Flag football is a term that most Americans are familiar with. A lot of people have played the sport at one time or another, but not many are familiar with the rules.

The sport officially dates back to 1933, but was fully developed on military bases in the early 1940s. The game quickly spread to the cities and suburbs, and early recreational leagues were in place by the 1950s. Flag football boasts numerous national and international competitions, and has recently added a professional division.

For the most part, the rules of flag football are similar to those of tackle football, but instead of tackling a player, the defensive team must remove the flag from the ball carrier. There are other not-so-subtle differences, as well. Because there is no dominant sanctioning body for the sport, flag football has mutated into several variations, including nine, eight, seven, six, five and four players on each side. Some leagues are coed while others are single gender.

The Pittsburgh Flag Football League is a single-gender, male league that competes under the 4-on-4 non-contact format. Players are not permitted to block, tackle, pick or push another player during a game. Contact is defined as “touching an opponent with impact” or “affect.” The playing field is in the adult Pittsburgh Flag Football League is only 25 yards x 50 yards, with the end zones 8-10 yards deep. By comparison, the NFL plays on a field that measures 53 1/3 yards wide and 120 yards long, including the end zones.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that, because there is no tackling and no contact, this game is easy. Because, even with the smaller field, it is not - especially the 4-on-4 version. This game is played at a tremendous pace, and it takes a mixture of skill, strategy and luck to be successful. Because of the lack of contact, playing defense can be challenging, to say the least. That is why each team will put its best athletes at the linebacker spot to try to keep the running back from turning the corner.

The key to success as a defensive back lies in reading the quarterback's eyes. In flag football, most quarterbacks will stare down their receivers before throwing a pass. A smart defensive player will be able to take advantage of that, jump the pass and make the interception. An effective quarterback, however, will learn to look off the defensive back, and has the ability to read coverage and make accurate passes. Confidence is the key to being a good flag football quarterback. And understanding the game is the fans’ key to enjoying and appreciating the level of competition.

Each field contains “No Running Zones” five yards before each goal line and five yards each side of the field’s center line (in this case, the 25-yard line rather than the traditional 50-yard line). The purpose of the “No Running Zones” is to avoid short yardage power running situations. Only passes can be thrown within those zones. Barring a penalty, each team is only permitted a single first down, and that comes when a team crosses the middle of the field. All possessions, except following interceptions, begin at the 5-yard-line.

After a score, a team can try for a one-point conversion from five yards away, or opt for a two-point conversion from 12 yards away. If the defense intercepts a pass on an extra point attempt and returns it to the end zone, the defense is then awarded one (1) or two (2) points depending on which extra point the offensive team was attempting.

All players that rush the quarterback must be at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. The rusher must be given a direct line to the quarterback, as long as he does not rush up the middle, which is considered one yard on both sides of the ball.  The quarterback generally cannot run, unless the line of scrimmage is marked within the “No Run Zones.” If the defense elects to rush, the quarterback has the right to run.

No player is permitted to strip the ball from another player. At any rate, there are no fumbles. The ball is spotted where the player lost control of the ball. If a receiver’s flag falls off without being pulled, he is down where the reception is marked complete. Spinning to avoid a flag being pulled is permitted, but jumping over a defender or diving to advance the ball is not allowed. No laterals or pitches are permitted anywhere on the field.

The slaughter rule is in effect in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League. A thirty point differential will automatically end the game. Language that may be considered offensive to the referee, opposing team or spectators is not tolerated. To reinforce the integrity of the league and a safe, fun environment, the league has established a fine schedule for every season and tournament.

Any infraction involving physical contact with an official or with another player, abusive or threatening language or excessive unsportsmanlike conduct can carry potential fines ranging from $25 to $100, and can also be punished with expulsion. All such infractions also carry an automatic ejection from the game, along with potential suspensions. No fines and suspensions can be appealed, and all fines are donated to a designated charity.

So, next time you have some time to kill and are looking for something new and exciting to turn your attention to, check out a game of flag football. It is all of the thrills of an NFL contest with none of the dangers. We look forward to seeing you there.