Flag football is a fast-growing, non-contact variation of American football, with simplified rules that make the game easy to learn and enjoyable for all ages. In this article, we break down the essential rules governing the sport, including game structure, scoring, and penalties.

Game Structure

Flag football is typically played with either 5 or 7 players per side on a smaller field, usually 40 to 70 yards in length. Each game consists of two halves, lasting 20 to 25 minutes. There is no physical tackling or blocking allowed, which makes flag football a safer alternative to tackle football.

Starting PlayThe game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense. Offensive plays start at the line of scrimmage, where the center snaps the ball to the quarterback.

Advancing the BallTeams have four downs (or chances) to advance the ball a specific distance, usually 20 yards. If they succeed, they earn another set of downs. If they fail, possession is turned over to the other team. Teams can move the ball by passing or running, but the quarterback cannot run past the line of scrimmage.

Scoring in Flag Football

The scoring system in flag football closely mirrors that of tackle football:

Touchdown: 6 points
Extra Point: After a touchdown, teams can attempt an extra point from either the 5-yard line (1 point) or the 10-yard line (2 points).
Safety: If a defensive player pulls the flag of the ball carrier in the offensive team's own end zone, the defense earns 2 points.

In most formats, field goals are not allowed, focusing the game on passing and rushing strategies.

Rules for Flag Pulling

The most significant defensive rule in flag football is the flag pull. Defenders must pull one of the ball carrier's flags to stop forward progress. No contact other than incidental brushing is permitted, and a tackle attempt involving physical force is considered a penalty.

To legally pull a flag:

The defender must grab the flag and not impede the ball carrier’s forward progress through physical contact.
A defender can only pull a flag from the ball carrier. Attempts to pull the flag before the ball is passed or handed off are illegal.

Key Offensive Rules

Passing: The quarterback must throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. Players can pass the ball forward only once per play, while backward or lateral passes are unlimited (behind the line of scrimmage).
Running: Running plays are allowed, but the quarterback is not allowed to run unless the another offense player has possessed the ball. Players may run with the ball to gain yardage, and the offense must design plays that balance between passing and running to be effective.
Blocking/Shielding: In most formats, blocking is either restricted or prohibited. This rule is crucial to maintaining the non-contact nature of flag football.

Defensive Rules

The defense aims to stop the offense by pulling the ball carrier's flag or intercepting passes. Defensive players must adhere to the non-contact rule:

Rushing the Passer: Defenders are allowed to rush the quarterback but must start a specific distance behind the line of scrimmage, usually 7 yards, to give the offense a chance to pass the ball.

Penalties in Flag Football

Penalties in flag football are enforced to keep the game safe and fair. Some common infractions include:

Flag Guarding: Offensive players cannot block access to their flags using their hands, elbows, or the ball.
Holding: Grabbing or impeding the movement of an opponent, other than pulling their flag, is not allowed.
Offsides: If a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped, the team is penalized.
Pass Interference: This occurs when a player obstructs or interferes with an opponent’s attempt to catch the ball, resulting in a penalty. Penalties generally result in loss of yardage and, in some cases, automatic first downs or loss of downs.

Special Teams in Flag Football

In some leagues, punting or kicking is allowed, but it typically follows specific rules:

Punting: If punting is allowed, the offensive team must declare a punt. The defense cannot rush the punter, and once the punt is made, the receiving team can attempt to advance the ball.

Essential Flag Football Rules Explained