Welcome to the 2016 Michigan Spring Flag Football Championships
Join us for a weekend of fun in Grand Rapids Michigan! One of The New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2016. The #1 U.S. travel destination in 2014. Beer City USA. Home to one of the globe's top five festivals. Grand Rapids, Michigan is all of this and so much more - a city that will constantly surprise and delight you with authentic and unforgettable world-class experiences made easy, affordable and friendly.
National Flag Football is the proud host of the flag football division this year for the "Meijer State Games of Michigan". With our expertise and experience in running premier events throughout the country, we are flattered to add the "Meijer State Games of Michigan" tour stop to our portfolio of fantastic offerings for our flag football families.
The Meijer State Games is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that welcomes athletes regardless of age or ability. Forty-four different venues are hosting the games and 7,500 athletes will compete in more than 40 different sports.
The games are expected to have an estimated $14.3 million economic impact in West Michigan. Hoteliers and restaurants will benefit from the large number of people traveling here from other parts of the state.
WHAT: The Michigan Spring Flag Football Championships
WHEN: Saturday, June 25th, 2016
WHERE: Grandville High School, 4700 Canal Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
TOURNAMENT FORMAT: The tournament will feature a 3 game pool play format. Following the pool play, the TOP HALF of each bracket will advance to the A Division and the BOTTOM HALF of each bracket will advance to the B Division. Once teams are in their respective divisions, all teams will compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, through a single elimination bracket. Seeding will be based on pool play performance. The tournament guarantees a minimum of 4 scheduled games. Teams may play up to 6 games depending on their bracket size.
STYLE: 5 vs. 5 NFL FLAG (with slightly modified rules)
DIVISIONS: There will be four divisions of play offered. All divisions are based off of a students grade from the 2015/2016 school year.
- K/1st grade division
- 2nd/3rd grade division
- 4th/5th/6th grade division
- 7th/8th grade division
Proof of grade is required to participate in this event.
The highest graded player on a team will determine that team's division. Example, a team has nine 1st graders and one second grader, this team will be placed into the 2nd/3rd grade division.
ENTRY FEE: All teams must have all participants register individually. The entry fee to participate is only $30 per player. An additional 3.5% processing fee will be assessed at check out. We are only accepting full team registrations for this event, teams must consist of 7-10 players.
CHAMPIONS: Division champions will receive individual trophies and a PAID BID to the Midwest Regional Flag Football Championships over the November 12th and 13th weekend in Commerce, Michigan.
GATE FEE: There will be a $5 gate fee for all spectators. Coaches and players are free. Children 5 and under and free.
DEADLINE: The deadline date to sign up for this event is either June 6th, 2016 or when a division fills up.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: The tournament schedule will be released on Monday, June 20th, 2016.
To see the full tournament schedule we have created a tournament app which will allow for you to view your check in time, schedules, standings in real time, playoff bracket and other tournament events.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOWNLOAD:
- If you have an iPhone, CLICK HERE
- If you have an android, CLICK HERE
TOURNAMENT CHECK IN: You will be emailed with directions on check in details. Coaches are required to check in with their full team on Saturday, June 25th at your assigned check in time. Please do not approach the registration tables unless ALL players are present. Teams will receive their wristbands at this time. All players and coaches will receive these wrist bands which they will be required to wear throughout the tournament and will allow them access to the field. Any player not wearing a wrist band will be ineligible to participate.
OPTIONAL - JOIN US FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 24TH AT 7:30PM AT FIFTH THIRD BALL PARK FOR THE OPENING CEREMONIES!
Because the "Meijer State Games Of Michigan" is an Olympic style event all participants will be included in the opening ceremonies. This is where we bring together all 7500 athletes competing in one of the 40 events together to kick off the games. You won't want to miss this. All players will receive a tee shirt, meal pass, and access into athletes village. For more information on the opening ceremonies, click here!
PROOF OF GRADE: proof of grade, is due by Friday, June 17th, 2016.
Proof of Grade Submission
CONCESSIONS: Concessions will be on site throughout the day.
RULES:
Due to the time restrictions of this event, certain rule modifications will be in place for this tournament.
Please note the following:
- Games are played with two 12 minute halves.
- There will be no halftime. Teams will immediately switch direction for the second half.
- Each team will receive ONE 30 second time out per GAME.
- The clock WILL NOT stop in the final minute of the second half.
- Both halves will use a running clock. Use your timeout wisely!
- There will be no overtime in round robin play.
- There is no fourth down option rule.
- Interceptions may be returned – EXCEPT on an extra point attempt.
- There is no “Replay of Down” rule in the K/1 (Lombardi) Division.
- All games are played on a two way field.
- NFL flag football jerseys or light and dark shirts or jerseys are required.
- All coaches must be off the field prior to the snap of the ball. EXCEPTION: K/1 (Lombardi) Division, offensive coaches may remain on the field as long as they are out of the way of play.
In bracket play, Sudden Death overtime format will be used:
- A coin toss determines possession.
- The ball will be spotted at the 5 yard line. Teams will be driving towards midfield.
- Each team will receive two plays to go as far as they can.
- The team that gains the most yards, wins.
- If tied after Sudden Death, the process will be repeated.
- Interceptions cannot be returned in overtime.
- If there is an interception on a team’s first attempt, this will result in 0 yards total for that team, they will not get a 2nd attempt.
- If there is an interception on a team’s second attempt, this will result in 0 yards for that attempt, but the team’s yardage on their 1st attempt will still count.
PLEASE keep a copy of the Tournament Rules – Championship version 3.6 with you at all times during the tournament.
Again, thank you so much for your time and dedication to the 2016 ”MEIJER STATE GAMES OF MICHIGAN" Youth Flag Football Tournament.
Should you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (248) 454-9700. We look forward to seeing you at the tournament.