About Flag Football
Everything families need to know
about how the game is played.
League Overview & Fast Facts
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Format
5-on-5 non-contact flag football (up to 10 players per roster).
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Field Dimensions
70 yards total length (50-yard playing field + two 10-yard end zones) by 30 yards wide.
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Game Clock
Two 20-minute halves with a running clock (stops only for timeouts and injuries).
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Possession Starts
No kickoffs. Drives begin on the 5-yard line.
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First Downs
Offense has 4 downs to reach midfield; crossing midfield grants 3 downs to score.
Core Game Rules
No-Contact Policy
Tackling, blocking, screening, or intentional contact is strictly prohibited. Defensive players make a "tackle" solely by pulling a flag from the ball-carrier's belt.
Passing & QB Play
- The quarterback cannot run the ball directly across the line of scrimmage.
- The QB has a 7-second pass clock to throw or hand off the ball. If unthrown after 7 seconds, the play is dead.
- All passes must be forward and received past the line of scrimmage.
Running & No-Run Zones
- Direct handoffs and backward passes behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.
- No-Run Zones are located 5 yards before midfield and 5 yards before each end zone. Drives starting inside these zones must be passing plays to minimize high-impact collisions.
Pass Rush
- Up to two designated rushers may line up at least 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
- Rushers must identify themselves to officials prior to the snap by raising a hand.
- Once a handoff or backward pass occurs, any defender may rush across the line.
Dead Balls & Penalties
- The ball is dead when a flag is pulled, the runner steps out of bounds, the ball touches the ground, or a knee/elbow hits the turf. Fumbles are dead at the spot.
- Offensive penalties result in a loss of down and yardage.
- Defensive penalties result in automatic first downs and yardage.
Standard Flag Football Equipment
| Item | Status | Guidance & Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Flag Belt System | Required | Provided by the league. Must be worn outside jerseys at hips. |
| Mouthguard | Required | Must be worn on the field during all live play. |
| Shorts / Pants | Required | No pockets allowed to avoid finger injuries and accidental flag obstruction. |
| Footwear | Required | Standard rubber/molded athletic cleats or turf shoes (no metal spikes). |
| Receiver Gloves | Optional | Permitted to assist with ball control and grip. |
Player Positions Breakdown
Offense
Quarterback (QB)
Directs the offense, executes handoffs, and delivers forward passes downfield.
Center (C)
Snaps the ball to start the play, then immediately becomes an eligible receiver.
Wide Receivers / Running Backs (WR / RB)
Run designated pass routes or take handoffs to advance the ball upfield.
Defense
Rusher
Lines up 7 yards off the line of scrimmage to pressure the QB and disrupt passing lanes after the snap.
Defensive Backs (DB)
Cover receivers in man-to-man or zone coverage to break up passes or pull flags.
Safety
Serves as the deep defender to stop big plays and contain anything breaking past the line of scrimmage.