Flag FAQ

 

FC ALLIANCE GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

ABOUT FC ALLIANCE GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

What is FC Alliance Girls Flag Football?

FC Alliance Girls Flag Football is a developmental and competitive girls flag football league serving the Knox County and greater East Tennessee area. Our mission is to teach the game the right way, develop confident athletes, and create opportunities for players to compete at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels.

We provide a positive learning environment where athletes can develop football skills, leadership, teamwork, confidence, and competitive excellence.

Who can participate?

FC Alliance Girls Flag Football is open to athletes in the following divisions:

  • 10U
  • 12U
  • 14U
  • 16U
  • 18U

Depending on registration numbers, the 16U and 18U age groups may be combined into a High School Division.

Is the league recreational or competitive?

Both.

The spring league is designed to teach fundamental skills, football knowledge, and game experience while maintaining a fun and competitive environment.

Following the regular season, selected athletes may have opportunities to participate on FC Alliance All-Star and Tournament Teams that compete in regional events.

What rules does the league follow?

FC Alliance follows the current TSSAA Girls Flag Football rules, which are based on NFHS Flag Football rules used by Tennessee high schools. Players learn the same style of game currently being played across the state and in many collegiate flag football programs. 

WHY GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL?

Why should my daughter play flag football?

Girls flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

Flag football helps athletes develop:

  • Speed and agility
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Athletic confidence
  • Leadership skills
  • Teamwork
  • Decision-making
  • Football IQ
  • Competitiveness

Athletes of all experience levels can successfully participate and improve.

Does my daughter need football experience?

No.

Many players begin with little or no football experience. Our coaches focus on teaching fundamentals and helping every athlete learn the game.

Will playing flag football help other sports?

Absolutely.

The skills developed through flag football translate well to:

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Lacrosse
  • Softball
  • Track and Field

Athletes improve speed, body control, reaction time, spatial awareness, and overall athleticism.

Are there opportunities beyond youth flag football?

Yes.

Girls flag football continues to grow rapidly across high schools and colleges. Tennessee high schools now compete under TSSAA-sanctioned girls flag football rules, and opportunities continue to expand nationwide. 

Many colleges now offer women’s flag football opportunities, including programs competing through the NAIA, NCAA, and other collegiate organizations.

Will FC Alliance offer competitive travel opportunities?

Yes.

Our vision is to develop athletes through league play and provide opportunities for selected players to participate on All-Star and Tournament Teams during the summer season. The goal for high school age teams to compete in front of collegiate coaches with opportunities to build connections with universities for collegiate play.

REGISTRATION

How do I register?

Registration will be available through the FC Alliance website and registration platform.  Link:  http://fcalliance.leagueapps.com/clubteams/5216139-u10-u18-flag-football-registration

How much does registration cost?

3 payments of $334.  Payments are Feb 1, March 1, and April 1.

What is included with registration?

Registration is expected to include:

  • In House League participation
  • 1 practice and one game per week. (Wednesdays and Fridays)
  • League administration
  • Practice jersey
  • Uniform
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Field rentals for training and games

Additional fees may apply for All-Star and Tournament Team participation.

SEASON INFORMATION

When does the season take place?

January-February

  • Combines
  • Evaluations
  • Tryouts

February-April

  • Team practices
  • Regular season games

Early May

  • Playoffs
  • Championship games

May-July

  • All-Star Team selections
  • Tournament Team selections
  • Summer competition opportunities

How many games will teams play?

Teams will generally play one game per week throughout the regular season on Friday Nights.

Depending on division size and scheduling, teams may have a bye week during the season.

How often do teams practice?

Teams will typically practice once per week on Wednesday Nights.

Practice lengths will range from approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on age division and team needs.

Who will we play?

In House games, other clubs and tournaments.

GAME LOCATIONS

Where are games played?

Games will be played at FC Alliance facilities and other approved athletic venues throughout Knoxville and Knox County.

Field assignments will be communicated before each game week.

Will there be travel outside Knoxville?

The regular season is expected to remain local.

