Everything You Need to Know for The Game of the Americas

Welcome to Legends2Legacy!

Get ready for a premier football experience focused on skill development, fun, and competition! At Legends2Legacy (L2L), we are guided by a deep commitment to safety, sportsmanship, and providing meaningful opportunities for every athlete. This Playbook is your comprehensive guide – covering everything from registration and rules to our unique focus areas. Let's start building your legacy!

Visit the main Legends2Legacy website and locate the Registration section/link.

All registrations are processed through our official partner: SportsConnect/StackSports.

After registering via SportsConnect, you will receive instructions to complete mandatory verification through our partner, Zorts Sports.

This required step involves submitting necessary documents (e.g., proof of age, report cards) to verify player age and grade eligibility.

Upon successful verification, you will receive a Zorts ID card (valid for one year).

The Zorts ID card is MANDATORY for official event check-in. Athletes without a valid Zorts ID verification completed WILL NOT be able to check in or participate.

The L2L Way: Core Principles (All Grades 2nd-8th)

Safety Above All

Player well-being is paramount. We adhere to strict safety protocols based on NFHS rules, enhanced with specific L2L modifications.

Play with Respect

Sportsmanship is non-negotiable. We expect respect for all teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the game itself. Teamwork and positive attitudes are crucial.

Everyone Plays!

We guarantee playing time for every rostered athlete, ensuring fair opportunities for development, inclusion, and fun.

Fair Rotations = Maximum Opportunity

Mandatory team shifts occur every 8 plays for all 2nd-8th grade participants, signaled by a horn.

This ensures balanced playing time and keeps athletes engaged.

Turnover Note: If a turnover occurs, the 8-play count continues for the players who were on the field for that team. Coaches may make key substitutions. Our field managers and event staff ("eyes in the sky") actively monitor to ensure every athlete gets meaningful opportunities to showcase skills and have their moment!

Age-Specific Gameplay

We tailor the experience to ensure appropriate skill development and competition for each age group.

Elementary Ballers (Grades 2nd-5th): Building the Foundation!

Goal: Learn football fundamentals, develop skills, and foster a love for the game in a safe, supportive environment.
Joining: Register via SportsConnect (first-come, first-served). Players select primary/secondary positions to encourage versatility.
Game Structure: 4 Quarters. Q1-3 are 12 mins (standard clock). Q4 is 15 mins (running clock, stops only on 1st downs, timeouts, out-of-bounds, 2-min warnings).
Rotations: Generally 1st Team vs. 1st Team, etc., incorporating mandatory 8-play shifts and strategic substitutions.
Special Rules:
No Blitzing Allowed.
No Cut Blocks or Crack-Back Blocks.
Extra Points: 2nd-3rd Grade (Run/Pass from 5yd); 4th-5th Grade (Run/Pass/Kick from 10yd).
Modified Contact: Controlled contact focused on safety and confidence building.
Coaching: Coaches are permitted on the field during play for direct instruction.

Middle School Stars (Grades 6th-8th): Gearing Up for the Nexxt Level!

Goal: Prepare athletes for high school football with more advanced concepts within a safe, competitive structure.
Team Formation: Register via SportsConnect (first-come, first-served). Select primary/secondary positions.
Game Structure: Follows the same 4-quarter format and clock rules as Elementary.
Special Rules:
Blitzing: Allowed ONLY for 8th Graders in the 4th Quarter.
No Cut Blocks or Crack-Back Blocks.
Extra Points: 6th-7th Grade (Run/Pass/Kick from 15yd); 8th Grade (Run/Pass/Kick from 20yd).
Developing Play: Contact levels carefully increase to prepare athletes safely for higher levels.
Coaching Strategy: Coaches typically manage from the sideline or booth, focusing on situational football and advanced instruction.

The Third Phase: Our Special Teams Advantage

Unique to L2L events, you will spend significant time focusing on Special Teams. Why? Because we know that for many athletes, excelling on special teams is how they'll make a roster and contribute meaningfully at the next level. It's often the path to getting on the field! Therefore, special teams play is a key area of focus alongside offense and defense. At L2L, we know the game is won through a three-prong approach: Offense, Defense, AND Special Teams!

