NFHS/VHSL 2014 Football Rules Clinic

NFHS/VHSL 2014 Football Rules Clinic

Agenda Clinic information Online Resources Important Dates
Ejections/Sportsmanship VHSL Information NFHS Rules Changes Points of Emphasis Editorial Changes

Rule Books Books have been mailed to member schools and provided to Association commissioners for their membership. Additional Rule may be purchased directly from the VHSL.

VHSL Website Resources
Rules Interpretations Points of Emphasis VHSL Rules Clinic Power Point Lighting Guidelines Fall Season Practice Guidelines NFHS Concussion Course (nfhslearn.co) Look for additional resources and information under the Football “drop down” menu

NFHSLearn.com Free and Fee resources The Role of the Parent in Sports
Concussions in Sport Fundamentals of Coaching Sports-specific Coaching Courses Safety and First Aid.

Clinic Requirement Each VHSL member school that sponsors football must have at least one member of the sport coaching staff meet the Clinic Requirement All football officials must meet the clinic requirement each year in order to be eligible for varsity and post-season consideration.

NFOA MEMBERSHIP VHSL officials are now members of the National Federation Officials Association Membership Benefits include: Access to online rule books, case books and mechanics manuals Access to video content on the NFHS Central Hub Eligibility to serve on rules committees Eligibility for section and national awards programs.

State Event Passes Officials may purchase through their association commissioner Admittance to ALL VHSL state tournament level events in all sports Coaches passes are also available through the VHSL office.

Clinics Schedule July 8, James Wood HS July 14, Massaponax HS
July 21, Lebanon HS July 22, Cave Spring HS July 28, Deep Creek MS July 29, Heritage HS (NN) Aug 2, John Champe HS Aug 4, Wilson Memorial HS Aug 5, Highland Springs HS Aug 9, VHSL Office

Exam Requirements All officials must take and pass the rules exam to be eligible to work VHSL contests Minimum score of 70% for regular season eligibility Minimum of 80% for post-season eligibility Exams are only available online Any exam not scoring at 80% or above will be eligible for one retake. Any school whose coaching staff does not meet the clinic requirement, the head coach must take the exam.

EXAM con’t Exam deadline – the “free” window runs from Aug. 10 – Aug. 31 Progressive late fees will be applied for exams taken after Aug. 31 No Exam, No VHSL Games

VHSL Football Dates First Practice Date July 31, 2014
First Contest Date Aug. 29, 2014 District Deadline Nov. 8, 2014 Playoff Deadline (1st RND) Nov. 15, 2014 Playoff Deadline (2nd RND) Nov. 22, 2014 Playoff Deadline (3rd RND) Nov. 29, 2014 State Semi-Finals Dec. 6, 2014 State Championships Dec. 13, 2014

VHSL ID Officials must have a VHSL ID in order to take the online exam
Officials should have only one ID regardless of the number of sports officiated Contact your commissioner if you do not have an ID Registration fees must be paid prior to receiving a VHSL ID

NEW VHSL Practice Regulations
HANDBOOK RULE Football players are limited to a maximum of ninety (90) minutes of full contact practice per week. For the purposes of this rule, “full contact” is defined as the intent or design to carry out a football activity from initiation (whistle, snapper beginning call ) to the final result (tackling/blocking another player to the ground. League had to take action or the Legislature would. Patterned after Texas and Alabama. Time limits seemed the most equitable means to set limits.

HANDBOOK RULE Football players are restricted from any post game padded contact practice. To eliminate post game "punishment" practices. Designated Scrimmages are exempt from the 90 minute rule. Scrimmages are under game conditions which do not fall under this guideline USA Football is a great resource in the area of Concussion Awareness, Equipment Fitting and Heads Up Tackling.

Coach Ejections by Sport
Football % B. Basketball % G. Basketball % Wrestling % B. Soccer % G. Soccer % Baseball % Softball % B. Lax %

Coaches Role Teacher and Role Model Sportsmanship start at the Top
Set High Standards Demand adherence to those standards.

