Questions regarding rules for our League

We have our own rule for throwing for the end zone inside the 20 a long pass may be thrown but there is an extra player in the long pass zone equal to the defender. A free safety or nickel back may also occupy the long zone to result in the 2 man column to be used. This would usually only be done with the line of scrimmage near the 20 where a short pass would be unlikely to result in a touchdown when running out of time or downs. If there is a Strat rule for throwing for the end zone I’d like to read it

OFM League Rules V 7.0 for 2017-18 Season.pdf (455.28 KB)

Blocking Back offense.

In a Blocking Back offense -- page 22 of the rules -- a TE can play BB subject to the restrictions in the rule.

In contrast, a player rated as a BB can play in the backfield in any formation -- see page 24 of the rules.

We allow a dime inside the 10.
You can place a defender in the LP zone inside the 20.
You cannot run a draw inside the 10. The "cross out" was removed in the latest version.

CONSIDER FLATS AS RUNS - OPTIONAL RULE
In recent years the flat pass (also designated as a screen pass) has often been utilized in real-life similar to a
running play. The completion is frequently made behind the line of scrimmage in order to have as high a
completion percentage as possible, and the idea is to gain the same type of yardage that a typical running
play might net you (or hopefully more with good yards after catch). In essence, teams use these quick
passes in lieu of runs. In Strat-O-Matic this real-life change in strategy (along with a general shift in
emphasis towards the passing game) has resulted in gamers guessing "Pass" most of the time, often trying to
stop the run by positioning linebackers appropriately.
In order to restore a balance to the defensive Run/Pass decision, we are introducing an optional rule that
will consider flat passes to be runs when determining which column on the offensive player's card to use
(the Right or Wrong column). When using this rule the defense will often have a much more difficult
decision to make when guessing Pass or Run, which is the intent of the rule. Other than containment
(described below), this rule has no other effect - it only changes the column to be referred to on the
quarterback and receiver cards.To illustrate how this rule works, say that the offense calls for a flat pass and the defense guesses "Pass".
That is considered a "Wrong" call. However, If the offense calls for a flat pass and the defense guesses
"Run" then that is considered a "Right" call.
In addition to the above changes, this rule includes Strong Safety Flat Pass Containment. In third or
fourth down situations which 5 or more yards are needed for a first down the Strong Safety is responsible to
contain the Flat Pass when “Pass” is called.
In these situations, if the white die roll is 1, 2, or 3, then the Flat Pass Containment is in effect. You must
refer to the “Run Containment Chart” to see if the Strong Safety stops the receiver short of the first down. If
the receiver is stopped short of the 1st down then the white die indicates how many yards short of a 1st
down he was. Note that containment is in effect on both the Quarterback and the Receiver’s cards.
For example, if the Strong Safety is rated 5 and a 2 is rolled on the white die then the receiver is stopped 2
yards short of a first down. However, if the reading from the card results in more than 2 yards short from a
first down, accept this result instead. Continuing with the same example (where a 2 is rolled on the white
die) let’s say this occurred in a 3rd and 10 situation and that the QB flat pass card yields a 7-yard
completion, accept this figure rather than crediting the receiver with an 8-yard reception.
Strong Safety Flat Pass Containment only applies to results read off Quarterback and Receiver Flat Pass
Wrong columns. Results derived from defensive cards remain the same.
With the use of this rule All Pro Strong Safeties (like Troy Polamalu in his prime) will truly become
important weapons in your Strat-O-Matic games!
Important notes:
• This rule only applies to flat passes, and not to look-in passes (which are never thrown behind the line
of scrimmage). So when using this rule, if the defense guesses "Run" and a flat pass is thrown it is
"Guessed Right" but if a look-in pass is thrown it is "Guessed Wrong".
• This rule is never in effect for receivers who are double-teamed. If a receiver is double-teamed follow
all rules (including double-teaming rules) as if this rule were not being used.
• This rule is not in effect for Dump Off Flat Passes – by rule they are always guessed Right.
• This rule can be used with or without the "Empty flat pass = guessed wrong" rule. However, when
used together the "Empty flat Pass = guessed wrong" rule only applies to look-in passes (as true flat
passes are considered to be runs).
• In the computer game, the computer manager automatically senses when this rule is being used, and it
sometimes overrides the guess of "Pass" with a guess of "Run" when it is expecting a flat pass to be
thrown.
• We do not recommend that you use this rule for seasons prior to 1994.
• If a running back is keyed, a flat pass would be considered WRONG.

Because Pat pointed out the above I ran some simulations in the computer game with manual dice entry to test the "flats considered runs" rules:

Issue: What happens when you "reassign" the FS to an "open" receiver:

3rd and 10. I threw a flat pass to the BB. The BB's linebacker assigned coverage was in the act of blitzing. I "reassigned" the FS to cover the BB. For a result, I input 4-6 on the defensive cards -- 1 player was in the zone. (Pass incomplete--MN defense).

Same scenario : I input 4-8. Still 1 man in zone; this time the Wrong column in the receiver column was checked.

Same scenario: I input 1 - 8. QB Wrong column checked. Receiver Wrong column checked. SS contain in effect.

Issue: What happens when you double team correctly:

3rd and 10: I threw a flat pass to the BB. The assigned LB stayed in his zone. I used the FS to doubleteam. I rolled 1 - 7. The FS moved to the Flat zone (2 men in zone). The QB's card was checked in the 2TMd column.

3rd and 5. I threw a flat pass to WR TY Hilton. I blitzed the OLB in the zone. I 2TMd Hilton with the FS. I rolled 4 - 8. Result: FS moves to zone. Successful 2TM. 1 man in zone. Result is Receiver. Hilton's receiver 2TMd column was checked. I rolled "10." The result was +11 yards.


3rd and 5. I threw a flat pass to WR TY Hilton. I blitzed the OLB in the zone. I 2TMd Hilton with the FS. I rolled 1-6. Result: FS moves to zone. Successful 2TM. 1 man in zone. Result is +6 on QB 2Tmd column. SS Contain is NOT in effect because it is a successful 2TM.