The AIF was recently informed that due to a serious illness to the owner of the Roc City Thunder, the team will not be able to move forward in 2013.

Jeff Teed, the principle owner has worked hard at keeping things going but unfortunately will be unable to proceed forward.   After discussions with Mr. Teed, the AIF decided it was best to remove Rochester from the schedule for 2013 season and re-evaluate the situation in the future.

During the summer of 2012 Mr. Teed was diagnosed with a serious illness and in October he started treatment.

This past January, Mr. Teed’s heath started to fade again and he decided at this time he must devote all his efforts to his health and recovery. Other options were explored including bringing on additional investors to the team but the time frame was too short for a full evaluation. The AIF and the Roc City Thunder have decided the best option is to remove the Roc City Thunder from the 2013 league schedule and the AIF has revised the 2013 schedule.

The AIF and their member teams wish Mr. Teed the best and a speedy recovery in the battle against his illness.

The AIF, American Indoor Football held their annual league meetings this past December 6^th at the Historic Yorktowne Hotel in York Pa. Ownership groups from all 2013 AIF teams where represented at the meeting, the Harrisburg Stampede, Roc City Thunder, Washington Eagles, West Virginia Badgers, York Capitals and last year’s  AIF Champion the Cape Fear Heroes  Also in attendance was the ownership group from the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Pa. market who has committed to play in the 2014 season.

The first order of business announced was the six AIF team members that will be playing in 2013 as well as the under contract expansion markets of Wiles-Barre/ Scranton Pa. and Baltimore Maryland with the return of the AIF to 1^st Mariner Arena in 2014. In addition the AIF announced it was in discussions with two ownership groups about securing teams in the State of South Carolina for the 2014 season

In a long day of meetings league officials and team owners covered a wide variety of topics from team budgets, team revenue streams, vendor products, a weekly AIF radio podcast as well as the radio broadcasts of team games. In addition a league executive and standards committee was formed featuring the owners of three AIF teams as well as members of the AIF ownership and management team to steer the direction and vision of the league. The final order of business was the 2013 AIF Schedule which was completed and will be released to the public in the next several days. 

Topic: Ontario Warriors
For Immediate Release

Effective May 17, 2012, the AIF indefinitely suspended the Ontario Warriors franchise from all AIF play, to include the final 2 games of the regular season as well as any playoff and All Star Classic participation. 

This suspension is a result of numerous violations of the Membership Agreement and the AIF Operating Manual. 

Jack Bowman
AIF National Director

Press Release 
April 18, 2012
 

The AIF is in the process of evaluating the current situation in Arizona for the next couple of days and then a determination will be made by the AIF as to the best action to take moving forward. A situation arose on April 17th, 2012 when AIF officials were notified that the Arizona Outlaws initial investor was pulling out of the Outlaws organization putting in jeopardy the Outlaws home venue commitment, The AIF is in communication with members of the Arizona organization as well as the owners of other AIF western teams to put together a revised schedule.

 A new schedule for the AIF West will be out the beginning of the week with the west playoffs still to be held on the weekends of June 2 and 9th and the AIF Championship game to be held on June 16^th. The revised west schedule may contain some date or venue changes due to the circumstances. The AIF will update our fans with the latest information in the next several days.

 Wide receiver Marques Colston is re-signing with the New Orleans Saints -- and he's re-joining the Harrisburg Stampede, as well.

Stampede owner Justin Coble says Colston has agreed to be a partner in the franchise, which begins its inaugural season of American Indoor Football (AIF) on April 7.

"Getting a high-character guy like him is huge," said Coble of Colston, who amassed more than 1,000 yards receiving in five of his six seasons. "He wants to be involved in the community."

Colston was previously involved with the club at its inception. But after making an initial investment, he left the team shortly thereafter; his lawyers said in April 2009 that Colston wanted to focus on his pro career, instead.

Colston credits Coble's enthusiasm for getting him back on board. Coble assumed control of the Stampede in February 2012.

"Just having a new ownership with a new attitude," explained Colston, in a brief phone call with CBS 21 News Sports Director Jason Bristol on Wednesday afternoon, on why he decided to rejoin the team. "Justin is willing to do whatever it takes (to make the product successful)."

Colston, a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School, agreed to a new five-year contract with New Orleans on Tuesday.

He also said he will attend some of the team's games and Coble expects Colston to be a hands-on partner, as well; involved with the day-to-day decision-making as much as possible.

And that's fine with Colston, 28, who is currently taking graduate business classes and knows he won't be playing in the NFL forever. "Having a skill set to transition into the business world is a huge asset," he said.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Tuesday that Colston is everything the team wants as both a player and a person. He added that Colston deserves credit for working to get a deal done before the opening of free agency.

Coble said making Colston a part-owner had been in the works for the past three or four weeks.

 

 

Original Article: Marques Colston becomes part-owner of Harrisburg Stampede 
Reported by: Jason Bristol

 

The AIF announced the release today of its 2012 Eastern Conference Schedule consisting of seven teams. In these tough economic times the AIF saw the need to develop a business model that would have a positive impact on its member teams giving each team the opportunity to maximize their revenue streams and profitability. Out of the seven AIF east teams five are full members and two are affiliate members, each full member team will play a seven game schedule and each affiliate member will play either a four or five game schedule.

Full member teams will be the Carolina Force, Cape Fear Heroes, Macon Steel, Maryland Reapers and Harrisburg Stampede with each of these teams playing a minimum of 4 home games. Affiliate team members will be the Tri-States Redhawks and the Virginia Badgers, those teams will play a limited schedule in 2012 as they build their programs and secure arenas in the future.

Exciting play and family entertainment are still a main focus of the AIF as many returning players and coaches have signed on for the 2012 season including head coaches Charles Gunnings (Cape Fear Heroes) and Bernie Nowotarski (Harrisburg Stampede) both of who have guided teams to a national championship in indoor football.

Full Members

Carolina Force City: Concord NC Head Coach: Kent Meredith Arena:  Cabarrus Events Center  & Arena Seating Capacity: 4,500

Cape Fear Heroes City: Fayetteville  NC Head Coach: Charles Gunnings Arena: Crown Coliseum Seating Capacity: 10,000

Maryland Reapers City: Laurel MD Head Coach: Matt Steeple Arena: Gardens Ice House Seating Capacity: 2,200

Harrisburg Stampede City: Harrisburg Pa Head Coach: Bernie Nowotarski Arena:  Farm Show Arena Complex Seating Capacity: 2,600

Macon Steel City: Macon Ga. Head Coach: Ervin Bryson Arena:  Macon Centreplex Seating Capacity: 9,000

Affiliate Members

Virginia Badgers  City: Northern Virginia

Tri-State Redhawks City: Baltimore Maryland

 

The AIF is set-up as a private ownership for profit LLC. This structure was chosen for many reasons but mostly to protect individual team owners and allow them to do what they do best play football and run their own companies (teams) and not to burden them by league responsibilities.

Being a privately run company, team owners are protected from any legal litigation against the league (as owners), whereas with a single entity all team owners are responsible as owners of the league and held responsible for all actions of the league.

Teams get the benefits of both worlds in the AIF – experienced league staff, team owners sit on the AIF Executive Committee and AIF Standards committee as well as other committees helping to lead and steer the direction of the AIF. Teams also share in league profit sharing, group buying power from league vendors, etc.

The AIF is split into two tiers the Professional League and the Developmental League. Both divisions play on regulation size fields, play by AIF rules and regulations and receive the benefits of professional scouting videos and league statistics.

The Professional League is the top tier and consists of teams playing in local arenas where players are paid and receive benefits like housing, meals, per diem, etc.

The Developmental League is the second tier where players that have been released from the professional league can improve their skills and try to move back up or for younger inexperienced players that want to learn the skills of indoor football. These teams consist of amateur and former professional players and play in smaller arenas or community recreation centers.

 

American Indoor Football has expansion opportunities available in both the professional and developmental leagues. If you are interested in having your team join the AIF contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and a member of our expansion committee will get back in touch with you.

