What are the passing rules in flag football?
B · Beginner · Moving the ball · 4 of 5A team may throw one forward pass on each down, from behind the scrimmage line. Every player on the field may catch it, the snapper included. A catch needs control of the ball and one part of the body down in bounds. Backward passes are allowed only before the ball has crossed the line, so there are no laterals downfield.
How it works
- One forward pass: "one forward pass during each scrimmage down", thrown from behind the scrimmage line.
- Everyone is eligible: any player in bounds may touch or catch a pass.
- A catch: firm control of the ball in flight, kept through landing.
- In bounds: a player who jumps must first come down in bounds with any part of the body.
- Incomplete: the ball touches the ground or the catcher lands out of bounds. Next down from the previous spot.
- Caught by both: if opponents catch it together, the ball goes to the passing team.
- Interception: a catch by the defence. The ball stays live and can be returned.
- Backward passes: allowed behind the line, before the ball has been carried over it.
- Not downfield: once the ball has crossed the scrimmage line, no pass of any kind.
- A second forward pass: illegal, as is one thrown from beyond the line.
- Penalty: 5 yards from the spot and loss of down.
- Stepping out: a receiver who goes out of bounds by choice may not touch the pass.
The glossary has the pass, the backward pass, the illegal forward pass, the interception, the line of scrimmage and the quarterback.
Tricky cases
The quarterback steps over the scrimmage line and then throws forward. What is the call?
Illegal forward pass: 5 yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down.
A receiver catches a pass 10 yards downfield and tosses it back to a teammate running behind. Legal?
No. A backward pass is not allowed once the ball has been beyond the scrimmage line.
A receiver jumps, controls the ball and lands with one foot on the side line. Catch?
No. The side line is out of bounds, so the pass is incomplete.
A receiver cannot hold the ball in their hands but traps it between the knees before it hits the ground. Catch?
Yes. The rule does not say how the ball must be controlled.
Why the rule exists
The rule book explains the limit on backward passes directly: it is "to avoid playing a game similar to Rugby". With no blockers, a chain of laterals would be very hard to stop. One forward pass and free eligibility give the offence its freedom instead.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Behind the scrimmage line | Forward pass and backward passes allowed | IFAF Flag Rule 7-2-1; 7-3-1 |
| Beyond the scrimmage line | No passes | IFAF Flag Rule 7-2-1; 7-3-2 |
| Inside the no-running zone | A forward pass over the line is compulsory | IFAF Flag Rule 7-1-3 f |
| Tackle football | Backward passes allowed anywhere, and some players are not eligible | C |
From the rule book
International Federation of American Football, International Flag Football Rules 2023 (in force from 1 May 2023), Rule 2-9-2, Rule 2-10 and Rule 7, Sections 2 and 3, with approved rulings 7-2-2-I to IV. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IFAF International Flag Football Rules 2023 (PDF).