NAIA Coaches Propose New Flag Football Rules
Just a few days after the 2026 NAIA Invitational, coaches proposed at least nine new rule changes at the NAIA Women's Flag Football Coaches Association meeting held on Wednesday, May 13. Any proposed rule changes that are accepted by a majority of coaches will be reviewed by the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) before possible adoption. If adopted, the NAC will determine when the latest changes go into effect.
Some of the proposed motions would amend the previously reported changes from November 2025, as well as the recent legislative changes adopted by the NAIA in April 2026. Nine motions proposed in the May 13 meeting are detailed below.
Motion 1 - Possession Start After Touchdown
Change in the rules for the starting point after a touchdown. Add a kickoff similar to punting. Team A that scored the touchdown would kick off from the 20 yard line to Team B receiving team. This would be a free kick.
- Currently, teams start each possession following a touchdown at the 14-yard line.
Motion 2 - Onside Kick
Add the following onside kick rule: In the 4th quarter, if a team scores and is still behind, they can start with the ball on their own 25 yard line with 4th and 15. If the team successfully gets past the 40, the drive continues as normal. If the team ends up short of the line to gain, the opposing team takes over where the ball is down after that play.
- Currently, onside kicks are not permitted.
Motion 3 - Play Clock
Motion to start the play clock once the ball is set.
Motion 4 - Quarter Length
Motion to increase quarter times to 15 minutes.
- Currently, each quarter is 12 minutes in length.
Motion 5 - Flags
To change the flags that are used for the sport to Triple Threat flags.
- Currently, Pop Flags are used.
Motion 6 - Invitational Field Size
Motion to increase the field for nationals to 12 based on increased participation. The tournament would stay a double-elimination tournament.
- In 2026, the NAIA Invitational used an 8-team, double-elimination format. Nearly 60 NAIA schools are expected to compete in the 2026-27 academic year.
Motion 7 - Maximum Number of Games
To increase the number of games played in women’s flag football to 22.
- For 2026-27, schools are allowed to play a maximum of 18 regular season games.
Motion 8 - Maximum Spring Scrimmages
To increase the number of spring scrimmage dates to 4 total.
- For 2026-27, teams are allowed to play a maximum of 2 scrimmages during the spring term.
Motion 9 - Maximum Fall Scrimmages
To add 3 additional scrimmage dates to be conducted before the end of the fall term. Student-athletes are not permitted to miss class for any reason related to these three additional scrimmages.
- For 2026-27, teams are allowed to play a maximum of 2 scrimmages during the fall term.