Flag Football

Flag Football

Register by August 13th!

 

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

 

NOTE: teams are grouped by grade level. Please update Childs grade level for the 2023-2024 school year in TeamSnap when signing up! 

 

All participants must be in Kindergarten through 4th grade during the time of play. 

At this age, we will be working on skills to help develop proper techniques, always focusing on good sportsmanship. The most important part is that everyone is having fun! Thank you for taking the time to invest in your kids! We hope to make a positive and memorable experience for them. 

Equipment: Team shirts will be handed out before the first game. Please label anything you bring. Cleats are option (no metal spikes). 

Game Schedule: Games will be on Saturday mornings. Starting September 9th through September 30

Coaches: The High School football players will coach the games along with parent coaches for practices and help coordinate the kids during games. If you are interested in coaching, please check the “willing to coach” box during signup or contact the commissioner. 

For more information please contact the Flag Football Commissioner:  

Linus Hendrickson (402) 274-7985

Rules:

The game is played having a maximum of: (6) offensive and (6) defensive players.

Game

  1. At the start of each game, captains from both teams shall meet at midfield for the coin toss to determine who shall start with the ball.
  2. The winner of the coin toss gets to decide taking possession or defense, to begin. The loser of the coin toss chooses the end zone to start play.
  3. The offensive team takes possession of the ball at its goal line and has (4) plays to cross midfield for a first down. Once a team crosses midfield it has (4) plays to score a touchdown.
  4. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its goal line.
  5. If the offensive team fails to cross midfield, possession of the ball changes and the opposition starts its drive from its goal line.
  6. All possession changes, except interceptions (unless returned for a TD), start on the offense’s goal line.
  7. Teams change sides after the first half. Possession changes to the loser of the coin toss.

Running/Rushing QB

  1. Offense may use multiple handoffs, but handoffs directly back to the center are not allowed.
  2. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving)
  3. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
  4. Intentional contact is not allowed anywhere on the field and will be penalized. Offensive players will be allowed to mirror the defensive players.
  5. No laterals or pitches of any kind beyond the line of scrimmage.
  6. The quarterback can NOT run, they must hand off or throw. (K-1st)
  7. The quarterback can ONLY run once every 4 down, the other 3 downs they must hand off or throw. (2nd-4th) 
  8. Only direct handoffs or pitches behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offenses may use multiple handoffs or pitches behind the line of scrimmage.
  9. All players are eligible to receive passes
  10. There are no fumble recoveries. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.
  11. Defense Team may have one Blitz per 4 downs. The other 3 downs must be a count of 3 MISSISSIPPI.

Field

  1. The recommended field size is 30 yards by 70 yards with two 10-yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain. Or Dimensions

Timing and Overtime

  1. Games are played on a 40-minute continuous clock, two 20 minutes halves. The clock stops only for timeouts.
  2. Halftime is 5 minutes long.
  3. Each team has one 30-second time out per half.
  4. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.
  5. In the event of an injury the clock will stop and then restart when the injured player is removed from the field of play.
  6. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, Overtime of 5 Min. coin toss gets to decide taking possession or defense. First to score, WINS. If no winner is declared after 5 min, Game will end in tie.

Scoring

  1. Touchdown- 6
  2. Extra Point- 1 (Two 3’ Steps from the Goal Line)

Terminology

  • Boundary lines – the outer perimeter lines around the field. They include the sidelines, and the rear end-zone lines.
  • Line of Scrimmage – an imaginary line running through the point of the football and across the width of the field.
  • Rush Line – an imaginary line running across the width of the field 3 yards (into the defensive side) from the Line of Scrimmage.
  • Offense – the squad with possession of the ball.
  • Defense – the squad opposing the offense to prevent them from advancing the ball.
  • Quarterback – the offensive player that calls the signals to start the play.

MISC…

  • The League provides team with football and flag belts to use.
  • Players must wear shoes. Cleats are allowed, however cleats with exposed metal are not allowed and must be removed.
  • Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads, and kneepads.
  • Players must remove all watches, necklaces, earrings and any other jewelry.
  • Player’s jerseys must be tucked into the pants.
  • Downs (1-2-3-4) – the offensive squad has 4 attempts or “Downs” to advance the ball. They must cross the Mid-Field Line to get another set of downs or to score.
  • Live Ball – the period of time that the play is in action. Generally used in regards to penalties, Live Ball Penalties are considered part of the play and must be enforced before the down is considered complete.
  • Dead Ball – the period of time immediately before or after a play
  • Charging – the movement of the ball carrier directly at a defensive player who has established position on the field. This includes lowering the head, making contact with the defender with a shoulder, forearm or the chest, resulting in a penalty.
  • Flag Guarding – the deliberate guarding of the flags by the ball carrier to inhibit the defense from making a grab. Typically, a lowered and swinging, slapping arm motion, resulting in a penalty.
  • Shovel Pass – a legal pass made by throwing the ball behind or beyond the line of scrimmage, underhand or pushing it towards a receiver in a shot put type manner.
  • Lateral or Pitch– a backwards or sideways toss of the ball by the QB or ball carrier-behind the scrimmage only.
  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct – rude, confrontational or offensive behavior or language- applies to players, coaches and spectators. This results in a penalty.