Flag Football League Rules

Game Format

Field Diagram and Rules

The offensive team is awarded a first down when it crosses the midfield line. Based
on the field size, one first down is sufficient to advance the football for a score.
The lines five yards from each end zone and on both sides of the midfield line are
no-run zones. No-run zones do not apply to the 8U division. The no run zones are
designed to take away power-running plays. If an offensive team picks up a first
down but is then pushed back into the no-run zone, the no-run rule will not apply,
as the offensive team cannot pick up another first down.
The offensive team begins the game and second half by taking possession of the
ball at its five-yard line. With the no-contact rule, this also means no blocking. With
kick-offs, the goal is to block and clear the way for the return, which is not a part of
Flag Football.

Down Format: 8U

The offensive team has four plays to gain a first down by crossing midfield. Once a
team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown.
If the team fails to cross midfield in four downs or score a touchdown, the other
team takes possession on its own five-yard line. There will be no punts for this
division. All four downs will be used without the concern of giving up field position.

Down Format: 12U

The offensive team has four plays to gain a first down by crossing midfield. Once a
team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown.
On fourth down, a team has two options:
1) A team may attempt to gain a first down or a touchdown. If a team fails to convert on fourth down,
either by scoring or picking up a first down, the ball changes possession at the no-run zone going into
the first down.

2) A team may punt as its fourth-down play by notifying the referee. In this case, the ball will be placed on
the opposing team’s five-yard line, and there will be a change of possession. For the older divisions,
defensive stands will be awarded. This also teaches the field possession aspect of football.

Offensive Starting Points: 8U

Situation	Starting Field Position After Change of Possession
After a touchdown and extra point attempt	Offense's five-yard line
After a turnover on downs	Offense's five-yard line
After an interception	At the spot of the Interception

Offensive Starting Points: 12U

Situation	Starting Field Position After Change of Possession
After a Touchdown and extra point attempt	Offense's five-yard line
After a punt	Offense's five-yard line
After a turnover on downs	The no-run zone going into the first down (midfield line)

After an interception Interceptions CAN be returned.

Clock Format

• Games consist of four nine-minute quarters with an eight-minute halftime.
• The game clock stops briefly at the end of every quarter for predetermined substitutions.
• Each team has one thirty-second timeout per half. Unused timeouts do not carry over to the second
  half. The clock will stop during the timeout.
  
• A thirty-second play clock begins after the referee spots the ball as ready for play.
  
• The clock will stop in the final minute of the first half and in the final minute of the game for the
  following situations:
  
  • After an incomplete pass
    
  • After the ball carrier goes out of bounds
    
  • After a touchdown
    
  • During an extra-point attempt
    
  • For an official’s timeout
    
  • During a called timeout until the ball is snapped
    
  • On a change of possession
    
    

Other Notes

• Referees lead both teams in prayer at midfield before the game.
  
• Referees will call and explain all violations. The detail of explanations will vary according to the age
  group and understanding of the players and should decrease as the season progresses.
  
• The visiting team (wearing the lighter-colored jerseys) calls the coin toss. The team that wins the coin
  toss may choose to play offense or defense first or choose which goal to defend. The other team has
  the choice (possession or end to defend) not made by the team winning the toss. The team that plays
  defense first will play offense first to start the second half.
  
• Because the end of a quarter does not signal a change of possession, the team with possession at the
  end of the quarter will retain possession after substitutions take place.
  
• Teams will switch ends of the field at the half, not after each quarter.
  
• Score will be kept in all divisions.
  
• Standings are not kept in the 8U division. The purpose of this division is to teach the game of Football
  through solid competition.
  
• Standings will be kept in the 12U division. The team with the best record will be crowned champion.
  o Tie breakers:
  

• Head to head match up
  
• Points for
  
• Points against
  
  
• Each team will have six players on the field at a time. This equips the offense with an appropriate
  amount of players without crowding the field.
  
• Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines and encourage their players without stepping in the playing
  area.
  
• In the 12U division, each team can put one coach in the huddle for the first two games of the season. In
  the 8U division, each team can put one coach in the huddle throughout the season.
  
• All coaches will adhere to the substitution system. The substitution system allows for equal playing
  time for all players.
  
• When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before the violation occurs. Through
  words of encouragement and warning, referees are often able to prevent a violation from occurring.
  

• Offensive Basics

  
  
• A minimum of three players must be on the line of scrimmage at every snap. This mirrors traditional
  football format which requires seven players on the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball. The three
  players on the line for Flag Football will consist of a center and at least two receivers positioned
  anywhere along the line of scrimmage to add structure to offensive sets.
  
• Only one player can be in motion when the ball is snapped to ensure the integrity of the game.
  
• In the 12U division, the ball must be snapped between the legs to begin play. 8U players may use the
  side snap, since the traditional snap can be difficult for the younger players with small hands.
  
• Before handing off or passing, the quarterback must have complete possession of the ball. This helps
  clarify the center sneak play. A possession change between the center and quarterback must occur in
  order to run the play.
  
