Region A Flag Football

What Is Flag Football?

One of the newest and most exciting sports Special Olympics Illinois offers is flag football. In Illinois, flag football provides competition for teams of five in junior and senior (coed) age groups.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in team competition compete locally at a regional qualifying event. Teams who win a gold medal are eligible to advance to the State Flag Football Tournament hosted in Peoria in November.

Flag Football Events Offered in Illinois

• Five-on-five team competition – Junior and senior age groups

Competition Information

This is a qualifying event for Regions A, B, C, and E

There will not be room for warmups in the stadium, but there is a large grass area outside of the stadium on the east side where teams can warm up. We are planning to introduce teams into the stadium prior to each of their game times. We will make announcements, but plan to have your team line up by Tournament Central 20 minutes prior to your game time.  There will be volunteers helping to get teams in order. 

A few reminders on uniform requirements and equipment that will be checked prior to each game :

• No advertising or sponsorship is allowed to be worn on competition uniforms or warm-ups. Athletes will not be allowed to wear jewelry or awards during competition. No jeans, jean shorts or street shoes will be allowed to be worn during the competition. No metal spikes, hiking boots, or other equipment deemed dangerous by officials will be allowed. Athletes will be expected to dress appropriately for the weather and competition. Athletes not in the proper attire will be disqualified.
• All participants must have a playing uniform consisting of matching shirts, shorts or pants, and matching numbers on the back which can be tucked in at the waist to avoid obstruction of flag pulling. Shorts and pants must have no pockets.
• A protective mouthpiece must be worn at all times.
• A one-piece, three-flag Triple Threat belt will be worn during the games at all times.

Facility Information

We are utilizing the parking lot K which is highlighted on the map, located in the Supporting Documents section of this page.  We will only have access to the east side stands of the stadium.  Tournament central will be by the southeast entrance.  Teams should plan to sign in prior to their first game to receive their wristbands for field access.  Only registered coaches and athletes will be allowed on the field.  Team registration will begin at 8:30 AM.  Remember to have coaches bring a photo ID in order to register your team.

Event Details

Team registration will begin at 8:30 AM.  Remember to have coaches bring a photo ID in order to register your team.

We will have an opening ceremony at 9:15 AM.

Games will take place throughout the day with awards presented after divisions complete play.

Volunteer Information

Please click the button below to register as a volunteer

Equipment

Football equipment for game play is provided. Teams need to provide their belts as stated in the rule interpretations. Athletes should follow the rule interpretations regarding uniforms. This includes mandatory mouth guards.

Awards

Awards will be presented when each division is finished.  The awards area will be south of the football field inside of the stadium.  There is room for spectators to be present for pictures. 

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to all registered athletes and coaches.  This will consist of a sandwich, chips, fruit and water.  Lunch will be available from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Lunch can be picked up near tournament central, under the stands in the southeast side of the stadium.  A concession stand will be available for spectators.  No food or drinks are allowed on the field other than water.  Lunch will need to be eaten in the stands or outside of the stadium.

Supporting Documents

2023 Region A Flag Football Schedule

2023 Region A Flag Football Divisions

2023 Region A Flag Football Parking Map

2023 Region A Flag Football Final Roster

2023 Region A Flag Football Brackets

To see a complete list of all state competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Results

Results will be posted after the event.

Who We Are

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. 

If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.  

COVID Procedures

Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines.  Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols. 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf