Skip to main content
IFAF Guides
Flag Football
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.
IFAF Guides
Flag Football
IFAF Guides - Flag Football
Glossary
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.
Proudly Recognised By and Member Of
IOC
world anti-doping agency
the world game
asoif
sport-accord
Global Partner
NFL
Technical Partners