FLAG FOOTBALL FIELD

A flag football field is shorter than a standard tackle field at 30 yards wide and 70 yards long, with two 10-yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain. To prevent power football in tight spaces, no run zones are located 5 yards before the end zone and on each side of the midfield line-to-gain. If the ball is spotted on or inside the no run zone, the offense must use a pass play to get a first down or touchdown.

 

BASIC FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

When learning how to play flag football, it’s best to start with the basics. In NFL FLAG football leagues, teams play 5 on 5 and each game consists of two halves. Local NFL Flag leagues will determine the length of each half. Tournament games consist of two, 12-minute halves. The clock only stops for halftime, team timeouts, or player injury.

The most important rule in flag football is very minimal contact is allowed, including tackling, diving, blocking, screening or fumbles. Any contact that creates an advantage, for a player, should be penalized by the officials. Defenders 'tackle' the ball carrier by removing one or both of an offensive player's flags.

While this rule is designed to keep players safe, there are several other rules that limit contact among players, including:  

• The player who catches the initial snap is not allowed to run across the line of scrimmage with the ball.

• All forward passes must be caught across the line of scrimmage.

• Unlimited backward passes and pitches are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. The defense can immediately rush across the line of scrimmage, once the ball is pitched or passed backwards. The 7-second pass clock is eliminated once the ball is pitched or passed backwards. The defense can intercept a backwards pass or pitch and advance the ball.

• Center sneak plays aren’t allowed. 

• There are no fumbles. A backwards pass or fumble that hits the ground will be marked at the yard line the ball hits. A forward fumble will be spotted at the yard line where the fumble occurred. 

• The ball is dead when: the ball carrier's knee, leg, shin or arm hits the ground or the ball carrier's flag falls off.

• Players can’t obstruct or guard their flags. 

 

For a complete list of flag football  rules, visit our NFL FLAG Football Rules page

 

SCORING

Every game starts with a coin toss (there are no kickoffs). The starting team begins on its own 5-yard line and has four downs—essentially four plays—to cross midfield for a first down. 

If the offense fails to advance after three attempts, they can “punt,” meaning they turn over the ball to the opposing team, which then starts from its own 5-yard line. Or they can go for a first down, but if they fail, the opposing team takes over possession from the spot of the ball. 

Once midfield is crossed, the offense has three downs to score a touchdown. A touchdown is 6 points and a safety is 2 points (1-point conversion from the 5-yard line; 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line). 

A touchdown is 6 points and a safety is 2 points (1-point conversion from the 5-yard line; 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line). A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in their own end zone. 

League Operators can determine their own specific mercy rule. In tournament play, the game will end when a team is ahead by 28+ points at any time.

 

RUNNING

When players run with the ball, their feet can’t leave the ground to avoid a defensive player. In other words, players can spin to avoid their opponent, but they can’t leap or dive. 

Direct handoffs and unlimited backward pitches/passes are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. Only 1 forward pass is allowed per play and it must be caught across the line of scrimmage.

The player who catches the snap cannot advance the ball across the line of scrimmage. 1 or 2 designated rushers must be 7 yards from the line of scrimmage to legally rush.  No defensive player is ever obligated to rush, across the line of scrimmage, on a given play. Once the offense pitches or throws the ball backwards, all players on defense are eligible to rush the offense.

Flag football rules aim to prevent power plays and avoid short-yardage situations, so you’ll find no run zones located 5 yards from each end zone and on either side of the midfield. In this designated area, the offensive team must complete a pass play. 

The end of any run is determined by where the ball is, when the flag is pulled.

 

RECEIVING

One rule that makes flag football unique (and that much more competitive) is that everyone can receive a pass, including the quarterback, after the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage. This allows coaches to include a variety of flag football plays into their playbooks and helps players develop fundamental offense skills. Plus, it makes the game more engaging.

Players must have 1 foot or body part inbounds, with possession of the ball, for a legal catch.

 

PASSING

Any type of a forward pass must be caught across the line of scrimmage. (shovel, underhand, overhand). Quarterbacks have 7 seconds to release the ball; if the ball is not released, the play is dead and the ball returns to the previous line of scrimmage, next down.

Additionally, center sneak play—where the quarterback hands off to the center as the first handoff of the play—is no longer allowed. 

Interceptions on normal scrimmage plays are allowed and can be advanced by the defense. Interceptions on any extra point can also be returned for 2 points.

 

RUSHING THE PASSER

1 or 2 designated rushers are eligible to rush the offense. Designated rushers must be 7 yards from the line of scrimmage to legally rush and need to keep their hand raised until the ball is snapped.  No defensive player is ever obligated to rush across the line of scrimmage on a given play. Once the offense pitches or throws the ball backwards, all players on the defense are eligible to rush the offense.

 

FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYS

To set up teams for success, coaches teach a variety of formations, routes and 5 on 5 flag football plays throughout the season. And with every player being eligible to receive a pass, including the quarterback, coaches can get creative and tailor their plays to their team’s strengths—or their opponent’s weaknesses. 

Some plays are complex, while others are more basic. Some go for long yardage, while others aim for short gains. In every scenario, these plays determine the flow of the game and teach players the basic fundamentals needed to succeed. In other words, it teaches them how to play flag football. 

That’s why we always recommend that coaches start with the basics, helping players establish a strong foundation first, and then mix and match new and more challenging plays as their team gains confidence.

See the complete list of 5 on 5 offensive flag football plays and learn how to create a winning youth flag football playbook.