need to measure for a first down.
In regards to the above clock stoppage scenarios, please note the following:
- The clock continues to run when the offense gets a first down (same as in NFL) – there is no
clock stoppage to reset the chains.
- There is no two minute warning in the PNFL (same as NFHS and NCAA).
OVERTIME
- Each team is given one possession beginning at the opposing team’s 25 yard line.
- If after the two overtime periods there is no winner, the game will result in a tie.
NOTABLE PENALTIES
The following will incur a 5 yard penalty:
Delay of game.
Illegal substitution.
Encroachment.
False start.
Illegal formation.
Illegal snap.
Illegal shift.
Illegal motion.
Illegal formation.
Illegal forward pass.
Intentional grounding.
Ineligible receiver downfield.
Illegal touching.
Illegal fair catch.
Running into the kicker or holder.
The following will incur a 10 yard penalty:
Holding (offensive or defensive).
Block in the back.
The following will incur a 15 yard penalty:
Unsportsmanlike conduct.
Illegal kicking.
Illegal blocking.
Kick-catch interference.
Offensive pass interference (defensive pass interference is a spot foul).
Blocking below the waist.
Clipping.
Chop block.
Tripping.
Personal foul.
Facemask.
Illegal helmet contact.
Hose collar tackle.
Roughing the kicker or holder.
Sideline interference (after already receiving a warning upon first offense).
NOTABLE RULES
- Defensive pass interference is a spot foul AND an automatic first down (different from
NFHS).
- Offensive pass interference is a 15 yard penalty AND a loss of down (different from NFHS).
- Defensive holding is a 10 yard penalty AND an automatic first down (different from NFHS).
- Personal foul penalties carry a 15 yard penalty and an automatic first down (different from
NFHS).
- We utilize the “outside the tackle box” rule for quarterbacks. If a quarterback intentionally throws the ball out of bounds with no receiver in the area, it will NOT be intentional grounding so long as the quarterback is outside of the tackle box AND the ball crosses the line of scrimmage. If the quarterback is NOT outside the tackle box and/or the ball doesn't cross the line of scrimmage then an intentional grounding penalty will be enforced.
- The defense may not return an extra point for a score.
- Equipment: Players are NOT required to wear full leg pads.
- There is no “mercy rule” or running clock.
- There are NO jersey number restrictions. Any player at any position can wear any number.
KICKOFFS
- Kickoffs will take place at the kicking team’s 35 yard line.
- If a ball is kicked out of bounds on a kickoff then the receiving team will start their possession
with the ball spotted at their own 40 yard line (different from NFHS).
- If the ball crosses the goal line on a kickoff, the receiving team has the option of returning the
kickoff out of the endzone (Unlike NFHS, which utilizes an automatic touchback).
TIEBREAKERS
In determining the league championship matchup, as well as league standings, in the event two or more
teams are tied with the same overall record, the following order of tiebreakers will apply:
- 1) Head to head matchup result(s)
- 2) Fewest points allowed in head to head matchup(s) ONLY between the teams in the tiebreaker
- 3) Fewest points allowed to common opponents over the entire season
- 4) Fewest points allowed to all opponents over the season
- 5) Coin flip