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Flag Officials Course
Training built for officiating flag football.
Training built for officiating flag football.
Flag football officials face fast-paced games, packed weekends, and high expectations, from local leagues to big-stage moments. The USA Football Flag Officials Course helps you step onto the field prepared, whether you're working your first assignment or returning for another season.
No matter where you officiate, assignors want officials who understand the game. Learn flag football rules, signals, positioning, communication strategies, and game management.
Start your Flag Officials Course today and get the training that meets the moment—For You. For the Game.
Flag football continues to grow at every level, and so does the demand for officials—but officiating takes more than showing up in stripes. It requires preparation, awareness, and the ability to manage the game no matter what it throws at you.
The USA Football Flag Officials Course supports officials with training that goes beyond rules and rulebooks. Officials develop mechanics, learn key differences between 5v5 and 7v7, train on communication and de-escalation strategies when emotions run high, and receive guidance on staying healthy and focused through long weekends and seasons.
Because being ready when it matters isn't just optional, it's the standard.
- 2026 Rules
- 2026 Rulebook Revisions
- Game Type Comparison (5v5 / 7v7)
🅘Our system will automatically determine your level based on prior training linked to your USA Football account and email. Using a different account will require starting at Level 1. Returning officials must complete the USA Flag™ 5’s Refresher and reassessment quizzes each year. TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID holders are also required to complete a USOPC-level background check and SafeSport training to receive a Training Badge and be eligible for National Team and National Team Development Program qualifying events.
The TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID includes the Flag Officials Course and Tiered Eligibility to officiate National Team Development Program Qualifying Events, plus Institute Eligibility, Exclusive Benefits, and more. Eligibility requires Official ID holders to complete the Flag Officials Course, USOPC-level background check, and SafeSport training.
The Flag Officials Course is training designed to help flag football officials show up prepared, manage the game with confidence, and meet the expectations of assignors and crews.
Earn Respect
Assignors depend on officials who show up prepared and the Flag Officials Course helps you build the skills assignors look for when picking their game-day crews..
Elevate Your Skills
earn flag football rules, penalties, signals, positioning, and mechanics with training focused on how the game is officiated on the field..
Know Game Types
Understand the key differences between 5v5 and 7v7 flag football, including comparing the game types, rules, and rulebook revisions.
Manage the Moment
Develop communication and de-escalation strategies to keep games under control when emotions rise on the field and along the sidelines.
Ready All Season
Officiating games add up. Get guidance on health, safety, and wellness to stay focused during back-to-back games, long weekends, and all season.
The Flag Officials Course is part of USA Football’s commitment to support flag football officials by providing education, training, resources, sport standards, and competitive opportunities aligned with the official National Governing Body.
USA Football is also responsible for selecting, training, and leading TEAM USA FOOTBALL®, which consists of one family of teams representing the U.S. in elite national and international competitions.
Officials who want to pursue opportunities with the National Team or National Team Development Program must hold a USA Football Official ID and complete all required training to maintain their eligibility.
The experience of football officials and referees by the numbers*
of officials are not trained in flag football
aspire to officiate other game types or levels
officiate as a part-time paid position
(Source: 2024 Football Officials Study conducted by Performance Research)
What you need to know about the USA Football Officials Certification
The Flag Officials Course costs is designed for new and returning flag football officials. Whether you’re stepping onto the field for the first time or continuing to officiate another season, the course supports officials working youth, high school, adult, and competitive flag football games.
The course provides training focused on the real demands of officiating flag football, including:
Your level is automatically determined based on prior training linked to your USA Football account and email.
IMPORTANT: If you use a different USA Football account or email, you'll need to start at Level 1.
After completing the Flag Officials Course, officials unlock access to:
These resources are designed to support officials on and off the field throughout the season.
The Flag Officials Course is separate from other training requirements related to TEAM USA FOOTBALL® opportunities. However, completing the Flag Officials Course is necessary for officials required for Officials interested in pursuing opportunities with the Ntional Team or the National Team Development Program qualifying events. Officials must purchase a USA Football Official ID, which includes access to the Flag Officials Course, and complete all required training. Additionally, TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID holders are required to complete a USOPC-level background check and SafeSport training to maintain eligibility.
If you need assistance with your Flag Officials Course, our team is here to help.