Settle the argument

Can you rush the quarterback in flag football?

Yes. From more than 7 yards back.

Any defender lined up more than 7 yards from the line of scrimmage at the snap can rush the quarterback right away. Defenders closer than 7 yards have to wait until the quarterback hands off, fakes a handoff or throws.

Up to 2 deep defenders can raise a hand before the snap to signal a blitz. That signal gives them right of way to the quarterback, so receivers have to get out of their path. A rusher who doesn’t signal is still legal; they just don’t get right of way.

The rule

IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, R 7-1-4

The call

Illegal rush: 5 yards from the line of scrimmage (signal S18).

Referee signal S18: Offside, illegal blitz
S18 Offside, illegal blitzHands on hips.
NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG allows up to 2 rushers, who start 7 yards off the line with a hand raised, and every rusher has to signal.

Watch this play in the free flag football rules quiz.

A defender 9 yards off the line rushes at the snap without raising a hand. Legal: it’s a sack.

Your league plays it differently? Plenty do. Write your league’s version down with the free house rules builder so everyone plays the same rule.

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Can you rush the quarterback in flag football? Yes. From more than 7 yards back.

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.