FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
Flag football is not intended to take the place of rugged contact sport such as regular football. It is a game utilizing many of the basic skills of football with a minimum of contact.
I THE GAME, AND EQUIPMENT
A THE GAME
1. The game shall be played between 2 teams of 7 players
each. Five players are required to avoid a forfeit.
2. The game shall be played under the supervision of 2 to
4 officials.
3. Only the field captain is allowed to communicate with the
officials.
C THE EQUIPMENT
1. Players of opposing teams must wear contrasting colored
jerseys.
2. Must wear pants or shorts which do not have any belt loops
or pockets. The pants or shorts must be a different color
than the flags.
3. All jerseys must be tucked in.
4. Rubber cleats only
5. No pads
6. Mouth guards are recommended
7. All players must wear Flags of the same color.
II PERIODS, AND TIME FACTORS.
A PERIODS
1. Playing time shall be 40 minutes, divided into two halves
of 20 minutes each. The clock continuously runs for the
first 18 minutes of each half and will stop for the final
2 minutes.
2. A Two minute warning will be given each half
3. Overtime period will consist of one possession by each
team. Each team will start 1st and goal from the team
B10 yard line. If the score is tied after one period,
they go to a second period or as many as needed to
determine a winner.
4. If the first team which is awarded the ball scores. the
opponent will still have a chance to win the game.
5. A coin flip will determine the options as in the start
of the game.
6. All overtime periods are played toward the same goal
line.
B TIME FACTORS
1. Two time outs per half.
2. The offense has 25 seconds to put the ball into play
after the official sets the ball and declares ready.
III SCORING
A TD = 6 points
B TRY FOR POINT = 1 point from the 3 yard line or
2 points from the 10 yard line.
C SAFETY = 2 points
IV KICKING, SNAPPING, HANDLING,AND PASSING THE BALL
A KICKING
1. Punts -fourth down punts that are declared will be free
kicks.
2. No Kickoffs. Play starts on the 20 yard line.
B SNAPPING
1. The snapper shall pass the ball back between his legs
from its position on the ground with a quick continuous
motion.
2. Offense must have a minimum of four players on the line
of scrimmage.
3. No 3 or 4 point stances, 2 point stance must be used at
all times offense or defense.
C HANDLING
1. Ball is dead anytime it touches the ground,
except on punts.
2. Any player may hand the ball backward at any time.
D PASSING
1. All players are eligible to touch or catch a pass.
2. A forward pass must be thrown behind the line of
scrimmage.
3. Only one forward pass can be thrown per down.
4. Legal catch-player must have complete control of the
ball and have one foot in bounds.
V CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND PENALTIES
A CONDUCT OF PLAYERS
1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 10 yards, and if flagrant, the
offender shall be disqualified.
a. Abusive or insulting language
b. Any act of unfair play
c. Intentional kicking at any opposing player
d. Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during
legal play.
e. Intentionally swinging an arm, hand or fist at any
opposing player.
F. Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage
unless replaced or with permission of the Referee.
G. Throw the ball high into the air.
H. Fail to return the ball to the official
I. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
J. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
K. Indicating objections to an official's decision.
L. Being on the field illegally
M. Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or
gestures.
2. Personal Foul, 10 yards, and if flagrant, the offender
shall be disqualified.
a. Steal, attempt to steal or bat the ball from a player
in possession.
b. Trip an opponent
c. Contact an opponent who is on the ground.
d. Contact an opponent either before or after the ball is
declared dead.
G. Make any contact with an opponent which is deemed
unnecessary of any nature including using fists, locked
hands, elbows.
h. Deliberately drive or run into a defensive player.
i. Clip an opponent.
j. Tackle the runner as in regulation football.
k. Roughing the passer.
3. Any player disqualified from a game will be suspended for
the teams next two contests. A second disqualification in
any Intramural sport will result in that player being
banned from Intramural for the rest of the school year.
B PENALTIES
1. Blocking, Penalty: Personal Foul 10 yards
a. A player must be on his feet before, during, and after
screen blocking.
b. Blockers must be positioned between the ball and the
defense.
c. Defensive players must go around a round the offensive
player's screen block.
2. Runner
a. Flag guarding, 10 yards
b. Stiff Arm, 10 yards
c. Helping the Runner, 5 yards
d. Obstruction of Runner by defense, 10 yards
3. Batting and Kicking
a. Players shall not bat a loose ball other than a pass
or a fumble in flight. 10 yards
b. No player shall intentionally kick a ball other than
as a free kick or protected scrimmage kick.
4. Flag Belt Removal
a. Players must have possession of the ball before they
can legally be deflagged.