Heart of Kentucky Flag Football Showdown…

Held the second Saturday in November at Graham Memorial Park, this event highlights the rising sport of flag football.

In 2008, prize packages will be awarded to the champion and runner-up. But bragging rights are the main reason players of all ages and skill levels flock to this tournament. Flag football is gaining popularity because everyone can play and all it takes to be competitive is a little speed, quick wits and good hands. This is also a fun spectator sport.

Teams must register in advance by noon on Nov. 5 and the number of teams is capped at 32. The entry fee is $80 per team and all players receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The tournament is single elimination and play is five on five with each team having up to three substitutes. Rosters must be turned in before the first game and no team swapping later. Players must wear unified jerseys defining their team. No current or former professional football players are allowed.

The tournament is set up bracket style with a random draw and some teams might have to play back to back games. Certified officials will call the Final Four games.

All players also receive a free raffle ticket for nice prizes given away at the conclusion of the contest. The tournament is re-scheduled for the following Saturday in case of inclement weather and entry fees are non-refundable.

General admission and parking are FREE and concessions are available.

Teams can register at the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission office at 239 N. Spalding Ave. Ste. 200, Lebanon KY 40033-1518 or on this site (scroll down).

For more information, call Eric Daugherty at 270.699.5102 or e-mail daugherty.eric@yahoo.com.

The Heart of Kentucky Flag Football Showdown is a production of the Central Kentucky Flag Football Association, Eric Daugherty and the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission. In 2008, proceeds from the event will be used to assist the physical education program at Lebanon Elementary School and the St. Catharine College baseball program.

2008 Schedule…

Sat., Nov. 8

♥8 a.m. – Opening round games.

♥5 p.m. – Championship.

♥5:45 p.m. – Awards presentation, drawing for prizes.

2008 Heart of Kentucky Flag Football Showdown Rules…

♥Coin toss determines first possession.

♥Offensive team takes possession at its 5-yard line and has four plays to cross midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown.  If offense fails to score, the ball changes possession and the new offensive team takes over on its 5-yard line.

If the offense team fails to cross midfield, possession and the opposition starts its drive from its 5-yard line. All possession changes, except interceptions, start on the offense’s 5-yard line.

♥Teams change sides after the first 20 minutes and possession changes.

Players/Game Schedules:

♥In the case someone becomes injured or has to leave due to an emergency, their team can play their scheduled game with four if approved by referees and opposing team.

♥A team must forfeit with three or less players.

♥There is absolutely no team swapping. Any team caught playing a game with someone who is not on their roster will automatically be disqualified.

♥Teams consist of no more than eight players (five on the field with up to three substitutes).

♥All rosters and entry fee must be submitted by noon on Wed., Nov. 5. If there are teams that want to play but exceed the 32 team limit, they will be put on a waiting list and as a team drops out the next on the list will be added.

Timing/Overtime:

♥Games are played to 40 minutes running time with a 5-minute halftime.

♥If the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams move directly into overtime. Each team gets one series of downs to score and no first downs. If neither team scores then the winner will be determined by how much yardage is gained in the series.

♥Each time the ball is spotted, a team has 30 seconds to snap. Teams will receive no warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced. A delay of game penalty results in a loss of down.

♥Each team has two timeouts per game. One extra will be granted for overtime if necessary. Time Outs do not carry over from regulation play.

♥Officials can stop the clock at their discretion.

Scoring:

♥Touchdowns – 6 points.

♥Extra point – 1 point (played from 5-yard line), 2 points (played from the 10-yard line.

♥Safety – 2 points.

Running:

♥The quarterback cannot run with the ball.

♥Only direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are permitted.  Offense can use multiple handoffs.

 ♥ “No-running zones” located 5 yards from each end zone and 5 yards on either side of the midfield are designed to avoid short yardage, power running situations.

♥The player who takes the handoff can throw the ball from behind the line of scrimmage.

♥Once the ball has been handed off, all defensive players are eligible to rush.

