FLAG FOOTBALL RULES 2023 Rule 1 - Game, Field, Ball and Equipment
National federations may adapt Rule 1 to meet local needs and circumstances, provided no adaption reduces the safety of the players or other participants.
SECTION 1. General Provisions
Article 1 - The Game
The game shall be played between 2 teams of not more than 5 players each, on a rectangular field and with a regulation ball. For details see Dimensions of Fields.
Teams may play with less players on the field. If more than 1 player to the regular number is missing, the game is forfeited by the side that is unable to field a team.
Team rosters consist of a maximum of 15 players (5 on the field with 10 substitutes). Teams shall have only players of the same gender.
Article 2 - Winning Team and Final Score
Each team shall be allowed opportunities to advance the ball across the other team’s goal line by running or passing it. The teams shall be awarded points for scoring according to rule and the team having the higher score at the end of the game, including extra periods, shall be the winner.
Article 3 - Supervision
The game shall be played under the supervision of 2 or more officials.
Article 4 - Team Captains and Coaches
Each team shall designate to the Referee no more than 2 players as its captains and no more than 2 coaches.
Only these captains and coaches may ask the Referee questions about rule clarifications, make decisions for the team or request a challenge.
SECTION 2. The Ball
Article 1 - Specifications
The ball shall be made of four panels of pebble-grained leather in natural tan color with eight equally spaced lacings and new or nearly new with no alterations.
The ball shall be an ellipsoid spheroid of regulation dimensions and inflated to a pressure of between 12.5 and 13.5 psi (0,85 – 0,95 bar).
|
Dimensions |
Regular |
Youth |
Junior |
|
Length |
11.00 to 11.50 inches |
10.50 to 11.00 inches |
10.25 to 10.75 inches |
|
(27,9 – 29,2 cm) |
(26,7 – 27,9 cm) |
(26,0 – 27,3 cm) |
|
|
Length circumference |
27.00 to 28.00 inches |
26.00 to 27.00 inches |
25.00 to 26.00 inches |
|
(68,6 – 71,1 cm) |
(66,0 – 68,6 cm) |
(63,5 – 66,0 cm) |
|
|
Diameter |
6.25 to 6.75 inches |
6.00 to 6.50 inches |
5.75 to 6.25 inches |
|
(15,9 – 17,2 cm) |
(15,2 – 16,5 cm) |
(14,6 – 15,9 cm) |
|
|
Cross circumference |
20.00 to 21.00 inches |
19.00 to 20.00 inches |
18.00 to 19.00 inches |
|
(50,8 – 53,3 cm) |
(48,3 – 50,8 cm) |
(45,7 – 48,3 cm) |
|
|
Weight |
14 to 15 ounces |
12 to 13 ounces |
11 to 12 ounces |
|
(400 – 425 g) |
(340 – 370 g) |
(310 – 340 g) |
Each team may use its own legal ball. Marking a ball to indicate ownership is legal.
Article 2 - Sizes
For men's or mixed games, regular size balls shall be used. For women's games, youth size balls shall be used.
For youth games aged under-16, youth size balls shall be used. Balls need not be leather.
For youth games aged under-13, junior size balls shall be used. Balls need not be leather.
SECTION 3. Equipment
Article 1 - Mandatory Equipment
Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors. If the teams are using similar jerseys, the home team has the option which team has to change jerseys.
a. Players of a team shall wear jerseys of the same color, cut and style. The jerseys shall be full-length and tucked into the pants with contrasting Arabic numerals at least 6 inches (15 cm) in height on the back. All players of a team shall have different whole numbers from 0 to 99.
Jerseys shall not be taped or tied in any manner.
b. Players of a team shall wear shorts or pants of the same single color except for branding, logos or numbers on the front side of each leg with a maximum size of 4×4 inches (10×10 cm). The shorts or pants shall have the same cut and style without pockets, press studs or clips. Players may not tape or secure their shorts or pants to meet the regulations. Skirts are illegal.
c. Players of a team shall wear tightly fixed flag belts with pop-sockets and 2 identical flags. Every effort shall be made to keep one flag on each side of the players waist. The sockets shall be placed facing outwards and downwards. The flags shall be clearly visible, hang down freely and must not be covered in any way by the player’s uniform and all colors must be contrasting with the color of the pants. The flags and sockets may not be greased, glued or altered in any way. Any player, who deliberately manipulate their flags shall be disqualified. AR 1-3-1-I to IV
d. If an intra-oral mouthpiece is worn it shall be of a visible, non-white color and with no part extending more than 0.5 inch (1,25 cm) out of the mouth. The use of a mouthpiece is strongly recommended.
Article 2 - Flag Specifications
The flags and sockets each shall be made of the same material in the same color without sharp edges.
All parameters must be maintained over a temperature range of 32° F to 86° F (0° C - 30° C).
Flag:
a. Length from the socket: 15 to 16 inches (38,1 – 40,6 cm).
b. Width: 1.8 to 2.0 inches (4,6 – 5,1 cm).
c. Logo or Brand: maximum size of 2 × 3 inches (5,1 x 7,6 cm) in the quarter next to the socket.
d. Thickness: 0.02 to 0.10 inches (0,5 - 2,5 mm).
e. Weight: minimum 0.4 ounces (11 g) without socket.
f. Tear resistance: minimum 300 Newton (67 lbf) when attached to the flag part of the socket (correlates to a mass of 30 kg or 66 pounds).
Socket: (pop)
g. Outside diameter: 0.7 to 1 inches (1,8 – 2,5 cm).
h. Length belt part: from top to corner 1.4 to 1.6 inches (3,6 – 4,1 cm) in axis.
i. Length flag part: from corner to bottom 2.4 to 2.6 inches (6,1 – 6,6 cm) in axis.
j. Corner angle: 130 to 140 degrees.
k. Pull-off force: maximum 100 Newton (22 lbf) for senior games (men, women, mixed), maximum 50 Newton (11 lbf) for all other games (correlates to a mass of 10/5 kg or 22/11 pounds).
NOTE: If flags are used with Velcro or another fixing, the specifications for flags must still be met and the fixing must be easily removable with a maximum force of 50 Newton (11 lbf).
Article 3 - Illegal Equipment
a. Shoes with cleats longer than 0.5 inch (1,25 cm), sharpened or pointed in any way or made of any metallic material.
b. Any kind of shoulder pads, helmets or head wear (caps, hoods, bandannas, headbands or similar).
c. Any kind of protectors which endanger other players (e.g. sharp-edged knee braces).
d. All kinds of glasses and frames made from breakable material which could splinter. NOTE: Certified sport glasses made of synthetic material under standard specifications are available.
e. Jewelry shall be removed or covered up completely.
f. Uniform attachments like towels or hand warmers.
g. Adhesive material, paint, grease or any other slippery substance applied to equipment or to a player’s person, clothing or attachment that affects the ball or an opponent.
h. Any electronic, mechanical or other signal devices for the purpose of communicating with a coach or other person.
Article 4 - Team Certification
Before the game each team shall give a roster to the Referee and certify that all players have the mandatory equipment and have been informed what constitutes illegal equipment.