NFL FLAG season is here!

Join us for the Mankato Family YMCA NFL FLAG football league, backed by the Minnesota Vikings. NFL FLAG offers co-ed teams to girls and boys in grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

1. IS YOUR LEAGUE AN NFL FLAG LEAGUE?  
The NFL FLAG stamp of approval is the ultimate sign of quality. With 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes, NFL FLAG is the largest, most recognized flag football organization in the U.S.—and the only one where players wear official NFL gear. Check for the logo or search for a league near you on the official website at www.NFLFLAG.com

2. WHO CAN PLAY? 

Backed by the Minnesota Vikings, the Mankato Family YMCA NFL FLAG league is co-ed and offered to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten to 5th grade. From beginners to seasoned players, all skill levels are welcome! Teams compete 5 on 5, with a maximum of 10 players on each team.

3. DOES YOUR LEAGUE PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT EITHER PRO BOWL OR SUPER BOWL?
YES!!!  NFL FLAG hosts the largest and most high-profile flag football tournaments in the country. By playing in an NFL FLAG league you get an exclusive opportunity to for a chance to punch your way into one of these prestigious events. 

4. WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH MY REGISTRATION?
Your registration secures your spot on a team for the entire season! Each team receives official NFL gear, including an NFL reversible jersey ...one of the 32 licensed NFL teams, a flag belt and flags. In fact, NFL FLAG is the only flag football league that allows players to wear officially licensed NFL gear. 

Why NFL FLAG? 

Flag football is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country—and it’s easy to see why. As a non-contact team sport, kids get all the physical, emotional, and social benefits of playing football, without the physical contact.  

But more than anything, flag football is pure fun—no matter your skill level. Teams compete 5 on 5, creating tons of engagement on the field at a fast-moving pace.

Here’s why over 500,000 athletes choose NFL FLAG football: 

• Nail the fundamentals: Whether you’re new to the game, a seasoned player, or interested in making the transition to tackle, flag football is the perfect environment to develop your skills and improve your technique. 

• Convenient commitment: We know your schedule is already jam-packed. That’s why NFL FLAG teams meet once per week to briefly practice before games each Saturday. The season last approximately 8 weeks.   

• Non-contact sport: Simply put: no contact is allowed—no tackling, no blocking, and no screening—making flag football the right choice for many families. Plus, no contact also means no bulky, expensive equipment. 

• Accessibility: Everyone can play flag football. You don’t need a specific build or skill set. And with NFL FLAG leagues being co-ed, everyone can join in on the fun. 

• Play like the pros: NFL FLAG is the only flag football league that allows players to wear officially licensed NFL gear. 

For more information, visit: https://mankatoymca.org/nfl-flag-football/

Please note: COVID guidelines from local and state health authorities, including social distancing and mask requirements, will be enforced.

Additional FAQs

Q: How are Individual Players Placed on Teams?
A: This is a league designed to keep schoolmates and friends playing together.  Therefore, individuals are placed on teams determined by school, a buddy request, grade and age factors.  Our goal is for each elementary and middle school to have their own flag football teams. Teams are formed using a combination of the following criteria (listed in no specific order):

School affiliation
Current Grade/Age
A Buddy Request (We try to accommodate requests however, refunds are not provided due to an unfulfilled request)

Most teams will have 5-7 players.  If there are more than 7 players registered in the same grade/age division at the same school, those players will be divided into multiple  teams and then the remaining spots could be filled with players from other schools.  

Q: What my child and their classmates do not have enough players to form a team? 
A: No worries! We will always try to keep classmates together but if needed we will combine players from other schools to form your team for the season.  

Q: Do we accept team registrations?
A: No, we use the procedure above to form teams.  This ensures parity within the league and prevents stacking. Our buddy request philosophy is just that, a buddy request. This does not mean a coach can request 10 players. It is used for children to request to be placed on a team with one or two friends.   

Q: How many teams can one school have?
A: It depends.  We will not turn any players away.  As many teams that can be formed from each school by grade/age division will be accepted. Everyone who wants to play is welcome.  

Q: How many players are on a team?
A: Most teams have 5-7 players.  However, we do reserve the right to stretch these guidelines if the league deems necessary.  

Q: Does the league supply uniforms?
A: Every Flag Football player in our program receives an NFL reversible team jersey to use during season and a flag belt to keep with your registration.  

Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Volunteers. Once teams are assembled, volunteers will be recruited to coach their team. Training is provided for all volunteers who wish to be a coach. No experience is necessary. If we are unable to secure a coach for a particular team, that team may be refunded.  

Q: Who are the Officials and are they qualified?
A: Most of our referee's are NFL Flag certified. Each official is trained, licensed, insured and certified through the state.  They are very good at what they do and will call a fair game for both sides.  

Q: How much playing time can my child expect?
A: All of our programs promote participation, fun, and fundamentals. Coaches are required to fairly allocate playing time equally among all players on the team. We will do our best to assure all players receive equal playing time.

Q: What do I get for my registration Fee?
A: A seven-week season including practices, use of well groomed fields, certified officials, NFL FLAG reversible team jersey to use, unless you order a personalized jersey, flag belt and flags, interactive website, organized administration, and a lot of FUN for you and your child!

Q: Are there playoffs?
A: For our Madden divisions only (4th grade and up).  The top 4 teams in each Madden division will participate in playoffs the last week of the season.  The top 2 teams will then play an additional game the same day for the Championship.  All other divisions (3rd grade & under) will not have playoffs.

Q: What types of awards are given?
A: Each player will receive an individual participation award in the Lombardi and Shula Divisions.  Awards will only be given to the winners and runner-ups in the Madden Divisions.

Q: Do all flag football players need mouth pieces?
A: It is absolutely mandatory that all players are wearing a mouth piece before stepping on the field.

Q: How do I register?
A: All of our registrations are taken online.