New rules raised eyebrows for many flag football players this season as the National Federation of State High School changed the rulebook for the 2025-2026 season.

According to NFHS, the size of the field and the number of players on the field has changed. NFHS states, “In addition to determining one of the three options for the playing field, there are 18 other rules to be determined by state adoption, including the establishment of rules regarding place kicking for field goals and trys (points after touchdowns).”

With these new rules in place this season, many players notice a stark difference between this year and last year in terms of gameplay.

Coach Lee Mauga stated, The game is more physical now. Girls are allowed to block/screen on offense and for the defense you can rush as many girls as you want, 1 yard from the line of scrimmage. QBs have to make quicker decisions in the pocket due to pressure of the pass rush.”

Along with this, many have found that the game is more focused on defense than offense. One way that the game has changed in this way is the addition of new kicking rules. With punting added, teams are able to hold the opposing teams closer to the goal.

Carmen Giuffre ’27 pointed out, “The league is definitely different and the teams we’re looking at playing into the season are mainly run teams, which means more reliance on the linebackers and the rush on defensive while contrary with the offense as we’re trying to establish a secure position to try and pass and run the ball a lot this year.”

While the team may have faced an unexpected turn of events over the summer, they made clear that they can handle anything.

Coach Mauga said, “We have adapted pretty quickly to the new rules as a defense and our offense is slowly building up their confidence. I feel like once our offense gets rolling, we are going to be a hard team to beat this year.”