Common Questions
Get answers to the most common questions asked by flag football players, parents, (potential) league organizers and coaches.
1. Players & Parents
To locate a UA FLAG Football league in your area, visit our Locations Page to explore all league tiers, including RISE, or contact us at hello@uaflag.ca for more details.
Registration fees vary depending on the league tier and location. Please visit your local league's website for specific registration dates and pricing information.
Flag football is rapidly becoming a popular youth sport for boys and girls alike. In fact, six states now recognize it as an official Varsity high school sport, and women’s flag football achieved college-level recognition as a sanctioned sport in 2020. For those considering tackle football in the future, RISE flag football offers an excellent opportunity to develop fundamental football skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Players will be provided with an official Under Armour Flag Football jersey and shorts (with no pockets) to wear during games. Flag belts are also provided. A mouthguard is also required, which you will need to purchase separately.
That depends on the league tier and city you're in. While there are generally no mandated practices for league tiers such as RISE, teams playing in higher level leagues such as NEXT or ELITE may have practices. On game nights, there are areas to practice or warm-up prior to the game, for all league tiers.
Flag Football coaches can vary from volunteer parents/family members, volunteer youth community coaches, as well as former and current professional coaches who volunteer for the role. It often depends on the league tier, popularity of the sport in your region and other factors. If you have an interest in coaching your child and/or a team, we're always looking for more coaches!
The time commitment varies depending on your child's level of play and how much they want to grow in the sport. For instance, if your child is enrolled in a single-season RISE league, they’ll typically play one game per week, making it an easy and manageable commitment. If they’re also part of the LEVELS development program, they’ll have an additional session each week, giving them more opportunities to grow their skills. For children playing in higher-level leagues like NEXT or ELITE, the time commitment may include additional practices and occasional travel, as these leagues focus on advanced competition. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance that fits your child's enthusiasm for the game and your family's schedule.
Absolutley! The flexibility and wide range of UA's Flag Football options provides the opportunity for multisport athletes to try something new or play with their school/neighborhood friends.
Absolutely! UA FLAG Football is a fantastic choice for children with no prior sports experience. We offer multiple league tiers for various degrees of skill, athleticism and experience, including ROOTS and RISE, our two intro leagues which both help introduce kids to the fundamentals of the game while fostering teamwork and confidence. Whether your child is new to sports or ready to develop their skills, UA FLAG Football provides the right environment for growth and fun at every level!
UA Pulse is an innovative program designed to amplify your child’s enjoyment of flag football while accelerating both their physical and mental growth. At its core, UA Pulse works as a cyclical system: your child’s Flag Football League Season or LEVELS Development program (or both) serve as the “Active Growth” phase, where they develop skills and teamwork throughout the season. This growth is then celebrated and actualized during exciting end-of-season Skills & Drills Combines—high-energy, one-day events featuring pro players, competitions, performance reports, and more. It’s a unique approach that connects fun with measurable progress, helping your child grow on and off the field. Learn more about how UA PULSE benefits your child here.
The UA Levels Program is an innovative training system created to complement your child's league experience. Spanning three methodically designed monthly phases, the program hones in on crucial aspects of physical and mental development. With detailed progress tracking and measurable growth across key performance metrics, LEVELS equips your child with the tools to excel. Participants often see notable improvements in their league performance, enhancing both their confidence and overall enjoyment of the game. Whether your child is a beginner or striving to reach new heights, the Levels Program is designed to support their journey. Discover more about the LEVELS program here.
Still have questions?
Check out our complete guide on the sport of flag football!: FLAG 101. You'll learn about the rules of the game, practice drills, advantages over tackle football, safety profile and CTE, the different league tiers and structure of the sport, its rising popularity and upcoming Olympic debut, and more!
2. LEAGUE OPERATORS
Starting a UA Flag Football Hub is simple and rewarding! Visit our Start a League Page to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Once you're ready, fill out the short questionnaire with your contact information, and our team will get in touch to guide you through the process. We’re here to help every step of the way!
By starting a UA Flag Football Hub, you’re creating more than just a league—you’re building a dynamic sports destination where kids and families can thrive. With multiple tiers of leagues, development programs, and Combines, you’ll have the opportunity to positively impact your community while growing a sustainable business. Backed by the trusted UA FLAG brand, proven systems, and expert guidance, you’ll have everything you need to turn your passion for sports into a rewarding venture.