♥Spinning is allowed. Players can leave their feet by diving or hurdling to gain an advantage.

♥The ball is spotted where the ball carrier’s hips are when the flag is pulled, not where the ball is.

Receiving:

♥All players are eligible to receive passes, including the quarterback if the ball has been handed off behind the line of scrimmage.

♥As in the NFL, only one player is allowed in motion at a time.

♥A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing:

♥All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage.

♥Shovel passes are allowed but must be received beyond the line of scrimmage.

♥Interceptions can be run back until defense stops the person who intercepted it. If an interception is made on a dive, the ball is marked where the interceptor’s hips are.

Dead Balls:

♥The ball must be snapped between the legs, not off to one side, to start play.

♥Substitutions can be made only on any dead ball.

♥Play is ruled “dead” when:

a.) Ball carrier’s flag is pulled.

b.) Ball carrier steps out of bounds

c.) Touchdown or safety is scored.

d.) Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.

e.) Ball carrier’s flag fall out.

Note:  Fumbles can be picked up by either team but, unlike interceptions, the ball is marked dead at point of pick up.

Rushing the Quarterback:

♥All players who rush the passer must be a minimum of 5 rules 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.

Once the ball is handed off, the 5-yard rule no longer is in effect and all defenders can go behind the line of scrimmage. A special marker, or the referee, will designate 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Remember, no blocking or tackling is allowed.

Sportsmanship/Roughing:

♥If the field monitor or referee witness any acts of tackling, elbowing, cheap shots, blocking, or any unsportsmanlike act, the game will be stopped and the player will be ejected from the game. If the player is ejected from the game, they will be allowed for the next game if their team advances.  Foul play will not be tolerated.

Trash talking is illegal (referees discretion). Officials have the right to determine offensive language. Trash talk is talk that can be offensive to officials, opposing players, teams or spectators. If trash talking occurs, the referee can give one warning. If it continues, the player or players will be ejected from the game.

Penalties:

♥All penalties will be called by the referee.

♥Defensive:

a.) Offsides – 5 yards and automatic first down.

b.) Interference –10 yards and automatic first down.

c.) Excessive contact (holding, blocking, etc.) – 10 yards and automatic first down.

d.) Illegal flag pull (before receiver has ball) – 10 yards and automatic first down.

e.) Illegal rushing (starting rush from inside 5-yard marker) – 10 yards and automatic first down.

♥Offensive:

a.) Illegal motion (more than one person moving, false start, etc.) – 5 yards and loss of down,

b.) Illegal forward pass (received behind line of scrimmage) – 5 yards and loss of down.

c.) Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing off/away defender) – 10 yards and loss of down.

d.) Flag guarding – 10 yards from line of scrimmage and loss of down.

e.) Delay of game – Clock stops, 10 yards and loss of down.

♥Referees determine incidental contact that might result from normal run of play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage.

Only the team captain can ask the referee questions about rule clarification and interpretations. Players cannot question judgment calls.

♥Games cannot end on a defensive penalty, unless the offense declines it.

Attire:

♥Cleats or turf shoes are allowed. No metal cleats. Inspections will be made. All jerseys must be of like color.

♥There are no kickoffs or punts. No blocking is allowed.

Directions…

►From Centre Square, drive one block south on KY 55/Spalding Ave. to light (Main St.).

►Turn left onto U.S. 68/Main St. and drive 1.1 miles.

►Turn left onto Knight Way and continue around the Roby Dome to parking in front of the Stadium.

**Find directions to Lebanon from your town under the About Us tab!

Centre Square is the visitor center in downtown.

APPLY ONLINE!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Each team must complete one Team Application that includes a list of their eight players and T-shirt sizes and pay their entry fee by noon on Nov. 7. This can be done online here. ALL players must complete and sign a Player Application/Waiver and players under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian’s signature on their waiver. Waivers can be turned in the day of the Showdown.

Applications and payment can also be mailed to Central Kentucky Flag Football Association, P.O. Box 567, Lebanon KY 40033.