ReadyRefThe call is clear
Watch a gameOpen ReadyRef
Home / Rules, settled
Settle the argument

Can you block in flag football?

No. Flag football is non-contact.

There’s no blocking in flag football. Players can’t intentionally contact an opponent, and the runner is responsible for avoiding contact.

Screening a defender without touching them is out too. Stepping into a defender’s path to free a teammate or clear a lane for the runner is shielding, and it’s a foul even with no contact. A player who is standing still isn’t shielding.

The rule

IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, R 9-1-1, R 2-11-2, R 9-2-2-a

The call

Illegal contact: 10 yards plus loss of down (offense) or an automatic first down (defense), signal S38. Shielding: 5 yards from the basic spot, signal S43.

Referee signal S38: Illegal contact
S38 Illegal contactRaise one fist, grab that wrist.
Referee signal S43: Shielding
S43 ShieldingForearm across the body, other hand up, palm out.
Other rulebooks

NFL FLAG and local leagues can differ. Check the rulebook your league plays.

Watch this play in the free flag football rules quiz.

Z steps into the path of Y’s defender without touching them. That’s shielding: a 5-yard foul.

Send this to whoever you’re arguing with

This is what they’ll see in the chat.

Can you block in flag football? No. Flag football is non-contact.

More arguments, settled

Think you know the rules?

Watch animated plays and make the call in the free rules quiz. Refs: print every penalty on a pocket card.

Take the rules quizMake a referee card