How to run a flag football tournament

Running a flag football event is mostly planning. Set sign-ups, fees, and format first. Game day stays calm.

1. Pick the shape of the event

Decide days, courts or fields, and how many games each team gets.

• Set a game clock before you promise a guarantee.
• Keep rec and competitive in separate divisions.
• Post scores so the next field stays ready.

2. Open sign-up

Publish one page with dates, fees, format, and rules. Share that link everywhere.

In The Rooster, that page is your event. Teams sign up. You see who paid. See registration and payments.

3. Choose a format

• Pool into a bracket: Group games, then a cut.
• Single elimination: A fast one-day cup.
• Double elimination: A second chance for seed upsets.
• League season: Weekly games plus playoffs.

4. Build the schedule

Set times and fields. Teams should see the next game without asking you.

Use schedules and brackets so the draw stays live.

5. Run game day

Post scores as games finish. The bracket moves. Teams get the update.

• Take team sign-ups by division
• Track who has paid
• Set fields and kickoff times
• Advance winners with each score

6. Keep people in the loop

Send one update if a field or time changes. Skip the group text.

Create the event free, or get free setup help.