How do downs work in flag football?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 5A team starts on its own 5-yard line with four downs, which are four plays, to get the ball across the middle line. If it does, it gets four new downs to score a touchdown. If it fails at either stage, the other team takes over on its own 5-yard line. There are no punts.
How it works
- A down: one play, from the snap until the ball is dead.
- A series: "4 consecutive scrimmage downs".
- Where it starts: the team's own 5-yard line, at the start of each half and after a score.
- The line to gain: the middle of the middle line.
- A new series: given when the team has the ball beyond the middle at the end of a play.
- Only once: crossing the middle a second time in the same series earns nothing new.
- Failing on fourth down: the other team starts a new series on its own 5-yard line, wherever the play ended.
- Interception: the intercepting team starts from the spot where its return ended.
- Where the ball is placed: always midway between the side lines, level with where the play ended.
- How it is called: "2 and middle" before the middle line, "1 and goal" after it.
- Penalties: some give the offence an automatic first down, and some cost it the down.
The glossary has the down, the first down, the fourth down, the series of downs, the middle line and the turnover.
Tricky cases
On fourth down a pass is caught and the runner is stopped one yard short of the middle. Where does the other team start?
On its own 5-yard line. After a failed fourth down the new series does not start from the spot of the play.
A team crosses the middle, is sacked back behind it and then crosses it again. New first down?
No. A new series is awarded only the first time in a series that the ball is beyond the middle.
The nose of the ball reaches the near edge of the middle line. First down?
No. The line to gain is the middle of the line, which is 4 inches wide. The ball must reach its centre.
A defender intercepts on their own 20-yard line and is stopped there. Where is the next snap?
At that spot. After an interception the new series starts where the ball became dead.
Why the rule exists
Tackle football measures ten yards with a chain. Flag football replaces that with one fixed line that everyone can see, which suits a game often played with two officials and cones. Returning the ball to the 5-yard line after a failed series does the job of the punt, without a kick.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start of a half, after a score, after a failed fourth down | Series starts on the team's own 5-yard line | IFAF Flag Rule 5-1-1; 3-1-1; 8-3-3 |
| After an interception | Series starts at the dead ball spot | IFAF Flag Rule 5-1-1 |
| Beach flag | No middle line. Series start on the 1-yard line | IFAF Flag Rules, Beach Flag |
| Beach flag, by national change | Downs may be reduced to three | IFAF Flag Rules, National Changes |
From the rule book
International Federation of American Football, International Flag Football Rules 2023 (in force from 1 May 2023), Rule 2-1-6, Rule 2-3-1, Rule 4-1-1 and Rule 5, with approved rulings 5-1-1-I and II. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IFAF International Flag Football Rules 2023 (PDF).