FAQ Coach Clinic Session
Coach Clinic Questions
Is there a holding call for defense when they grab the belt and pull to stop an offensive player?
That is very situational. It is subject to the referee’s judgment on whether it is an attempt to actually pull the flag, how long they held onto the belt, and whether the defense gained an advantage.
How many coaches can be on the sidelines?
Coaches allowed on the field: Mini = 2, Junior = 2, Senior = 1, Varsity = [TBD], HS = 1 offense only.
Can players motion during the snap?
One player may motion at a time pre-snap laterally to the line of scrimmage.
Are mouthguards required for all players?
Yes.
If a ball is fumbled, is the play dead or can the defense recover?
A fumble results in a dead ball and play being stopped. It cannot be recovered.
Can a quarterback run past the line of scrimmage before throwing?
No. The QB must remain behind the line of scrimmage until the ball leaves their hands.
Are there restrictions on defensive blitzing in certain age groups?
No. Depending on the division, the blitzing distance will change, but there are no restrictions on how many players may blitz. Blitzers must be behind the blitz cone.
What happens if a coach gets multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties?
Coaches and parents are both subject to being removed from any of our events at our discretion based on the situation.
Is there a minimum number of plays each player must participate in?
No. Substitutions are made at every quarter, so playing time is determined by quarters rather than plays. Each child must play at least 2 quarters each game. No substitutions are allowed during a quarter except for injuries. No child may sit out 2 consecutive quarters.
Can we challenge a referee’s call?
We encourage you to politely and professionally bring any disputes to the referee’s attention. There is a strong emphasis on being professional and respectful. Our referees are often high school athletes, and it is their responsibility to make the final call without being pressured by a coach or parent. Bringing a questionable call to their attention is always acceptable when done appropriately.
What is the penalty for excessive celebration?
Five yards back from the PAT they are attempting.
Will games be rescheduled in case of bad weather?
We will have weather updates available on our Weather Status page. We will make every attempt to reschedule games.
Can a center snap the ball sideways or does it have to go backward?
The center must snap the ball with a rapid and continuous motion between their legs to a player in the backfield, not on the line of scrimmage, and the ball must completely leave the center’s hands.
Is stiff-arming allowed?
No.
How is overtime handled in playoff games?
A coin toss will determine possession. The offense runs 1 play from the 5-yard line. If the offense scores, they win. If the offense does not score, the defense wins.
Is there a rule against running up the score?
28-Point Rule: If a team is leading by 28 points or more, the losing team will keep possession until a touchdown is achieved. The team that has the lead cannot blitz during the 28-point margin. If the score drops within 28 points, blitzing may resume. The leading team may take possession as normal when the point differential is under 28 points. Exception: The losing team has the choice to decline the unlimited downs.
Can parents talk to referees during the game?
No. Only coaches can talk to referees.
Are players allowed to wear cleats with metal spikes?
No.
What is the official ball size for each age group?
Micro, Mini, Junior: Blue PeeWee Football.
Senior and Varsity: Brown Junior Football.
HS: Brown Junior Football.
Is there a mercy rule in place?
Yes. A team trailing by 28 points may maintain possession of the ball until they score and reduce the lead to 27 or fewer points.
Can a team run a no-huddle offense?
Yes. A team may snap the ball as soon as the ball, the line of scrimmage cone, and the blitz cone are all set. Exception: In the Micro division, the offensive coach must wait for the defense to be ready before starting the play.
What are the rules on player eligibility and roster changes?
Players must be on the roster provided by FFF to play. No outside substitutions are permitted. Players must be wearing an authentic FFF jersey to participate.
How strict is the rule on illegal contact for defenders?
Flag football is a no-contact sport. Any contact that could provide an advantage to the defense may be called a penalty at the referee’s discretion.
How is flag guarding enforced?
Flag guarding immediately ends the play, and the next play will begin five yards behind the spot of the foul. The down counts, meaning if flag guarding occurs on 1st down, the next play will be 2nd down.
What happens if a player removes their flag before being touched?
If a player’s flag inadvertently falls off, they are marked down as soon as they gain possession of the ball.
Can teams appeal a game result?
Concerns about incorrect score input should be addressed to info@flagfootballfanatics.com. Results of games will not be altered based on officiating.
How are tie games handled in regular-season play?
During the regular season, games will end in a tie without overtime.
Can a player wear a cast if it is padded?
No. Casts and jewelry are not permitted for the safety of all players.
Can a running back throw a pass?
Yes. Any player may throw a pass if the ball has not passed the line of scrimmage. There is a limit of 1 forward pass per play.
Can two players be in motion at the same time?
No. That would be considered a shift, and both players must come set again before the ball is snapped.
Are there any restrictions on trick plays?
Trick plays are permitted as long as they don’t violate any existing rules.
How long is halftime?
Halftime lasts approximately two minutes.
Can a team request a rule clarification during a game?
Yes. Head coaches may ask the referee for clarification between plays.
What is the procedure for reporting rule infractions?
Identify the infraction and report it to the referee or Site Director.
Can a defensive player cross the line of scrimmage before the snap?
No. This would result in a 5-yard offside penalty.
Are referees given rulebooks before the season?
Yes. Referees go through preseason training to enhance consistency and performance.
Are there any additional safety rules for younger age groups?
No. Safety rules apply to all divisions.
Is the hook and lateral legal at the Mini/Micro level?
Yes. It’s a legal play.
Will the slides/PowerPoint be shared after the meeting?
Yes. They will be sent after the meeting.
In Micro playoffs, will refs monitor delays if coaches argue?
Yes. Referee training is reinforced to prevent delays.
How many players have to be on the ball before the snap?
Mini–HS: Just the center.
Micro: No one is required on the line; there is no center.
Are there specific rules for 5-year-olds?
Yes. A separate rulebook is provided.
What is the “no run zone”?
Within 4 yards of the 1st down cone or touchdown. This applies to Junior, Senior, and Varsity divisions only.
What is the “snake touch rule”?
Each child must get 1 touch before any player gets a 2nd touch, and so on.
If a coach records games, can they be on the field?
No.
What is the 9-yard rush line in Mini?
Rushers start 9 yards back and may rush after the snap.
Do offensive penalties result in loss of yards?
Yes.
Do coaches need to provide first aid kits?
No. Site Directors have them.
Can the QB throw the ball away across the line of scrimmage?
Yes, with loss of down.
Do player documents need to be on hand during games?
Only for tournaments, not regular-season play.
Is registration closed?
No. Limited late registration is open.
Are flags/uniform gear included?
Yes. Shorts, socks, flag belt, and mouthguard are included.
Will all teams have the same number of players?
No. Rosters vary from 6–10 players.
Do assistant coaches need to fill out a coach application?
No.
If a division has only 2 teams, will they just play each other?
No. Travel games are arranged.
Are shuffle passes allowed in the no-run zone in Senior?
Yes, if the pass crosses the line of scrimmage.
Micro division: Can kids pass? How do they snap?
Yes. Kids may pass. There is no snap; the coach says “hike.”
What is the tobacco policy?
All sites are tobacco-free.
When are playoff schedules released?
Tuesday before playoffs.