If the runner's flag belt falls off on its own, the play isn't over. A defender ends it with a one-hand touch between the shoulders and knees, and arms and hands count. 4-2-2
Pulled off vs. falls off
A flag or belt counts as removed when the belt's coupling comes apart or a flag comes off the belt. If a defender does that to the runner, the play is over. 2-10-2 · 4-2-2
If the belt falls to the ground without being removed by an opponent, the defense has to make a one-hand touch to end the play.
How the rulebook rules it
- 1The runner's belt falls off and she runs untouched to the end zone: touchdown.
- 2A defender touches her with one hand at the 35: she's down at the 35. 4.2.2 Sit. A
- 3A defender pulls the flag of a player who's still bobbling the ball: she doesn't have possession yet, so once she secures it, a one-hand touch ends the play.
Wear it right
Every player wears a belt with three flags: one on each hip and one on the tailbone. No clothing or hair may cover the flags or the belt, and there are no logos on them. 1-5-1f
When the belt falls off on its own, only a one-hand touch between the shoulders and knees ends the play. No touch, so it's a touchdown.
New to the game? Flag football rules explained for beginners →
Every flag rule, illustrated.
Girls Flag Football, Illustrated draws the flag belt, the touch zone and every way a play ends, with the 2026–27 NFHS rule numbers.
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.
