2010 NFHS Football Rules Changes

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2010 NFHS

Football Rules

Changes

NFHS Football RulesNFHS Football Rules

Each state high school association adopting these NFHS football rules is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. Any person having questions about the interpretation of NFHS football rules should contact the football rules interpreter designated by his or her state high school association.

The NFHS is the sole and exclusive source of model interpretations of NFHS football rules. State rules interpreters may contact the NFHS for model football rules interpretations. No other model football rules interpretations should be considered.

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion

See Appendix Bon Page 100of the 2010

NFHS Football Rules Book

A replaced player must leave the field within three seconds. The three seconds beginswhen a player becomes a replaced player as defined in 2-32-12 and a substitute becomes a player as defined in 2-32-15. It is not a foul to break a huddle with more than 11 players as long as the replaced player begins to leave the field within three seconds.

Penalty Enforcement on Scoring PlayRules 8-2-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-2-5, 10-5-1f

Penalty Enforcement on Scoring PlayRules 8-2-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-2-5, 10-5-1f

Penalty Enforcement on Scoring PlayRules 8-2-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-2-5, 10-5-1f

Field Markings in Nine-, Eight- and Six-Player Rule Differences Adjusted

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2010 Football

Editorial Changes

2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes

1-2-3b 1-2-3b NOTES 2NOTES 2

Changed the word “distract” to “obstruct.”

1-2-3e1-2-3e Corrected prior year misplacement of quote marks.

1-2-3e 1-2-3e NOTES 1, 2NOTES 1, 2

Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

1-2-41-2-4 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

Table 1-3-1Table 1-3-1 Changed “pounds” to “psi.”

1-4-2, 1-4-2, FigureFigure

Changed references to Figure 1-4-2.

1-5-1, 2, 31-5-1, 2, 3 Complete re-organization of Section 5 – PLAYER EQUIPMENT.

Table 1-7Table 1-7 Updated rules references.

2-6-2b2-6-2b Changed “inbounds marks” to “hash marks.”

2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes

2-9-32-9-3 Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

2-10-32-10-3 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

2-112-11 Made “nonplayer” one word.

2-16-2b, e2-16-2b, e Added the word “are” for clarification.

2-26-42-26-4 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

2-302-30 Made “nonplayer” one word.

2-32-102-32-10 Added the word “athletic” before “trainer.”

2-41-4, 82-41-4, 8 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

3-3-23-3-2 Added the word “if” for clarification.

3-3-4b 2, 43-3-4b 2, 4 Made “nonplayer” one word and added 8-2-5 as a rules reference.

2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes

3-7 PENALTY3-7 PENALTY Made “nonplayer” one word.

4-1-44-1-4 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

4-2-2g4-2-2g Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

4-3-2, 3, 54-3-2, 3, 5 Added “nearest hash mark” for clarification.

4-3-4, 64-3-4, 6 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

5-1-2b5-1-2b Made “nonplayer” one word.

6-1-26-1-2 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

6-1-46-1-4 Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

6-2-16-2-1 Clarified the scrimmage kick formation.

6-2-26-2-2 Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

6-5-46-5-4 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes

6-5-56-5-5 Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

7-3-2a7-3-2a Changed “goal line” to “end line” for clarification.

7-5-7, 8, 97-5-7, 8, 9 Re-organized pass interference restrictions for better clarification.

8-3-1, 88-3-1, 8 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

8-5-48-5-4 Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

9-6-19-6-1 Removed the word “inbounds” and added “to the field” for clarification.

9-6-3, 4a, 4d9-6-3, 4a, 4d Added the word “athletic” before “trainer.”

9-8-39-8-3 Made “nonplayer” one word.

Fundamentals Fundamentals II-5II-5

Made “nonplayer” one word.

2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes2010 NFHS Football Editorial Changes

Fundamentals IV-2Fundamentals IV-2 Changed “receiving team” to “R player.”

Fundamentals X-4Fundamentals X-4 Added 8-2-5 as a rules reference.

Resolving Tied Resolving Tied Games – 5-1-1Games – 5-1-1

Changed “inbounds lines” to “hash marks.”

Resolving Tied Resolving Tied Games – 3.1.1Games – 3.1.1

Clarified the 3.1.1 SITUATION lettering and re-organized.

9-, 8- and 6-Player 9-, 8- and 6-Player Differences NOTEDifferences NOTE

Clarified the NOTE based on the rule change to 3-1-2; 1-7.

Officials Signal #45Officials Signal #45 Added “or chin strap” to description.

