Mario Kart 8 Duos Game Manual
Spring 2026 Ruleset Update
Spring 2026 ruleset changes are in final approval stages. Updates will be provided via the MiHSEF Discord, Newsletter, and on the Website.
Fall 2025​
THIS TOURNAMENT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH, SANCTIONED OR SPONSORED BY NINTENDO OR ANY OTHER GAME DEVELOPER OR PLATFORM.
Competition​
Platform & Format Requirements
Players​
Roster​
- A team roster must consist of at least 2 players (more is strongly advised) and no more than 4 players
- A player is allowed to represent only 1 team's roster in the same MiHSEF Mario Kart 8 competition
- Any number of players may be substituted before a match, or between heats, as long as they are officially rostered on the LeagueOS team
- Teams must be created in LeagueOS, fully rostered with a minimum of 2 players
Minimum to Compete​
- Teams must provide a minimum of 1 player for all matches
- If a team is unable to field the required number of players for any races, they will forfeit the remainder of the match
- Teams may agree to play out matches in good faith
Pre-Match​
Lobby Setup
Lobby​
- There will be 4 teams of 2 players in a lobby (total of 8 players)
- A match will cover 3 heats of 4 races in the same lobby
- The highest seeded team will create the lobby and provide the room name and code
- The lobby will be set up as follows:
- Game Style: 150cc Race
- Teams: No Teams
- Items: Normal Items
- COM: No COM
- Race Count: 4 Races
Character/Kart Selection Rules
Character/Kart Selection​
- During kart selection players must have smart steering turned off
- During kart selection players must have auto acceleration turned off
- Players may change karts/characters before the match and/or between heats
- Players cannot change karts/characters during a heat
Player Names​
- Each team must declare the usernames of their 2 players in the LeagueOS match chat prior to the beginning of the match
- If a team substitutes a new user between heats, the new user must be declared in the LeagueOS match chat
Gameplay​
Map Selection Penalty
Map Selection​
- All players must select "Random" during track selection to ensure fairness
- Warning: A 10-point deduction will be applied if a player fails to comply
Heats & Transitions
Heats​
- Teams will be given a maximum of 5 minutes to make any desired substitutions, kart changes, or character changes between heats
- At the end of 5 minutes play must continue (or sooner if all teams agree)
Scoring​
- Match: Accumulation of both players' points after a match
- Season: Accumulation of both players' points after a season
- Playoff berths: Based upon season scoring
LeagueOS Scoring​
- 3 Games will be displayed in LeagueOS (one for each heat)
- For each heat: Add together the total point value of your two competitors
- Determine team placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th)
- Input placement number into LeagueOS (1 for 1st, 2 for 2nd, etc.)
- Rankings based on lowest team scores (drop two highest placements to compensate for missed weeks)
- Absent players earn zero points for each heat
- Absent teams automatically get 4th place (4 points)
Stoppage of Play​
Player Disconnect Rules
Player Connectivity​
- Should a player disconnect from the game less than 60 seconds into the first race or before the first lap, the game can be restarted if teams agree
- Should a player disconnect after the first lap or past 60 seconds, they may rejoin but the match cannot be restarted or paused
Technical Issues & Corrections
Technical Issues​
- In the event incorrect players are present or incorrect settings are loaded, the match should be stopped and reset
- If a game is completed before realizing the error, the game results stand
- Teams will rectify any issues prior to starting the next game
Restrictions​
Code of Conduct​
- Players are prohibited from cooperating with other teams to gain an advantage, including:
- Voice communication
- Teaming in-game
- Any other form of collusion
- Violations will result in immediate disqualification and potential further punishment
Anti-Cheating Enforcement
Hacking/Exploits​
- Hacking or using any form of exploitation will lead to immediate disqualification and banning
- The host must close the room, remove the offender, and reopen the room for a fair race
Schedule​
High School Schedule​
| Match | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-Season (2 weeks) | Sep 15 & 22, 2025 |
| Week 1 | Sep 29, 2025 |
| Week 2 | Oct 6, 2025 |
| Week 3 | Oct 13, 2025 |
| Week 4 | Oct 20, 2025 |
| Week 5 | Oct 27, 2025 |
| Week 6 | Nov 3, 2025 |
| Week 7 | Nov 10, 2025 |
| Post-season: Play-Ins | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Post-season: Finals | Dec 13, 2025 |
Resources​
- Official Mario Kart 8 Website
- MiHSEF Discord - For tournament updates and support
Date Approved by Board: November 19, 2025