How to Keep Score in Flag Football: A Beginner's Guide

A Beginner's Guide to Flag Football Scorekeeping

If you have been asked to keep score at a flag football game for the first time, do not panic. Scorekeeping in flag football is straightforward once you understand the point values and the flow of the game. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to keep an accurate scorebook from the opening snap to the final whistle.

Point Values to Know

Before the game starts, confirm which ruleset is being used (NFHS, NFL FLAG, or NIRSA), because point values can vary slightly. Under the most common formats:

• Touchdown – 6 points
• 1-point conversion – attempted from the 5-yard line
• 2-point conversion – attempted from the 10-yard line
• Safety – 2 points awarded to the defense

In some NFL FLAG youth formats, touchdowns may be worth 6 points with a 1-point or 2-point try, while other recreational leagues simplify scoring to just touchdowns and extra points. Always check before the game.

What to Record on Each Play

At a minimum, a scorekeeper should log the following for every scoring play:

1. The quarter and time of the score
2. Which team scored
3. The type of score (touchdown, PAT, safety)
4. The player who scored (jersey number and name if available)
5. The updated running score

If you are tracking full stats, you will also record every play's result—completions, incompletions, rushes, flag pulls, and turnovers. But for basic scorekeeping, focus on scoring plays and the running total.

Paper vs. Digital Scorekeeping

Many programs still use a paper scorebook, and that works fine for recreational leagues. However, digital scorekeeping has become the standard for organized and sanctioned play. Apps like FlagStat Go on iPhone let you tap to record each play, automatically calculate the score, and generate a shareable box score as soon as the game ends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to record the PAT attempt after a touchdown
• Losing track of which half it is when the clock resets
• Not confirming the ruleset's point values before kickoff
• Missing a safety because the play happened quickly

After the Game

Once the final whistle blows, verify your score with the referee and the opposing team's scorekeeper. If you are using FlagStat, the final box score and PDF report are generated automatically and stored in the cloud, so coaches, parents, and administrators can access the results immediately—no retyping required.