YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL RULEBOOK

(Revised Spring 2025)

GET N’ THE ZONE!

Notable Changes & Updates: 

• Clock Timing & 2-Minute Warning - Running Clock - pgs. 2&3
• Defensive Penalties - Offsides & Illegal Rushing changed to 5 yd Penalty Replay Down - pg. 8
• Offensive Penalties - Illegal Blocking, & Impeding The Rusher changed to 5 yd Penalty Replay Down, OPI changed to 10 yd Penalty Replay Down - pg. 9
• 3 & 4 Way Tie Breakers - Same rules, tie-breaker clarification added See page 10
• Forfeits Relating To Standings & Tie Breakers - See page. 11
• New & Updated Referee Cards will be provided for referees

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL RULEBOOK

(Revised Fall 2025)

Field of Play

• The field of play consists of a 50 X 30-yard field with 8-yard end zones with a midfield line.
• No-Running Zones: Will be marked 5 yards from each end zone. The no-run zone is only in play when the ball is between the goal line and 5-yard line.
• N ZONE CENTEX DOES NOT ENFORECE A MIDFIELD “NO RUN ZONE”

Player Play Time 

• N Zone Sports was created to allow children of all skill levels the      opportunity to play football in our community. Each player shall be

given the opportunity to play an ample amount of time for each game. Coaches must allow all children to play the game regardless of the desire to win. This will be monitored periodically throughout the

season by the league and/or referees.

Team/Player Rules

•     Teams field five (5) players. Games will be played and are official if a team can field at least four (4) players. Games will be called ten minutes after the scheduled start time if a team does not have at least 4 players and a 6-0 score will be recorded. The opposing team is not required to drop down to 4 players to match a team that only has 4 players. 

•       Teams consist of approximately 8-12 players. Rosters will be

             checked throughout the season. 

•       Only one coach is permitted on the field or in the huddle. Once a play begins, the coach must step back and not interfere. This includes

             pushing players at the beginning of a play. 

• Defensive coaches are not permitted on the field during play for any

             age divisions 10 & up.

Procedures 

• A coin toss determines first possession; The visiting team will call the toss. The winner of the toss will either accept the ball and begin on offense or elect to go on defense. Whichever team plays defense to

            begin the game will begin with the ball on offense to begin the 2nd half. 

• The team that starts on defense will have the option to select which side

            of the field they want to defend at the start of the game.

• Ball Size: Age groups with max age 7 and under will use a pee wee

ball. Age groups, including ages 8 and above will use a junior size ball.

All older divisions will use a junior size ball. 

• An offensive team takes possession of the ball at its 5-yard line and has three (3) plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has a set of three (3) new downs to score a touchdown. If the offense fails to score, the ball changes its possession and the new offensive team takes over on its own 5-yard line. (Any time a team turns a ball over on downs, regardless of where they are on the field, the opposing team begins

their drive at their own 5.)

Clock & Timing

•          Games are 30 minutes.

•          Play consists of two 15-minute halves & a 5-minute halftime.

•          Each team receives two (2) timeouts per half.

•          Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap the ball.               Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is

enforced.

•          The game clock runs continuously. Only timeouts and a 2-minute

             warning stop the clock (2-minute warning in second half only). 

• Inside the last 2 minutes of the 2nd half, if a TD is scored the clock will stop. The clock will resume

             upon the snap of the next offensive play. 

• *Referees may stop the clock at their discretion (injury, rule explanation,

etc.) at any time during the game.

Note: There are no kickoffs, no punts and no blocking is allowed.

Scoring

Touchdown: 7 points, no Extra point

Safety: 2 points (plus defense gets possession of the ball on their own 5 yd

line)

Overtime

• If the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams move directly into

overtime with a coin toss for possession.

• Each team will receive (1) timeout in overtime.