	John Morris- CEO   The AIF CEO is the former AIFA Co-Founder and Co-Owner John Morris he is a successful businessman and runs the day to day operations of the league. Some of his many responsibilities include promoting the AIF, soliciting national media, securing new league sponsors and AIF expansion teams. John owns several other businesses that specialize in advertising and marketing services to the automotive industry. John has four children and resides in the State of Maryland.
	Jack Bowman – National Director Jack comes to the AIF from the AIFA where he served five years as its National Director he works closely with John Morris on the day to day operation of the AIF. Jack is entering his twelve year in professional indoor football on both a team and league management level. Some of  his responsibilities include working with league and team budgets, vendors, sponsors and the oversight of new AIF teams. Jack is also a member of Minor League Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2005).
	Chuck Grainger – AIF Legal Council   Chuck comes to the AIF from the AIFA where he has been the AIFA’s lead attorney since its inception in 2006. A graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Chuck is licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama where the registered office of the AIF is located. His background includes working as general council for the Alabama Secretary of State handling corporate law and liens. He also belongs to the Administrative Law, International Law and Bankruptcy and Commercial Law of the Alabama State Bar Association
	Duane Hart – Co-Director of Officiating Joe Clarkson – Co-Director of Officiating   Duane and Joe also come to the AIF from the AIFA where they have been since 2006 where they where two of the top officials in the league. This year the two of them will take the role of Co-Directors of Officiating having spent the past two years serving as assistants to the AIFA Director of Officiating
	Matthew Steeple III – Director of the AIF Developmental Matthew Steeple brings a wealth of professional playing experience, having played nine seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL).In 2009 and 2010, Steeple was the head coach of the Maryland Maniacs of the Indoor Football League (IFL). In 2009, Coach Steeple led the Maniacs to the playoffs in their inaugural season and had the #1 ranked defense in the league. In 2007 and 2008, Steeple was the head coach of the Chesapeake Tide of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL). In 2007, Coach Steeple led the Tide to the playoffs in their inaugural season. In 2006 he served as the Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Line/Defensive Line Coach for the Everett Hawks of AF2. In 2000 he served as a Player/Coach for the New Jersey Red Dogs of the AFL, after suffering a knee injury. Coach Steeple has extensive indoor football playing experience. He played nine seasons in the AFL from 1996 to 2004 for four different teams (Iowa Barnstormers, New Jersey Red Dogs, Florida Bobcats, and New York Dragons). He played a total of 96 regular season games, suited up for many playoffs games, and also played in Arena Bowl 10 with the Iowa Barnstormers. Before playing in the AFL, Steeple attended Northern High School in Baltimore, Maryland. There he was All-State in football, wrestling and lacrosse. Following graduation, he moved on to a highly successful college career at Morgan State University. There he was Freshman of the Year in 1990. He led the team in tackles, was a First Team All-Conference defensive tackle, and was also the team’s Defensive Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons. He finished his career at Morgan as a first team Black College and D1-AA All-American. Steeple signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1994 after attending the NFL combines in Indianapolis. Steeple started his coaching career in 1999 as the Offensive Line/Defensive Line and Assistant Defensive Coordinator position at the Charles H Hickey School for Boys. He coached at the school from 1999 to 2001. He went to Reginald F. Lewis High School to become their OL/DL coach and Assistant Defensive Coordinator from 2002 to 2003. He was promoted to head coach in 2004. In 2003, He now lives in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland with his lovely wife Almanda Steeple and daughter Aliyah Steeple

AIF - Executive Committee –

A committee of one member representing each AIF Division team ownership group along with a member of the AIF ownership or management team to recommend and discuss upcoming issues and the direction of the AIF.

AIF Standards Committee-

A committee of three AIF team owners representatives and a member of the AIF staff. This committee will hear and recommend to the AIF Ownership sanctions of any rules violations of the AIF Operations or Rules Manual.

 

A. THE FIELD

1. An indoor artificial surface, 85 feet wide and 50 yards long with end zones eight to ten yards in length; if possible.  End zones should not be rounded off;   if possible.  If these requirements cannot be met, the home team must apply to the league for a waiver from these requirements.    
2. The field is lined every 5 yards, extending from wall to wall and running parallel to the goal line. If end lines are present in the end zone, as well as dasher boards, the end lines are to be ignored and shall have no effect.  Likewise, any side lines along the dasher boards are to be ignored and shall have no effect.
3. The field is lined with hash marks 12 inches in length and 5 feet from the center of the field. The hash marks are placed on both sides of the field every yard, running perpendicular to each yard line, the first set being parallel to the uprights of the goal posts.
4. If the regulation field requirements are not achievable due to arena limitations, the field can be marked as closely as possible, pending league approval.
5. All fields must have the AIFA logo at opposite ends situated at the 10 yard line area.
6. Teams can paint logos on the field with advance approval by the league.

