Central Jersey Pop Warner
Flag Special Rules 2023
Policy is that flag football will be an instructional game.
A. Follow the rules and regulations as stated in Pop Warner Official Rules with the following exceptions:
B. Participate in the Cub Division for 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds.
C. The playing field shall be from the 40-yard line to the end zone and from the far hash mark to the sideline or equivalent 40 yards x 53’.
E. Offense gets 4 downs. 1st Down at the 20 yard line.
D. The official ball will be a K2 or equivalent.
E. Eight players, five linemen and three backs will be always on the field.
F. The game will consist of 2– 20-minute halves.
10-minute breaks will be between halves.
G. There will be no kickoffs or punts.
H. The defense must line up one (1) yard means (3 feet) off the line of scrimmage.
I. No defensive player lined up over the center.
I. The shotgun formation is permitted.
J. Each offense will start on the equivalent of the 40-yard line.
K. No official scores will be kept, and scores should not be emphasized.
L. All effort should be made to have all children participate as evenly as possible, both on offense and defense and in all positions.
M. No more than two (2) certified coaches from each team will be on the field at any time.
N. Equipment will consist of sneakers, or non-detachable rubber cleats, mouth guards, pants of each Association’s choice, and a jersey matching, if possible, Association's tackle jersey colors. Protective helmets are optional.
O. Flag length will be fourteen (14) inches long and a minimum of two (2) inches wide and will not be covered up by the jersey, nor will it match team jersey or pant colors.
P. Referees are optional.
Q. There will be no penalties, but when an infraction occurs both teams should be called together and the infraction explained, including the possible penalties and safety hazards. The play will then be a do over.
R. Mascots are not permitted.
S. If all else fails, use common sense remembering that youth of this age are out for a good time and to learn the fundamentals of football.
Pop Warner Flag Rules
Part VII: Flag Football
ARTICLE 1: ORGANIZATION
The League is the basic unit of organization which consists of a
minimum of four (4) teams in the same age division.
ARTICLE 2: REGISTRATION
Each league must conform to the insurance provisions found in Part
I, National Remarks.
ARTICLE 3: DIVISIONS OF PLAY
S1: League age cut-off date is July 31st of the current year and shall
be the participants’ league age for the coming season.
S2: There are no height or weight restrictions on players.
Division Name: Ages:
Cat 6U
Cub 7U
Bobcat 10U
Wildcat 12U
Panther 14U
Challenger 5-18*
S3: Spirit Teams shall follow the overall age and division of play
referenced in S2 above. In addition, all flag spirit teams must follow
Pop Warner Spirit Guidelines as outlined in the spirit section of this
rule book.
S4: Ages shall be verified by methods outlined in Part III, Article 6,
S-3.
S5: If a player starts a season in one division, he must finish in that
division.
S6: A player is ineligible if he is simultaneously a member of a school
tackle program or if he is playing Pop Warner tackle football. He is
also ineligible if he is competing in another flag football program
(unless as part of school curriculum).
S7: A player shall furnish a written consent to play from either a
parent or legal guardian.
S8: A signed statement from a Licensed Health Care Provider
that the candidate is physically fit and there are no observable
conditions which would contra-indicate playing football or cheering.
Part VII: Flag Football
Note: If regular school medical examination results are releasable
to parents, a copy of such report, if not older than January 1st of the
current year, may be used in lieu of a new examination.
ARTICLE 4: FLAG FOOTBALL RULES
RULE 1: PLAYERS
S1: A game is played between two teams consisting of seven (7)
players each. (eight 8)
S2: Each team roster shall have a maximum of 18 players, and a
minimum of 10 players. A forfeit will result when the minimum is not
met.
S3: Only players appearing on the official team roster in the PW
Roster System are to be counted as players. The Roster is completed
and active in the PW Roster System before the first game of the
season and verified by the league in a process called “certification.”
S4: The offensive team must have five (5) players on the line and
three (3) in the backfield. The defensive team may choose any
formation.
S5: Mandatory Play Rule: All players will play a minimum of 10 plays.
Failure to abide by this rule will result in forfeiture of that game.
