Settle the argument

How many downs do you get in flag football?

4 + 4. 4 to cross midfield, then 4 to score.

Under IFAF rules each drive starts at the offense’s own 5-yard line. The offense has 4 downs to cross the middle line for a first down, then a new set of 4 downs to score.

Midfield only earns a first down once per series. If a sack pushes the ball back behind it, crossing it again doesn’t earn another set. Fail to score and the other team takes over at its own 5.

The rule

IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, R 5-1-1

The call

Not a foul. A first down is signal S8.

Referee signal S8: First down
S8 First downPoint toward the offense’s goal line.
NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG gives 4 downs to cross midfield, then 3 to score.

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How many downs do you get in flag football? 4 + 4. 4 to cross midfield, then 4 to score.

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