NFHS

Player is "down" when defender removes either hip flag (or back flag if used); No tackling, blocking, or contact — incidental contact penalty-free; intentional contact = flag

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...

QB starts behind line of scrimmage; one direct hike; Once ball is hiked: QB has 7-second pass clock or must release/lateral; Forward pass allowed only behind line of scrimmage

Each possession starts at offense's own 5-yard line; Offense has 4 downs to advance past midfield → fresh 4 downs to score; No first downs prior to midfield

Ball: youth/junior/intermediate football (size adjusted by gender + level); Flag belt: three-flag belt (two hip + one back) per player; pop-style detachable flags 14-16" long; No pads or helmets required (no tackling)

Field: Per Rule 1, state associations designate one of four official field sizes for competition: 300 ft. × 120 ft., 360 ft. × 120 ft., 360 ft. × 160 ft., or the newly added 300 ft. × 160 ft. (adopted for 2026-27) — each configuration includes two 30-foot end zones.; 5-yard line markings; cones m...

5 players per side on the field (some states 7-on-7); Roster size typically 12-15 players per team; Substitutions: unlimited between plays

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...

Touchdown: 6 points; Extra point (PAT): 1 point from 5-yard line, 2 points from 10-yard line; Trailing-team possession option (new exception to Rule 8-3-9, effective 2026-27): instead of attempting a try, a team trailing on the scoreboard may elect to retain possession, taking over on fourth down...

Offensive flag-guarding: 5-yard penalty + loss of down (using hands/arms to block defender's reach for flag); Illegal contact / blocking: 10-yard penalty; Defensive holding / illegal flag pull: 5-yard penalty + automatic first down