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 objective of 5-on5 flag football is for the offensive team to move the ball downfield through a combination of passing and running plays to score by reaching the end zone.
A team has four downs (single play attempts) to progress from their own 5 yard line beyond the middle line into the opposition’s half and then a further four downs to reach the end zone and score. A no run zone prohibits rushing plays within five yards of the opposing end zone. A play concludes the moment a defender pulls the flag from the ball carrier’s belt.
A touchdown is scored by a pass or run and is worth six points. The scoring team then has an opportunity to add a single point after touchdown (PAT) from the 5-yard line or two points after touchdown from the 10-yard line.
Defenses can cause a change of possession by intercepting the ball or by preventing the opposing offense from passing midfield or scoring on fourth downs. They can score a touchdown by returning an interception to the end zone.
The playing field measures 25 yards in width by 70 yards in length, a 50 yard field with the addition of two end zones each measuring 10 yards deep.
Games consist of two 20-minute halves.
The clock runs continuously, stopping for injuries or timeouts, and within the final two minutes of each half for incomplete passes and out-of-bounds plays.
In tournaments, group stage games are permitted to end in a tie if the score is level at the conclusion of regulation time. Knockout stage games require a definitive result with overtime played until a winner is determined once both teams have possessed the ball.
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.
