The first recorded game of American football occurred in 1869. Serious injury was common in the 19th century game, leading President Theodore Roosevelt to demand safer rules in 1906. Flag football is a non-contact sport based on American football, and wearing helmets, pads or other protective equipment is against the rules. Instead of tackling a ball carrier, defenders detach a “flag,” a strip of cloth fastened to the player’s belt, or the entire flag belt to “end the down,” or stop play.
Basics
Men’s, women’s and co-recreational teams of four, seven or eight players run and pass a ball downfield and attempt to score. The game clock runs continuously through four 12-minute quarters, except during the last two minutes of the second and fourth quarters, when it stops for certain interruptions in play. Modifications often are made to the rules to suit a league’s specific needs.
Field and Equipment
Official NIRSA fields measure 100 yards long by 40 yards wide with the 3-, 10- and 20-yard lines marked. The ball is a regulation-type football. Players wear a quick-release flag belt around the waist with three permanently attached flags positioned on each side and in the middle of the back. Shoes must be soft-soled cleats with a cleat length of a half-inch or less, or tennis-type shoes. Jerseys must be long enough to tuck into the pants or cut off at least four inches above the belt. Pants must not have belt loops, pockets or drawstrings.
Offense
Kickoffs are not used. The ball is placed on the 14-yard line at the start of each half and after a score. A team has four downs to score or reach the “zone-line-to-gain” – midfield or alternate distance – adjusted for penalties. Four additional downs to score are awarded if the zone-line-to-gain is reached. After the ball is snapped, the receiving player may run or throw the ball forward or backward. A lateral pass is considered a backward pass. One forward pass by all runners is allowed per down. Backward passing is allowed in relation to the original line of scrimmage.
Defense
Defensive players may not make contact with the passer or ball carrier when going for a flag. Interfering with a receiver beyond the line of scrimmage is not allowed, nor is taking any player’s flag before he touches the ball. Obstructing an opponent with a non-contact screen is legal and opponents must work around the screen without contact.
Flag
A defender legally capturing a ball carrier’s flag ends the down. Defenders may leave their feet while reaching for a flag, but no player may hold, push or knock another player down while reaching for a flag. Defenders may make contact with the body of the ball carrier in an attempt to remove the flag, but may not touch the player above the shoulders. Runners may not guard their own flag with hands, arms or the ball, but spin moves are allowed to avoid defenders.
Punting
On fourth down, offensive teams may opt to punt. The team captain must inform the referee, who tells the defensive team. The kick must be made and the defense must remain motionless until the kick is made. If the opposing team catches the ball, the ball is declared dead. No receiver may advance the ball. If the kicker fumbles the ball, the ball is declared dead.
Scoring
Touchdowns earn 6 points by carrying or catching the ball in the end zone. Field goals are not used. An extra-point conversion, “try,” scores points depending on distance: the 20-yard line, 3 points; 10-yard line, 2 points; and 3-yard line, 1 point. A safety scores 2 points for the opposition when a runner carries the ball into his own end zone, or an offensive player is penalized a distance that reaches the end zone. In a draw, overtime is played until one team wins. Each team has four downs to score from the 20-yard line. If both or neither team scores, another overtime period is played. A defensive interception that scores wins the game.
Penalties
The sportsmanlike and non-contact nature of flag football is taken seriously, as are equipment violations and all attempts to delay the game. The rules of the game must be strictly followed, or a team may receive a 5- or 10-yard setback. Ten-yard penalties are assessed on more serious infractions such as pass interference, roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct and contact with the runner or any player, and unnecessary contact of all kinds. Roughing the passer results in an automatic first down.
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