On practice fields and grassy lots all across the United States and even around the world, players strap flags to their waists and play a fun variation of one of America's most popular sports---football. In the U.S., flag football rules are governed by the United States Flag Football Association (USFFA). And thanks to its simplified rules and regulations, it's a fun game to play with friends and family.
Players and Field
The absence of tackling isn't the only thing that separates flag football from its parent sport. While American football features 11 men on the field, flag football is an eight-man game. A 100-yard field is used for official USFFA games, but other leagues often use shorter fields.
Game Play
As in American football, the object of flag football is to advance the ball, either by running or passing, over the opponent's goal line. Teams are given four opportunities (downs) to advance the ball into the next "zone," which can vary in length from league to league but is typically 20 yards. Players in flag football are not physically tackled but are ruled as "down" when an opponent removes a flag (typically a colored strip hanging from a belt around the waist) from the opponent. If the team with possession of the ball fails to advance to the next zone within four downs, the ball is awarded to the opposing team. As in American football, the offensive team also has the option of kicking field goals or punting the ball before their downs are exhausted.
The Flag
Several rules govern the use and function of the flag from which the game gets its name. Defensive players are prohibited from pushing, striking, holding or otherwise making excessive contact with the player with the ball in order to "deflag." The offensive player is also prohibited from using his hands to protect the flags in an attempt to prevent opponents from deflagging. Flags are usually attached to the player's belt using Velcro or a similar material, and players are prohibited from tying or otherwise fastening the flag to their belt.
Other Regulations
Helmets, pads and other equipment familiar to American football are prohibited in the game of flag football. While full-on tackling is not allowed, some blocking is allowed but is restricted to blocks with the hands between the opponent's neck and waist. Blockers are not permitted to leave their feet to block or to block downfield (not in the immediate vicinity of the ball).
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