NFHS Rule Changes; 2004 - 2010

2010 NFHS Rule Changes

2009 NFHS Rule Changes

2008 Rule Changes
Rules 2-16-2e and 10-2-4 were revised to state that a team must foul twice during the same down to commit multiple fouls. These changes allow for enforcement of both fouls when the opponent of the scoring team commits a foul on both a touchdown-scoring play and the subsequent try.
An addition to Rule 3-3-4 clarifies issues at the end of the half if there is a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted for unsportsmanlike fouls, non-player fouls, fouls that specify a loss of down and fouls that are enforced on the subsequent kickoff as in Rule 8-2-2.
Changes to Rule 8-2-2 stipulate that fouls by the opponents of the scoring team on the last timed down of the first half can carry over to the second-half kickoff; however, fouls by the opponents of the scoring team on the last timed down of the second half cannot carry over to overtime play.
"By adopting these changes, the rules committee has further clarified that fouls by opponents of the scoring team may be fully enforced," said Brad Cashman, executive director of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and chairman of the NFHS Football Rules Committee.
In other rules changes, the committee removed the option of carrying over unused second-half
time-outs into overtime. The NFHS-recommended overtime procedure continues to provide for one time-out per overtime period with the revisions stipulating that unused time-outs do not carry over to subsequent overtime periods.
A change in Rule 3-5-2a provides the head coach an option of designating another coach for the purpose of requesting time-outs. The appointed replacement shall remain in place for the entire game except in case of emergency.
Six changes were approved by the committee in Rule 1 - The Game, Field, Players and Equipment.
References to hip pads, knee pads and thigh guards in Rule 1-5-1 will now state that these required pieces of equipment must not be altered from the manufacturer's original design or production.
Also, shinguards, if worn, must meet specifications of the National Operating Committee on
Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
"There are concerns that players and coaches are altering mandatory equipment and, therefore, sacrificing safety by changing the original design by the manufacturer to protect the player," said Bob Colgate, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Football Rules Committee.
In Rule 1-2-3d, the committee altered last year's rule change regarding the use of a 4-inch-wide restraining line around the outside of the field to state that this line can either by solid or broken.
The committee recommends a broken line be used and marked by placing 12-inch- long lines
separated by 24- inch intervals.
Although the rules allow for use of other colors for field markings when appropriate, the committee clarified that white is the recommended color for all field markings.
In Rule 1-5-2, the committee provided a definition for hand pads and delayed the implementation date for a mandatory securely attached label or stamp on hand pads to 2012. A hand pad is now defined as "a covering for the hand which may have separate openings for each finger and thumb, is absent of any web- like material between the finger and/or thumb, and not covering each finger and thumb."
Other changes approved by the committee:
In Rule 10-4-6, the basic spot is the 20-yard line for fouls by either team, in addition to just the
team without the ball, which went into effect last year.
A change in Rule 10-4-7 helps clarify the basic spot on running plays for fouls by the opponent of the team in possession when the team in possession puts the ball in the end zone and, subsequently, possession is lost.
New wording was formulated for Rule 4-2-3 regarding the inadvertent whistle, which makes the choosing of an option an easier process to understand.
In Rule 9-9-4, the use of an illegal kicking tee will now be penalized as an unfair act committed
by the player.
Hiding the ball under the jersey will be enforced as a basic spot foul and makes the enforcement consistent with the all-but-one principle.
In addition, the committee identified five points of emphasis for the 2008 season: MRSA and
Communicable Skin Conditions; Purpose of a Football Helmet; Altering Legal Football
Equipment; Sideline Management and Control; and False Starts, Shifts and Motion.

2007 NFHS Rule Changes

Rules revisions regarding illegal helmet contact were among 14 rules revisions made by the committee at its January 20-21 meeting in Indianapolis. The rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In Rule 2, the committee placed butt blocking, face tackling and spearing under the heading of "Helmet Contact - Illegal" to place more emphasis on risk-minimization concerns. In Rule 9-4-3, the committee added a note that lists examples of some types of illegal helmet contact that could result in disqualification.

Examples of illegal helmet contact that could result in disqualification include, but are not limited to: a) illegal helmet contact against an opponent lying on the ground; b) illegal helmet contact against an opponent being held up by other players; and c) illegal helmet-to-helmet contact against a defenseless opponent.

