Can a coach challenge a call in flag football?
A · Advanced · Contact, blitzing and penalties · 2 of 2Yes,
How it works
- How often: "Once in each half and once during overtime."
- Who asks: a captain or a coach. Each team names up to two of each.
- How: by taking a timeout and asking at once for a conference.
- When: before the next snap, and before the referee ends the half or the game.
- What can be challenged: "the misapplication of a rule or incorrect penalty enforcement".
- What cannot: judgement calls, such as whether a catch was made or a flag was guarded.
- The process: the team explains its case to the referee with a second official present. The officials then confer away from both teams.
- No evidence: videos, photos and witnesses may not be offered, and the referee must ignore them.
- If it succeeds: the ruling is changed and no timeout is charged.
- If it fails: the team is charged the timeout.
- No timeout left: the challenge is not granted.
- Final: the referee's decisions on the rules are final.
The glossary has the challenge flag, the charged team timeout, the referee, the penalty, the down and overtime.
Tricky cases
A coach thinks a receiver's foot was in bounds on a catch ruled incomplete. Can they challenge?
No. Whether the foot was in bounds is a judgement call, and judgement calls cannot be challenged.
The referee marks off a full 5 yards from the 7-yard line. Can the coach challenge?
Yes. Half-the-distance enforcement is a matter of rule. The challenge should succeed and no timeout is charged.
A coach offers the referee a phone with a video of the play. What must the referee do?
Ignore it. A challenging team may not provide video, photos or witnesses.
A team won a challenge earlier in the half and wants another. Allowed?
No. One challenge a half, whether or not the first one succeeded.
Why the rule exists
Officials can misapply a rule under pressure, most often a penalty spot or the number of the down, and a short conference can put that right. Judgement is left alone because without cameras there is nothing better than the official's own view to set against it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Each half | One challenge for each team | IFAF Flag Rule 12-1-1 |
| Overtime | One challenge for each team, with no timeout to lose | IFAF Flag Rule 12-1-1; 12-1-4 |
| Failed challenge with no timeouts left | Not granted. Insisting can bring a 5-yard penalty | IFAF Flag Rule 12-1-4 |
| Tackle football at the top level | Video review is used | C |
From the rule book
International Federation of American Football, International Flag Football Rules 2023 (in force from 1 May 2023), Rule 1-1-4, Rule 11-2-2 and Rule 12, with approved rulings 12-1-1-I to IV. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IFAF International Flag Football Rules 2023 (PDF).