Major Flag Football

Official Rulebook

Youth Flag • Community First • Skill Development

Philosophy

Major Flag Football is built on fun, fairness, and fundamentals. Our goal is to help players build confidence and learn the core skills of football — throwing, catching, spacing, and teamwork — in a positive, competitive environment.

We keep the rules simple so everyone — coaches, officials, and players — can focus on playing, learning, and enjoying the game.

Officials are encouraged to let the kids play and only step in for clear, obvious violations.

Divisions

All divisions play 6-on-6. Teams are organized by grade level to keep play balanced and developmentally appropriate.

Kindergarten

• Smaller fields and simplified rules.
• Coach plays quarterback.
• Focus: learning alignment, spacing, and flag pulling in a fun setting.

1st–2nd Grade

• Smaller fields and age-appropriate rules.
• Coach plays quarterback.
• Focus: routes, spacing, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

3rd–4th Grade

• Standard field size with full league rules.
• Players are the quarterbacks.
• Focus: passing concepts, reads, and fundamentals of offense and defense.

5th–6th Grade

• Full field and full league rules.
• Players are the quarterbacks.
• Focus: advanced spacing, route combinations, and team strategy.

Junior High Division (7th–9th Grade)

• Combined division; 7th–9th graders compete together.
• Teams must include a blend of grades within this range to ensure fair competition.
• Full field and complete rule set.
• League Policy: Teams made up entirely of a single grade (for example, all 9th graders) will be reviewed by the league and may either be broken up or moved up to the 10th–12th grade division to maintain competitive balance.
• Focus: competitive play, reads, and teamwork.

High School Division (10th–12th Grade)

• Combined division; 10th–12th graders compete together.
• Teams must include a mix of grades within this range. No team may consist entirely of 12th graders.
• Full field and complete rule set.
• Consequence: Rosters that do not meet this grade mix requirement will be reviewed and adjusted by the league before the season begins.
• Focus: competition, leadership, and execution.

Field & Possession Rules

• Starting Position: Each possession starts at the offense’s own 5-yard line.
• Downs: The offense has 4 plays to reach midfield for a first down, then 4 more plays to score.
• Turnovers:
  • Turnover on downs — opponent starts at its own 5-yard line.
  • Interceptions — spotted where the defender’s flag is pulled.

Scoring

Overtime

• Each team gets 4 plays from midfield to score.
• After a touchdown, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion.
• Repeat rounds until a winner is determined.

Offensive Rules

• Quarterback: QB cannot run past the line of scrimmage. Younger Division – Coach QB only. Older Division – Player QB only.
• Snapping & Motion: Ball must be snapped between legs. One player may be in motion before the snap. All players must be set before the snap.
• No-Run Zones: Within 5 yards of the end zone or midfield, the offense must pass.
• Eligible Receivers: All players are eligible, including the center after snapping.
• Allowed Plays: Forward passes, handoffs, and pitches allowed. No blocking or screening.

Defensive Rules

• Pass Rush: Only one rusher may cross the line of scrimmage each play. Must raise hand pre-snap to indicate intent.
• Alignment: All defenders must start at least 7 yards off the line of scrimmage.
• Coaches: No defensive coaches on the field during plays. Coaches may help pre-snap, then step off immediately.

Penalties & Infractions

Officials may replay the down or enforce loss of down / automatic first down at their discretion to keep play flowing.

Game Day

• Games are played on Saturday mornings at designated league fields.
• Coaches and officials should ensure fair play, safety, and good sportsmanship at all times.
• The priority every week: skill development, character building, and fun.

Major Flag Football • Building skills, character, and community through the game