Flag football at LA 2028 Olympics explained: Know the sport, rules and how it is different from American football

Flag football at LA 2028 Olympics explained: Know the sport, rules and how it is different from American football (AP Photo)

LA 2028 will see the introduction of flag football in its roster. At the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the announcement was made that flag football would officially be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The decision has been by and large welcomed by the football community. At the same time, it has opened a debate in the NFL. More on that later.

What is flag football?

It is a variant of American football, but non-contact. It is a game with five players per side who wear belts with flags that can be pulled out. Opponents don't tackle the player with the ball. When a flag is removed, down happens. The ball-carrier drops the ball or falls to the turf. Teams start at their own five-yard line and four downs are required to reach halfway. Then another four downs to have a touchdown. A touchdown is worth six points. The game is played on a 50-yard field.

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What is the duration of a flag football game?

It has two 20-minute halves. Unlike soccer, the clock doesn't continue to run. Rather it stops at every stoppage. For example, if a ball-carrier goes out of bounds, the clock stops. If the scores are tied after 40 minutes, overtime starts.

Where did flag football originate?

American soldiers used to play it during World War 2. They brought it back with them to their country after the war ended. Fort Meade in Maryland is where flag football was first played as a competitive sport. Although it is currently played in more than 100 countries, flag football is chiefly an American sport.

Will NFL players be allowed to participate?

American football is probably the only professional sport never to be part of the Olympics roster. Little wonder then that a lot of NFL players are said to be eager to represent the United States in flag football at LA28. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is a global ambassador for the sport. “As we celebrate the successes of Paris 2024 and the ball is thrown to LA28, we have no doubt that flag football will light up the Games when it makes its debut in four years' time,” Pierre Trochet, president of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), had said, as flag football’s introduction as an Olympic sport was announced.

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What is the debate?

NFL team owners are said to be averse to allowing their players to participate in flag football at the Olympics. While the league office feels that this is a golden opportunity to globalise the American sport and woo new markets, the NFL team owners feel that their players participating could lead to injuries, which in turn might affect the NFL season.