Flag & Touch Rules Book & Officials’ Manual

The NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual was first published in 1983. Its purpose is to provide a standardized code of rules, interpretations and officials’ mechanics for the sport of flag and touch football.

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Why the NIRSA Rule Book?

The NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual is the most trusted and widely used rulebook for collegiate recreational flag football. First published in 1983 and now in its 21st Edition (2023), it offers a clear, consistent framework for gameplay and officiating. Developed with input from campus recreation professionals and refined through decades of national tournament experience, the NIRSA Rule Book prioritizes safety, fairness, and the student experience—making it the gold standard for intramural programs nationwide.

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The NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual, first published in 1983, stands as a cornerstone in the landscape of recreational sports, particularly for collegiate flag football. Now in its 21st Edition, released in 2023, the manual represents more than four decades of consistent development, refinement, and leadership in the sport. It is the longest-standing flag football rulebook still actively maintained and widely adopted today.

Designed specifically with intramural and recreational play in mind, the NIRSA Rulebook has become the standard for flag football programs on college and university campuses across the United States. Its influence extends beyond just rules for play—it also includes detailed guidance for training, evaluating, and managing officials, making it a vital resource for both recreational sports professionals and student staff alike.

What sets the NIRSA Rulebook apart is its ability to balance competitive integrity, player safety, and the inclusive spirit of recreational play. Each edition reflects feedback from officials, coaches, and players at the grassroots level, as well as insights gathered from NIRSA Championship Series regional and national tournaments. This collaborative approach ensures that the rulebook remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in best practices.

The manual has also played a key role in shaping the culture and consistency of officiating across campus recreation programs. Many officials who began their careers using this rulebook have gone on to officiate at high-level competitions, contribute to training programs, or serve on national rules committees—testament to its role in developing leadership and professionalism in the recreational officiating community.

As NIRSA continues to grow and evolve, the Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual remains a symbol of excellence and tradition, supporting the mission to enhance the quality of collegiate recreation through well-structured, inclusive, and enjoyable sport experiences.

Are you interested in submitting a suggestion for a change to an existing rule or officiating mechanic?

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Do you have a question on the interpretation of an existing rule or officiating mechanic?

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Need more information?

Questions about the Flag Football Rules Book can be directed to the NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs, Nicole Jackson.