7 on 7 Flag Football Uniforms: Rules, Design Tips, and Trends
7 on 7 flag football uniforms are more than just another piece of gear. Uniform rules can be complex, and choosing the right 7 on 7 flag football uniforms is about more than style, it is about performance, compliance, and team identity. Whether you are gearing up for a 7 on 7 football tournament, developing a new team, or reshaping your look for the season, your uniforms need to represent you.
From design trends and gear to rules and customization tips, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about 7 on 7 flag football uniforms.
An important note to start is that 7 on 7 flag football during the summer months is not always under the oversight of the National Federation of High Schools. If it is a state association sport, such as girls 7 on 7 flag football, there may be specific guidelines set by your state association.
During summer tournaments, NFHS uniform rules, including numbering guidelines and design standards, often allow more flexibility. Every uniform we design at RaizedUp adheres to NFHS standards, but the rules explained in this blog serve as general guidelines, as 7 on 7 flag football regulations can vary widely from state to state.
What Is 7 on 7 Football?
This version of football, typically flag or two hand touch, is a showcase for athletes to prove themselves to coaches and hopefully earn the chance to play at the collegiate level. Each side has seven players total which consists of mainly skill players such as wide receivers, tight ends, and the quarterback with defenders lined up against them.
7 on 7 is a non-contact sport meaning that there is no tackling or blocking like we see in normal football. There are also no run plays allowed, only pass attempts, putting the spotlight entirely on the quarterback and their skill players. Another big change is the field aspect, a typical field in football consists of 100 yards between goal lines while 7 on 7 plays on 40-yard fields between the goal lines.
Many high school football teams use 7 on 7 flag football for summer practice and to develop their players prior to the start of fall practice. Since the sport emphasizes speed, agility, and skill over physical contact, uniform design prioritizes mobility and comfort above heavy padding or protective gear.
What Are 7 on 7 Flag Football Uniforms?
7 on 7 flag football uniforms are specifically designed jerseys to be comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. Think short sleeve or sleeveless sublimated compression tops and shorts.
These uniforms are composed of polyester or spandex to hug the player’s body and offer a breathable, but tighter fit for flexibility, quicker drying and muscle compression. These games are typically held throughout the summer prior to the high school football season. Compression uniforms can hold designs very well regardless of the conditions they’re put through.
Sublimated jerseys are especially popular in this sport because it embeds designs directly into the fabric preventing cracking, peeling, or fading even after long tournaments or multiple washes. These jerseys allow full coverage design meaning you can add complex patterns, gradients, multiple colors, player names, and intricate logos without added cost per color.
This allows teams to express their creativity and identity in ways that normal screen printing never would. Custom sublimated 7 on 7 jerseys can be more pricey than their normal print counterpart though. It is an investment, but it’s one that can improve players performance on the field.
Shorts are even regulated in this sport. 7 on 7 flag football shorts cannot have pockets to ensure that flags and belts are easily visible to rules officials along with the defenders. Since it is such a fast paced, non-contact game built on speed and skill, the uniforms are designed to maximize performance without unnecessary bulk.
These uniforms are composed of polyester or spandex to hug the player’s body and offer a breathable, but tighter fit for flexibility, quicker drying and muscle compression.
Design Trends in 7 on 7 Flag Football Uniforms
The uniform is one of the biggest attractions in this sport. Bold colors, team logos, player names, and large visible numbers help uniforms stand out on the field and in photos, boosting team identity and brand visibility.
Beyond just bold colors and logos, 7 on 7 uniform design trends continue to evolve as teams look for ways to separate themselves from the competition. Many programs are leaning into clean, modern layouts with sharper striping patterns, oversized chest numbers, and subtle background textures that add depth without overwhelming the primary design. The simplistic style is making a comeback and teams are reshaping designs to fit their team. Color blocking has also become popular, allowing teams to create contrast between shoulders, sleeves, and torso panels for a more structured, athletic look.
Cost with these style of uniforms is usually extremely affordable, but fundraising can help offset these costs.
Custom sublimated 7 on 7 uniforms ensure vibrant, long-lasting designs that stand out against other teams. Football gloves, arm sleeves, and guardian caps add to the trendy style that’s gaining traction today. Teams are trying out different styles with their 7 on 7 uniform to give them uniqueness among others, such as:
A Gradient Fade - It creates a modern, aggressive look which can give teams a competitive edge over their opponents.
Neon Accents - These are becoming more prevalent since the neon outlines pop underneath the stadium lights.
Monochrome/metallic Finish - A sleek, minimalist design that attracts attention based on its similarities to the professional jersey style seen in the NFL.
Overall, the look in this sport matters to the team and each player as it helps to differentiate them from others.
General Design Guidelines for 7 on 7 Flag Football Uniforms
Uniform rules in 7 on 7 football are in places to promote fairness, safety, and visibility. The rules can vary depending on which tournament you are a part of, so it’s always important to check the rulebook prior to each tournament. Below are a few rules and regulations commonly found in 7 on 7 football.
Numbers
Numbers should be plainly visible from a distance with strong contrast against the uniform top. Avoid low-contrast color combinations or patterned backgrounds that cause numbers to blend in, as clear visibility is often required by tournament officials and referees for player identification.
Names
Player names are optional and less common in 7 on 7 flag football uniforms, as many teams prioritize a clean, uniform look for roster flexibility. That said, names can be added for branding, social media, or recruiting visibility if desired.
Logos
Team logos should be original or fully licensed. While using professional or collegiate logos may seem appealing, unlicensed trademarks can create legal liability for teams and organizations. We always recommend using custom logos or original branding to avoid copyright issues and ensure your uniforms are tournament-safe.
Jerseys
Jerseys should be tight fitting since loose jerseys promote defenders to grab the receiver which can lead to injuries on both sides. Compression jerseys are the standard because they reduce grabbing opportunities, improve range of motion, and are more breathable than loose fabric jerseys.
These rules may seem unnecessary but it is all in regard to the safety of the players. Each league wants to foster high level competition in a safe manner but there are many different leagues from state to state. Because of these different leagues, the rules can vary from state to state so it’s important to check the rulebook and guidelines in the state you’re playing in before the start of the tournament.
Almost 7 on 7 Season?
Understanding 7 on 7 flag football uniform rules helps your team compete confidently while maintaining a professional appearance. If you’re exploring custom 7 on 7 football uniforms that meet tournament standards and elevate your team’s identity, we can guide you through the process.
