Adult Flag Football League in York, PA – About Summer Flag League, LLC.

Summer Flag League Overview

Welcome to the Summer Flag League (SFL) — a community-driven league that lives our standards: Professional Football for Passionate People!

5 players vs 5 players; review 'Gameplay' for more details.
We are adult focused, but designed to accommodate younger ages as well.
Our rules offer each individual player the choice between mild contact or no contact.
2026 Season Start: Sign-ups open April 6th, 2026.
Cost: Just $15 per player — one of the most affordable leagues around! Don't let the price fool you - Our dedication to the sport is superior to any attempted competitors.
Practices are allowed but never mandatory. Players are not required to attend every game. But the league needs to be aware of scheduling conflicts.
Position Flexibility: Players can switch positions at any time, based on the team’s strategy.
Team Colors: Each team has a unique color scheme. Players are required to wear colors that match their team as closely as possible on game days.
- Team jerseys are available for those who want them, but no one is ever required to purchase them. No teammate may pressure another to buy one.
- If there are any concerns, contact us at sflfootball@usa.com or (680) 255-2016.
Language Policy: No foul or vulgar language allowed. We play in a public park — let’s keep it respectful for all ages.
Most importantly — HAVE FUN! This league is about building friendships and enjoying the game.

Team Color Schemes

Team Name | Colors

Dead Militia Blue / Yellow

Embrace White / Black

Glaciers Light Blue / Dark Blue

Grizzlies Maroon / Silver

Lancers Blue / Red

NEMESIS Green / Black

Resistance Purple / Yellow

Stormrushers Black / Red

Explanation of Terms Used In The SFL:

Block Duration - This is measured in seconds and is only tracked for players that play a minimum of 15 snaps at the Snapper position. The time shown is the average time the player holds their block before the defensive player beats them. The league average is 1.1s.

DCR - Defensive Coverage Rating; The rate is a %, and is calculated based on how well a defensive player keeps an offensive player from being open while the offensive player is running routes.

Snap Accuracy - This stat is tracked based on how many snaps are accurately given to the Quarterback. Example: The Snapper has 10 good snaps to the QB out of a total of 20 snaps, that Snapper's Snap Acc is 50%

Positions:
DB - Defensive Back; This defensive position is a vague term for any defensive player that plays either zone defense or targets a single offensive receiver or running back to cover. The DB can be up at the Line of Scrimmage or can hang back deep.

LB - Linebacker; The Linebacker is a diverse defensive position that often splits time between blitzing, covering the Snapper, and covering the Quarterback.

LM - Lineman; Commonly known as a Defensive Lineman, this player often blitzes or targets the Quarterback. This position doesn't line up anywhere beyond the edge of the 5' Buffer and may sometimes cover the Snapper.

QB - Quarterback; This offensive position is commonly the playcaller and receives the football from the Snapper. The QB often hands the ball off to the RB, passes the ball, or runs with the ball themselves.

RB - Running Back; The running back is an offensive position that often gets handed the ball and runs with it. The RB lines up in a variety of ways. The RB will often run, pass, catch, or block depending on what the offensive play is.

S - Snapper; The player that snaps the ball on offense. While we don't use the term "Center" due to the versatility of this position in the SFL, this position is commonly known as the "Center" in other leagues. The Snapper can be a blocker and/or receiver at any point after snapping the ball.

WR - Wide Receiver; The receiver is the offensive player that generally lines up at the line of scrimmage wide of the Snapper then runs routes to catch the ball.

How the Game Works

Game Format:
- First to 36 points wins. This allows for games to always be fully available, rather than forcing a losing team to revert to deep passing only, near the end of a game.
- Games are generally untimed, and last between 60 - 110 minutes (this includes breaks from halftime and timeouts)
- Full Field Length (outside of endzone to outside of endzone): 258' / 86yds.
- Field Width: 90' / 30yds.
- Endzone depth: 24' / 8yds
- First Down distance from starting field position - which is also the 2 point line: 90' / 30yds
Kickoff Process (This precedes the game):
- One player from each team punts the ball from midfield simultaneously.
- Goal: Land the ball (at first contact with the ground) between the 1-point line and the front of the endzone without going into the endzone or out of bounds.
- Closest ball within this range wins. If both succeed, both teams re-kick.
- If a punt goes into the endzone or out of bounds, the other team wins the kickoff. However, if both teams fail to keep it in-bounds, both teams re-kick.
- Winning team decides which way they want to go, and if they want to start on offense or defense.
- Winning team gains the advantage to Game Speed-Up, in the off chance that it is applied. (Game Speed-Up is explained under the 'INNOVATIONS').

