Field General

Thank you for considering volunteer support of our 20th annual Father & Son Bowl, Nov. 7, 2026 at Lasko Fields in Franklin, TN. We know your time is valuable and greatly appreciate it.

Why we do this

  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2023), 17.8 million children, nearly 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home.

  • Fatherlessness typically results in increased crime, poverty, teen pregnancy, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poor academic performance. 

  • A majority of our family and community problems stem from uninvolved or absent fathers.

We believe the rise of fatherlessness and its destructive impact can be reversed. Our mission is to champion fatherhood and encourage men to be the loving and strong leaders they're created to be.

Also, a portion of the proceeds benefit fatherless kids and young men in need. Over the years, with the support of our players, sponsors, and volunteers we’ve donated $105,600. Proceeds also help facilitate MVP Sunday.

If you have questions please contact Darin Clark at darin@fathersonbowl.com 

OVERVIEW

Field Generals (adult men) will work with their field supervisor and refs to create a positive and encouraging game experience. You will do the following:

  • Gather players prior to kick off to share key rules

  • Mark the line of scrimmage for refs

  • Keep score and key game notes

  • Throw Positive Points flag

  • Help select Man of Honor recipients

  • See below for more information

Click on this link <Field Assignments> for your assigned field #. Assignments should be posted by Nov. 5 or sooner. You will report to your assigned field at the beginning of your shift. Your supervisor will get you situated with the items you need.

Shift Options

Lunch and drinks provided for all day volunteers.

SHIFT 1

  • 8:30 am – 11:40 am 

  • 2 games, 3 hours 10 minutes

  • 10 minute break between games

SHIFT 2

  • 12:00 pm – 3:10 pm

  • 2 games, 3 hours 10 minutes

  • 10 minute break between games

SHIFT 3

  • 3:00 pm – 4:40 pm

  • 1 game, 1 hour 40 minutes

SIGN UP!

DUTIES

Your duties will be on a clipboard for easy to follow reference. We also have volunteer t-shirts that can be worn over jackets.

1) WELCOME PLAYERS. Bring ALL PLAYERS together at mid field 5 minutes before the game is scheduled to start.

2) CHECK WRISTBANDS! Make sure ALL PLAYERS are present and have them show you their event wristbands. Make sure you see everyone’s wristband.

3) LITTLE GUYS? Check to see if any 5 or 6 year olds are playing. If so, the Little Guy rule is in effect. See below for more info on that rule.

4) COIN TOSS. Have the youngest player from each team do the coin toss.

5) BEGIN GAME.

  • The games need to start on the scheduled time and NOT early.

  • Keep score and mark the line of scrimmage for the refs.

  • Interact with players and encourage them. Have fun and set the tone!

  • Monitor wristbands throughout the game. Make sure that no unregistered people are getting into the game. This is one of the most important duties for liabiltiy reasons.

  • Throw Positive Points flag for players demonstrating exceptional character or integrity. 1 per team, per half max, but they should ONLY be thrown if exceptional character or integrity is demonstrated. 2 points each time flag is thrown and a reason needs to be shared why it’s being thrown (ie. the positive behavior observed).

6) END GAME.

  • Bring all the players together.

  • Thank them for being there and playing.

  • Present the Man of Honor Medal and Certificate. These should ONLY be awarded if Father & Son Bowl characteristics of honor is demonstrated as listed below. 1 player per team max. Recipients should be decided with the field supervisor and refs prior to the end of the game. Remove medal from envelope to be presented and hung on neck.

  • Remind all players to return their belts in the bins by the exit.

A Man of Honor should be selected for displaying Father & Son Bowl characteristics of:

  • INTEGRITY: Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching

  • SELFLESS: Bringing out the best in other people

  • RESPECT: Treating others with dignity and kindness

  • SPORTSMANSHIP: Being gracious in winning or losing

TIME

Refs keep the time.

  • 15 min. Quarters

  • 1 min. Break between quarters

  • 5 min. Half Time

KEY RULES

Below are the things we want the refs to look for early in games and flag them so the players get the idea they can't do it. Unfortunately, a lot of players don't read the rules. If you see rules being violated, mention it to the ref at the end of the quarter. They should be aware of these key rules. The refs will not catch every penalty so use your discretion. It’s the ref's job to run the game.

  • NEW: QB can run ONLY if legally blitzed.

  • 6 on 6 ONLY! No exceptions. It’s a safety issue with adults and kids playing at the same time.

  • 10 yard blitz line. Marked by referee. Make sure it’s a full 10 yards and not shorter. Flag illegal and early blitzes.

  • 30 second play clock. This is intended to keep the game moving and for each team to have a lot of plays. More lenient in little guy games.

  • 7 seconds to run a play. It’s a loss of down if the offense doesn’t run a play in in that time.

  • No flag guarding

  • No blocking

  • No stiff arms

  • 2 adults (ages 18+) per team must be on the field every play.  

    • This is the one rule that should be mentioned immediately to the ref if it’s not being adhered to.

    • We don't want dads on the sidelines just letting the kids play.  

    • If an adult gets hurt and they only have one adult left to play then they can play with one.

    • If the game consists of mostly guys older than 18, then two older adults (fathers) need to be on the field.

The "Little Guy" Rule
If a team has a 5 or 6 year old boy... 2 plays per half a "Little Guy" must either run or catch the ball. This play MUST be announced to the referee and defense prior to starting the play. Only ONE 5 or 6 year old boy on defense may get the offensive player's flag. Older kids and adults can chase the little guys but they cannot impede the player or grab his flag. If one 5 or 6 year old is clearly dominant over the opposing child, then the dominant child cannot pull the other child’s flag. Yes, this means that child will score a touchdown and that’s the idea. If your game has 3 or more 5 or 6 year olds per team, then this rule does not apply. The idea behind this rule is to give the little guys a chance to get involved and have the opportunity to get some big plays. Its fun to watch these plays!