Official UFA Rules

U8-U14 (and Boys HS)

Game Format

  • 5v5
  • Two 20-minute halves; running clock
  • 3 timeouts per game per team.
  • Field dimensions may be adjusted by UFA based on the playing facility.
HS Girls

UFA High School Girls – 7v7 Rules

The UFA High School Girls Division will be played 7v7 using NFHS Flag Football rules, providing athletes with a competitive experience that closely mirrors the New Jersey high school game.

The following is a summary of the primary rules. Current NFHS Flag Football rules will govern situations not specifically addressed by UFA.

Game Format

  • 7v7; teams may continue with a minimum of 5 players due to injury or disqualification.
  • Two 20-minute halves. Running clock.
  • 3 timeouts per game per team.
  • Each half and possession following a score begins at the 14-yard line.
  • Field dimensions may be adjusted by UFA based on the playing facility.

Downs & Possession

  • Teams receive 4 downs to reach the next zone-to-gain.
  • Reaching the zone-to-gain results in a new series of downs.
  • Fumbles and backward passes that hit the ground are dead at the spot.
  • There are no live-ball fumble recoveries.

Passing & Running

  • Only one forward pass per down, which must be thrown from behind the neutral zone.
  • All players are eligible receivers.
  • Hand-offs and backward passes are permitted.
  • The quarterback may run when permitted under NFHS rules.

Flag Pulling

  • A runner is down when an opponent legally removes a flag or flag belt.
  • If a flag belt accidentally falls off, the runner is down when legally touched with one hand between the shoulders and knees.
  • Flag guarding is prohibited.

Blocking & Contact

  • Flag football is a non-contact sport.
  • Only legal screen blocking is permitted.
  • Players may not use their hands, arms, shoulders or body to initiate contact.
  • Illegal contact, holding and pass interference will be penalized according to NFHS rules.

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 points
  • 1-point conversion: From the 3-yard line
  • 2-point conversion: From the 10-yard line
  • Safety: 2 points

Punting

  • Punts must be declared before the snap.
  • Fake punts are not permitted once a punt has been declared.
  • There are no onside kicks.

Player Equipment

  • Players must have:

  • Mouthguard
  • Numbered jersey
  • Pocketless shorts, pants or skirt
  • Appropriate athletic footwear
  • Flag belt with 3 flags — one on each hip and one at the back

  • Jewelry, hard pads and other illegal equipment are prohibited.

Penalties & Sportsmanship

  • Common penalties include false starts, illegal substitutions, delay of game, holding, illegal contact, flag guarding and pass interference.

  • Depending on the foul, penalties may include 5 or 10 yards, loss of down, automatic first down, or player disqualification.

  • Players and coaches are expected to demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship at all times. Flagrant or repeated unsportsmanlike conduct may result in removal from the game and additional UFA discipline.

Unless specifically modified by UFA, current NFHS Flag Football rules will govern play.