Overtime Procedures#

Section 1 — Definitions#

Article 1 — Possession Series#

A possession series is a team’s continuous possession of the ball in an extra period. It may consist of one or more series of downs (3-8-2).

Article 2 — Extra Period#

An extra period shall consist of two possession series with each team putting the ball in play by a snap on or between the inbound lines on the designated 25-yard line (unless penalty enforcement relocates the ball), which becomes the opponent’s 25-yard line. The snap shall be from midway between the inbound lines, unless the offensive team selects a different position on or between the inbound lines before the ready for play signal. The game clock shall not run during an extra period.

Section 2 — Overtime Procedures#

Article 1 — Score Tied#

If the score is tied at the end of the regular playing time of all League’s regular season, and postseason games, a system of overtime rules shall be in effect, pursuant to the following.

Article 2 — End of Regulation#

At the end of regular playing time, game officials will instruct both teams to retire to their respective team areas. Following an intermission of no more than three minutes the officials will escort one captain for each team to the center of the field for the coin toss. The referee shall immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual pregame toss (4-2-2). The visiting team captain calls the toss again. The winner of the toss may not defer the choice and must choose one of the following options:

(1) Offense or defense, with the offense at the opponent’s 25-yard line to start the first possession series.

(2) Which end of the field shall be used for both possession series of that overtime period.

The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first extra period and shall have the first choice of the two options for subsequent even-numbered extra periods.

Article 3 — Possession Series#

Each team retains the ball during a possession series until it scores or fails to make a first down. The ball remains alive after a change of team possession until it is declared dead. However, Team A may not have a first down if it regains possession after a change of team possession. Beginning with the third extra period, a team’s possession series will be one play for a two-point try from the two-yard line, unless relocated by penalty.

Article 4 — Scoring#

The team scoring the greater number of points during the regulation and extra periods shall be declared the winner. There shall be an equal number of possession series, as described in (16-2-3), in each extra period, unless Team B scores other than on the try. Beginning with the second extra period, teams scoring a touchdown must attempt a 2-point try.

Article 5 — Timeouts#

Each team shall be allowed one timeout for the first extra period and one timeout for the second extra period. Each team will be allowed one timeout beginning with the third extra period until the game is ended. Timeouts not used during the regulation periods may not be carried over into the extra period(s). Unused extra period timeouts may not be carried over to other extra periods. Timeouts between periods shall be charged to the succeeding period. Television timeouts are permitted only between extra periods (first and second, second and third, etc.). Charged team timeouts may not be extended for television purposes. The extra period(s) begins when the ball is first snapped. In the absence of a media timeout, after the second extra period, there will be a two minute mandatory break period.

Article 6 — Interval Fouls#

Penalties for fouls between downs that occur between the end of the fourth period and the start of the extra period for overtime, fouls between possession series during an extra period, and fouls between extra periods are enforced from the 25-yard line, the spot of the next possession series.

Article 7 — General and Specific Rules Apply#

Except as provided for above, all other general and specific rules shall apply during any extra period or periods in the regular season, and postseason.