Storya: 8 Basic Things you Must Know About Flag Football

September 22, 2014

Storya: 8 Basic Things you Must Know About Flag Football

The University of San Carlos just recently held its first ever flag football competition last September 7- 12, 2014 in commemoration of the _ founding day of the university. Although the game was just petitioned to be part of the school intramurals this year, the university's Athletics Department decided to make this years Flag Football competition only an introductory game or an exhibition game since it is still an alien to most of the students.

A group of interested students have already organised a team last September 2013 and have already competed with several other teams in Cebu. When it first started, it only consisted of a few students until it grew thrice its original number of members. When the petition for the club to officially be a part of the university was approved, it opened a lot of possibilities and the intramurals is one.

The members of the club are enrolled to the different colleges of the university and they were the ones who helped train their recruited members. There are 7 colleges in the university, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Economics, College of Engineering, College of Education, School of Health Care Professions, and the School of Law and Governance. 2 colleges weren't able to form their own team because of the lack of students interested so, there were only 5 who competed during the intramurals:

Flag Football is not a very complicated game/ sport. Just like any sport we love, we need to experience it first, learn, and then master it. Here are some basic rules you should know about the sport of Flag Football:

1. Less Tackle

In American Football or NFL, a defender must be able to tackle and put his offender on the floor to be able to prevent them from getting a touchdown. That'll be painful and you'll have to wear a body armour for that! Don't worry, you won't get that in Flag Football. If you're an offender with the ball, the only thing that'll stop you from getting a touchdown is your flag. For the defender, pull that flag stay where you are so the referees can estimate the distance for the next down/ round. Footwork is essential!

2. Girls can Play

This depends on the offending team. If they have a girl on the field, the defending team must also provide a girl to defend.

3. Girls' Score is Always +1

One touchdown is equivalent to 6 points but, if a girl is able to catch the ball to touchdown, score will be 7 points. For conversion of 1 point or 2 points and a girl iss able to catch it, the score will be 2 or 3 points.

4. No Holding

When defending, a defender must remember to always and ONLY aim for the flag. Sometimes, they cannot stop themselves from pulling off pockets and t-shirts causing the offender to land on his knees or worse, dislocate bones.

5. Tuck that Shirt IN

That is, if you don't want your shirt teared off after the game. It'll also prevent the defender from getting a penalty because of holding. Better just tuck that shirt in.

6. Guys Cant Push Girls but Girls Can Push Guys

For safety reasons, guys must not push girls. If a guy pushes a girl, the team of the guy will get a penalty. They could loose yards. If girls push guys, just remember to NOT PUSH AT THE BACK! This is applicable to all.

7. No Flag Guarding

Flag guarding basically means "guarding your flag". This usually happens to offenders running with a ball. When a defender tries to pull your flag, your brain will automatically tell you to cover and protect your flag. Sometimes, you would hit or spank the defenders hand. If the referee and the spectators see this, you can loose yards.

8. NO Trash Talks

While on the field, it is important to always stay focus and put your head in the game. Don't let your mistake heat your head. It'll destroy your reputation and end up rattled during your plays. The referees are also quite serious about this. If they catches you trash talking, they can can get you banned for the rest of the season. Just enjoy and have fun!