Flagrant foul

In addition, the committee formulated a definition of a flagrant foul, an often-used term in the rules book but which previously was not specifically defined. A flagrant foul will be defined as a foul that may or may not involve physical contact, but involves such acts as fighting, contacting a game official, fouls so severe as to place an opponent at risk, persistent or extreme abusive conduct and the use of vulgar language or gestures.

"While these changes mostly involve reorganization, the committee is confident that the rules now place a stronger emphasis on flagrant acts and illegal helmet contact," said Bob Colgate, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Football Rules Committee. "These revisions continue our ongoing emphasis on risk minimization and good sportsmanship."

"Annually, the NFHS Football Rules Committee has sought ways to better promote the health and physical welfare of the participants and cultivate the high ideals of good sportsmanship," said Brad Cashman, executive director of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee. "The rules committee has again raised the standard in regard to both areas of concern."

Uniform

Changes in the football game jersey specifications that were approved last year for implementation in 2010 were revised slightly this year, and the implementation date was moved back to 2012. The revised rule will still require the visiting team's game jerseys to be white and contrast with the home team's jersey.

"The changes made this year by the committee will provide manufacturers and schools a clearer direction on the specifications,"

Colgate said. "The committee extended the implementation date to give schools an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments during the normal uniform rotation and replacement cycles during the next five seasons."

Other revisions

In Rule 8-2-2, an enforcement option has been added when there is a foul by the opponent of a team scoring a touchdown. In addition to its previous option of accepting the result of the play and having the penalty enforced on the try-for-point, the scoring team may choose to have the foul enforced on the ensuing kickoff.

Two changes were made in Rule 1-2-3 regarding "The Field and Markings." A 4-inch-wide broken restraining line is now required around the outside of the field, and the line must be at least two yards from the sidelines and end lines. The only exception to this rule will be in stadiums where the total field enclosure does not permit the line. In addition, a line, 4 inches wide by 12 inches long, that bisects the limit line at each 5-yard line extended, may be used.

"These lines are used to assist line-to-gain crews, as well as providing additional safety features for players, officials and sideline media; helping game officials with an unobstructed sideline operating area; and providing coaches with an unobstructed view from the coaching box," Colgate said.

Rule 1-2-3 now will also provide rule support for the location and dimension of a three-yard line marking that appears on the field diagram. A line, 4 inches wide by a minimum of 24 inches in length, shall be centered and placed three yards from each goal line.

The committee added two new articles to Rule 10-4 regarding basic spots for enforcement of penalties. The basic spot will be the 20-yard line for plays when the end of the related run is in the end zone followed by a loss of possession and the ball re-enters the playing field and then goes out of bounds.

Following are other changes approved by the Football Rules Committee:

2006 Changes

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2005 Changes

1-2-3: A mark 12 inches in length, 4 inches in width and 9 yards from each sideline shall be located on each 10-yard line. These marks shall not be required if the field is visibly numbered.

1-5-1: Beginning with the 2006 season, all helmets shall be secured with a four-snap chin strap and a tooth protector shall be of any readily visible color, other than white or clear.

1-5-2: Beginning with the 2008 season, hand pads must meet the same standard as gloves concerning the level of tackiness. The hand pads shall bear the NF/NCAA label indicating compliance with test specifications on file with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association as of January 1, 1994.

1-5-3: The manufacturer logo/trademark restriction now includes any company reference.

3-3-4 NEW: A period shall not be extended when a foul occurs that specifies a loss of down.

3-7; 3-5; 7-2-1; 9-6 & 9-8: Substitution and participation rules have been clarified.

7-2-1 Penalty: “Illegal procedure” terminology has been removed from the rules book and Signal Chart.

7-5: Only one forward pass may be thrown during a down.

7-5-10 NEW: Hindering an opponent’s vision without making an attempt to catch, intercept or bat the ball is pass interference, even though no contact was made.

7-5-11: Contact by a defender obviously away from the direction of the pass is not considered pass interference.

8-5-2a Exception: All types of loose balls now included in momentum exception.

9-4-2: Non-players added to those who are covered under the Illegal Personal Contact rule.

Six & Eight Players: At least five offensive players shall be on their line of scrimmage at the snap and may have any legal jersey number.

Points of Emphasis

1. Heat and Hydration and Its Effect on Weight
2. Spearing, Butt Blocking, Face Tackling and Chop Blocks
3. Sideline Management
4. Game Management

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2004 Changes