Flag football is played with two teams of 5-8 players who attempt to score points by moving the ball down the field across the goal line. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time is the winner. The playing field is a rectangle usually around 60-80 yards long and 20-30 yards wide.
How do you play Flag Football?
The first rule of flag football is pretty straight forward: there’s no contact allowed. That includes tackling, blocking, and screening. Instead, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt. To “tackle” the person in possession of the ball, the opposing team needs to pull one or both of their flags off.
What is the difference between Flag Football and Tackle Football?
The most notable difference between flag football and tackle football is, well, tackling. In flag football, contact is not permitted. Players wear flags and defenders are tasked with removing the flags in order to “tackle” their opponent. If the ball carrier can reach the goal line with both flags intact, he or she scores. That being said, you will find some forms of flag football that allow blocking.
Other differences include:
- Number of players on the field: In general, there are fewer players on the field in flag football. The most common youth flag football leagues are 5 on 5 and 7 on 7. The field is also shorter to accommodate the smaller team size.
- Faster pace: Without tackling, flag football games are much faster paced. Think about it: less timeouts, no kick offs, less stoppage time— kids are flying out there. And as a result, the games are shorter than tackle football as well (usually an hour or less).
- Rules: To eliminate contact, you’ll find many differences between tackle football and flag football rules. For example, quarterbacks aren’t allowed to run with the ball in flag football. Diving, blocking, screening and fumbles aren’t allowed—once the ball hits the ground, it’s dead.
What positions are in Flag Football?
In simple terms, flag football positions are essentially the same as tackle, but without the linemen.
But, unlike tackle football, these football positions overlap much more than you may realize. For example, one player can take on many responsibilities in a given play, such as a center transitioning into a wide receiver after snapping the ball. For this reason, versatile players tend to be more successful in flag football.
What equipment is used for Flag Football?
Welcome to flag football, where all you need is a few simple items to get in on the action. Here’s a checklist of essential flag football equipment:
Flag football flags and belt. Every player needs a flag football set, including flag football flags and belt. There are a few different kinds of flags for flag football on the market—some are held onto the belt by velcro, others by a pop socket that emits a noise when pulled.
Shorts. Players wear shorts without pockets to avoid penalties and finger injuries.
Mouthguard. The rules of flag football require a mouthguard, and it’s the only protective gear that players wear.
Football cleats. Metal cleats are not allowed in most flag football leagues.
Football gloves. Not required, but definitely a plus!