B. THE SIDELINES

1. The dasher boards will mark the out of bounds on all sides of the field. Sideline barriers are 48 inches high and made of high-density foam rubber.
2. A four to six inch white out of bounds line should be painted around the entire end zone. Exception: If end zone dasher boards are present no end zone line is required.
3. No logos or advertising shall be placed directly above either goal line on the dasher boards. A 4” line shall be visible on the dasher boards, extending up from the field of play.
4. The top of the dasher boards are OUT of bounds. The field of play is determined by making it “within the walls”. The top of the dasher boards should be considered as sideline markers and should be out of bounds when considering loose ball plays, unless as noted under Rule L5.  NOTE: Any loose ball which hits off the dasher boards is in play and a live ball.

C. THE GOAL POSTS

1. Goal posts are placed and centered above each end wall. The posts are 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet wide. The uprights should extend 20 feet from the crossbar. All goal posts shall be painted in fluorescent “Autumn Yellow.”
2. Kicking blockades must be behind the goalposts and within a minimum of five feet of the goal post. They also may extend ten feet out on both sides of the uprights to prevent footballs going into the stands.
3. Teams can place logos/names on the uprights with advance approval by the league.

D. THE AIF FOOTBALL

1. All AIF Games must use the official AIF football. This ball will have the league logo on one panel. ($5000.00 fine per game for team not using Official AIF Football)
2. Home team supplies a minimum of 60 game balls for each contest. * GAME BALLS SHALL BE INFLATED AND IN A BAG OR CONTAINER AND SHALL BE IN THE OFFICIALS’ DRESSING ROOM TWO HOURS PRIOR TO KICKOFF. THE OFFICIALS SHALL CHECK THE BALLS FOR LEGALITY AND SHALL HAVE THEM AVAILABLE FOR THE HOME TEAM 40 MINUTES PRIOR TO KICKOFF. ANY GAME BALLS THAT DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS PRIOR TO THE CONTEST SHALL BE REPLACED BY THE HOME TEAM.
3. Visiting team will provide their own “warm-up” balls.  The home team is not required to provide the visiting team with warm up balls. 
4. Teams must have two pumps available ninety minutes prior to kickoff for officials, and the pumps shall be located near the sidelines during the game.
5.  Balls will not be tossed into the stands by a player, nor handed to a fan, in any manner at any time.  At the end of a scoring play, the scoring player must place the ball on the ground in the end zone, or give the ball to an official.  The player may not spike the ball.  The ball may not be taken to the bench area. Any violation of this rule is a dead ball ten yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and shall be administered from the succeeding spot. The player will be fined in accord with the fine schedule in the League Operations Manual.

E. GAME OFFICIALS 

1. Five Officials shall make up a game day crew. They are Referee, Umpire, Linesman, Line Judge, and Back Judge.
2. Officials must be registered with the AIF Director of Officials.
3. All Officials shall have the AIFA insignia on the front left pocket of their official’s shirt, and a white-bordered American Flag above the pocket.
4. Officials’ uniforms will consist of: NFHS/NCAA style Black and White stripe short sleeve shirt, White Knickers, NCAA Socks, and a Blue Bean Bag. (Flag, down marker, Whistle, and Watch are part of the uniform). Officials shall also wear a number on their back.
5. The officials’ jurisdiction begins when the officials enter the venue and ends when all officials leave the venue.
6. There shall be no entry into officials’ dressing room without permission.
7. Home team shall provide secure dressing room for officials.
8. Home team is responsible for officials’ safety.
9. Home team shall escort officials from the arena to their vehicles after the game.
10. Officials should arrive in the home team's venue two hours prior to kickoff.  At this time the Head Linesman, Line Judge and Back Judge are to

