What happens if a flag football game is tied?
I · Intermediate · The game · 2 of 9If a winner is needed, each team gets one series of downs starting at the middle line, with no first down available. Tries follow any touchdown. If the score is still level after both have had the ball, the teams take turns at one-point tries from the 5-yard line until one is ahead.
How it works
- Only when needed: the system is used when the competition must have a winner. Other games may end tied.
- Coin toss: after a two-minute break. The winner chooses offence or defence, and the other team chooses the end.
- First extra period: "2 series with each team putting the ball in play by a snap at the middle line".
- No first down: the team has four downs to score from the middle.
- Tries: a touchdown is followed by a try for one or two points.
- A defensive touchdown: if the defence scores during the first series, other than on a try, the game is over.
- Later periods: each team plays a one-point try from the 5-yard line.
- The end: when the scores differ after both teams have had their turn.
- No timeouts: none are granted in overtime.
- Challenges: one for each team in overtime.
The glossary has overtime, the series of downs, the middle line, the try, the touchdown and the turnover.
Tricky cases
The first team scores a touchdown and a two-point try. What must the second team do?
Score a touchdown and a two-point try to stay level, from its own series at the middle line.
The first team throws an interception that is returned for a touchdown. Does it get to play defence?
No. If the defence scores during the first series, other than on a try, the extra period is over.
Both teams score a touchdown and one point. What now?
A second period: each team attempts a one-point try from the 5-yard line, and that repeats until one team leads after a period.
Can a team call a timeout before a deciding try in overtime?
No. No charged team timeouts are granted in overtime.
Why the rule exists
Giving each team the ball in the same place makes the tiebreak a test of both offence and defence, and not of the coin. Moving to single tries after one round keeps it short, which matters in a tournament where the next game is waiting for the field.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First extra period | One series each from the middle | IFAF Flag Rule 3-1-3 c |
| Second and later periods | One-point tries from the 5-yard line | IFAF Flag Rule 3-1-3 e |
| Group games | May end tied. Teams level on record are separated by head-to-head results, then points | IFAF Flag Rule 3-1-4 |
| Challenges | One for each team in overtime | IFAF Flag Rule 12-1-1 |
From the rule book
International Federation of American Football, International Flag Football Rules 2023 (in force from 1 May 2023), Rule 3-1-3, Rule 3-1-4 and Rule 12-1-1, with approved rulings 10-3-2-IX and X. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IFAF International Flag Football Rules 2023 (PDF).