What Is the Minimum Playing Time for a Player?

Flag Football FAQ's

What is the minimum playing time for a player?

Play time is based upon the number of players available for the game. Please see the PJFL Flag Football rules on the PJFL web site for specifics on how the league directs coaches to assign play time. There are guidelines in place that help balance play time for all players. Line ups are required prior to the start of each game to help ensure coaches are adhering to balanced play time rules.

Are there requirements around playing particular positions?

There are no position requirements. This varies from coach to coach. Some coaches rotate players at a variety of positions. Other coaches decide where they feel each player best fits and plays them at that position regularly. Player position and play time at any position is determined by the team coaches. We do strongly encourage all Junior Division coaches to incorporate a position rotation philosophy.

Who is eligible to receive a pass?

Every position in flag football is eligible to receive a pass and carry the ball.

How do you get a first down?

There are four 20-yard zones marked on the 80-yard field and once the ball is advanced from one zone into the next zone the team is awarded a first down.

Are there fumbles in flag football?

There are no fumbles in flag football. Any time the ball is dropped and makes contact with the ground the play is whistled dead. Fumbles are not allowed in flag football to avoid possible injury.

How many defensive players can rush?

Only designated defensive linemen can rush. These players are required to wear a red wrist band to clearly identify them during the game. Blitzing is not permitted.

Are coaches permitted on the field at any time?

Yes, a maximum of 2 coaches per team for offense and 1 for defense are allowed on the field while the play is occurring. However, they must be located 10 yds behind the Quarterback or the Safety at the start of the play.

Are practices mandatory?

Generally, yes. Please notify your coach immediately if the designated practice day presents schedule conflicts for you. For all players who are assigned to a team prior to the start of practices we ask that a player attend a minimum of 4 practices. If too many practices are missed prior to the start of the season the player may be restricted from playing until a minimum of 4 practices are attended. If during the season a player does regularly attend practices the player may be designated reduced playing time.

How often do teams practice?

Before the season begins the teams are allowed a maximum of 2 practices a week, with one practice required to be on a weekday (M-F) and the second on Saturday. Both practices are limited to 2 hours each. Once the season begins only 1 practice a week will be allowed. This practice must be no longer than 2 hours and held between Monday and Friday of the week. All teams will be permitted 1 hour of game preparation on Saturday. .

Is there contact in flag football?

Yes, although there are rules to reduce the possible contact that can occur, contact is part of the gamewhen players are blocking or being blocked, or when a defensive player is attempting to pull the flag of a ball carrier.

Is tackling permitted?

What type of blocking is permitted?

All blocking must be above the waist and below the neck.

Are there kick-offs in flag football?

No, the ball is placed in the middle of the field at the start of the game and beginning of the second half.

Are mouth guards required?

Yes! For your child’s safety they will not be allowed to practice or play without wearing a mouth guard. Your child must have their own mouth guard at the first practice. It is recommended that you buy 2 and provide the extra one to the coach to keep in the equipment bag.

Are glasses or sunglasses permitted to be worn?

YES, as long as all the following requirements are met:
Must be approved safety sports glasses
Secured snugly by elastic band or strap

Players will be asked to remove any eyewear that does not conform to these requirements.

What is the required Uniform:

League provided Jersey
All Black Shorts
No Pockets
No Designs, prints or images (other than PJFL logo) may appear on shorts
Flags secured to belt with flags located at the player’s side.

What other equipment may be worn?

We recommend that all players have football cleats with plenty of cleat still remaining.
As previously mentioned mouth guards are required.
Any equipment designated as approved by the league, and officially communicated.

Are there any extra points in flag football?

Yes. Any scoring specifics will be outlined in the annual Flag Rules.

What type of stance is permitted?

No three-point stances are permitted. The only stance that can be used is where the player starts with his hands on his knees.

Do the players get to keep their jerseys?

Yes.

How do I know if the Fields are closed due to rain?

We abide by the Pleasanton Weather line at 925-931-5360. During inclement weather the amount of incoming phone calls may overload the system which will result in a message indicating the phone number has been disconnected. Please continue try again as this phone number is correct. We also encourage each team to establish a communication system (team text or email) to notify all families of these types of events.

Can I volunteer to be a coach?

You can indicate your interest level in coaching during the registration process. If you are interested in coaching you must indicate this as your volunteer preference when you register your child. Head Coaches can identify 2 Assistants to align with as a coaching team. All coaches are required to be screened through NCSI ( The fee will be refunded to you by the league when you submit your certification. Certifications are good for two years. If you have a certification through NCSI for another sports league within the past two years you do not need one this year for PJFL. We will pro-actively assist all first time Head Coaches with practice planners, play books, and other helpful tools to make this as simple as possible. All coaching assignments are at the sole discretion of the PJFL.

When is evaluation day?

Evaluation day occurs at the end of May or in early June of each year. This year it will be Saturday, June 10th. It is important that all players attend evaluation day.

Are coaches’ children required to attend the evaluation day?

Yes. The attendance and participation in the evaluation day significantly benefits the league in creating balanced teams. All players need to plan on attending.

When will I be contacted by my child’s coach?

Coaches are instructed to contact their players by August 7th.

What is your refund Policy?

All refunds are subject to a non-refundable administrative fee ($30) for any withdrawals regardless of the date of your withdrawal.

Before Evaluation Day June 10th:

Non-medical – Full Refund*
Medical – Full Refund*

Evaluation Day through August 12th (1st Practice):

Non-medical – 50% refund*
Medical – Full Refund*

After September 9th (Jamboree/Picture Day):

Non-medical – No refund
Medical – Decided by our Board of Directors on a case by case basis*

*less $30 non-refundable administrative fee

Why is your refund cut off September 9th?

PJFL is a non-profit youth sports league. We seek to set our participation fees low and very close to our league expenses. We pay much of our expenses (jerseys, equipment, field rental, game officials, city player fee, etc) to run the league by the end of August. Many of these costs are based upon the number of players in the league, and we do not have any way to recoup our costs when players drop out.

If I have a question or concern who should I contact?

For any questions, concerns or general inquiries please send an e-mail to Brendan St. John at .