What Is Flag Football?

Flag football is a non-contact version of American football where players wear flags that opponents must pull to stop the play. It's one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, especially with its recent addition to the Olympic program.

Unlike tackle football, flag football eliminates physical contact by using flags attached to a belt. When a defender pulls a flag, the play is considered "tackled" and stops.

Key Differences from Tackle Football

• No tackling: Flags are pulled instead of tackling
• Smaller teams: Typically 5v5 or 7v7 instead of 11v11
• Faster pace: Shorter fields and quicker games
• More accessible: Less equipment needed, safer for all ages

How It's Played

Flag football follows similar rules to traditional football:

1. Offense: Tries to advance the ball down the field
2. Defense: Tries to stop the offense by pulling flags
3. Scoring: Touchdowns (6 points) and extra points (1-2 points)
4. Downs: Usually 4 downs to advance 10 yards

Why It's Growing

Flag football is experiencing explosive growth because:

• Safety: No contact makes it safer for players of all ages
• Accessibility: Less equipment and space needed
• Olympic sport: Added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
• Inclusive: Co-ed leagues are common and popular

If you're new to flag football, start by:

1. Learning the basic rules
2. Finding a local league or pickup game
3. Practicing fundamental skills like flag pulling and route running
4. Understanding offensive and defensive strategies

Flag football combines the strategy and excitement of football with the accessibility and safety of non-contact sports. Whether you're a beginner or experienced player, there's always something new to learn and improve.