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Flag Football League Rulebook Decisions Worksheet

This worksheet lists the 19 decisions every flag football league writes on top of its base rulebook, with the typical options for each and a blank column for your choice. Fill it in once per division, from format and field size to the mercy rule, playing time and officials per game, then turn it into your local rules.

From the Flag50 Start My Flag Football League Playbook (2026 Edition), Chapter 7. Last reviewed October 28, 2026. By Jay Fraser. Figures are tagged Sourced or Estimate; how we sourced this.

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How to use the worksheet

Pick your base rulebook first: the NFL FLAG rules for youth 5v5, the NFHS rules for high school 7v7, or another published set. The base settles most of the game; the worksheet covers what it leaves to you.
Fill in one worksheet per division. A 6U division and a 12U division rarely make the same choices on field size, rush rules or coaches on the field.
Check decision 8 (blocking) with your insurer before you choose contact; it raises injury and insurance exposure.
Write the playing-time rule (decision 14) for every rec division. In the Aspen Institute's national youth survey, 40 percent of kids said all players should get playing time and only 11 percent said only the best should play Sourced.
Turn the finished worksheet into a dated rulebook and publish it on your league website at least 30 days before the season, with a one-page summary for parents.

Each decision is explained in how to write your flag football league rules. For the rules of each format, see the flag football rules guide. Field sizes by format are in flag football field dimensions, and decision 19 sets your referee budget.

The template

League name: ______________________________

Rulebook decisions worksheet

One per division. Write your choice next to each decision.

Division

Base rulebook and edition

The 19 decisions
#	Decision	Typical options
1	Format per division and base rulebook	5v5, 6v6, 7v7 or 8v8; NFL FLAG, USA Flag, NFHS or local
2	Field size and end zone depth per age; cones or paint	70 x 30, 60 x 25 or 50 x 25; 10, 7 or 5-yard end zones
3	Roster minimum to start, maximum, forfeit threshold, grace period	5 to start; cap of 10; 10-minute grace
4	Game clock	Halves or quarters; running or stop clock in the final 2 minutes; halftime; play clock; timeouts
5	Downs structure	Midfield line to gain or 20-yard zones
6	Rush rules by age	5 or 7-yard rush line; number of rushers; pass clock; delayed rush; QB run rules
7	No-run zones	Yes or no, by age
8	Blocking	None, screen or contact; jam rules
9	Scoring values and PAT distances	6 points; 1 from the 5; 2 from the 10 or 12; value of a defensive PAT return
10	Mercy rule and when it applies	28 to 35 points; regular season or playoffs only
11	Overtime	None in the regular season; PAT shootout; alternating possessions
12	Coed requirements	Minimum women on the field; operative player rule; bonus scoring
13	Coaches on the field	Which ages; before the snap only; sideline limits
14	Playing time rule for rec divisions	Every player plays half; every player touches the ball; 3 of 4 quarters (FNL)
15	Equipment	2 or 3 flags; pop or velcro belts; ball size; mouthguards; no metal cleats; pocketless shorts
16	Sportsmanship and conduct ladder	Unsportsmanlike conduct 10 or 15 yards; two means ejection; at least a one-game suspension; spectator rules; appeals window
17	Protest and forfeit fees; roster freeze (adult)	$25 each; freeze at week 4
18	Weather, lightning and makeup policy	Point to your safety policies; one makeup per game
19	Officials per game; who keeps clock and score	2 per field; 1 plus a coach on the field for 8U; a field monitor

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Sources

Retrieved October 2026. Program terms and municipal rates change each season; recheck before you rely on a number.

NFL, NFL FLAG, the NFL shield, and NFL team names and logos are trademarks of the National Football League and its member clubs. Under the Lights, Unrivaled Sports, RISE Flag Football, Next Level Sports, Friday Night Lights, i9 Sports, USA Football, and other program and product names in this guide are trademarks of their respective owners. Flag50 is an independent company; references are for comparison and information and do not imply affiliation or endorsement. Program terms and prices are as published in October 2026 and change; verify before you commit.