Gameplay Rules

Starting Point: Ball begins on the 2-point line.
First Down: One available, located at midfield.
Anyone and any number of players can shift, move, and reposition behind the line of scrimmage before the snap.
Extra Points:
- 1-point attempt: From 1 yard out.
- 2-point attempt: From 5 yards out.
Defensive Scoring:
- If defense scores during a point-after attempt:
  - A 1-point attempt = 2 points for the defense
  - A 2-point attempt = 4 points for the defense
Safeties:
- Worth 4 points to the scoring team.
- Ball is placed 3 yards behind midfield after a safety.
Contact Level: This is a moderate contact league. Expect physical 1-on-1 matchups that may include falling, diving, or being taken to the ground.

Substitution Rules

Starter Requirement:
- The 5 players who start must play one offensive and one defensive drive before substitutions can occur.
Short on Players?
- Teams must inform the referees before the game if they need extra players. All substitutions must be cleared by the refs.
- If a team knows in advance they’ll be short, contact the league at (680) 255-2016 or sflfootball@usa.com to resolve it before game day.
Medical Exceptions: Referees will accommodate players dealing with medical issues that affect substitutions.

Explanation of Terms Used In The SFL:

Block Duration - This is measured in seconds and is only tracked for players that play a minimum of 15 snaps at the Snapper position. The time shown is the average time the player holds their block before the defensive player beats them. The league average is 1.1s.

DCR - Defensive Coverage Rating; The rate is a %, and is calculated based on how well a defensive player keeps an offensive player from being open while the offensive player is running routes.

Snap Accuracy - This stat is tracked based on how many snaps are accurately given to the Quarterback. Example: The Snapper has 10 good snaps to the QB out of a total of 20 snaps, that Snapper's Snap Acc is 50%

Positions:
DB - Defensive Back; This defensive position is a vague term for any defensive player that plays either zone defense or targets a single offensive receiver or running back to cover. The DB can be up at the Line of Scrimmage or can hang back deep.

LB - Linebacker; The Linebacker is a diverse defensive position that often splits time between blitzing, covering the Snapper, and covering the Quarterback.

LM - Lineman; Commonly known as a Defensive Lineman, this player often blitzes or targets the Quarterback. This position doesn't line up anywhere beyond the edge of the 5' Buffer and may sometimes cover the Snapper.

QB - Quarterback; This offensive position is commonly the playcaller and receives the football from the Snapper. The QB often hands the ball off to the RB, passes the ball, or runs with the ball themselves.

RB - Running Back; The running back is an offensive position that often gets handed the ball and runs with it. The RB lines up in a variety of ways. The RB will often run, pass, catch, or block depending on what the offensive play is.

S - Snapper; The player that snaps the ball on offense. While we don't use the term "Center" due to the versatility of this position in the SFL, this position is commonly known as the "Center" in other leagues. The Snapper can be a blocker and/or receiver at any point after snapping the ball.

WR - Wide Receiver; The receiver is the offensive player that generally lines up at the line of scrimmage wide of the Snapper then runs routes to catch the ball.

Offensive Penalties

Pass Interference*

Description: Initiating physical contact that impedes a defender’s movement in any way while running a route.
Result: Play is dead. Offense loses the down and proceeds to the next down.

Illegal Contact*

Description: If a player initiates a block (forcible contact with a defender) and then proceeds to run a route. The Snapper is the only exception to this rule.
Result: Play is dead. Offense loses the penalized down as well as the following down, then proceeds to the next down.

Block in the Back

Description: Light contact from behind is tolerated, but aggressive or forceful blocks are penalized.
Result: The offending player is removed from the game for one play or one full drive, depending on severity. That player cannot be replaced during the penalty.

