Rules and Equipment

NFL FLAG Rules and Diagrams
FLAG Football is a popular game filled with fun and action. In this game, the offensive team plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Running and passing plays are allowed, although there are "no-running zones" at midfield and near each goal line. The defensive team covers receivers, rushes the passer and has to simultaneously touch the ball carrier with 2 hands to make "tackles."


The Basics
A coin toss determines first possession.
The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has three plays to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.
If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.
All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense's 5-yard line.


Players/Game Schedules
Teams must field a minimum of five players at all times.

Timing/Overtime
Games are planned to run for 75 minutes. If the score is tied at the end of 75 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. The first team to score wins.

Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.

Each team has one 2 time-outs.


Scoring
Touchdown:
6 points

Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)

Safety:
2 points

Running
The quarterback cannot run with the ball.
Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
"No-running zones" located five yards from each end zone and five yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
The ball is spotted where the ball carrier's feet are when the tag is made, not where the ball is.
Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.

Receiving
All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing
Shovel passes are allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second "pass clock." If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.

Dead Balls
The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled "dead" when:
- Ball carrier's is tagged
- Ball carrier steps out of bounds
- Touchdown or safety is scored
- Ball carrier's knee hits the ground
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.

Rushing the Quarterback
All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no violent blocking, crack blocks, blind side blocks or tackling is allowed. (We are here to have fun, not have someone get hurt.)

Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be tar and feathered. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Trash talking is legal. There is not such thing as offensive language.


Penalties
All penalties will be called by the referee.

Defense:

Offsides
Five yards and automatic first down

Interference
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal contact
(holding, illegal blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down

Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
10 yards and automatic first down


Offense:

Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards and loss of down

Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down

Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards and loss of down

Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.


Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made.

Note: There are no kickoffs, and no violent blocking, crack blocks, blind side blocks or tackling is allowed. (We are here to have fun, not have someone get hurt.)


Diagrams