Fast, dynamic and full of skill Flag is the non-contact sport of American football where tackles are made by pulling off a flag which is worn by all players.
The game retains the same principles as the contact game with offensive teams having four attempts (downs) to reach a certain point on the field with the defensive team seeking to halt their progress. If a team succeeds in reaching the endzone they score 6 points and have the option to add a further 1 or 2 points with an extra play. 1 extra point sees the play start 5 yards from the endzone, 2 extra points sees the play start 12 yards from the endzone.
IFAF is currently working on establishing Wheelchair Flag Football – a coed sport with a big future.
End zone – the end zone is a 10-yard section stretching the width of the field at both ends of the playing field. A player entering the end zone whilst in possession of the football scores a touchdown, as does a player who catches the ball from a forward pass whilst in the end zone.
Fumbles and incomplete passes – a fumble occurs when the ball carrier or a passer drops the ball on the ground. It is not a fumble when a pass receiver drops a catch. This is called an ‘incomplete pass’. A fumble only occurs when the ball is dropped after the player has gained full control of the football.
Interception – an aggressive defense can regain possession of the ball for their offense by catching (intercepting) passes meant for players on the other team
Fumble recoveries and interceptions (known as turnovers) – can be run back into the opposing team’s end zone for touchdowns.
Line of scrimmage – an imaginary line crossing the width of the field, beyond which a team cannot cross until the next play has begun. Its location is based on the spot where the ball is placed after the end of the most recent play.
Touchdown – the act of scoring in the end zone, either via running into end zone or by catching the ball whilst in the end zone.