Illegal Play*

Description: Snapping the ball to a player who is not positioned directly behind the Snapper.
Result: Play is dead. Down is lost. Offense moves to the next down.

False Start*

Description: An offensive player crosses the line of scrimmage early, gaining a positioning advantage before the snap.
Result: Referees may allow minimal leeway (such as leaning). When enforced, the play is dead. Offense loses the penalized down as well as the following down, then proceeds to the next down.

Illegal Pass*

Description: The passer crosses the line of scrimmage to any extent, then passes the ball.
Result: When enforced, the play is dead. Offense loses the penalized down, then proceeds to the next down.

Defensive Penalties

Pass Interference*

Description: Making contact with any receiver or Snapper, before that player engages you or if you initiate contact of any kind before the ball crosses the line of scrimmage.
Result: At the end of the play, Offense retains that down and receives one additional down.

If no gain: Ball resets to the original line of scrimmage. Offense still gets that down plus one extra down.

Buffer Violation / Offsides*

Description: A defender is inside the neutral Buffer Zone when no offensive players are present, or a defender crosses the line of scrimmage with an advantage before the snap.
Result: Referees may allow leeway. When enforced, the play is considered a free play. After the play ends, the offense chooses to either accept the result or nullify it and gain the original down plus one extra down.

Intentional Tackle

Description: Physically wrapping or tackling an opponent to slow them down or stop movement. Any aggressive collision—even without the ball—counts.
Result: Automatic 0th and goal for the offense from the 2-point line.

Punt Return Penalty

False Start (Punt Return Team)*

Description: Any player on the return team leaves the line before the punt is caught or hits the ground.
Result: The return team begins their offensive drive from their own 1-point line.

General / Applies to Anyone

Bonus Attempt Penalty (Point After Touchdown)

Description: Any foul that occurs during or after a Bonus Attempt (1- or 2-point attempt).
Result:

Offensive Penalty: Attempt automatically fails.

Defensive Penalty: Attempt automatically succeeds.

Arguing with the Referee

Description: Verbally or physically arguing with a referee in an aggressive or confrontational manner.
Result: Involved player(s) are ejected from the current play, drive, or full game, depending on the severity. They cannot be replaced during that time.

If one penalty per team occurs: The ref can either offset, or modify the intensity of the afflicting penalty (or penalties) based on the severity of each penalty.

*For all asterisked penalties, the team that was fouled has the option to enforce or waive the penalty. Once a decision is clearly stated to the ref, that is the final verdict.

Explanation of Terms Used In The SFL:

Block Duration - This is measured in seconds and is only tracked for players that play a minimum of 15 snaps at the Snapper position. The time shown is the average time the player holds their block before the defensive player beats them. The league average is 1.1s.

DCR - Defensive Coverage Rating; The rate is a %, and is calculated based on how well a defensive player keeps an offensive player from being open while the offensive player is running routes.

Snap Accuracy - This stat is tracked based on how many snaps are accurately given to the Quarterback. Example: The Snapper has 10 good snaps to the QB out of a total of 20 snaps, that Snapper's Snap Acc is 50%

Positions:
DB - Defensive Back; This defensive position is a vague term for any defensive player that plays either zone defense or targets a single offensive receiver or running back to cover. The DB can be up at the Line of Scrimmage or can hang back deep.

LB - Linebacker; The Linebacker is a diverse defensive position that often splits time between blitzing, covering the Snapper, and covering the Quarterback.

LM - Lineman; Commonly known as a Defensive Lineman, this player often blitzes or targets the Quarterback. This position doesn't line up anywhere beyond the edge of the 5' Buffer and may sometimes cover the Snapper.

QB - Quarterback; This offensive position is commonly the playcaller and receives the football from the Snapper. The QB often hands the ball off to the RB, passes the ball, or runs with the ball themselves.

RB - Running Back; The running back is an offensive position that often gets handed the ball and runs with it. The RB lines up in a variety of ways. The RB will often run, pass, catch, or block depending on what the offensive play is.

