Game Rules

Game Rules Contents
1.0 Playing Field Specifications
2.0 Game Length
3.0 Coin Toss
4.0 Kickoff
4.1 Safetys
5.0 Downs
5.1 After 2nd Down
5.2 Over The Edge
6.0 Touchdowns
7.0 Extra Points
7.1 Two Point Conversion Option
8.0 After Touchdown
9.0 Field Goals
10.0 Time outs
11.0 Point Values
12.0 Bowl Games
13.0 More Information/Unanswered Questions

1.0 Playing Field Specifications

PFL games are played the WIDTH of a standard classroom/lunchroom table measuring approximately 24-30 inches (60-75 cm). The table should be level and the players position themselves across from each other at opposite sides (width wise, not at the ends!) of the table. The table should have squared edges around the whole thing, not curved or sloping edges. The shape of the corners of the table is not important.
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2.0 Game Length

PFL games are 6-8 minutes in length. If it is not played at the end of a class period where the bell would decide the end of the game, a timer is set for 6 or 8 minutes. The choice of whether to choose 6 or 8 minutes is up to the players. The players should take into consideration time constraints or other variables when choosing the game time.
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3.0 Coin Toss

A coin of any denomination is tossed by either one of the players or another member of the PFL who is not participating in the current game. One of the participants should be instructed to "Call it in the air" at which time he will choose "heads or tails". Whoever wins the coin toss has the choice of kicking off or receiving.
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4.0 Kickoff

A kickoff is performed by placing the ball hanging over the kickers edge of the table, and the kicker flicks the ball from underneath sending it up and across the table. The object is to get the ball as far down the table as possible without it going over the other side. The oposing player starts his downs where the ball lands. If the ball goes over the other side of the table, the oposing player gets to start his downs from his own 20 yard line (approximately a 5th of the way down the table).
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4.1 Safetys

A safety occurs when a player kicks off and the ball lands hanging over the edge (in touchdown position) of the opposite side of the table. The player who kicked the safety is awarded 2 points and the opposite player must now kick off.
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5.0 Downs

Once a player is kicked off to he now has control of the ball. He gets two flicks (also called downs) to try and get the ball to hang over the other side of the table without falling off, therefore scoring a touchdown. A down is performed by flicking the ball with one stroke of one finger. The player gets two downs in this manner.
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5.1 After 2nd Down

After the 2nd down if the ball is not in touchdown position but remains on the table, it is a turnover and the next player starts his two downs, flicking in the opposite direction.
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5.2 Over The Edge

If a player flicks the ball off the edge of the table the opposing player gets the ball at his own 20 yard line (or approximately a 5th down the table) and begins his two downs towards the endzone.
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6.0 Touchdowns

A touchdown is scored when a player flicks the ball on either of his two downs and the ball hangs over the edge of the table but does not fall. A touchdown is determined as such by putting a straight finger against the edge of the table and running it across the football's path. If the finger touches the football it is ruled as a touchdown. If the finger does not touch the football the ball is not over the edge and no touchdown is scored.
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7.0 Extra Points

After a player scores a touchdown he has the opportunity to kick an extra point. The opposing player makes a goal post by holding his hands vertical with palms facing the kicking player and touching the thumbs of the two hands together. The goal post is held in one player's endzone and the ball is kicked from the opposite endzone. The proper kicking style involves the player positioning the paper football on one of its corners and flicking it sending it spinning end over end through the air much in the same manner as an actual football flies when kicked. The ball needs to pass through the goal posts to be "good." If it is above the goal posts it needs to be determined if it passed between the uprights. Upon scoring an extra point it is normal for the kicking player to shout "It's Good!" in an announcer type voice.
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7.1 Two Point Conversion Option

After a touchdown is scored a player may elect to "go for two" instead of kicking a fieldgoal. If a player chooses to "go for two" the ball is placed on the 20 yard line (or approximately a 5th down the table) near the other players side of the table. The player gets one flick to get the ball to hang over the edge in a touchdown position in order to get the two points.
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8.0 After Touchdowns

After a touchdown is scored and an extra point or two point conversion has been attempted or accomplished, the player who just scored kicks the ball off to the opposing player as per the 'Kickoff' rules.
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9.0 Field Goals

Because of the fast paced style of PFL games field goals are not allowed. There are several reasons for this. Field goals often result in the ball traveling far and needing to be retreived. This slows the game down and wastes valuable time. Also, when playing with field goals, the whole game seems to be based on players taking one down and then going for the easy field goal which we feel makes the game less exciting and less challenging.
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10.0 Time Outs

Under normal circumstances, time outs are not allowed in PFL games for the same reasons field goals are not allowed.
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11.0 Point Values

Here is a summary of how much each type of score is worth:
Touchdown = 6
Extra Point = 1
2 Point Conversion = 2
Safety = 2
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12.0 Bowl Games

Bowl games can be commissioned at times when there is more time available (20 minutes or more) and no chance of the game being broken up. Bowl games differ from regular season games in that they are played on a table lengthwise rather than widthwise and each player gets 3 to 4 downs which is decided by the bowl commissioner before the game depending on the length of the table. Field goals are allowed in bowl games if permitted by the bowl commissioner. The actual duration of the game is also set by the bowl commissioner.
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13.0 More Information/Unanswered Questions

If you feel that any part of these rules are not explained well enough or if you still have a question about the rules that was unanswered by this section, please email Lance aka Weezerman
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