There are no kickoffs in high school flag football. Each half starts with a snap from the offense's own 14-yard line. 3-2-1
Each half starts with a snap
Nobody kicks off to start the game or the second half. The offense snaps the ball from its own 14-yard line, 14 yards from its own goal line. 3-2-1 · 4-1-1
The coin toss decides who gets the ball. The winner picks first for the first half, or defers to pick first in the second half. 3-2-3
Other times you start at the 14
- 1After a try. The other team gets the ball at its own 14. 8-3-9
- 2After a field goal. The other team gets the ball at its own 14. 8-4-3
- 3After a touchback. The team whose goal line is involved snaps from its own 14. 8-5-4
The two exceptions
Keep the ball. A team that's trailing can choose to keep the ball after it scores. It starts on fourth down at its own 20. 8-3-9 EXCEPTION
After a safety. The team whose goal line was involved puts the ball in play with a scrimmage kick from its own 20. 8-5-5
After a try, the other team snaps from its own 14. Team A can't keep the ball, because it isn't trailing.
Trailing after a score? Read rule card 01: keep the ball →
Every rule, illustrated.
Rule 3 in Girls Flag Football, Illustrated covers the coin toss, starting each half and switching goals, under the 2026–27 NFHS rules.
Rule references are to the 2026–27 NFHS Flag Football Rules, written here in plain words. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NFHS. Always check your state association's adoptions.