F. TEAM BENCH

1. All players/coaches/medical staff will be permitted on the team's bench, INCLUDING INACTIVE / PRACTICE PLAYERS, to a maximum of 25 players. All non-roster players and attendants in the bench area must be in official Team apparel including Team Doctors, Trainers, etc.
2. Coach-to-coach communication devices are permitted.
3. The home team will designate which side of the field will be utilized by the home coach.   This decision will be made during the Referee’s and Umpire’s pre-game visit with the coach of the home team.   The visiting coach will utilize the opposite side of the field.  Once made, this decision may not be changed. Only one coach per team may be on the field at any time, but must remain 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage when the play starts,  and against dasher boards, on their designated side.  The coach will not enter the field past the top of the numbers at anytime, other than a team timeout. The first offense (either coming inside the top of numbers or having a second coach on the field) is an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty. The second offense is an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty as well as a loss of sideline privileges for the infracting staff member for the remainder of that contest. There will be no warning.  It is acknowledged that different arenas have numbers placed at varying distances from the sideline dasher boards.  This rule is specific to each arena.  The width of the coaching belt depends solely upon the set up of the arena.    
4. Ejected players and/or coaches and/or team personnel must leave the team bench area and return to the locker room for the remainder of the contest.

G. THE GAME

1. Coin Toss will take place four minutes prior to kickoff at midfield. The winner of the coin toss may elect to kick, receive, defend or defer.
2. Each contest will consist of four 15-minute quarters with a modified running clock. (SEE TIMING)
3. The official time will be under the supervision of the Back Judge. (SEE TIMING)
4. If the game is tied after four quarters, Overtime will take place. (SEE OVERTIME)
5. Media timeouts will be as follows: the first and third periods will have two media time-outs. These will occur with approximately 10 and 5 minutes remaining in the 1st and 3rd periods. In the 2nd and 4th periods, the media time-outs will occur with approximately 10 minutes remaining and at the 1 minute warning mark. Each media time-out may be a maximum of 2 minutes in length. NOTE: The media time-outs may be waived at the sole discretion of the home team.
6. A live ball in player possession is declared dead when as a result of opponent contact, a) Any part of the runner’s body, except his hand or foot touches the ground, or b) Any part of the runner’s body touches the dasher boards. Should a runner slide, slip or fall to the ground without opponent contact and remain there, he has declared himself down and the official shall sound his whistle. The ball shall be marked at the spot where the runner first contacted the ground.   Inside the final minute of each half, if a runner touches the dasher board, intentionally or not, he is declared out of bounds and the clock is stopped.  Intent is not a requirement of this rule. 
7. With under one minute ball beyond the previous spot remaining in the 4th quarter, the offense, if ahead in the score, must advance the ball past the previous spot, or the game clock shall stop at the end of the down and start on the next legal snap. This is referred to as the positive yardage/clock rule.

H. THE PLAYERS, ALIGNMENT and EQUIPMENT

1. Eight players on the field for each team; 20-man active roster; five players may be on an inactive roster. NOTE: It is at the discretion of the individual team if the inactive players will be paid.   The Head Coach will provide to the Referee, prior to commencement of the game, an original, signed, game day roster which includes an “Equipment and Roster Certification” which certifies that the players on the game day roster are properly equipped according to these Rules, and that said players have been instructed as to the proper use of such equipment.  This document is attached hereto as an addendum to the Rules, and is incorporated herein.

OFFENSE

2.  During scrimmage downs, the offensive team shall consist of 8 players, delineated as follows:

One center who must snap the ball, with one guard on each side of the center; none of whom is an eligible receiver unless made eligible by action of the play; any violation of this interior line formation is an illegal formation;

Three receivers, a quarterback, and a running back.  Each of these players is an eligible receiver.   If a player is positioned as a receiver on the line of scrimmage, said player remains eligible even if “covered up” by a wide receiver

Alignment:  A minimum of four (4) offensive players must be stationary and on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap. This is the center, two guards, and at least one receiver.  Offensive linemen cannot be aligned at an angle and  he must face his opponent’s goal line with the line of his shoulders approximately parallel thereto and his head breaking the plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the snapper.  No receiver, or receivers if more than one, may line up closer than three yards from the outside shoulder of the nearest guard. 
3.Only two players, the quarterback and one (1) running back,  can be positioned in the
offensive box prior to and at the snap and both must be stationary.   There must be
daylight between the running back and the deepest interior lineman.   The offensive box is defined as the area between the outside shoulders of the two guards, not to exceed five (5) yards wide; and the box continues from the line of scrimmage to the offensive team’s end line. The entire offense must be set for at least one second before any player goes in motion.  The only player who may receive a handoff in the offensive box is the running back who was stationed in the box at the snap.    
4.  Motion:  Only two (2) eligible receivers may be in motion forward, backwards, or laterally, prior to and at the snap.  Restrictions for motion receivers are:
a. cannot begin motion until entire team is set for one second; (illegal shift)
b. cannot be in motion through or stationary within the offensive box at the snap; (illegal motion)
c. cannot perform a “stop-motion” move; (illegal motion); and