S6: A team will have 30 seconds to put the ball in play after the
ready signal. (45 seconds for Cat & Cub divisions)
S7: A younger division student athlete MAY play/participate in an
OLDER division, but an older division student athlete may NOT play
in the YOUNGER divisions.
RULE 2: PLAYING FIELDS
S1: The field shall be rectangular with lines and zones and shall
follow the design mentioned below.
A. 60-yard field: This field yardage includes 5 yard end zones and
is 30 yards wide, divided into 2 zones of twenty yards each
between two end zones of ten yards each. It is 53 1/3 yards
wide.
- The playing field shall be from the 40-yard line to the end zone and from the far hash mark to the sideline or equivalent 40 yards x 53’.
B. Each offense will start on the equivalent of the 40-yard line.
B. Goal Posts are unnecessary as points after TD (conversion)
are made only by passing or running and there are no field
goals kicked.
C. A conversion line will be marked 3 yards from the goal line and
at an equal distance from each sideline.
D. A kickoff area will be marked (usually by an “X”) as follows:
Part VII: Flag Football
S2: Each possession starts at the 5-yard line after Scores, Turnover
on downs and/or Halftime.
S3: The following field equipment will be used:
A. A Down Marker will be used to indicate the number of the down.
B. A Zone Marker will be used to indicate the distance to go for a
first down (placed at the forward zone line).
C. Corner Flags with flexible staffs will be placed at the four
sections of the end zones and the sidelines. Soft pylons may
be used if flags are unavailable.
RULE 3: EQUIPMENT
S1: GAME BALL
Each PWFF league will determine which ball will be used during its
games.
S2: FLAGS
A. Each player must wear a belt with the number of flags designated
as “standard” by the league, which will be 2 flags.
B. The flags will be attached to a belt and extend or hang from
each side of the player’s body (hip).
C. Flags will be 14-20 inches long and a minimum of 2 inches
wide.
D. The belt must be tight to prevent being turned around during a
de-flagging.
E. The home team will wear light flags and the visitors will wear
dark flags.
F. The securing of flags to the body, waist or belt, other than
provided by S-2-B, is illegal.
G. Jerseys cannot be worn over flags. (Jersey Tuck Rule)
H. If a player’s flag is inadvertently lost, he is ineligible to handle
the ball.
I. Flags are to be of contrasting colors, different from game
uniform. Definitions of uniform shall be game pants and/or
jersey.
NOTE: The flags will be attached to a belt made for that purpose.
Such a belt has equal resistance at the point of attachment of flags,
thereby ensuring an equal effort necessary to de-flag a player.
Part VII: Flag Football
S3: GAME UNIFORMS
A. All team members must wear the same color jersey.
B. All uniforms must have the Official Authorized Pop Warner
Patch displayed in the designated areas as determined by
National.
C. All jerseys will be numbered, front and back.
D. Any type of pants may be worn provided said pants have no
front or side pockets.
E. Jerseys will be tucked in at all times.
F. Sneakers are the preferred shoe; however, non-detachable,
rubber-cleated shoes are allowed. No other footwear is
acceptable.
S4: EYE GLASSES
Eye glasses, when worn, shall be of athletically-approved
construction with non-shattering glass (safety glass).
S5: MOUTH GUARDS
Mouth guards are required and keeper strap is not necessary.
RULE 4: PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
S1: Spiked or street shoes.
S2: Padding of any kind, including hard surface padding such as
shoulder pads, hip pads, and helmets.
S3: Hard metal or any other hard substance on a player’s clothing
or person.
S4: Anything that conceals the flags.
S5: Slick or sticky substances such as grease or glue.
S6: Any equipment, in the opinion of the referee that will endanger
or confuse players.
RULE 5: REFEREES
S1: There will be at least two (2) referees.
S2: The league may assign more than two referees for a game.
S3: There shall be at least three (3) referees for a sanctioned
PWFF playoff or championship game.
S4: Each game official will carry a handkerchief and drop it
whenever an infraction occurs.
Part VII: Flag Football
RULE 6: THE RULES OF THE GAME
S1: PLAYERS
A. The free substitution rule is always in effect and a player may
enter the game any time the ball is dead.
B. All offensive players are eligible including the center
S2: TEAM CAPTAINS
A. Each team will have at least one captain on the field at all times
during the game.
