RECOMMENDED GAME FORMAT

Game Type

5-on-5 non-contact flag football

Team Roster

• Recommended roster size: 10 to 20 players
• Minimum to start: 5 players preferred

Field Size

Recommended field layout:

• Approximately 65 yards long
• Approximately 25 yards wide
• End zones included
• Midfield line used as the first-down line

Depending on the number of teams, Pride Sports may operate up to three fields at one time.

Game Length

Recommended game length:

• Two 20-minute halves for full games
• For jamborees, camps, or showcase events, Pride Sports may use shorter games or controlled scrimmages to allow more teams to participate.

Possible adjusted formats:

• Two 12-minute halves
• Two 15-minute halves
• 20-minute running-clock scrimmage
• Controlled offensive/defensive series

BASIC RULES

1. No Contact

This is non-contact flag football.

The following are not allowed:

• Tackling
• Blocking
• Screening
• Pushing
• Holding
• Diving into another player
• Intentional contact to create an advantage

Defenders stop the ball carrier by pulling the flag.

2. Starting Possession

• Each team starts its possession at its own 5-yard line.
• The offense has four downs to cross midfield.
• After crossing midfield, the offense has three downs to score.

3. First Downs

• The main first-down marker is midfield.
• Once a team crosses midfield, the goal is to score a touchdown.

4. Scoring

• Touchdown: 6 points
• Extra point from the 5-yard line: 1 point
• Extra point from the 10-yard line: 2 points
• Safety: 2 points

5. No-Run Zones

No-run zones will be used to prevent power football near scoring areas.

No-run zones are located:

• 5 yards before the end zone
• 5 yards before midfield, if used as a first-down line

When the ball is in a no-run zone, the offense must use a pass play.

6. Running Rules

• The quarterback cannot run the ball past the line of scrimmage unless the ball has first been handed off, lateraled, or exchanged.
• Direct handoffs, laterals, and pitches may be allowed behind the line of scrimmage.
• Once the ball is handed off or lateraled, defenders may rush across the line of scrimmage.

7. Passing Rules

• Forward passes must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
• Only one forward pass is allowed per play.
• Interceptions are live and may be returned unless the event format says otherwise.

8. Quarterback Rush / Blitz Rule

• Defensive players who rush the quarterback must start at least 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
• The official or field supervisor will mark the rush line.
• A maximum of two rushers may be allowed on a play.
• For beginner or developmental games, Pride Sports may eliminate blitzing to give quarterbacks more time to throw.

9. Flag Pulling

• The play ends when the ball carrier’s flag is pulled.
• Players may not guard their flags by using their hands, arms, elbows, or the ball to block a defender.
• Players may not lower their shoulder, stiff-arm, or run through defenders.

10. Dead Ball

The play is dead when:

• A flag is pulled
• The ball carrier steps out of bounds
• A touchdown or safety is scored
• The ball carrier’s knee touches the ground
• The ball hits the ground
• A pass is incomplete
• The official blows the whistle

There are no fumbles. If the ball is dropped, the play is dead at that spot.

11. Equipment

Players must wear:

• Flag belt with flags visible on both sides
• Athletic clothing without pockets, if possible
• Mouthguard recommended
• Athletic shoes or turf shoes

Teams should avoid loose clothing that covers the flag belt.

Jewelry and unsafe equipment should not be worn during play.

12. Officials

Officials or field supervisors will manage:

• Game clock
• Downs
• Spotting the ball
• Penalties
• Player safety
• Game flow

Coaches are expected to help keep players organized and respectful.

Common Penalties

Offensive Penalties

• False start
• Illegal forward pass
• Flag guarding
• Charging into a defender
• Blocking or screening
• Delay of game
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

Defensive Penalties

• Offside
• Illegal rush
• Holding
• Illegal contact
• Pass interference
• Roughing the passer
• Unsportsmanlike conduct

Penalty yardage may be adjusted based on field size and event format.

DEVELOPMENTAL DIVISION

For new teams or players still learning the game, Pride Sports may use modified rules, including:

• No blitzing
• Shorter games
• Coaches allowed on the field
• More instruction between plays
• Controlled scrimmage format
• Matched competition against similar-level teams

COMPETITIVE / SHOWCASE DIVISION

For more advanced teams, Pride Sports may use a more standard 5-on-5 format, including:

• Live rushing from 7 yards
• Officials controlling the game
• Standard scoring
• Timed games
• Competitive matchups
• Team standings or showcase results, if applicable

PRIDE SPORTS GOALS

The goal is to provide girls with a safe, organized, competitive, and memorable flag football experience while helping grow girls high school flag football in Minnesota.

Pride Sports will continue to work with coaches to adjust the format as participation grows.