PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The mission of NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO collectively “NFLFLAG-NM” is to develop confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship through the performance of competitive team sports, while promoting physical and moral character development to all participants. To ensure the appropriate atmosphere for these activities, the organization has adopted a zero tolerance policy in the enforcement of the Parent’s Code of Conduct.

Force Majeure Cancellation Refund and Credit Policy (“Force Majeure Cancellation Policy”)

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization (“WHO”), and the continuing uncertainty related to governmental, health, and other restrictions and rules that may or may not be implemented by various governmental agencies in the future, NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO collectively “NFLFLAG-NM” is implementing a new Force Majeure Cancellation Policy.  All Participants must acknowledge and agree to this Force Majeure Cancellation Policy as an express condition precedent to their registration in the current seasons. NFLFLAG-NM expends considerable resources, time and effort in preparing for each season and in order to be able to offer a season, this Force Majeure Cancellation Policy is necessary to protect NFLFLAG-NM, as well as to fully inform all Participants of the uncertainty and risks involved in registering for future seasons.

For purposes of the policies herein, a “season” of NFLFLAG-NM means and includes an eight schedule games and at least one game in the Playoffs.  During season preparation, NFLFLAG-NM will schedule a makeup game date at the end of the season.  NFLFLAG-NM may choose to modify a released season schedule to play a double header should its fields or availability to play become unavailable for any reason which is also in accordance with NFLFLAG-NM’s weather policy. A complete season will have been played so long as five games are played and a five-game season shall constitute full and complete performance by NFLFLAG-NM.

Excusable Delays and Force Majeure:

Any delay in the performance by NFLFLAG-NM of its obligations to Participant under any written agreement shall be excused when such delay in performance is due to any cause or event of any nature whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of NFF, including without limitation, any act of God; any fire, flood or weather condition; any earthquake; any epidemic or WHO declared pandemic; any act of a public enemy, war, insurrection, riot, explosion, terrorist attack or strike; or any government demand, requirement or instruction (each, a “Force Majeure”).  A delay caused by Force Majeure shall not be deemed a cancellation of the season or termination of this Agreement unless NFLFLAG-NM, in its sole discretion, provides Participant written notice stating otherwise (the “Cancellation Notice”).  The time for performance of NFLFLAG-NM’s obligations may be amended for the period of delay or inability to perform due to such Force Majeure, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of NFLFLAG-NM.  If NFLFLAG-NM provides Participant a Cancellation Notice, the current season will be cancelled and subject to the terms below.

Season Cancellation due to Force Majeure:

If a Force Majeure causes NFLFLAG-NM to issue a Cancellation Notice to Participant cancelling the current season, then the following provisions are acknowledged and agreed to by Participant:

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure PRIOR to the shipment by NFLFLAG-NM of Participant’s equipment:

A 100% REFUND (excluding credit card processing fees, administrative fees & donations) will be issued by NFLFLAG-NM to Participant. If a credit was used for a portion of your division fee, that credit will be returned to your registration account and the remainder will be refunded.

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure BEFORE Game 1:
A 50% CREDIT (calculated solely on the division price paid by Participant) for a future season of play will be issued by NFLFLAG-NM to Participant. 
 NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED.

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure AFTER Game 1 but BEFORE Game 2:
A 40% CREDIT (calculated solely on the division price you paid) for a future season of play will be issued by NFLFLAG-NM to Participant. 
NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED.

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure AFTER Game 2 but BEFORE Game 3:
A 30% CREDIT (calculated solely the division price you paid) for a future season of play will be issued by NFLFLAG-NM to Participant.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED.

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure AFTER Game 3 but BEFORE Game 5:
A 20% CREDIT (based off the division price you paid) for a future season of play will be issued by NFLFLAG-NM to Participant.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED.

If a season is cancelled by NFLFLAG-NM due to a Force Majeure AFTER Game 5:
The season will be considered terminated and cancelled, no credits, refunds or participation awards or any other consideration will be delivered, provided, reimbursed or given to Participant by NFLFLAG-NM, and NFLFLAG-NM will have fully performed its obligations to Participant.
NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS WILL BE PROVIDED.

