FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
DOWNLOAD RULES HERE – Updated 6/22
// PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1. All Players must be at least 21 years of age and have current, adequate health insurance.
2. All players must be properly registered on a team during the season for which they are playing.
a. If a player is registered on more than one team within the league, they may only play for one team in the playoffs.
b. All players must agree to the Fray Liability Waiver as described in the Fray Terms and Conditions section of Player Registration.
3. Any use of an ineligible player will result in a forfeit.
// GAME PLAY
1. Starting the Game: The game will start with a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” between the two Captains, followed by controlled possession. There are no kickoffs.
a. The winning team will then have one of three options: Offense, Defense, or Direction. The team that started the game on defense will start the second half on offense and vice-versa. Teams will also reverse direction of play.
b. Flag Leagues: possession starts ten (10) yards/paces from the goal line c.
2. Scoring: To score, the ball must cross the goal line with the ball carrier establishing & maintaining possession in bounds. There are no field goals.
a. Touchdown = 6 points
i. One (1) Point Attempt – five (5) yards/paces
ii. Two (2) Point Attempt – ten (10) yards/paces
iii. Flag Leagues: Extra point attempts may NOT be intercepted and returned for points.
b. Safety = 2 points
i. The team on defense receives 2 points, and then starts a new possession from their own 10 yard line. A safety will be scored if a player is:
1. Tagged down in their own end zone (not on a punt return).
2. Runs out of bounds in their own end zone.
3. Snaps the ball out of the end zone.
4. The offense fumbles the ball in their own end zone.
ii. A player having intercepted a pass or received a punt in the end zone cannot be downed in the end zone for a safety unless they had previously crossed the plane of the end zone with the ball.
3. Line of Scrimmage:
a.The line of scrimmage is established at the location of the ball when the ball carrier is downed. Ball extension for additional yardage is permitted.
i. The offense must have at least five players at the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. All offensive players, except one player permitted to be in
motion, must be set for at least one second before the ball is hiked.
ii. Offensive players must line up within 15 yards of the ball. No sideline sneak play (or similar).
iii. Only one offensive player in motion is allowed each play. They may move in any direction before the snap. At the time of the snap, they must not be moving in a forward direction.
4. First Downs: The offense has four downs to gain another first down or score.
a. First downs are earned each time the ball reaches the next marker from where the ball was originally spotted.
b. Offensive teams may elect to punt on fourth down.
5. Dead Balls: Play will continue until:
a. The ball carrier is downed.
i. Flag Leagues: Ball carrier is deflagged by an opponent or downed by a one hand touch. One hand touch is in effect if a player’s flags fell off inadvertently and/or were illegally removed prior to catching the ball.
b. The ball carrier goes out of bounds.
c. The ball carrier scores a touchdown or extra point.
d. The ball carrier’s knee or elbow touches the ground.
e. The defense scores.
f. The ball touches the ground as a result of a fumble, punt or incomplete pass.
g. Referee sounds a whistle.
i. Inadvertent Whistle – If the referee inadvertently blows a whistle after the receiver has caught the ball or is running, the ball is dead at that point. If an inadvertent whistle is blown before the quarterback has thrown the ball or the ball is in mid-air, then the play will be redone.
6. Receivers: All players are eligible receivers. Receivers need only one (1) foot in-bounds with possession of the ball to be considered a catch.
a. If a player runs out of bounds (end zone or sideline) prior to a pass, they become ineligible unless a defensive player forced them out of bounds.
b. If a receiver is in midair, catches the ball, and is forced out of bounds by a defender prior to landing, the pass will be considered complete.
c. Offensive players CANNOT dive to further advance the ball.
