NFL Partnership

Unified Flag Football is generously supported by the New York JETS. Schools participating in the JETS Unified League must play each division opponent at least once. To get involved, email KMT@SONJ.org

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Participants must be students at the school and be able to participate independently
  • NJSIAA single-sport rules do not apply

General Information

  • Games are played 5 v. 5 with 3 athletes and 2 Unified partners on the field
  • Two 20-minute periods of running clock, with a 5-minute halftime. Referees keep time.
  • Coin flip determines first possession.
  • Unlimited substitutions are permitted at any stoppage of play.
  • Overtime is post-season only.
  • Principal of Meaningful Involvement applies. Partners are allowed to (and are supposed to) score!
  • SONA Flag Football rules apply. Detailed rules are available here.

Uniform Guidelines

  1. All participants must have matching uniforms (shirts and shorts/pants)
    • Shirts must have matching numbers on front and back
    • Shirts should be tucked in at the waist to avoid obstruction of flag-pulling
    • Shorts/pants should not have pockets
    • Jeans are not permitted.
  2. Players must wear rubber-cleated or flat-soled athletic shoes.
    • Metal cleats, spikes, hiking boots, or other equipment deemed dangerous by officials will not be allowed.
  3. No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.) or hats with hard bills may be worn.
  4. Sunglasses should be non-rigid and pliable. Players wearing eyewear are strongly encouraged to utilize an eyewear strap that helps hold the glasses in place.
  5. The referee shall not permit any team member to wear equipment or apparel which, in his/her judgment, is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate. Reasonable accommodations can be made for unique or extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to participants, or place opponents at a disadvantage.

Penalties

  • The yardage may be declined when accepting a penalty.
  • Offensive pre-snap penalties are five (5) yards, replay the down.
  • Offensive post-snap penalties are five (5) yards, loss of down.
  • Defensive pre-snap penalties are five (5) yards, replay the down.
  • Defensive post-snap penalties are five (5) yards, automatic first down.
  • Unsporting conduct penalties are ten (10) yards, loss of down or automatic first down.