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Flag Officiating

NFL FLAG Football

RQ+ is the provider of NFL FLAG Officiating and delivers digital officiating education and training to officials.

The NFL FLAG Football Officiating Initiative is powered by RQ+ in collaboration with RCX Sports and NFL FLAG that establishes a standardized, global officiating ecosystem that spans from youth play through the professional ranks. By centralizing referee education, background checks, and certifications onto a single platform, the initiative eliminates financial barriers, ensures consistent rules adjudication, and expands the global pool of qualified officials.

Certification Duration

NFL FLAG Officiating Account certification is achieved on an annual basis. Officials must re-register each year and complete the established certifications. The certification dates are listed below:

YearCertification Duration
Year 1Launch – August 31, 2027
Year 2September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
Year 3September 1, 2028 – August 31, 2029
Register Now – No Cost

Education, Protection, and Opportunities

Flag Officiating: Bridge to Sustainability

NFL FLAG Officiating Benefits to Officials

  • Zero Registration Fees: Complete access to the NFL FLAG Football Officiating account with no registration costs.
  • Centralized Dashboard: A single platform to manage profile data, insurance, registrations, game schedules and payments.
  • Portable Credentials: Verified certification badges seamlessly follow you across different leagues and levels of competition.
  • Clear Advancement Pathways: Structured progression routes connecting youth games to high school, college, elite national events like the NFL FLAG Championships, and professional opportunities.
  • Continuous Development: Access to digital content including weekly training tapes, "You Make the Call" interactive plays, updated rules books, and game management guides.

NFL FLAG Officiating Benefits to NFL FLAG League Operators

  • Zero Software Costs: Enjoy three full years (through 2029) of complimentary access to RQ Assign and RQ Pay at the League Operators level.
  • Certified Official’s Directory: Access to a database of certified flag officials.
  • Streamlined Operations: Automated game scheduling, official assignments, and integrated digital payment processing.
  • Risk Management: Standardized certifications and defined participant guidelines reduce organizational liability.
  • Elevated Game Quality: Better-trained referees deliver consistent rules enforcement, minimizing on-field errors and improving the overall athlete experience.

2026-27 NFL FLAG Certification Schedule

Delivery DateContent TypeCertification Topic
Wed, Sept 15Training TapePregame
Thurs, Sept 16QuizPregame
Mon, Sept 21Training TapeIntro to NFL FLAG
Tues, Sept 22QuizIntro to NFL FLAG
Wed, Sept 23Training TapeGame Play
Thurs, Sept 24QuizGame Play
Mon, Sept 28Training TapeMechanics & Positioning
Tues, Sept 29QuizMechanics & Positioning
Wed, Sept 30Training TapePenalty administration and Enforcement
Thurs, Oct 1QuizPenalty administration and Enforcement

Officials who register after the delivery dates will still have the ability to access all content and complete all certification items.