What is Flag Football?
Flag football is a fast, inclusive, and non-contact version of American football. Instead of tackling opponents to the ground, defenders remove a flag attached to the ball carrier’s belt. This creates a safe, accessible, but still highly competitive sport that’s growing quickly across the UK under the guidance of the British American Football Association (BAFA).
If you’re new to the game, start with BAFA’s introduction video above — then read on for a breakdown of the essentials.
The Sport at a Glance
Flag football takes the core strategy, energy, and excitement of American football and adapts it for a smaller field and fewer players. It’s designed to be:
- Inclusive — no specialist equipment required.
- Fast-paced — shorter plays, quick turnovers, constant movement.
- Accessible — simple rules, with skills that build quickly.
Competitive
Flag football is a recognised competitive sport in the UK, with official BAFA leagues and tournaments held across the country. Many players join from rugby, athletics, or other team sports, while others start with no sporting background at all. It’s built to be flexible and fits around life’s other commitments.
Mixed Gender
One of the sport’s biggest strengths is its mixed-gender teams. Unlike many competitive sports, men and women play side-by-side on the same field, creating a uniquely inclusive and team-first culture.
Non-Contact
No tackling. No heavy collisions. Instead, defenders stop plays by pulling a flag from an opponent’s belt. This makes the game much safer than contact American football, while still demanding agility, speed, and strategy.
5 vs 5 Format
- Flag football: 5 players on each side.
- American football: 11 players on each side.
This smaller format means:
- More touches of the ball for every player.
- A faster, more fluid game.
- Easier organisation for teams and leagues.
Offense & Defense
Like American football, each team alternates between offense (attacking) and defense (defending):
- Offense tries to move the ball down the field by passing or running, aiming to score touchdowns.
- Defense works to stop them, primarily by pulling flags before the offense can advance.
It’s the same strategic battle you’d see in American football, but condensed and made more accessible.
Parallels & Contrasts with American Football
For more details on how the sport is developing across the UK, visit BAFA’s Flag Football Hub
| Feature | Flag Football (FF) | American Football (AF) |
|---|---|---|
| Team Size | 5 players per side | 11 players per side |
| Contact | Non-contact (flag pull) | Full tackling |
| Equipment | Minimal (belts & flags) | Helmets & pads |
| Inclusivity | Mixed gender teams | Gender-segregated teams |
| Pace | Two 20 minute halves | Four 15 minute quarters |