Michigan Youth Football Classic II

1. Age Divisions

 

The 2026 Michigan Youth Football Classic II tournaments will feature six age groups:

• 8U – players 8 & under

• 9U – players 9 & under

• 10U – players 10 & under

• 11U – players 11 & under

• 12U – players 12 & under

• 13U – players 13 & under

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Age Cutoff: August 1 of the tournament year. (Player’s age on this date determines eligibility.)

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2. Weight Limits

To ensure safety and fairness, skill player weight limits apply.

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• 8U Division:  Skill Player Max Weight 130lbs    Offensive/Defensive Line Player Rules: Unlimited 

• 9U Division:  Skill Player Max Weight 145lbs    Offensive/Defensive Line Player Rules: Unlimited 

• 10U Division: Skill Player Max Weight 160lbs    Offensive/Defensive Line Player Rules: Unlimited 

• 11U Division: Skill Player Max Weight 175lbs    Offensive/Defensive Line Player Rules: Unlimited

• 12U Division: Unlimited Division NO Skill Player Weight Limit​​

• 13U Division: Unlimited Division NO Skill Player Weight Limit

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• Overweight players must play on the offensive/defensive line.

• They may not line up in skill positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, DB, LB).

• On defense: may advance turnovers. On offense, may not carry or catch the ball.
   

3. Tournament Games Format

• Quarters: 4 × 10 minutes.

• Halftime: 10 minutes.

• Timeouts: 3 per half.

• Overtime: NFHS format (ball on 10-yard line, alternating possessions).

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4. Clock Rules

• Running clock for efficiency.

• Clock stops for:

• Timeouts, injuries, penalties, scores, turnovers, and the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter (normal HS timing).

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5. Kicking & Special Teams

• 8U & 9U Divisions: No live kicking.

• Punts: walked off 25 yards by officials.

• Kickoffs: each half and after scores start at the 30-yard line.

• 10U & 11U Divisions: Live kicking allowed (kickoffs, punts, field goals, PATs).

• PATs: Run/Pass = 2 points, Kick = 1 point.

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6. Coaching & Sidelines

• 8U: One coach may be on the field. Must back away before the snap and remain silent during play.

• 9U–11U: No coaches on the field.

• Sideline Limit: 6 coaches maximum.

• Sportsmanship Rule: Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or ejections.

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7. Defensive Restrictions

• 8U & 9U only: Defense may use any front, but only 7 on the line.

• Blitzing allowed if LBs/DBs start 3–4 yards back.

• 10U, 11U, 12U & 13U: Full defensive play permitted per NFHS rules.
   

8. Equipment & Safety

• Certified helmets, pads, and mouthguards required.

• Players missing equipment must leave until corrected.

• Medical staff will be on site for all games.

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9. Tournament Conduct

• Zero tolerance for fighting, profanity, or taunting.

• Player or coach ejections may result in suspension for the remainder of the tournament.

• Teams using ineligible players risk disqualification.

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10. Pool Play & Tie-Breakers

• If pool play is used, standings/seeding will be determined by:

• Head-to-head result

• Points allowed

• Point differential (max 21 per game)

• Coin toss

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11. 3-Game Guarantee (Great Lakes Championships, 2-Game Guarantee (Weekend Rumble Series)

• Weekend Rumble Series: Each registered team is guaranteed a minimum of two (2) games during the tournament.

• Great Lakes Championships: Each registered team is guaranteed a minimum of three (3) games during the tournament.

• Games may be scheduled in pool play, bracket play, or a combination format, depending on the total number of entries per division.

• If unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather delays, team no-shows) prevent a team from completing three games, the tournament committee will make every reasonable effort to provide rescheduling or an alternate opponent.

• Refunds will not be issued once the tournament has begun.

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12. Gate Fee Admissions  Policy

The Gate Fee is a one-time $15 per day, per person, or $25 for a weekend pass,  with complementary admission for children 6 and under. 

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Questions & Communication

If you have any questions regarding tournament rules, scheduling, or policies, please contact us directly by email at info@michiganyouthfootballclassic2.com. To maintain organization and consistency, all inquiries will be reviewed and responded to promptly. If a phone call is necessary, the tournament staff will arrange and schedule the call directly with your team’s head coach or designated team administrator.