Epic Flag Football
5v5 League Rules
Official rules for Epic Flag Football 5v5 league play.
Game Format & Possession
- Game:
- 44 minutes (two 22-minute halves). Two 30-second timeouts per team per half.
- Start:
- Own 5-yard line. Four downs to cross midfield; then four downs to score.
- Failed 4th down:
- Turnover at dead-ball spot; if inside new offense's own 5-yard line, move ball to the 5.
- Declared punt:
- Fourth down only, anywhere on field; no kick. Opponent starts at own 5-yard line.
Quarterback, Blitz & No-Run Zone
- QB 6-count:
- Must pass, hand off, lateral or (when eligible) cross LOS within six seconds; otherwise dead ball at original LOS, loss of down. Count continues when defense crosses LOS.
- Blitz:
- Two immediate blitzes per defense per half, from anywhere. After both, wait for referee's 3-count to cross LOS, subject to Unrivaled running/lateral provisions.
- QB run:
- Allowed after any defender crosses LOS, except inside opponent's 5-yard No-Run Zone.
- No-Run Zone:
- No direct QB runs or handoff runs inside opponent's 5.
Epic exception A legal forward pass caught behind LOS may be advanced by receiver, including into end zone.
- Forward pass:
- Throw or pitch toward opponent's goal line; may be caught behind or beyond LOS. One per play; released before passer and ball completely cross LOS.
Laterals, Scoring & Tie Games
- Laterals:
- Up to two backward laterals behind LOS; one beyond LOS. Handoffs behind LOS do not count.
- Points:
- Touchdown 6; conversion 1 from 5 yards or 2 from 10 yards; no 3-point attempt. Intercepted conversion returned for score: 2.
- Tie:
- Each team gets one offensive play. If neither scores, game ends tied; no further rounds.
Player Safety, Equipment & Roster Enforcement
Mandatory- Mouthguards:
- Required for every player, no exceptions. No mouthguard = no play.
- Shorts:
- No exposed pockets. Pockets may be securely taped; if tape comes off, player leaves field until fixed.
- Flags:
- Must contrast with shorts color.
- Eligibility:
- Only registered players on that team's roster may play. Four eligible players minimum; opponent may play four or five. Fewer than four = forfeit.
- Roster checks:
- Referees check team rosters before every game.
- Unregistered player penalty:
- Team caught using a player not on its roster forfeits the game, recorded as a 28-0 loss. A second offense by the same team results in elimination from the session.
Key Penalties
Based on Unrivaled / SHS rules, except the Epic tackling rule.
| Penalty | Enforcement |
|---|---|
| False start / illegal motion | 5 yd; replay down |
| Flag guarding | 5 yd + loss of down |
| Illegal QB run | Loss of down and any yards gained |
| Blocking / charging | Loss of down and any yards gained |
| Illegal forward pass | Loss of down; previous spot |
| Penalty | Enforcement |
|---|---|
| Illegal blitz | 5 yd; replay or accept play |
| Holding | Automatic 1st; +5 yd if play succeeds |