FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
6U & 8U FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
I. PLAYING TIME
A. Players are guaranteed one quarter in the first half of the game including offense and defense.
The second half is the coaches’ choice. It is up to the coach to distribute playing time. Parents
are to make every effort to ensure players attend weekly practice.
II. Uniform & Equipment
A. Uniform-SOA will provide a team jersey. The jersey must be tucked in at all times.
Shorts/Pants cannot have belt loops or pockets.
B. Flags-SOA will provided flags which must be worn. Flags must be worn on the hips one on
each side of the waist. Flags cannot be tied, wrapped, or tucked around the flag belt. Flags
must be clearly visible to the defending players. Players must tuck or wrap all excessive belt
material.
C. Shoes- Cleats are allowed as long as they do not have metal spikes.
D. Football Size- 6U & 8U: Pee Wee (Size 6). Ball must be appropriate size, weight and
pressure according to the referee at the begging of the game.
E. Protective Equipment- Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Gloves, elbow
and knee pads are allowed. Mouth guards are suggested.
F. Jewelry- Players must remove ALL jewelry such as watches, earrings, rings, necklaces and
any other jewelry.
III. Field
A. The field size will be determined according to the appropriate age level determined by the SOA
Site Director.
IV. Player Substitutions/Participation
A. Participation- Every player must play a quarter in the first half of the game including offense
and defense.
B. Substitutions- Free substitutions for the second half of the game on any dead ball.
IV. Game Time/Start
A. Quarters (4) - 10 minutes with a running clock.
1. One minute break after the 1st and 3rd quarter. 3 minute half time.
B. Time Outs- Three time out per a game. 1 minute time outs.
C. Start of game
1. The game will start with a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss will decide taking
possession or defense to start the game. Teams are not allowed to defer to second half.
2. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5 yard line and has 4 plays to cross
midfield for a 1st down.
V. OFFENSE
A. The offensive team has 30 seconds to put the ball into play after the referee marks the ball
ready for play. 5 yrd penalty
B. All offensive linemen will be in a two point stance.
C. At least four players must line up on line of scrimmage. 5 yrd penalty
D. The ball may be snapped by either:
1. The center may turn and hand the ball to QB.
2. Under center snap.
3. Shotgun.
E. Blocking1. Offensive lineman can screen or shield block only. No intentional contact.
2. After the ball has past the line of scrimmage all offensive players are not allowed to screen
or shield block or in any way impede the defensive from ‘downing’ the ball.
F. Running1. Quarterback and center sneaks are not allowed.
2. Quarterback can still run the ball.
3. If a runner gets possession of the ball with only one flag, no flags, or knocks his/her own
flag off it’s a dead ball at the spot.
4. The ball is spotted where the runner’s feet and hips are not where the ball is.
5. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping, or jumping to avoid a
flag pull is considered flag guarding.
6. Spinning is allowed.
G. Receiving1. All offensive players are eligible ball carriers and receivers.
2. Quarterback must have full possession of the ball before center becomes eligible receiver.
3. Quarterback must handoff ball or throw a lateral pass before he/she is eligible.
4. A player must have at least one foot in bounds when making a reception.
5. If a player catches the ball after their flag has fallen off, the ball is dead at the spot of the
catch.
6. The ball is spotted where the receiver’s feet and hips are not where the ball is.
H. Passing- Passes can include:
1. Forward Pass- Overhand pass that is thrown forward from the passer
2. Lateral Pass-Overhand pass that is either to the side or behind the passer. A lateral pass
that are dropped will be marked at the spot the ball touches the ground.
3. Pitch Pass- Underhand toss to the side or behind the QB.
I. Motion -Only one player may be in motion when the ball is snapped. All other players must
be set for one second prior to the snap of the ball. 5 yrd penalty
J. Fumble - The ball will be marked dead and considered a down of play at the place where the
ball touches the ground. Unless the ball falls forward giving the offensive team an advantage.
Then ball is place at the spot of the fumble.
K. Fourth Down:
1. Attempt to make first down.
2. If a first down is not made the ball will be turned over to the defense.
L. Punting
1. There will be no punting. All balls will be placed at the 45 yard line going into the endzone.
VI. Defense
A. Defensive line of scrimmage is one yard away in front of the ball.
B. All defensive linemen will be in a two point stance.
C. No defensive player may line up directly across from the center (no nose guard).
D. Rushing1. Rushers must be a minimum of 2 yards away from the line of scrimmage when the ball is
snapped. Players not rushing the QB may defend the line of scrimmage.
2. A special rush marker will designate a rush line marker 2 yards away from the line of
scrimmage.
3. Once the ball is handed off, the 2 yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders may go
behind the line of scrimmage
4. Legal Rush-Any rush from a point 2 yards from the offensive line of scrimmage.
-A rush from anywhere on the field AFTER the ball has been handed off by the QB.
5. Illegal Rush-the rusher leaves the rush line before the snap crosses the line of scrimmage before a
handoff or pass.
-Any defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped offsides.
-Any defensive player not lined up at the rush marker crosses the line of scrimmage before
the ball is passed or handed off.
