Major Flag Football

Official Rulebook

Competitive Flag Football • Community First • Skill Development

League Philosophy

Major Flag Football is built on competition, development, and community. Our goal is to help players build confidence and develop the core skills of football — throwing, catching, spacing, teamwork, communication, and leadership — in a structured and competitive environment.

We believe flag football creates opportunities that tackle football sometimes cannot. With fewer players on the field, athletes have more chances to touch the ball, develop skills, and actively participate in the game in a safer environment.

We encourage coaches to be competitive, organized, and committed to player development while still keeping the experience positive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Officials are encouraged to keep games flowing while enforcing rules consistently and prioritizing safety.

League Culture & Expectations

• Major Flag Football is designed to feel competitive and fun.
• Standings, scores, and championship games are part of the league experience.
• Players may request friends or coaches during registration.
• Coaches are encouraged to teach, develop players, and compete with good sportsmanship.
• Parents and spectators are expected to treat players, coaches, officials, and opposing teams respectfully.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior from players, coaches, or spectators may result in warnings or removal from the field area.
• The league reserves the right to make rulings in situations not specifically covered in the rulebook.

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, flag pulling, and basic gameplay in a fun environment.

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 football fundamentals.

5th–6th Grade

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

Junior High Division (7th–9th Grade)

• Combined division; 7th–9th graders compete together.
• Teams should include a reasonable blend of grades when possible to maintain competitive balance.
• Full field and complete rule set.
• The league may review roster composition and make adjustments if necessary to maintain fairness and competitiveness.
• Focus: competitive play, reads, teamwork, and football strategy.

Game Format & Timing

• Games consist of two halves with a short halftime.
• Games generally last approximately 40–50 minutes depending on division and field schedule.
• Running clock except for injuries, official timeouts, or special game situations.
• Officials may stop the clock during close games near the end of regulation.
• Standings are tracked throughout the season and divisions conclude with championship games.

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.
• Additional rounds continue until a winner is determined.

Offensive Rules

• Quarterback: QB cannot run past the line of scrimmage. Younger divisions use Coach QB. Older divisions use Player QB.
• Snapping & Motion: Ball must be snapped between the legs. One player may be in motion before the snap. All other players must be set.
• No-Run Zones: Within 5 yards of midfield or the end zone, the offense must pass.
• Eligible Receivers: All players are eligible receivers, including the center after the snap.
• Allowed Plays: Forward passes, handoffs, and pitches are allowed.
• No Blocking or Screening: Offensive players may not block, screen, pick, or interfere with defenders pursuing the ball carrier.

Defensive Rules

• Pass Rush: Only one rusher may cross the line of scrimmage each play and must raise a hand before the snap to indicate intent.
• Alignment: Defenders must begin at least 7 yards off the line of scrimmage.
• Coaches: Defensive coaches may help organize players pre-snap but must remain off the field during live play.

Coach & Player Expectations

• All players should receive meaningful playing opportunities whenever reasonably possible.
• Coaches are encouraged to rotate positions and prioritize development throughout the season.
• During lopsided games, coaches are encouraged to demonstrate good sportsmanship and focus on player development.
• Coaches are responsible for communicating schedules, uniforms, and game-day expectations to families.

Penalties & Infractions

Officials may replay the down or enforce loss of down / automatic first down at their discretion to maintain fairness, safety, and game flow.

Game Day

• Games are played on Saturdays at designated league fields.
• Teams should arrive early and be prepared to begin on time.
• Coaches, players, officials, and spectators are expected to contribute to a positive and competitive environment.
• The priority every week is skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun.

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