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