Defensive players can line up any way that they choose before the snap. Their only limitation is that they must be lined up between their own end zone and the line of scrimmage.
Overview of Defense
DEFENSIVE RUSHING
There can be a maximum of one unannounced rushers pursuing the QB behind the line of scrimmage. This rusher must count to 4 ‘STEAMBOATS’ aloud so that both teams can hear. No other defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage until the ball leaves the QBs hand via forward pass or lateral/backward pass. At that point, any defensive player can cross the line of scrimmage to pursue the ball carrier.
FLAG PULLING
Players may dive when attempting to pull a flag.
INTERCEPTION
Interceptions can be returned for a touchdown by the defensive team.
PASS INTERFERENCE
It is pass interference if an eligible receiver is de-flagged or touched prior to touching the ball on a pass thrown beyond the offense’s line of scrimmage.
If the pass interference by the defense is intentional and/or unsportsmanlike, the defense may be penalized an additional 10 yards, down repeats.
DEFENDING A FORWARD PASS
The defensive team can defend a forward pass by batting the ball down, or by trying to intercept the ball. No contact with offensive players will be allowed.
Defensive Penalties
PENALTIES
No Penalty can award the ball into the end zone (and resulting in a touchdown). Infractions that happen closer to the goal line than the penalty awards will be placed on the 1-yard line or half the distance to the goal, whichever is closer.
ILLEGAL RUSH
Any defensive player (other than the one unannounced rusher) who rushes behind the line of scrimmage while the QB maintains initial possession of the ball, will result in a 10-yard penalty and repeat of down.
OFF SIDES
Defensive players must line up between their end zone and the line of scrimmage. Lining up over the line of scrimmage will result in a 10-yard penalty.
ILLEGAL CONTACT
Defenders cannot jam receiver or run over or through a blocker, or engage in any other type of illegal contact. This will result in a 10-yard penalty penalty from the line of scrimmage and repeat of the down.from the line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.
HOLDING
Defenders cannot impede the offensive player by holding their body or equipment. Holding will result in a 10-yard penalty from end of the play and an automatic first down.
DEFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE
Defensive Pass Interference will result in 10-yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and automatic 1st down. If defensive pass interference occurs during the last two minutes of either half, the ball is placed at the spot of the penalty or 10-yard penalty, whichever is greater, the offense is awarded an automatic first down.
DELAY OF THE GAME
10-yard penalty and replay of the down.
FLAG BELT & USAGE REMOVAL
It is illegal for a defensive player to intentionally pull a flag belt from an offensive player who is not in possession of the ball. Tampering with the flag belt in any way to gain an advantage is considered unsportsmanlike; and an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty will be issued, 10-yards and automatic 1stdown.
Any act listed below or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul and will result in a 10-yard penalty (and possible ejection, referees discretion) for infractions made by an offensive player; or 10-yards plus an automatic first down for infractions against the defense.
Players Shall Not Commit the Following:
HOSTILE CONTACT
Punch, strike or make any hostile physical contact (automatic ejection).
TRIP AN OPPONENT
Make contact with an opponent who is on the ground.
STEAL
Strip, steal, or attempt to steal the ball from a player in possession.
THROWING RUNNERS
Throw the runner to the ground.
HURDLE ANY OTHER PLAYER
Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is declared dead.
PHYSICAL ALTERCATION
Make any contact with an opponent, which is deemed unnecessary of any nature including using fists, locked hands, elbows or any part of the forearm or hand.
ILLEGAL PUSH
Defensive players cannot intentionally push an offensive player out of bounds.
ROUGHING THE QB
Defensive players can only pull the Quarterback’s flags. Any additional contact (such as contact with the quarterback’s arm) can be penalized at the referee’s discretion.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Can be called at the referee’s discretion in the event a player places himself or others in any danger.
TAUNTING
Heavy or excessive taunting can result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Repeat offenders will be ejected from the game.
Comissioner's Note
The Commission has the right to penalize individual player or entire teams for negative actions on and around the field. Penalties can be issued even if the referee didn’t issue a penalty on the field.