E. Avoid Contact1. It is the defensive rusher’s responsibility to avoid contact with the offensive linemen
shielding or screening.
2. The ball carrier may not be pushed or shoved out of bounds.
3. Tripping or using the leg to stop an offensive player is not allowed.
F. Flag/Ball Stripping1. Defenders may not intentionally pull an offensive players flag, other than the ball carrier.
2. Defenders may not intentionally strip or pull the ball from the ball carriers arm.
3. Defenders who remove the flag should immediately hold the flag above his/her head to
assist the official in locating the dead ball spot. Then immediately give the flag back to the
player it belongs to.
VII. SCORING
A. Touchdown= 6 Points
B. Point after Touchdown- Ball placed at the 5 yard line
1. One point- offensive team runs the ball in.
2. Two point- Offensive team throws the ball across the goal line.
C. Hips and feet with both flags must cross the goal line
D. Defensive interception results in a dead ball. Turnover on down.
E. Safety = Turnover on Downs.
VIII. PENALTIES
All penalties are accessed from the line of scrimmage.
Defense
1. Off-sides
a. 5 yards and repeat down on offense’s team choice
2. Illegal Rushing (start rushing from inside 7 yard rush marker)
a. 5 yards and repeat down on offense’s team choice
3. Illegal Flag Pull (before player has ball)
a. 5 yards and repeat the down
4. Illegal Contact
a. holding, pushing, stiff arming, tackling, improper blocking, & clipping
b. 10 yards and automatic first down
5. Interference
a. 10 yards and automatic first down
b. No stripping the ball
Offense
6. Illegal Motion
a. 5 yards and replay down
b. more than one person moving at the time of snap
7. Illegal Forward Pass
a. 5 yards and replay down
b. forward pass in front of line of scrimmage
8. Intentionally grounded pass
a. 5 yards loss and a loss of down
9. Flag Guarding
a. 10 yards from where they started flag guarding and loss of down
10. Delay of Game
a. 5 yards and remain same down
b. Offense has 35 Seconds to run a play
11. Offensive Pass Interference
a. 10 yards and replay down
b. Illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender
12.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
a. 10 yards enforced from the line of scrimmage.
b. From trash talking, taunting, tripping etc.
CONDUCT:
COACH
Two coaches are allowed on the sideline per team. Coaches are only authorized on the field if they
have to tend to an injured player and only when a referee signals the coach that it is permitted. One
coach will be permitted to be on the field in the 6U and 8U division for guidance.
PLAYERS
Only registered players are allowed to play. No guest players permitted at any time – whether during
practice or in a game.
SPECTATORS
During the match, all spectators must be located across from the teams. Absolutely no spectators are
allowed with the teams or behind the goals. No sideline coaching is allowed from the spectators.
Spectators, players, and coaches are not permitted behind the goal lines. All players, coaches, and
spectators must remain a minimum of 5 feet away from the sideline to allow the players and referees
room to see and maneuver.
REFEREE ABUSE
Physical or verbal abuse of our referees will not be tolerated. Referees should ONLY be respectfully
addressed by the HEAD coach.
SPORTSMANSHIP
All players, coaches and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship at all
times. Coaches and players immediately line up to shake hands after each game.
MISCONDUCT
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team and supporters. Coaches,
players or spectators, who are involved in fighting, physical or verbal abuse of a
referee, other coach, player, or spectator, or displaying any form of inappropriate or
unacceptable behavior, will be immediately removed from the fields and will be subject
to disciplinary actions, to include being banned from our league. We have a ZEROTOLERANCE policy, and will not tolerate these behaviors in our league.
LITTER
Coaches and team parents are responsible for cleaning their areas after each game or
practice.
7 ON 7 FLAG FOOTBALL RULES Designed for Ages, 10 U and 12 U (Coed) 7 players on the field Team Rosters: Minimum 7 players, Maximum 14 players
Ball Size:
10U/12U: Youth Size (Age 10 and up)
Mouth piece must be worn
1. Field Dimensions
A. Field Length 45 yards long
B. Field Width150 feet
C. End Zone 10 yards deep
D. Field may vary in size depending on space available.
2. Starting the game
A. A central time keeper will be designated.
B. All games will begin and end on this person instructions.
C. No team will be allowed to participate without jerseys.
D. SOA will provide a reversible jersey.
E. Visitors (team in white) will always align their team on the right sideline facing the end zone.
Home (dark jersey) will always align their team on the left sideline facing the end zone.
G. Ball is always placed on the right hash mark when at the 45 yard line.
H. Referee will announce/post score before each offensive possession begins.
3. Moving the ball
A. Offensive Plays Must All Be Passes! (No Kicking/Punting)
B. Field is marked at 15 yard intervals with cones. (3 first downs without a penalty would result in a
touchdown)
C. Possession always begins at the 45 yard line at the right hash mark.
D. No penalty will be assessed in excess of the 45 yd line. On an unsuccessful or successful
offensive play from the 45 yard line resulting in an offensive penalty: The ball will be returned to
the 45 yard line and 1st down will become 2nd down; 2nd down will become 3rd down; and 3rd
down will result in a turnover.
