Flag football replaces tackling with pulling a flag from the ball carrier's belt. Offences get four downs to cross midfield and four more to score, can't run the ball in the no-run zones near midfield and the goal line, and the quarterback has a few seconds to throw. There's no blocking, no tackling and no guarding your flags.
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The Basics
- Teams play 5, 7 or 8 a side depending on the league; 5v5 is the most common format.
- Every player wears a belt with two or three flags. Pulling a flag off the ball carrier ends the play.
- No tackling, no blocking and no contact. Players can't dive or jump to avoid a flag pull in most leagues.
Downs and the No-Run Zones
The offence gets four downs to cross midfield for a first down, then four more to score. Most leagues mark no-run zones 5 yards before midfield and 5 yards before the goal line: inside them, the offence has to pass to gain the first down or score. Handoffs are usually still allowed, but the player who takes the handoff has to pass.
The Quarterback and the Rush
The quarterback has a pass clock, 7 seconds in NFL FLAG and in many adult leagues, to get rid of the ball. Defenders who rush the passer start a set distance back from the line of scrimmage; your league sets the distance and how many rushers are allowed. In NFL FLAG and many leagues, the quarterback can't run with the ball unless it's handed off first.
Scoring
- Touchdown: 6 points.
- Extra point: many leagues give 1 point for a play from the 5-yard line and 2 points from the 12-yard line.
- Safety: 2 points, when the ball carrier's flag is pulled in their own end zone.
Penalties New Players Get Called For
- Flag guarding: using a hand, arm or the ball to block a defender from your flag.
- Contact and blocking: screening or bumping a defender.
- Illegal flag pull: pulling a flag before the receiver has the ball.
- Wearing flags wrong: flags must hang freely at the hips, never tucked under a jersey, which is why flag football jerseys are cut shorter.
FAQ
Is flag football a contact sport?
No. Blocking, tackling and screening are all penalties. Collisions happen on contested catches, which is why many players wear mouthguards.
How many players are on a flag football team?
Five on the field in most leagues (some play 7 or 8), with rosters of 8 to 12.
Can the quarterback run in flag football?
Not directly in NFL FLAG and many rec leagues: the ball has to be handed off or pitched first. Some adult leagues allow it once the rush crosses the line. Check your league's rulebook.
Conclusion
Flag football is football without the hits: pull the flag, respect the no-run zones and get the ball out before the pass clock runs out. Read your league's version for the pass clock and rush distance, because those are the rules that change most from league to league.
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