Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond's Flag Football Rules
PAB (Corp.)
Pinnacle Athletics & Beyond
Having rules in flag football isn’t just about control—it’s what makes the game safe, fair, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Without structure, the game quickly turns chaotic and defeats its purpose.
Rules in flag football aren’t there to limit the game—they protect it. They create an environment where players can compete, grow, and enjoy the sport without unnecessary risk or conflict.
FAQ's
General Rules
What equipment is required to play flag football?
All players must wear pocketless shorts, a properly fitted flag belt with detachable flags, mouthguards, and non-metal cleats or athletic shoes. Jerseys must either be fully tucked in or at least 4 inches above the waistline.
How many players can be on a roster?
Roster limits depend on the style of play:
- All 4v4 & 5v5 non-contact youth and adult styles: 12 players
- Adult 5v5 & 6v6 Contact: 15 players
- 7v7 Boys Passing, Adult 7v7 Screen & 8v8 Screen: 20 players
- 8v8 Contact: 30 players
What happens if a player's flags fall off during a play?
If a player’s flags fall off inadvertently, they will be downed by a one-hand touch between the shoulders and knees and that player will have to fix the flag before the next play once brought to their attention by an official.
Is diving allowed in flag football?
Ball carriers are not permitted to dive forward to advance the ball intentionally, but defensive players may legally dive to pull flags.
Are laterals allowed in flag football?
Check with your specific format rules, most do allow laterals, but in lower youth age groups and in some specialized styles such as 6v6 Contact and the Air-It-Out styles laterals are not allowed. In all cases, if the ball hits the ground, the play is immediately dead.
What size football should be used?
- 9U and below: Pee-wee, junior, and youth size footballs allowed
- 10U-13U: Junior and youth size footballs allowed
- 14U: Youth size football (with option of using regulation high school sized ball)
What type of flags are acceptable?
Teams must provide their own flags, typically using Shruumz, Sonic Flag-A-Tag, or Pop-style belts. Youth size flags may not be worn in adult leagues. Youth and adult flags must be no less than 14” long as measured from the bottom of the popper or flag belt when there is no popper present and no less than 1 ¾” wide. All flags must be of Vinyl material, no cloth or “split” flags allowed, to be assessed at a tournament directors discretion. Always check your flags with the officials prior to your game if you are not certain they are legal.
What happens if a player wears illegal equipment?
Players wearing illegal equipment will receive a 5-yard penalty and loss of down if applicable. Officials will require immediate correction before resuming play.
Penalties & Enforcement
What is flag guarding?
Flag guarding is any intentional motion by the ball carrier to prevent the defense from pulling their flag. This includes stiff-arming, swatting hands away, or using elbows to shield flags.
What happens if defensive pass interference occurs in the end zone?
If defensive pass interference happens in the end zone, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line with an automatic first down awarded to the offense.
Can the quarterback intentionally throw the ball away to avoid a sack?
Intentional grounding rules vary by style, so check with your specific format for clarification. In general, most non-contact styles allow intentional grounding, and contact styles do not.
Is flag guarding penalized if it occurs simultaneously with a flag pull?
No penalty is assessed if the flag guarding occurs at the exact moment the flag is pulled.
Can offensive players block defenders in flag football?
Physical blocking or contact is generally limited or prohibited to the contact styles, depending on your specific format of play.
Gameplay & Administration
How is first possession determined?
First possession is decided by a coin toss. The winning team can choose to start on offense, defense, select a goal to defend, or defer their choice to the second half.
What is the duration of a timeout and how many timeouts per game?
Team timeouts last 30 seconds each and styles with 3 downs per first down have 2 timeouts per game, and styles with 4 downs per first down receive 3 timeouts per game. Check with your specific style rules if you’re not certain.
How is overtime handled in USA Flag games?
Overtime is determined by an extra point shootout scenario.
Can coaches be on the field during gameplay?
Coaches must be off the field at the time of the snap. Coaches may call plays from the sidelines but cannot interfere with game play.
What are ``no-run zones``?
Certain styles enforce areas near midfield and the end zone where running plays are prohibited, forcing teams to pass. These typically occur five yards before midfield or the goal line.
Can players wear jewelry or accessories during games?
No jewelry that poses a safety hazard is allowed. Soft gloves, protective glasses, or soft-shell helmets are permitted, but no jewelry that could pose an injury risk.
Do all players have to wear mouthguards?
Mouth guards are strongly recommended but not required unless mandated by a specific event or league.
Can a player wear a GoPro like device while playing?
Any recording device that is deemed a safety hazard will not be allowed, which is most. Sunglasses that record are allowed.
