Here is all you need to know about Flag Football game, its rules, field dimensions how to play it’s Olympics status, connection with NFL and more
Flag football is now the Olympics sports and will be played in the upcoming edition in Los Angeles in 2028.
What is flag football new Olympics game, rules, field dimensions and game length time
On October 16, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed a fascinating addition to the Los Angeles calendar for the Summer Olympics in 2028. They declared that flag football would be joining the array of Summer Olympic sports, along with your other sports namely baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash, guaranteeing an exciting and varied competition.
In flag football, a variation of American football, the defensive team must deflagging; removing a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier; to terminate a down.
Although it has a large amateur fan base and is supported by several associations annually with multiple national and international competitions, the sport is most often played in America, where it began.
What are the rules for the sport?
Two 30-minute halves of a 60-minute game. Not kicking, blocking, or stumbling, just like in football. The lack of linemen makes all players eligible receivers (except from the centre), which keeps the action interesting and fast-paced. This is one notable aspect of the game.
In addition, the field is divided into four 25-yard boxes. An offence receives a first down each time they advance to the next box. The quarterback cannot run until he is being rushed, and teams are permitted five blitzes every half, meaning they can rush the passer without having to wait the required two seconds.
As opposed to touchdowns of 50 yards or more, which are worth seven points, touchdowns of less than fifty yards are worth just six.
While both flag and tackle football share the same origins, they do have differences when it comes to field dimensions. Tackle fields are larger, with a standard size of 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. Compare that to adult flag fields, which can range from 80 to 100 yards long and 40 to 53 1/3 yards wide.
Are NFL showing interest in Flag Football?
NFL great Tyreek Hill and retired icon Rob Gronkowski have already indicated their want to participate. You can expect that a significant rise of NFL players learning about this alternative will occur, a report suggests in Give Me Sports.
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly declared that the league is actively collaborating with the players’ union to permit current and former players to compete in flag football, following the official announcement by the International Olympic Committee that flag football will be one of four official sports at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The NFL is "encouraging" active players to compete in Flag Football events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, per @FOS 🔥
Which players would you be most excited to see? pic.twitter.com/EQ1Zuqyx6J
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 19, 2023