B. The captain will address the referees only on matters of
interpretation and to obtain information.
S3: TEAM COACHES:
One coach for each team will be permitted on the field in the 6U,
8U & 10U only.
S4: TIME
There will be:
A. Two 20-minute running clock halves for all divisions.
B. Three (3) time-outs per half. (30 seconds)
C. Ten (10) minutes between halves.
S5: LAST MINUTE OF THE GAME
The clock WILL stop in the final minute of the game on these actions:
A. Incompletions
B. Out of Bounds
C. QB Sack and kneel downs
D. Change of Possession
E. Penalties. (NOTE: If it is an offensive penalty, the clock WILL
start on the official unless it is a dead ball foul) a turnover on
downs and/or Halftime.
S6: NO KICKOFFS
Each possession starts at the 5-yard line after scores.
S7: PUNTING
Teams are not permitted to punt.
S8: DOWNS (First down and zone to go)
A. Each team will have three consecutive downs to advance the
ball into the next zone or to score a touchdown.
B. Once a team enters into the next zone, it is a first down and a
new series of downs begins.
Part VII: Flag Football
C. A team failing to move the ball into the next zone will lose
possession. The opposing team takes over at the point where
the ball is declared dead and begins its series of first down and
zone to go. Start at the 40 yards line.
D. The forward part of the ball touching any line will be the
determining factor in measuring for a first down.
E. A down will be repeated if provided for by the rules (See Rule
13).
F. When the offensive team is within the last zone and has a first
down, it will be first down and goal to go.
G. At the conclusion of each down, the referee will place the ball
in the center of the field (equal distance from sidelines- not on a
hash mark).
S9: DE-FLAGGING
A. There shall be NO tackling of the ball carrier, passer, or kicker.
B. The player carrying or having possession of the ball is down
when the flag is removed from his waist (deflagging). The
defensive player shall hold the flag above his head and stand
still.
C. The defensive player cannot hold or push the ball carrier to
remove his flag. An accidental touch of the body or shoulder
while reaching for the flag shall not be considered a violation;
however, touching of the head or face shall be considered a
violation.
D. A defensive player may not run over, push, or pull a blocker
away from him. He may push him sideways if he gets past him,
but he cannot push the blocker down. No contact of any blockers.
E. A defensive player must go for the passer’s flag. He cannot
touch the passer’s arm.
S10: BLOCKING
Blocking is not permitted. Repeat Blocking is not permitted.
S11: BALL CARRIER
A. The ball carrier cannot use his hands or arms to protect his
flags. The defensive player must have the opportunity to remove
the ball carrier’s flags.
B. The ball carrier cannot lower his head to drive or run into a
defensive player.
C. Stiff-arming by the ball carrier is illegal.
D. The ball carrier cannot spin, hurdle or dive to prevent a defensive
player from removing his flags.
E. He may run in any direction until the ball is declared dead.
Part VII: Flag Football
S12: CENTER (also see S9)
A. The center must snap the ball between his legs.
B. Center cannot take a handoff from the QB.
S13: PASSING
A. All backfield men are eligible passers.
B. Passing will be attempted from behind the line of scrimmage
only.
C. A lateral pass is a pass thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage
or back toward the passer’s own goal line. A lateral pass is not
considered a forward pass.
D. A forward pass is a pass thrown from behind the line of
scrimmage toward the defensive team’s goal line.
S14: RECEIVING
A. All players are eligible to receive forward passes.
B. A receiver may catch a ball even if he steps out-of-bounds or
out of the end zone as long as he comes down with one foot in
bounds.
C. Two or more receivers may touch a ball in succession resulting
in a completed pass.
D. If an offensive and defensive player catch a pass simultaneously,
the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch and the passing
team is awarded possession.
E. An offensive player cannot be out-of-bounds and return inbounds to catch a pass. This will be ruled an incomplete pass.
S15: DEAD BALL
All balls touching the ground are immediately dead. For example,
the ball is declared dead at the following times:
A. When the ball carrier touches the ground with his body, other
than hands or feet.
B. When the ball carrier’s flag has been pulled.
C. If a pass receiver or ball carrier has a missing flag (ball is dead
at that spot).
