2026 TAB Legacy Bowl – 3rd/4th Grade Division Game Rules
These rules are designed specifically for the 3rd/4th Grade Division to promote safety, fairness, and competitive balance throughout the tournament.
1. Player Eligibility
· All players must be in 3rd or 4th grade for the 2026–27 school year.
· Teams must submit:
o Official school-issued document verifying player grade
o Final team roster with jersey numbers
o Signed waivers for each participant and complete all forms in team packet
o Copy of team insurance
· Maximum Roster: 28 players
2. Weigh-In & Ball Carrier Restrictions
· Mandatory team weigh-ins will be held on Thursday, 10/15/26, from 4–9 PM and Saturday 10/17/26 from 7-9am Tab Recreation.
· Players exceeding 115lbs will be designated as non-ball-carriers. Players 110lbs and under will be given wristbands to wear during games to designate ball carriers. These wristbands must be worn all weekend.
· Any player found violating this rule (e.g., running the ball while restricted) will result in a 25-yard penalty and possible disqualification.
3. Game Format
· Quarters: Four (4) 10-minute quarters with a running clock. The clock will stop for injuries, timeouts, and final 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters (unless mercy rule applies).
· Halftime: 7 minutes
· Timeouts: Two (2) per half (1 timeout can carry over to 2nd half if not used in 1st half)
· Play Clock: 30 seconds
· Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 21+ points, the clock runs continuously, and no extra points will be attempted after touchdowns.
4. Special Teams
· Kickoffs: All games begin on the 25 yard line. There will be no kickoffs.
· Punts:
o No live punts. Teams may declare a punt on 4th down.
o The ball will be advanced 30 yards downfield (but not beyond the opponent’s 20-yard line).
· Extra Points:
o 1 point = Run/pass from 3-yard line
o 2 points = Run/pass from 5-yard line
o 2 points = Kicked PAT from a 10-yard snap (ball spotted at the 3)
5. Defense Alignment
· No defensive player may line up directly over the center.
· No blitzing within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage
· Defensive linemen must be in a 3- or 4-point stance at the snap.
7. Overtime Rules
· Each team will get one possession starting from the opponent’s 10-yard line.
· If the score remains tied after both possessions, teams will alternate attempts from the 5-yard line.
· This continues until a winner is determined.
8. Game Start & Forfeit Policy
· Teams must be on-site and ready to play 10 minutes before their scheduled kickoff.
· A 10-minute grace period is allowed before a forfeit is issued.
· A minimum of 13 players is required to start a game.
9. Sidelines & Conduct
· Only 5 coaches and 1 team manager are allowed inside the team box (between the 25-yard lines).
· All other staff and spectators must remain outside the designated areas.
· Abusive language, taunting, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, ejection, and potential removal from the tournament.
10. Ejections & Discipline
· Any player or coaches ejected must sit out the remainder of that game and the next game.
· Any involvement in fighting or intentionally dangerous behavior will result in removal from the tournament.
11. Weather & Tournament Authority
· The Tournament Director reserves the right to delay, reschedule, or cancel games due to weather or field conditions.
· All decisions made by the Tournament Director and referees are final.