If you're not in the mood for strapping on pads and donning a helmet in order to go out and throw the pigskin, you're in luck. All around the United States, flag football teams compete every year in a modified version of one of America's most popular spectator sports. If you're looking to join or even start a flag football league, the first thing you'll need to do is get yourself familiar with the rules.
Game Play Rules
Flag football is played between two teams of eight players each. Teams attempt to advance the ball by rushing---running with the ball---or passing in order to cross the goal line for a touchdown. Teams can also score by kicking the ball through the goal posts for a field goal. Touchdowns are worth six points and field goals are worth three points. After a made touchdown, a team receives an extra possession. If the team kicks a field goal or passes for another touchdown, it earns one point. If it rushes the ball for another touchdown on the extra possession, it receives two extra points.
Use of Flags
One of the main differences between regular and flag football is the lack of tackling in flag football. Instead of tackling, players wear belts with plastic or fabric strips or flags. In order to stop a play, defenders must pull off the flag, which is equivalent to a tackle. Defensive players may jump or dive in order to strip a flag from offensive players. Protecting one's flags or trying to prevent a player from stripping off one's flags is illegal and results in a 10-yard penalty.
Downs
Flag football is divided into four or five 20-yard zones. The offense has four downs in order to advance the ball into the next offensive zone. On fourth down, the offense has the option of attempting a first down, punting the ball away or kicking a field goal. Failure to reach the next zone on fourth down results in a turnover.
Violations and Penalties
Unlike regular football, all players on offense are eligible receivers. But at least four players must be on the offensive line to start each play. Failure to have four players results in a 5-yard penalty. Blocking is allowed, but blockers must have both feet on the ground before, during and after contact with an opposing player. Failure to do so results in a 10-yard penalty.
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