Madden NFL 26 Game Manual
Spring 2026
THIS TOURNAMENT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH, SANCTIONED OR SPONSORED BY EA SPORTS OR ANY OTHER GAME DEVELOPER OR PLATFORM.
1. COMPETITION
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
(Must have PS+ or Xbox Live depending on system)
Game: Latest released version of Madden NFL
Format: 1v1
Match Structure: Best of 1 game
Scheduling:
- Match Time is 4:00 PM on Tuesday. Matches may be started early if both teams agree.
- Match reschedules must be arranged prior to Match Time
- Rescheduled matches must be completed no later than 4 PM on Friday of the same week
2. PLAYERS
- A team roster must consist of 1 player (more is strongly advised)
- A player may represent only one team's roster in the same MiHSEF Madden season
- Players may only be added to a team created by a coach or advisor officially representing their school
- Teams must provide a minimum of 1 player for a match
- If unable to field the required number of players, the team will forfeit the match
3. PRE-MATCH
The HOME team will create the lobby (Quick Play → Online H2H → Play a Friend) and invite the opposing player. Both players should verify connection via the designated MiHSEF Discord/Fenworks channel.
Required Match Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Game Mode | Head to Head (H2H) |
| Quarter Length | 5 minutes |
| Play Clock | 40 seconds |
| Skill Level | All-Madden |
| Weather | Clear |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Accelerated Clock | 20 seconds |
| Game Speed | Normal |
| Game Style | Competitive |
| Event Type | Quick Presentation |
4. GAMEPLAY
A match is considered of record when:
- Initial kickoff occurs from any player
- The game clock ticks down at least 1 second
Players will play with current Madden teams only and may choose a different team for each match if they choose.
The Mercy Rule is triggered when a player leads by 21 or more points after the first half. The trailing player institutes the mercy rule and will get possession to score in the 2nd half.
5. STOPPAGE OF PLAY
In Madden, matches automatically end if a player disconnects. If a player disconnects:
- The connected player must take a screenshot of the score and time remaining at disconnect
- Both players reconnect and pick the same teams they were playing
- Players reduce the game length by the time already completed, and play out the remaining time
- Once the new match is finished, the original score and new match score are combined for the final score
If the server is lagging severely (takes much longer than 1 second for an in-game second to pass), the round may be reset only if both players consent.
The round will not be paused or restarted due to controller, console, or battery failure unless the opponent agrees to a good faith restart.
6. RESTRICTIONS
- Classic, All Time, and other alternative teams are restricted — use current Madden teams only
- Any intentional use of bugs, exploits, game file modification, or third-party applications that provide an unfair advantage is strictly prohibited
- MiHSEF will determine violations of these rules
Additional Rules
- Custom Playbooks: You may not use custom playbooks (plays from multiple teams or user-created). You may mix unique team-specific playbooks (e.g., Lions offense + Dolphins OB + Commanders DB)
- Onside Kicks: Not allowed in the first half. Allowed in the 2nd half only when trailing
- Excessive Offsides: Players may not purposefully go offsides to delay the game or act unsportsmanlike. Intent is at the discretion of the Tournament Organizer and MiHSEF Board
- Improper Audibles: A player may not audible out of QB Knee, Wildcat, Field Goal, or Punt formations
- Neutral Playfield: Required at all times
Resources
- MiHSEF Discord — For tournament updates and support
Last Updated: April 11, 2026