YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE INFORMATION & RULES-11U, 13U, 15U AND 18U

Season Information:

Divisions: 

  • Age Divisions: 11U, 13U, 15U and 18U
  • Two Divisions: Girls, Open (Anyone can compete in the open division)
  • Roster Size: 10 player maximum, 2-non-Minneapolis residents

Weather/Field Conditions:

  • Flag football is a game that is played in all weather. Games are to be played unless there is unsafe or severe weather (lightening, tornadoes, etc)
  • Practice may be canceled due to field conditions. Park staff will let coaches know prior to practice. 

Calendar of Events:

 

Date 
 Regular Season games begin
 Final Rosters due on Global Drive     

Week for make-up games
 Tournament dates for 11U-18U
 

Administrative Rules by Division

Division 11U13U, 15U and 18U
Field30X70 yards30X70 yards
# of players on the Field5 players5 players
Game BallJuniorJunior (13U), Youth (15U), Regulation (18U)
Timing

(2) 20-minute halves

Clock stops for timeouts or injuries

(2) 20 minute halves

Clock stops for timeouts or injuries

Half Time3 minutes3 minutes
Time Outs

1 per half-30-seconds

1 floating time-out per game to clarify call

1 per half-30-seconds

1 floating time-outs per game to clarify a call

Mercy Rules

If a team gains a 28-point advantage, the game will end

If a team gains a 28-point advantage, the game will end

Tie GamesRegular season games that are tied after regulation will remain a tie-NO overtime  Regular season games that are tied after regulation will remain a tie-NO overtime  
Season Length

7 regular season games

post Season Invitational

Tournament

7 regular season games

Post Season Invitational Tournament

 

MPRB Flag Football Schedules:

  • Youth MPRB Flag Football schedules will be viewable through our online league management software. It is a web-based program and can be viewed from anywhere. 
  • Park directors will be notified when they are available for viewing you will then use the following steps to get your team’s schedule. 
  • Website: www.teamsideline.com/sites/minneapolisparks

  a. On the top menu bar, click on Game Schedules – Choose your Division - Teams can also use the “Find Team Schedule” search bar

  b. Teams can view the whole season schedules, or they can click on “teams” and just view the schedule for their team (great tool for parents & coaches) 

  c. Special notes will be displayed above the standings (i.e. tournament information) 

  d. Teams can check scores of other games & view standings once the scores have been reported. 

Administrative Rules by Division:

Post Season Invitational Tournament Information 

  • The Tournament Entry Fee is $50 per team. 
  • The Tournament is an “Invitational” meaning that only players/teams that have been asked to take part can compete. 
  • Seeding is done prior to the end of the regular season. This is done to ensure that we give participants and staff enough to time to organize their schedule.  (Seeding is final once tournament schedule is sent out)
  • All 13U to 18U teams will be invited to participate 
  • Tiebreakers - Winning percentage - Head-to-Head - Head-to-Head Differential - Total Points Against - Total Points Differential - Lowest Number of Forfeits - Coin Toss 

Team Rosters and Coaches

  • Maximum 10 players per roster – Extensions must be approved by League Director 
  • Maximum of 2 non-Minneapolis residents per roster
  • Maximum of 3 MPRB certified coaches per team. This includes all team personnel (photographers, first aid, etc.) 
  • Coaches must remain on the sideline the entire game.

Participation Rules

  • Mouthguards are required to be worn by all participants in MPRB youth flag football. Youth that wear a retainer/brace will have to purchase their own specialized mouthguard. You can find specialized mouth guards here.
  • Every player dressed and attending a game MUST play a minimum of 4 plays per half. Players must participate in at least 3 regular season games to be eligible for the post season tournament. 
  • Team Forfeit Rule: Teams must have 5 players ready to play by game time or a forfeit will be declared. 
  • Jewelry shall not be worn by players during warm-ups and/or competition. (Medical alert bracelets are not considered jewelry and must be taped to the body and alert may be visible). 
  • Ejections: Any ejection (player or coach) will be reviewed by the League Directors and may result in additional suspension of penalty. 

Playing Rules:

  • The MPRB plays by rules published by the NFL Flag Football. 
  • The NFL Flag Football rulebook can be found at the following link – 

NEED NFL RULES 2026

Looking for Volunteer Coaches:

Join your child on the field this fall! Become a volunteer coach! In a few easy steps YOU can be a volunteer coach for our Flag Football program! For additional questions please contact the league director or Sheu Oduniyi at soduniyi@minneapolisparks.org 

  • Agree to our Coaches Code of Ethics: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=2022039025 (once per year)
  • Complete Concussion Awareness Training: A link will be emailed to volunteers.
  • Background checks: Volunteers must provide an email address. Volunteers will receive an email asking them to complete a background check online. To avoid any delay to the start of your volunteering, be aware that once it is sent, you will have 3 days to complete the online form before the link will expire.