When does flag football season start?
7 October 2026 · 3 min read
Most flag football leagues run two seasons a year. The fall season starts around the time school starts, in late August or September, and runs into November. The spring season mostly plays in March to May. There is no single national start date, because each league sets its own.
Here is how the calendar usually works, when to register, and how high school and adult leagues differ.
The typical flag football calendar
| Season | Registration usually opens | Games usually run |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | May to June | Late August or September to November |
| Spring | November to December | March or April to May |
| Summer (some leagues) | March to April | June to August |
NFL FLAG, the largest youth flag football program in the US, says most of its leagues offer a fall and a spring season. Its guidance puts fall registration opening between May and June, with fall seasons generally starting around when school does, and spring registration opening between November and December, with spring seasons mostly in April.
How long is a flag football season?
A typical youth season is about six to eight weeks of games, often with a week or two of practice first. NFL FLAG describes a standard season as seven weeks of practice with six weeks of games. Many leagues end with a playoff day or tournament.
When do registration deadlines close?
Usually several weeks before the first game. For spring 2026, for example, NFL FLAG leagues in Georgia and Metro Detroit closed registration on February 22 for seasons that kicked off in mid-April. Popular age groups fill up, so register as soon as your local league opens.
Local examples
Start dates vary by city and climate. A few real 2025–26 examples:
- Metro Detroit (NFL FLAG): spring 2026 season kicked off April 19.
- Georgia (NFL FLAG): spring 2026 season kicked off April 12.
- Miramar, Florida (city league): spring season March to May, fall season October to December.
- Hot Springs, Arkansas: fall 2025 registration in August, games from September 15.
Warmer states often push the fall season later and the spring season earlier to avoid the worst of the heat.
High school girls' flag football
Girls' flag football is one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the US. New Jersey voted in May 2026 to sanction it as a varsity sport from the 2026–27 school year, making it the 18th state to do so, according to NFL Flag Football. The others include California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Washington, and pilot programs run in many more.
The season depends on the state association. Some play it in the fall alongside tackle football; others, like Florida, play it in the spring. Check your state association's calendar or ask your school's athletic director.
Adult flag football leagues
Adult rec leagues are the most flexible. Many cities and private organizers run four seasons a year, with eight- to ten-week sessions and team or individual sign-ups. Spring and fall are still the busiest, and summer leagues often play in the evening.
Flag football at the Olympics
Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, after the International Olympic Committee approved it in 2023. The event uses a five-a-side format. That has sped up the growth of youth and girls' programs, so expect more leagues and fuller age groups in the next few seasons.
Getting your team ready for the season
The weeks before the first game are when the admin piles up: rosters, practice times, who has paid the league fee, who has a mouthguard. A few things that help:
- Lock the roster early. Most leagues need names and ages before the season starts. Our guide to making a team roster covers what to include.
- Publish the schedule once. Practices, games and picture day in one place. See how to make a team schedule.
- Know who is coming. Flag teams are small, so two absences can mean playing short.
TeamCheck for flag football handles the last part: players or parents confirm each practice and game with one tap, and league fees are tracked per player. The free plan covers a team of up to 15, which fits most flag rosters.
Quick answers
When does fall flag football start? Usually late August or September, around the start of the school year.
When does spring flag football start? Usually March or April, with most games in April and May.
When should I register? Fall registration usually opens in May or June; spring registration in November or December.
How long is a flag football season? Typically six to eight weeks of games.
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