The Fan-Controlled Football league is a 7v7 arena-style football league that gives the fans the ability to be directly involved in the game, at every level.
Fans draft the players, call the plays, can invest and own, and also, make the rules. According to the fan votes the league has had during this ramp-up period, the FCF has released its full rulebook.
Games will have two 20 minute halves, with a 6 minute halftime, and every measure to keep games limited to an hour will be made. Two timeouts per game, and a 45-second playclock to allow for the plays to be voted on and called.
No kickoffs, just means that teams will begin possessions as normal, from the 10-yard line.
Clocks will not stop after an incomplete pass, unless it is under a minute left in the half. Other traditional stoppages apply.
After a play is called by the fans, a 10-second playclock will start, however there will not be a penalty for delay of game if the snap doesn’t happen within those 10 seconds.
A major and recently relevant difference, is during a fumble that goes through the opposing end zone. In the FCF, only if it happens on 4th down, a fumble through the are will return to the offense. If it happens within the 5-yard line, the ball will be spotted on the 5.
PAT’s will be a 1v1 between a WR and a DB. The QB will take the snap, and have a certain amount of time to throw the ball to the receiver. There is NO KICKING.
For the uninitiated, many of the rules may seem foreign, but for those who are familiar with arena league rules, many of the same apply.
The offensive and defensive lines will have certain areas in which to operate. They must line up across from the other side, as to not gain an unfair advantage. Especially since the format limits teams to 3 down lineman.
Only the offensive lineman and the QB will be allowed in the offensive box, which is as wide as the line, and 5 yards deep. A snap cannot legally happen with any other skill player inside the box.
Unlike other forms of arena football, the allowed motion can only be lateral. Most fans remember a WR running at a dead sprint towards the LOS before the snap, but that won’t be legal in the FCF.
Everyone except the C can receive a handoff, yes, even the other offensive linemen. This should make for some weird plays, but I’m here for it.
Despite my push for an XFL-style double forward pass, the FCF will only allow 1.
There is an area that will be known as a “defensive belt”. Basically, this means any defender lined up within 3 yards of the LOS must be over an offensive player.
Blitzes won’t be limited, except that ONLY LBs can blitz. Linebackers also have an area to operate, but in order to be a legal blitzer, must be within their designated “B-Box”, which is directly behind the defensive line.
When thinking of these boxes, think of the traditional, outdoor football, when they talk about intentional grounding with the “tackle box”.
Most of the other rules and penalties are pretty close to what you would expect from traditional football. There are still rules to be voted on, so if you would like to be part of the process, head over to the site, sign up, and start voting!
So excited for this league. If you’re not, may want to check your pulse.
Power to the Fans.
Chris mills
February 14, 2021 at 3:45 pm
No kicking???? That is dumb.