Flag Football Equipment

Flag Football Gear – The Essential Equipment List

Flag football continues to grow in popularity across schools and youth programs and for good reason. It’s fast-paced, inclusive, safer than the traditional sport, and easy to adapt to a wide range of ages and skill levels. In PE classes, after-school programs, and community leagues, flag football builds teamwork, agility, and confidence without the contact of traditional tackle football. Many districts are even adding recognized girls' flag football teams!  

Having the right youth flag football equipment is key. Quality and durable gear improves performance, enhances safety, and keeps students engaged from the first whistle to the final play. When equipment lasts, is age-appropriate, and easy to manage, teachers and coaches can focus on skill building and not troubleshooting gear. From flag belts and accessories to all-inclusive packs, Gopher has the best flag football essentials.  

Below you will find a flag football equipment list, guidance for choosing equipment, and why buying your gear from Gopher is the right choice!

Looking for flag football rules? Check out our blog!

What equipment is needed for flag football?  

Flag Football Belts

Choose from 2 belt styles:

• Belt-release - the entire belt comes off when a flag is pulled.
• Flag-release - the belt stays on and flags remove when pulled.

Footballs

Choose the apropriate footballs for your students or athletes, based on age and skill level. See our Sport Tip! for specific sizing recommendations.

Accessories

We offer a variety of safety equipment and supplies to keep players safe and provide coaches with the essentials for drills and gameplay.

How do I choose the right equipment for my program? 

Proper fit and safety considerations are key to selecting the appropriate equipment. As the sport continues to grow in popularity in youth programs, especially for girls, it is important to choose the right gear.

Consider Age Group & Skill Level

• Younger students and beginners benefit from easy-to-release belts; smaller, softer footballs; and a simplified setup.
• Older students and advanced players should use flag-release belts; larger, official size balls, and official field setup for skill progression and regulation play.

Class Size & Participation

• Plan for enough belts and footballs to keep the entire group actively participating. Buy one belt per student or player and one football for every 6-8 participants for drills and skill-building.
• Use multiple colors to manage teams efficiently. 

Care & Usage

• Choose appropriate storage options to keep equipment organized, protected, and ready for use. A custom flag belt rack, duffel bags, or bins are ideal.
• Cleaning after use and properly storing equipment will lengthen the life of your equipment.

Gopher Helps You get the Most Out of Your Gear

At Gopher, we design equipment with educators in mind. Our products are built for durability, ease of use, and long-term value, because we understand the demands of PE classes and youth athletic programs. All our flag football products include reinforced stitching and weather-resistant materials to ensure it lasts and you get the most out of your budget!   

Ready to upgrade your flag football setup? Contact your sales rep or explore our full selection of flag football equipment, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee! And remember, if you are not satisfied with a product for any reason at any time, we will replace the product or refund your money. 

We’ve gathered answers to the most common flag football questions to make your shopping experience simple. Whether you’re looking for details about equipment, how to play flag football, or care and usage instruction, you’ll find everything you need right here. 

Questions are organized by category and include detailed answers, practical tips, and helpful resources that support your frequently asked questions.

Equipment FAQs

What flag football equipment do I need to play flag football? 

Only two pieces of equipment are required to start a game of flag football! 

• Flag belts
• Footballs 

Optional accessories can improve safety, gameplay, skill building, and more. 

• Mouthguards (may be required by certain leagues)
• Pinnies & Vests
• Cones & Markers
• Teaching/Coaching accessories (whistle, stopwatch, clipboard, guidebooks) 

Can flag football equipment be used indoors? 
Yes! Foam or softer footballs and spot markers/cones make flag football easy to set up and play in gym spaces. 

How many flag belts do I need for my class or team? 

Plan for one belt per student or player, plus a few extras for substitutions or replacements. For PE classes, choose a multi-player set or pack that matches your largest class size to ensure smooth rotations and minimal downtime. We offer belts in sets of 6, 12, 24, or 36. 

How do I choose the right flag belt system? 

Belts vary by release type (belt-release or flag-release) and come with a variety of buckle and flag options. Read our Sport Tip! to decide! 

Are flag football belts adjustable? 

Yes! Belts are sold by size, but all belt sizes are also further adjustable to fit a wide range of players. Adjustable belts are ideal for PE settings where equipment is shared across multiple grade levels.  

Size Guide:

How durable are flag football belts? 

Gopher’s belts are designed to last! Belts are made with durable webbing and materials for institutional settings and include secure, quick-release buckles. Reinforced stitching and vinyl-coated flags last pull after pull. 

For school settings, choose belts designed for frequent use and keep in mind, replacement flags and buckles are often available if needed. 

With proper care, our quality belts should last multiple seasons. However, longevity depends on frequency of use, proper storage, and routine inspection. 

How many footballs should I have? 

For skill-building stations and small-sided games, plan for one football per 6–8 students. Having multiple footballs keeps drills moving and maximizes participation. 

What size football should I use?  

Using the correct size improves grip, throwing mechanics, and overall skill development.  

Football Size Guide:

Read our Sport Tip! to choose the right material and size. 

Can I order equipment in bulk for large classes?  

Yes! Gopher offers quantity options and equipment packs to support larger programs and schoolwide initiatives. Equipment packs are typically more cost-effective and convenient. Can’t find what you need online? Call us! 1-800-533-0446. 

How do I know which accessories are best for my flag football program?  

See our Accessories category for a full product listing. Or, our team is happy to provide personalized recommendations based on grade level, class size, and facility type. 

Setup & Game Play FAQs

How do I set up a flag football field for PE class? 

A standard flag football field is typically 70 yards long x 30 yards wide (including two 10-yard end zones). However, dimensions frequently vary based on league and age, with popular sizes ranging from 80 x 40 yards to 70 x 25 yards, often featuring 10-yard end zones and a mid-field line-to-gain. 

For PE, using the gym indoors or available outdoor space will work. Use cones or field markers to outline boundaries and end zones. Field size can be modified based on available space, age group, and skill level. Smaller fields promote more touches and engagement for younger students. 

Is flag football safe for elementary students? 

Yes! Flag football eliminates tackling, reducing contact and injury risk. Emphasize proper flag-pulling technique, spacing, and controlled play to maintain a safe environment. 

How can I make flag football more inclusive? 

• Rotate positions so all players handle the ball.
• Adjust field size or team numbers for balanced play.
• Modify rules (e.g., no-rush zones or required passes) to encourage participation.
• Use softer footballs for beginners developing confidence. 

What are the rules of flag football?

Official rules include 7 players on each team and a game lasts for 60 minutes (split into two 30-minute halves). However, the game can easily be modified for PE classes or larger groups. 

Click here to watch a video and read more on setup/rules of the game on our blog!

Care & Usage FAQs

How do I ensure proper fit for headgear and mouthguards?

Follow manufacturer sizing guidelines and choose adjustable options when available. Proper fit ensures comfort and encourages consistent use.  

How should accessories be cleaned and stored?  

Allow headgear and mouthguards to air dry after use and store them in designated bins or bags. Organized storage extends product life and simplifies daily setup. 

It is not recommended for players or students to share headgear or mouthguards. 

How do I maintain flag football equipment? 

• Keep equipment in a designated storage cart or bag to keep it protected and organized.
• Inspect belts regularly for worn hook-and-loop fasteners, stitching, flags or clips.
• Replacement flags and buckles are available.
• Store footballs indoors and properly inflated.
• Routine maintenance extends equipment life and your budget! 

What’s the best way to store flag football equipment? 
Custom storage carts or duffels, mesh bags or bins keep belts, footballs, and cones organized and accessible.