2003 NFHS FOOTBALL RULES CHANGES

PENALTY DEFINITION Rule “A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team or team member that has committed a foul”

PASS INTERFERENCE Rule 7-5-9a “Interference restrictions end for offensive players when the defense touches the pass or last forward pass, if more than one”

TOUCHDOWN Rule “Possession of a live ball in the opponent’s end zone is always a touchdown.”

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

SECURITY AND SAFETY  Participants  Players  Coaches  Game Officials  Spectators

OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE  Both offense/defense have a right to the ball  Players must “play” the ball  Restrictions  Team A – with snap  Team B – when pass leaves hand

OTHER ITEMS

HELMET WARNING LABELS RIDDELL ADAMS WARNING Keep your head up. Do not butt, ram, spear or strike an opponent with any part of this helmet or faceguard. This is a violation of football rules and may cause you to suffer severe brain or neck injuries, including paralysis or death and possible injury to your opponent. Contact in football may result in Concussion/Brain Injury which no helmet can prevent. Symptoms include: loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea or confusion. If you have symptoms, immediately stop and report them to your coach, trainer, and parents. Do not return to a game or contact until all symptoms are gone and you receive medical clearance. Ignoring this warning may lead to another and more serious or fatal brain injury. No helmet can PROTECT YOU FROM SERIOUS BRAIN AND/OR NECK INJURIES INCLUDING PARALYSIS OR DEATH. TO AVOID THESE RISKS, DO NOT ENGAGE IN THE SPORT OF FOOTBALL SCHUTT

RRules Changes Form Due OOctober 31, 2003 22004 Rules Committee Meeting JJanuary 4 and 5 PPhoenix, AZ E Addresses: