4 v 4    |   5 v 5    |   7 v 7   |   8 v 8   |   8 v 8 ineligible   |   9 v 9   |   9 v 9 ineligible

There are several different styles of flag football which are defined by number of players on the field and are categorized by the level of contact allowed during the game.  We’ve gathered the general rules of the following games:  4v4, 5v5, 7v7, 8v8, 8v8 ineligible, 9v9, 9v9 ineligible, these are the most accepted and played varieties of flag football.

Within all types of play there are some general rules that apply to all flag football games.

• No pushing ball-carrier out of bounds.
• No flag shielding by ball-carrier.
• No diving to advance the ball.
• No ball-stripping.
• No on-sides kicks.
• No charging over a defender by the ball-carrier.
• Scoring- same points awarded as in professional football.

All flag football leagues should have their own set of league rules pertaining to the field/facility, the game procedures (clock, forfeits, officials, substitutions), and general practices of the league.  Major issues to consider when creating league rules are: waivers & liability, player qualifications, sportsmanship, equipment & uniforms, and discipline procedures.