Flag football rules explained

The basic idea

Flag football takes the structure of football (downs, passing, running and scoring) and removes tackling. Each player wears a belt with flags, usually two or three, hanging from the sides. When a defender pulls a flag from the ball carrier, the play is over, and the ball is placed where the flag was pulled. It is popular with new players, mixed-age groups and families.

If you are comparing options, read football vs flag football for youth. This page walks through how a flag game works.

The flags and the pull

A ball carrier is "down" when a flag is pulled, the carrier steps out of bounds, or something else ends the play, depending on league rules. The key skill for defenders is flag pulling: staying balanced, reaching for the flag and not grabbing the player or shoving. Most leagues do not allow holding a player to get a flag.

Players also may not use their hands or arms to guard the flags. This is called flag guarding in many leagues and is typically a penalty. Check what your league says, since the exact wording varies.

Field and players

Flag football uses a smaller team than standard football in many leagues. The number of players, the size of the field and the length of the game vary widely by league and age group, so ask yours. Most flag teams have a quarterback, a few receivers, a center and one or more defenders who rush or cover. You can read more about these roles in football positions explained, since many of the same ideas apply.

How a play works

1. The offense lines up, and the center snaps the ball to the quarterback.
2. The quarterback hands off, passes or runs, depending on league rules.
3. The defense tries to pull the flag of the ball carrier.
4. The play ends when a flag is pulled, a pass falls incomplete or a score occurs.
5. The offense gets another down, or the other team takes the ball, depending on rules.

Many flag leagues use a different down system from standard football. Some give the offense a set number of tries to cross midfield and then another set to score, and some use traditional four downs. Our guide to how downs work covers the standard version, and your league will tell you its own.

What is different from tackle football

The two games look similar from far away, but a flag game feels faster and more pass-focused. It is also a good way for kids to build skills such as catching, throwing and reading the field.

Scoring and penalties

Scoring is usually like standard football: a touchdown is worth six points, with bonus points after. Some leagues change the values or use different conversions. For the standard numbers, see football scoring explained.

Common penalties include illegal contact (pushing, grabbing or tackling), flag guarding, offside, false start and pass interference. Many of these also appear in football penalties explained, but flag leagues have their own lists. Many leagues also add rules to protect players, such as no diving or no spinning with the ball. Ask for a rule sheet at the start of the season.

What to ask your league

• How many players are on the field and how are teams formed?
• Is blocking allowed, and how are rushers handled?
• How does the down system work?
• What gear is required, such as flag belts, mouthguards and shoes?
• How long are games and seasons, and who officiates?
• Are there co-ed or age-based divisions?

Common beginner mistakes

• Reaching for a flag instead of moving feet, which can lead to missed pulls.
• Grabbing a jersey or arm, which can result in a penalty.
• Guarding the flags with the hands.
• Stopping when the play is not over, because the whistle has not blown.
• Watching the ball and forgetting to find a flag.

These are all very normal. The best way to improve is to play and to have fun.

A short example of a flag drive

Imagine a team starting at its own end of the field. The quarterback takes the snap and hands the ball to a runner, who gains a few yards before a defender pulls a flag. The ball is placed where the flag came off, and the offense lines up again. On the next play the quarterback throws to a receiver, who is also flag-pulled after a catch. Eventually the offense either crosses the line it needs to reach, scores, or runs out of tries, depending on the league's down system. Short, quick plays like these are why flag games move so fast.

Common youth modifications

Many youth flag leagues adjust the rules to keep things safe and simple. Examples include limiting how many times a team may run the ball in a row, requiring that a quarterback not run past a certain line, setting a distance rushers must stay from the quarterback, or using a no-run zone near the goal line. These vary by league and age group, so treat them as examples and read your rule sheet. For a broader comparison of the two games, see football vs flag football for youth.

Safety and sportsmanship

Flag football has far less contact than tackle football, but players can still collide, trip or fall, and injuries can happen. Players should warm up, wear appropriate shoes, remove anything that could catch on a flag belt, and follow the officials. Jewelry and loose items are often not allowed, so ask your league. If your child is hurt, tell a coach and ask a doctor or athletic trainer about any concern. Adults on the sideline can help by cheering for both teams and respecting officials, as described in football parent sideline etiquette.

Sources and further reading

1. Flag Football Rules & Rulebooks USA Football
2. NFL Flag Football Rules NFL FLAG
3. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about NFL FLAG NFL FLAG
4. Comparing Head Impacts in Youth Tackle and Flag Football CDC

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Frequently asked questions

How does flag football work?

Players wear flags, and the defense stops the ball carrier by pulling a flag instead of tackling. Many leagues limit or ban blocking.

Is there blocking in flag football?

It depends on the league. Many do not allow blocking or limit it, so check your rule sheet.

How is flag football scored?

Usually like regular football, with six points for a touchdown and bonus points after. Leagues sometimes adjust the values.

What gear does flag football need?

A flag belt, shoes and often a mouthguard. Requirements vary, so ask your league.

Is flag football a good first step for football?

Many families like it because it builds throwing, catching and game knowledge without tackling.