---
title: "Rules refresher before kickoff | Englewood NFL Flag Football"
description: "New to flag football, or just need a reminder? These are the rules players and parents ask about most."
canonical_url: "https://englewoodflagfootball.com/news/rules-refresher-before-kickoff/"
meta:
  "og:description": "New to flag football, or just need a reminder? These are the rules players and parents ask about most."
  "og:title": "Rules refresher before kickoff | Englewood NFL Flag Football"
---

[← All news](https://englewoodflagfootball.com/news/)

Guides

# Rules refresher before kickoff

New to flag football, or just need a reminder? These are the rules players and parents ask about most.

Englewood NFL Flag Football·Sep 29, 2026

Before the 2026-2027 season starts, here's a quick look at the rules that come up most often on game night. The full details are on our [rules page](https://englewoodflagfootball.com/rules/).

**Heads up if you've read the national rules:** we play by our own home field rules. Most of the game is the same as [NFL FLAG](https://nflflag.com/flag-football-rules), but we play 6 on 6, get 4 downs to score after midfield, don't allow pitches or laterals, and let any number of defenders rush from 7 yards back. The [rules page](https://englewoodflagfootball.com/rules/) lists every difference.

## The basics

- Games have a **40-minute clock**: two 20-minute halves on a running clock, with a 2-minute halftime. With timeouts and halftime, a game takes about 50 minutes.
- Each team gets **three 30-second timeouts**.
- The offense has **25 seconds** to snap the ball.
- Drives start at the 5-yard line. Teams get **4 downs to cross midfield** and then **4 downs to score**.
- Touchdowns are worth **6 points**. After a touchdown, teams try for **1 point from the 5-yard line** (pass only) or **2 points from the 10-yard line** (run or pass).

## Rules that surprise new families

- **The quarterback can't run** unless a defender rushes from 7 yards back and crosses the line of scrimmage.
- **7-second pass clock.** The quarterback has 7 seconds to throw unless the ball is handed off.
- **No-run zones.** The 5 yards before midfield and before each end zone are pass-only, even when the quarterback is rushed.
- **No pitches or laterals.** Only forward passes and direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage.
- **No "center sneak."** The quarterback can't hand off to the center on the first handoff.
- **No fumbles.** If the ball hits the ground, the play is dead.
- **No blocking.** Teammates can't screen for the ball carrier or run alongside them.
- **Flags must be visible.** Jerseys are tucked in before every play. Covering your flags, stiff-arming, or diving to avoid a pull is flag guarding.
- **7U rushing.** In the 7U Division, defenders can't rush the passer unless there's a handoff in the backfield.

## Ties go to overtime

Each team gets one play per round, for 1 point from the 5-yard line or 2 points from the 10. In the 2nd overtime both teams must go for 2. In the 3rd overtime, the team that gains the most yards on one play from its own 5-yard line wins. There are no timeouts in overtime.

## Safety and sportsmanship

Mouthpieces are encouraged for everyone and **required for players with braces**. Fans should cheer for every player, keep comments clean, and keep chairs, coolers, tents and little ones at least 10 yards off the field in the end zone area.

See you on the field!

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.