How to Start a Flag Football League: Formats, Fields and Rules

Choose 5v5 or 7v7

• 5v5 needs fewer players per team, less field and fewer officials. It is the easiest format to fill and is common in adult rec and youth leagues.
• 7v7 adds more positions and suits bigger, more competitive teams.

Set a roster size a few players above the number on the field so teams can cover absences.

Set up the fields

Flag fields are smaller than a full football field, and many leagues fit more than one on a large grass or turf field. Mark end zones and a midfield line with cones, and keep the same layout every week. Book fields for the full season, including playoffs and a make-up week, and check lighting if you play in the evening.

Equipment

• Flag belts in two colors, with spares
• Footballs sized for your age group
• Cones or field markers and a down marker
• A rule on cleats (many leagues require non-metal cleats)

Write the rules

Start from a standard flag ruleset and adjust:

• Contact: most rec leagues ban tackling, blocking and flag guarding. Say exactly what counts as a penalty.
• Rushing the passer: set a rush distance or count.
• Game length and clock: a running clock with a fixed game length keeps nights on schedule.
• Coed rules: coed leagues often require a minimum number of women on the field, or give extra points for certain plays.
• Forfeits and tiebreakers: publish both before week one.

Officials

Assign at least one official per game for competitive divisions. Build officials into your time slots and your budget.

Schedule and playoffs

Use a round robin for the regular season, then seed a single elimination or double elimination playoff from the standings.

Everything else

Fees, insurance, waivers and registration work the same as any league. Follow the full guide: how to start a sports league.