2025 EAST TEXAS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES
NOTE: There will be a meeting for coaches and referees on Saturday, August 23 to discuss rules, game procedures, practice locations, etc. 1st year coaches will receive league support if requested. Location of meeting TBD. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.
2024 Points Of Emphasis:
1) No Downfield Blocking (rule X A)
2) No running directly up the middle (Legal after handoff) (rule IX D)
2025 NEW RULES:
1) COACH INTERFERENCE (Rule V - HA & HB): Any obstruction of the progress of a player, offensive or defensive, by a coach will be penalized.
2) EXTRA TIME OUT - (Rule VI-G): Coaches will have one additional time out per game to question, protest or get clarification on an official call. If the ball is live the game will continue without interruption. Protests of a RULE interpretation may be brought before a league official to resolve. However, you CANNOT protest a JUDGEMENT call by an official.
3) UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT (Rule XVI-A2): Conduct of coaches and spectators added.
4) INTENTIONAL TACKLING: (RULE 14G) IF A REFEREE DETERMINES A PLAYER INTENTIONALLY TACKLED ANOTHER PLAYER HE WILL BE EJECTED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME. A SECOND INFRACTION BY SAME PLAYER WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON!
2025 EAST TEXAS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES:
I. PLAYERS:
A. Age guidelines: COED - 5 to 12; GIRLS - 5 thru High School
B. (Projected) Age Divisions: COED - 6U, 9U, 12U; GIRLS - High School
C. Players can be on only ONE team officially.
II. TEAMS:
A. Teams formed by the league will be based on average age with emphasis on parity as much as possible.
B. Coaches may form their own team of local players as long as age division guidelines are met. In order to maintain parity, which is essential for survival of the league, recruiting players from other communities to form 'all-star' teams is prohibited.
C. Coach may register team, or players may register individually and specify a team or coach.
D. Teams must have at least 7 players on roster and at least 6 players present to start game. There will be a 10 minute grace period to start game. If team does not have at least six players to start game that team may 'pick up' an additional player or players same age or one year younger so game can be played. The game will not be counted as a loss for the team short of players but will be counted as a win for the opposing team for tournament seeding purposes. This is the only exception when a player may play on multiple t
E. Players that sign up late will be placed on the team in his/her age division with the least number of players unless there are other factors to be considered such as playing with a relative, playing with other local players, etc.
III. PRACTICES:
A. We strongly recommend teams practice only twice a week before games start and once a week after games start.
B. Practices should be 90 minutes or less.
C. Coaches may assemble players up to a hour on Saturday morning before game for a pre game 'walk thru' and will not be considered a formal practice.
IV. EQUIPMENT:
A. Mouth guards recommended.
B. Shorts or athletic pants are acceptable.
C. All players must wear athletic shoes.
D. Metal cleats not allowed.
E. 6U will use pee wee size balls; Older divisions will use junior size balls. (Older divisions may use larger ball if they choose to)
F. The league will provide the flags and balls. Each player will also receive a jersey.
G. 1. Players must use the flags provided by the league unless otherwise approved by league.
V. GAMES:
A. ALL games played on Saturday mornings on the Henderson high school practice field..
B. Teams will match number of players on field based on team with least number of eligible players up to 11. (example - If one team has 11 players present and the opposing team has only 9 each team will field 9 players)
C. If player is suspended for a play(s) for unsportsmanlike conduct his/her team will play that down shorthanded. The opposing team will not be required to sit a player to match numbers.
D. At start of each game the captains from both teams will meet at mid field for coin toss. Visiting team will call toss and winner will have choice of starting game on offense, starting drive from 5 yard line, or defense. Team that starts game on defense will start second half on offense.
E. A team will receive a new set of downs each time it crosses a yard marker. (example - If a players flag is pulled after gaining a 1st down and one yard from next yard marker then that team only has to go that one yard to next marker to gain a new set of downs)
F. If a team fails to gain 1st down yardage on 3rd down they may go for it on 4th down or declare a "punt".
a. If team decides to attempt to gain 1st down yardage on 4th down and doesn't make it the opposing team takes over at that spot going in opposite direction.
b. If team declares 'punt' on 4th down the opposing team takes possession of ball on their 5 yard line.
G. Only one coach per team allowed on field in older divisions and only two coaches allowed on field for youngest division.
H. If an official determines that:
(a) a defensive coach obstructs, hinders, or interferes with progress or movement of the ball carrier in defensive backfield 5 yards will be added to end of play with an automatic first down awarded to offense.
(b) an offensive coach obstructs, hinders or interferes with progress or movement of a defensive player in the offensive backfield the play will be blown dead and ball is down at that spot. Interference in the end zone will be treated as a safety.
I) Game official will err on the side of safety while officiating.