S - Snapper; The player that snaps the ball on offense. While we don't use the term "Center" due to the versatility of this position in the SFL, this position is commonly known as the "Center" in other leagues. The Snapper can be a blocker and/or receiver at any point after snapping the ball.

WR - Wide Receiver; The receiver is the offensive player that generally lines up at the line of scrimmage wide of the Snapper then runs routes to catch the ball.

How To Join the League

On the Join page (when registration is open) when filling out the Sign-up form, every player must read and accept the terms before selecting the checkbox. When the checkbox is selected, that is confirming each player has read and accepted the terms of the league.
Recommended ages for joining are 16 and up.
Anyone under 18 must have legal parent/guardian sign up and review the terms before signing up on someone's behalf.
Once a payment is made, there is no refund available online.
If you joined, but want to change teams, there is never a cost to that, you can change teams whenever you'd like, as long as the league or referees know before game time.
If you don't sign up, don't make a payment and Most importantly: You must fill out the waiver which is also found here. you will not be permitted to play on game day. That includes having someone take your place for a game: they cannot play if they don't sign-up and pay.
Players can sign-up and/or pay on game day and/or in person. We will always work with players that want to participate.

Explanation of Terms Used In The SFL:

Block Duration - This is measured in seconds and is only tracked for players that play a minimum of 15 snaps at the Snapper position. The time shown is the average time the player holds their block before the defensive player beats them. The league average is 1.1s.

DCR - Defensive Coverage Rating; The rate is a %, and is calculated based on how well a defensive player keeps an offensive player from being open while the offensive player is running routes.

Snap Accuracy - This stat is tracked based on how many snaps are accurately given to the Quarterback. Example: The Snapper has 10 good snaps to the QB out of a total of 20 snaps, that Snapper's Snap Acc is 50%

Positions:
DB - Defensive Back; This defensive position is a vague term for any defensive player that plays either zone defense or targets a single offensive receiver or running back to cover. The DB can be up at the Line of Scrimmage or can hang back deep.

LB - Linebacker; The Linebacker is a diverse defensive position that often splits time between blitzing, covering the Snapper, and covering the Quarterback.

LM - Lineman; Commonly known as a Defensive Lineman, this player often blitzes or targets the Quarterback. This position doesn't line up anywhere beyond the edge of the 5' Buffer and may sometimes cover the Snapper.

QB - Quarterback; This offensive position is commonly the playcaller and receives the football from the Snapper. The QB often hands the ball off to the RB, passes the ball, or runs with the ball themselves.

RB - Running Back; The running back is an offensive position that often gets handed the ball and runs with it. The RB lines up in a variety of ways. The RB will often run, pass, catch, or block depending on what the offensive play is.

S - Snapper; The player that snaps the ball on offense. While we don't use the term "Center" due to the versatility of this position in the SFL, this position is commonly known as the "Center" in other leagues. The Snapper can be a blocker and/or receiver at any point after snapping the ball.

WR - Wide Receiver; The receiver is the offensive player that generally lines up at the line of scrimmage wide of the Snapper then runs routes to catch the ball.

