Event HQ

Rules and forms

Everything coaches, players and parents need before game day: the official rules, the equipment standards and every form, in one place.

Current rulebook edition
2025
Approved helmet models
3
Players per roster, max
20
Forms per player, plus one team roster
3

Official rules, 2025 edition

Game rules, equipment, eligibility and tiebreakers.

Download PDF

Rules at a glance

7 Players per side
45 yd Field length, with 10-yard end zones
4 sec For the quarterback to throw
15 yd To gain in three plays, with four downs inside the 15
Pass Every play. No runs, kicks or blocking
2 x 15 Minute halves on a running clock
Presenting partner

GameBreaker headgear

Both approved helmets come from GameBreaker, the championship's presenting partner: the GameBreaker-PRO and the GameBreaker Multi-Sport. GameBreaker soft-shell headgear uses impact-absorbing materials, including advanced D3O® technology in the PRO model, to help reduce the force of impacts while providing lightweight, comfortable protection.

Shop GameBreaker helmetsPartner page

Approved helmets

Approved means the helmet meets the headgear standard below and is on the championship's official list. Only approved models can be worn at qualifiers and at State.

GameBreaker-PRO

Made by GameBreaker

Presenting partner

GameBreaker Multi-Sport

Made by GameBreaker

Presenting partner

On the approved list since June 27, 2024.

Headgear standards

  • A fully fastened, cap-style soft shell on every player on the field.
  • A Virginia Tech rating of 4 stars or higher.
  • No hard or metal parts, and a working chin strap.
  • The manufacturer carries at least $5 million in product liability insurance naming the championship.

Uniforms

  • A white and a dark shirt, numbered on the front (at least 2 inches) and back (at least 4 inches).
  • T-shirts, compression shirts or sleeveless shirts only. No football jerseys.
  • A mouthpiece for every player.
  • Uniforms aren't provided.

Coaches and sidelines

End zone High school coaches may not coach or stand on the sideline during games.
4 Tagged coaches allowed on the sideline, with a school administrator
15 to 30 Players and coaches stay in the team zone between these yard lines
No devices Sideline-to-player communication devices weren't allowed in 2025.

Eligibility

  • Every player needs at least one year of high school eligibility left.
  • Teams play for their own school. No select teams, and no out-of-state teams.
  • A school qualifies for State once.
Full eligibility rules

Forms

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