All Participants specifically acknowledge and agree that the Force Majeure Cancellation Policy is fair and reasonable, and that each Participant voluntarily accepts and agrees to the terms and conditions of the Force Majeure Cancellation Policy.  Further, Participants acknowledge and agree that a portion of their respective registration fee covers certain costs and expenses incurred by NFLFLAG-NM to prepare and organize the current season, irrespective of whether such season is completed in its entirety, in part or not at all.  Participants expressly accept and acknowledge the foregoing risks. 

REFUND & FUTURE CREDIT POLICY

Refund & Future Credit Policy (“Refund Policy”)

NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO, LLC collectively “NFLFLAG-NM” requires all potential participants and potential registrants (“Participant” or “Participants”) to fully understand, acknowledge and agree to this Refund Policy prior to registering their child/ward. Neither refunds nor future credits will be issued to any Participant due to over scheduling of the Participant or their child/ward. All NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO programs require a minimum commitment of two hours per week on a Saturday or Sunday depending on the respective league during the scheduled season. Participants that are unwilling or unable to make that commitment will not receive any refunds or future credits for missed practices or games.

NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO discourages Participants from registering only on condition of specific team placement or coach assignment.  In the event Participants are not assigned to a specific team, coach or partnered with specific other participants, even if requested, refunds or future credits will not be issued.

PARTICIPANT REFUND REQUEST

All requests for refunds or future credits related to the season (a “Refund Request”) will only be considered upon Participant’s written notice to NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO at [email protected] before the applicable registration deadline (the “Refund Notice Period”).  Correspondence must include State, League Name and Participants name to be processed. For the avoidance of doubt, the Refund Notice Period specifically excludes any late registration phase or period permitted in writing by NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Participant shall not receive any refunds or future credits whatsoever with respect to any Refund Requests received by NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO after expiration of the Refund Notice Period, except in connection with a Force Majeure (as defined by the Force Majeure Cancellation Policy, which is incorporated by reference herein and available listed below:

• All processing fees and donations are NON-REFUNDABLE.
• All Refund Requests must be submitted in writing by Participant to NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO as described in this Refund Policy.
• In order for a Refund Request to be processed it must be received by NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO before the expiration of the Refund Notice Period.  This does not include refunds or credits to be issued pursuant to a Force Majeure per the terms below.
• Refunds issued pursuant to Refund Requests made prior to the expiration of the Refund Notice Period will include the division price and all additional merchandise reflected in the order, minus any discounts applied and the $30.00 administrative fee. This administrative fee is applied to refunds requested after the league deadline. 
• Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.  If the original form of payment is not available to process the refund, as determined by NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO in its sole and absolute discretion, a manual check will be written to the Participant’s primary guardian on the account and sent to the address on the account. 
• No refunds will be issued for merchandise purchased at time of registration or during the season for any reason except for manufactures defects.  All defects must be reported to NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO immediately.
• In cases of illness or emergency after expiration of the Notice Refund Period, Participant must provide NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO written documentation of the applicable illness or emergency to consider a future credit request. NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO will consider the request for a future credit in its sole and absolute discretion. No refund will be provided based on illness or emergency.
• No refund will be provided for participants whose season has been terminated or suspended due to their parent/or guardian violating the Parent Code of Conduct or Coaches Code of Conduct.
• No refund shall be given for any registrant whose parent/guardian provided false information to NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO in the registration process in violation of the Falsifying Information Policy.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, refunds or credits for future seasons based on the cancellation of the current season by NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO for reasons beyond the control of NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO are specifically governed by the Force Majeure Cancellation, Refund, and Credit Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference and available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a list of commonly asked questions that we hope you find helpful as you continue your journey with us this season. 

Q: Who Can Play?
A: This program is open to Boys and Girls, 4 years of age (as of the registration deadline date) – 17.5 years of age.  Participants from any city can register for any of our age divisions.  

Q: How are Individual Players Placed on Teams?
A: This is a league designed to keep players practicing close to where their families reside or that is most convenient for the player’s families.  Therefore, individuals are placed on teams determined by location, buddy request, and current age.   Teams are formed using a combination of the following criteria (listed in no specific order):

Practice Location
Current Age
Buddy Request (We try to accommodate requests; however, refunds are not provided due to an unfulfilled request)
  
Q: If my child does not have enough players to form a team? 
A: No worries! But if needed we will combine players from other locations to form your team for the season.  