Player Ejections by Sport
Football % Field Hockey % B. Basketball % G. Basketball % Wrestling % Baseball % B. Lax % B. Soccer % Softball %

Causes for Ejections Common to all Sports Fighting
Foul/abusive language directed toward opponents and/or officials Intent to injure Taunting

Any Sportsmanship Incident must be reported to the League office within the prescribed timeline
Good Sportsmanship is nothing more than having and showing respect Compete with Honor.

Officials Role - Sportsmanship
Officials are the “protectors” of the game Never engage spectators Never bait a coach Always conduct yourself in a professional manner Always show respect for players, coaches, and administrators Questions about ejection penalties should be addressed to the VHSL Staff You cannot take back an ejection – there is an appeals process.

2014 NFHS Football Rules Changes
This PowerPoint presentation from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) covers the following: 2014 NFHS Football Rules Changes- 2014 NFHS Football Editorial Changes- 2014 NFHS Football Points of Emphasis- 2014 NFHS Football Rules Reminders- NFHS Football Information-

NFHS Football Rules Comment on Slide:
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. Comment on Slide: This statement appears at the bottom of the Table of Contents page in the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

Game Officials’ Authority Rule 1-1-7
Rules Change: SECTION 1 THE GAME ART The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time – an earlier time if required by the state association – or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present. Rationale for Change: Due to teams being on the field earlier than 30 minutes prior to the game, state associations can require game officials to be on the field for pre-game responsibilities more than 30 minutes prior to game time. This change extends the officials’ authority in those states. Case Book: See SITUATION 1.1.7 Game officials have authority if a state association has a policy that game officials’ authority begins more than 30 minutes before the game.

Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: SHOULDER TO THE HEAD
Rules Change: SECTION 20 HELMET CONTACT – ILLEGAL, TARGETING ART Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. SECTION 4 ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT ART No player or nonplayer shall: m. Target an opponent. 9-4-3 PENALTY: … Targeting an opponent (Art. 3m) – (S38, 24) – 15 yards. … Rationale for Change: Continuing with the focus on risk minimization, the committee determined that taking aim at an opponent with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder, to initiate contact above the shoulders with an intent that goes beyond making a legal tackle, a legal block or playing the ball is prohibited. Furthermore, the committee feels it is important to separate and draw specific attention to this illegal act. Case Book: See SITUATION 9.4.3U Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for contact against any opponent, including the runner.

Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: FIST TO THE HEAD
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for contact against any opponent, including the runner.

Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: ELBOW TO THE HEAD

Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW) EXAMPLE: FOREARM TO THE NECK

Targeting Rules 2-20-2 (NEW); 9-4-3m (NEW)
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. A blow to the helmet by two linemen in the free blocking zone is not necessarily a targeting foul.

Targeting Rule 9-4-3m (NEW) Illegal Personal Contact
Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. Targeting may be called for contact against any opponent, including the runner. Note that the passer in this play is also a defenseless player. Targeting is a 15-yard penalty for illegal personal contact. Rules Change: SECTION 4 – ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT ART No player or nonplayer shall: m. Target an opponent. 9-4-3 PENALTY: … Targeting an opponent (Art. 3m) – (S38, 24) – 15 yards. … Rationale for Change: Continuing with the focus on risk minimization, the committee determined that taking aim at an opponent with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder, to initiate contact above the shoulders with an intent that goes beyond making a legal tackle, a legal block or playing the ball is prohibited. Furthermore, the committee feels it is important to separate and draw specific attention to this illegal act. Case Book: See SITUATION 9.4.3U