VI. TIMING
A. Games are 50 minutes, continuous clock, consisting of two 25 minute halves. (Exceptions: clock will stop for time outs, injury, or at the referee's discretion)
B. The clock will stop the last two minutes of each half for:
1) Incomplete pass (Spiking the ball immediately after snap is legal)
2) Ball carrier goes out of bounds
3) Defensive Penalty (Offense awarded new set of downs)
4) Change of possession
C. Half time is 5 minutes
D. Each team gets two timeouts per game.
E) Timeouts are 2 minutes
F) teams have 30 seconds to snap ball after it is spotted by referee. (1 warning)
G) Each team will have one additional time out to question, protest, or get clarification on a call by an official. If the ball is live the game will continue without interruption.
1) Protests of a RULE interpretation may be brought before a league official to resolve.
2)You CANNOT protest a JUDGEMENT call by an official. (We don't have instant replay capabilities)
VII. OVERTIME:
A. Captains meet at mid field for coin toss. Toss winner gets choice of starting overtime on offense or defense.
B. Each team gets one possession; winner will be determined based on most yards gained or points scored.
1. Yardage gained: Each team will be given one complete drive (4 downs to gain 1st down)
2. Team A will began drive on ten yard line. The spot where the drive ends, unless it ends in a touchdown, will be noted and marked on field.
3. Team B will then take possession on same 10 yard line and begin drive in same direction as team
4. Team that advances the furthest or scores the most points wins. If both teams score same number points the process is repeated.
5. Teams do not lose possession in case of fumble. Ball is spotted at that point just as if flag was pulled.
6. If intercepted the drive ends and the offense is credited with progress to last line of scrimmage before pass.
7. There are no carry over time outs.
C. Game may end in tie if BOTH coaches agree.
VIII. SCORING:
A. Touchdown is 6 points.
B. Points after touchdown: one point if start on 5 yard line and two points if start on 10 yard line.
C. Safety is two points.
D. Mercy Rule: A team may not pass if ahead by 21 points or more.
IX. RUNNING:
A. There is no change of possession on fumbles. The ball is spotted where the fumble occurs. Forward fumbles that hit the ground will be marked where the ball carrier’s feet were when he/she lost control and not the spot where the ball hit the ground.
B. If fumble by quarterback in shotgun formation for older age division ball spotted at that spot.
C. If youngest age division if fumbled by QB in shotgun formation the ball is returned to original line of scrimmage
D. The ball carrier cannot run directly up the middle, he/she must run outside tackles. (exception - after handoff or if QB is scrambling the restriction is lifted )
E. If ball carrier knee touches ground ball is dead at that spot even if flag is not pulled.
F. Runners are not permitted to dive or hurdle any player while advancing the ball. (ball dead at that spot), however spinning is allowed.
G. Ball carrier cannot guard or obstruct flag at any time in any way, including stiff arm (ball dead at that spot). What constitutes flag guarding is up to the official’s judgment.
H. Ball carriers must make every effort to avoid a defender who has established a stationary position.
I. The ball carrier’s flags must be accessible to the defense throughout the play. Flags may not be tucked in pants, tucked under jerseys, worn improperly, looped around the waist belt, or knotted.
J. Center sneak play is no longer allowed. The center MUST snap the ball. The QB is not allowed to handoff to the center on the first handoff of the play.
K. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. All motion must be lateral to the line of scrimmage and no motion is permitted toward the line of scrimmage.
X. BLOCKING (screening) :
A. BLOCKING IS ALLOWED BEHIND LINE OF SCRIMMAGE ONLY! No downfield blocking or interference allowed. Once ball has progressed pass line of scrimmage all other offensive players must stop all progress and/or interference. Offensive players in close proximity of the ball-carrier must stop their motion once the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. No running with the ball-carrier. (Penalty- 5 yards from spot of infraction)
B. Blocker (offensive lineman) must shift body to shield rusher from quarterback or runner (behind line of scrimmage). Blocker may extend arms forward to impede rusher but may not extend arms outward, hold, force rusher to ground or overpower rusher in any way.
XI. PASSING:
A. All passes must be from behind line of scrimmage, thrown forward and received beyond line of scrimmage.
B. Defensive pass interference will result ball down at spot of infraction. If infraction occurs in the end zone offense gets ball on one yard and a full set of downs to score.
C. Offensive pass interference will result in 5 yard penalty from Line of Scrimmage..
D. No lateral pass beyond line of scrimmage.
E. ALL interceptions are returnable, including interceptions on PAT attempts.
F. Interception returned on PAT attempt will count for 2 points.
G. Interceptions in the end zone and not returned to field of will result in ball being spotted on 10 yard line.
H. Any offensive player who receives either a forward or backward handoff behind scrimmage can pass the ball from behind the line-of-scrimmage.