Penalty SummaryPenalty Summary Added “illegal personal contact in restricted area.”

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2010 Football

Points of Emphasis

2010 NFHS Football Points of Emphasis

1. Concussion Recognition and Management-

2. Heat Illness and Hydration-

3. Illegal Helmet Contact-

4. Assisting the Runner-

5. Sportsmanship and Public Address Announcers-

6. NFHS Football Officials Manual-

Concussion Recognition and Management

A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function-

A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body-

Only 3.2 percent of all concussed athletes lost consciousness during the 2009 football season-

Neither officials, nor coaches, are expected to “diagnose” a concussion, as that is the job of an appropriate health-care professional-

Officials, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure that concussed athletes do not continue to participate-

Concussion Recognition and Management

The game official is not responsible for the sideline evaluation or management of the athlete after he or she is removed from play-

If an appropriate health-care professional on the sideline determines that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to play-

If there is no appropriate health-care professional available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be allowed by the coach to return to play-

Athletes with continued concussion symptoms are at significant risk for recurrent, cumulative and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury-

Concussion Recognition and Management

Heat Illness and Hydration

31 high school football players have died from heat-related causes since 1995-

The vast majority of heat-related deaths are preventable if specific steps are taken by coaches and administrators-

Develop an Emergency Action Plan- Allow athletes to acclimatize to heat and humidity- Access to water should never be restricted- Athletes should be encouraged to take in fluids

frequently before and after practices and games- Practices should be scheduled at times during the

day that minimize exposure to heat and humidity-

HEAT – HUMIDITY INDEX CHARTHEAT – HUMIDITY INDEX CHART

Sportsmanship and Public Address Announcers

SPORTSMANSHIP• Players, coaches, officials, cheerleaders,

game announcers, students and spectators all play a vital role in the promotion of good sportsmanship-

• It is essential that all individuals involved understand that the playing field is an extension of the classroom-

• Acts that are intended to engender ill will toward individuals, have no place in the educational activities-

Sportsmanship and Public Address Announcers

PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS• Contributes in a major way to the atmosphere

for the event-• Should never be an advocate from behind the

microphone-• Use proper language at all times-• Never criticize players, coaches or officials-• Should not attempt to be bigger than the

game or event by doing play-by-play or by providing commentary-

NFHS Football Officials Manual

Communication Between Officials and Head Coach• Communication between officials and the head coach

is a key to a smoothly run contest-• All communication between the two parties should be

professional and to the point-• Head coaches who want to officiate rather than coach

should be dealt with swiftly and in a firm manner-

Enforcement of Uniform Adornment Rules• Both the head coach and the officials are responsible

for enforcement of the uniform adornment rules and those rules must be enforced consistently in order to prevent problems from developing with player safety or sportsmanship-

NFHS Football Officials Manual

Enforcing that Legal Equipment is Worn Properly• Head coaches and officials should always keep in

mind that safety comes first-• Required equipment is mandated for the well-being of

the players- • Coaches and officials must work together to make the

game as safe as possible for the athletes participating by requiring compliance with equipment rules-

• Officials have the responsibility to penalize the head coach when players are not legally equipped and to prohibit the players from participating until they do become legally equipped-

Major Mechanics Changes Full length, black pants have been approved.

Must be worn by entire crew. Mandatory for 2010 Playoffs. Optional in 2010 after October 15. Mandatory in 2011 after October 15 and Playoffs.

Back Judge shall carry two (2) different color bean bags; one (1) for marking the end of the kick and one (1) for marking first touching.

The Back Judge and the Line Judge shall bring approved game ball from each team to the coin-toss if footballs are being run off both sidelines.

Major Mechanics Changes Back Judge’s position changed to 10-12

yards wider than and 2-3 yards behind the deepest receiver on the Linesman’s side of the field on scrimmage kicks.

Referee’s position changed to 2-3 yards to rear and 3-5 yards to side of potential kicker, facing the holder and able to see the holder receive the football on field goal attempts or extra point try.

Black shorts approved – JV ONLY!

Major Mechanics Changes Referee’s normal starting position be moved

to one that is visible to the clock operator, approximately 10-yards deep and 5-yards wide of the huddle when marking the ball ready for play.

The Referee’s scrimmage kick position be adjusted to 3-5 yards outside the tight end and 2-3 yards behind the kicker, on the Line Judge’s side of the field.

The Back Judge assists with relay of the football in side zone from wing official to Umpire.

