Flag Football Takes the Field: An Olympic Debut Awaits
Get ready for a thrilling new addition to the Olympic Games: flag football. This fast-paced, non-contact version of American football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Understanding the Game: A Quick Primer
Flag football shares the fundamental objective of its parent sport: advance the ball down the field to score touchdowns. However, unlike traditional American football, tackles are replaced with a unique twist. Instead of physical takedowns, defenders aim to “tackle” the ball carrier by removing one of three fabric flags attached to their waist – one on each side and one on the back.
Gameplay Basics: A Five-on-Five Face-Off
Each team fields five players on the field, creating an intimate and dynamic playing environment. Matches are divided into two 20-minute halves, with the clock stopping briefly after incomplete passes, out-of-bounds plays, and other stoppages.
The playing field measures 70 yards long and 30 yards wide, with 10-yard end zones at each end. Games begin with the offense positioning themselves at their own five-yard line. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback, who initiates the play by either handing it off to a running back or throwing a pass to a receiver. The play ends when a flag is pulled, the ball carrier steps out of bounds, or a forward pass hits the ground.
Progressing Downfield: The Four-Down System
The offensive team is granted four attempts, known as “downs,” to advance the ball at least 10 yards. If they succeed in gaining those 10 yards, they earn another set of four downs. If they fail to reach the 10-yard mark after four downs, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team, who start their offensive drive from their own five-yard line.
Scoring in Flag Football: Touchdowns and Extra Points
A touchdown in flag football is worth six points, just like in traditional American football.
After scoring a touchdown, the offensive team gets one additional opportunity to earn extra points. They can choose to attempt a one-point conversion by running or passing the ball into the end zone from the five-yard line, or a more ambitious two-point conversion from the 10-yard line.
Breaking Ties: The Thrill of Overtime
If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the excitement doesn’t end there. Overtime play commences with the first team to score winning the game.
What are the key differences between flag football and traditional American football?
## Flag Football Takes the Field: An Olympic Debut Awaits
**(INTRO MUSIC)**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re talking about a brand new sport making its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Get ready to experience the excitement of flag football on the world’s biggest stage. To tell us more, we have Alex Reed, a leading voice in the world of flag football. Welcome to the show!
**GUEST:** Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to be here to talk about flag football and its exciting future at the Olympics.
**HOST:** So, for our viewers who might not be familiar with flag football, can you give us a quick rundown of the game?
**GUEST:** Absolutely! Flag football shares the core objective of traditional American football: advance the ball down the field and score touchdowns. But there’s a big difference – instead of tackling, defenders pull flags attached to the ball carrier’s waist.
**HOST:** Sounds like a much less impactful way to play!
**GUEST:** Exactly! It’s fast-paced, strategic, and a lot of fun to watch. Each team fields five players on the field, leading to a more dynamic and agile game compared to traditional football.
**HOST:** That’s fascinating. And as you mentioned, it’s coming to the Olympics in
Los Angeles. How big of a deal is this for flag football?
**GUEST:** This is absolutely massive for our sport. Being included in the Olympics provides incredible global exposure and validation. [[1](https://olympics.com/en/news/flag-football-at-the-olympic-games-los-angeles-2028-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-sport-at-la-28)]It’s a huge opportunity to grow the sport internationally and inspire a new generation of athletes.
**HOST:** I imagine a lot of excitement building around the sport already.
**GUEST:** Definitely!
There’s a real buzz in the air, and I think we’re going to see some incredible competition in LA in 2028.
**(Outro Music)**
**HOST:** Thank you so much for joining us today, Alex Reed! It’s clear that flag football is on the rise, and we can’t wait to see it take the field at the Olympics.
