FLAG-FOOTBALL
NFL Youth Football programs help children and their families enjoy the football experience every time they step on a field. Our programs are also a resource for coaches, helping them promote a positive experience for all participants.
PAL Flag Football
Practices for 2021
October – November 2021
Boys and Girls Ages 5-17
PAL Youth Flag Football Player Registration CLICK HERE
PLAY FLAG FOOTBALL TODAY !!
NFL Youth Football programs help children and their families enjoy the football experience every time they step on a field. Our programs are also a resource for coaches, helping them promote a positive experience for all participants.
NFL FLAG is the premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 5-17. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.
| Players’ Ages | ||||||||||||||
NFL FLAG teams are for boys and girls ages 5 to 17. The age bracket in which a player participates should be determined by the player’s age as of September 1st of the current year. NFL FLAG Football groups players into seven age brackets as follows:
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| Seasons |
| NFL FLAG FOOTBALL has two seasons: fall and spring. NFL FLAG has two seasons, one starting the fall in September and the spring in April. The length of a season generally runs eight to ten weeks. |
| The Basics |
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| Players/Game Schedules |
| Teams must field a minimum of five players at all times. Teams consist of 10 players – five on the field, with five substitutes. |
| Timing/Overtime |
| Games are played to 40 minutes running time. If the score is tied at the end of 40 minutes, teams move directly into overtime. The first team to score wins.Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced.
Each team has one 60-second and one 30-second time-out per half. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion. |
| Scoring |
| Touchdown: 6 points |
Extra point:
1 point (played from 5-yard line) or
2 points (played from 12-yard line)
Safety:
2 points RunningThe quarterback cannot run with the ball.
Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted. Offense may use multiple handoffs.
“No-running zones” located five yards from each end zone and five yards on either side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage, power-running situations.
The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.
Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player (no diving).
The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.
Absolutely NO laterals or pitches of any kind are allowed.ReceivingAll players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.
A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.PassingShovel passes are allowed.
The quarterback has a seven-second “pass clock.” If a pass is not thrown within the seven seconds, play is dead, loss of down. Once the ball is handed off, the seven-second rule no longer is in effect.
Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of interception. Interceptions are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. Dead Balls: The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.
Substitutions may be made on any dead ball.
Play is ruled “dead” when:
— Ball carrier’s flag is pulled
— Ball carrier steps out of bounds
— Touchdown or safety is scored
— At the point of an interception (interception returns are not allowed)
— Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground
— Ball carrier’s flag falls out
Note: There are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the ball hits the ground.Rushing the Quarterback
All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of scrimmage.
Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and all defenders may go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.
Sportsmanship/Roughing
If the field monitor or referee witnesses any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. FOUL PLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Trash talking is illegal. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. (Trash talk is talk that may be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators.) If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.
Penalties
All penalties will be called by the referee.
Defense:
Offsides
Five yards and automatic first down
Interference
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal contact
(holding, blocking, etc.)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal FLAG pull
(before receiver has ball)
10 yards and automatic first down
Illegal rushing
(starting rush from inside 7-yard marker)
10 yards and automatic first down
Offense:
Illegal motion
(more than one person moving, false start, etc.)
Five yards and loss of down
Illegal forward pass
(pass thrown beyond line of scrimmage)
Five yards and loss of down
Offensive pass interference
(illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender)
10 yards and loss of down
FLAG guarding
10 yards (from line of scrimmage) and loss of down
Delay of game
Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down
Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.
Only the team captain may ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.
Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.
Attire
Cleats are allowed, except for metal spikes. Inspections must be made. All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.
Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn during play.
Note: There are no kickoffs, and no blocking is allowed.
More Information: Call Program Manager
Officer Chris Eason -or- Athletic Coordinator at (910-892-1873)
E-Mail: Email Here
For starting a NFL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE in Your area go to www.nflflag.com
PAL Youth Flag Football Player Registration CLICK HERE