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GAME

MANAGEMENT

REVIEW

5 Ways to Mess Up a Game1. BLOW A RULE –This may be evident, but if

a crew erroneously applies a rule (especially if the mistake has a bearing on the game), this will not go away.

One mistake often made is the rest of the crew relies on the Referee to properly enforce penalties.

We must have a checks-and-balances system.

If a rules error occurs in a game, it is ultimately the fault of the entire crew.

5 Ways to Mess Up a Game2. EMPLOY POOR VERBAL AND NONVERBAL

COMMUNICATION SKILLS If coaches get the idea you are unapproachable, if you come

across overbearing, if you throw your flag in a manner that looks like you’re glad to have nailed the offender, you’re fighting a losing battle from then on.

During the game, ignore the static from the sidelines when you can. But if you have heard enough, especially from an assistant coach, don’t go on the attack. Just say, “Coach, I’ve heard enough. It’s time to turn the page.” Or, say to the head coach, “I need you to get your assistant calmed down.”

If it continues, you have no choice but to call an unsportsmanlike conduct foul; don’t launch the flag to the moon, just toss it toward the field.

Get the # of the fouling player to the coaches. If you don’t know at the time, get back to them when you have it.

Treat the players with respect; don’t call them “son” or the like.

5 Ways to Mess Up a Game3. MISS A DOWN– Just because the down

box is at his disposal and we have a full chain crew, don’t rely entirely on the Linesman for down and distance in every situation.

Referee, after you have done your dead ball officiating duties, signal the next down to the Linesman.

Between downs, each member of the crew should have a signaling routine with each other.

Same routine every play. ‘Nuf said!

5 Ways to Mess Up a Game4. BE A NITPICKER – A real good way to

comprehensively mess up a game is to call things in a hyper-technical manner from the start.

Technically there is a foul on every play, but we’ll be rightfully accused of taking the game away from the players if we call everything.

For example, if the middle linemen aren’t breaking the line of the snapper’s waist, warn them if it’s borderline, then call it.

If you warn, let the coach know you did.

5 Ways to Mess Up a Game5. DON’T BE A GOOD DEAD-BALL OFFICIAL –

Football is a physical game and players are coached to punish the opponent.

If we turn too quickly to get a new ball from the ball boy, thus missing a cheap shot to the head 10 yards in front of us, disaster can ensue.

We can’t afford to take our eyes off the players too quickly, or fail to use the “halo” concept.

The “halo” concept involves the covering official watches the immediate area around where the runner is tackled, the next-nearest officials watch the larger halo around them (15-20 yards) and the other officials watch the rest of the field.

If we do this, we are much more likely to see the guy knock the other guy into the next century 25 yards away from the ball.

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2010 Football

Rules Reminders

Field MarkingsRule 1-2-3b NOTE 2

Required Player EquipmentRules 1-5-1c1, 2, 3

The football jersey rule was revised in 2007 and the implementation date is fall 2012.

Football JerseysFootball JerseysRules 1-5-1b6, 7 (2012)Rules 1-5-1b6, 7 (2012)

Legal Football JerseysRules 1-5-1b6, 7 (2012)

Legal Football Jerseys – Beginning 2012

Illegal Football JerseysRules 1-5-1b6, 7 (2012)

Illegal Football Jerseys – Beginning 2012

A.A.

B.B.

C.C.

D.D.

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National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2010-11 NFHS

Football Information

Due:Due:

November 1, 2010November 1, 2010Must be submitted to your Must be submitted to your

state association office for state association office for

approval.approval.

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2011 NFHS Football Rule Change 2011 NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal FormProposal Form

Additional NFHS InformationAdditional NFHS Information

NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Form DueNFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Form Due• November 1, 2010

2011 NFHS Football Rules Committee Meeting2011 NFHS Football Rules Committee Meeting • January 21-23, 2011• Indianapolis, IN

2011 NFHS Football Rules Online State 2011 NFHS Football Rules Online State Interpreters MeetingInterpreters Meeting

• July 12, 2011 – 2:00 pm. (Eastern Standard Time)

E-mail addresses:E-mail addresses:• Bob Colgate - bcolgate@nfhs.org• Kim Adams - kadams@nfhs.org

The following sports are available in an NFHS PowerPoint Presentation:

Baseball Basketball Football Girls Gymnastics Volleyball Track and Field

Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Wrestling Boys Lacrosse

To order copies please contact: Carol Ratliff at the NFHS Phone: 317.822.5731 or Fax your Request to 317.822.5700

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Thank You!

www.nfhs.org