E. Offenses always move in the same direction
F. All passes must be forward. A pass caught behind the line of scrimmage must be a forward
pass.
G. Once a forward pass has been thrown, a backward pass (lateral) is allowed.
H. Should a swing pass not cross the LOS and before the 4 second count has expired, a defensive
player tags the ball carrier behind the 45 yard line, it is a safety.
4. Special Rules
A. No blocking.
B. Receiver/Ball carrier is legally down when touched with one or both hands. (Excessive force by
shoving, pushing, or striking a blow will be penalized by automatic first down and 5 yards.
Expulsion of a player(s) if ruled unsportsmanlike & flagrant).
C. Fumbles are dead balls at the spot with the last team retaining possession. A muffed snap is
not a fumble/dead ball. The 5.0 second count remains in effect on snaps.
D. Two delay of game penalties in the same possession results in a turnover. A delay of game
penalty on the extra point try results in a turnover.
E. The QB is allowed 5.0 seconds to throw the ball. The Official timekeeper starts a stopwatch on
the snap of the ball from center and stops the watch as soon as the QB releases the ball.
1. If release is under 5.0 seconds, the play goes on.
2. If the timekeeper sees that the clock has exceeded 5.0 seconds, he waits until the play is
over (the play is not blown dead), then brings the ball back to the original line of
scrimmage with loss of down. (The timekeeper will be an official or coach from a team
that is not playing)
3. All penalties will be marked off on a 5 second count EXCEPT for pass interference.
F. Defensive Pass Interference is the same as NCAA rules. (automatic 1st down & spot foul up to15 yds)
G. Responsibility to avoid contact is with the defense. There will be NO chucking. Deliberate bumping or grabbing after 5 yards or once the ball is in the air at the refs digression . These actions will result in a “tack on” penalty at the end of the play. (5 yard penalty) H. Offensive pass interference is the same as NCAA rules. (15 yard penalty)
I. Interceptions may be returned (“no blocking” rule applies). If an interception is returned beyond
the 45 yard line (the offensive origination point) it is a touchdown and point after attempt should
ensue. The teammates of the person who intercepted the ball may trail the runner so as to be in
position to take a backwards pass. They may not block for or screen for the runner.
J. Offensive team is responsible for retrieving and returning the ball to the previous spot or the new
scrimmage spot in a timely fashion. Failure to do so can result in a delay of game penalty.
K. The offensive center is not an eligible receiver or player (teams must have a center). The ball must
be snapped from the ground between the snapper’s legs or side snapped or on a knee.
L. The center will be responsible for setting or repositioning the Referee’s bean bag at the line of
scrimmage. On change of possession, the team moving to offense will ensure the bean bag gets to the
new scrimmage line. (centers on both teams responsible).
M. No taunting or “trash talking”. (5 yard penalty & expulsion if flagrant).
N. The offense must gain at least 15 yards in the first 3 or less plays or the defense takes over.
(There is no kicking). Four down territory occurs only after offense proceeds to or inside the 15
yard line cone (third quadrant).
O. Fighting: the player(s) involved will be ejected from the game and tournament. If a team fight
occurs, the teams involved will be ejected from the game and denied participation.! They will also
be disqualified from participating.
P. Any dead ball foul on a play that results in the defense getting the ball and it is unable to be
penalized back to the 50 yard line will result in a loss of down penalty. The defense, now
the offense, would be starting play with 2nd own.
Q. There will be an area referred to as the tackle box that extends 3 yards on both sides of the center and
extending 3 yards deep into the backfield. No eligible receiver may align within the tackle box.
5. Scoring
A. 6 points for TD
B. 1 point for PAT from 3 yard line, 2 point PAT from 10 yard line.
C. 2 points if a team returns a PAT back across the 45.
D. Official score is kept by field referee and game manager.
6. Tie Breaker
A. After coin flip to determine first possession, teams will alternate 4 down series from the 15 yard line.
B. A winner is determined when one team scores during its possession and the other does not. (Federation
rules).
C. If a second overtime period is necessary, each team must then go for a one point or a two point play until a
team does not score.
7. Time
A.20 minute halves (continuous clock for each half see:“starting the game”).
B. One time out per half. (Exception: Injuries. Both games on the Field will halt until player(s) can be removed as
soon as safety dictates).
C. 3 minute halftime.
D. 7 on 7 games require that all games start/end at the same time.
E. Teams must be on site and ready to play when scheduled.
F. If a team(s) are late and cannot start when the game officially starts, they will begin play with whatever
time is left on the game clock – not to exceed 10 minutes of 1st half.
G. Forfeit will occur after 10 minutes of the 1st half.
H. Injury time outs may reduce the amount of time between halves and/or between games to maintain the
game schedules.
I. Every player is guaranteed to play the first half. The second half is up to the coaches digression.
8. Secondary Coverages
A. Coverage will be the choice of each participating team.
9. Squad Members
A. Players: Maximum of 14 players per team.
10. Officials
A. Referees will be assigned by SOA Director
11. Coaches
All team coaches will wear an identifying tag for clarification purposes. A team may not have more than four (4)
coaches on the sideline.