Illegal Kick Status Rule 2-24-9
Rules Change: SECTION 24 KICKS ART An illegal kick is any intentional striking of the ball with the knee, lower leg or foot which does not comply with Articles 3 and 4. When the ball is loose following an illegal kick, it retains the same status as prior to the illegal kick. Rationale for Change: The committee clarified the intent of an illegal kick. When an illegal kick occurs, the loose ball retains the same status that it had prior to the illegal kick. Case Book: See SITUATION 9.7.1B When the ball is illegally kicked, the ball retains its original status. The player in PlayPic A fumbles and the player in PlayPic B kicks the loose ball. The ball remains a fumble.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3)
Rules Change: SECTION 32 PLAYER DESIGNATIONS ART A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. SECTION 4 ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT ART No player or nonplayer shall: i. Initiate illegal helmet contact. (butt block, face tackle or spear) NOTE: Illegal helmet contact may be considered a flagrant act. Acts to be considered flagrant include, but are not limited to: 1. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent lying on the ground, 2. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent being held up by other players, and/or 3. Illegal helmet-to-helmet contact against a defenseless opponent. 9-4-3 PENALTY: … Illegal helmet contact (Art. 3i) – (S24) – 15 yards. … Rationale for Change: The committee added the definition of a defenseless player in an attempt to continue concentrating on risk minimization. A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. Case Book: See COMMENT A new definition for a defenseless player has been added. A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: OUT OF THE PLAY
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. B6 has chosen not to participate further and is obviously out of the play. He is considered to be defenseless.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: KICKER
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. After a kick (PlayPic A), a kicker who has not had a reasonable amount of time to regain his balance after the kick (PlayPic B) is a defenseless player.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: PASS RECEIVER
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. A pass receiver attempting to catch a pass, or a pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when the player has missed the pass or feels he can no longer catch the pass, is considered defenseless.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: KICK RECEIVER
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. A kick receiver attempting to catch or recover the ball is considered defenseless.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: PLAYER ON THE GROUND
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. A player who is on the ground is considered defenseless.

Defenseless Player Rules 2-32-16 (NEW); 9-4-3i(3) EXAMPLE: FORWARD PROGRESS STOPPED
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. A runner already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped is defenseless. Contact on the runner could also be considered targeting.

Untimed Down Rules 3-3-3; 3-3-4
Rules Change: SECTION 3 ENDING A PERIOD – HALF ART A period shall be extended by an untimed down if one of the following occurred during a down in which time expires: a. There was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted, except for those fouls listed in 3 3-4b. b. There was a double foul. c. There was an inadvertent whistle. d. If a touchdown was scored, the try is attempted unless the touchdown is scored during the last down of the fourth period and the point(s) would not affect the outcome of the game or playoff qualifying. If (a), (b), (c) or (d) occurs during the untimed down, the procedure is repeated. ART A period shall not be extended by an untimed down if one of the following occurred during a down in which time expires: a. When the defense fouls during a successful try/field goal and the offended team accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot. b. There was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted for: 1. unsportsmanlike fouls, 2. nonplayer fouls, 3. fouls that specify a loss of down, 4. fouls that are enforced on the subsequent kickoff as in Rule 8-2-2, , or 8-2-5; or 5. fouls for which enforcement, by rule, result in a safety. NOTE: The score is cancelled in the event of an accepted penalty that specifies a loss of down. Rationale for Change: This rule changes the procedure of determining when to extend a period with an untimed down. In order to extend a period with an untimed down, time must expire during the down. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 3.3.3B-D, 3.3.4B-C, 3.3.5A, 8.2.2B-C, D Team A commits a live-ball foul and time for the period expires during the down. As shown in the MechaniGram, if the penalty is accepted, the period is extended for an untimed down.

Untimed Down Rules 3-3-3; 3-3-4
Comment on Slide See comments on slide. Team B commits a live-ball foul and time for the period expires during the down. If the penalty is accepted, the period is extended for an untimed down.

Free-Kick Formation Rules 6-1-3b (NEW); 6-1-3c (NEW)
Rules Change: SECTION 1 THE KICKOFF AND OTHER FREE KICKS ART After the ball is marked ready for play, and until the ball is kicked, K must meet the following formation requirements: a. No player, other than the kicker and the holder for a place kick, may be beyond his free-kick line; and b. At least four K players must be on each side of the kicker. c. No K players, with the exception of the kicker, may be more than five yards behind the kicking team’s free-kick line. A player satisfies this rule when no foot is on or beyond the line 5 yards behind K’s free kick. If one player is more than 5 yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a foul. 6-1 PENALTY: … Encroachment (Art. 3a, b, c) – (S7-18) – 5 yards. … Rationale for Change: Two new provisions were added to adjust the free kick. One provision balances the kicking team’s formation and the other limits the maximum distance of the run-up for the kicking team. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 6.1.3A-C After the ready-for-play has been signaled and until the ball is kicked for a free kick, team K must have at least four players on either side of the kicker. As shown in the MechaniGram, K is guilty of a dead-ball foul.