Q: Do we accept team registrations?
A: Yes, this does keep some teams that have been together for a extended about of time to stay together with their teammates.   

Q: How many teams can one Coach have?
A: It depends.  We will not turn any players away.  As many teams that can be formed from each age division will be accepted. Everyone who wants to play is welcome.  

Q: How many players are on a team?
A: Most teams have 8-10 players.  However, we do reserve the right to stretch these guidelines if the league deems necessary.  

Q: Does the league supply uniforms?
A: Every Flag Football player in our program receives an NFL reversible team jersey, NFL FLAG pocket-less shorts and a flag belt to keep with your registration.  
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Parent volunteers. National Flag Football does not hire coaches. Once teams are assembled, parents will be recruited to coach their team. Training is provided for all parents who wish to be a coach. No experience is necessary. If we are unable to secure a coach for a particular team, that team may be disbanded and refunded.  

Q: Who are the Officials and are they Qualified?
A: Most of our referees are High School Athletic Association certified. These are the same guys who you would find officiating local High School games.  Each official is trained, licensed, insured and certified through the state.  They are very good at what they do and will call a fair game for both sides. We also use Junior Referees (usually High School Students who have played the game of Flag Football for an extended number of years).

Q: How much playing time can my child expect?
A: All our programs promote participation, fun, and fundamentals. Coaches are required to fairly allocate playing time equally among all players on the team. We will do our best to ensure all players receive equal playing time.

Q: What do I get for my Registration Fee?
A: A seven-to-eight-week regular season including practices (which includes 8 Regular Season Games), at least one playoff game, use of well-maintained fields, certified officials, NFL FLAG reversible team jersey, pocket-less shorts, flag belt and flags, interactive website, organized administration, and a lot of FUN for you and your child!

Q: Are there playoffs?
A: After the regular season, all age division teams will compete in single-elimination playoffs (seating based off regular season standings) on a Saturday. On Sunday there will be the Super Bowls for each age division and a Pro Bowl for each age division (Pro Bowl participation based on Player individual stats & Coach MVP Votes)

Q: What types of awards are possible?
A: Every regular season game there will be Player MVP Certificates (Based on Player Weekly Game Stats & Coaches MVP votes) which is signed by the Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell. If your player makes it to the Super Bowl, each winning player receives a Trophy (6U-10U Age Divisions) or a Ring (12U-17U Age Divisions); each runner-up player receives a medal. If your Player makes it to their age divisions Pro Bowl (Based on Player Weekly Game Stats & Coaches Pro Bowl MVP votes), they will receive a Pro Bowl Certificate (in digital format) which is signed by the Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell.

Q: Do all flag football players need mouth pieces?
A: It is absolutely mandatory that all players are wearing a mouthpiece before stepping on the field.

Q: How do I register?
A: All our registrations are taken online through our website at the Online Registration Tab.  

Q: How does the refund policy work?
A: Please proceed to our Refund Policy here in the Parents Corner.

BENEFITS OF FLAG FOOTBALL

Flag football is one of the fastest growing youth sports, currently on its way to becoming a college sanctioned sport. Tackle football fields over 1 million high school student-athletes each year. No matter which way you look at it, our love for football runs deep.

While extensive research is being conducted to better understand football safety, it’s still a game that comes with many physical and emotional benefits. Need proof? Here are five great benefits for kids who play football:   

1. Health benefits: Football is a fast-moving game with a lot of variety. Players run, jump, quickly change direction, and stop and start, which improves cardiovascular health. Practice drills, complex running routes and defensive techniques all encourage speed, strength, and stamina. And these activities also engage motor skills, specifically hand and eye coordination. Plus, a recent study found that playing football has positive effects on bone strength.  

2. Teamwork: Youth football teaches kids accountability, leadership, and the impact of positive sportsmanship. Every position has a purpose and to execute a play successfully, each individual needs to fulfill their responsibility, while working together—a skill that’s valuable both on and off the field.