7. Quarterback Run & Rushing:
a. The quarterback can run the ball ONLY if the defense rushes in following the rush count.
b. There is no immediate rush. The defense cannot rush the quarterback until:
I. A 5-one thousand rush count followed by the word “GO!” by the Line Judge. The count will be as follows: “1- One Thousand, 2- One Thousand, 3- One Thousand, 4- One Thousand, 5- One Thousand, GO!!” The defense may not cross the line of scrimmage until the referee says
“GO!”
ii. The quarterback does a hand-off, lateral, or pass before or after the rush count.
c. Silent snaps are not permitted. The player calling the snap cadence must receive the snap. The player receiving the snap may not be in motion.
i. If the ball hits the ground on the snap, the play is “dead”, the ball is
spotted where it hit the ground, and it is a loss of down (i.e. if it was 1st
down during the bad snap, it is now 2nd down).
8. Blocking & Contact: All players must attempt to avoid contact with other players. Blocking at or behind the line of scrimmage and/or down field is not permitted, Aggressive contact and the “bump and run” are not permitted. Moving picks are regarded as illegal blocking.
a. There is no contact at the line of scrimmage
b. Players acting as the offensive line must have their hands behind their backs or at their sides when protecting their quarterback from pursuing defensive rushers.
c. The offensive line can position their body at any particular angle in an attempt to direct the rushers to a particular area, but they may not physically direct them.
9. Punts: A punt must be declared and cannot be faked. A team does not have to snap the ball during a punt as a dropped snap during a punt is not a fumble. The receiving team may not raise hands or jump to block a punt.
a. Punts must be kicked. Punts cannot be thrown.
b. Punts are “open” plays.
c. The kicking team may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked. The kicking team cannot recover their own punt. If the kicking team touches the ball before the receiving team, it is a dead ball and is spotted where it was touched.
d. There is no minimum number of players required on the line of scrimmage during a punt.
e. If a punt is caught, it is a live ball and is returnable.
f. The receiving team can run up the field but cannot block.
g. If the ball comes into contact with the ground after it has been punted, it is a dead ball and may not be returned. The ball is spotted at the point where it hit the ground.
h. A punt through the end zone and a dropped punt in the end zone are touchbacks. The ball is placed at the designated starting distance from the goal line.
10.Change of Possession
a. Score
b. Interception
c. Offense fails to score or earn another first down. The opposing team gets the ball at the previous line of scrimmage.
d. Offense punts the ball on fourth down.
e. Loss of down penalties which occur on fourth down
f. Fumbles cannot be turned over unless the fumble is caught in mid-air. If the fumbled ball touches the ground, it is dead at that point and the line of scrimmage is moved there.
// Coed Specific Rules
1. There must be at MINIMUM, 3 females on the field per team at all times. There is no maximum limit to the amount of females allowed on the field.
2. The offense must involve a female player as an “operative player” within three (3) consecutive downs. If two consecutive plays during a possession exclude females, then the following play is “closed” and must include a female operative player. The closed play count is reset after each change of possession.
3. On a closed play, a male quarterback cannot run for positive yards even if he is rushed. If a male quarterback is sacked on a closed play, the down is lost and the closed play carries over to the next down.
a. An Operative Player is defined as a player who:
i. Is the intended receiver in the eyes of the official. The ball must CLEARLY be intended for a female receiver for it to count. Example: if the ball is 5+ yards away from the female, it will not be counted.
ii. Runs the ball as the primary runner (an attempt has to be made to cross the line of scrimmage).
iii. Receives the snap as the Quarterback and throws the ball forward towards the line of scrimmage (ball does not have to cross the line of scrimmage).
iv. If the female player is sacked, throws an incomplete pass, loses yards, or does not catch the ball, the down still counts as a closed play.
b. An Operative Player is NOT defined as a player who:
i. Hands off or pitches the football.
ii. Snaps the ball into play.
iii. Receives a hand off only to give it back to a male before crossing the line of scrimmage. (Flea Flickers fall under this rule as not counting as the female then gives the ball back to the male to make a play)
iv. Receives the snap and immediately spikes the ball at her feet in order to stop the clock in the last 2 minutes.
// Flag Football Penalties
Normal rules and penalties of the NCAA apply unless exceptions have been made herein. A half or game cannot end on a defensive penalty.