Overtime format is Texas shootout with the ball placed at the offense's own 12-yard line. Each team will have 3 downs to score. If successful, a team may opt for a 1 or 2 pt conversion. If the game is still tied after 1 overtime period, each team will have 1 play to produce the most net yards from scrimmage from their 12-yard line (heading towards the goal). If the ball

carrier's flag is pulled in the backfield the loss of yardage will be noted.

Passing 

• Lateral and/or backward passes and pitches are allowed behind the line

of scrimmage only. Only one forward pass per down. 

• When receiving a pass, the center must be at least one yard beyond the

line of scrimmage. Centers are not eligible to receive a direct hand-off. 

• The quarterback has a seven-second "pass clock." If a pass is not thrown within seven seconds, the play is ruled dead. Once the ball is handed off,

the seven-second rule no longer is in effect. 

• Interceptions change the possession of the ball and are the only changes of possession that do not start on the 5-yard line. Interceptions are allowed and can be run back. Completion of an interception is NOT a dead ball,

except on an extra point attempt.

Running

• Quarterback sneaks or runs are not permitted.

• The quarterback is defined as the person that receives the snap

• Direct hand offs, laterals, pitches, and screen passes ARE allowed behind

the line of scrimmage.

• If the ball hits the ground on a snap, it is placed where it hit the ground.

• "No-run zones" are located 5 yards from each end zone. 

• A player who takes a hand-off, pitch or backward pass may elect to pass if

he/she has not yet crossed the line of scrimmage. 

• Once a ball has been handed off, pitched, or passed, all defensive

players can immediately cross the line of scrimmage. 

• Only players lined up 7 yards from the line of scrimmage are eligible to

immediately cross the line of scrimmage. 

• Spinning is allowed, but players cannot dive to advance the ball or avoid a defensive player. Diving is not allowed by any offensive player except when

attempting to catch a pass. 

• The ball must be snapped between the legs of the center and clearly change possession to the QB. The ball cannot be handed directly back to

the center. 

• The ball is spotted where the player's flag is pulled. The forward most

point of progress is marked by the player's hips/flag belt.

Receiving

• All players are eligible to receive passes. 

• A player must have at least one foot inbounds with complete control of the

ball when making a reception.

• Receivers can leave their feet to catch a pass.

• A receiver's route cannot be cut off or blocked by a defensive player. However, a rusher maintaining a direct line to the quarterback has the right

of way. 

• The center (snapper) is eligible for a pass when going a minimum of 3 ft

past the line of scrimmage.

Once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, there can be no offensive exchanges of possession. Ex: No hook and laterals or down

field handoffs.

Dead Balls 

• The ball must be snapped between the legs (direct or shotgun), not off

to one side, to start play. (Exception when age group 3-4 is present.

Snapping to the side is permitted) 

• Substitutions can be made at the beginning of a new possession or after

any dead ball.

• Play is ruled "dead" when:

— Ball carrier's flag is pulled

— Ball carrier steps out of bounds.

— Touchdown or safety is scored.

— Ball carrier's knee hits the ground.

— Ball carrier is touched with one hand after flag falls off.

— The referee blows the whistle 

Note: There are no fumbles. If a ball is fumbled it is the offense's ball

at the spot of the ball hits the

Rushing the Quarterback 

• All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Officials will mark the 7-

yard rush point.

• Any number of players can rush the quarterback. 

• Players not rushing the quarterback may defend as far forward as the line

of scrimmage. 

• Once the ball is handed off, the seven-yard rule no longer is in effect, and

all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage.

• A special marker, or the referee, will designate seven yards from the line

of scrimmage.

Note: Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

Sportsmanship 

• N Zone Sports Flag Football requires coaches to provide all participants an opportunity to develop their skills, regardless of ability. Coaches are required to actively include every member of his/her team that is eligible to play. This requirement applies to every player listed on a team roster, playoff games. The exception to this is if a player is sick, injured, or does

not want to play. 

