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IFAF vs NFHS

AFirst Sport

IFAF

Flag Football

First Sport

Details

Players5-10

Settingoutdoor

SeasonInternational Flag Football Rules 2023 (5 on 5 / non-contact)

CategoryTeam Sports

BSecond Sport

NFHS

Flag Football

Second Sport

Details

Players2-5

Settingoutdoor

Season2026-27 NFHS Flag Football Rules Book — eight rule revisions (including Rules 1, 3-5-1, 8-3-9, and 9-7-4) approved for the 2026-27 high school season

CategoryTeam Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(8)

Game Length

Different

IFAF

Rule 3-2-1 sets total playing time at 40 minutes, split into two 20-minute halves with a 2-minute intermission. Under Rule 3-2-6, if the score difference reaches 30 points or more at the Referee's ...

NFHS

Two 20-minute halves (running clock except in final 2 minutes — clock stops on incomplete pass, out-of-bounds, score, change of possession); 1-minute half-time; OT periods if tied (alternating from 10-yard line); Each team is allowed three charged timeouts per half (increased from two, per the Ru...

Section 2: Equipment

Different

IFAF

Rule 1-3-1(d) addresses intra-oral mouthpieces — if worn, they must be a visible non-white color — and states that "the use of a mouthpiece is strongly recommended," stopping short of making it mandatory equipment. Rule 1-3-3 (Illegal Equipment) p...

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Compare Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(8)

Game Length

Section 2: Equipment

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Section 3: Playing Area

Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations