Flag Football

What is Flag Football?  Flag is a modified version of tackle football and provides participants with the opportunity to develop many of the same skills, tactics and strategies without significant physical contact.

Objective  Two teams of five players  To outscore your opponents by scoring touchdowns  One team on the offence has possession of the ball and attempts to move the ball across the goal line  They do so by passing and running the ball  The opposition on the defence stops them  Players attempt to stop the ball carrier by removing their flags

Equipment  Shoes  Football  Flags  Pylons to mark boundaries

Positions  Quarterback (QB)  Captain on the offense  QB calls the offensive plays  QB stands behind the Center and receives the ball in what is called a “snap”  QB has the option to hand off the ball or pass the football

Center (C)  Snaps the football to the QB  Center then can run out for a pass

Wide Receiver  The WR catches the passes made by the QB  WR can take a handoff  May be up to three WR on the offence

Some Wide Receiver Routes

Running Back (RB)  RB stands behind or next to the QB and is responsible for receiving handoffs  RB also catches passes from the QB

Defensive Backs (DB)  All defensive positions are called DBs  DB stops passing plays on the offence by intercepting the football or by slapping the ball away.  DB tries to pull the flag of the player who is possession of the ball. The play ends where the flag was pulled and this will be the new line of scrimmage for the next down.  A DB can cover the quarterback, but can not cross the line of scrimmage until he has counted 7 seconds (steamboats)

Centre QB Wide Receiver Wide Receiver RB Line of scrimmage Defensive Backs

Possession  There are no kickoffs.  The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5- yard line and has three plays (downs) to cross midfield. They then get another 3 plays to score a touch down.  If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line.

Other rules  No contact  No blocking  No spin moves  On the line is out.  Receivers must have both feet touching the ground in play after catching the ball for the pass to be considered complete.

Scoring  Touchdown: 6 Points  You can play a point after by the offensive having one attempt to score a touch down from 3 yards out.

Running on Offense  The Center is the Player who gives the ball to the Quarterback via a snap.  QB can then pass the ball to one of their receivers or pass the ball off.  QB has 7 seconds to pass the ball.  QB can choose to run with the ball.

 If another player on the defense catches the ball, they can run with it. (Interception)  If the ball is not caught then it is a dead ball.

Offside  If a player is in front of the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

Typical Field Dimensions