Observations on flag football

So my son is in a flag football league this fall. He loves every minute of it. I have watched a number of games, and made the following observations for age 8 and under flag football:

Running game
Ages 8 and under are best served by the running game. Thus far this season, I've only seen two running plays that were ineffective (net gain of 0 yards or worse). Every touchdown I've seen was scored on a running play.

Passing game
Kids aged 8 and under lack the strength, accuracy, and route running ability to make plays in the passing game. Thus far, I've seen exactly four passes caught. One of those was for an extra-point conversion. None for touchdowns. I've seen plenty of interceptions, though.

Kicking game
This league does not kick the ball.

Odd & Ends
Each team gets to start at the "20-yard line." They get 4 downs to make it to midfield. If they make it to midfield, then they get 4 more downs to score.

There are no timeouts.

20-minute halves.

The "20-yard line" is really the goal line for the other team. However, a fumble there is not a safety. Only a play that goes out of the back of the endzone would be a safety.

No blocking with the hands.

No tackling.

QB cannot run with the ball.

5 - on - 5

All players are eligible receivers.

To rush the QB (blitz), the defender must be at least 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Any defender may go after a ball-carrier at any time.

A "tackle" is registered when the flag-belt is pulled from the waist of the ball-carrier.

Ball carriers may "swat" away the hands of defenders trying to capture their flags.

North-and-south running trumps lateral running (big surprise, huh?)


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