Comment on Slide See comments on slide. On a free kick, from the time the ready-for-play is signaled until the ball is kicked, no K player other than the kicker may be more than five yards from his free-kick line. The formation in the MechaniGram becomes legal when the ball has been declared ready-for-play.

Comment on Slide See comments on slide. The formation in the MechaniGram becomes illegal when the ball has been declared ready-for-play. K3, K4, K5 and K6 are all more than five yards from their free kick line. No K players, with the exception of the kicker may be more than five yards behind the kicking team’s free kick line. A player satisfies this rule when no foot is on or beyond the line five yards behind K’s free kick. If one player is more than five yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a foul.

Force Rule 8-5-1b (NEW) Rules Change:
SECTION 5 FORCE, SAFETY AND TOUCHBACK ART Responsibility for forcing the ball from the field of play across a goal line is attributed to the player who carries, snaps, passes, fumbles or kicks the ball, unless a new force is applied to a grounded backward pass, kick or fumble. a. The muffing or batting of a pass, kick or fumble in flight is not considered a new force; and b. The accidental touching of a loose ball by a player who was blocked into the ball is ignored and does not constitute a new force. Rationale for Change: This rule change clarifies that a new force is not created when a player is blocked into the ball. Case Book: See SITUATION 8.5.1B K1 blocks R2 into the ball. The accidental touching of a loose ball by a player who was blocked into the ball by an opponent is ignored and does not constitute a new force. The result of this play is a touchback.

Roughing the Passer Rule 9-4-4
Rules Change: SECTION 4 ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT ART Roughing the passer. Defensive players must make a definite effort to avoid charging into a passer, who has thrown the ball from in or behind the neutral zone, after it is clear the ball has been thrown. No defensive player shall commit any illegal personal contact foul listed in against the passer. 9-4 PENALTY: … Roughing the passer (Art. 4) – (S34) – 15 yards and a first down from the dead ball spot when the dead ball spot is beyond the neutral zone and A has possession of the ball at the end of the down, and there has been no change of team possession, or otherwise 15 yards and first down from previous spot; running into kicker/holder (Art. 5) – (S30) – 5 yards from the previous spot. … Rationale for Change: Roughing-the-passer fouls now include all illegal personal contact fouls listed in Rule These fouls against the passer now result in an automatic first down in addition to a 15-yard penalty. Case Book: See SITUATION 9.4.4D No defensive player shall charge into, or commit any illegal personal contact foul listed in Rule against the passer who is standing still or fading back, because he is considered out of the play after the pass and has not moved to participate in the play. Grasping of the face mask is considered roughing the passer.

2014 Football Editorial Changes

2014 NFHS Football Editorial Changes
Field Diagrams Adjusted the pylon locations in the end zone. 1-1-8 Changed “jurisdiction” to “authority.” 1-2-3l Standardized the rules language on advertising and/or commercial markings on the field of play. 1-3-5b Added “head” before “linesman.” 1-5 NOTE Deleted SGMA as a reference. 1-5-1d(5) Clarified the rules language on the tooth and mouth protector. 1-5-3c(4) NOTE Added a new Note under the eyeshield rules language. Table 1-7 (2.) Added a new state association adoption dealing with game officials’ authority. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description of the football editorial changes that were made to the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

2-1 Heading Changed the section heading to “Status of Ball – Dead, Live, Loose.” 2-8 Added rules references into the encroachment definition. 2-20 Heading Changed the section heading to “Helmet Contact – Illegal, Targeting.” 2-24-3 Removed the word “legal” from the free-kick definition. 2-24-4 Clarified the definition for a scrimmage kick. 3-4-4j (NEW) Added a new situation for when the clock shall be stopped. 3-5-10b Updated the reference document from Appendix B in the rules book. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description of the football editorial changes that were made to the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

