1. IS YOUR LEAGUE AN NFL FLAG LEAGUE?
YES! The NFL FLAG stamp of approval is the ultimate sign of quality. With 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes, NFL FLAG is the largest, most recognized flag football organization in the U.S.—and the only one where players wear official NFL gear. Check for the logo or search for a league near you on the official website at www.NFLFLAG.com
2. WHO CAN PLAY?
SMART Sports Flag Football is co-ed and offered to boys and girls ages 5 to 14 years old. From beginners to seasoned players, all skill levels are welcome! Teams compete 5 on 5, with a maximum of 10 players on each team.
3. WHERE ARE TEAMS LOCATED?
Leagues are currently available in Washington, DC with additional locations coming soon! Stay tuned and be sure to stay connected on social or check out our website for more details!
4. IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HELP OFFSET THE REGISTRATION COST?
YES! We work with several partners to assist those in financial need. Ultimately, we want everyone to play!
5. DOES YOUR LEAGUE PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY AT THE NFL FLAG NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CANTON, OHIO THE SITE OF THE NFL HALL OF FAME?
Yes - but first, you must win at the Regional Championship to automatically qualify for the National Championship. NFL FLAG hosts the largest and most high profiled flag football tournaments in the country. By playing in an NFL FLAG league you get an exclusive opportunity for a chance to punch your way into one of these prestigious events.
6. WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH MY REGISTRATION?
Your registration secures your spot on a team for the entire season, shorts, and each team receives official NFL gear, including a jersey and flag belt. In fact, NFL FLAG is the only flag football league that allows players to wear officially licensed NFL gear.
7. WHAT ARE THE NFL FLAG RULES?
NFL FLAG is a non-contact sport. There’s no diving, blocking, screening, or tackling allowed. Instead, to “tackle” the person in possession of the ball, the opposing team needs to pull one or both of their flags off. For a complete list of NFL FLAG rules, visit our website.
8. WHY NFL FLAG?
Flag football is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country—and it’s easy to see why. As a non-contact team sport, kids get all the physical, emotional, and social benefits of playing football, without the physical contact. But more than anything, flag football is pure fun—no matter your skill level. Teams compete 5 on 5, creating tons of engagement on the field at a fast-moving pace.
Here’s why over 500,000 athletes choose NFL FLAG football:
- Nail the fundamentals: Whether you’re new to the game, a seasoned player, or interested in making the transition to tackle, flag football is the perfect environment to develop your skills and improve your technique.
- Convenient commitment: We know your schedule is already jam-packed. That’s why NFL FLAG teams meet once per week to briefly practice before games each Sunday.
- Non-contact sport: Simply put: no contact is allowed—like tackling, blocking, and screening—making flag football the right choice for many families. Plus, no contact also means no bulky, expensive equipment.
- Accessibility: Everyone can play flag football. You don’t need a specific build or skill set. And with NFL FLAG leagues being co-ed, everyone can join in on the fun.
- Play like the pros: NFL FLAG is the only flag football league that allows players to wear officially licensed NFL gear.
For more information, visit: www.mysmartsports.com
Other Questions:
Q: HOW MANY TEAMS CAN ONE SCHOOL HAVE?A: It depends. We will not turn any players away. As many teams that can be formed from each school by grade/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 to 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, a black pair of pocket-less shorts and a flag belt to keep with your registration.
Q: WHO ARE THE COACHES?A: Parent volunteers. SMART Sports NFL FLAG does not provide 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 refunded.
Q: WHO ARE THE OFFICIALS AND ARE THEY QUALIFIED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE?A: Most of our referee's are NFL Flag certified. 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.
Q: HOW MUCH PLAYING TIME CAN MY CHILD EXPECT?
A: All of 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 assure all players receive equal playing time.
Q: WHAT DO I GET FOR MY REGISTRATION FEE?
A: A league season (six to eight weeks), practices, use of well groomed fields, certified officials, NFL FLAG reversible team jersey, pair of pocket-less shorts, flag belt and flags, interactive website, organized administration, and a lot of FUN for you and your child!
Q: ARE THER PLAYOFFS?
A: Yes. The top 4 teams in each division will participate in playoffs at the end of the regular season. The top 2 teams will then play an additional game the same day for the Championship.
Q: WHAT TYPES OF AWARDS ARE GIVEN?
A: Award ribbons will be given to the winners and runner-ups. The winners will also receive a Championship ring.
Q: DO ALL FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS NEED MOUTH PIECES?
A: YES. It is absolutely mandatory that all players are wearing a mouth piece before stepping on the field.
Q: HOW DO I REGISTER?
A: All of our registrations are onsite or online during the open registration period.