Field General

Our mission is to champion fatherhood and encourage men to be the loving and strong leaders that they're created to be.

OVERVIEW

  • Adult men only. Field Generals need to oversee their assigned field and make sure the game is being played properly. If the game is not being played properly you should go to the refs to have them correct the issues. Do not address issues directly with players.

  • Interact with the players and refs to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere. You must be able to handle any challenging situation that may arise. For example, an overly aggressive player that is not playing with a sense of fun and respect for others. The refs will help with this too.

  • Help each team select and present their Man of Honor Award to a player on the opposite team. 1 player per team.

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

  • 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

DUTIES

Mark Simons or Eric Cobb are the lead coordinators that you’ll check in with at the volunteer tent at your start time. They’ll give you your field assignment and answer any questions you have. These duties will be on a clipboard for you for easy reference. We also have volunteer t-shirts that can be worn over jackets. If you’re a F3 volunteer that swag can be worn too.

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.

6) END GAME.

  • Bring all the players together.

  • Thank them for being there and playing.

  • Help each team select and present their Man of Honor Award to a player on the opposite team. 1 player per team. Remove medal from envelope to be presented.

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

TIME

Refs keep the time.

  • 17 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.

  • 5 on 5 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

  • QB cannot run past the line of scrimmage even if blitzed

  • 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!