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

Setting up a 7-on-7 flag football game does not need to be complicated — but it does need to follow the rules so play stays fair, fun, and safe. This guide is based on official 7-on-7 rules used in youth leagues and Excel Athletics’ own game-tested gear.

Field setup: layout and dimensions

Start with a flat grassy area. Mark the field with cones or paint:

• Length: 60 to 80 yards

• Width: 20 to 30 yards

• End zones: 10 yards deep on each end

• First-down line: midfield

• Optional: 7-yard rush marker for the defense

Team size and player gear

• 7 players per team

• Every player wears a flag belt with two flags at the hips

• 1 football (youth size for younger groups)

• Cones for boundaries

• Optional: whistle, scoreboard, playbook

The Excel Athletics 14-player set includes 14 belts and 28 flags plus a rulebook PDF, so you can equip two teams with one kit.

Rules that affect setup

• No contact: blocking, stiff arms, and shielding are illegal

• The play starts on the snap

• 7-second pass clock: if the QB holds it, the ball is dead

• Four downs to cross midfield, then four more to score

• Rushers start 7 yards off the line of scrimmage

• The QB cannot run unless the ball is handed off or the defense rushes

How to run it

• Set the field with cones and goal lines

• Divide into two teams of seven

• Belt every player with two flags

• Explain no-contact, the 7-second rule, and the rush distance

• Coin toss for possession

• Assign a referee or coach to watch flag pulls and boundaries

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