Spring Flag Rules

Flag Football League Rules Sheet
Welcome to our Spring Flag Football League! These rules are designed to ensure fair play,
safety, and fun for all participants. All games will be officiated by volunteer referees and
coaches. Please review these rules carefully. If you have questions, contact the league
coordinator.
Game Structure
 Game Duration: Two halves of 25 minutes each with a running clock.
 Halftime: 5-minute halftime break for rest and strategy.
 No Timeouts: Teams do not receive any timeouts.
 Starting Procedure: Away team starts with the ball in the first half; home team starts with
the ball in the second half.
 Overtime: No overtime in regular games; games can end in a tie. Exception:
Championship game will have overtime.
o Overtime Format: Each team gets 4 chances (downs) from the 5-yard line and
must attempt a 2-point conversion after scoring. If both teams succeed, they move
back 10 yards for the next set (e.g., from 5 to 15, then 25, then 35, then 40). No
first downs in overtime. Upon reaching the 40-yard line, if both teams score, the
process continues but teams lose a down progressively (e.g., after the first 40-yard
attempt if both score, the next team starts on 2nd down, then 3rd, then 4th, and
stays on 4th down thereafter until a winner is determined).
 Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 28 points or more in the second half, the clock runs
continuously, and no blitzes are allowed for the leading team.
Field and Setup
 Field Size: Traditional 100-yard football field. Drives start at the 40-yard line and work
toward the end zone. Two games will be played on the field at the same time.
 First Down: Only one first down available per drive, achieved by crossing the 20-yard
line.
 Line of Scrimmage: Defensive players must line up 4 yards off the ball.
 Cones for Offensive Line: Two cones simulate the offensive line. Hand-offs must occur
outside these cones. The defensive coach is responsible for aligning the cones.
 Players on Field: 7 offensive players and 7 defensive players.
o Offense Breakdown: 1 QB, 1 Center (who snaps the ball but cannot touch it
afterward), and 5 backs (can be positioned as desired by the offense).
o Defense: No specific positions mandated beyond the 4-yard setback.
Offense Rules
 Play Clock: QB has 4 seconds to throw, hand off, or run (if blitzed) for ages 10 and up.
They have 5 seconds for an 9 and below. If not, it's a sack at the QB's position.
Additionally, teams have 20 seconds from when the referee spots the ball to snap the
next play (delay of game penalty applies).
 Running the Ball: Allowed, but hand-offs must be outside the cones.
 QB Running: QB can only run on a blitz play.
 No Blocking: Absolutely no blocking permitted.
 Behind the Line: If the QB gets rid of the ball behind the line of scrimmage (e.g.,
backward pass or fumble), defense can rush in immediately.
Defense Rules
 Blitzes: Only 1 blitz per set of downs.
 Rushing: Defense can rush if the ball is released behind the line of scrimmage.
 Flag Pulling: A player is down when their flag is pulled or falls off. Flags must be worn
on the hips. No flag guarding (penalty: 5 yards). If a flag falls off without contact, play
continues until touched.
 Contact: No tackling, pushing, or rough contact. Incidental contact is okay, but
intentional roughing results in a 10-yard penalty and possible ejection.
Turnovers and Possession
 Turnovers: On interceptions, fumbles, or failed fourth downs, the opposing team takes
possession at their own 40-yard line.
 Downs: Standard 4 downs, but only one first down opportunity at the 20-yard line.
Scoring
 Touchdowns: 6 points.
 Extra Points (XP): 1 point from the 5-yard line (pass or run).
 2-Point Conversion: 2 points from the 10-yard line (pass or run).
 No Safeties: There are no safeties in this league.
Equipment and Safety
 Required Equipment: Cleats, mouthpiece, and flags. The league will provide the flags for
players.
 Ball Sizes:
o K2 for ages 9 and below.
o TDJ for ages 10-11.
o TDY for ages 12-13.
Age Groups: Age groups will be divided after sign-ups are completed and based on the ages
signed up. They will be in either 2- or 3-year increments.
Safety Rules: All players must wear equipment properly. No jewelry. Mouthpieces in at all times
Games may be delayed or canceled for bad weather (e.g., lightning).
Penalties and Conduct
 General Penalties:
 Offsides/Encroachment: 5 yards.
 False Start: 5 yards.
 Illegal Contact/Roughing: 10 Yards
 Defensive Pass Interference/ Holding: 15 Yards
 Unsportsmanlike Conduct: 15 yards and possible ejection (for players, coaches, or
parents).
 Delay of Game: 5 yards.
 Flag Guarding: 5 yards.
 All penalties enforced from the line of scrimmage or spot of foul, depending on type.
 Conduct: All participants (players, coaches, parents) must exhibit good sportsmanship.
Verbal abuse or fighting results in ejection and possible suspension.
 Referee Authority: Referees' decisions are final. Coaches may politely request
clarification but no arguing.
League Operations
 Volunteers: All coaches and referees are volunteers. Thank you for your service!
 Rosters: Minimum 10 players per team. No maximum number of players. Unlimited
substitutions between plays.
 Roster Selection: Rosters will be selected after the initial combine for their respective age
groups. The combine will consist of various football activities that the coaching staff for
that age group will come up with.
 Scheduling: Schedule will be created after sign-ups are completed and the number of
teams is determined. Games played on weekends in spring. There will be no make-up or
rain dates allotted.