The most notable difference between flag football and tackle football is, well, tackling. In flag football, contact is not permitted.

Players wear flags and defenders are tasked with removing the flags in order to “tackle” their opponent.

If the ball carrier can reach the goal line with both flags intact, he or she scores. That being said, you will find some forms of flag football that allow blocking; however, NFL FLAG is strictly non-contact. 

Here are a few other key differences:  Number of players on the field: In general, there are fewer players on the field in flag football. The most common youth flag football leagues are 5 on 5 and 7 on 7.

The field is also shorter to accommodate the smaller team size.   Faster pace: Without tackling, flag football games are much faster paced. Think about it: fewer timeouts, no kick-offs, less stoppage time— kids are flying out there. And as a result, the games are shorter than tackle football as well (usually an hour or less).  

Rules: To eliminate contact, you’ll find many differences between tackle football and flag football rules. For example, quarterbacks aren’t allowed to run with the ball in flag football. Diving, blocking, screening and fumbles aren’t allowed—once the ball hits the ground, it’s dead. (Play Over).