All-Star and Tournament Teams may participate in regional competitions that require travel.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

What equipment is required?

Players should have:

  • Mouthguard
  • Athletic shorts without pockets
  • Cleats or athletic shoes
  • Water bottle
  • League-issued jersey

Are helmets required?

No.

Girls flag football is a non-tackle sport and helmets are not required.

Can players wear football gloves?

Yes.

Football gloves are permitted.

Can players wear jewelry during games?

For safety reasons, jewelry should be removed prior to participation. Per TSSAA rules no jewelry is allowed except with permission from officials.  

RULES OF PLAY

How many players are on the field?

Each team competes with seven players on the field at a time, consistent with TSSAA girls flag football competition. 

Is tackling allowed?

No.

Defenders stop ball carriers by legally removing a flag from the belt.

Is blocking allowed?

Blocking is governed by NFHS/TSSAA flag football rules and will be enforced by game officials. 

Can quarterbacks run the ball?

Yes.

Quarterback running restrictions and allowances follow current TSSAA/NFHS rules and will be taught throughout the season. 

Is blitzing allowed?

Yes.

Blitzing regulations will follow the current TSSAA/NFHS rules. 

What happens if a game ends tied?

Overtime procedures will follow TSSAA overtime guidelines whenever applicable. 

Is there a mercy rule?

Yes.

FC Alliance will utilize TSSAA mercy-rule guidelines. TSSAA currently implements a running clock when a team holds a 19-point lead at the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter. 

Is scorekeeping important?

While we emphasize development and sportsmanship, standings, playoff qualification, and competitive growth are important parts of the league experience.

COACHES

Do coaches need football experience?

No.

Experienced coaches and first-time coaches are welcome.

Will coaches receive training and rules information?

Yes.

All coaches will receive league information, expectations, and rules guidance before the season begins.

Are coaches screened?

FC Alliance Girls Flag Football intends to follow FC Alliance policies regarding volunteer screening,  Safesport, background checks, athlete protection, and child safety requirements.

What is expected from coaches?

Coaches are expected to:

  • Teach the game positively
  • Develop every player
  • Display professionalism
  • Promote sportsmanship
  • Respect officials
  • Represent FC Alliance with integrity

ALL-STAR & TOURNAMENT TEAMS

What are All-Star Teams?

All-Star Teams recognize athletes who demonstrate excellence throughout the season.

Selected players may represent FC Alliance in special events and competitions.

What are Tournament Teams?

Tournament Teams are competitive teams formed following the spring season.

These teams may participate in regional tournaments throughout the summer.

How are players selected?

Selection may be based on:

  • Skill level
  • Work ethic
  • Coach evaluations
  • Attendance
  • Leadership
  • Sportsmanship
  • Competitive readiness

Selection is not guaranteed.

PARENTS & SPECTATORS

What level of commitment should families expect?

Most players should expect:

  • One practice per week on Wednesday
  • One game per week on Friday
  • Occasional team communication and events

Tournament team participation may require additional practices and travel.

Can parents volunteer?

Absolutely.

Parent volunteers are essential to league success and may assist with:

  • Coaching
  • Team management
  • Field setup
  • Game-day operations
  • League events
  • And more

SPORTSMANSHIP

What are your expectations for behavior?

FC Alliance Girls Flag Football is committed to creating a positive environment for every athlete.

Players, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to:

  • Respect opponents
  • Respect officials
  • Encourage athletes
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship
  • Represent FC Alliance positively

Can a spectator be removed from an event?

Yes.

League administrators and game officials reserve the right to remove any individual whose behavior is disruptive, abusive, threatening, or unsportsmanlike.

CONTACT US

Still Have Questions?

FC Alliance Girls Flag Football
Knoxville, Tennessee

Director of Football Operations: Daniel Bruton

Website: https://fcallianceknox.org/fc-alliance-flag/

Email:    dcbruton9@gmail.com

Registration Information: http://fcalliance.leagueapps.com/clubteams/5216139-u10-u18-flag-football-registration

 

Building the future of girls flag football in East Tennessee.