Flag Football Proper Equipment and the Captain's Meeting

James Madison University Intramural Sports

Officials Development Program- Flag Football

Proper Equipment and the Captain's Meeting

The Captains Meeting provides an opportunity at the very beginning of the contest for officials to set the tone for the game, clear up any questions, and establish open lines of communication with the captains.

Flag Football Home Rule Book Illustrated Rules

The officials should check each player before the game starts to ensure that they have the proper equipment. Any players that arrive late to the game must also be checked. If there are any issues or questions, make sure to double check with either the supervisor or the game management staff.

At the time of the snap, one player may be in motion so long as they are not moving towards the line of scrimmage. Any number of players may go into motion prior to the snap. However, all players must come to a stop for at least 1 second before the ball may be legally snapped. One player may then reinitiate motion for the snap. The player in motion is not counted as one of the three people necessary to be on the line.

The Referee should set the tone early in the game by conducting a friendly and positive Captain's Meeting. Demonstrate control but be approachable - this is a good time to open lines of communication but not to make friends.

The Referee does not need to go over every rule in the book. However, it is a good idea to remind the captain's of some important technical matters.

State that the clock will only stop in the last minute of play and for time outs. Each team will have two time outs per half and that there is no overtime for regular season games. Also, remind them that they are responsible to control their behavior and that of their team.

If there are any questions concerning rule interpretations, that they should confer with the Referee, not other members of their team. Finally, answer any questions either Captain may have and wish them luck.

Before the start of the game the Referee will toss a coin in the presence of opposing captains, after first designating which captain shall call the fall of the coin.

The captain winning the toss shall choose one of the following options:
• To start on offense or defense
• To designate which goal their team will defend
• To defer their decision until the second half

The captain losing the coin toss will choose from the remaining options and receive first choice in the 2nd half. It is possible for teams to defend the same goal for both halves.