The only legal block in flag football is a screen block. The blocker gets into the defender's path first and doesn't start contact. Any other block is illegal blocking, a 10-yard penalty, signal 34. 9-3-1
What a screen block is
A screen block is taking a spot in an opponent's path without touching her with any part of your body. Think of a screen in basketball. 2-3-2
Every other kind of block is illegal, for every player on the field. 9-3-1
How to set a legal screen
- 1Get there first. The blocker has to be in the defender's path before the defender arrives. 9-3-2
- 2Move with her, not into her. Once set, the blocker may move only in the same direction and path as the defender. 9-3-2
- 3Arms in. No extended arms, and no hands, elbows or legs to start contact. 9-3-2
The defender gets a fair chance to go around, usually one or two steps. Stepping in front of her at the last second, or from her blind side, takes that chance away. Once a legal screen is set, it's up to the defender to avoid it.
The penalty
Illegal blocking is 10 yards. The referee shows signal 34. 9-3 PENALTY
Illegal block
Any block that isn't a legal screen, or a screen that starts contact.
She moved toward the defender and started the contact. That's an illegal block, 10 yards. A screen blocker can only move in the same direction as the defender.
See it in the full rules video: Flag football rules explained for beginners →
Every foul, illustrated.
Rule 9 in Girls Flag Football, Illustrated draws each foul with its referee signal and yardage, 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.
