BASIC FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
When learning how to play flag football, it's best to start with the basics.
In NFL FLAG football 2️⃣ leagues, teams play 5 on 5 and each game consists of two halves, usually 15 to 25 minutes long.
Tournament games 2️⃣ are typically shorter with two, 10 to 12 minute halves.
The clock only stops for halftime, timeouts (each team has 3), 2️⃣ or injury, making games quick and competitive.
Each player has a specific role on the field and every play counts.
The most 2️⃣ important rule in flag football is that there's no contact allowed, including tackling, diving, blocking, screening or fumbles.
Instead of physically 2️⃣ tackling an opponent to the ground, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt.
Defenders "tackle" the ball-carrier 2️⃣ by removing one or both of their flags.
While this rule is designed to keep players safe, there are several other 2️⃣ rules that limit contact among players, including:
The quarterback isn't allowed to run with the ball, unless it was handed off 2️⃣ first.
They can run behind the line of scrimmage, but they can't gain yardage.
All passes must go forward and be received 2️⃣ beyond the line of scrimmage.
Laterals and pitches aren't allowed-only direct handoffs are permitted.
Center sneak plays aren't allowed.
There are no fumbles.
Instead, 2️⃣ the ball stays in possession of the offense and is spotted where the ball-carrier's feet were when the fumble occurred.
The 2️⃣ ball is dead when: the ball-carrier's flag is pulled, the ball-carrier steps out of bound, a touchdown or safety is 2️⃣ scored, the ball-carrier's knee hits the ground, or the ball-carrier's flag falls off.
Players can't obstruct or guard their flags.
For a 2️⃣ complete list of flag football rules, visit our NFL FLAG Football Rules pageSCORING
Every game starts with a coin toss (there 2️⃣ are no kickoffs).
The starting team begins on its own 5-yard line and has four downs-essentially four plays-to cross midfield for 2️⃣ a first down.
If the offense fails to advance after three attempts, they can "punt," meaning they turn over the ball 2️⃣ to the opposing team, which then starts from its own 5-yard line.
Or they can go for a first down, but 2️⃣ if they fail, the opposing team takes over possession from the spot of the ball.
Once midfield is crossed, the offense 2️⃣ has three downs to score a touchdown.
A touchdown is 6 points and a safety is 2 points (1-point conversion from 2️⃣ 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 2️⃣ 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 2️⃣ their own end zone.
This happens when their flag is pulled by a defensive player, their flag falls out, their knee 2️⃣ or arm touches the ground, or if a snapped ball lands in the end zone.
As a general rule of thumb, 2️⃣ if a team is winning by a 28 or greater point margin, the game is over and the team doesn't 2️⃣ attempt an extra point.
RUNNING
When players run with the ball, their feet can't leave the ground to avoid a defensive player.
In 2️⃣ other words, players can spin to avoid their opponent, but they can't leap or dive.
Only direct handoffs are permitted-there are 2️⃣ no laterals or pitches.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
And the person who 2️⃣ takes the handoff is allowed to throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
So while you'll see a designated 2️⃣ quarterback on the field, several plays actually rely on other teammates to pass the ball.
This changes up plays, keeps the 2️⃣ defense on their toes, and makes the game even more exciting.
Also, under flag football rules, the quarterback can't run with 2️⃣ the ball unless it has been handed to him/her in the backfield.
And all players who rush the passer must be 2️⃣ a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.
Flag football rules aim to prevent 2️⃣ power plays and avoid short-yardage situations, so you'll find no run zones located 5 yards from each end zone and 2️⃣ on either side of the midfield.
In this designated area, the offensive team must complete a pass play.
Lastly, if an offensive 2️⃣ player's flag is pulled when they're running with the ball, their feet determine where the ball is spotted, not the 2️⃣ flag.
RECEIVING
One rule that makes flag football unique (and that much more competitive) is that everyone can receive a pass, including 2️⃣ the quarterback, after the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage.
This allows coaches to include a variety 2️⃣ of flag football plays into their playbooks and helps players develop fundamental offense skills.
Plus, it makes the game more engaging.
Keep 2️⃣ in mind that when making a catch, players must have one foot in bounds, just like tackle.
PASSING
Flag football rules state 2️⃣ that all passes must go forward and be received beyond the line of scrimmage.
Shovel passes, which are short passes to 2️⃣ forward receivers, are allowed, but also must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.
Quarterbacks have a seven-second pass clock to 2️⃣ get rid of the ball.
And if they don't, the play is dead.
Additionally, center sneak play-where the quarterback hands off to 2️⃣ the center as the first handoff of the play-is no longer allowed.
Interceptions are allowed, but look a little different in 2️⃣ flag football.
They change the possession of the ball at the point of the interception.
So if an interception occurs, the referee 2️⃣ blows the whistle and the play is dead.
Interceptions are the only change of possession that don't start on the team's 2️⃣ 5-yard line.
RUSHING THE PASSER
Players who rush the passer must stand at least seven yards off the line of scrimmage when 2️⃣ the ball is snapped, while players who aren't rushing the passer may start on the line of scrimmage.
The seven-yard rule 2️⃣ no longer applies once the ball is handed off-all defenders are allowed to go behind the line of scrimmage at 2️⃣ that point.
A sack occurs when a defensive player pulls off the quarterback's flag(s) behind the line of scrimmage.
The quarterback, or 2️⃣ anyone in possession of the ball, is down when their flag(s) are removed.
FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYS
To set up teams for success, 2️⃣ coaches teach a variety of formations, routes and 5 on 5 flag football plays throughout the season.
And with every player 2️⃣ being eligible to receive a pass, including the quarterback, coaches can get creative and tailor their plays to their team's 2️⃣ strengths-or their opponent's weaknesses.
Some plays are complex, while others are more basic.
Some go for long yardage, while others aim for 2️⃣ short gains.
In every scenario, these plays determine the flow of the game and teach players the basic fundamentals needed to 2️⃣ succeed.
In other words, it teaches them how to play flag football.
That's why we always recommend that coaches start with the 2️⃣ basics, helping players establish a strong foundation first, and then mix and match new and more challenging plays as their 2️⃣ team gains confidence.
See the complete list of 5 on 5 offensive flag football plays and learn how to create a 2️⃣ winning youth flag football playbook.
