Starting your flag football journey and not sure where to begin? Whether you’re a coach, parent, or new player, understanding the basic flag football rules is the first step to running a smooth practice, enjoying the game, and helping your team succeed.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You don’t need to memorize a 100-page rulebook. This beginner-friendly guide breaks it all down in simple terms, so you can hit the field with confidence.

Let’s learn the game, one flag at a time.

What Is Flag Football, Anyway?

Flag football is a non-contact version of American football that swaps tackles for flag pulls. Players wear flags on belts, and instead of being brought to the ground, a player is “down” when their flag is pulled.

It’s safer, faster-paced, and perfect for kids, teens, and adults. And the best part? It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and packed with teamwork and energy.

Basic Flag Football Rules Every Beginner Should Know

Here’s a quick breakdown of how flag football works, no jargon, no confusion:

Team Size
Most leagues play 5v5, 6v6, or 7v7. Youth flag football commonly uses 5v5.

Start of Play
Games begin with a coin toss. The winner chooses to start on offense or defense.

No Contact
No tackling, blocking (except in some older leagues like high school and college), stiff-arming, or diving at players. This is all about agility and strategy, not brute force.

Flag Pulling
A player is “down” when one of their flags is cleanly pulled by a defender. Grabbing jerseys or rough contact is a penalty.

Downs & First Downs
Offenses usually get four downs (plays) to advance the ball to the next zone or score a touchdown. There are no first downs by default unless the field is divided into zones.

Scoring

• Touchdown: 6 points
  
• Extra Point (5-yard line): 1 point
  
• Extra Point (10-yard line): 2 points
  
• Safety (if offense is downed in their end zone): 2 points for defense
  

No Kicking Game
In most youth leagues, there are no kickoffs, punts, or field goals. Teams either start with the ball at a set yard line or after a turnover on downs.

Flag Football Field Layout

The field is shorter and narrower than a tackle football field. While sizes vary by league, most fields are:

• 25-30 yards wide
  
• 60-80 yards long, including two 10-yard end zones
  
• Divided into zones to determine first down markers.
  

Cones are used to mark boundaries and end zones. Simple setup, easy to manage.

Key Positions in Flag Football

You don’t need a full 11-player setup. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for common flag football positions:

• Quarterback (QB): Leads the offense, throws or hands off the ball
  
• Running Back (RB): Takes handoffs or short passes
  
• Wide Receiver (WR): Runs routes and catches passes
  
• Center (C): Snaps the ball to the QB
  
• Defenders: Usually a mix of rushing defenders and pass coverage
  

In 5v5, players often play both offense and defense, especially in youth games.

Common Penalties (And How to Avoid Them)

Yes, even in flag football, penalties happen. But once you know the basics, you’ll avoid most of them.

Here are the most common ones:

• Flag Guarding: The ball carrier cannot block access to their flag (e.g., using hands or spinning with elbows out).
• Offsides: A player crosses the line of scrimmage before the snap.
• Holding or Contact: No grabbing jerseys or physical blocks.
• Pass Interference: No pushing, pulling, or bumping receivers mid-route.

Penalties usually result in a loss of yardage or automatic first down for the other team.

Game Tips for New Coaches and Parents

If you’re coaching or supporting a player, here’s how to make the most of your flag football experience:

Keep it simple. Stick to 3–5 core plays and drill them often (you can build more plays off a few simple formations as your team builds confidence).
Use clear, positive communication. Kids respond better to encouragement than yelling. Show vs. tell and always coach in the moment.
Focus on fun AND fundamentals. Mix in games, challenges, and scrimmage time.
Come prepared. Gear up with flags, cones, and wristband-ready plays. Want to build life skills as well? Add a Word of the Week like Leadership, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and others.

Why Learn the Rules First

When kids (and parents) understand the rules, the game becomes faster, smoother, and way more fun. Less confusion. Fewer arguments. More touchdowns.

Knowing the rules also helps build confidence. It allows kids to make smart plays, stay safe, and build leadership skills along the way.

Ready to Hit the Field? Let’s Go!

Now that you know the basics of flag football rules, you’re one step closer to having a great season, whether you're calling plays or cheering from the sidelines.

Let’s learn the game. Let’s lead our teams. And let’s crush it, together.