3. Discipline: Learning routes, repetitive drills, and executing proper technique take a high level of discipline—and football players do it time and time again. Each practice is laying the foundation for a strong work ethic that kids will use throughout their lives. And this is one of the biggest benefits of football.   

4. Mental toughness: Sports are a great platform to build mental toughness. Whether it’s making a mistake on the field or needing to comeback from a major upset, setbacks are bound to happen. And to move forward, players must learn how to persevere. Football provides a lot of opportunities to improve mental toughness, from remaining calm under pressure to focusing during chaotic situations.    

5. Socialization: Football teaches kids how to effectively communicate and work well with others. After all, one player can’t do everything. They rely on each other—what a better way to make long-lasting friendships? Layer this with learning to respect and receive direction from authority (aka coaches) and you have a range of socialization skills.

Flag football has a lot to offer, from co-ed leagues to competitive tournaments. Here are four important benefits for kids playing flag football:

1. No Contact: Flag football is a non-contact sport, meaning there’s no tackling, diving, blocking, screening, or fumbles allowed. Therefore, players aren’t required to wear any heavy equipment, such as helmets and shoulder pads. This creates an approachable atmosphere where kids can learn how to play and develop their skills without the aspect of physical contact.  

2. Accessibility: Flag football is an incredibly inclusive sport and opens the doors to many players, including female athletes. In fact, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) plans to launch the first college sanctioned women’s flag football league in the spring of 2021. 

3.  Learn the fundamentals: There’s a common myth that flag football doesn’t prepare kids for tackle football—and that simply isn’t true. The basic fundamentals taught in flag football directly transfer to tackle, including catching, throwing, formations, routes, and defensive skills. For example, the way defensive players are required to square up their body and align their head and knees is the exact positioning needed to physically tackle an opponent.

4.  It’s fun: Plain and simple, flag football is loads of fun. With fewer players on the field, there’s more engagement and a faster speed of play. Games are quick, competitive and every drive counts, especially in tournaments. It’s the version of football you loved playing in your backyard—why ever stop?

HOW TO PLAY FLAG FOOTBALL

More kids are playing flag football than ever before. And we can see why—it’s engaging, inclusive, and ridiculously fun. 

The best part is anyone can learn how to play flag football. You don’t need a certain build, skill set or prior experience. Both girls and boys from 4 to 17 years old can sign up to play!

FLAG FOOTBALL FIELD

A flag football field is shorter than a standard tackle field at 30 yards wide and 70 yards long, with two 10-yard end zones and a midfield line-to-gain. To prevent power football in tight spaces, no run zones are located 5 yards before the end zone and on each side of the midfield line-to-gain. If the ball is spotted on or inside the no run zone, the offense must use a pass play to get a first down or touchdown.

BASIC FLAG FOOTBALL RULES

When learning how to play flag football, it’s best to start with the basics. In NFL FLAG football leagues, teams play 5 on 5, and each game consists of two halves, usually 20 minutes long. Regional Tournament games are typically shorter with two, 10-to-12-minute halves. The clock only stops for halftime, timeouts (each team has 2 per half), or injury, making games quick and competitive. Each player has a specific role on the field and every play counts. 

The most important rule in flag football is that there’s no contact allowed, including tackling, diving, blocking, screening, or fumbles. Instead of physically tackling an opponent to the ground, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt. Defenders “tackle” the ball-carrier by removing one or both of their flags.

While this rule is designed to keep players safe, there are several other rules that limit contact among players, including:  

§  The quarterback isn’t allowed to run with the ball unless it was handed off first or blitzed. They can run behind the line of scrimmage, but they can’t gain yardage. 

§  All passes must go forward and be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

§  Laterals, pitches and direct handoffs are permitted. 

§  Center sneak plays aren’t allowed. 

§  There are no fumbles. Instead, the ball stays in possession of the offense and is spotted where the ball-carrier’s feet were when the fumble occurred. 

§  The ball is dead when: the ball-carrier’s flag is pulled, the ball-carrier steps out of bound, a touchdown or safety is scored, the ball-carrier’s knee hits the ground, or the ball-carrier’s flag falls off.

§  Players can’t obstruct or guard their flags. 