•If an official witnesses any acts of tackling, taunting, cheap shots, elbowing, blocking or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped,

and the player will be ejected from the game. 

FOUL PLAY AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FROM PLAYERS

AND 

COACHES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.ONE WARNING WILL BE

ISSUED. IF 

CONDUCT CONTINUES THE PLAYER/COACH WILL BE EJECTED FROM THE GAME AND FACE POSSIBLE DISCIPLINE FROM THE

LEAGUE UP TO AND INCLUDING REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE. 

•N Zone Youth Sports exists to provide a positive environment for the enjoyment of all present. All players, coaches, parents, and fans are expected to always show good sportsmanship, and respect others on and off the field. The league, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to eject, suspend or dismiss anyone from the property for

inappropriate behavior detrimental to the league. 

•If the official determines that a defensive player tackles an opponent to the ground in an attempt to pull the flag, the defensive player will be warned,

and a 10-yard penalty will ensue. A second similar infraction will result in an ejection from the game (for the duration of the game), and there will be a

10-yard penalty assessed from the point of infraction. 

•Trash talking is not allowed. Officials have the right to determine offensive language. If trash talking occurs, the referee will give one warning. If it

continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

Attire

•Non-metal cleats are allowed. Inspections will be made.

•All players must wear a protective mouthpiece, no exceptions. 

•Official N Zone Flag jerseys must be worn and tucked in, during play. No jeans, no pockets, no jewelry, and no hats with lids will be allowed on the

field during play.

•Players cannot wear yellow shorts.

Penalties 

Defense: Most (not all) defensive penalties will result in 5 yards and

automatic First down. 

Off-sides: Player lined up across the line of scrimmage when ball is

snapped - 5 yd penalty-Replay Down. 

Pass Interference: Contact with the receiver before the ball arrives. Spot foul + automatic first down. If a defensive Pl penalty occurs in the end

zone, the ball is spotted at the 1-yard line, 1st down.

Illegal Contact: holding, blocking, bump & run guarding. Penalties will also be enforced when a rusher contacts the quarterback's arm in an effort to

block a pass - 5 yd penalty automatic first down. 

Illegal Flag Pull: pulling a player down by grabbing a hold of a ball carrier's

clothing. Spot Foul + 5 yds.

Illegal rushing: Starting a rush inside the 7-yard marker before the snap

and breaching the line of scrimmage prior to change of possession from

QB. - 5 yd penalty-Replay Down. If the rusher does not cross the line

of scrimmage there is no penalty. 

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Cursing, trash talking, intentional contact after the play is over, overly aggressive behavior, yelling at referees in a foul manner, and any actions deemed unnecessary foul behavior by the referee coming from a player, coach, or parent. -10 yd penalty automatic first

down. 2nd infraction will result in ejection from the game. 

Offense: Dead Ball Offensive penalties will result in a 5-yard penalty enforced from the line of scrimmage, with NO LOSS OF DOWN 

Illegal motion: false start and covers no more than 1 player in motion when the ball is snapped. (Multiple offensive players may shift if they are set at the time of the snap. Motion is defined as a player moving at the time

of the snap) - 5 yd penalty-replay down. 

Illegal Forward Pass: Only one forward pass is allowed per play. Also covers passing after breaching the line of scrimmage (more than half of the thrower's body must be across the line of scrimmage at the time of the

throw to enforce) - 5 yd penalty-replay down. 

Flag Guarding: using hands to swat at or to attempt to prevent a defensive

hand from pulling a flag - 5 yd penalty replay down. 

Delay of Game: There is a 30 second play clock. One warning is issued

After warning it is a 5-yard penalty replay down. 

Offensive Pass Interference: illegal pick, pushing off defender 10-yard

penalty replay down. 

Illegal Blocking: moving screens and picks are not allowed 5-yard

penalty replay down.

Impeding the rusher - 5-yard penalty replay down. 

