SWFL Championships 2025 Tourney Rules


The section below refers to the NFL Flag rulebook highlighting changes for tournament play and differences from standard NFL Flag rules.

I. Game

  • In the last 4 minutes of the game, a team can request an Onside Play option.
  • Team must have just scored and still be behind in score.
  • Ball spotted at 5-yd line.
  • 1 play to get to a first down at midfield to keep the ball.
  • If onside play fails, the defense gets ball at midfield.
  • If there is a penalty on defense it is enforced and if the spot is short of midfield offense has one additional play to get to midfield and have successful onside play.
  • With any offensive penalty onside play fails and ball goes to defense at midfield.
  • If there is an interception by the defense, the ball is spotted where the defender is down.


III. Equipment

  • Both teams must have equipment checked prior to the start of every game.
  • If any player is not at the equipment check prior to game time, that player must first check in at the tent, and then can only enter the game when their team is on offense and the player is announced to and the player is checked by the referee. The game clock and play clock do not stop during this check in.

V. Timing and Overtime

  • Games are played on a 30-minute continuous clock with two 15-minute halves, 2-minute halftime, 30-second play clock and three 30-second timeouts per game.
  • The last minute of the game uses a stop-clock meaning the clock stops for incomplete passes, penalties, out of bounds, change of possession, after touchdowns, and during extra points. Clock does not stop on first down.

VI. Scoring

  • Once point differential reaches or breaches 28 points, the game is over. Forfeits are scored 28-0 for the winning team.

VII. Coaches

  • Only three coaches are permitted on the sidelines to coach.
  • Coaches must remain on the sideline except to attend to an injured player.
  • Teams may huddle on the sideline with their coach to get the play, but the play clock will not stop once the ball is signaled ‘Ready for Play’.

XII. Rushing the Passer

  • 6U, 7U, & 8U Division- defenders may not rush the passer.
  • 9U Division and older- defenders may rush the passer at the snap from 7-yards.

XVIII. 6U, 7U, & 8U Guidelines

  • ‘No Run’ zones are eliminated. Teams may run anywhere on the field.
  • One Coach for each team is permitted on the field pre and post snap to help their players on OFFENSE ONLY, but post snap at a safe distance to plays completion.


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