D. Following a touchdown, safety or touchback.
E. When the ball goes out-of-bounds for any reason.
F. If the center snap hits the ground before reaching a backfield
man.
G. When the ball hits the ground as a result of a fumble or muffed
ball. THERE ARE NO FUMBLE RECOVERIES IN PWFF.
Part VII: Flag Football
H. If a lateral pass touches the ground (ball is declared dead at
that point). If a lateral pass goes out-of-bounds, the ball is ruled
dead at the point it crosses the boundary line.
I. If a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught at the same
time by an opposing player(s).
J. When a player on the kicking team touches a punt before a
player on the receiving team.
K. A free catch (cannot be advanced).
S16: MERCY RULE
If a team is up by 30 or more they only have TWO downs to get
a first down and TWO downs to score until that point difference
is trimmed below 30 pts; than regular game rules are restored.
The team that is behind by 30 or more points will start their offensive
possession at the +10 yard line and get FOUR downs to score. If
the point difference is trimmed below 30 pts, Regular game rules
are restored.
RULE 7: SCORING VALUES
Touchdown……………………….........................................…... 6 points
Point after TD by run or pass…......................................……. 1 point
Point after TD by kick…………......................................……... 2 points
Safety (awarded to opponent)……...................................…… 2 points
Field goal………………………….......................................…... 3 points
Forfeit (offended team wins by)……...................................…..1-0
RULE 8: TIE GAME
S1: Tie games will go into the record as such and will not be played
off in regular season play.
S2: All Tournament Games:
A. Ball will be placed in the center of the field. The referee will toss
a coin in the presence of the two team captains. The winning
captain will have the option of putting the ball in play at midfield.
B. Each team will have four (4) consecutive downs and the winner
will be the team gaining the most yardage in its series of downs
(penetration).
C. Penalties will count as plus or minus yardage.
D. Intercepted passes will count as incomplete passes.
E. If the yardage is still the same at the end of each team’s four
down series, the series will be repeated.
Part VII: Flag Football
H. If a lateral pass touches the ground (ball is declared dead at
that point). If a lateral pass goes out-of-bounds, the ball is ruled
dead at the point it crosses the boundary line.
I. If a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught at the same
time by an opposing player(s).
J. When a player on the kicking team touches a punt before a
player on the receiving team.
K. A free catch (cannot be advanced).
S16: MERCY RULE
If a team is up by 30 or more they only have TWO downs to get
a first down and TWO downs to score until that point difference
is trimmed below 30 pts; than regular game rules are restored.
The team that is behind by 30 or more points will start their offensive
possession at the +10 yard line and get FOUR downs to score. If
the point difference is trimmed below 30 pts, Regular game rules
are restored.
RULE 7: SCORING VALUES
Touchdown……………………….........................................…... 6 points
Point after TD by run or pass…......................................……. 1 point
Point after TD by kick…………......................................……... 2 points
Safety (awarded to opponent)……...................................…… 2 points
Field goal………………………….......................................…... 3 points
Forfeit (offended team wins by)……...................................…..1-0
RULE 8: TIE GAME
S1: Tie games will go into the record as such and will not be played
off in regular season play.
S2: All Tournament Games:
A. Ball will be placed in the center of the field. The referee will toss
a coin in the presence of the two team captains. The winning
captain will have the option of putting the ball in play at midfield.
B. Each team will have four (4) consecutive downs and the winner
will be the team gaining the most yardage in its series of downs
(penetration).
C. Penalties will count as plus or minus yardage.
D. Intercepted passes will count as incomplete passes.
E. If the yardage is still the same at the end of each team’s four
down series, the series will be repeated.
Part VII: Flag Football
RULE 9: INJURED PLAYERS
Once removed from a game because of injury, a player must sit
out at least one down, and may not re-enter the game without the
approval of attending medical personnel.
RULE 10: PRACTICES
S1: Practice cannot begin until August 1 for the fall season, and until
February 1 for spring season.
S2: Practices are limited to three days per week, not to exceed 1-1/2
hours each practice, while school is in session, and when school
is not in session, practices are limited to four days per week, not to
exceed 2 hours duration.