• A low-profile field cone or beanbag may be used to mark the line of scrimmage.
  Running the Football
  
• The quarterback can only run the ball across the line of scrimmage if rushed, allowing others to
  participate in each offensive play.
  
• The person who receives the snap from the center (under-center or shot-gun) is considered the
  quarterback.
  
• A pitch from the quarterback can be executed immediately after the snap or on a delay (similar to an
  option play without the quarterback being able to advance the football).
  
  
• The quarterback is the only player who can make the pitch. The pitch can occur at any time while
  behind the line of scrimmage.
  
• Once the pitch is received, the ball carrier can run the ball, hand off the ball or pass the ball.
  
• Direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are legal. Multiple handoffs may be used. After the ball
  crosses the line of scrimmage, handoffs and laterals are not permitted. This rule exists for safety
  reasons and to discourage the multiple laterals that would occur to avoid a flag pull.
  
• The five yards leading toward the goal line and the five yards leading to the midfield first-down line are
  no-run zones. The no-run zones do not apply to the 8U division. Plays beginning in the no-run zones
  must have a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage.
  
• A player receiving a handoff or immediate pitch can pass the ball (halfback pass) from behind the line
  of scrimmage.
  
• A ball carrier will be penalized for a dive. This is for safety and abides with the no-contact rule. Diving
  for advancement of the football can bring on injury or contact.
  
• The ball carrier’s feet determine the spot of the football when a flag is pulled, not the location of the
  football. This is to discourage a dive for advancement.
  Receiving the Football
  
• All six players are eligible to receive passes. (The quarterback becomes eligible after a handoff or
  immediate pitch.) With the no-contact rule, no blockers can be used thus allowing all offensive players
  to be eligible.
  
• A completion consists of a receiver gaining control of the football while having at least one foot in
  bounds. This rule is to keep the integrity of the game.
  
• If a player catches a pass with his knee(s) on the ground, the play is dead and the ball is spotted at the
  point of the completion. This rule helps to keep the no-contact rule intact.
  

• Passing the Football

  
  
• All forward passes can be completed behind or beyond the line of scrimmage. Only one forward pass
  can be completed per play. However, while in the no-run zones, all forward passes must be completed
  beyond the line of scrimmage. Once the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand, the defender can make a
  play on the ball. The defender must avoid contact with the receiver.
  
• The quarterback has seven seconds to throw a pass. If a pass is not thrown within seven seconds, it is
  treated as an incomplete pass resulting in the loss of a down. A handoff or pitch will end the seven-
  second pass count. This rule keeps a scrambling quarterback from taking too much time with each
  possession.
  
  

Dead Balls

Play is ruled dead when one of the following occurs:

The ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
o If the ball carrier’s flag falls out, the player must be touched once, anywhere, to be down.
The ball carrier steps out of bounds.
The ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.
A touchdown or safety is scored.
A pass falls incomplete.
The ball hits the ground as a fumble. The ball will be spotted at the point of the fumble. One exception
to this rule is with the center/quarterback exchange. If a snap is mishandled, the quarterback and only
the quarterback may pick up the ball and continue play. If a defender gets to the ball before the quarterback, the play is ruled dead and the ball is spotted at the point of the fumble (treated like a sack.)

Defensive Basics

• Teams may run man-to-man, zone defenses or a combination of both. This rule allows for defensive
  schemes and helps equal ability match-ups. Players can have an easier time covering a zone than a
  receiver man-to-man in the open field.
  
• Interceptions can be returned. The intercepting player is now the ball carrier and alll offensive rules
  apply.
  
• If the intercepting player is downed in the other team’s end zone (without having left the end zone),
  this will be a touchback and the ball will be placed at the 5 yard line.
  

  Rushing the Passer

• All players who are rushing the quarterback must begin seven yards behind the line of scrimmage.
  Before each snap, the referee will designate the seven-yard rush line. With no blocking allowed, this
  gives the quarterback enough time to make a play or escape a rush.
  
• With the 12U division, any number of players may rush the quarterback. The 8U division may only rush
  one defender.
  
• Defenders not rushing the quarterback may line up on or off the line of scrimmage. In the 8U division,
  three defenders must line up seven yards behind the line of scrimmage. Having three players line up
  seven yards from the line of scrimmage for the 8U group keeps the congestion from forming along the
  line of scrimmage, since most 8U plays are running plays. This also helps the defense disguise the rush,
  since it could be anyone of the three players lined up at the 8U
  
• Once the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand, the seven-yard rule is no longer in effect, and all
  defenders may cross the line of scrimmage to pursue the ball carrier. This allows the defense to react
  quickly to a play behind the line of scrimmage.
  
  

Scoring

• Touchdown: Six points
  
• Extra point: One point if played from the five-yard line with a pass or two points if played from the ten-
  yard line with a run or pass. The five-yard attempt is from the no-run zone.
  
• Safety: Two points. The scoring team will also receive possession on its own five-yard line. No physical
  kicks will occur in Flag Football.
  
• Penalties: All penalties will be called by the referee. If a penalty happens near the end zone, where the
  penalty yardage would place the ball in the end zone, then the penalty will be half the distance to the
  goal.