Flag Football Rules

2013 FLAG FOOTBALL GAME RULES

• Game field will be approx. 26 yards wide by 80 yards long goal line to goal line with 10 yard end zones. There will be a 5 yard “NO RUN” zone bordering both end zones and the midfield point. Teams are required to pass when the ball is spotted in these areas.
• Coin toss will determine first possession. Game consists of two 25 minute halves with a rolling clock and a 5 minute half time. Ball does not change possession at the half. Teams merely switch ends and continue the game. Each team has 2 time outs per half (a 40 second and a 60 second time out) Clock will only stop for timeout, equipment or injury. A team has 30 seconds to run a play once the ball is spotted. 7 players on field at a time.
• Each possession will start from a team’s own 5 yard line. A team will get 3 downs to cross midfield and earn first down and get another 3 downs to score. A touchdown is worth 6 points. There are two different extra point tries, 1 point from the five yard line and 2 points from the twelve yard line. Scoreboards will not be utilized.
• If a team fails to score or cross the midfield point, the ball is turned over to the opposing team where they will take possession at their own five yard line. The only time that a team takes possession at any other point on the field is when the ball is intercepted. Possession is taken at the point of interception as any return of interception is prohibited.
• There are no fumbles. If a player fumbles the offensive team retains possession at the point of the fumble with loss of down.
• Everyone is an eligible receiver including the quarterback once they have handed off the ball. There will be NO laterals or pitches. One foot must be in bounds for a legal reception. Passes must go beyond the line of scrimmage.
• Quarterback is not permitted to run the ball. They must either hand off or pass. Motion is permitted following the same rules as tackle football.
• There is a 7 yard gap between teams at the line of scrimmage. Rushing the QB is permitted.
• Screen blocking only. Blocking with hands or forearms is not permitted.
• Defending the pass is no different than tackle football and all pass interference rules apply.
• Quarterback has 10 seconds from snap of the ball to either pass or hand off or a delay of game will be called. Loss of down occurs with delay of game.
• There may be 2 coaches on the field for each team.
• All players present must play in game.
• Coaches are to ensure that shirts are tucked in at all times and flags are in proper position.