Flag Football History The object of the game is to score touchdowns by advancing the ball up the field by running or throwing the ball, and crossing the end zone line. Flag football is a version of American football, but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team tackles a player by pulling their flag. American football has been played since the mid-1800s. The first college game of football occurred between Princeton and Rutgers in The game of flag football has been around for as nearly as long as tackle football. Flag football was played as a recreational activity for American military personal in the 1940s. Flag football is popular among college and adult recreational leagues.

How to Play Flag Football It can be played by four, five, seven, eight, nine players to a side. The field size can vary. Games are generally composed of four 15 minute quarters. The team with the most points = WHS PE= most Touchdowns at the end of the game wins. Game Play: The kick-off starts the first and third period of the game. Teams exchange goals after the first and third periods. During play, the flag of the ball carrier is targeted.

How to Play Flag Football The Player that removes the flag must hold it above his head for the official to declare the ball dead and the play ended. WHS PE RULES=First down: 4 downs to advance the ball to the mid-field for another set of 4 downs. All players are eligible to receive a pass. The quarterback CANNOT run the ball out of the backfield.

How to Play Flag Football Kick offs will be made from the kicking team's 15 yd. line (No re-kicks): spot ball where downed by defense, or spot where went OB, or sport at 15 yds mark if ball goes through the end zone or offense can run ball back. An offensive team can choose to punt after three downs. During a punt, one team kicks the ball to the other team who has the option to run the ball back.

A down begins with one player on the offensive team (the center) hiking the ball to another player on the offensive team called the quarterback. Varying rules require different number of players to line up with the center on the line of scrimmage, and serve as blockers. Blockers must use a screen blocking technique (hands in, No arms pushing out).

After the ball is hiked, the quarterback has the option to throw the ball to a receiver, hand the ball off to a running back, or choose to run with the ball*WHS PE= quarterbacks CANNOT RUN THE BALL-out of the backfield.

Depending on the rules, the defense can go after the quarterback as soon as the ball is hiked, or they have to wait an allotted amount of time.*WHS PE= Rusher MUST have a 3 aggie count before rushing.

Runners may not straight arm or knock away defensive hands reaching for the flag. Runners should SPIN! Defensive players may NOT hold, push, or knock the ball carrier down in an attempt to remove the flag.

A fumbled on a snap-ball is dead. Other fumbles the ball is alive and the defense can gain possession. Play stops when passed ball hits the ground, Carrier- one knee touches ground, Flag is removed or falls off. (Flags= Each player must wear a one-piece belt at the waistline with three flags attached, One flag on each side and one in the center of the back. NO clothing may cover any portion of a player's flag. You May NOT tie belt.