Flag Football Rules

The variety of flag football leagues that are functioning today means that there are some significant differences in league rules. For example, rules that apply to college leagues may not be suitable for junior leagues. Some leagues play with up to eight players on the field and another three to five players on the bench. Others field only four players. Clearly, the rules for such teams will be different.

Basic rules, however, are generally common to almost all leagues. Scoring, for example, is fairly consistent. A touchdown earns six points and the option to try for a point after. In flag football, a point after is earned by scoring from the five-yard line, while going for two points requires that play is initiated at the twelve yard line.

Starting the Game

As in contact football and many other sports, the game starts with a coin toss to determine which team is granted the first offensive possession. The team winning the toss takes possession of the ball on its own five-yard line and is allotted three plays to cross the center of the field. If they succeed, they will have three more plays to score a touchdown. If the offensive team is not able to cross midfield in three plays, they will turn the ball over to the opposing team.

Games last anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour, depending on the league, and are divided into two halves. Every player is required to wear a flag belt. Quarterbacks are not allowed to run with the ball and are limited to seven seconds in which to pass in some leagues. All passes must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. All leagues enforce penalties, and games include officials to enforce fair play.