How to Set Up a 7-on-7 Youth Flag Football Game (Official Guide)

Setting up a 7-on-7 flag football game doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to follow the rules to ensure fair, fun, and safe play. Whether you’re organizing a game for your local league, a school PE class, or a backyard tournament, here’s how to do it the right way.

This guide is based on official 7-on-7 flag football rules used in youth leagues and Excel Athletics' own game-tested gear. The information below is outlined from our 7vs7 Rulebook.

🟩 Field Setup: Layout and Dimensions

Start by choosing a flat grassy area. Then mark out the field with cones or field paint using these measurements:

• Length: 60 to 80 yards

• Width: 20 to 30 yards

• End Zones: 10 yards deep on each end

• First Down Line: Midfield (between end zones)

Add cones to mark:

• Sidelines

• Goal lines

• Midfield for first downs

• Optional: 7-yard rush marker (for defensive line reference)

🧢 Team Size and Player Gear

Game format:

• 7 players per team

• All players must wear a flag belt with two flags, clearly visible and attached at the hips

Equipment needed:

• 1 football (youth size for younger age groups)

• Cones to mark boundaries

• Flag football belts (like the Excel Athletics 14-player set)

• Optional: Whistle, scoreboard, playbook

💡 Pro Tip: The Excel Athletics set includes 14 belts and 28 flags, plus a rulebook PDF, so you can equip two teams with one set.

📋 Rules That Affect Setup

These core rules shape how you organize and officiate the game:

• 🏃 No contact: Blocking, stiff arms, and shielding are not allowed

• 📍 Snap-based start: The play begins when the ball is snapped

• ⏱ 7-second pass clock: QB has 7 seconds to throw, or it’s a dead ball

• 🔁 First downs: Teams get 4 downs to cross midfield, then 4 more to score

• 🚫 Rusher start line: Defenders who want to rush must begin 7 yards off the line of scrimmage

• 🧍 No running by QB unless handed off or rushed

🏈 Game Flow: How to Run It Smoothly

1. Set up the field with cones and goal lines

2. Divide teams into 7 players each

3. Have every player wear a belt with 2 flags

4. Explain the basic rules—especially no contact, the 7-second rule, and rushing distance

5. Start with a coin toss to decide possession

6. Assign a referee or coach to monitor flag pulls and boundaries

7. Play 20- or 25-minute halves, or first to a set number of touchdowns

   
   
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🧠 Coaching Tip: Use Drills to Warm Up Before Game Time

• Flag Grab Relay – Improve quick flag pulling

• QB Pass Clock – Help your QB beat the 7-second limit

• Rush Line Drill – Teach defenders to time their rush from the 7-yard mark

🎯 Final Whistle

Running a 7-on-7 youth flag football game isn’t just about tossing a ball—it’s about creating a structured, fun, and fair environment where players can learn and compete safely. With the right setup, clear rules, and quality gear like Excel Athletics flag football belts, your game will be a win for everyone.

👉 Get your full set here on Amazon