FLF i The BUCS Flag Football Championships shall be conducted in accordance with the following BUCS sport specific regulations, the BUCS general regulations, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football Rules (2023) as amended by the BAFA notes on flag rules (2024) and the British American Football Association (BAFA) Regulations (In effect from 1 March 2026). Further event specific requirements, rules, and regulations will be contained within the entry and pre-event information for each Championships.
FLF ii In the event that these regulations contradict the BUCS general regulations, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.
FLF iii In the event that these regulations contradict, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football Rules (2023) as amended by the BAFA notes on flag rules (2024) or the British American Football Association (BAFA) Regulations (In effect from 1 March 2026), these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.
FLF iv The gender eligibility criteria for the BUCS Flag Football Championships will be determined as per REG 4.3.
FLF 1 Championships There shall be an annual Flag Football Championships. The programme shall include the categories listed in Appendix 1 (‘BUCS Competition Offer and Associated BUCS Points’), subject to entry numbers.
FLF 2 All players and coaches must hold a valid, up-to-date, membership to the British American Football Association (BAFA).
FLF 3 Organisation and format
FLF 3.1 The Championships shall consist of five standalone Regional events.
FLF 3.2 Institutions/Playing Entities may enter multiple teams, however, if a Regional event is oversubscribed, acceptance of all 1st teams will be prioritised before any 2nd teams are accepted and so on. Any entries not initially accepted will be placed on a reserve list and may be called up should a space later become available because of a team withdrawing prior to the Regional events commencing.
FLF 3.3 The format for each event will be determined based on the number of teams. For example, where there are only four or five teams, all teams may play in a single round robin league stage, followed by semi-finals, a final and a 3rd place playoff match, whereas if there are six or more teams, the teams may be split into separate groups for the first stage. The number of matches will also be determined on an event-by-event basis.
FLF 3.4 In a variation to Rule 3-2 of the IFAF Flag Football Rules, the total playing time for each fixture shall be determined on an event-by-event basis.
FLF 3.5 League/round robin/group stage
FLF 3.5.1 A win/loss/tie record will be kept for all teams.
FLF 3.5.2 Where a walkover is awarded/conceded, the result shall be recorded as a 1-0 win for the non-offending team.
FLF 3.5.3 Void fixtures will be recorded as 0-0 ties
FLF 3.6 Calculating final league/round robin/group stage positions Final league position will be primarily based on win/loss/tie percentage record. However, should there be any ties on win/loss/tie percentage record, the following process of tie breakers will be used to rank the teams. The process will be followed until no teams remain tied, however if there were initially three or more teams tied but during the process a point is reached prior to FLF 3.6.4 where just two teams remain tied, the process will revert to FLF 3.6.1 at that point:
FLF 3.6.1 If just two teams are tied, the team with the higher Head-to-Head points differential during league/round robin/group stage shall be the higher placed team.
FLF 3.6.2 The teams will be ranked based on their average points conceded in games played during league/round robin/group stage (the lower the better). Note: Walkovers and voids are excluded from this calculation.
FLF 3.6.3 The teams will be ranked based on the number of players they had ejected in games played during league/round robin/group stage (the lower the better).
FLF 3.6.4 The teams will be ranked based on the drawing of lots by the Tournament Director or an appointed nominee.
FFB 4 Squad and team selection
FLF 4.1 Each squad will consist of a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 15 players.
FLF 4.2 Following teams being entered on BUCS Play, players who wish to be eligible for selection for a team must apply to join, and be accepted into, the team’s squad on BUCS Play by the deadline listed in the entry information.
FLF 4.3 When registering at a Regional event (or in advance), each team will be required to complete a team sheet listing their chosen players (maximum 15, minimum five as per FLF 4.1) for the event from those listed in the team’s squad on BUCS Play. Individuals who are not in the team’s squad on BUCS Play will not be eligible to compete.
FLF 4.4 Individuals are not permitted to be named on a team sheet, or play, for more than one team within a Regional event.
FLF 5 Clash of colours Each team must provide two sets of contrasting jerseys. If there is a clash of colours for a fixture, the first named team will change kit.
FLF 6 Officials Each team will be required to supply one official that will be added to the pool of officials at each Regional event. This official must have a BAFA Flag Football Officiating qualification, but they can also be a member of the team’s squad.
FLF 7 Coaches Teams are not required to have coaches, however it is recommended that each team has a minimum of one coach present for each of their fixtures. To be officially recognised as a coach, an individual must have the BAFA Introduction to Flag Football for Community qualification and/or a BAFCA Level 1 or higher qualification.
FFB 8 Disputes at events In line with REG 7.7, should a dispute occur at an event, the event appeal panel for Flag Football shall comprise of the Tournament Director and/or a BUCS Staff Member.
