OPEN / CLOSED PLAYS
These examples should be used to help teams understand play calling and selection based on the OPEN/CLOSED play style.  This list is not exhaustive and should be used as a quick reference only.  Questions or comments can be directed to the League Front Office by phone 919.337.3538 or email
(QB-Quarterback, WR-Wide Receiver, RB-Running Back)

Please Note:
CLOSED PLAYS WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING...
-Male QB pass attempt/completion to Female WR (for positive yards*)
-Male/Female QB handoff to Female RB (positive yard rule excluded)
-Female QB pass attempt/completion to Male WR or Female WR (for positive yards)
-Female QB rush/scramble (positive yard rule excluded)

*The term 'Positive Yards' shall be defined as any pass attempt that would have crossed the line of scrimmage for a gain and not a loss, whether completed or not.  A female QB throwing 'BACK' first to a male QB is illegal during a CLOSED play, even if the male QB attempts a forward pass to a female.

Example 1:

Start Drive

Play 1

Male QB pass (complete) to Male WR
Play 2
MANDATORY:
CLOSED

 

Example 2:

Start Drive

Play 1

Male QB pass (incomplete) to Male WR
Play 2
OPEN (Male QB Complete to Male WR)
Play 3
MANDATORY:
CLOSED

 

Example 3:

Start Drive

Play 1

Male QB pass (complete) to Female WR
Play 2
OPEN
(incomplete pass attempted)

Play 3

OPEN
(Female QB incomplete pass attempt to Male WR)

Play 4
OPEN

Regardless of the results of Play 2 above the next play by the offense can be OPEN.

  Regardless of the results of Play 3 above the next play by the offense can be OPEN.   If Play 4 results in a Male QB pass complete to a Male WR, then Play 5 must be CLOSED, otherwise Play 5 is OPEN eligible.