Sunshine State Games Adult Flag Football
The History of the Flag Football Series

The Flag Football Series began in 1974 with the State Championships, conducted under the auspices of the Athletic Interest Section of Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA)

Over the years, the program grew to include the series of State Ranking Tournaments, the McNeil Ranking System, standardized rules, team certifications and official certification.  In 2004, the torch was passed to the Florida Sports Foundation to keep this tradition alive.  The Flag Football Advisory Committee, consisting of league, officials and player representatives, assists the Florida Sports Foundation with maintaining the official Rules and Regulation and guidance with the overall program.   

Over the years, the program has grown to include over 200 certified teams and officials throughout Florida and many more playing by Florida Sports Foundation Rules and Regulations.  The State Ranking Tournament Series continues on under the umbrella of the Sunshine State Games, offering six ranking tournaments leading up to the State Championships.  Teams are ranked based upon points accumulated by wins at each State Ranking Tournament (SRT). 

Each SRT is a single elimination tournament with two consolation brackets and is conducted accordance with Florida Sports Foundation standards and requirements.  Teams competing in four or more SRT’s are eligible to compete in the State Championships.  Teams are seeded by their current state rankings and battle for the title of Florida’s State Champion.  Communities interested in hosting a SRT should check back in July for bid information or contact the Florida Sports Foundation.

In order to assist local leagues and to manage the State Ranking Tournament Series, officials, team and league certification is maintained by the Florida Sports Foundation to encourage official’s education, promote local leagues and track state team rankings.  There are many benefits for teams, officials and leagues certifying with the Florida Sports Foundation.  Certification information is available on the certification page of this website. 

You to can become part of this long-standing tradition of Adult Flag Football in Florida!  For more information, contact the Florida Sports Foundation or check this site for SRT registration forms, State Championships registration and FSF certification forms.