Women’s Flag Football Explained: Rules, Positions & How to Play
Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Built around speed, strategy, decision-making and teamwork, the game is creating new opportunities for athletes at the high school, collegiate and international levels.
At Westcliff University, student-athletes have the opportunity to compete in NAIA women’s flag football while helping establish the identity and culture of a growing program. Westcliff competes in the NAIA’s 7-on-7 collegiate format, which differs from the 5-on-5 format selected for the 2028 Olympic Games. This guide focuses on the collegiate game and the opportunity awaiting future Warriors.
What Is Women’s Flag Football?
Women’s flag football is a noncontact version of American football. Instead of tackling the ball carrier, a defender ends the play by removing a flag from the player’s belt. The offense works to advance the ball and score while the defense attempts to stop the drive or force a turnover. Without tackling or heavy protective equipment, the game places greater emphasis on speed, passing, route running, open-field movement and communication.
How NAIA Collegiate Flag Football Works
NAIA collegiate women’s flag football is played with seven players per team on the field. Games are divided into four 12-minute quarters, with teams switching between offense and defense when possession changes.
Possessions generally begin at the offense’s own 14-yard line. The offense receives four downs to reach the next zone line to gain. Reaching that line earns another series of downs. If the offense does not reach the required zone by fourth down, the opposing team takes possession.
Teams can advance the ball through passing, running and handoffs. Players often contribute in multiple ways depending on the formation, play call and their individual strengths.
A play ends when a defender legally removes the ball carrier’s flag, the ball carrier steps out of bounds, a score occurs or another dead-ball condition is called. Players cannot use their hands or arms to prevent defenders from reaching their flags.
Scoring follows a straightforward structure:
- Touchdown: Six points
- One-point try: Attempted from the 3-yard line
- Two-point try: Attempted from the 10-yard line
- Safety: Two points
The Westcliff Women’s Flag Football Opportunity
Westcliff’s women’s flag football program is led by founding head coach Frank Phung, who brings 12 years of flag football coaching experience. His background includes developing high school athletes, building competitive programs and contributing to national talent development through USA Football.
Phung’s coaching approach focuses on helping athletes understand the game, make confident decisions and grow as players, students and leaders. His goal is not simply to launch another team, but to build a program with lasting standards.
Westcliff’s program culture will center on character, accountability, player development and competitive excellence. As members of the program’s founding teams, student-athletes will have the unique opportunity to establish the traditions, expectations and identity that future Warriors will inherit.
“I hope people look at Westcliff Flag Football and see a program built on integrity, character and excellence,” Phung said. “Most of all, I hope people recognize that our founding teams helped create opportunities for future generations of athletes and established a culture that others aspire to be a part of.”
Common Positions in Collegiate Flag Football
Positions in collegiate flag football are fluid, and athletes may move between roles based on their abilities and the team’s game plan. Positional versatility is one of the most valuable qualities a collegiate flag football player can develop.
Offensive roles include:
- Quarterback: Reads the defense and distributes the ball through passes, handoffs or runs
- Center or snapper: Begins the play and can contribute as a receiver or blocker
- Receivers: Run routes, create separation and gain yards after the catch
- Backs and hybrid players: Contribute as runners, receivers and versatile options across formations
Defensive roles include:
- Rushers: Apply pressure to the quarterback
- Corners: Defend receivers and limit completions
- Safeties: Protect deeper areas of the field and prevent explosive plays
- Underneath defenders: Cover shorter routes, support against the run and make flag pulls in open space
Because players frequently contribute in more than one role, athleticism, communication and adaptability are essential on both sides of the ball.
What Equipment Do Collegiate Players Need?
Collegiate flag football requires less protective equipment than tackle football. Players typically use an approved flag belt, regulation football, pocketless athletic shorts or pants, a properly secured jersey, athletic shoes or molded cleats and an approved mouthpiece. Equipment must meet collegiate standards and keep each player’s flags visible throughout play.
The Growth of Women’s Collegiate Flag Football
Women’s collegiate flag football has reached a significant new milestone. The NAIA has elevated the sport to championship status beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, with the inaugural NAIA Women’s Flag Football National Championship scheduled for spring 2027.
This growth is creating more opportunities for athletes to continue competing while earning a degree. At Westcliff, prospective student-athletes can join that momentum while helping build a program from its foundation.
Explore Westcliff Women’s Flag Football Recruiting Opportunities
Westcliff’s founding student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete, develop their skills and establish a culture that can shape the program for years to come.
Explore Westcliff Women’s Flag Football recruiting opportunities and discover what it means to become a Warrior.