DEFENSE

7. Three (3) defensive players must be down linemen, in a three or four-point stance at the snap.   It is an illegal defense if the down linemen are not in a 3 or 4 point stance at the snap.   
8. Defensive linemen may align head up or in a shade technique on offensive linemen. The shade cannot be wider than shoulder to shoulder. Defensive linemen cannot be aligned at an angle.  The three defensive linemen must be aligned on one of the interior offensive linemen. Any violation of this section is an illegal defense.
9. Defensive linemen cannot drop or go laterally into pass coverage. Any violation of this section is an illegal defense.
10. Defensive linemen are permitted to stunt, loop, twist, or scrape.
11. Two (2) defensive linebackers must initially be positioned in the defensive box and cannot leave the defensive box until the ball is snapped.  The linebacker’s restriction to the defensive box is controlled by each offensive play. “Defensive Box” is the area defined by imaginary lines perpendicular to the outside shoulders of the outside defensive linemen. The depth of the defensive box is 6 yards from the line of scrimmage.  Any violation of this section is an illegal defense. 
12.  When the ball is snapped from the 6 yard line and in, the 6 yard depth restriction on the linebackers disappears.  All other restrictions on the linebackers remain in force.
13. Only one linebacker may blitz on any given play. If one elects to blitz, the linebacker must pass between two defensive linemen in the "A" gap only.  Linebacker alignment begins within the defensive box, and there must be “daylight” between the defensive linemen and both linebackers.  No Linebacker may be in a stacked position and both linebackers must be stationary at the snap.  One linebacker may cover sideline to sideline while dropping to a maximum of 6 yards from the line of scrimmage. However, he must be in the defensive box at the snap. Any violation of this section is an illegal defense. 
14.   If the running back leaves the offensive box, all linebacker restrictions end; and defensive backs and linebackers are allowed to force the run (blitz). 
15.  To summarize this rule, note the following: a) both linebackers must be stationary and in the box at the snap; b) they may not line up in a stacked position; c) they may not be moving forward at the snap; d) a maximum of one may blitz; e) a maximum of one may move laterally out of the box after the snap but not exceed a 6 yard depth; and f) daylight must exist between the defensive linemen and the linebackers.  The penalty for any illegal defense is 5 yards, previous spot and an automatic first down.  There can be no illegal defense if the running back leaves the offensive box, as all linebacker restrictions end when the running back leaves the offensive box. 
16. It is legal for a team to not blitz either linebacker.
17. If play action occurs by the offense, or if the ball leaves the offensive box, all linebacker restrictions end; and defensive backs and linebackers are allowed to force the run (blitz).
18. Defensive backs have free alignment (excluding the box) and can align on the receiver at any depth (press, loose, off, etc.) If a Defensive back is in the box at the snap, the penalty is for an Illegal Defense. 
19.  All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down. This rule applies anywhere on the field.   This is an illegal horse collar tackle. Personal foul, 10 yards and automatic first down. 
20.  No player shall twist, turn or pull the face mask or any helmet opening of an opponent. It is not a foul if the face mask or helmet opening is not twisted, turned or pulled. When in question, it is a foul.  Personal foul, 10 yards and automatic first down.  
21. Free substitution is allowed, but players must be legally aligned before the snap. 
22. Players shall adhere to the following numbering requirements: K/QB/RB/DB/WR: 1-49 or 80-89. OL/DL: 50-79 or 90-99 . Trys and field goal attempts are an exception to the  numbering requirement.  On trys and field goals, eligibility is determined solely by position. 
23. All teams shall be properly equipped - no casts (unless padded with approved foam etc.), hard substances, metal, or steel may be on any part of the uniform/shoes at any point of an AIFA contest.  All teams must wear AIFA approved game socks. All players must be dressed the same. Face shields may be tinted in any color. All players will wear required pad(s), and the Head Coach will certify this pre-game as stated in Rule L(1).   
24. Proper shoes for the surface are mandatory. Exception: A Kicker may kick barefoot. 
25. NOCSAE approved helmet, shoulder pads, stockings, and team issued uniform are mandatory, along with hip pads, thigh pads, kneepads and belts. 
26. Numbers must be placed on the front and back of all jerseys (12 inch on front / 14 inch on back) 
27. Last names must be on both home and away jerseys for AIF contests. 
28. Spatting must be done in the same color as the team shoe with no visible markings, messages, etc. being made to the spat unless it is replacing a shoe sponsor logo. 
29. Any official may remove any player that is not properly equipped. The penalty is an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty charged against the head coach.  
30. All players must be 18 years of age. NOTE: Any player right out of High School that plays professionally would automatically lose his NCAA eligibility.
31. Each Team must declare 30 days before the season their designation as a white or black shoe team. This means that all members of the team

