1. OBJECT OF THE GAME

The objective of Flag Football is to score more points than the opposing team by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone. A touchdown is scored when the ball carrier legally crosses the goal line while in possession of the ball.

2. GEAR & EQUIPMENT

Normal athletic clothing is permitted. Cleats or runners may be worn; metal studs are not allowed. Urban Rec provides official footballs and flag belts. Flags must be worn on the hips and be clearly visible at all times.

3. THE TEAM

Each team fields five (5) players at a time. This is an OPEN league with no gender requirements. Teams may start a game with a minimum of four (4) players. Teams should refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit, and Substitute Policy for additional requirements.

4. SUBSTITUTIONS

Unlimited substitutions are permitted. Substitutions may only occur between plays and are not allowed during live play. The game clock does not stop to allow substitutions.

5. LEAGUE HOST (LH)

Each field will have one (1) League Host. The League Host is responsible for game timing, equipment checks, rule clarification, and maintaining a safe and positive playing environment.

If teams cannot agree on a call, they may defer to the League Host. If a decision cannot be made, the play will be replayed.

6. START OF PLAY

A coin toss (or rock-paper-scissors) determines first possession. The winning team may choose first possession or direction of play (deferring possession to the second half). There are no kick-offs. All offensive drives begin from the 5-yard line.

7. GAME TIMING

Games consist of two (2) × 20-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime. The clock runs continuously and stops for timeouts, injuries, and scores. Each team receives one (1) 30-second timeout per half. Timeouts do not carry over.

8. POSSESSION & DOWNS

Teams have four (4) downs to cross midfield. Once midfield is crossed, the offense has four (4) downs to score a touchdown. Failure to convert results in a turnover on downs. All new possessions (except interceptions) start from the 5-yard line.

9. SCORING

A touchdown is worth 6 points.
Extra point attempts:

• 1 point from the 5-yard line

• 2 points from the 10-yard line

A safety is worth 2 points. Interceptions on conversion attempts may be returned for points.

10. OFFENSIVE PLAY

The ball must be snapped between the legs of the centre. Only the quarterback (QB) may receive the snap. No direct snaps to other players are allowed. The centre may not receive an immediate handoff from the QB.

Only one forward pass per down is permitted and must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. Unlimited backward or lateral handoffs are allowed behind the line of scrimmage. Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, no further handoffs, laterals, or passes are allowed.

Spinning is permitted. Diving, jumping, hurdling, or lowering the shoulder is prohibited. The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s feet are when the flag is pulled.

11. RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK

Defensive players must line up 7 yards off the line of scrimmage to rush the quarterback and must nominate themselves as the rusher by raising a hand prior to the snap. The rush becomes legal once the ball is snapped. Blocking and tackling are not permitted.

12. RECEIVING

All players are eligible receivers. One player may be in motion at the snap, provided they are not moving toward the opponent’s end zone. A legal catch requires at least one foot in bounds. The quarterback may receive a pass after a legal handoff or pitch.

13. DEFENSIVE PLAY

Flag pulling is the only legal way to stop the ball carrier. Tackling, blocking, pushing, and holding are not permitted. Defenders may attempt to intercept passes. Pass interference results in a 5-yard penalty and replay of the down.

14. DEAD BALLS

A play is ruled dead when a flag is pulled, the ball carrier touches the ground (excluding hands or feet), the ball goes out of bounds, a score occurs, or a player’s flag falls off. The ball is spotted where the flag falls. Fumbles are dead balls and possession remains with the offense at the spot.

15. INTERCEPTIONS

Interceptions result in an immediate change of possession and may be returned. If intercepted and downed in the end zone, the ball starts at the 5-yard line. If the interceptor exits the end zone, the ball is spotted where the play ends.

16. PENALTIES

All penalties are 5 yards and may not exceed half the distance to the goal line. Defensive penalties cannot end a game unless declined. Common penalties include offside, pass interference, flag guarding, delay of game, and illegal contact.

17. RULES NOT COVERED

Any situation not covered in this document defaults to IFAF Flag Football Rules.

18. WINNING THE GAME

A win earns 1 competition point, a draw earns 1 point each, and a loss earns 0 points. Fun Points are used as ladder tie-breakers.

19. FAIR PLAY SYSTEM

Urban Rec operates under a FUN FIRST, FAIR PLAY policy. Players are expected to make honest calls, respect opponents, and keep the game flowing. The League Host has final say on unresolved disputes.

20. SPORTSMANSHIP

All participants agree to the Urban Rec Code of Conduct. Poor sportsmanship may result in temporary removal, ejection, or league suspension.

We do not tolerate idiots.
Play fair. Play fun.

Note that the above details are generic Flag Gridiron rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.