What are flag football rules

Flag football is a popular variation of American football where the primary difference lies in the way players are tackled. In flag football, instead of tackling opponents to the ground, defensive players must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to signify a "tackle." The game is played with teams of generally 5 to 8 players and follows a set of rules designed to ensure safety and fairness.
Basic Rules of Flag Football:
1. Field: The game is typically played on a smaller field than traditional football, often 30-50 yards in length, with end zones at both ends.
2. Players: Each team usually consists of 5 to 8 players, with a typical lineup including a quarterback, receivers, and defensive players.
3. Game Duration: Games are generally divided into two halves, consisting of a set amount of time or a predetermined score limit.
4. Starting Play: The game begins with a kickoff or a traditional center snap to the quarterback.
5. Scoring: Touchdowns are worth 6 points, and extra point attempts vary in format. Some leagues opt for 1-point plays from the 5-yard line and 2-point plays from the 10-yard line.
6. Passing: A forward pass must be completed behind the line of scrimmage. There are typically rules that dictate the number of consecutive passes allowed and the distance required to gain a first down.
7. Rushing: Depending on the league, rushing the ball might be allowed after a specific number of seconds have passed, or it's entirely up to the discretion of the league's rules.
8. Flag Pulling: When a defensive player removes the ball carrier's flag, the play is considered dead at that spot.
9. Blocking and Contact: Contact rules vary among leagues, but typically, no contact is allowed between players aside from the act of removing an opponent's flag.
10. Penalties: Flag football includes standard penalties for infractions such as offside, illegal motion, and pass interference.
These rules provide a framework for the game, but it's important to note that specific flag football leagues or organizations may have variations or additional rules tailored to their particular style of play.