Event HQ
Questions and answers
Quick answers for coaches, players and families, from your first qualifier to championship weekend in College Station.
Qualifying
How teams earn a spot at State.
How does my team get to State?
Finish high enough at an official State Qualifying Tournament to earn one of its bids. It's the only way in: teams can't enter the State Championship directly.
How many bids does a qualifier have?
In Divisions I and II, one for every 8 teams: 8 teams send 1, 16 send 2, 24 send 3 and 32 send 4. Specified 8-team Division III qualifiers send two.
When are qualifiers held?
In 2026, qualifiers ran from April 25 to June 20. The 2027 schedule goes up as each qualifier is confirmed.
Can a team play more than one qualifier?
Yes, but a school qualifies only once. After earning a bid, a team can still play other qualifiers but can't advance past pool play.
What happens if we skip a qualifier we registered for?
A team that misses a qualifier without telling the host by the first business day of that week is barred from qualifiers and State for one year.
How are pool ties broken?
Head-to-head first, then points scored, then points allowed. In a three-way tie, only games among the tied teams count.
Divisions and eligibility
Who plays where, and who can play.
Which division does my school play in?
Division I is Class 6A and 5A public schools, plus SPC and TAPPS Division I private schools. Division II is Class 4A and 3A Division I public schools, plus all other private schools. Division III is Class 3A Division II and smaller public schools.
Can select or club teams play?
No. Teams play for their own school, and every player on the roster must be from that school.
Can out-of-state teams play?
No. The championship is for Texas high schools.
Who is eligible to play?
Every player needs at least one year of high school eligibility left.
How many players can be on a roster?
Up to 20, all from the same school.
State Championship
Championship weekend in College Station.
When and where is the State Championship?
Every June at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, 3101 Harvey Road, College Station. For 2027, Divisions II and III are tentatively set for June 24 to 25 and Division I for June 25 to 26. Final dates will be posted here once confirmed.
How many teams play at State?
128: 64 in Division I and 32 each in Divisions II and III.
How does the format work?
Every division starts with round-robin pool play, four teams to a pool and three games each. In Division I, the top two in each pool move to the championship bracket and the bottom two to a consolation bracket. In Divisions II and III, every team advances to the championship bracket.
When does check-in open?
At 8:00 a.m. on each division's first day. Teams pick up pool assignments, field locations, game times and a site map.
What do coaches bring to check-in?
There's no payment or paperwork to bring. Registration, payment, player forms and the team roster are all completed online through LeagueApps before the event.
Rules and equipment
The full rulebook is on the Rules and Forms page.
What are the basic rules?
Seven players a side on a field 45 yards long with 10-yard end zones. Every play is a pass, with no runs, kicks or blocking. The quarterback has 4 seconds to throw. The offense has three plays to gain each 15 yards, and four downs once it reaches or enters the 15-yard line. Games are two 15-minute halves on a running clock.
Which helmets are allowed?
Only approved soft-shell helmets: the GameBreaker-PRO and GameBreaker Multi-Sport, both from presenting partner GameBreaker.
What does approved mean?
The helmet meets the championship's headgear standard and is on its official list. The standard includes a Virginia Tech rating of 4 stars or higher, no hard or metal parts and a working chin strap.
What do players wear?
A white and a dark shirt, each numbered on the front and back. T-shirts, compression shirts or sleeveless shirts only, no football jerseys. Every player also needs a mouthpiece.
Where do coaches stand during games?
High school coaches can't coach or stand on the sideline; they sit in the end zone. Each team brings a school administrator, and up to four tagged coaches can stand on the sideline.
Can coaches use wristbands or other communication devices?
Sideline-to-player communication devices weren't allowed under the 2025 rules.
Registration, fees and forms
What it costs and what to fill out.
How much does it cost?
In 2026, the qualifier fee was $400 per team, which included a $180 non-refundable deposit to the host school, leaving a $220 balance. The State Championship is a separate fee for teams that qualify: $700 per team in 2026. 2027 fees will be posted here once confirmed.
How do we register for a qualifier?
Teams register and pay online through LeagueApps, where coaches also complete the player forms and team roster. Registration opens in Winter 2026–27.
When does registration open for 2027?
We'll announce it here and by email. Sign up at the bottom of this page to hear first.
What forms do players need?
Three forms per player, plus one team roster. Each player form is signed by the player and a parent or guardian: the Recognition and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Physician Release, the Authorization to Obtain Emergency Medical Care, and the Release, Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk. The coach completes the team roster. All forms are completed online during registration.
Fans and families
Planning a trip to watch.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission is free.
Is there seating?
There's no seating at the pool play fields, so bring chairs, shade and sunscreen. Tents are allowed in designated areas around each field.
Where do fans watch from?
Behind your team while it plays. When the game ends, make room for the next team's fans.
How far apart are the fields?
Veterans Park is large. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk between fields.
Where should we stay?
Discounted team rates in Bryan and College Station are coming soon through our lodging partner, Team Inn. Hotels book quickly in June.
Hosting and sponsoring
Get involved beyond the field.
Can our school host a qualifier?
Qualifiers are hosted by Texas high school programs. Send us a note from the Contact page and we'll follow up about the 2027 season.
How can my company sponsor Texas 7v7?
GameBreaker is the presenting partner of Texas 7v7. Other companies can join as an official partner or with an event activation at State. Start the conversation on the Sponsors page.
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