SECTION 8 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY AND CONDUCT AND EQUIPTMENT
This section defines the standards and expectations for player equipment, safety, conduct, and
participation across all Lone Star Legends Flag Football divisions. The purpose is to ensure consistency, safety, and development while promoting competitive, structured play that helps athletes grow in both skill and
character.
A. Equipment Standards
• All players must wear official Lone Star Flag Football uniforms and flags provided or approved by the
league.
• Each player must have two side flags and one rear flag, securely attached and clearly visible at all
times.
• Shirts must remain tucked in and may not cover flags.
• Footwear: molded rubber cleats or turf shoes only — no metal spikes or detachable studs.
• Mouthguards are encouraged but not mandatory unless otherwise required by local policy.
• Jewelry and accessories: no hard or metallic items (including watches, necklaces, or earrings). Soft
headbands, sweatbands, and gloves are permitted.
• Football sizes will be age-appropriate and designated by the league.
• Players not meeting equipment requirements will be withheld from play until corrected.
B. Player Conduct & Sportsmanship
• Players must treat teammates, opponents, referees, and coaches with respect and composure at all
times.
• Trash talking, taunting, profanity, or excessive celebration will result in an Unsportsmanlike Conduct
penalty.
• Players are expected to represent the league and their community with integrity.
• The league’s goal is to develop leadership, self-control, teamwork, and accountability in all players.
C. Participation, Playing Time & Rotation
• Playing time is earned through effort, enthusiasm, and understanding of the game.
• All players will be assigned at least one starting position on one side of the ball (offense or defense).
• Some players may earn starting roles on both sides depending on performance and stamina.
• Coaches will assign specific positions so players can develop deeper knowledge of the game and the
responsibilities of their role over the course of the season.
• Players are encouraged to learn additional positions as the season progresses to promote well-rounded
development.
• Some rotation is encouraged, but it is left entirely to the discretion of the Head Coach. In game rotation shall not be interfered with by league officials, Parents, and or referees. If an issue is observed, it should be brought to the Commissioner/League Manager/League Director, and it will be addressed after the game.
• Coaches have full authority to determine player roles, rotation, and in-game substitutions based on
attitude, readiness, and performance.
• This approach provides structure, organization, and higher-quality play than traditional recreational
flag leagues, while still guaranteeing that all players participate each week.
D. Injuries & Return-to-Play
• Any player who appears injured or requests a stoppage must immediately be removed from play until
evaluated.
• If bleeding or open wounds are present, the player must leave the field until cleaned and covered.
• Return-to-play occurs only when both coach and referee agree the player can safely continue.
• For serious injuries, the league may require medical or parental clearance before the player returns.
• Player safety and long-term health take precedence over competitive outcome.
E. Attendance & Team Commitment
• Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games unless excused in advance.
• Habitual unexcused absences may affect starting assignments or playing time.
• Teams unable to field the minimum number of players must notify the league before the game.
• Commitment and consistent effort are valued as highly as athletic performance.
• Teams may play with 4 player (4V5) but any less than 4 players (3 in 3-4 age group) will result in a forfeit of the game.
F. Parental & Sideline Conduct
• Parents and spectators must remain outside designated sideline boundaries during all games and
practices.
• Negative comments toward officials, coaches, or players will not be tolerated.
• Referees and league staff may request removal of any spectator who disrupts play or behaves
inappropriately.
• The league expects parents to model respect, encouragement, and good sportsmanship at all times.
G. Player Development Philosophy
• Lone Star Legends Flag Football is a developmental and competitive league focused on teaching real football fundamentals in a controlled, safe environment.
• The league values effort, enthusiasm, discipline, and learning above raw athleticism.
• Coaches are encouraged to challenge players, reward growth, and prepare them for higher levels of play
— both athletically and personally.
• Every participant should leave the season a better player, better teammate, and better person than
when they began.