3-6-2g (NEW) Added a new situation under delay of game. 5-3-2 Added “head” before “linesman.” 6-1-8 Clarified a free kick that goes out of bounds. 6-1 PENALTY Added Art. 3a, b, c under the encroachment penalty. 6-5 PENALTY Revised the officials signal under the blocking after giving a valid or invalid signal penalty. 7-2-4 Clarified the description for a legal snap. 8-3-6b Clarified the rules language dealing with a down that is replayed after enforcement during an unsuccessful try. 8-5-1a Reorganized the rules language dealing with force. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description of the football editorial changes that were made to the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

9-4 PENALTY Clarified the rules articles with regard to the disqualification penalty if flagrant. 9-8-1m Standardized the rules language dealing with illegal equipment. 9-8 PENALTY Added a nonplayer foul for illegal equipment. 10-1-6, 7 Clarification from a 2013 rules change. Football Fund. II-5 Clarified when the period is to be extended. Resolving Tied Games – 3-1 Added “head” before “linesman.” Resolving Tied Games – 5-2-1 Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description of the football editorial changes that were made to the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

Resolving Tied Games – Situation P Clarification from a 2013 rules change. Nine-, Eight- and Six-Player Rules Differences Standardized the General Rules Language and also updated the rules on free-kick formations based on the 2014 rules changes. Official Football Signals - #24 This official signal will now also be used for Targeting. Penalty Summary Revised the Penalty Summary to reflect the NFHS football rules changes. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description of the football editorial changes that were made to the 2014 NFHS Football Rules Book.

2014 Football Points of Emphasis

2014 NFHS Football Points of Emphasis
High School Football – State of the Game Risk Minimization Comment on Slide: The following football points of emphasis were selected by the NFHS Football Rules Committee for the 2014 high school football season. These two football points of emphasis need to be stressed to all coaches, game officials, players, parents, school administrators, appropriate health-care professionals and all others who have an interest in high school football.

High School Football – State of the Game
High School Football – State of the Game (Point of Emphasis): “The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.” As was the case with Mark Twain more than 100 years ago, the sport of football is not dying. It remains the most popular sport in our nation’s high schools, and it is the lifeblood of many towns and communities in the fall – to the tune of about 7,000 games each week. Autumn is characterized by changing leaves, chilled temperatures and brilliant colors that offer fleeting, picturesque landscapes. In many communities across the country, high school football on a crisp Friday evening is an indelible component of those scenes. Similar to other interscholastic activities, high school football offers its participants special educational opportunities. During those select few evenings, the student-athletes, pep bands and cheerleaders can showcase their talents on a grand stage. The educational mission of interscholastic athletics is furthered when student-athletes are most engaged in their respective activities. In the case of high school football, Friday nights provide the optimal experience for the student-athletes, as well as for the administrators, coaches, fans and community involved with the game. The value of competition during this particular time is no different than a typical Saturday morning cross country meet or Thursday evening volleyball match. Ultimately, each sport offers students “teachable moments” that are unique to the interscholastic experience. The preservation of high school football on Friday nights will help provide the environment most conducive to those teachable moments, and help perpetuate an important and longstanding American tradition. Most recently, the concern about the future of the sport has been centered on the long-term effects of concussions suffered by players. As a result, some parents of youth and high school players have anxiety about allowing their sons – or daughters – to participate in the sport.

High School Football – State of the Game
High School Football – State of the Game (Point of Emphasis): As a segue to the rest of this point of emphasis, Max Boot, in a recent article in The Wall Street Journal online (WSJ.com), may have said it best: “The guiding principle with football should be ‘mend it, don’t end it.’ And, in fact, the process of mending the game has been going on for a very long time.” Toward that end, every state in the nation has adopted concussion legislation, and stakeholders have issued protocols and educational materials on concussions. During the past half century, the NFHS has been a leader in “mending” the sport by minimizing the risk of injury. Contrary to some reports, the risk of serious injury in high school football is less today than it was years ago. Between 1966 and 1972, there were 134 “direct” fatalities in high school football – those caused by traumatic injury while participating in the skills of the sport – with a high of 26 in In the 2012 season, there were no direct fatalities in high school football and there have been only six direct deaths in the past four years ( ). This dramatic reduction in football fatalities is the result of the NFHS’ rules-writing process and the focus of the NFHS Football Rules Committee, the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), state high school associations, high school football coaches, football game officials and players to avoid use of the helmet as a weapon. For the more than 1.1 million participants in high school football, there is tremendous value in making sure that schools continue to provide this opportunity. It is a vital and necessary extension of the classroom that must be retained. We urge all leaders at the high school level to make the health and safety of our student- athletes the No. 1 priority so that those stadium lights will continue to burn bright each week in the fall across the country.