1. 5 yard penalty, down is replayed
a. Delay of game
i. 20 seconds after the ball has been spotted
b. Encroachment
i. Offense will receive a free play. They may accept the penalty or take the result of the play.
c. False start
d. Holding
e. Illegal block
i. The offensive team may not initiate a pick/block while in motion. If a catch is made after a clear pick, it will be ruled no catch.
f. Illegal contact
g. Illegal motion
h. Illegal snap
i. Offsides
2. 5 yard penalty, loss of down
a. Illegal forward pass
b. Flag Guarding
c. Diving – Loss of down; ball spotted at point of takeoff
i. Ball carrier cannot dive into or over a defensive player.
3. 10 yard penalty, down is replayed
a. Defensive pass interference [automatic first down]
i. If in the end zone, ball is spotted at the 1 yard line.
b. Defensive unnecessary roughness [automatic first down]
c. Offensive unnecessary roughness
i. If during a play, any yardage gained will not stand and penalty will be marked off from the line of scrimmage.
ii. If after a play, the penalty will be marked off at the end of the play.
d. Unsportsmanlike conduct
i. Taunting of any kind is not allowed, and will result in an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. This includes, Yelling or Directing obscenities at the other team or a referee, Tossing an opposing players flag or their ball out of play in an attempt to disrupt their retrieval of it, or aggressively making contact with another player.
4. 10 yard penalty, loss of down
a. Offensive pass interference
5. Additional Penalties
a. Failure to use a female operative – Loss of down; next play is still closed. b. Illegal flag pull – 10 yard penalty; Down is replayed
i. A player may only deflag an opponent in possession of the ball. If a player removes an opponent’s flag belt before they gain possession of the ball, play will continue until the ball carrier is downed by one hand touch.
c. Intentional grounding – Loss of down; ball spotted at point of infraction (QB’s release point).
// Overtime
1. Overtime will use the Four Downs & Out format.
2. Overtime will begin with a coin toss by the referee.
a. The team that wins the coin toss decides if they start on offense or defense (there is no option to decline). Their opponent will decide which endzone to use. Both teams will attempt to score in the same endzone.
3. Each team will have 4 downs to score from ten (10) paces/yards out from the goal line. If a team scores, they will have the opportunity to go for one (1) or two (2) extra points. The game will be decided when one team scores more points in the rotation.
a. No 1st downs will be awarded except in the case of a penalty.
b. COED: A female must be used once within the first three plays or on the 1st and 4th downs when applicable.
c. An interception will result in a turnover and may not be returned for any points.
d. If the score is still tied after two complete overtime periods, each team must attempt a two-point conversion after they score a touchdown until a winner is decided.
// GOLDEN RULE
First and foremost, all Fray leagues are 50% Social and 50% Sport. While we have staff // officials, we expect individuals to respect the league’s culture of fair and fun play. Foul language and rough play will not be tolerated. Individuals who cannot adhere to our standards of fair play and sportsmanship may be asked to leave the league. We want everyone to have fun and be social while enjoying a great sport. We will do whatever we can to make sure all players are having fun!
// GENERAL POLICIES
Fray is proud to relieve captains of the burden of paying for full teams. We accept individual player payments and allow prepayment for additional players and/or full teams. We are also proud to welcome those who do not have a full team (small groups and free agents) to participate in our league.
Because our mission is to make fun possible, these policies make it easier for people to get involved with and build community through social sports.
All registrations are on a first come, first serve basis. Any roster that does not reach our official size (based on each sport) is eligible to receive free agents and/or small groups. Rosters made up of primarily free agents and/or a collection of small groups may have more players than the
standard roster size. This policy is in place to help ensure free agent teams are able to consistently field a team each week.