XII. RECEIVING:
A. All players are eligible to receive passes (including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage).
B. Only one foot down inbounds required for legal reception.
C. In case of simultaneous possession by both offense and defense the possession is awarded to offense.
XIII. RUSHING THE QUARTERBACK:
A. NO BLITZING!!! Only defensive linemen covered by an offensive lineman are allowed to rush pass line of scrimmage but is not required to rush (defensive lineman may drop back in pass coverage). Cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers may not rush quarterback. (exception- If QB keeps ball to run a sweep, pitches or hands ball off (sweep, reverse, etc.) then that player may be pursued anywhere on field by any player, including backfield.
B. Rusher must go around blockers. Rushers cannot force aside or down, run through or over, or any way over power offensive lineman.
C. If any player (offensive or defensive) enters the neutral zone before the snap play will be stopped immediately and the offending team will be penalized 5 yards.
D. All defensive players can cross the line of scrimmage when a pitch out, handoff or fake hand off has occurred.
E. Defensive players may not “crash” the quarterback’s throwing arm, shoulder or body even if the ball is touched first.
XIV. TACKLING (Flag Pulling):
A. Defender may dive to pull flag but cannot tackle or hold ball carrier jersey while attempting to pull flag. If defender holds runners' jersey but fails to pull flag the 5 yards will be added to the end of the play. (PENALTY: 5 yards and automatic 1st down)
(NOTE) If the defender accidently grabs ball carrier's jersey and in the judgement of the referee immediately releases it without impeding the progress of the runner there is no penalty.
B. Defender may not run thru or over power blocker to get to ball carrier.
C. If a player is missing a flag for any reason during a play that player is immediately down upon possession of ball.
D. A defensive player may not intentionally pull flag of player not in control of ball.
E. A defensive player may not attempt to strip or pull ball from ball carrier, including the quarterback.
F. Defensive player cannot force ball carrier out of bounds. He/she must make attempt to pull flag. (Penalty - 5 yards and a new set of downs)
G. INTENTIONAL TACKLING: IF A REFEREE DETERMINES A PLAYER INTENTIONALLY TACKLED ANOTHER PLAYER HE WILL BE EJECTED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME. A SECOND INFRACTION BY SAME PLAYER WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON!
XV. FORMATIONS:
A. Offense must have at least 4 linemen if 8 or more players available. Must have at least 3 linemen if less than 8 players available.
B. Defense cannot have more rushers than offensive blockers.
C. There will be a two-yard neutral zone between defensive line and Line of Scrimmage.
D. Shifting offensive player must come to a complete stop before ball is snapped.
E. Only one player in motion allowed at same time
F. Direct snaps are legal to any player not on the line-of-scrimmage.
G. Teams may shift formations prior to the snap as long as they are set for at least 1 second before the ball is snapped.
H. Movement by a player who is set or a player who runs toward the line of scrimmage while in motion is considered a false start.
I. The center cannot move the ball attempting to draw the defense offsides without snaping to quarterback, (Illegal Procedure- 5 yard penalty)
XVI. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT:
A. If the officials witness any acts of unsportsmanlike conduct by a PLAYER, COACH, or SPECTATOR the game will be stopped immediately:
1) If the unsportsmanlike act is by a PLAYER the offending player will be suspended for one or two plays, at the referee's discretion. A second act of unsportsmanlike conduct by same player will result in suspension for remainder of game
2) If the unsportsmanlike act is by a COACH or SPECTATOR, they will receive one warning. A second unsportsmanlike act will result in a request that they leave the premises.
B. Players are allowed to celebrate or congratulate a teammate for a good play , however no taunting is allowed. Any taunting by a player will result in immediate suspension for at least one play. (NOTE: Taunting is defined as: When a player embarrasses, mocks, baits, or otherwise commits flagrant acts or remarks towards an opponent. This includes acts such as spiking a football near an opponent after a touchdown, shoving the ball at an opponent, and pointing or waving at an opponent, among others)
VERBAL ABUSE by a COACH or SPECTATOR toward an official, a player, another spectator or another coach WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! (The kids are watching!)
XVII. ELASTIC RULE:
Any action, occurrence or incident not specifically addressed in these rules will be subject to interpretation and adjudication by the game referees and/or league officials.
Most Common Infractions:
Offensive Defensive
Excessive Force Excessive Force
Downfield Blocking Off Sides
Holding Illegal Rush (Not Covered)
Flag Guarding (including stiff arms) Pass Interference ***
All penalties are 5 yards except defensive pass interference when ball is placed at spot of infraction. ***
Volunteers, coaches, referees and sponsors are crucial to the success of our league. We'd like to thank all for volunteering their time and talents to improve our youth sports programs.