We use a fully customized league ball. No more hoping someone 'brings a good ball' on gameday.
We have a fully customized trophy for the Champions to hoist at the end of the season.
In-Game Play Mechanics That Are Allowed:
- Fumbles, Punts, Interceptions, QB runs, Blocking, Blitzing, Runs, Playcalling Wrist Bands, Flag-guarding and Hand-swatting.
- It is still football.
Catching
- 2 feet down while the ball stationary in player possession, no matter what follows this moment.
- Minimal, receiver-momentum-driven side-line pushouts are permitted.
- When an offensive and defensive player catch the ball simultaneously, ties go to the offense, to support game progression.
Tackles and Belt Flags
- If the player in possession of the football has a body part touching the ground that is not a hand or foot, and is touched, they are down, regardless if the flag is pulled.
- If they fall down and get up while untouched, and still have their flags, then they are still active.
- If a player in possession of the ball has their flag fall off, that counts as a tackle.
- If a player loses their flag mid-play, then receives the ball, the moment the ball is in their possession, they are considered down.
Punting - Punting is designed to generally favor the punting team, to ensure that it is a usable in-game feature.
- Punt Team:
  - All players, except for the punter, line up on their own Line of Scrimmage.
  - Snapper snaps ball directly to the punter behind them.
  - The punter can take up to three immediate steps before completing the punt.
  - The remaining teammates can release as soon as the punter receives the ball.
- Receiving Team:
  - All players line up along their own 2-point line and no player can move until the punted ball makes contact with the ground.
  - Any player can call fair catch as the ball hits the ground, as long as they don't move off the line.
  - Once the receiving team has possession on the punt, the receiving team players can choose to block or not participate at their discretion.
- Other aspects of the punt:
  - Punts must be declared for correct formations.
  - Punts out of bounds will be estimated at the ref's best discretion - keep this in mind for hard-to-determine punts.
  - Punts that go into the endzone untouched are automatic touch-backs, and the ball gets placed at the 2-point line of the receiving team.
Game Speed-Up
- When a game lasts longer than 60 total playtime minutes, the game enters 'Speed-Up Mode'. The only change in this mode, is that the 2-point lines become additional 1st Down lines. This comes into effect the next time the team that won Kickoff starts an offensive drive.
5-Foot Buffer Rule:
- Snapper lines up on the middle of the Line of Scrimmage
- If no other offensive players outside of the QB, line up within a 5' radius of the Snapper, then no defensive players may lineup within the 5' buffer.
- If any offensive player outside of the QB lines up within the 5' buffer, then the buffer is removed entirely for the defense.
- If the buffer is within 5' of the 1st down or endzone line, the buffer still exists, but does not pass the line.

The video below visually explains the 5' Buffer Rule:

Explanation of Terms Used In The SFL:

Block Duration - This is measured in seconds and is only tracked for players that play a minimum of 15 snaps at the Snapper position. The time shown is the average time the player holds their block before the defensive player beats them. The league average is 1.1s.

DCR - Defensive Coverage Rating; The rate is a %, and is calculated based on how well a defensive player keeps an offensive player from being open while the offensive player is running routes.

Snap Accuracy - This stat is tracked based on how many snaps are accurately given to the Quarterback. Example: The Snapper has 10 good snaps to the QB out of a total of 20 snaps, that Snapper's Snap Acc is 50%

Positions:
DB - Defensive Back; This defensive position is a vague term for any defensive player that plays either zone defense or targets a single offensive receiver or running back to cover. The DB can be up at the Line of Scrimmage or can hang back deep.

LB - Linebacker; The Linebacker is a diverse defensive position that often splits time between blitzing, covering the Snapper, and covering the Quarterback.

LM - Lineman; Commonly known as a Defensive Lineman, this player often blitzes or targets the Quarterback. This position doesn't line up anywhere beyond the edge of the 5' Buffer and may sometimes cover the Snapper.

QB - Quarterback; This offensive position is commonly the playcaller and receives the football from the Snapper. The QB often hands the ball off to the RB, passes the ball, or runs with the ball themselves.

RB - Running Back; The running back is an offensive position that often gets handed the ball and runs with it. The RB lines up in a variety of ways. The RB will often run, pass, catch, or block depending on what the offensive play is.

S - Snapper; The player that snaps the ball on offense. While we don't use the term "Center" due to the versatility of this position in the SFL, this position is commonly known as the "Center" in other leagues. The Snapper can be a blocker and/or receiver at any point after snapping the ball.

WR - Wide Receiver; The receiver is the offensive player that generally lines up at the line of scrimmage wide of the Snapper then runs routes to catch the ball.

SFLFOOTBALL

Summer Flag League Overview

Team Color Schemes

How the Game Works

Gameplay Rules

Substitution Rules

Offensive Penalties

Pass Interference*

Illegal Contact*

Block in the Back

Illegal Play*

False Start*

Illegal Pass*

Defensive Penalties

Pass Interference*

Buffer Violation / Offsides*

Intentional Tackle

Punt Return Penalty

False Start (Punt Return Team)*

General / Applies to Anyone

Bonus Attempt Penalty (Point After Touchdown)

Arguing with the Referee

We use a fully customized league ball. No more hoping someone 'brings a good ball' on gameday.

We have a fully customized trophy for the Champions to hoist at the end of the season.

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