// Roster Size Chart
| Sport |
Promotion Size |
Official Size |
Suggested Max Roster Size |
Female Minimum |
| Flag Football 5v5 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
N/A |
| Flag Football 7v7 & 8v8 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
3 |
// Teams & Substitutions
// Teams & Substitutions
1. 5v5 Leagues: A maximum of five (5) players can be on the field. Teams must have the required minimum 4 players to start the game
2. 7v7 Leagues: A maximum of seven (7) players can be on the field (Coed – 3 must be female). Teams must have the required minimum 5 players to start the game (Coed – 2 must be female)
3. 8v8 Leagues: A maximum of eight (8) players can be on the field (Coed – 3 must be female). Teams must have the required minimum 6 players to start the game (Coed – 2 must be female)
4. Substitute players (players not on the roster) may be used at any time in the regular season. Substitutes are not permitted during playoffs.
a. All substitutes must be a registered player on another team and/or in another Fray league that is currently in play.
b. Teams may use additional substitute players above the player minimum with the opposing team’s consent. Teams who agree to play under these conditions must notify the Host before the start of the game and the outcome of the game will stand as is.
5. If a team substitutes players in and out during the game, they must do so from the same sideline the entire game. Eligible receivers must be on the playing field before the cadence is started.
6. Teams must designate a captain prior to the start of the game. They are the only team member allowed to discuss calls with officials. Judgement calls by an official may not be disputed.
// Game Duration
1. Play will be divided into two (2) 20-minute halves.
a. The clock will run continuously until the final two (2) minutes of the second half, at which time the clock will stop if:
i. An incomplete pass is thrown.
ii. A player ends a play by going out of bounds.
iii. Either team scores (clock will remain off until the opposing team snaps the ball after the PAT attempt; the clock does not run during extra points).
iv. Change of possession
v. A penalty which must be marked off
vi. A team calls a time out
1. If a team calls a timeout after a touchdown, the clock will not start
again until the defensive team takes possession and snaps the ball
on offense.
b. The clock does not stop for
i. a 2-minute warning unless there is a dead ball situation causing the clock to stop.
ii. First downs
iii. Fumbles
c. If a team is up by 17 points or more, the clock runs continuously during the last two minutes of play.
2. Flag Leagues: Teams will have two (2) time-outs per game that may be used at any time. Time outs stop the game clock.
3. Touch Leagues: Teams will have two (2) time-outs per half that may be used at any time. Time outs stop the game clock.
4. Regular Season Games can end in ties. Playoff games will continue until a winner is decided. Please refer to the OVERTIME section for ties during the playoffs.
// Equipment, Uniforms & Facility Use
1. All equipment will be provided on site, including flag belts, game balls, and field markers. 2. Players should make every effort to wear the official Fray division shirt. 3. Metal cleats are not permitted
4. Shorts and/or pants with pockets are not permitted.
5. If an individual or team violates the facility’s Code of Conduct, they may be asked to leave and a refund will not be issued.
// Playoffs & Standings
1. Playoffs are determined after the regular season has concluded and are based on scheduling and other league logistics. Playoffs are not guaranteed.
2. Standings are automatically sorted in Commish based on teams’ Win-Loss-Tie record. If there is a tie in the standings, we sort based on the following information in order until the tie is resolved:
a. Head-to-head matchups
b. Score differential
c. Points For
d. Points Against
// Forfeits
1. Teams have until 10 minutes past the designated start time to field the minimum number of players. The 10 minute grace period is considered part of the overall game time. If a team is unable to reach the minimum number of players, the game will be deemed a forfeit.
2. Teams may play a “legal game” with less than the required minimum number of players with the opposing team’s consent. Teams who agree to play under these conditions will lose the option of receiving a forfeit win and the outcome of the game will stand as is. Team’s must notify the Host before the start of the game.
Copyright 2020 // United Fray Last Updated // January 2020
a. First Forfeit – Loss of game and warning issued
b. Second Forfeit – Loss of game and Fray reserves the right to remove team the playoffs.
c. Third Forfeit – Loss of game and removal from the league with no refund 3. In the case of a forfeit, the final score recorded as 21-0
// Weather Cancellations
1. One week is built into the end of each season
2. All players will be notified via email if games are canceled
3. If more than one weather cancellation occurs, Fray will try to find another week if possible to make up the games, but it is not guaranteed.
4. Should inclement weather or other factors limit normal scheduled game duration and more than half the game has been played, the game shall count as the full game.
