Settle the argument

Is motion allowed in flag football?

Yes. One player, not toward the goal line.

One offensive player can be in motion at the snap, moving sideways or backward. Moving toward the opponent’s goal line at the snap is illegal motion.

If two or more players are moving when the ball is snapped, that’s an illegal shift.

The rule

IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, R 7-1-3-d

The call

Illegal motion or shift: 5 yards from the line of scrimmage (signal S19).

Referee signal S19: False start, illegal procedure
S19 False start, illegal procedureRoll the forearms in front of the chest.
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.

X is running toward the defense’s goal line at the snap. Illegal motion.

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Is motion allowed in flag football? Yes. One player, not toward the goal line.

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.