Flag Football Unit

The game of flag football is played in a similar manner as the game of tackle football. It has been modified to eliminate the physical contact and allows for other modifications to be made such as the number of players, size of field, and equipment used.

The game is played on a rectangular shaped field normally 120 yards long and 54 yards wide. The field is marked by making yard lines every 5 yards. The field and ball can be modified to better fit the number of players and their ability.

Play begins by a place kick or a punt to the opposing team. The team that receives the ball and gains possession of the ball becomes the first offensive team. The offense will be given 5 downs to score a touchdown or field goal. If a score does not occur, then the offense will have the option to either go for it, or punt. The decision is normally based on field position and situation of the game.

Scoring

Touchdown (6 pts): when team with possession of ball carries or catches the ball across the goal line.

Two-point Conversion (2 pts): run or pass for 2 points after a touchdown. Done in place of the extra point.

Safety (2 pts): scored when the defense stops the offense in their own end zone. Awarded 2 pts and the ball.

Others in tackle football

Extra Point (1 pt): after a touchdown the ball is kicked through the goal posts.

Field Goal (3 pts): offense elects to kick the ball through the goal posts instead of attempting to score a touchdown or punt.

Equipment

Each player wears a belt with 2 color flags, attached with Velcro, on each side. Scrimmage vests will be worn for 1 team, one ball, and proper dress attire.

Rules of the Game

1. No physical contact between players is allowed

2. Each player has 2 flags hanging from belt. A down is over when a player with the ball loses a flag.

3. A down is also lost if the ball carrier fumbles the ball. It is dead at point of contact.

4. Each down begins with a long snap from a center to the QB

5. The defense must wait 5 seconds before rushing the QB

   1. If a snap is fumbled, the defense can blitz without waiting.

6. The QB can only run if the defense blitzes after the 5 second count

a. This is a strategic decision for the defense because all other defenders are down field

7 Every offensive player is an eligible receiver.

8 The offense may have 1 player in motion before the snap. The player cannot be moving towards the line of scrimmage.

9. The offense team may lateral or pass an unlimited number of time BEHIND the line of scrimmage, but only laterals may be done once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage.

10. Teams are allowed 30 seconds in the huddle. The includes putting the ball in play.

11. A punt will take place on the 5^th down if the offense does not score in the previous four plays.

12. Defensive players cannot rush a punt

13. A QB change must be made each possession.

14. Players are not allowed to engage when blocking an opponent.

15. Qb is only allowed to run if he/she is being rushed.

Penalties

5 yarders:

• Delay of game (when one team uses more than 30 seconds to snap the ball)

• False starts (when an offensive player moves towards the line of scrimmage before the snap)

• Illegal motion: More than 1 player goes in motion at the same time

• Illegal forward pass in front of the line on scrimmage

• Offsides (when the defense moves across the line of scrimmage before the snap)

10 yarders:

• Pass interference made by either team

• Holding or illegal use of hands

• Unsportsmanlike contact (striking, kicking, or kneeing an opponent) could result in ejection

Blocking

• Used to shield the defender from the ball. Must be done by folding arms across chest and move body in front of the person

• No blocking allowed outside of 4 yards on either side of the spot and 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage

Tackling

• Tackling the ball carrier is referred to as pulling his/her flag off the belt

• NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE PLAYER TO GROUND

Kick/Punt

• Place kick is considered kicking the ball while it is in stationary position on the ground or on a tee. Used to start a game and after each score

• Punting is a kick made by a player, most times on 5^th down, where he/she drops the ball and kicks it before it hits the ground

• Drop kick is a kick made by a player who drops the ball and kicks it after it bounces once.

Line of Scrimmage (LOS)

• An imaginary line that runs through the ball from sideline to sideline. The offensive line starts at the tip of the ball towards their goal. The defensive line starts at the tip of the ball closest to their goal.

• Offsides indicated that a player from either team crossed this line before the ball was snapped.

Touchback

• When the ball has been kicked into the endzone and the receiver downs the ball by taking a knee before crossing the goal line. The ball is then placed on the designated yard line.