Flag Football for Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Rules

Flag football is the best way for children to experience thrilling moments without contact. Flag football is so much fun—kids will love the fast-paced action! Learning the rules helps them play better and feel more confident on the field.

This blog will explain the different flag football rules for kids to make it more comprehensive, engaging, and easy to follow.

What Is Flag Football?

Flag football is a version where players don’t tackle each other to the ground—instead, they pull a flag from the ball carrier’s belt.

Defenders stop the play by grabbing the opponent’s flag – no tackling allowed!

This sport involves a lot of speed, strategic moves, and cooperation from all the players. Children run, catch, and score touchdowns safely while still having fun.

Close-up of a child pulling a flag in flag football.

Why Kids Love It:

Children love playing flag football because:

No tackling… none of the scary stuff.
Can get everyone involved (there is no “bench time”).
Short and fun games.

Next, let’s jump into the rules!

Basic Flag Football Rules for Kids

1. Team Size & Players

Flag football games are mostly played with 5-7 players per team on the field simultaneously at the youth level. The fewer the players, the more times they will have the opportunity to touch the ball (no hiding in the back!).

Positions: There are three quarterbacks (QB), receivers, and rushers (defensive players trying to grab a flag).

Substitutions: When the football match occurs, the coaches often change the players so everyone can show what they are made of.

2. Starting the Game

Contrary to tackle football, the flag football game still starts with a “first down” at the team’s 5-yard line (no kickoffs). The quarterback is the first to begin the game by passing or giving the ball to a teammate.

Insider’s Tip for Kids: As the quarterback, stay calm and scan the field for an open receiver—find the teammate the defense isn’t guarding!

3. How to Move the Ball

Passing: The QB gives the ball to a receiver.

Running: Players can run with the ball, but many leagues enforce a ‘no running past the line of scrimmage’ rule to maintain fair play.

Laterals & Handoffs: TBall carriers may advance by running in most flag football games. Leagues often restrict running past the original line of scrimmage to balance offensive and defensive play.

4. Scoring Points

The game aims to reach the end zone! Here’s how the point system goes:

Touchdown = 6 points
Extra Point: After a TD, teams can go for:
1 point (from the 5-yard line)
2 points (from the 10-yard line)
Safety (rare but cool!) = 2 points (if the defense stops the offense in their end zone)

Kid celebrating touchdown in flag football with teammates cheering

5. The “Tackle” = Flag Pull!

Here, players don’t need to rush to push each other down. Instead, the other side players must grab the flag from the ball carrier’s belt. When this action is completed, the play comes to a standstill!

Flags must be on the hips (not tucked into shorts).
Flag retrieval is not possible for divers (safety first!).
Flags should not be kept (it’s like cheating!)

Defensive Tip: When guarding, do not look at the opponent’s eyes; look at his hips. Players often make fake moves–keep low and be quick.

6. Turnovers & Changes in Possession

Pick Off: If a defensive player catches a pass, the defense becomes the offense right there!

Please Add to Dead Ball = Dead Play an Explanation (for example, “no fumbles rolling around”).

Four Downs to Midfield: Many junior football leagues give each team 4 downs to reach midfield and four more to score. If they cannot, the opposing team will get the ball.