• Any movement towards the rusher that impedes his direct path to the ball

carrier. 

• A change of direction by the rusher that results in contact is considered

incidental contact

• Incidental contact may be called at the official's discretion. Penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage. THE RUSHER HAS THE RIGHT

OF WAY. 

• Halves and/or games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless declined

by the offense.

• Teams may elect to decline penalties called against the opposing team. 

• All penalties will be called by the referee. PLEASE RESPECT THEIR DECISION. Only the team captain or head coach may ask the referee for an explanation or rule clarification during a game. Players and parents

cannot question an official's call. 

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: cursing, trash talking, intentional contact after the play is over, overly aggressive behavior, yelling at referees in a foul manner, any actions deemed unnecessary foul behavior by the referee coming from a player, coach, or parent. -10 yd penalty + LOSS OF

DOWN. 2nd infraction will result in ejection from the game.

Playoff Criteria

Division Playoffs (for each age group)

Final playoff standings will be determined by record. In the event of a tie, it

is broken in this order:

1) Winning %

2) Head-to-Head

3) Fewest points scored against (PA)

4) Coin Toss 

*In the event of a 3- or 4-way tie where 2) Head-to-Head cannot be used to determine seeding, 3) Fewest points scored against (PA) will be used. This

is ONLY used when head-to-head criteria is unable to determine seeding.

Forfeits

A forfeit will result in a 6-0 score. Any team that has recorded a forfeit and is in a tie where 3) Fewest points scored against (PA) is used as a

determining factor, will automatically take the lower seeding. 

NOTE: The league reserves the right to modify rules during the season. N Zone Sports reserves the right to ask player's parents/guardians to produce valid proof of age in the form of a birth

certificate or other forms of legal identification.

Practice 

At N Zone Sports, we recognize that time is a premium for families and strive to be as convenient as possible. This is why we leave weekday

practices optional. At the discretion of the coach, weekday practices can be held, but they are not to be made mandatory. If a child misses a practice for any reason, they are not to be excluded from playing in a game. 

Our suggestion to our coaches is to hold practice 30-60 minutes before the regularly scheduled game time. This way coaches, players and parents can

get everything accomplished in 1 trip to the venue.

Regular Season Game Day Procedures 

• When special values are observed, award the player with an N Zone Sports Values award. Be sure to make a big deal about it and announce the player's positive action to the players and parents. Celebrate these

moments.

• Required Apparel o N Zone Sports Certified Coach Yellow or Blue T-Shirt

• Equipment Check

-Coaches Bag

-1 Game Ball

-Flag Belts

• When applicable, review Weekly Values with your team 

• We advise that you coach from the field and have an assistant coach be

responsible for the substitutions

• At the conclusion of the game.

• Form a line with your team to shake hands with the other team.

• Confirm the score with the referee.

• Relay any necessary information to the parents. 

• Select a player for the weekly value award, recognize the player in

front of his peers and then to the team parents.

Reporting Scores 

1. Scores are to be reported by the winning coach, who will post the

score on the game log located at the N Zone Canopy, prior to leaving the

premises. The correct score, date of game, field # and location, as well as the opponent you played is EXTREMELY important. Again, it is the winning coach's responsibility to report the score. Game scores will be posted on the web site. Any disputes regarding a score must be submitted via email

or telephone, explaining the situation by Wednesday of the following week. 

2. When posting scores please be accurate. Putting incorrect data will

only cause discrepancies with the standings and delay the posting. 

3. After the scores are submitted, the standings will be updated on the web site. Anyone may view the standings under the Standings tab at www.N

Zonesports.com/texmex and in The Happening Now Section. 

4. Please double check for accuracy and make sure that your opponent and score were both reported correctly. If you feel that the score was

reported incorrectly, please email, or call the league office as soon as

possible. Please remember that scoring is part of the game but not the only

thing; always place the kids before the win! 

"and the most important

rule of all... HAVE FUN!!!"