NFL FLAG season is here!
Join us for Central Mass Flag in Worcester! NFL FLAG offers co-ed teams to youth ages 3 to 15 years old.
1. Is This an Official NFL FLAG League?
Yes. 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?
Central Mass Flag Worcester league is co-ed and offered to all kids ages 3 to 15.
From beginners to seasoned players, all skill levels are welcome! Teams compete 5-on-5, with a maximum of 10 players on each team to ensure playing time.
3. Where We Play
Currently, all practices and games are held at our home at:
O'Connell Field at Institute Park in Worcester.
We’re growing fast! We plan to add more locations soon—including our upcoming Winter League (likely in a town adjacent to Worcester).
4. What's Included?
Your registration secures your spot for the entire season! Every player receives official NFL gear:
- NFL Reversible Jersey (one of the 32 licensed teams)
- Official Flag Belt & Flags
5. The Rules
NFL FLAG is a non-contact sport. There’s no diving, blocking, screening, or tackling allowed.
To “tackle” the ball-carrier, the opposing team simply pulls one or both flags off.
Download Official Rules PDF
Why NFL FLAG?
Flag football is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country. It offers all the physical, emotional, and social benefits of football without the physical contact.
Convenience
We get it—your schedule is packed. That’s why our teams meet just once per week.
A quick practice is followed immediately by the game, all on Sundays.
The Seasons
We offer guaranteed seasons throughout the year:
Winter session coming soon! Each season runs approx. 6 weeks.
Fundamentals
Whether you’re new to the game or making the transition to tackle, this is the perfect environment to nail your skills.
No bulky equipment means you focus purely on speed, agility, and technique.
Volunteer Coaching
Who are the coaches?
Parent, family, or community volunteers! Central Mass Flag Worcester does not provide hired coaches. We rely on family involvement to make this work.
No coaching experience? No problem.
We provide resources through our Coaches HQ tab—including sample plays, practice tips, and game-day guidance. Everything you need is online and easy to follow.
Every team needs at least one Head Coach, and many benefit from a second volunteer. (Note: only two adults are allowed on the sidelines during games).
Ways you can help:
- Head Coach or Assistant Coach
- Team communication & organization
- Managing equal playing time & rotations
- Helping run drills during pre-game warmups
Even a little help goes a long way in making the season better for your child.
Additional FAQs
Q: How are Individual Players Placed on Teams?
We use a "Draft" system just like the NFL. Buddy Requests are included in the info the coaches use to draft their players; however, refunds are not provided due to an unfulfilled request.
Q: Do we accept team registrations?
No. We use the draft procedure to form teams. This ensures parity within the league and prevents stacking. A "Buddy Request" is for children to request to be placed with one or two friends—it is not for a coach to request a full roster of 10 specific players.
Q: How many players are on a team?
Most teams have 7 - 9 players. However, we do reserve the right to stretch these guidelines if the league deems necessary.
Q: Who are the Officials?
All of our referees are NFL Flag certified. They are trained professionals who call a fair game for both sides.
Q: How much playing time can my child expect?
All of our programs promote participation, fun, and fundamentals. Coaches are required to fairly allocate playing time equally among all players on the team.
Q: What do I get for my registration Fee?
Your fee covers practices, use of well-groomed turf stadium fields, officials, your NFL FLAG reversible jersey, flag belt/flags, interactive website tools, organized administration, and a lot of FUN!