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.

Age Rules

This is a grade-based tournament.  The following age requirements apply.

  • 4th Graders - Age 10 or below on 12/31 and in 4th Grade
  • 5th Graders - Age 11 or below on 12/31 and in 5th Grade
  • 6th Graders - Age 12 or below on 12/31 and in 6th Grade
  • 7th Graders - Age 13 or below on 12/31 and in 7th Grade
  • 8th Graders - Age 14 or below on 12/31 and in 8th Grade

Coaches may be requested to provide age verification documents - please be prepared. Any player unable to provide age verification documents on request may be required to sit out the remainder of the tournament.

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.