Risk Management for Flag Football, Touch, 7v7, and Beyond

Top Risks in Flag Football (and How to Mitigate Them)

1. Player Injuries: Speed and Agility Come With Risks

• The Risk: Despite less contact, flag football still leads to sprains, concussions, and fractures. Over 19,000 flag football injuries are treated annually in emergency rooms (U.S. CPSC).
• Common injuries include ankle sprains, ACL tears from cutting movements, and concussions from incidental contact.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Require mouthguards and appropriate athletic footwear (no metal cleats).
• Train coaches on safe techniques for pulling flags and avoiding collisions.
• Implement pre-game warm-ups and stretching routines.
• Limit aggressive plays; reinforce safety-first behavior.
• Enforce rules prohibiting intentional roughness.
• Use trained referees to manage player behavior.
• Require detailed waivers and release forms outlining inherent risks.

2. Concussions

• Require coach and administrator training with the CDC Heads Up Course
• Have written a concussion risk management plan including
  • Concussion recognition
  • Removal from play
  • Medical treatment by a health care professional
  • Return to play clearance
  • Gradual return to play protocol

3. Sex Abuse / Molestation

• Comply with the federal Safe Sport Act
• Have a written child abuse risk management program that keys in on:
  • Definitions of prohibited abuse
  • How to stop the grooming process
  • Two-level deep requirement where a single adult is never alone with a single unrelated child
  • Mandatory reporting requirements
  • Criminal background check requirement

4. Spectator Injuries and Venue Safety

• The Risk: Overthrown passes and poorly maintained fields can cause spectator injuries.
• Collisions of players with spectators who are standing too close to the sidelines
• Slips/Trips/Falls in the parking lot, sidewalks, spectator areas, and bathrooms

Mitigation Strategies:

• Designate safe zones for spectators.
• Regularly inspect fields for hazards like holes or debris.
• Inspect premises for slip/trip/fall hazards

5.  Weather-Related Hazards: Heat and Lightning

• The Risk: Outdoor games expose players to heatstroke, dehydration, and lightning.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature for decisions about cancellation and postponement
• Train coaches, players, and parents on recognizing heat illness symptoms.
• Enforce hydration breaks and provide shaded rest areas.
• Suspend play according to lightning safety protocols (30/30 rule).
• Evacuate to appropriate shelters which include fully enclosed buildings and vehicles.

6. Legal Liability: Financially Protecting Your Program

• The Risk: One serious claim can bankrupt a league, camp, or tournament.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Use waiver/release agreements on participants and adults
• Have a written risk management plan
• Carry General Liability Insurance.
• Secure Participant Accident Insurance.
• Document all incidents carefully for protection.

Sadler Sports Insurance offers customized, affordable coverage designed specifically for:

• Flag Football
• Touch Football
• 7v7 Passing Leagues
• Flex Football (rated as lacrosse)
• TackleBar Leagues (contact Sadler for rating instructions)

• General Liability Insurance
• Participant Accident Insurance
• D&O Liability
• Equipment / Crime
• Instant Online Quote / Pay / Printing of proof of coverage docs and certificates
• Free Risk Management Resources, including waiver/release forms, risk management templates, educational articles