Flag rugby is a safe, non-contact, and easy-to-play game for students of all ages and athletic ability. This Guide explains how to play flag rugby during Physical Education classes for kids in elementary and middle schools.
The game of Flag Rugby is played with flags to replace the action of tackling. Flag rugby is the preferred method to introduce rugby. Flag rugby is played with flags for several reasons:
Between 4-7 players per side, although 6 per side is the optimum number depending on the field size available
May vary depending on age of players
Length = 45-65 yards
Width = 30-45 yards
Size 3 (Elementary School)
Size 4 (Middle School)
Ball carrier must pass the ball within 3 steps or 3 seconds of their flag being pulled.
Substitutions occur at a restart or dead ball. As many players can be rotated in as the number of players on the field, or just one or two may substitute.
There is no kicking in flag rugby. If a player kicks the ball, a penalty is called. The opposition gets a restart with a free pass from the place where the ball was kicked.
These rules should be used in any tournament setting a school may participate in:
8 balls, 30 flag sets, & 50 field markers in each Kit
It contains valuable tips on how to set up two teams to play against each other, what constitutes a “try” (a score in rugby) and what the penalties are (kicking the ball, obstructing your flag, forward pass, dropping the ball forward). A try is awarded when a player crosses the goal line and touches the ball to the ground. Please emphasize that there is “NO DIVING” to the ground under any circumstances, for safety’s sake.
The video mentions that a try is worth 5 points. That is true in tackle rugby. However, we simplify the scoring in flag rugby by making each try worth 1 point. There is no kicking in flag rugby which means there is no 2 point conversion. You will find that it is easier to keep score one point at a time.
Due to its long history as a men’s sport, people may not realize the tremendous progress that has been made by encouraging young women to learn the sport. That progress is exemplified by the USA women’s national team’s thrilling, come from behind win over Australia for the Bronze medal in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
This video highlights the progress that has been made towards introducing girls to flag rugby as a starting point to a tackle rugby team. Our Youth Rugby Initiative is partnering with Girls Rugby Inc. to achieve that goal.
Most physical education classes in U.S. elementary and middle schools now include both boys and girls. The work done by Girls Rugby Inc. makes it easier for girls to play at an equal level with the boys when it comes to flag rugby matches.
Looking to teach Youth Flag Rugby in schools? Check out the School Curriculum documents for teaching multiple sessions of rugby. Each session uses the Youth Flag Rugby game cards and ensures students are learning the right skills to be successful and have fun.
