Common Playing Rules

Note: Turkey Day Classic will play under the National Federation of High School football rules.

Note: In the 8 and 9 year old divisions you can have no player stand over the center what so ever, player can be in a three point or four point stance, but not stand in the gap. Please call tournament director if you do not understand this rule.

Note: Only five coaches on the side line at any one time.

Note: The unlimited age groups you can only have two players that are over the skill players weigh you can NOT have an over loaded side meaning only the center, guard, tackle, must be on one side a third player must be under the restricted weight per their perspective class.

Note: The 6, and 7 year old divisions you can have no player line up on center or in the gap, "must" be on the guard

Beneath are the "Common Playing Rules" for the Turkey Day Classic:

Note: All teams and coaches need to report to field reps and game officials to determine who has home and away, must be 30 minutes before their perspective game times. We will be flipping a coing to make the sideline choices.

1. All games will consist of four (4) equal right (8) minute quarters each.

2. Each player will be weighed in prior to being allowed to participate in there first game. Once the initial weight is determined, no additional weigh-ins will be required. A visual check of each player will be made prior to every game to ensure that the proper ankle bracelet is in place. If a player loses his ankle bracelet, that player must be re-registered before being allowed to participate in a game. The coach or team mom must have all registration paperwork present and available at each game.

3. Extra points are awarded as follow: 2 points for kicks and 1 point for a pass or a run.

4. The Flyweight, Bantamweight. Lightweight, and Welterweight Divisions an allowed one coach on the field during regular game play. That coach is restricted from interfering in any manner of play. If officials determine that a coach interferes, that coach will be ejected from the field of play for the duration of that game and his team forfeit's the right to have a coach on the field for the remainder of the game. Starting at age 10 and above will have live kick offs and punts. Radio headsets will be allowed on the field by coaches.

5. A running clock will be utilized in any game in which any team is behind by 25 points. The clock will not be stopped until the point difference becomes less than 25 points.

6. There will be no smoking, chewing tobacco, or alcohol use on the sidelines before, during, or after the games. Officials will assets an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for any violation and the person will be ejected from the playing field.

7. Anyone found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be ejected from the tournament and will not be allowed at any field.

8. If any player, coach, or spectator is ejected by a referee, field representative, or security personnel, the ejection will be for the remainder of that game add continue through the next game.

9. The Flyweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight and Welterweight Divisions will use the Wilson K-2 football or its equivalent. The Middleweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Divisions will use the Wilson TDY/TDJ football or its equivalent. The game officials will determine if a football meets the equivalent criteria.

10. Attempts to use ineligible players or gross team un-sportsmanship will not be tolerated. A board of officials will be convened to handle such matters to include ejection of the offending team for the tournament Head coaches are responsible for the actions of their staff, players and fans.

11. All tied games will be decided by National Federation High School rules.

12. Any topics not discussed are covered by the National Federation School Association and Rules.

13. The Turkey Day Classic Staff must have access to the "team book" for each teams respective league at least on notarized liability contract, a valid birth certificate from either the States Division of Vital Statistics or a Birth Certificate from the Federal Government or Military and a current photograph taken within the last 6 months of the player attached to the contract before the may participate, Records of Birth from a hospital will not be accepted as appropriate identification.

14. A player must have participated in your league or regulated youth football at their respective age to play in this tournament Proof from your league in the form of a contract or other league identification is required before play begins and will be strictly enforced.

15. Players may only participate in one age and weight division. Once registered for a particular division, no switching or changing will be allowed.

16. Teams that are playing in the unlimited divisions will play under these rules. Any players that are over the designated weight of the ball carrier will receive an orange sticker. Any player with an orange sticker cannot advance a fumble, interception or a muff. The whistle will be blown dead if an orange sticker gains possession.

17. Player of any weight may kick on extra points but not advance the ball if play gets muffed.

18. Players in unlimited weights on defense can't play defensive end or off of the line. Players over the weight of the ball carriers have to play between tackle to tackle only.