Official Rules (Overview)
Last updated: September 2025
FlagElite League (FEL) is a 7-on-7 screen, non-contact football league. Participation in sport carries inherent risks, including injury or death. By participating in FEL events, all players and team staff acknowledge and accept these risks and assume full responsibility.
FEL, its leaders, staff, officials, and venue partners are not liable for injury, loss, or death arising from participation, except where liability cannot be waived by law.
7-on-7 screen football (non-contact)
Roster size: Maximum 14 per team per current FEL season rules
Minimum to start: 5 rostered players
Pick-ups: Allowed only with opponent consent for that game; must be 18+ and sign required waiver
Officials' judgment calls are final on the field
Administrative or rule-application errors may be submitted for review per FEL policy
Two 20-minute halves (total 40 minutes)
First half: Running clock, stops for timeouts and injuries
Final 2 minutes of second half: Clock stops for incompletions, out-of-bounds, first downs, penalties, scores, and change of possession
Halftime: 2 minutes (unless captains agree to shorten)
Play clock: 25 seconds from spot to snap
Timeouts: 2 per half per team, 30 seconds each; 1 timeout per overtime
Start at the 20-yard line, 4 downs to score, both teams get a possession
Any number of defenders may rush
A rusher must align at least 7 yards off the line of scrimmage before the snap
No contact with the quarterback; go for the flag only
Defense: Controlled two-hand jam on receivers is allowed (hands on chest or shoulders, no grabs or displacement)
Offense: May hand-fight to disengage; no push-offs or grabs
Screen-only; set with hands at sides or behind the back; no extended arms, holds, or body checks
Downfield set screens are allowed if non-contact
One forward pass per down from on or behind the line of scrimmage
Allowed anywhere on the field; if the ball hits the ground, the play is dead at that spot (no fumble)
One foot in bounds and control required
A receiver who steps out of bounds cannot be the first to touch a forward pass upon return
Runner is down at the spot where the flag is pulled
If a runner has no flag belt: A one-hand touch between shoulders and knees downs the play
Unsportsmanlike behavior includes abusive language, disrespect to officials or volunteers, fighting, or harassment; subject to penalties, ejection, and suspension
Zero tolerance for weapons, physical violence, and threats; immediate ejection and potential permanent ban
Ejected players must leave the premises promptly; incidents are reviewed by team captains together
Official FEL jerseys and appropriate shorts over base layers; jerseys tucked in
Football/soccer/lacrosse cleats or turf shoes; no metal spikes
Soft-shell headgear and soft protective gear allowed; mouthguards recommended; eyewear must be sport-designed
Jewelry discouraged; loose piercings prohibited; chains tucked; towels or accessories may not impede flags
FEL may adjust rules for safety or event needs. Officials' rulings are final during play. Any league rule updates will be posted and communicated.
For full details of the rules, see:
Download the FlagElite Official Rulebook – 2025 Season (PDF)