How to Make a Lacrosse Yellow Penalty Flag

Tossing a yellow flag is the method by which penalties are noted in sanctioned lacrosse games. The regulation flags are 14 1/2 inches by 14 1/2 inches and are often weighted in the center. Although they are commonly available for sale, they can also be easily made with a few items and a bit of time.

Things You'll Need

  • Durable yellow fabric
  • Scissors
  • Small ball or other weight
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy some yellow fabric made out of a durable material. Most flags are made out of polyester or nylon because the material can be washed and does not tear easily. The material can be found at any craft or sewing store. How much material you'll need will depend on how many flags you plan to make.

    • 2

      Cut the fabric into 14 1/2-inch by 14 1/2 inch squares. You will need two squares for each flag.

    • 3

      Place the ball in the middle of one of the flags and lay the second flag directly on top, aligned with the bottom flag. Sew around the weight to hold it in place, then sew the four edges of the flags together to create one flag with a sewn-in weight in the middle. You can either use a sewing machine or a needle and thread. It's important that the stitching is done well so it doesn't come apart during regular use.

    • 4

      To create a simpler version of the flag, sew the weight into the center of a single piece of material, creating a weight surrounded by a free-flowing (and no longer flat) piece of fabric. Some referees prefer these flags, which more closely resemble a Hershey's Kiss with an extremely long piece of material at the top.

    • 5

      For added durability, you can sew a hem along the four sides of the flag. Ideally, you should decide if you want to do that before you cut the cloth, so you can give yourself a bit of extra material to use in the hem.