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NFL Flag Football Coaches Resources

NFL Youth Flag Football Coach Resources



PRE-GAME CHECKLIST

  • Ready for Play will be whistled in. (Demonstrate it)

  • Coin Toss (Visitors call Light Jerseys)

  • Players and coaches are permitted to the 5-yard line of each end zone.

  • 24 Second Play Clock, verbal countdown at 10. Show who will have that clock. This is your 1 warning for ‘Delay of Game’, penalty will be enforced once game starts.

  • Rules ONLY are subject to review by an Official in Charge. JUDGEMENT calls are not.

  • There is NO INTENTIONAL CONTACT – Rough Play will not be tolerated. Defenders must give free release off the LOS to the offense. 1 warning will be issued, all additional fouls will be unnecessary roughness.

  • Sportsmanship is of the utmost importance to us.

    • Coaches' code of conduct and sideline restrictions will be strictly enforced.

    • You are responsible for your players, assistant coach and parents.

    • 2 unsportsmanlike conducts results in an ejection

RULE HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage

  • Only direct handoffs are permitted—NO laterals or pitches anywhere on the field. 

  • The quarterback has seven-second pass clock to get rid of the ball

  • The quarterback can’t run with the ball unless it was handed off first

  • Offensive players must steer clear of the rusher and may not get in his/her way.

  • Any defensive player lined up seven yards off the line of scrimmage is eligible to rush

  • If the ball is handed off, any defender may rush

  • Interceptions are returnable (even on extra point attempts)

  • The ball is dead when it hits the ground, the offensive player’s flag is pulled from their belt, the ball-carrier steps out of bounds, or the ball-carrier’s body—outside of their hands or feet—touches the ground

  • All offensive flag football penalties result in a loss of down and yardage

  • All defensive flag football penalties result in an automatic first down and some are associated with yardage.

  • Ball is spotted where the foot is when the flag is pulled JUDGEMENT CALL

  • 3 downs to cross midfield. Once across mid-field the offense gets 3 downs to score

  • Rusher “jumps the snap” and crosses the 7-yard mark, prior to the snap, that rusher is ineligible to re-set and rush on that play.

CLOCK

  • 20 minute halves / 40 minute game (5 vs. 5) Rosters 10 and below

  • 22 minute halves / 44 minute game (6 vs. 6) Roasts 10 and up

  • Stop Clock at 2 minutes each half

  • 2 Timeout per half

  • 1 minute Half-time




https://nflflag.com/coaches/flag-football-rules