One of the biggest advantages of flag football over tackle football is the lack of equipment needed. Since flag football is a no contact sport, there is no need for protective equipment like helmets and shoulder pads. However, whether you are new to the sport or not, there are still some vital pieces of equipment needed.

In this blog, I will share a complete list of all the equipment you need to play flag football.

Flag Football Equipment Checklist

The exact list of equipment needed will depend on the league you are part of. For example, some leagues require soft shell helmets. This specific checklist is for NFL flag football.

Flag Football Belts and Flags

These are an integral piece of equipment for a flag football player. As part of the game, flag football players must wear a belt which holds flags on both sides of the player.

The opposing team will look to pull the flags off the ball carrier’s belt to stop their play. The belt and flag football flags should be provided by the coach or league.

Flag Team Jersey

This is essential for every player in the flag football team. This will identify them as a player and show which team they are on. This is typically given out upon registration.

Shorts

One rule for shorts is that they should not contain pockets. This is a safety precaution, so fingers don’t get caught during flag pulling attempts. This will also ensure that flags are always visible, avoiding unnecessary penalties.

Mouthguard

This is an important piece of protective gear. Be sure to pack a backup pair just in case.

Football Cleats

These must be made of plastic as metal cleats are not allowed in flag football for safety reasons.

Football Gloves (Optional)

Some players may have a preference for playing with football gloves. This is because they provide extra grip to help with handling the ball. This is not a requirement.

Flag Football Flags

For the game to work correctly, it is vital that all flag football players wear a well-fitted flag football belt and durable flag football flags. Depending on what sort you choose, the release mechanism will vary, setting them apart from one another.

Some leagues dictate that you use Triple Threat belts, which have a mechanism where the entire belt will fall off when the player’s flag is pulled. Alternatively, some might use belts that are attached by Velcro. Ultimately, the best flags for flag football depends on the specific organization’s budget and preference.

In NFL flag football, belts and flags are held in place by a pop socket, which is a small piece of plastic. It emits a popping noise when it is detached from the player's belt.

This popping noise comes in handy as it clearly indicates to everyone that the play has ended. This not only helps the referee spot the ball, it helps players avoid any unnecessary injuries after the play.

Optimize Your Flag Football Team’s Skills With Coach D’s Advice and Equipment

Here at Flag Football With Coach D, we have a passion for sharing our love of the game with new coaches. We offer great value bundles combining plays and equipment to help you hit the ground running as a new coach.