Risk Minimization Risk Minimization (Point of Emphasis):
In an effort to minimize the risk of catastrophic head and neck injuries, the NFHS Football Rules Committee continues to urge KEEPING THE HEAD OUT OF FOOTBALL, specifically through the elimination of illegal contact to the helmet. This type of contact must continue to be discouraged in both practices and games. Coaches, game officials, administrators, players and parents involved in the game must reinforce the positive aspects of proper tackling and blocking in high school football. The committee believes emphasis of the four topics listed below can help minimize risk to all players. TARGETING While football rules have been in place to penalize fouls for illegal personal contact, the NFHS Football Rules Committee continues to place emphasis on the prohibition of illegal contact to the helmet of an opponent. This is the 26th time the committee has addressed helmet review or helmet contact since The definition of targeting and its related penalty were created to call special attention to certain wrongful actions. Targeting is defined as: “an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders.” The foul states: “no player or nonplayer shall target an opponent.” In order to gauge the intent of the player, game officials must be diligent in observing the tackler/blocker in all related actions to the tackle/block. Targeting an opponent is unnecessary and the rule must be enforced to minimize the risk of injury in high school football. DEFENSELESS PLAYER With the importance placed on risk minimization and injuries to the head and neck area, it is imperative to implement rules that place restrictions on hits to players who are not in a position to defend themselves. In order to properly implement such rules, a new definition for a “defenseless player” was added. The committee has defined a defenseless player “as a player who, because of his/her physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury.” Game officials must diligently observe all action for contact against players who are deemed defenseless and penalize illegal personal contact. The game official must draw a distinction between contact necessary to make a legal block or tackle, and contact that targets defenseless players.

Risk Minimization Risk Minimization (Point of Emphasis): CONCUSSIONS
While there seems to have been an increase in the number of reported concussions over the past several years, we don't believe that the actual incidence of concussions has increased. Rather, we believe this is a manifestation of heightened awareness about the injury and improvement in concussion recognition and diagnosis. We have seen a significant reduction in the number of athletes allowed to return to play or practice on the same day of the injury. This is an indication of much-improved education about concussions, and appropriate health-care professionals, coaches, game officials and parents following the mantra of "when in doubt, sit them out.” Concussions continue to account for the highest percentage of football-related injuries; therefore, proper concussion management at all levels is essential. Coaches and game officials need to continue to be educated on the appropriate steps for minimizing the risk to the participants. The management of concussions has been and will continue to be a major focus by the NFHS and its member state associations. For the past four years, all NFHS rules books have contained the concussion rule which requires any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion to be immediately removed from the contest and not return until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. The NFHS SMAC also produced the “Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” position statement, a shortened version of which has been published in all NFHS rules books since That same year, a six-page section on concussions was included in the fourth edition of the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook, which was distributed to high schools nationwide. Coaches and game officials should utilize available professional development tools regarding the proper management of athletes suspected of having a concussion. The NFHS “Concussion in Sports - What You Need to Know” free online course continues to be an excellent resource for coaches, game officials, athletes, parents and other interested persons. This course is offered for free at With concussion protocols in NFHS playing rules and with concussion laws now in place in every state, high school athletes should not be exposed to repeated concussions.

