3. Physical Education Flag Football Rules 4 Different Categories of Rules (Use the following links to navigate the presentation. Click home to return to this screen) –OffensiveOffensive –DefensiveDefensive –Special TeamsSpecial Teams –ScoringScoring “More injuries occurred in tackle football than in flag football.”

4. Offensive Rules (1 of 2) Offensive players must be behind the line of scrimmage before the ball is hiked. –The line of scrimmage is where the ball is hiked from. Only one forward pass per play –The ball may be thrown forward only if the thrower is behind the line of scrimmage. The ball may be thrown backwards or handed off an unlimited amount of times. –But if the ball hits the ground, the play is dead.

5. Offensive Rules (2 of 2) The offensive player with the ball is down where his or her flag is pulled. This becomes the new line of scrimmage. –If the offensive player’s flag falls off without being pulled, the player is down on first contact. Midfield is the only spot where a first down can be gained. –The offense has four plays to gain a first down (if behind the midfield line) or touchdown (if past the midfield line). While blocking, the offensive player may not attempt to knock down the defensive play, but only get in their way. If the defense intercepts the ball, the defensive rules now apply to the offense.

6. Defensive Rules (1 of 2) Defensive players must wait five seconds after the ball is hiked to cross the line of scrimmage (rush). When covering an offensive player without the ball, the defender may not make contact with the player. The defender may only grab the offensive player’s flag when he or she has the ball. –The defender may not hold the offensive player while attempting to grab the flag.

7. Defensive Rules (2 of 2) When an offensive player is attempting to block a defender, the defender must try to go around the offensive player, not through him or her. When a defensive player intercepts the ball, the offensive rules apply to the team with the ball. The ball is dead (the play is over) once it touches the ground. –There are no fumbles. The ball may be possessed by the defense if it is intercepted (defense catches a forward pass) or if the they intercept a pitch (backwards pass) or if it is a turnover on downs.

8. Special Team Rules At the start of the first half, second half, and after a score, there will be a kick off. –The ball may either be punted or thrown to the receiving team. –The ball will be thrown/kicked from between the touchdown line and the midfield line. –The kicking team must be behind the ball until the ball leaves the kicker/thrower. The receiving team may only advance the ball if it is caught before it touches the ground. –The ball is dead (the play is over) if the ball touches the ground.

9. Scoring If a boy throws the ball to a boy and a touchdown results, one (1) point is awarded. If a girl is involved in a score (throws, catches, or runs a touchdown) the offense is awarded two (2) points. –The throw must be a forward pass, not a hand off or pitch (backward pass). There are no extra points or field goals. –There are only touchdowns

10. Bibliography Bartlett Park District. Flag football Photo. http://www.bartlettparkdistrict.com/Athletics/phot os/c-football-222x178.jpg. Retrieved September 30 th, 2007. http://www.bartlettparkdistrict.com/Athletics/phot os/c-football-222x178.jpg United States Flag Football Association. Flag Football Rules. http://www.usffa.org/history.htm. Retrieved September 30, 2007.http://www.usffa.org/history.htm Flag Football vs Tackle Football. Injuries. http://naysi.blogspot.com/2007/08/injuries-in- youth-tackle-versus-flag.html. Retrieved September 30, 2007. http://naysi.blogspot.com/2007/08/injuries-in- youth-tackle-versus-flag.html