2026 Rulebooks
Final versions, updated October 2026 (5/6 XX may now play DE in a down position in a 4-4). Home team head coaches: bring a printed copy of the quick rules to review with officials and the opposing head coach before each game.
Weight Classes & Positions
Players are classed at weigh-in. X, XX, and EX players must display their class on the helmet. Only skilled players may advance a fumble or interception at any level.
Grades 3/4
| Class | Weight | Offense | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled | 95 lbs and under | All positions | All positions |
| X | 96–130 | C, OG, OT, P, PK | DG, DT |
| XX | 131–140 | OT, P, PK (max 2 on field) | DT |
| EX | 141+ | OT only (equal count both teams) | Not allowed |
Grades 5/6
| Class | Weight | Offense | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled | 120 lbs and under | All positions | All positions |
| X | 121–150 | C, OG, OT, P, PK | DG, DT |
| XX | 151–169 | OT, P, PK (max 2 on field) | DT, or DE in a down position in a 4-4 (over the OT only) |
| EX | 170+ | OT only (equal count both teams) | Not allowed |
Grades 7/8
| Class | Weight | Offense | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled | 155 lbs and under | All positions | All positions |
| X | 156–175 | C, OG, OT | DG, DT |
| XX | 176+ | OT (max 2 on field) | DT, or DE in a down position in a 4-4 |
There is no EX class at 7/8; the skilled limit was raised from 145 to 155 for 2026. At 7/8, X and XX may kick or hold but may not punt.
Rules Every Family Should Know
- No kickoffs at any level. Possessions start at the 40 yard line after a score and to open each half.
- In place of an onside kick, a team that just scored may run one declared 4th-and-10 play from its own 40 to keep the ball — once per game, and not while leading by 9 or more.
- Games are four 10-minute stop-time quarters with a 4-minute warning in the 2nd and 4th, three timeouts per half, and a Texas Shootout overtime from the 20.
- Mercy rule: a team leading by 12 or more at 3/4, or 18 or more at 5/6 and 7/8, must run the ball and may not run trick plays; mandatory substitutions apply at 3/4 and 5/6. Winning by 25 or more puts the head coach subject to a one-game suspension.
- Every player needs 12 hours of practice (2 uppers, 4 full gear no contact, 6 full gear with contact) before their first game.
- Home teams must have an EMT or athletic trainer on site or the game is forfeited, supply a silent chain gang, and pay the officials.
- All fans must stay in the stands. Sideline conduct runs warning, 5 yards, 15 yards, then ejection; any ejection means an automatic one-game suspension, and two ejections mean permanent suspension from the league.
What Changes by Level
Grades 3/4
- No punts — a 25-yard walk-off instead (no deeper than the 25). No empty backfields, no trips formations, no QB sneak from under center.
- Defense plays a 6-2 only, lined head-up, and must engage before shooting a gap.
- The on-field coach must go silent and back away once the huddle breaks, and coaches may not reposition players after Columbus Day weekend.
Grades 5/6
- Declared punts with no rush and no fakes; the 25-yard walk-off remains an option.
- Defense may play a 6-2 or 4-4 and may shoot gaps; no coaches on the field.
Grades 7/8
- All special teams are live: full rush on punts (fakes allowed, skilled players only punt) and on PAT and FG kicks (no fakes). PATs are from the 3 — 1 point for run or pass, 2 for a kick.
- Motion is unrestricted; defenses may play 6-2, 50, or 40 fronts. A 25-40 second play clock is kept by officials.
- Players must be 14 or younger as of 12/1/2026, and no player may play 7/8 more than two consecutive years (play-ups excepted; commissioner may grant exceptions).
Anything not covered in the rulebooks follows NFHS high school rules. The PDFs above are the authoritative versions.