RULE H  INTERPRETATIONS

OFFENSE

Rule H(2) states the formation requirement for the three interior linemen.  It follows that there may not be an unbalanced line, i.e. a snapper with the two guards on one side of the snapper.  An unbalanced line is a live ball, illegal formation foul.

Rule H(2) states that no receiver, or receivers if more than one, may line up closer than three yards from the outside shoulder of the nearest guard.  This is interpreted to require that not only does the stationary receiver on the line of scrimmage have to be lined up at least three yards outside of the nearest guard, but also, any motion man in motion towards the line of scrimmage at the snap may only cross the line of scrimmage outside this 3 yard requirement. If the stationary receiver lines up inside three yards, or if this forward  motion receiver crosses the line of scrimmage inside three yards, it is a live ball, illegal formation foul.    If the motion receiver is moving parallel to the line of scrimmage at the snap, there is no three yard requirement.  However, the blocking restrictions remain, on this parallel motion receiver.  
Rule H(2)  states the offensive linemen cannot be aligned at an angle. This is interpreted as requiring the offensive lineman to have his shoulders “approximately” parallel to the goal line and his head breaking the plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the snapper.  The intent of the rule is to ensure the offensive lineman does not gain an advantage by lining up at an extreme angle.  So long as the lineman’s head breaks the plane of the line drawn through  the waistline of the snapper and his shoulders are close to parallel with the goal line, he is legal.  If the offensive lineman is not aligned as required herein, it is a live ball, illegal formation foul.

Rule H(3) mandates “daylight.”  Daylight is determined by the wing officials, by observing the plane which runs parallel to the line of scrimmage and through the rear most portion of the rear most interior lineman’s body part, usually the foot.  If any part of this plane is breached by either the running back or his equipment, there is no daylight  The quarterback is exempt from the daylight rule when he is in position to take a direct hand to hand snap from the snapper.

Rule H(4) The parameters for the wing officials in calling the motion men for a false start are as follows.  The wing officials will permit the motion receiver up to a 2 feet  maximum “grace space” before the play is killed.  That is, if the motion receiver is two feet or less beyond the line of scrimmage at the snap, the wing official will let the play continue and not call a foul for a false start. Anything in excess of two feet the wing official will kill he play and throw a flag for a false start.  In addition, the false start by motion man is what kills the play so if the defense encroached prior

DEFENSE

Rule H(7) requires down linemen to be in a 3 or 4 point stance at the snap.   If a defensive  lineman is retreating after jumping into the neutral zone in anticipation of the snap, he has not gained an advantage and this is an exception to the requirement that the down lineman must be in a 3 or 4 point stance. This play is not a foul.

Rule H(8) states that defensive linemen cannot be aligned at an angle. This is interpreted as requiring the defensive lineman to have their shoulders “approximately” parallel to the goal line, and to prevent the defensive lineman from lining up at an extreme angle.  If the defensive lineman is not aligned as required herein, it is a live ball, illegal defense foul.

Rule H(11) states the depth of the defensive box is 6 yards from the line of scrimmage. If the linebacker goes beyond the six yard depth of the defensive box, the umpire will throw the flag because the umpire does not know where the linebacker is nor what he is doing, and this linebacker can’t be watched.  This is why the umpire must align at a 6 yard depth on every play.

