Flag Football Rules

Be it the games on the field or games people play, one common thread which binds the two realities of life, is the rule book by which the players plan their strategy and moves. So then be it business, or baseball, academics or football or flag football, rules are a part and parcel of that field. There are some unwritten rules, though, which we get to know as we play on! I just mentioned flag football which, let me tell you, is gaining good popularity as an alternative to mainstream football. Flag football helps you to stay fit and it also lets you enjoy the experience of playing football involving less tackling. But before playing any sport, it is necessary to know the rules of he game. Interested in knowing about flag football rules? Read the text to follow!

Flag Football Rules and Regulations

One of the major differences in proper football and flag football is that in flag football, there is no kick off and can be played with maximum 9 players per team.

The Field
The field used for flag football measures eighty yards in length and it is divided into four 20-yard zones. Or it can either be a standard width which is 53 yards or as narrow as 25 yards. At each end of the field, there is a 10-yard end zone. That's where scoring takes place. There may not be a goal post in an end zone in flag football.

The Game Play
As per rules of flag football, the team which is in possession of the ball gets four attempts, called downs for moving the ball across one 20-yard zone. Simply put, rushing, running with the ball or passing to cross the goal line for a touchdown is the main objective of the game as done in traditional American football. If the team succeeds in doing that, they get four more downs. On failing to move the ball, the other team gets the possession of the ball.

Also, flag football rules consider the ball 'dead', in case the ball carrier drops the ball or fumbles. The ball is declared as dead when it goes out-of-bounds, when there is an incomplete pass or if any part of the carrier's body other than hands and feet come in contact with the ground. Consequently, the ball goes to the opposing team. Players are also allowed to score by kicking the ball through the goal posts. This is called a field goal.

Scoring
Now scoring is another extremely important aspect of the flag football game. To give you an idea about scoring, it is almost the same as traditional football. A touchdown gets a team 6 points, when a team in possession moves the ball across the goal line of the opponent. After this attempt, when the players follow with touch down, also called point of attempt, they get a couple or 1 point. Added to that, a safety is scored by a team when a defender downs the ball carrier. The ball carrier, though, has to be in the ball carrier's end zone for attempting a down. Field goal refers to a kick through the opponent's goalpost that takes place during a series of downs. According to flag football rules, this gets a team 3 points if successful.

Last but not the least, penalties for rule violations are awarded to all players. Even players on offense are eligible to receive penalties. A minimum four players are required on the offensive line for beginning of each play. Failure to have the required number of four players results in a 5-yard penalty. In other cases, Blocking is permitted but blockers should have both feet on the ground before, during and after a contact with a player from opposite team. A 10 yard penalty is sure if this rule is violated.

As you can see, flag football rules are not too tough to understand. These were the basic rules, though. If you are training under a coach, he will tell you where the catch lies in each of these rules and what are the intricacies involved! I snap off the scrimmage here! Have a ball of a time!