The Delta Classic 2026

Girls Flag (7v7) Tournament

April 19th, 2026 

Antioch Youth Sports Complex

Antioch, CA

7v7 GIRLS FLAG RULES (CIF)

Game Length

1. 22-25-minute running game

2. No halftime

3. A coin toss determines first choice to receive or defend

Field

1. Width: 30–40 yards

2. Length: 35-40 yards + one (1) end zone (10 yards)

3. Team Area: 2 yards from each sideline and between the 20-yard markers

Players

1. Teams consist of at least 7 players

2. Must have 7 players to start a game

3. Minimum of 5 players required to continue a game

Equipment

• Jerseys must always be tucked in

• Sweats (including hoods), if worn, must be worn under the uniform

• No torn shorts or sweatpants

• Pants or shorts must be a contrasting color from the flags

• No pockets

Flags

• One flag on each side (2 total)

• Flag size must be at least 1.5 inches wide x 14 inches long

• Flags may be removable from the belt

• Flags may not be altered in width or length and may not have tape on them

Size of Football

• 5th/6th Grade: Junior Size

• 7th/8th Grade: Junior Size

• High School: Youth/Intermediate Size

Additional Equipment

• Mouthpieces are mandatory for all players

• Officials may prohibit participation if any equipment or apparel is deemed unsafe, confusing, or inappropriate

Game Play Rules

• No excessive contact will be allowed

Offense

Passing

• Only one forward pass allowed per play

• Unlimited backward passes allowed

• No player may throw a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage

• QB may intentionally ground the ball to avoid a sack

o Backward/lateral grounding = fumble (ball spotted where it hits ground or goes out of bounds)

o Forward grounding = incomplete pass (ball returned to previous spot)

Snapping

• Ball must be snapped from the ground

• Snap does not need to be between the legs

Rushing

• All players are eligible rushers except the center

• No stiff-arming or flag guarding

Receiving

A catch is complete when:

• The receiver controls the ball before it hits the ground, and

• A body part contacts the field of play after possession

Jumping

• Players may jump to avoid a flag pull

• No hurdling over a player Fumbles

• Dead when the ball hits the ground

• Spotted where the ball hits the ground or crosses out of bounds

• Fumbles caught in the air are live and may be advanced

Defense

Rushing / Blitzing

• Defensive players may rush from any position if one yard from the line of scrimmage

• Maximum of two (2) rushers per play

• Rushers must avoid offensive players

• No contact with the QB’s arm, including follow-through

• Unlimited blitz attempts per game

Pass Defense

• Receivers have a free release (no bump-and-run coverage)

• Defenders may not play through the receiver

• Interceptions may be returned for a touchdown (past 35 yard line)

De-Flagging

• Ball carrier is down when the flag is removed, not when it falls

• Ball is spotted at forward progress of the ball at de-flagging

• If the ball is extended forward, that point determines the spot

Kicking / Punting

• No kickoffs

• No punts

Penalties

Offense

• Illegal Contact – 10 yards

• False Start – 5 yards

• Offensive Pass Interference – 10 yards

• Illegal Forward Pass – 5 yards from spot (loss of down)

• Illegal Run – 5 yards, loss of down

• Illegal Shift / Motion – 5 yards

• Flag Guarding – 10 yards from spot, loss of down

• Illegal Formation – 5 yards

• Hurdling / Diving – 10 yards

Defense

• Illegal Rush – 5 yards

• Illegal Contact – 10 yards

• Illegal Flag Pull – 10 yards, automatic first down

• Roughing the Passer – 10 yards, automatic first down

• Defensive Pass Interference – 10 yards

• Defensive Holding – 10 yards

• Encroachment – 5 yards

• Tackling – 10 yards

Scoring

• Touchdown – 6 points

• PAT – 1 point (automatic unless going for 2)

• 2-Point Conversion – From the 10-yard line

• Defensive Stop – 1 point

• Interception – 3 points (Pick-6 counts as TD)

• Safety - 2 points

• 2 Point Conversion not included at Defensive Stop 1 Point

Series of Downs

• All Series start on the 35 yard line

• If the flag is pulled behind the 35 yard line, safety.

• Three (3) downs to reach the first down line-to-gain (20 yardline)

• Four (4) downs to reach the endzone

• New series awarded upon reaching next line-to-gain (20 yardline)

Play Clock

• 25-second play clock

• Delay of game enforced after 25 seconds

Coaching & Conduct

• Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties apply

• Second unsportsmanlike penalty results in disqualification

• Defensive Coaches must remain in designated team box

• One (1) Offensive Coach may be in the huddle

Overtime

• No overtime in pool play

• Single-elimination games will use overtime

• Two plays from the 10-yard line

• Must attempt 2-point conversion after a TD

• Teams alternate possessions