Description
Book SynopsisThe 21st edition of this classic guidebook from NIRSA provides the latest rule changes in flag and touch football. NIRSA supports leaders in collegiate recreation, with a membership serving over eight million students.
2023 & 2024 NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual highlights all the rules that have changed since the previous edition, making it easy to locate what is new or changed. Updated information for officials includes changes to penalty enforcement and a method for the touchdown-scoring team to retain possession of the ball, called the onside conversion. The pocket size makes the guide easy to consult at games, whether you’re a coach, instructor, official, player, or fan of flag and touch football.
The manual also offers summaries of fouls and penalties, youth football rules, and 4 on 4 football rules, and it presents the 10 commandments for clinicians and observers. It contains detailed explanations of the rules regarding equipment, time factors, team possession, scoring, player conduct, and more. The officials’ portion is then presented in seven sections that outline officiating basics and responsibilities, game administration, and other relevant topics.
This easy-to-read rule book and officials’ manual reflects NIRSA’s continuing commitment to the development of flag and touch football and the organization’s efforts to keep training and officials’ manuals current and relevant. As such, this pocket guide is an essential resource for officials, coaches, and players connected to flag and touch football in various settings, from youth levels through collegiate levels.
Table of ContentsAbout NIRSA
NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Editorial Board
Dedication: Scott Flickinger
Moving Closer to a Standardized Football Code
Official NIRSA Rules Book and Interpretations
Changes for 2023 and 2024
Flag & Touch Football Fundamentals
NIRSA Football Rules Book* Rule 1. The Game, Field, Players, and Equipment
Rule 2. Definitions of Playing Terms
Rule 3. Periods, Time Factors, and Substitutions
Rule 4. Ball in Play, Dead Ball, and Out of Bounds
Rule 5. Series of Downs, Number of Downs, and Team Possession After Penalty
Rule 6. Kicking the Ball
Rule 7. Snapping, Handing, and Passing the Ball
Rule 8. Scoring Plays and Touchback
Rule 9. Conduct of Players and Others
Rule 10. Enforcement of Penalties Fouls and Penalties Summary
Special Olympics Unified Flag Football – Collegiate Level Rules
Youth Football Rules Summary
4 on 4 Football Rules Summary
10 Commandments for Clinicians and Observers
NIRSA Football Officials’ Manual Part I. Officiating Basics
Part II. Game Administration
Part III. Officiating Responsibilities
Part IV. Communication
Part V. 3-Person Mechanics
Part VI. 4-Person Mechanics
Part VII. NIRSA Official Flag Football Signals Index to Rules
