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TEAM USA FOOTBALL®

 Men's National Team vs Pro Football Stars
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 4 PM ET

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Flag Football Rules

Understand the rules to play, coach, and officiate flag football.

Rules of the Game

Flag football is on the rise across communities in the U.S. and around the world, with youth leagues, high schools, and colleges expanding programs ahead of its Olympic debut in 2028.

What sets the game apart and fuels its growth is how it’s played.

Flag football rules create a fast, non-contact game built on speed, spacing, and execution by replacing tackling with flag pulls, eliminating blocking, and defining play through no-run zones and controlled blitzing.

Flag Football Rulebooks

How Flag Football Is Different From Tackle

Linemen, Blocking & Contact
No linemen or blocking. The center snaps the ball and becomes a receiver. All forms of contact are forbidden, and any attempt to block or shield an opponent is a penalty.
Down & Distance
Each team has four plays to advance the ball past midfield. After earning a first down, the offense has four more plays to score. Failure to reach midfield or the end zone results in a turnover.
No-Run Zones
No-run zones prevent teams from running the ball in certain areas of the field. In these zones, all plays must be pass plays. Under USA Football rules, the no-run zone is the five-yard area before each end zone.
Blitzing the Quarterback
Defenders who blitz must line up at least seven yards behind the line of scrimmage and identify themselves by raising one hand. Offensive players cannot impede the blitzer’s path.
 
FLAG FOOTBALL RULEBOOKS
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IFAF FIVES RULES

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) flag rules serve as the official regulations for international competitions, including the World Games, Continental Championships, and the Olympics. This style of flag football is played globally. The IFAF Fives Rulebook provides comprehensive descriptions and guidelines for various formats, including Beach Flag, Indoor Flag, 5v5, and 7v7.

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USA Football 5v5

The USA FLAGTM 5's Rulebook is a condensed version of the larger IFAF rulebook. Additionally, it includes separate rules for league and tournament play, making it useful for flag organizations regardless of how they structure their competition. It also includes suggestions for modifying the game or its rules based on age and skill level.

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USA Football 7v7

The USA FLAGTM 7's Rulebook mirrors the USA FLAGTM 5's Rulebook with adjustments made for the additional two players. This is an excellent resource for youth leagues looking to get more players on the field to maximize the number of coaches and playing time in their program.

 

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

Whether you're new or returning for another season, USA Football offers education and training for coaches, officials, and organizations—For You. For The Game.

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NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY
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Whether you are an athlete, coach, or official, you dedicate your time to football. As the official National Governing Body, we are here to support you wherever the game takes you. We offer world-class education and training, resources, sports standards, and competitive opportunities.

USA Football provides a pathway for athletes, coaches, and officials to reach the elite levels of flag football, and the only organization to select and lead TEAM USA FOOTBALL® in national and international competitions.

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