Flag football — the safer alternative to tackle football — is skyrocketing. In fact, it will be an Olympic sport come 2028. Kids can sign up to play Titan’s Flag Football this fall with registration opening May 1. NFL Flag is the largest youth flag football organization in the nation. For kids who get involved, the seven-practice/six-game season is held on Sundays in a 5 vs. 5 non-contact, recreational, co-ed format. Teams are limited to 10 or 11 players in order to maximize playing time.
Flag Football Exploding
With the impact of head injuries brought during tackle football, flag football has been expanding rapidly. The appeal lies in the fast pace of the game with rules letting everyone on offense (except the quarterback) catch and run with the ball. Defenders aren’t allowed to tackle. Instead, they focus on pulling flags, reducing the risk of injuries substantially.
The NFL currently has more than 1,800 leagues nationwide and nearly 700,000 players. The Tennessee Titans announced their partnership with RCX Sports in 2023 to support local leagues open to elementary and middle-school aged kids at five locations in Middle and East Tennessee. Play began last fall. Registration for spring 2024 flag football (for girls and boys ages is over, but fall registration begins May 1, 2024 HERE.
Games
If you register your child to play, there’s some good information to know going in. Games will take place between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Exact schedules are posted one to two weeks prior to the season start date. Practices take place one hour prior to the game each week so you don’t have to worry about extra days for those.
Rostered kids (pre-K through third-grade divisions) will receive individual participation awards at the end of the season. Kids in grades four through eight will participate in playoff games on the last day of the season and the first and second place teams only will receive awards.
Program Info
The Titans NFL Flag program relies on volunteer parents to coach the teams and each team will have three volunteers assigned. You can volunteer during the registration process. Available positions include Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Team Manager. Organizers will provide resources and a full coaching meeting to ensure volunteer coaches have a successful experience.
The fall season start date is September 28/29 and it wraps up Novermber 10. Grades Pre-K through Eighth grade are eligible (ages 4 – 14). All jerseys, flag belts and purchased merchandise will be shipped directly to your home adding a $12.99 shipping fee to your registration. The registration fee is approximately $150.
