RULES
 

NFL FLAG football is a non-contact sport. There’s no tackling, diving, blocking, screening or fumbles.

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

• Only direct handoffs are permitted—there are 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.

For a complete list of flag football rules, download the NFL FLAG Football Rule Book.