FNL Ref/ Training

The training track.

Six modules. Built for first-year refs and used as a refresher by veterans every season. Each module has a rule clinic, on-field drill, and a self-check before you sign off. Work them in order, or jump to the topic that's killing you on Friday nights.

01 — The Six-Module Track
01
The Rulebook in 30 minutes.
A guided read of the South OC FNL official rules — what makes our 6v6 game different, what's the same as full-tackle, and the K–8 division-specific rules that catch every rookie ref.
/ Rules
⏱ 30 min · video + quiz
02
Two-whistle mechanics.
Where to stand, where to look, and who covers what. Pre-snap positioning, the line of scrimmage trigger, downfield coverage, and how the back judge and line judge split responsibilities on every play.
/ Field Mechanics
⏱ 45 min · field walkthrough
03
Signals & dead-ball protocol.
The 14 signals you'll use every Friday, plus the 6 you only need at playoff time. Dead-ball mechanics, spot enforcement, and how to communicate the call clearly to coaches and the table.
/ Signals
⏱ 40 min · video + drill
04
Flag-pull verification.
Was the flag pulled cleanly, or did it fall off? Did the runner's knee touch first? The rules around flag-guarding, illegal flag attachment, and the jersey-tuck check that prevents 80% of the controversy on Friday.
/ Live Play
⏱ 35 min · live demo
05
No-run zones & special situations.
The two no-run zones at midfield and the goal line. QB scramble rules, pick concepts that aren't picks, the Player Advantage Rule (8+ vs 7), and the Playoff Addendum every ref needs to know before May 8.
/ Game Mgmt
⏱ 50 min · case studies
06
Coaches, parents & the conduct code.
When a coach won't let a call go. When a parent crosses the line. The Coach Code of Conduct, the de-escalation script, and the "call Keith, don't text Keith" protocol when something needs to come up the chain.
/ Conduct
⏱ 30 min · scenarios
02 — The 6v6 Game

What makes South OC different.

Flag football has a hundred dialects. South OC FNL plays a specific 6-on-6 game with rules tuned for K–8. Know the dialect, and the calls get easier.

/ Format
6 on 6, four quarters.
Six players on the field per side. Four quarters. Offense plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Eight-minute quarters in the regular season; ten-minute quarters in championship games.
/ Field
Two no-run zones.
One at midfield, one at the goal line. The ball-carrier cannot run through these zones — pass only. This is the most-missed call by rookie refs. Mark the lines pre-game and stay locked on them.
/ Contact
No tackles. No blocking.
It's a non-contact game. Defenders cover, rush the passer, and pull flags. No stiff-arms by the runner, no blocking by receivers, no holding by defenders. Footwork wins, not strength.
/ Ball Size
Three sizes by division.
Mini ball for K and 1/2. Pee-wee for 3/4 and 5/6. Junior ball for 7/8. Pre-game ball check is on the home team — but the refs verify before kickoff.
/ Roster
5 minimum to play.
A team needs five players to start. The Player Advantage Rule kicks in when one team has 8+ and the other has 7. Every kid plays at least 3 of 4 quarters. Confirm with both head coaches at the coin toss.
/ Playoffs
Single elimination.
Win and play on. May 8 brings up to two games per team for the lower seeds. Championship Friday on May 15 is a marathon — boys win 3, girls win 2 to take the bling. Be ready for back-to-backs.
03 — Pre-Game Checklist

Before the kickoff.

The 8-minute pre-game routine that prevents 90% of in-game disputes. Run it every Friday, no exceptions.

·
Field check (T-15 minutes).
No-run zone cones in place. End zone pylons up. Sideline clear. First-down marker positioned at midfield.
/ T-15
3 min
·
Coach check-in (T-10 minutes).
Greet both head coaches. Confirm rosters. Ask each coach how many players they have tonight — Player Advantage Rule starts here. Note any guest player rulings.
/ T-10
2 min
·
Flag & jersey check (T-5 minutes).
Flags on the hips, FNL logo facing out. Jerseys tucked. No pockets in 5/6 and 7/8. Catch it now and you don't call it mid-drive.
/ T-5
2 min
·
Coin toss (T-2 minutes).
Captains to midfield. Visiting team calls. Winner chooses receive/defer/end zone. Confirm with both teams. Whistle to start.
/ T-2
1 min

Ready to train up?

Reach out to Commissioner Keith to get on the field for your shadow night — pair with a senior ref, learn the mechanics live, and start working games.

Schedule your shadow night →