03 — From the field
Tip of the week.
Every Tuesday during the season, a one-clip rule reminder for the crew. Short, specific, and Friday-ready.
This Week
Week 7 · Spring 2026
No-run zones: when does the clock kill the play?
The most-missed call in K–8 flag is the inadvertent run inside the no-run zone. Remember:
if the ball-carrier crosses the no-run line with the ball, it's a dead-ball penalty — even
if they didn't intend to run. Coach the ball, not the player.
- No-run zones sit at midfield and at the 5-yard line at each end zone
- QB scrambles past the line of scrimmage in the zone = dead ball, loss of down
- Direct snap to a runner inside the zone = illegal procedure
- Always confirm with your partner before signaling
Week 6Apr 24
Flag-pull mechanics: knee or fall?
A flag pulled before the runner's knee touches the ground is a legal stop.
Flag pulled after the knee touches is no play — but the runner was already down.
Watch the knees, not the flag.
Week 5Apr 17
Pre-game flag check.
Three minutes before kickoff, confirm: jerseys tucked, flags on the hips, FNL logo facing
out, no shorts with pockets in the 5/6 and 7/8 divisions. Catch it pre-game and
you don't have to call it mid-drive.