Major Flag Football
Official Rulebook
Our Philosophy
Flag football gives players an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills—throwing, catching, running routes, and defensive positioning.
Our rulebook is designed to be simple and easy for coaches, players, and officials to understand. The focus is on skill development and fun while maintaining the strategic elements that make football exciting.
Officials are instructed to let the boys play, stepping in only when something is clearly and obviously against the rules; the goal is learning and development.
Field Setup & Possession Rules
Starting Position
Offense begins at their own 5-yard line
First Down System
- Offense has 4 plays to cross midfield
- Then 4 more plays to score a touchdown
Turnovers
Turnover on Downs: Ball goes to opposing team at their own 5-yard line
Interception: Ball is spotted where the defender's flag is pulled
Scoring System
Touchdown
Extra Point Options
- 1-point try from the 5-yard line
- 2-point try from the 10-yard line
Overtime Rules
- Each team gets 4 possessions starting from midfield
- If a team scores, they must go for 2 points
- Continue until a winner is determined
Team Sizes by Grade Level
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: 7-on-7
- Offensive coach is on the field and acts as the QB
- No defensive coaches allowed on the field after the football is snapped
- Focus on learning fundamentals and having fun
3rd - 5th Grade: 6-on-6
6th Grade and Up: 5-on-5
Offensive Rules
Quarterback Rules
QB cannot run the ball
Snapping
All players are encouraged to learn traditional football-style snapping
Motion Rules
- Only 1 player may be in motion at snap
- All other players must be set before snap
No-Run Zones
Middle 10 yards of field (midfield zone)
Within 5 yards of end zone - MUST PASS
Allowed Plays
- Passes
- Handoffs
- Pitches
- Other football-style plays
Defensive Rules
Pass Rush Rules
- Only 1 defensive player may cross the line of scrimmage per play
- Rushers must raise their hand to indicate they are rushing
Pre-Snap Alignment
All defensive players must line up at least 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage
Coach Involvement
- No defensive coaches allowed on field during play
- Coach may enter to organize defense pre-snap, but must exit immediately
Penalties & Infractions
Common Infractions
- Blocking
- Tackling
- Offsides
- Pass Interference (Offensive/Defensive)
Fumbles
Treated as dead ball at spot of fumble - loss of down
Penalty Enforcement
5-Yard Penalty
Options based on referee and coach discretion:
- Replay the down, or
- Loss of down
Major Flag Football League
Youth Sports
Developing skills, building character, having fun!