GridForce Football is built on a player-first philosophy.

Our goal is to help athletes develop skills, build confidence, and grow through teamwork and sportsmanship while learning the game of football.

Coaches are encouraged to:

• Create a positive and supportive team environment

• Focus on player development and learning the game

• Encourage effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship

• Help every athlete feel included and valued

Winning is great, but player development and experience always come first.

Coaches are expected to represent GridForce Football with professionalism, respect, and positive leadership on and off the field.

GridForce teams use the TeamSnap ONE mobile app for team communication and coaching tools.

Through the app, coaches can:

• Communicate with players and parents

• Share schedules and team updates

• Upload plays or team notes

• Access practice resources and training materials

All team communication should take place through the TeamSnap ONE app to ensure families receive consistent updates throughout the season TeamSnap ONE mobile app.

Practice schedules are determined by each team’s coach.

Some teams may hold 1–2 optional weekday practices, depending on coach availability and team logistics.

Practices should focus on:

• Passing and catching fundamentals

• Route running and defensive positioning

• Flag pulling and defensive skills

• Team communication and basic concepts

Practice videos, drills, and coaching resources are available through the TeamSnap ONE app.

The goal of practice is to help players improve, stay active, and enjoy the experience.

Coach App Training Video

Coaches help ensure games run smoothly and maintain a positive environment for players.

Before the Game

• Arrive early to organize players and check equipment

• Ensure players have mouthguards and proper flag belts

• Confirm roster and communicate any absences

Sideline Expectations

• Only rostered players and coaches are allowed on the sideline

• Parents and spectators must remain in designated viewing areas

• Coaches should help maintain a positive sideline environment focused on player development

• Negative comments toward players, officials, or opponents are not permitted

During the Game

• Allow officials to manage the game and enforce rules

• Focus on teaching and encouraging players

• Maintain good sportsmanship at all times

After the Game

• Thank officials and opposing teams

• Encourage players and reinforce positive effort and teamwork

Important reminders for coaches during games:

• Quarterbacks have 7 seconds to throw

• No Run Zones apply in older divisions only

• Rushers start from the disc

• Flag guarding = 5 yards + loss of down

• No diving, hurdling, or blocking

GridForce Football follows the official NFL FLAG rules, with a few league-specific clarifications to support player development and game flow.

These adjustments apply to specific age groups and divisions.

Youth Division (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)

The Youth Division uses a modified format designed to help younger players learn the game and build confidence.

Ball Handling

• Dropped snaps or handoffs may be picked up and play continues.

• If a snap or handoff hits the ground in the end zone, it is NOT a safety.

• A safety only occurs when a flag is pulled behind the goal line.

Defensive Alignment

• Defenses must allow a 3–5 yard easement to allow the offense to get the ball off.

• There are no rushers in the Youth Division.

Running Rules

• No Run Zones are NOT used in this division.

These adjustments help younger players focus on learning the game and developing skills.

All Other Divisions (3rd Grade and Up)

Older divisions follow standard NFL FLAG gameplay with the following clarifications.

No Run Zones

• No Run Zones are in effect.

Blitzing / Rushing

• Rushers may rush from the designated disc.

• The rusher must announce they are rushing.

• Officials must confirm the disc is placed 7 steps from the line of scrimmage.

Play Clock

• Once the ball is spotted, the offense has 35 seconds to get out of the huddle and begin the play.

Offensive Alignment & Quarterback Rules

• Receivers must set their toes at the heel of the center to ensure proper alignment.

• Players cannot line up directly over the ball.

• Coaches should confirm formation before reading the defense.

Quarterback Play

• Quarterbacks must drop back away from the center to create depth once the play begins.

• Quarterbacks have 7 seconds to throw the ball.

If the ball is not thrown within 7 seconds:

• The official will blow the whistle.

• The play is ruled a sack (loss of down, no loss of yardage).

If a quarterback throws the ball after crossing the line of scrimmage, it results in a penalty and loss of down.

Officials must also enforce offsides and false starts consistently.

Ball Handling & End Zone Rules

Youth Division (K–2)

• Dropped snaps or handoffs in the end zone are not safeties.

• Safeties only occur if a flag is pulled behind the goal line.

All Other Divisions

• If a snap or handoff hits the ground in the end zone, it is a safety.

• If a snap hits the ground elsewhere, the play is dead and spotted where it landed.

Flag Guarding & Player Conduct

Officials will enforce flag guarding immediately.

• Flag guarding results in 5 yards + loss of down.

• Officials should throw the flag and stop the play immediately, not after the play ends.

Blocking / Shielding

• Players cannot run in front of the ball carrier to shield defenders.

• Running interference results in a penalty and loss of down.

Ball carriers are encouraged to carry the ball with two hands when navigating traffic.

Jumping, Diving & Hurdling

For player safety:

• Jumping to catch a pass is allowed.

• Hurdling defenders is illegal.

• Diving into the end zone is illegal.

• Diving over the first-down marker is illegal.

Timing & Game Flow

Game Length

• Two 24-minute halves

• 3-minute halftime

Timeouts

• Each team receives one (1) one-minute timeout per half

Game Clock

• Coaches should sync phones at the start of the game.

• Confirm which official is managing the clock.

Officials will:

• Announce time and score throughout the half.

• Provide verbal alerts when time is nearly expired.

Game Start

• Both games must start on time at the top of the hour.

• Halftime should begin at the same time on both fields unless extended by timeouts.

Scorekeeping

All three officials will assist with:

• Keeping score

• Announcing score and time verbally

• Confirming score with each other

A parent or assistant coach may help operate the scoreboard.

GridForce leagues follow the official NFL FLAG rulebook with a few exceptions noted on separate tab.

Coaches are encouraged to review the official rules to better understand game structure and gameplay guidelines.

Official NFL FLAG Rulebook

NFL FLAG Plays

NFL FLAG Skills & Drills

All NFL Flag Plays and plan are in the TeamSnap One app

GridForce Football expects coaches to represent the league with professionalism and integrity.

Coaches must:

• Treat players, parents, referees, and staff with respect

• Maintain positive behavior on the sidelines

• Follow league rules and safety guidelines

• Support a player-first environment

Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or removal from coaching responsibilities.

GridForce Football and NFL FLAG require all adults who interact with players to pass a background check. This includes coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteers.

There are no exceptions. Adults who have not completed and passed the background check may not assist with practices, games, or interact with players at league events.

GridForce Football covers the cost of the background check for approved coaches and volunteers. 

Head Coach Only - Once registered you will receive a code to register at a discounted rate, at the completion of the season the remainder will be refunded in full. In the event the commitment is not met for any reason there will be no refund.