Flag Football Case Play of the Week
Flag Football Casebook Play of the Week
Read each case play below and formulate your ruling. Click “What’s the ruling?” to reveal the official answer.
August 31, 2026
Case 8.2.2c — Holding Fouls in Different Downs
Rule 8: Scoring Plays and Touchbacks
Situation: Prior to the ball being thrown during a play in which A1 catches a touchdown pass and advances for a touchdown, B1 holds A2 to prevent A2 from going out for a pass on the side away from the play. When given options, A elects to enforce the penalty for the defensive holding foul at the subsequent starting spot. During the successful two-point try, B1 is guilty of holding A1. Does A have the option of having the penalty added on to the previous penalty at the subsequent starting spot?
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Yes. The fouls did not occur during the same down, so these are not multiple fouls, and therefore they may both be enforced at the subsequent starting spot.
August 24, 2026
Case 7.3.2c(1) — Forward Handing Behind the Neutral Zone
Rule 7: Snapping, Handling and Passing the Ball
Situation: Quarterback A1 takes the snap and hands the ball forward to back A2. The handing is done behind the neutral zone.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Legal. The position of the ball determines whether it is behind, in, or beyond the neutral zone; however, the position of the player recovering the ball determines whether or not it is forward handing.
Case 7.3.2c(2) — Forward Handing in the Neutral Zone
Rule 7: Snapping, Handling and Passing the Ball
Situation: Quarterback A1 takes the snap and hands the ball forward to back A2. The handing is done in the neutral zone.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Legal. The position of the ball determines whether it is behind, in, or beyond the neutral zone; however, the position of the player recovering the ball determines whether or not it is forward handing.
Case 7.3.2c(3) — Forward Handing Beyond the Neutral Zone
Rule 7: Snapping, Handling and Passing the Ball
Situation: Quarterback A1 takes the snap and hands the ball forward to back A2. The handing is done beyond the neutral zone.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Foul. The position of the ball determines whether it is behind, in, or beyond the neutral zone; however, the position of the player recovering the ball determines whether or not it is forward handing.
August 17, 2026
Case 9.3.2a — Screen Block, Same Direction
Rule 9: Conduct of Players and Others — Blocking
Situation: A82 attempts to provide a screen block in the backfield for passer A1. A82 maintains position between rusher B17 and A1 while moving in the direction that B17 is rushing.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Legal. A screen blocker may move in the same direction as an opponent while maintaining legal screening position.
Case 9.3.2b — Screen Block, Moving Toward Rusher
Rule 9: Conduct of Players and Others — Blocking
Situation: A82 attempts to provide a screen block in the backfield for passer A1. A82 moves sideways toward rusher B17 and contact occurs between both players.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Illegal. A screen blocker may not move toward an opponent and initiate contact.
Case 9.3.2c — Screen Block, Extending Arms/Legs
Rule 9: Conduct of Players and Others — Blocking
Situation: A82 attempts to provide a screen block in the backfield for passer A1. A82 extends arms, elbows, or legs and contact occurs.
What’s the ruling?
Ruling: Illegal. A screen blocker may not move toward an opponent and initiate contact or create contact with arms, legs, or elbows.
Source: NFHS Flag Football Case Book, Rule 9.3.2 (a, b, c) and Rule 7.3.2c. AOS Officials Training.