One way to keep pace with the ever-changing nature of recreation is to look to NIRSA for resources. One of the Association’s most used resources is the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual. Currently in its 18th edition, the rules book offers recreation professionals, officials, and players alike an invaluable resource for teaching flag and touch football. Purchase your copy today to prepare for your fall football season!
The rules book was first published in 1983 and is reviewed biannually. Over the years, changes in who plays the game and how it is played and officiated have necessitated updates to the rules book. Because of these changes, the book remains a reliable resource for players, officials, and those who train them.
This year’s edition is the first to be edited and produced by the newly-formed NIRSA Flag Football Editorial Board. New in this version is an overhauled Officials’ Manual designed to be even more accessible to the reader. The manual has been reorganized into seven sections that provide a foundation for success in training officials as well as a way for seasoned officials to improve their performance.
As in previous editions, both significant and nuanced changes to the rules are indicated in the book. The changes seek to improve the player experience and are important for those who are training officials. The rules book can be purchased in print form or as an ebook.
In addition to the rules book, the updated Flag Football Clinician’s Kit and Officiating Flag Football Online Course will become available in late July. The clinician’s kit includes the most recent copy of the rules book, a training DVD, and content on rules and mechanics training for officials, including exams. The online course offers an engaging online learning experience for new officials, featuring videos, online activities, interactive exercises and quizzes, various pre- and post-game forms and checklists, and links to other web-based officiating resources.
- For more information or to offer feedback, please contact the Flag Football Editorial Board.
Nicole Green is currently the Assistant Director at the University of Michigan and Chair of the NIRSA Flag Football Editorial Board. Mary Kate S. Crawford is currently the Assistant Director, Intramural Sports at the University of Maryland-College Park and a member of the NIRSA Flag Football Editorial Board.
