Page 233 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

Arizona Interscholastic Association Unified Sports® Flag Football Rules
The official AIA Unified Sports® rules for flag football shall govern all competitions related to AIA Unified
Sports. These rules have been created that were based upon rules from a national flag football
organization.
Rules of Competition
Uniform Specifications

1. All participants must have a playing uniform consisting of matching shirts with
numbers on front and back which can be tucked in at the waist.
2. All players must have a mouthpiece to be used during competition.
3. No jewelry may be worn (rings, bracelets, necklaces, earring, etc.).
4. No blue jeans will be allowed.
5. All players must wear athletic shorts without pockets.
6. Players must wear rubber-cleat or flat-sole athletic shoes.
a. Metal cleats, spikes, hiking boots or other equipment deemed dangerous by
officials will not be allowed.General Rules
1. AIA Unified Sports Flag Football is non-contact.
a. In all aspects of AIA Unified Sports® Flag Football, rulings shall be made with
player safety as the primary consideration.
2. The team roster may contain a maximum of 12 players.
3. Teams shall field five (5) players to start the game (required).
a. Teams may continue with a minimum of four (4) players, if necessary due to
disqualification or injury.
4. Points of Emphasis:
a. No team shall repeatedly commit fouls which halve the distance to the goal line.
b. Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the referee, tends to
make a travesty of the game. This includes intentionally committing fouls to gain an advantage.
c. The referee will enforce any penalty he/she considers equitable, including the
award of a score for an unfair act.
5. Open Play/Closed Play
a. An Open Play is when the offensive team is allowed for a partner Quarterback
to complete a pass to a partner receiver (Partner to Partner) pass.
b. A Closed Play is when a Partner to Partner pass is not allowed.
c. An Open Play only occurs when the most recent positive play by the offensive
team involved an athlete (throwing, catching, or running the ball).
d. Teams remain in Closed Play until they have a positive play involving an athlete

6. Scoring
a. Touchdown: Six (6) points for a Partner and nine (9) points for an athlete
b. Extra Point: One (1) point from the 5-yard line, two (2) points from the 10-yard
line, and three (3) points from the 20-yard line.
c. Extra Point: If a Partner scores the touchdown, no extra point will be attempted.
7. Timing a. The game shall consist of two (2) 20-minute halves (running time).
b. Officials can stop the clock at their discretion (injuries, delays).
c. The clock will stop on all time-outs.
d. Each team receives one (1) 60-second time-out per half.
i. An unused time-out in the first half does not carry over to the second half.
e. There shall be a 5-minute break at halftime.
f. If both coaches agree, the length of the game time can be changed.

8. Coin Toss
a. A coin toss determines first possession.
b. Each team will provide two (2) captains.