Flag Football Rules

Official NFL FLAG Operator

Our rules approach

United Sports of America youth leagues follow NFL FLAG rules and guidelines. The official NFL FLAG rulebook is the primary rules source for families, coaches, and officials.

This page is a high-level educational overview only. If there is any difference between this page and the current NFL FLAG rulebook, use the official NFL FLAG rulebook.

Game Format

5v5 flag football

Teams play five players at a time. The offense advances the ball by running or passing while the defense works to pull the ball carrier's flag and prevent first downs or touchdowns.

The offense works toward the midfield line to gain and then the end zone. Possession changes when the offense scores, fails to advance within its allowed downs, or turns the ball over.

Player Safety

Minimal contact

Tackling, blocking, screening, and other contact that creates an advantage are not part of NFL FLAG play. Coaches should teach players to use body control, maintain space, and make a clean attempt at the flag.

Players should never lower a shoulder, initiate unnecessary contact, or use their hands or body to prevent an opponent from reaching the flag belt.

Offense

Running and passing

The player receiving the initial snap may distribute the ball by handoff or pass, but under NFL FLAG rules that player may not run the ball across the line of scrimmage.

Forward passes must be completed beyond the line of scrimmage. Coaches should build plays around quick decisions, spacing, legal handoffs, and clear routes.

Field Rules

No run zones

No run zones are used near key line to gain areas and the end zone. When the ball is spotted in a no run zone, the offense must use a legal forward pass to advance beyond the required line.

This rule helps reduce power running in tight spaces and keeps the game open and skill based.

Defense

Flag pulling and rushing

Defenders stop the play by pulling a flag from the ball carrier. Coaches should teach defenders to break down under control, watch the player's hips, and reach for the flag rather than the body.

NFL FLAG rushing rules use a designated rush distance from the line of scrimmage. Coaches should review the current rulebook and league information for the exact application used for their division.

Equipment

Game day equipment

Players should arrive with their official NFL FLAG uniform and flag equipment and follow the current league requirements for shorts, footwear, and other player equipment.

See the United Sports NFL FLAG Uniform & Equipment resource for additional family and coach guidance.

Penalties

Common rule violations

Common penalties can include illegal contact, blocking or screening, flag guarding, illegal rushing, offside, pass interference, delay of game, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Officials are responsible for applying the rules during games. Coaches should focus on teaching players how to avoid penalties and model appropriate sideline conduct.

Official Reference

View the current NFL FLAG rulebook

NFL FLAG updates its rules and tournament guidance over time. Use the official NFL FLAG rules page for the current national rulebook and related guidance.

Keep Learning

More flag football guides

Learn the game, practice the fundamentals, and find the right program for your player or team.