SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION - THE WEEKLY BULL FOR FLAG FOOTBALL – October 26, 2026
Keeping Track of the Zone to Gain – This remains one of the most challenging situations to manage mechanically. Errors almost always involve a foul, or loss of yardage play, which moves the offensive team back behind the previous Zone to Gain marker. In error, the crew then awards a 1st down even though the Zone to Gain has not been reached. Most officials are either using a down indicator to keep track of the Zone to Gain, or using the “Double Stakes” signal from tackle football when we communicate a similar situation in that game. Verbal confirmation of the Zone to Gain is one of our most important mechanics in flag football and should be used at all times!
Screen Blocking Reminder – This comes from the Case Book section of the 2026 Rule Book 9.3.2. A screen blocker may move in the same direction as an opponent while maintaining legal screening position. A screen blocker may not move toward an opponent and initiate contact or create contact with arms, legs or elbows. Illegal Blocking Foul (S34) 10-yards.
Illegal Use of Hands Reminder – A defensive player shall not initiate contact with an opponent. Illegal Use of Hands (S34) 10-yards. Sometimes this occurs when a defender charges into the receiver as they both go for the ball.
Flag Pulled – Then Illegal Use of Hands by the Defense – There could be a situation where one defender pulls the flag and immediately afterwards a teammate on defense initiates contact with the runner. This Illegal Use of Hands foul should be enforced as a dead ball foul. The down counts where the flag was pulled and if beyond the Zone to Gain, a 1st down is awarded. Then the dead ball foul is then enforced from the dead ball spot. If the dead ball foul moves the ball back behind the previous Zone to Gain, then that previous Zone to Gain will be the new Zone to Gain. Rule 5-3-1 “When a new series of downs is awarded, the penalties for all fouls (including non-player and unsportsmanlike) committed prior to the ball being ready-for-play shall be administered before the Zone to Gain is established. This is equivalent to tackle football and how we administer dead ball fouls before establishing a 1st and 10.
Fouls by the Offense on Scoring Plays – If the offense commits a Illegal Blocking foul on a scoring play, then the defense will usually accept that penalty which negates the score and is enforced from the spot of the foul or previous spot, whichever is relevant to the actual type of play and location of the foul.
Fouls by the Offense After Scoring Plays – Team A QB rushes for a closely contested touchdown. Immediately after crossing the goal line, she makes forceful illegal contact with a stationary defender near the front of the endzone. The defender had an obvious right of place. The TD counts, and the dead ball Persona Foul for charging into an opponent, will be enforced as a dead ball foul on the try (succeeding spot).
CIF Girls Flag Football Seeding –The seeding results and brackets have been posted onto the CIF website. Check out the outstanding match ups in every division.
Girls Flag Football Championship Bulletin – This informative document can be found on the CIF website at www.cifsds.org. Find the SPORTS drop down menu and select Girls Flag Football. Once you are on that flag football page look for Championship Bulletin.
Girls Flag Football Championship Schedules – Divisions I-IV First Round - Tuesday, October 27 Higher seed hosts Open Division Quarterfinals - Wednesday, October 28 Higher seed hosts Divisions I-IV Quarterfinals - Thursday, October 29 Higher seed hosts Open & Divisions I-IV Semifinals - Tuesday, November 3 Higher seed hosts
*Contests are to be hosted at the home site of the higher seed. By mutual agreement and after consulting with Assigner, starting times may be adjusted by the home site.
2026 Flag Football Officials Fees Referee Other Preliminary Rounds – Referee $90.00 – Others $85 Championships – Referee $100.00 - Others $95
Championship Games: - Saturday, November 7, 2026 @ Olympian High School: Division IV: 10:00 AM Division III: 12:00 PM Division II: 2:00 PM Division I: 4:00 PM Open: 6:00 PM
