Flag football Mexico's Diana Flores (right) setting to launch a pass while Crystal Winter (left) of the U.S. reaches for a flag during the gold medal game at the 2022 World Games Women's Flag Football Championship. (more) flag football sport Also known as: tail football Written by Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications. Fred Frommer Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated June 3, 2026 •History flag football, noncontact version of American football wherein defenders stop offensive players by pulling one of two fabric flags worn around each player’s waist when they are in possession of the ball, rather than tackling the players as is the case in traditional tackle football. Flag football is played between two teams of five players each. The sport has grown tremendously in recent years, especially in the U.S. where the National Football League (NFL) runs...

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