Tournament Rules

Review the official tournament rules and policies for all divisions. Please make sure coaches, players, and parents are familiar with these guidelines before competition begins.

3rd & 4th Grade Tackle Division

  • Field Size: 40-yard regulation fields.
  • Officials: Minimum of 2 officials, will try to have 3.
  • Game Balls: Pee-wee size (each team provides their own).
  • Weigh-Ins: Offensive backs, receivers, and tight ends must be 100 lbs or under. 5 lb uniform allowance (no helmet).
  • Game Format: Four (4) quarters, 12 minutes each, continuous running clock.
    • Stops only for scores, point-after attempts, injuries, and timeouts.
    • Last 2 minutes of each half: standard regulation timing.
    • Halftime: 5 minutes.
    • Play clock: 35 seconds.
    • Timeouts: 2 per half, 1 minute each.
  • Kickoffs/Punts: No kickoffs. Possession begins at the 40-yard line. No punts. Turnover on downs.
  • Defense/Alignment: Offense must have 7 on LOS.
    • Defense may use 4- or 5-man fronts. No defender lined up directly over center.
    • Linebackers ≥ 2 yards off LOS; DBs ≥ 4 yards off LOS.
    • No blitzing. Defenders may pursue once the ball is outside the tackles.
  • Coaches on Field:
    • One coach per side (offense/defense).
    • Must stay 5 yards behind deepest player.
    • No communication once QB begins cadence. Warning then 5 yard penalty.
  • Fumbles/Interceptions: Turnovers only - no advancement.
  • Scoring:
    • Run conversion = 2 points.
    • Pass conversion = 2 points.
    • Kick = 2 point (no fakes, ball not live until kicked).
  • Overtime: One period only.
    • Each team starts at 10-yard line with 4 plays.
    • Winner = score or most yards gained.
    • Replay if tied.

5th Grade Tackle Division

  • Field Size: 100-yard regulation field.
  • Officials: Minimum of 3 officials.
  • Game Balls: Junior size (each team provides their own).
  • Weigh-Ins: Offensive backs, receivers, and tight ends must be 115 lbs or under. 5 lb uniform allowance (no helmet).
  • Game Format: Four (4) quarters, 12 minutes each, continuous running clock.
    • Stops only for scores, point-after attempts, injuries, and timeouts.
    • Last 2 minutes of each half: standard regulation timing.
    • Halftime: 5 minutes.
    • Play clock: 30 seconds.
    • Timeouts: 2 per half, 1 minute each.
  • Kickoffs: Live per IHSAA rules.
  • Punts: Two options: Dead Ball Punt – Team announces punt, no rush, no returns. Bad snaps re-punted. No fakes. OR Auto Punt – Team may declare; referee advances ball 30 yards (or half distance if inside defensive 30).
  • Defense/Alignment: Offense must have 7 on LOS. Defense may use 4- or 5-man fronts.
    • No defender directly over center. Linebackers ≥ 2 yards off LOS; DBs ≥ 4 yards off LOS.
    • No blitzing. Defenders may pursue once the ball is outside the tackles.
  • Coaches on Field:
    • One coach per side (offense/defense).
    • Must stay 5 yards behind deepest player.
    • No communication once QB begins cadence.
  • Fumbles/Interceptions: Fully live. Advancement allowed.
  • Scoring:
    • Run conversion = 2 points.
    • Pass conversion = 2 points.
    • Kick = 1 point (no fakes, ball not live until kicked).
  • Overtime: One period only.
    • Each team starts at 10-yard line with 4 plays.
    • Winner = score or most yards gained.
    • Replay if tied.

6th - 8th Grade Tackle Division

  • NFHS RULES
  • Field Size: 100-yard regulation field.
  • Officials: Minimum of 3 IHSAA licensed officials.
  • Game Balls: 6th - Junior size; 7th and 8th - Youth size  (each team provides their own).
  • Weigh-Ins: No weight restrictions.
  • Game Format:
    • Sixth Grade: Four (4) quarters, 12 minutes, continuous clock.
    • Seventh Grade: Four (4) quarters, 8 minutes, normal clock.
    • Eighth Grade: Four (4) quarters, 10 minutes each, normal clock.
    • Last 2 minutes of each half: standard regulation timing.
    • Halftime: 5 minutes.
    • Play clock: 30 seconds.
    • Timeouts: 2 per half, 1 minute each.
  • Kickoffs & Punts: Fully live under IHSAA rules.
  • Defense/Alignment: Standard NFHS/IHSAA rules.
  • Coaches on Field: None (sideline only).
  • Fumbles/Interceptions: Fully live. Advancement allowed.
  • Scoring: NFHS/IHSAA rules apply.
  • Overtime: NFHS format.
    • Each team starts at 10-yard line.
    • Replay if tied.
    • Must go for two in 2nd overtime.

Tie Breakers

  • Overall record
  • Points allowed

Player Waivers

Every athlete playing in the tournament needs to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. 
Download Waiver

Challenges

Weight

  • Coach will bring the challenge to the game ref
  • Ref will bring the challenge forward to the site admin
  • Player will be weighed on-site with site admin

Age

  • Coach will bring the challenge to the game ref
  • Ref will bring the challenge forward to the site admin
  • Site admin will confirm grade with coach with documentation such as a school report card (pic or print), copy of school ID (pic or print), school portal (image or print).
  • Any documentation must include the student name and grade, with photo if available.