FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

THE GAME

· The object of the game is to carry or pass the football over the opponents’ goal line for a score while preventing the other team from crossing your goal line.

· The offense moves the ball by running or passing, and the defense stops (downs) the ball carrier or receiver by pulling off one of the flags. The ball is placed at the downed position (called the line of scrimmage) on the field and play continues from that spot.

· Rock, paper, scissors (2 out of 3) determines who gets the ball first.

· The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its’ 5-yard line and has 4 plays (downs) to score a touchdown or to receive 1st down (located at mid-field).

· If the offensive team fails to reach 1st down or score, the other team gets the ball at its’ 5-yard line.

· All possession changes except interceptions start on the offense’s 5-yard line.

SCORING

· Touchdown: 6 points

RUNNING

· Anyone may run with the ball.

· The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball ONLY from behind the line of scrimmage.

· Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

RECEIVING

· All players are eligible to receive passes.

PASSING

· All forward passes must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.

· A forward pass that is dropped is incomplete and the ball goes back to the line of scrimmage.

· Interceptions are passes that are caught by the defense. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line.

DEAD BALLS

Play is ruled “dead” when:

· The ball carrier’s flag is pulled off.

· The ball carrier’s flag falls off.

· The ball hits the ground. Incomplete passes go back to the line of scrimmage.

· There are no fumbles. If a ball is dropped, it is spotted where it hits the ground.

· Laterals are passes that are thrown sideways or backwards. If a lateral is dropped, the ball is dead and spotted where it hits the ground.

RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK

· Only one player may rush the quarterback. That player must be a minimum of 7 yards

from the line of scrimmage and may rush after a "5 bananna" count.

· Once the ball is handed off, the 7-yard rule is no longer in effect and all defenders may

go behind the line of scrimmage.

PENALTIES

· Offsides—5 yards and first down

· Illegal flag pull—5 yards and first down

· Illegal rushing—5 yards and first down

· Illegal forward pass—5 yards and loss of down