Who gets the ball after we score, and can we keep it if we're behind?

After a touchdown and the try, the other team gets the ball at its own 14-yard line. The same applies after a successful field goal, in states that allow kicking. (The start of each half is also a snap from the 14-yard line.)

New for 2026-27 (Rule 8-3-9 exception): if the scoring team is trailing, it may choose to keep possession instead. It takes the ball at its own 20-yard line on 4th down, and all the normal rules for a scrimmage down, including timing, apply.

The NFHS describes this as flag football's version of an onside kick.