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Optimist Club OF Marco Island

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OCMI Flag Football Rules

Get in the game with Flag Football—a non-contact, high-energy sport for kids through 6th grade. Players learn football fundamentals while building confidence, leadership, and team spirit. Every child gets their chance to shine in this fun, exciting league.

2025 Schedules (TBA)

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Flag Football

Optimist Club Flag Football League Rules, Procedures, Guidelines, and Policies

Rules for the 2025 season

General Flag Football Game Rules

• 4 Quarters of Play

• K-1: 8 minute quarters = 8 minute halftime

• 2-3: 10 minute quarters = 5 minute halftime

• 4-5: 12 minute quarters = 5 minute halftime

• Offense starts possession on their 10 yard line.

• Four downs per series unless an interception or fumble.

• One first down at mid-field.

• Touchdown worth 6 points.

• Extra point from the 10-yard line is worth 2 points.

• Extra point from the 5-yard line is worth 1 point.

• Extra point MUST be thrown. No running.

• An interception on an extra point CANNOT be advanced.

• Past the line of scrimmage is a down.

on offence

  • Rule 1

    On Offense when the team has possession on 10-yard line or closer (RED ZONE) you MUST throw the ball.

  • Rule 2

    ** NO JUMPING/LEAPING – unless catching an interception or a reception. First Offense is a REPEAT DOWN.

  • Rule 3

    Fumbles – A fumble is a “DOWN” where the ball is fumbled and the team that had possession resumes play at that spot. A snap can be fumbled and picked up in the backfield by the offense and play continues.

  • Rule 4

    Quarterbacks CANNOT advance (RUN) the ball over the line of scrimmage.

  • Rule 5

    Interceptions – an interception can be advanced by the Defense and resumes possession of the ball.

on defence

  • Rule 1

    NO BLOCKING WITH HANDS ALLOWED

  • Rule 2

    Defense can rush on any given play IF they are 7 yards off the line of scrimmage and AFTER a three Mississippi count. The Referee has to be notified prior to play.

  • Rule 3

    Defensive line CANNOT rush the QB on any passing plays.

  • Rule 4

    The QB can run the ball and cross over the line of scrimmage ONLY on plays that the defense rushes and sends a blitz. (THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THE QB CAN RUN).

  • Rule 5

    MOUTHGUARDS MUST BE WORN FOR ALL GAMES AND PRACTICES.
    FAILURE TO HAVE A MOUTHGUARD WILL RESULT IN A PLAYER NOT PARTICIPATING.

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