Special Teams Spotlight: Rules & Strategy (All Grades)

Reflecting our focus on this crucial phase, we implement innovative rules prioritizing safety and strategic play.

Innovative Kickoff Rules (Middle School - 6th-8th Grade)

Safer Formation: Kick from the 30. Kicking team lines up at receiving 40 (except kicker). Receiving team lines up between their 35-30. Reduces high-speed collisions.
Restricted Movement: Most players hold positions until the ball reaches the landing zone (receiving 20yd to goal line) or is touched by the returner.
Landing Zone Requirement: Kick must reach or land within the landing zone. Short Kick Penalty: Ball placed at receiving 40yd line.
Touchback Placement: Kick into End Zone (Air): Ball at 35yd line. Kick Lands In-Bounds, then End Zone: Ball at 20yd line.
Onside Kick Alternative: Instead of a traditional onside kick, teams can attempt a 4th-and-12 play from their own 28yd line to retain possession.

Modified Kickoff Rules (Elementary - 2nd-5th Grade)

Safety/Simplicity Focus: Kick from the 35. Kicking team at receiving 45 (except kicker). Receiving team between their 40-35.
Restricted Movement: Players hold until the ball is kicked.
Landing Zone: Between receiving 30yd line and goal line. Short Kick Penalty: Ball placed at receiving 45yd line.
Touchback Placement: Kick into End Zone (Air): Ball at 25yd line. Lands in Zone, then End Zone: Ball at 20yd line.
Onside Kick Alternative: Teams can attempt a 4th-and-15 play from their own 35yd line.
Kicking Notes: Tees allowed. Emphasis on low kicks and safe tackling techniques.

What It Is

A fast-paced, 3-minute kicking competition held near team sidelines during halftime or just before the 3rd quarter.
Features each team's designated kicker(s) attempting kicks without defensive pressure. Pure skill!

How It Works

Kickers rotate attempts at three progressively harder distances.
Points earned are added DIRECTLY to the team's official game score!

Distances & Points by Age Group (Approx. Spot on Field)

Scoring & Tiebreaker

Points awarded for successful kicks. No penalty for misses.
Ties are broken by sudden-death kicks starting at the next distance tier up.

Game Details: Scoring & Overtime (All Grades)

Scoring System

Touchdown (TD): 6 points
Field Goal (FG): 3 points
Safety: 2 points
Extra Point (PAT): 1 or 2 points (Refer to specific grade level rules for method/distance)
"Kick for Points" Challenge: 1, 3, or 6 points added directly to score.
Defensive Scoring: May sometimes apply (check specific event rules), e.g., points for turnovers.

Overtime Procedures (If Tied After Regulation)

Start: Coin toss determines initial choice. Each team gets a possession opportunity per OT period.
Possession: Starts at the opponent's 25yd line. Score (TD + PAT/2pt or FG) or lose possession via turnover/failed conversion.
2nd OT Rule: Starting in the second overtime, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after scoring a touchdown.
3rd OT & Beyond: Format shifts to alternating 2-point conversion attempts from the 3yd line until one team succeeds and the other fails in the same round.
Key Notes: Turnovers end that team's possession for the period. Defensive TDs end the game immediately. Play clock is enforced. One timeout per team per OT period (regulation timeouts don't carry over).

Beyond the Game: Evaluation & Growth (All Grades)

L2L is invested in player development on and off the field.

Performance Feedback: Coaches and scouts evaluate athletes based on demonstrated skills, effort, understanding of assignments, and future potential during the event.
Understanding Potential: In partnership with organizations like Ventson Donelson/True Potential, confidential personality assessments may be utilized. These offer insights into character traits, leadership qualities, learning styles, and motivations, providing valuable information for athletes, parents, and coaches to support holistic development.

Our Commitment: Safety & Conduct

A safe and respectful environment is essential for everyone.

