The Rules You Didn't Know 'Family Feud' Contestants Have to Follow

If you've ever wondered if your family has what it takes to win Family Feud, we've got news: It takes more than just quick thinking. Contestants have a slew of rules they have to follow if they even want to compete on the game show. Do you have to clap after every answer? Can you interact with Steve Harvey when the cameras aren't rolling? And do you really have to be related to your teammates? We got to the bottom of all of these questions. Annnnd the top answer on the board is ...

To start the application process, head to the game show's site. Fill out your info, click submit, and that's it! If you're selected to move on, you'll hear back from producers within four weeks.

Though not required, an audition video is highly encouraged by producers. The short clip should show off the personalities in your group, according to the application: "We are looking for families who have energy, enthusiasm, and an ability to play the game!"

If you're on the shy side, Family Feud might not be for you. "Whether you're filming your audition video or attending a local tryout, try to be bold and assertive," head of casting Sara Dansby revealed. "We're looking for high energy, but it all comes down to confidence. We need people who won't freeze up on stage, so we can make an exciting show!"

Once you pass the first test, your family might be asked to participate in a mock game for producers. If you can impress them — and then pass another round of interviews — you'll be put into a database of families that the show can call up at any time.

Producers want to see that you're a fan of the show, so make sure you know how to play. "Aside from energy and enthusiasm, we also look for an ability to play the game and to come up with answers," head of casting Sara Dansby shared, "And if you love the show for a specific reason, mention it!”

Even though your family of six can audition together, only five are actually allowed to play if casted.

In the case of former contestant Danielle Green, producers gave her family of six "non-negotiables" (they definitely wanted her parents and brother to play, because of their unique backstories).

Family Feud films in front of a studio audience so having stage presence is a huge plus. Being able to be loud, joke with Steve Harvey, and maintain high energy are all things producers look for in the families they choose.

Unlike many other game shows, any age is allowed to compete on Family Feud. That being said, producers usually suggest families only bring along kids ages 15 years or older, as the nature of some questions can lean more adult.

It wouldn't be Family Feud without family. In order to be eligible to compete, you must bring along five relatives through either blood, marriage, or legal adoption.

No candidates running for political office are allowed to be on the show.

Another ineligible group? Anyone who has been featured on more than two game shows in the last year.

If you or anyone on your team has appeared on Family Feud before, you must wait 10 years before applying again.

No nepotism here! If you or anyone on your team knows or is related to someone employed by the production companies involved in the show, or any Steve Harvey-owned company, you can't compete.

Or you must have permission to work within the United States.

If you really want to win big on Family Feud, it won't come without some work. Before the big day, you should watch old episodes or play the board game.

According to a former contestant, an entire mock game is played before the actual show, to test out lighting, sound effects, and more.

Fun fact: The Wall Street Journal reported that the show uses polling firm Applied Research-West to call random people (who aren't told their responses are for Family Feud) to gather survey data. Writers typically send in 100 questions to executive producers, who then narrow it down to 30 or 40 before the polling begins.

The taping schedule can be a bit hectic — especially if your family moves on to film another episode. According to a former contestant, producers shoot anywhere from four to six episodes in a day. "The atmosphere was very fast-paced," he wrote on Reddit. "For example, when you finish a game, they whisk you backstage to hook you up with a wireless mic while they give you instructions and all you are focused on is getting some water."

No matter how crazy it is, contestants must remain enthusiastic and cheer for every. single. answer. As former contestant David Newman wrote, "Enthusiasm not only makes good game show TV, it also makes good teamwork environment."

Steve Harvey is the face of Family Feud and former contestant Libbi Sheridan revealed he's just as pleasant as you'd expect. "[Filming] takes a long time because Steve Harvey likes to meet everybody and get to know them and have conversation and be funny,” she told local outlet Fox 57.

What's proper podium etiquette, you ask? A former contestant revealed that producers ask families not to hit it, so when you're going for that buzzer, don't miss!

Another podium no-no? Buzzing in before the host finishes asking the question. Although occasionally this move makes it onto the show, it's frowned upon.

A big part of the game is staying on top of the responses your opponents give. After all, if they get three strikes, a steal can make or break your family's place on the scoreboard.

Former winner Rob Fleet carefully built his team's lineup. He and another family member went up front and trained to answer questions under a time constraint. "[It] helped us train our brains to think and deliver answers in a fast, but well-thought-out way, rather than feeling flustered due to the clock ticking down and throwing out random answers," he told CBC.

As for the two players in the middle, it's all about quantity. Fleet explained the key to success here is having people who can think of multiple answers, no matter if they're top responses or not.

The anchor must be able to not only beat their opponent to the buzzer, but also come up with the top response in a sudden death round. No sweat!

Over the years, funny questions have become an important component of the show's success. "A lot of humor has been added in and we've added in questions that lean that way," longtime executive producer Gaby Johnston told The Daily Beast. "The material's a little more — well, not so politically correct, but it's fun."

If your family makes it to the Fast Money round and you're one of the lucky two chosen to play, the show goes to great lengths to ensure no cheating takes place. According to former contestant Mary Margaret Pendleton, one player goes backstage and puts on headphones with loud music, while the other one plays.

Every contestant must bring three outfit options — preferably all featuring bright solid colors. A former contestant revealed the backup clothes allow producers to choose what looks best on camera. Don't worry: Production calls families beforehand to help plan outfits for the big day.

However, former contestant Libbi Sheridan revealed that between takes professionals are on hand for touchups.

The moment you enter the studio, your cell phone is taken away by production. That doesn't mean you won't get photos to capture the experience though! According to a former contestant, the staff snaps pictures of you and your family throughout filming and sends you an album before your episode airs.

When Steve Harvey says, "We'll be right back!" he means it. A former contestant revealed that the time is used for water and bathroom breaks.

The Family Feud crew makes sure you won't go hungry on set. Both breakfast and lunch are reportedly provided free of charge, according to former contestants.

Family Feud splits its time between Los Angeles and Atlanta. Don't live in either of those cities? Former contestant Danielle Green shared that all travel expenses are covered by the show — from airfare to hotel stays.

That being said, any extra family members or guests outside of the five main contestants on your team have to pay their own way.

If you ever see Steve Harvey glance off camera before asking a contestant to reword their response, he isn't just daydreaming. According to a former contestant, two executive producers serve as "judges" who decide whether an answer counts as correct or incorrect.

A former contestant revealed that once her family lost, they were given a $500 debit card before being whisked to the side of the stage to watch their competitors play Fast Money. According to Thought Catalog, losing families also receive $5 for every point they scored.

If you end up winning any money, you won't receive it right away. A former contestant revealed his family, which won $22,000, didn't see their winnings until 90 days later.

When your money does arrive, it's reportedly automatically divided five ways and subject to income tax.