Revisions to NFHS high school flag football rules for the 2026-2027 season

Neela Dahlquist of Massillon attempts to evade a defending player during the girls' high school flag football tournament at Huntington Bank Field in 2025. (Photo: Matt Smith/contributing to Ohsfbmedia.com file)

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - The NFHS Flag Football Rules Committee approved eight changes to the initial set of rules developed last year.

As stated in their press release, all revisions recommended by the NFHS Flag Football Rules Committee were reviewed by the NFHS Rules Committee and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. 

Headlining the revisions was Rule 8-3-9, which will allow the team trailing in score to keep possession of the ball following a try. If it so elects, the trailing team would take possession of the ball, fourth down at its own 20-yard line.

Normally, after a try by the scoring team, the opponent receives the ball at its own 14-yard line. 

"Following thorough experimentation in multiple states, the committee is excited to introduce flag football's version of an onside kick," said Tyler Cerimeli, chair of the NFHS Flag Football Rules Committee and director of athletics and officials for the Arizona Interscholastic Association. "This will allow a team that is trailing the opportunity to run a high-risk play in order to retain possession and facilitate a potential comeback."

In addition, another rule change restarts play after a safety. Next year, following a safety, the team whose goal line was involved shall put the ball in play by scrimmage kick from its own 20-yard line. In the first set of rules last year, the team whose goal line was not involved put the ball in play by snapping from its own 30-yard line. 

Please access the link to read the full list of revisions in the official NFHS press release HERE.

This spring will be the first season of girls' flag football as a sanctioned championship event in Ohio, after being approved by the OHSAA in July of 2025.