And here's the follow up to close the loop.
We ended up using these modified rules, mainly designed to protect old (the oldest on-field was a 59 year old QB, who threw a 45 yard pass for a 60 yard TD) and the unfit:
2011 NCAA Rules to apply as a base, except where contradicted or varied by this document.
1-1: Player numbering requirements do not apply
1-2: A restricted player is defined as a player who does not wish to be subjected to full force tackles or blocks.
1-3: A player in a wheelchair being pushed by another player shall count as a single player. That is, the player in the wheelchair and his helper together count as a single player of the 11.
1-4: Player numbering requirements do not apply
1-4: A restricted player shall wear over the top of all other approved uniforms, an approved singlet of contrasting colour.
3-1: Extra periods do not apply, the game may be tied
3-2: Playing time consists of 4 quarters with a 20 minute running clock. The clock will be stopped for the 2 minute warning at the end of the 1st half and 2nd half.
3-2: The clock does not stop for timeouts, except inside the 2 minute warning.
3-2: The 40/25 play clock is replaced with a 45/25 play clock. This shall be implemented by the Back Judge delaying the activation of the 40 second play timer for 5 seconds after the ball is declared dead. However, the referee shall exercise discretion in further delaying the start of the play clock if circumstances require.
3-3: The clock does not stop for game administration or injuries.
3-3: The head coach may call for a challenge, but in the case of an unsuccessful challenge, in addition to a by rule loss of timeout or a 5 yard delay of game penalty, the head coach shall also buy a round of drinks for the whole opposing team.
3-5: Illegal substitution rules do not apply, except that if a team should start a play with more than 11 players, a live ball illegal participation penalty shall apply.
6-1: On a free kick, all blocks must be from the front and on the chest between the shoulders and the waist. PENALTY: Personal foul, (clipping, blocking below waist, chop block), 15 yards
6-3: On a scrimmage kick, no Team B players may advance beyond the line of scrimmage until the kick has been made. PENALTY: Offside, 5 yards
6-3: On a scrimmage kick, all blocks must be from the front and on the chest between the shoulders and the waist. PENALTY: Personal foul, (clipping/ illegal block/ chop block), 15 yards
6-4: Any player in position to catch a free kick or scrimmage kick shall be afforded a zone of protection extending for 2 yards in all directions around the player. PENALTY: Kick catch interference, 15 yards
7-1: The offensive linemen shall set at 1.5 yard intervals, centered on the snapper. Exception: An offensive lineman weighing more than 150kg may request from the referee a 2 yard interval. PENALTY: Illegal formation, 5 yards
7-1: An offensive lineman who sets into a down position and then finds that he is unable to rise on the snap shall not be blocked. PENALTY: Illegal use of the hands, 10 yards
7-1: The quarterback shall not advance beyond the line of scrimmage. The ball will be declared dead at the point the quarterback reaches the line of scrimmage. Exception: If the quarterback in a short yardage, immediately upon receiving the snap, dives over the linemen, the ball shall be declared dead at the most forward point reached by the quarterback.
7-1: The defensive line shall consist of 4 down linemen, lined up immediately opposite the tackles and guards. PENALTY: Illegal formation, 5 yards
7-1: Any linebacker lined up in front of the center shall be at least 4 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. PENALTY: Illegal formation, 5 yards
7-3: Pass interference rules shall be extended to permit any player who is in a position to catch a forward pass, and is clearly watching the flight of the pass, a 2 yard zone of protection in all directions around that player. PENALTY: Pass interference. Standard Pass interference penalty.
9-1: There shall be no clipping. PENALTY: Personal foul, clipping.
9-1: There shall be no blocking below the waist. PENALTY: Personal foul, illegal block
9-1: If the quarterback is held with both hands of a defensive player, the ball is declared dead at that point. The quarterback shall be released immediately. PENALTY: Personal foul, unnecessary roughness.
9-1: If a restricted player is the runner and is held with both hands of an opposing player, the play shall be declared dead and the point of forward progress established at that point the play is declared dead. The restricted player shall be released immediately upon the play being declared dead and shall not be tackled or taken to the ground. PENALTY: Personal foul, unnecessary roughness.
9-1: Neither a player in a wheelchair nor his helper may be blocked or tackled. PENALTY: Unfair act. 15 yards
9-3: A player, other than a restricted player, who does not wish to be blocked shall remain stationary and raise both arms above his head. Such a player may not be blocked by an opponent who is not already committed to the block. PENALTY: Illegal use of the hands (incidental contact) or Personal foul, illegal block (intentional contact). If the declared player then advances, it is illegal. PENALTY: Illegal procedure, 5 yards.
9-3: If a restricted player who is not the runner is held with both hands of an opposing player, the restricted player shall immediately become stationary and raise both his hands over his head. Such a player may not be further blocked by an opponent who is not already committed to the block. PENALTY: Illegal use of the hands (incidental contact) or Personal foul, illegal block (intentional contact). If the declared player then advances, it is illegal. PENALTY: Illegal procedure, 5 yards.
It was a great day - played in good spirits. I was very surprised at how hard these guys went at each other right from the start - but all were good, clean hits. We only called 4 penalties the whole game (I worked R for the 1st half) - False start, offside, illegal hands to the back, and illegal formation (not a call I'd have normally expected to have made in a game such as this, but when the offense lines up with 5 on the line, it's just a touch obvious...)
The crowd was well entertained - in a role reversal, instead of (grand-)parents encouraging their (grand-)children on, there were many cries of "Go Daddy!" and "Grandpa!" coming from the stands.
A photo series has been uploaded by one of the players to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simonleonard/sets/72157627368263018/ - there are some priceless team shots of grey haired men with badly receding hairlines in full kit. If you happen to be looking at the photos, and notice some odd things, yes, we did have a RB in a wheelchair for some plays, and we had 11 officials out there, because we also used this as a training opportunity to have some rookie officials shadow the HL LJ FJ and SJ. The 1st play of the game also was unusual (photos of all the players taking a knee with helmets off) - this was for a minute's silence to commemorate former players, administrators and officials who had passed away.
It also looks like turning out into becoming an excellent recruitment venue for officials - ex-players who suddenly discover they want to be involved again, asking to find out about officiating.
Once some videos emerge, I'll post links to them.
