Flag Football

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

• SOI Flag Football Rules

SONC offers three types of flag football competition: individual skills, 5-on-5 traditional team and 5-on-5 Unified Sports team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to team competition. The indvidual skills offered for flag football are catching, throwing for accuracy, throwing for distance, and flag pulling.

5-on-5 traditional team competition is played on a modified flag football field with a youth football.

5-on-5 Unified Sports teams pair Special Olympics athletes with persons without intellectual disabilities of similar age and ability on a team.

Click here to find your coach certification status.

• SONC Flag Football Frequently Asked Questions
• Flag Football Calendar
• NIRSA Flag Football Rules
• Quick Reference Coaching Guide
• Other SOI Coaching Resources

Tips for Planning Practice

1 Hour practice:

• Warm—up/Stretch/introduction – 8 minutes
• 3 skills to work on – 10 minute each
  • During skill introduction, that is when they can take water
  • Handing ball off, catching ball, passing, running and changing direction
  • Snapping
  • Defensive drills; One-on-one, flag pulling
  • Rushing the quarterback
• Scrimmage – 22 minutes
  • Basic plays, no defense (running the play on air)
  • Introduce defense
  • Play
• Review & stretch

Things to know:

• Don’t spend too much time scrimmaging
• No lines!
• Use the internet to search for drills that include at least 10 people (YouTube)
• Keep plays simple and straightforward 

Make sure practices are:

Realistic – keep it simple!
Inclusive – keep everyone involved; ultizlize assistant coaches to help
Structured – come prepared and with a plan
Equitable – it’s ok to have athletes change positions and mix it up!

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Invitational Registration Forms

Invitationals
Athletes and Unified partners also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in various local invitationals. Check the flag football sport calendar for upcoming invitationals being hosted by local programs.

Local programs are also encouraged to host and invite neighboring counties to participate in invitationals, scrimmages, or leagues.  Click here for some basic steps on how to get started.  If you are interested in hosting an invitational you can also contact the sports department at sports@sonc.net.

About Flag Football:

Differences of Special Olympics North Carolina Flag Football:

History:

By the Numbers: 

Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state-level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year.  Click here for more information.

Steven Lechner
Raleigh

Kevin Roberts
Shelby

Certified Clinicians receive additional training in presentational skills to conduct training schools in their community.  In order to become a Certified Clinician one must have a Special Olympics North Carolina level 2 sport certification in this sport.

For more information on becoming an SDT member or a Certified Clinician, contact sports@sonc.net.