5v5 Flag Football Rules (Plain English)
5v5 is the most common flag football format in Southern California youth leagues. Each team has five players on the field, there's no contact, and the focus is on speed, passing, and pulling flags. Here's how it works in plain English.
5v5 Overview
In 5v5 flag football, each team fields five players. There is no contact, blocking, or tackling — defenders stop a play by pulling a flag from the ball carrier's belt. The format emphasizes speed, route running, and quick decision-making.
Source: official rules ↗ · verified Jun 1, 2026
Field & Game Length
Fields are typically 30 yards wide by 70 yards long with two 10-yard end zones, though youth leagues adjust dimensions by age. Games are usually two 20-minute halves with a running clock.
Downs & Scoring
Teams get four downs to cross midfield, then four more to score. Touchdowns are six points; extra points are one (from the 5-yard line) or two (from the 10). Defenses can score on interceptions.
Rushing the Passer
A designated rusher must start at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage before rushing the quarterback. This keeps the focus on passing and protects the QB.