Ultimate Flag

Ultimate Flag is the first and only flag format in Northern Virginia that incorporates the use of helmets and shoulder pads. Like the pros’ spring training, players expand their football skills without fear of major injury as often seen in head on collisions in an unprotected flag environment.

Ultimate Flag football is a hybrid football league that incorporates elements from contact football and flag football into an innovative approach with the following objectives:

a) introduces new athletes to football in a low-contact manner,

b) encourages passing, receiving, blocking, and running in a low-contact format, and

c) focuses on footwork, hand skills, and football fundamentals.

Format

• All Players will wear Helmets and Shoulder Pads. Incidental contact to unprotected players cannot be fully eliminated in current flag football leagues, thus a semi-padded uniform combined with elements of flag and tackle football gives young athletes the ability to develop advanced football skills while greatly reducing the risk of injuries.

• Develop advanced football skills that cannot be accomplished in a traditional flag football environment.

• No Running Restrictions (e.g.red-dots)

• Grades 1st through 8th (current school grade).

• Games will be played on Sundays to avoid any interference with other spring sports Teams will practice 1 or 2 nights per week.  Practices are encouraged but not mandatory as we understand that players might be committed to other spring sports.

*NOTE: This is NOT a No-Contact Flag football program.  This is semi-contact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this traditional flag football?   

   • No, this is a semi-contact football league with helmets and shoulder pads.  There will be contact, but the tackle will take place by de-flagging the competitive athlete. 

2. How many athletes per team? 

   • We expect to field teams of 12 athletes per team.

3. Is this a full size field?

   • No, games on a half a game field - playing two games on each side of the field at a time. The “game field” is 40 yards.

4. Are there 11 active players on the field during live play? 

   • No, it is “8 on 8” format.  8 on offense, 8 on defense. 3 lineman per Offense and Defense with 5 “skill” positions on each side of the ball.

5. Do I need a current physical to play in this league?

   • Yes, your current year physical will be satisfactory.  Otherwise you will need to have a physical completed prior to participating.

6. What are the expectations for Practice?

   • We understand that Spring is historically reserved for other sports and activities, therefore we expect coaches will practice at least 1 time per week.

7. When do you expect games to be played?

   • Games will be played on Sundays.

8. Are there weight restrictions (red dots) like in the Fall?

   • No

9. Will there be blocking and rushing (running the ball instead of passing)?

   • Yes. Most of the common elements of tackle football are incorporated.  Blocking, running, passing, Defensive line, defensive secondary are all elements to this program.  The major difference is that the tackling will take place via de-flagging the opponent.

10. Do I need to buy helmets and shoulder pad? 

    • No, these are provided by each participating league for use in the Spring. Deposits for equipment are required per league.

11. How much is registration? 

    • Registration is manage by each participating league. Please check with your appropriate LYFA member league. 

12. What other equipment do I need to have?

    • You’ll need to provide your athlete with appropriate lower attire, such as shorts, cleats and a protective athletic cup.