Safety & Well-Being Protocols

Concussion Protocol: Strict adherence to immediate removal, evaluation by qualified medical personnel, and medically cleared return-to-play protocols for any suspected concussion.
Equipment Standards: Mandatory use of certified and properly fitted equipment (see checklist). Staff may conduct safety inspections.
Weather Policies: Clear guidelines for monitoring and responding to inclement weather (lightning, extreme heat). Activities may be delayed, suspended, or cancelled based on safety thresholds. Shelter procedures communicated as needed.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP): A detailed EAP is in place for the venue, supported by on-site medical personnel (Athletic Trainers, EMTs).

Code of Conduct: The L2L Standard

Players: Demonstrate respect for everyone (coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, staff, facilities). Exhibit discipline, maximum effort, and a positive attitude. No foul language, taunting, or unsportsmanlike acts.
Coaches: Act as positive role models. Prioritize player safety and well-being. Use positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. Maintain professionalism and respect officials' decisions.
Parents/Spectators: Provide positive encouragement for all participants. Show respect for players, coaches, officials, staff, and other spectators. Refrain from sideline coaching or criticizing participants or officials. Adhere to all facility rules and L2L guidelines.

Gear Up: Athlete Equipment Checklist

Ensure all equipment is certified, properly fitted, and meets L2L requirements.

Essential Football Gear (Required)

Certified football helmet with current certification sticker
Helmet guard (e.g., Guardian Cap), if required by specific event rules
Properly fitted shoulder pads
Practice pants (with integrated pads OR separate girdle with hip/thigh/tailbone pads)
Team Jersey (as provided or specified by L2L)
Mouthguard (multiple recommended; must be attached to helmet facemask or readily visible; cannot be clear or white)
Football cleats appropriate for playing surface (molded or detachable - check event rules; NO metal baseball spikes)
Visor Policy: Only CLEAR or LIGHTLY TINTED visors are permitted. Player's eyes MUST be clearly visible to officials and medical staff at all times. Dark/mirrored visors are prohibited.

Recommended/Optional Gear

Athletic cup/protector
Integrated football compression shirt or separate rib guard/protector
Quarterbacks, Kickers, Punters: Must bring their own appropriately sized and marked footballs for their age/grade level (see sizes below).

Hydration & Fuel

Large personal water bottle or hydration pack (clearly labeled with name)
Healthy snacks for energy
Electrolyte replacement drinks (especially recommended in warm weather)

Personal Items

Sunscreen
Towel
Change of clothes
Any necessary personal medications (e.g., inhaler) - Must notify L2L staff/medical team during check-in.
Basic personal first-aid items (band-aids, tape - though medical staff are equipped).
Guardian Cap Please contact us the details

Required Documents (Typically uploaded via Zorts prior to event)

Medical clearance forms / Physical examination form
Proof of age (e.g., copy of birth certificate)
Recent report card (for grade verification)
Signed waivers and release forms (Liability, Media, Code of Conduct, etc.)

Important Policies & Sizing Information

Final details to ensure you're prepared.

General Event Policies

Bag Policy: Check specific venue/event rules. Often, only clear bags are permitted within certain size limits.
Helmet Certification: Helmets must have a current, valid certification sticker visible. Staff reserve the right to inspect.
Visor Enforcement: Officials or medical staff may require removal of any visor that obstructs clear view of a player's eyes.

Football Sizes by Age (NFHS Standards)

Ensure players (especially QBs, Kickers, Punters) use the correct size for their competition level.
Pee-wee (e.g., K2): Typically Ages 6-9
Junior (e.g., TDJ): Typically Ages 10-12
Youth (e.g., TDY): Typically Ages 12-14
Official / High School (e.g., TDS): Ages 14+

Equipment Fitting Guidance

Fit is Crucial for Safety & Performance! Always consult manufacturer size charts.
Helmet: Get professionally fitted or checked. Snug fit, no major shifting when moving head. Chin strap securely fastened.
Shoulder Pads: Cover shoulders, chest, upper back adequately without restricting arm movement (overhead, across body).
Pants: Waist measurement is key. Ensure integrated pads (or girdle pads) align correctly over hips, thighs, tailbone.
Cleats: Snug fit, not painful. Allow about a thumb's width at the end. Check width.
Mouthguard: If using boil-and-bite, mold correctly for a secure fit that doesn't easily fall out.