Start from a base rulebook
Every published rulebook below has been tested over thousands of games. Pick the one that matches your format and your families, then write only your local changes on top of it.
| Rulebook | Format | Best for | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL FLAG | 5v5 non-contact, youth | Any youth league, affiliated or not; matches the Olympic 5v5 format families will see on TV | Free PDF at nflflag.com |
| USA Flag 5's (USA Football and iFlag) | 5v5 non-contact plus documented variants: 4v4, Olympic style, beach, 5v5 and 6v6 contact | Youth and adult; Team USA pathway events | Free at iflag.org |
| NFHS Flag Football | 7v7, high school (girls) | High school prep and girls divisions in sanctioned states; feeder alignment | Purchase at nfhs.org; state adoption documents are free |
| iFlag 7v7 Screen | 7v7 with screen blocking | Adult rec; competitive youth 12U and up | Free at iflag.org |
| Municipal 8v8 (for example Grapevine, TX) | 8v8 screen or contact, 80-yard field in four zones | Adult leagues that want a fuller football feel | Free municipal PDFs |
The NFL FLAG rulebook already settles the field (70 x 30 yards with 10-yard end zones), rosters (5 on the field), the 7-yard rush line, no-run zones and scoring Sourced. Read the current season's rulebook at nflflag.com rather than a summary, because details such as clock and timeouts change by season.
For how each format plays, including whether the quarterback may run, see flag football rules for coaches and the flag football format comparison chart. For field sizes by format and age, see flag football field dimensions.
Common youth modifications
These changes come from published local rulebooks. Use them as a menu, not a requirement:
- 8U (or K to 2nd grade): no-run zones removed; the defense may rush only after a legal handoff; one coach on the field before the snap; a smaller field (50 x 25 with 5-yard end zones) and sometimes four 10-minute quarters.
- 10U and up: the standard 7-yard rush with two rushers; some leagues add a 7-second pass clock.
- Mercy rule: a 35-point lead ends the game in several municipal rulebooks, and forfeits are scored 35-0. USA Flag tournament play uses 28 points at any time or 19 in the final minute.
- Overtime: none in the regular season. Playoffs use alternating PAT attempts (1 point from the 5 or 2 from the 10, then both from the 10, then single plays from the 5 with most yards winning). Interceptions in overtime are worth 2 and end the game.
- Rosters: cap at 10, with at least 7 registered before a team is scheduled; a play clock of 25 to 40 seconds.
- Ball sizes: mini for 6U, pee wee for 6 to 9, junior for 9 and up.
- Division labels: age-based (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, age as of a cutoff date) or grade-based (K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). Grade bands keep classmates together and are easier for parents. Age bands match tournament eligibility: NFL FLAG tournaments use age as of August 1.
Adult formats, briefly
- 5v5 non-contact: the most common adult rec and tournament format. USA Flag rules with a 25-minute tournament clock or two 12-minute halves, a 25-second play clock and PAT-shootout overtime.
- 7v7 screen: blockers keep their hands behind the back or at the sides and may not start contact; unlimited rushers from one yard off the line; two 20-minute halves with a stop clock in the final two minutes.
- 8v8 screen or contact: an 80-yard field in four 20-yard zones, four downs per zone, two 16-minute halves, rosters up to 20, forfeit and protest fees ($25 each in Grapevine), and zero-tolerance ejections with at least a one-game suspension.
- Coed: a minimum number of women on the field (three of eight in one model), a woman as the operative player within three consecutive downs, and bonus points for touchdowns and conversions scored by women.
Ready to launch? Flag50 runs registration, your league website and live scoring for independent and affiliated leagues.
Book a 20-minute call →The 19 decisions every league rulebook makes
Write your choice next to each one, per division. The rulebook decisions worksheet has a blank column for it.
| # | 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 is 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 |
Decision 18 points to your lightning and weather policy. Decision 19 sets your officials budget, covered in flag football referees.
Add a playing-time rule
Publish and enforce your rules
- Publish the rulebook on your league website at least 30 days before the season.
- Add a one-page rules summary for parents.
- Hold a joint coaches and officials meeting (virtual is fine) so both groups hear the same interpretations.
- Give every official a laminated card with your local modifications.
- Revisit the rulebook once a year in the off-season, never mid-season, and date every version.