Flag football gear

What is flag football?

Flag football keeps the core principles of American football, with a series of downs to move the ball, forward passes and running routes, but takes tackling out of the game. Every player wears a belt with flags, and a defender ends the play by pulling one off. Contact is limited by the rules, which makes the sport accessible to children, beginners and anyone who wants to play without full contact. Five-a-side is the most common format in international competition, but other formats exist depending on the league and age group.

Why so little kit?

Because tackling is not allowed, flag football does away with helmets, shoulder pads and padded girdles. That keeps costs down for families and makes it easy for schools and clubs to start a flag section. In return, speed, route running and sharp changes of direction take centre stage, so cleats and gloves become the pieces of flag football equipment that shape your game the most.

Flag football equipment

Flag football belts and flags

This is the only piece of kit truly specific to the sport. The flags attach to the belt with a clip, pop-off or hook-and-loop system designed to come away cleanly when pulled. Choose an adjustable belt that sits on the hips without slipping. Flag football flags must hang freely: a shirt tucked over them or baggy clothing that hides them is generally not allowed. For a club, stock sets in different colours so teams can be told apart, plus a few spare flags.

The ball

Ball size depends on the players' age and your competition's rules. A composite ball stands up better to repeated sessions and rain, while a leather ball offers more feel once broken in. For children, a youth-size ball makes gripping and learning to throw much easier.

Gloves

Flag football is built around passing and catching. Gloves with a tacky palm, like wide receiver gloves, help secure the ball, especially in wet weather. Check that your league permits them.

Cleats

Moulded cleats suit most pitches, grass or artificial, and give the traction you need for sharp cuts. Many rulebooks ban metal studs, so check yours before you buy.

Mouthguard

Even without tackling, accidental contact, falls and mid-air collisions happen. A mouthguard is simple, unobtrusive protection, and some leagues require one.

Getting started

To begin, a belt with flags, a pair of moulded cleats and a mouthguard are enough; clubs often provide the balls. Gloves come next, once you are playing receiver or want surer hands. To complete your kit, browse our gloves, cleats, footballs and mouthguards sections, where each product page lists the data published by the manufacturer.

Care

Hand-wash flags and belts, check the attachments for wear and replace any flags that come off too easily or not easily enough: fair play depends on it.