RULE 11: SCHEDULES
S1: Maximum number of games per season shall be as follows for
each division of play:
Division Pre-Season Regular
Season Tournament
Cat 0 6 No
Cub 0 6 Yes*
Bobcat 1 6 Yes*
Wildcat 1 8 Yes*
Panther 1 8 Yes*
*Whatever number needed in the tournament program is allowed.
RULE 12: TOURNAMENT PLAY
S1: If a league decides to enter tournament play, it must have all its
rosters approved in the PW Roster System.
S2: Teams for which a tournament team roster has not been
approved in the PW Roster System will be declared ineligible by the
Tournament Director.
A. Each team arriving at the tournament site brings its tournament
roster.
B. This roster will be matched against the approved roster
in the PW Roster System, and a copy is sent directly to the
Tournament Director.
Part VII: Flag Football
S3: All divisions are allowed to enter Pop Warner Flag Tournaments
upon approval of their leagues.
S4: Tournament teams will be allowed to play as many games as it
takes to win at a tournament level, but may not play more than two
(2) games in one day.
S5: PWFF Tournaments will consist of not less than two (2) nor more
than four (4) teams per division of play in either a single or double
elimination tournament. NOTE: Tournament Director must notify all
participants of type of tournament at least one week in advance.
S6: PWFF Playoffs or Invitational Tournaments are played only as
post-season games.
S7: Tournament teams will be selected by any method the league
chooses.
S8: Players competing in tournament play must be listed on league
and tournament rosters and must have played in at least one- half
(1/2) of the team’s regularly scheduled games prior to the start of
tournament play.
S9: Particulars regarding Playoff and Invitational Tournaments will
be available each year from the National Football Commissioner.
S10: Awards for PWFF Tournaments
A. Each participating team shall receive a trophy for its place of
finish in the tournament. Awards will be furnished by the host
site.
B. Participant awards for individual players will be left to the
discretion of the host league.
S11: The host league shall determine which of the two standard
PWFF playing fields will be used. The Tournament Director will
inform all participants of same at least one week in advance.
S12: The host league shall determine which of the two standard
PWFF playing fields will be used. The Tournament Director will
inform all participants of same at least one week in advance
Part VII: Flag Football
RULE 13: PENALTIES
OFFENSIVE PENALTIES
A. Offensive Pass Interference: 10-yard penalty and replay the
down
B. Illegal motion (2 men in motion): 5-yard penalty and replay
the down
C. Illegal Formation: 5-yard penalty and replay the down
D. Illegal Run: 5-yard penalty and loss of down
E. False Start: 5-yard penalty, replay the down
F. Illegal Forward Pass: 5-yard penalty and loss of down (QB
steps over the LOS or QB throws a forward pass behind the
LOS)
G. Blocking: Ball is placed at the spot of the foul and loss of down
H. Leaping: Ball is placed at the spot of the foul and loss of down
I. Flag Guarding (including stiff arms): 5-yard penalty from the
spot of the foul and loss of down
J. Unsportsmanlike conduct: 15-yard penalty (possible ejection)
K. Delay of Game: clock is stopped and a 5-yard penalty
L. No Intentional Grounding Penalty
DEFENSIVE PENALTIES:
A. Defensive Pass Interference: 10-yard penalty and replay
down unless it is an offensive catch; Offense decides. 1st down
can occur depending on the yardage.
B. Illegal Contact (holding, jams, etc.): 5-yard penalty and
replay down unless it is an offensive catch; Offense decides.
1st can occur depending on the yardage.
C. Defensive Holding while pulling flag: 5-yard penalty added
to the end of the play and replay down. 1st down can occur
depending on the yardage.
D. Illegal Flag Pull (before player has ball): 5-yard penalty and
replay down. 1st down can occur depending on the yardage.
E. Offsides: 5-yard penalty and replay down. 1st down can occur
depending on the yardage.
F. Illegal Rushing (before a hand-off has occurred): 5-yard
penalty and replay the down; offense decides depending on
the result of the play. 1st down can occur depending on the
yardage.
G. Inadvertent Tackle: 5-yard penalty added to the end of the
play and replay down.