Great question! Joining UA FLAG elevates your league by providing unparalleled advantages:
- Brand Strength: UA FLAG is known as THE name for flag football in Canada, responsible for having spearheaded much of the popularity of the sport here. partnership with Under Armour gives your league unmatched credibility and appeal.
- Business Growth: Access a proven framework to streamline operations, reduce costs, and expand beyond a single league.
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Grow your hub with Leagues, Combines, Development Programs, apparel, and more.
- Support from Experts: Partner with North America’s top franchise growth professionals to build a comprehensive sports hub.
- Ready to explore? Visit our Start a League Page to learn more.
Surprisingly affordable! With an upfront investment that is significantly lower compared to other franchises with similar brand strength and revenue potential, this is an incredible opportunity to create a business that benefits your community and offers sustainable income.
To start strong, aim to register at least 100 players across your leagues. Don’t worry—our marketing systems and outreach strategies are designed to help you hit this milestone and grow exponentially from there.
A typical season runs 9–12 weeks and includes exciting Combines to keep players engaged. With anywhere from 2–4 seasons per year, plus additional programs like LEVELS and other growth initiatives, your UA Flag Football Hub has ample opportunities for year-round revenue and community engagement.
The benefits are far-reaching and designed to ensure your success:
- Under Armour Partnership: Leverage the credibility of this global sports brand.
- Franchise Expertise: Gain access to seasoned franchise professionals who’ve built multimillion-dollar businesses.
- Comprehensive Systems: Use innovative tools and frameworks to grow and manage your Hub efficiently.
- Diverse Opportunities: Have multiple league tiers like RISE, NEXT, ALL GIRLS, ELITE, and other revenue streams like LEVELS camps, COMBINE event days and more.
You can launch your league in just a few months, but the potential doesn’t stop there. As you establish relationships and optimize operations, your league will grow into a thriving sports Hub and ecosystem, offering increased profitability and fulfillment over time.
We look at various variables to determine the right fit for people to join the UA FLAG community. These are discussed in detail during our follow up calls with you after submitting an inquiry on our Start A League page.
UA FLAG provides a streamlined process to help you secure the perfect locations. We assist in identifying suitable fields and building strong relationships with facility managers and owners, ensuring you have the infrastructure to run your leagues and programs seamlessly.
Running a successful UA FLAG Hub depends on the time and energy you’re willing to invest. Some operators manage their Hubs part-time while others commit full-time to build a larger, thriving sports business. Whatever your vision, our systems and support can help you achieve your goals.
3. FOOTBALL COACHES
In traditional American football, teams have five (5) eligible receivers plus a quarterback which equals six (6) players involved in the passing game. The 6v6 format provides a competitive game with the opportunity for QBs and other offensive positions to experience traditional defensive coverages. 5v5 also has its advantages, giving players more share of play time. It all depends where your child is in their journey and what UA leagues and programs they're involved in.
Flag football is a fast-paced, non-contact version of American football where players pull flags from their opponents instead of tackling. It’s a fun, inclusive, and safe way for athletes to enjoy the game while developing essential football skills like teamwork, strategy, and coordination. For a comprehensive overview of the rules, visit our Flag Football Rules Page.
At UA FLAG, we believe that great coaches are the backbone of every successful sports hub. That’s why we provide a wealth of resources to help you enhance your coaching skills. From cutting-edge training techniques to leadership strategies, our Coaches' Corner offers valuable insights to elevate your coaching game. Whether you're working with RISE players or higher-level leagues like NEXT and ELITE, you'll find tools tailored to your needs. Explore our Coaches’ Resources to get started.
Flag football positions are similar to tackle football, with roles like quarterback, wide receiver, rusher, and safety. However, each position may have unique responsibilities due to the non-contact nature of the sport. For a deeper dive into positions and strategies, check out UA FLAG's Flag Football 101 Guide or explore the Coaches' Corner.
The key difference is in the level of contact. While tackle football involves physical tackles to stop play, flag football replaces tackling with the safer alternative of pulling a flag from the ball carrier’s belt. This reduced contact significantly lowers the risk of injuries like concussions or CTE, making flag football an excellent choice for athletes and parents prioritizing safety. At UA FLAG hubs, we focus on creating a fun, safe, and competitive environment for players of all levels. Learn more about the benefits of flag football's safety profile on our Sports Safety Page.
