There are 9 players on a team.
There will be no kickoff. Play will start near the offensive team's goal line. Paper/Rock/Sissors
determines who gets first possession of the ball.
Scoring:
Touch down = 6 points, Conversion by running = 1 point, Conversion by passing = 2 points,
Safety = 2 points
Downed Ball: In order for a player to be declared down, the flag must be pulled off of the player and
dropped. The “tackler” must stop at the point of the tackle and extend the arm with the withdrawn flag
upward. The ball carrier is declared down at this point. The ball carrier cannot deliberately touch the
flags or guard them in any manner. If they do it is a Penalty (10 yards from the point of the foul.
Running Rules:
o The runner must keep at least one foot on the ground. Leaping or jumping to avoid having the
flags pulled off is illegal.
o No straight or stiff arming
o No lowering the heads to punish the defender
o No guarding the flags, you must run with the arms above the waist.
o No other part of the body except the feet may touch the ground while running or the player shall
be declared down.
o Flags must be on the outside of the shirt or sweat shirt.
o No tying the flags
o Spinning is allowed
Tackling: Tackling is not permitted. The ball is declared dead when the defensive player pulls the
runner’s flags off. Any action against the runner, other than merely pulling his flag, is unnecessary
roughness. PENALTY: 15 yards from the point of the foul. The offender may be banished from the
game and would receive a zero in participation for the day.
Downs: The team has four downs in which to score or make a first down after it assumes possession of
the ball. If a team fails to score in four downs or make a first down, it opponent shall take possession of
the ball at the spot where the ball is declared dead ending the fourth down.
Kick-Off rules: There will be no kick-off during a flag football game. After each score the ball will be
placed on the 10 yard line, first and midfield to go.
Due to the fact that all players are eligible to go out for a pass, the defense must count to “three
Mississippi” before rushing the quarterback.
Captains Responsibilities:
o Assign positions and insure everyone is involved.
o If there is a problem with a teammates effort let your teacher know.
o Call the huddle and call plays.
o At beginning of game, after roll and warm-up, captains will gather the appropriate colored flags
for the team and distribute them on the assigned field.
o At the end of the game, captains will gather all their teams' flags and place them in the storage
box.
PLAYERS DO NOT QUESTION REFEREE CALLS! The only 2 players allowed to talk to the referee
are the captains. Failure to comply will result in a penalty or removal from the game
There are 3 penalties that will be enforced:
o Offside: Leaving before the ball has been snapped. (3 Step Penalty)
o Holding: Holding or stopping someone from getting to a desired spot. (3 Step Penalty)
o Flag Guarding: Pushing or slapping your opponent's hand away when they try and pull your flag.
(Runner is down where flag guarding occurred)
If a team is taking to long to huddle (wasting time) the ref may start a 10 second countdown out loud. If
offensive team is not lined up at the end of the count a loss of down penalty may be called.
Flag Football Terms
1) Down- when the ball becomes dead. Four downs (or tries) are allowed to score a touchdown, or cross the
centerline. On the fourth down if the offensive team doesn’t score or reach the centerline they should punt the
ball or risk turning over the ball at the line of scrimmage.
2) Dead ball- the ball becomes dead when:
a. the ball carrier’s flag becomes detached
b. when any part of the ball carrier’s body other than the hands and feet touch the ground
c. an incomplete pass
d. a fumble
e. when the ball goes out of bounds
3) Center- the offensive lineman who snaps the football to the quarterback
4) Defense- the team that does not have possession of the ball
5) End zone- the area between the goal line and the end line where touchdowns occur
6) First down- the first of four attempts to move the football forward into the end zone or to the center line
7) Fumble- the ball carrier drops the ball while in their possession. Fumbles become dead balls and can not be
advanced by the recovering team
8) Interception- when the defense catch a ball that was meant to be caught by the offensive team
9) Line of Scrimmage- Imaginary line drawn from the forward tip of the football to the sideline
10) Offense- the team that has possession of the football
11) Offside- Movement across the line of scrimmage before the football is snapped
12) Safety- removing the flag of the other team behind their own goal line with the ball
13) Touchdown- an offensive player having possession of the football in the opponent’s end zone