FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
Ages
1. Flag Football shall be open to the ages of 5 & 6 year olds. (Boys & Girls)
2. Eligibility age is the same as MYFC rules, which is September 1st.
Equipment
1. Jersey’s/T-Shirts will be provided.
2. Jersey’s/T-Shirts shall have a number on the back.
3. Cleats are allowed, with exception of metal spikes. (No Metal Spikes)
4. All Players must wear protective mouth piece, with a strap. The strap may be cut down to two
inches.
5. Protective cups for the male athletes. (Recommended/Optional)
6. The football will be a Pee-Wee football provided by the league.
General Rules
1. Only seven (7) players are allowed on the field for each team.
2. A coin toss will determine the first possession.
3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its five (5) yard line.
4. The offensive team will have 4 plays to move the ball 20 yards. If the offense achieves this in 20
yards, then they will receive another set of four (4) downs to achieve another first down, or
score.
5. If the offensive team fails to obtain a first down, then the opposing team will take possession of
the ball at their five (5) yard line.
6. The offensive team must have at least three players on the line of scrimmage when the ball is
snapped.
7. All possessions, with the exception of interceptions, start on the offense’s five (5) yard line.
8. There are no kickoffs.
9. NO score will be kept at the flag level.
10. There will be no overtime quarters or halves.
11. Each team will be allotted two timeouts per half.
12. Games will run one (1) hour in length as follows:
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A half will be a 25 minute clock that will run continuous
There will be a 10 minute halftime.
One Coach on sideline at all times. (rev 3/14/2012)
Second half will be a 25 minute clock that will run continuous
 The only exception to the running clock is that it can be stopped with
the use of a time out, or an injury. If games are running behind, halftime may be
shortened.
13. Each team has 30 seconds to snap the ball, once the ball is spotted.
14. If a team exceeds the 30 second time, they will be given a warning on the first infraction.
Second and subsequent infractions will be penalized.
15. Teams must change sides after halftime.
Fields
1. The field size will be 50 yards long by 30 years wide.
2. It shall be up to the Flag Football Commissioner to determine if the field will be striped with
chalk or paint, or use cones to mark side lines and end zones.
Rosters
1. Each team shall have a minimum of 7-8 players per team. Once the team reaches 8 another
team shall be started.
2. In the event that a numbers on a team do not make the minimum, then the Flag Football
Commissioner reserves the right to revisit the minimum/maximum number on a team in efforts
to keep all kids involved.
Running
1. Offenses may use multiple handoffs.
2. Any player who takes a handoff can throw the ball as long as he/she is behind the line of
scrimmage.
3. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
4. Spinning is allowed; however, players CANNOT leave their feet to avoid a defensive player, or
gain extra yardage. NO DIVING.
5. NO FLAG GUARDING. Slapping the hand of a defensive player or protecting your flag in any way
other than spinning is not allowed.
6. Stiff arming is not allowed.
7. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
8. Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed once the ball passes the line of
scrimmage and the ball is progressing downfield.
9. Direct snaps are allowed. (If a direct snap is utilized the defense must wait 3 seconds before
rushing or ball carrier is outside the ends/tackles, whichever occurs first. It one becomes a dead
ball if the defense picks the ball up first.)
Receiving
1. All players are eligible to receive a pass (including the quarterback) if the ball has been handed
off behind the line of scrimmage.
2. Only one player is allowed in motion at one time.
3. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.
Passing
1. Shovel passes are allowed.
2. Interceptions change possession of the ball at the point of interception. Interceptions are the
only changes of possession that do not start at the five (5) yard line.
Rushing the Quarterback
1. Rushing the quarterback is allowed after a three (3) second audible count from the defensive on
field coach.
2. Defensive players may defend on the line of scrimmage.
3. Once the ball is handed off, all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. NO BLOCKING
OR TACKLING IS ALLOWED.
4. If the field monitors/referees witness any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, shoulder
blocking, blocking from the back or any unsportsmanlike acts, the person will receive a warning
for the first offense. If a player continues the rough play he/she will be asked to sit out the rest
of the half or game.
Dead Balls
1. The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start the play.
2. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
3. Play is ruled dead when:
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Ball carriers flag is pulled
Ball carrier steps out of bounds
Touchdown or safety is scored
Ball carriers knee hits the ground
Ball Carriers flag falls out
There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where it hits the ground beyond the line of
scrimmage. Interceptions are allowed to advance.
Penalties
Referees will determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be
assessed from the line of scrimmage. Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule
clarification and interpretations. Players or coaches cannot question judgment calls. Games cannot end
on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it. If no referee is available defensive team will
referee for opposing team.
Defensive Penalties
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Off sides – Five (5) Yards from line of scrimmage.
Interference – Ten (10) Yards from spot of foul.
Illegal contact (holding, shoulder or back blocking) – Ten (10) Yards from spot of
foul.
Illegal Flag Pull (before receiver has ball) – Ten (10) yards from line of scrimmage.
Illegal Rushing (coming across the line of scrimmage before the ball is handed off, or
prior to the end of the three (3) second count) – Ten (10) yards from line of
scrimmage. (Exception: this rule does not apply if a direct snap is utilized by the
offensive.)
Offensive Penalties
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Illegal Motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.) – Five (5) Yards from
line of scrimmage.
Illegal Forward Pass (pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage) – Five (5) Yards from
line of scrimmage.
Offensive Pass Interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) – Ten (10)
Yards from spot of foul.
Illegal Flag Guarding (slapping or intentionally protecting your flag by means other
than a “football” move) – Five (5) Yards from the spot of the foul. (rev. 5/11)
Delay of Game – Five (5) Yards.
Rules & Regulations Agreement/Accountability Form
Each Flag Football Coach agrees to and will be held accountable to comply with these current Rules &
Regulations for the “Flag Football League – 5 & 6 Year Olds”. Each head coach also assumes
responsibility to assure that all respective coaching staff and appropriate personnel read and comply
with these current Rules and Regulations.
Team:
________________________________________________
Head Coach: ________________________________________________
(Printed)
Head Coach: ________________________________________________
(Signed)
Date:
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