Rule H(12) states that when the ball is snapped from the 6 yard line and in, the 6 yard depth restriction on the linebackers disappears.  All other restrictions on the linebackers remain in force.  This is interpreted that either or both linebackers may retreat more than 6 yards into the end zone.  All other box restrictions remain if force, in that only one linebacker may blitz; and only one linebacker can move laterally within the 6 yard restriction.  However, if either or both linebackers retreat more than six yards, they have free reign to cover sideline to sideline, so long as they maintain a six yards or greater drop, until such time as normal linebacker restrictions end.  In order to retreat to a depth greater than 6 yards, the linebacker must immediately retreat to this distance at an angle 45 degrees or less and pass the 6 yard depth. If the angle of retreat is greater than 45 degrees,(i.e. a “flatter” retreat)  it is an illegal defense.

Rule H(13) states that if a linebacker elects to blitz, he must pass between two defensive linemen in the "A" gap only. The A- gap is defined as either side of the center.  The linebacker may blitz through either A-gap.  Some teams have set plays where it will look like an outside rush however it is legal if the blitz is through the A- gap. Keep in mind that if you decide to call this foul, (as in many foul situations) an advantage must be gained

When the A- gap closes, umpires must be careful with this foul.  If the linebacker goes into the A- gap and is picked up by the guard or center and taken wide, where he beats that guard or center, there is no foul.  The linebacker’s initial move was into the A-gap and thus, is legal.  In order to call this foul, the linebacker must clearly taken a path outside the guard’s shoulder and blitz wide.  When this occurs, the umpire must go into the "advantage gained" mode, and decide if the foul should be called.

If a linebacker enters into the offensive box at any time for any reason, this will be interpreted as a blitz. The linebacker does not have to “charging hard” for it to be a blitz. If the linebacker enters the offensive box, this is a blitz. It is this second linebacker’s responsibility to avoid entering the offensive box at any time, if the other linebacker has blitzed.

Rule H(13) states that no linebacker may be in a stacked position and both linebackers must be stationary at the snap. Stacked position is defined as lined up directly behind a down lineman. This is a live ball, illegal defense foul.

Rule H(14) states that if the running back leaves the offensive box, all linebacker restrictions end. This means that one or both linebackers may blitz, retreat greater than 6 yards, or move laterally into the flats, and there is no illegal defense.

Rule H(17) states that if play action occurs by the offense or if the ball leaves the offensive box, all linebacker restrictions end.  Play action is interpreted as a hand-off, a fake hand-off, or a pump action fake throw   by the quarterback. Whenever one of these happens, all linebacker restrictions end. This means that one or both linebackers may blitz, retreat greater than 6 yards, or move laterally into the flats, and there is no illegal defense.    

Rule H(19) Regarding a horse collar tackle.  This type of tackle is prohibited anywhere on the field.

Rule H(23) requires all teams shall be properly equipped - no casts (unless padded with approved foam etc.), hard substances, metal, or steel may be on any part of the uniform/shoes at any point of an AIFA contest.  This rule regarding player equipment will require pre-game certification by the

Rule H(25) requires that any glove be approved by a sanctioning body.  The sanctioning body may be the NFL, the NCAA, or the National Federation and must contain an approval tag on the glove.

I. TIMING

1. Four 15-minute quarters. Halftime shall be a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes. This is at the discretion of the Home Team.
2. A running play clock will be used except during the final minute of each half. The running clock will start:
a. When a free kick is legally touched in the field of play. (Runner/ball must be out of the end zone)
b. On the ready for play after a change of team possession or official’s time-out or a media time-out.
c. On the snap after a charged team time-out and after the one (1) minute warning in the 2nd and 4th periods.
A running clock will stop:
a. Following a down in which the final result is a change in team possession.
b. Following an extra point attempt.
c. Following a field goal attempt.
d. For a media time-out.
e. For a team or official’s time-out.
3. In the final one minute of each half, the clock stops for out-of-bounds plays and incomplete passes. The clock also stops when a team is granted a first down. In the event of an official’s time-out, the clock will start based on the status of the previous play.
4. When inside one minute of either half, if a runner comes in contact with the wall, he shall be whistled out of bounds and the clock will start on the snap. Intent is not a requisite of this rule.  If the runner touches out of bounds, intentionally or not, within the last minute of the half or game, the clock will stop and will start on the snap
5. Each team is granted three (3) timeouts per half; each 1 minute in length, except during the last minute of the 2nd and 4th periods, when the time-outs will be 30 seconds. All time-outs will be timed by the back judge.