Rules &
Regulations

Divisions run from 8U through 18U. Athletes must compete in the correct age division.

Age cut-off for the 2026 season is January 1, 2026. Athletes must not exceed their division's age limit prior to that date.

Age documentation (birth certificate or government-issued ID) may be requested at any event by tournament officials.

Athletes may only be rostered on one team per event.

Minimum roster size: 7 players. Maximum roster size: 25 players.

All rosters must be finalized and submitted via SportsThread by the Wednesday prior to the event at 11:59 PM.

No roster additions are permitted after the registration cut-off deadline.

Teams that cannot field the minimum number of players at game time may be subject to forfeiture at the tournament director's discretion.

Cleats are strongly recommended. Metal cleats are permitted for 14U and older divisions only.

Teams must wear matching jerseys with clearly visible numbers. Numbers must be unique within the roster.

Gloves, arm sleeves, and compression gear are permitted. Hard-shell pads (shoulder pads, rib pads) are not permitted.

Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 3 games on Saturday and 1 playoff game on Sunday — a minimum of 4 games per event.

Games consist of two halves with a running clock. Exact game length varies by division — refer to the official rules document for division-specific timing.

7v7 format: 7 offensive players vs. 7 defensive players. No offensive linemen — skill positions only.

The line of scrimmage is established at the snap. A rush line is marked 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Blitzing is permitted from the rush line only. Defensive backs may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is thrown.

Touchdowns: 6 points. Extra points: 1 point (5-yard line), 2 points (10-yard line). Safety: 2 points.

Overtime format: each team receives one possession from the 10-yard line. Sudden death after the first OT period.

All coaches, athletes, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respect for opponents, officials, and event staff at all times.

Unsportsmanlike conduct by players or coaches may result in a 15-yard penalty, ejection, or team disqualification.

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and team sideline at all times.

Spectators who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior may be removed from the venue at the tournament director's discretion.

All officiating decisions are final. Coaches may address officials respectfully between plays only.

Series standings are calculated based on each team's performance across all regular-season events.

Points are awarded based on final ranking at each regular-season event. Division winners earn the most points; all participating teams earn base points.

All event winners earn paid bids to the National Championship.

An at-large bid is awarded to the team with the most accumulated series points that has not already qualified through an event win.

The National Championship winner earns paid bids to all events in the following season — registration fees are fully covered for the entire next year.