Turkey Bowl Flag Football Game Rules
General
1. There will be a coin toss at the beginning of each game determining possession.
2. Each game will last 15 minutes. This will be a running clock with no half time.
3. The game cannot end on a penalty. If the clock runs out because of a penalty
there will be 1 un-timed down.
4. If the game ends in a tie there will be an un-timed overtime. Possession will be
determined by a coin toss. Whoever gets possession will get the ball at the 15yard line with 3 downs to score. Possession will change if the defense stops the
offense. The first team to score wins.
5. All traditional flag football penalties will apply. (i.e. illegal contact, false start,
offensive/defensive pass interference, illegal forward pass, illegal motion, flag
guarding, illegal formation, no hurdling, jumping, or diving, illegal rush, roughing
the passer, holding, offsides)
Offense
1. Each possession will begin on the 5-yard line. You have 4 downs to get a first
down at midfield and 4 downs after midfield to score. (The field is 70 yards
long.)
2. There will be a 15 second play clock between each play. (A referee will keep this
on a stopwatch.)
3. On offense, there must be 5 players on the line of scrimmage.
4. “No-Run Zones,” located 5 yards before each end zone and 5 yards on either
side of midfield are designed to avoid short-yardage power-running situations.
Teams are not allowed to run in these zones if the subsequent line is LIVE. (Each
offensive squad approaches only TWO No-Run Zones in each drive – one 5
yards from midfield to gain the first down, and one 5 yards from the goal line to
score a TD).
5. Runners may not leave their feet to advance the ball. Diving, leaping, or jumping
to avoid a flag pull is considered flag guarding.
6. Offensive players must come to a complete stop for one second before the ball
is snapped unless he/she is the only player in motion.
7. A player must have at least one-foot inbounds when making a reception.
8. If a team has a turnover the ball automatically goes to midfield for the other
team to takeover.
9. Fumbles are dead where the ball hits the ground.
10. There will be no actual punting or kick-offs. If a team decides to punt on 4th
down the ball goes to opponent's 5-yard line. After one team scores the ball is
placed on the 5-yard line for the other team.
11. After each score, the scoring team will go for the extra point from the 5-yard
line. (No option for 2 pts.)
Defense
1. All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 5 yards from the line of
scrimmage when the ball is snapped. Any number of players can rush the
quarterback. Players not rushing the quarterback may defend on the line of
scrimmage.
2. When rushing the quarterback you cannot use your hands to grab or shove the
offensive lineman.
3. The quarterback has a 3-yard "safe zone." This means the rusher cannot swat at
a pass or put their arms up unless they are 3 yards away from the passer.
4. Interceptions are returnable but not on conversions after touchdowns.
5. There is no intentional contact allowed with receivers. (i.e. jamming)