Part VII: Flag Football
S1: UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS
A. Offensive and Defensive (15-10).
B. Disqualification of guilty player or players if repeated.
S2: UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
A. Fighting (15-10)-offenders ejected from game.
B. Defensive player pulling offensive player’s flag to make him
ineligible for play (15-10).
C. Insulting and abusive language (15-10).
D. Interference with progress of the game by coaches or any other
team personnel (15-10).
E. Illegal play (15-10).
F. Team leaving field before game is completed (15-10). Failure to
return-Forfeit. Win for team remaining on the field.
G. Failure of home team to control players or fans (15-10).
H. Forfeit if not controlled.
RULE 14: PROTESTS
S1: Only protests involving rules’ interpretations or the eligibility
of a player shall be considered-never the judgment of an official in
calling a play.
S2: Protests are decided at the local level in accordance with the
administrative procedures of the league.
RULE 15: THE RULES OF THE GAME BY DIVISION
S1: 6u & 8u Division Rules & Goals
A. UNLIMITED Runs
B. 45-second play clock
C. ONE Coach is allowed on the field for both offense and defense
Although the game is serious to the kids, from Pop Warner’s
viewpoint, this division is a training level, completely free of any
pressure to win, with a total emphasis on learning. With that being
said, we want to be flexible with our rules and get our studentathletes lined up properly as well as teach them the fundamentals of
football. The Deception Rule will be in effect to help with the integrity
of the passing game for both offense and defense.
Run Game Rules for 6u and 8u: A play will be considered a run play,
when the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, or if a player
takes a hand-off from the quarterback and does NOT cross the line
of scrimmage. A play in which a player takes a hand-off from the
quarterback, and then throws a forward pass will be considered a
pass play, and NOT count as a team’s run play
Part VII: Flag Football
S2: 10u Division Rules & Goals
A. 30-second play clock
B. ONE run per offensive possession
C. NO runs 5yds from the End Zone
D. NO runs on extra points
E. ONE Coach is allowed on the field for both offense and defense
In this division, we want to encourage the teams to start focusing on
passing the ball more than running the ball. The Deception Rule will be
in effect to help with the integrity of the passing game for both offense
and defense. We want the players to start applying proper QB, WR, and
DB fundamentals; alignment and assignments in the passing game.
S3: 12u & 14u Division Rules & Goals
A. 30-second play clock
B. NO RUNS
C. NO Coach allowed on the field
Every-down is a pass play; essentially 7v7 pass game. We want
the players to start sharpening their skills as a QB, WR, and DB
that they have learned and apply it in a fun, safe yet extremely
competitive format.
Passing Game Rules for 6u-14u: The Offense MUST throw the ball
within:
A. 6u, 8u & 10u …….. 6 seconds
B. 12u ………………… 4 seconds
C. 14u & up ………….. 3 seconds
A. Follow the rules and regulations as stated in Pop Warner Official Rules with the following exceptions:
B. Participate in the Cub Division for 7U-year-olds.
D. The official ball will be a K2 or equivalent.
E. Eight players, five linemen and three backs will be always on the field. Ends are eligible receivers. Only 2-point stance is permitted.
F. The game will consist of 4 – 10-minute quarters. Teams will be on either offense or defense for the 10-minute quarter. 5-minute breaks will be between quarters.
G. There will be no kickoffs or punts.
H. The defense must line up one (1) yard off the ball, with no one over the center.
I. The shotgun formation is permitted.
J.
K. No official scores will be kept, and scores should not be emphasized.
L. All effort should be made to have all children participate as evenly as possible, both on offense and defense and in all positions.
M. No more than two (2) certified coaches from each team will be on the field at any time.
N. Equipment will consist of sneakers, or non-detachable rubber cleats, mouth guards, pants of each Association’s choice, and a jersey matching, if possible, Association's tackle jersey colors. Protective helmets are optional.
O. Flag length will be fourteen (14) inches long and a minimum of two (2) inches wide and will not be covered up by the jersey, nor will it match team jersey or pant colors.
P. Referees are optional.
Q. There will be no penalties, but when an infraction occurs both teams should be called together and the infraction explained, including the possible penalties and safety hazards. The play will then be a do over.
R. Mascots are not permitted.
S. If all else fails, use common sense remembering that youth of this age are out for a good time and to learn the fundamentals of football.