For a complete list of NFL FLAG NEW MEXICO flag football rules, visit our  current Rule Book located under the Coaches Corner Tab

SCORING

Every game starts with a coin toss (there are no kickoffs). The starting team begins on its own 5-yard line and has four downs—essentially four plays—to cross midfield for a first down (this includes the second half also). 

If the offense fails to advance after three attempts, they can “punt,” meaning they turn over the ball to the opposing team, which then starts from its own 5-yard line. Or they can go for a first down, but if they fail, the opposing team takes over possession from the spot of the ball. 

Once midfield is crossed, the offense has three downs to score a touchdown. A touchdown is 6 points, and a safety is 2 points (1-point conversion from the 5-yard line; 2-point conversion from the 12-yard line; 3-point conversion from the 20-yard line). 

A safety occurs when the ball-carrier is declared down in their own end zone. This happens when their flag is pulled by a defensive player, their flag falls out, their knee or arm touches the ground, or if a snapped ball lands in the end zone.  

RUNNING

When players run with the ball, their feet can’t leave the ground to avoid a defensive player. In other words, players can spin to avoid their opponent, but they can’t leap or dive. 

Direst handoffs, laterals or pitches are permitted. Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush. And the person who takes the handoff is allowed to throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage. So, while you’ll see a designated quarterback on the field, several plays actually rely on other teammates to pass the ball. This changes up plays, keeps the defense on their toes, and makes the game even more exciting. 

Also, under flag football rules, the quarterback can’t run with the ball unless it has been handed to him/her in the backfield. And all players who rush the passer must be a minimum of ten yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.  

Flag football rules aim to prevent power plays and avoid short-yardage situations, so you’ll find no run zones located 5 yards from each end zone and on either side of the midfield. In this designated area, the offensive team must complete a pass play (6U Age Division is the only Exception to this rule-6U have do not have no run zones in their games). 

Lastly, if an offensive player’s flag is pulled when they’re running with the ball, where the ball is determines where the ball is spotted, not the flag or the feet.

RECEIVING

One rule that makes flag football unique (and that much more competitive) is that everyone can receive a pass, including the quarterback, after the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage. This allows coaches to include a variety of flag football plays into their playbooks and helps players develop fundamental offense skills. Plus, it makes the game more engaging. Keep in mind that when making a catch, players must have one foot in bounds, just like tackle. 

PASSING

Flag football rules state that all passes must go forward and be received beyond the line of scrimmage. Shovel passes, which are short passes to forward receivers, are allowed, but also must be received beyond the line of scrimmage. Quarterbacks have a seven-second pass clock to get rid of the ball. And if they don’t, the play is dead. 

Additionally, center sneak play—where the quarterback hands off to the center as the first handoff of the play—is no longer allowed. Unless the Center runs around behind the quarterback and receives the hand off.

Interceptions are allowed and are treated as they are in tackle football. Interceptions can be returned for touchdowns and are NOT blown dead when a interception occurs. 

RUSHING THE PASSER

Players who rush the passer must stand at least ten yards off the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped, while players who aren’t rushing the passer may start on the line of scrimmage. The ten-yard rule no longer applies once the ball is handed off—all defenders are allowed to go behind the line of scrimmage at that point. A sack occurs when a defensive player pulls off the quarterback’s flag(s) behind the line of scrimmage. The quarterback, or anyone in possession of the ball, is down when their flag(s) are removed.

FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYS

To set up teams for success, coaches teach a variety of formations, routes, and 5 on 5 flag football plays throughout the season. And with every player being eligible to receive a pass, including the quarterback, coaches can get creative and tailor their plays to their team’s strengths—or their opponent’s weaknesses. 

Some plays are complex, while others are more basic. Some go for long yardage, while others aim for short gains. In every scenario, these plays determine the flow of the game and teach players the basic fundamentals needed to succeed. In other words, it teaches them how to play flag football. 

That’s why we always recommend that coaches start with the basics, helping players establish a strong foundation first, and then mix and match new and more challenging plays as their team gains confidence.

See the complete list of 5 on 5 offensive flag football plays under the Coaches Corner Tab and learn how to create a winning youth flag football playbook.