Objective

The objective of flag football is to score more points than the opposing team by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone for a touchdown.

Teams

1. Team Composition:

   • Each team typically has 5 to 7 players on the field at a time.

   • Teams may have substitute players who can rotate in and out during stoppages in play.
     

Game Setup

1. Field Dimensions:

   • The field is 70 yards long and 30 yards wide, with two 10-yard end zones.

   • There are also 25-yard lines marking mid-field and the no-run zones 5 yards from each end zone and 5 yards on either side of the mid-field line.

2. Equipment:

   • A standard football.

   • Flags or flag belts worn by each player, which must be securely attached.
     

Gameplay

1. Duration:

   • The game consists of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

   • The clock runs continuously except for the final 2 minutes of the second half, where it stops for out-of-bounds, incomplete passes, and penalties.

2. Start of Play:

   • Play begins with a coin toss to determine possession.

   • The game starts with a throw-off from the 5-yard line.

3. Downs:

   • Each team has four downs (plays) to advance the ball 25 yards for a first down or to score.

   • If the team fails to advance 25 yards in four downs, possession of the ball changes.

4. Advancing the Ball:

   • The ball can be advanced by running or passing.

   • All players are eligible to receive passes, including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage.

5. No-Run Zones:

   • Located 5 yards from each end zone and on either side of the mid-field line.

   • Teams cannot run the ball in these zones; only passing plays are allowed.

6. Flag Pulling:

   • To stop the ball carrier, the defender must pull one of the flags from the ball carrier’s belt.

   • The ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.
     

Scoring

1. Touchdown: 6 points

2. Extra Point:

   • 1 point from the 5-yard line (pass only).

   • 2 points from the 10-yard line (run or pass).

3. Safety: 2 points (awarded to the defense if they pull the flag of the offensive player in their own end zone).
   

Positions

1. Quarterback (QB): Leader of the offense, throws passes or hands off the ball.

2. Wide Receivers (WR): Catch passes and run routes.

3. Running Backs (RB): Run with the ball and catch short passes.

4. Defensive Backs (DB): Guard receivers and try to intercept passes.

5. Linebackers (LB): Defend against runs and short passes.
   

Rules and Penalties

1. Blocking and Contact:

   • No blocking or tackling is allowed.

   • Screen blocking (non-contact) is permitted.

2. Dead Ball:

   • The play is whistled dead when the ball carrier’s flag is pulled, the ball carrier steps out of bounds, a touchdown or safety is scored, the ball hits the ground (fumble), or the ball carrier’s knee touches the ground.

3. Passing:

   • Forward passes must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.

   • Only one forward pass is allowed per play.

4. Penalties:

   • Offside: 5 yards

   • Pass Interference: 10 yards and automatic first down

   • Illegal Contact: 10 yards

   • Flag Guarding: 10 yards from the spot of the foul

   • Holding: 10 yards

   • Illegal Forward Pass: 5 yards and loss of down
     

Strategies

1. Offensive Play:

   • Utilize quick passes and strategic routes to advance the ball.

   • Mix running and passing plays to keep the defense guessing.

2. Defensive Play:

   • Use man-to-man or zone defense to cover receivers and prevent passes.

   • Focus on pulling flags quickly to stop the ball carrier.
     

Winning the Game

The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, an overtime period may be played, typically consisting of a set number of plays or sudden death.

Additional Rules

1. Timeouts:

   • Each team is allowed two timeouts per half, each lasting one minute.

2. Substitutions:

   • Substitutions can be made during stoppages in play or between downs.

3. Overtime:

   • Teams alternate one-play possessions from the 5-yard line until a winner is determined.