Risk Minimization Risk Minimization (Point of Emphasis):
CHANGING THE MINDSET The emphasis on risk minimization, involving injuries to the head and neck, has not completely changed the mindset prevalent with some persons involved in interscholastic football. Some still consider it a "badge of honor" for a football player to get his/her "bell rung.” Given the information we now have regarding the potentially negative effects to the brain that just one concussion (and, certainly, any subsequent and/or progressive concussions) can produce, a player getting his "bell rung" must not be taken lightly. The positive aspects of interscholastic participation in the sport of football are many. Inherently, these positive aspects have never required a football player to stick his/her "helmet- in-the-numbers!" It has never been acceptable to play with intent to “take out an opponent.” Therefore, this type of mindset must be addressed and removed from all phases of the game by players, coaches and game officials. All stakeholders must understand that the future of high school football will withstand the head being removed from the game and it will survive such a mindset change. The NFHS Football Rules Committee has repeatedly emphasized the need to KEEP THE HEAD OUT OF FOOTBALL, and has continued this approach by defining TARGETING and DEFENSELESS PLAYER. Also encouraged is a change in the mindset that some people still have regarding “acceptance” of illegal helmet contact. Athletes, coaches and game officials must continue to be diligent and proactive in striving to minimize risk.

2014 Football Rules Reminders

Coaches’ Field Equipment Rule 1-6
Rules Reminder: SECTION 6 COACHES FIELD EQUIPMENT ART Communication devices including but not limited to audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, mobile phones, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions, shall not be used to communicate with a player except during an outside 9-yard mark conference (7-yard marks in nine-, eight- and six-player competition). NOTE: Each state association may authorize the use of a drum by a team composed of deaf or partially deaf players, in order to establish a rhythmic cadence following the ready-for-play signal. ART Communication devices including but not limited to audio recorder, Local Area Network (LAN) phones and/or headsets, mobile phones, still photograph(s), film, analog or digital video(s) and/or Internet depictions may be used by coaches and nonplayers. Comment on Slide: The committee in 2013 expanded use of communication devices to allow, coaches, players and nonplayers to use any form of available communication technology during authorized conferences outside the 9-yard marks (7-yard marks in nine-, eight- and six-player competition), on the sidelines and during the halftime intermission period. Use of communication devices by players except during conferences outside the 9-yard marks continues to be prohibited. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 1.6.1A-H LEGAL ILLEGAL Communication devices may be used by coaches and nonplayers as in PlayPic A. It is illegal to use those devices to communicate with players inside the 9-yard marks, as in PlayPic B.

Coaches’ Field Equipment Rule 1-6
Rules Reminder: See comments on slide. LEGAL LEGAL ILLEGAL Outside 9-yard mark conference Inside 9-yard mark conference (coach use only) Inside 9-yard mark conference (coach and athlete use)

Helmet Comes Off Rule 3-5-10d
Runner’s forward progress stopped Player must leave for one down if the helmet came completely off without being directly attributable to a foul by the opponent Rules Reminder: ART An official’s time-out (which is not charged to either team) occurs, and the player shall be replaced for at least one down, unless halftime or an overtime intermission occurs when: d. The helmet comes completely off during the down or subsequent dead-ball action related to the down without being directly attributable to a foul by an opponent. Comment on Slide: The committee in 2013 clarified that if the helmet comes completely off during subsequent dead-ball action related to the down, and is not directly attributable to a foul by the opponent, the player must leave the game for at least one down (unless half-time or overtime intermission occurs). An official’s time-out shall be called. Case Book: See SITUATIONS E-G Runner’s helmet comes off as part of subsequent dead-ball action; official’s time-out

Illegal Participation Rule 9-6-4g
Rules Reminder: ART It is illegal participation: g. For a player whose helmet comes completely off during a down to continue to participate beyond the immediate action in which the player is engaged. Comment on Slide: Continuing with focus on risk minimization, the committee in 2013, determined that a helmet-less player shall not block, tackle or otherwise participate beyond the immediate action in which the player is engaged when the helmet came completely off. The penalty would be a live-ball, basic-spot foul. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 9.4.3T; 9.6.4F If a player whose helmet comes completely off during a down continues to participate beyond the immediate action in which the player is engaged, it is a foul for illegal participation.

Illegal Personal Contact Rule 9-4-3l
Rules Reminder: ART No player or nonplayer shall: l. Initiate contact with an opposing player whose helmet has come completely off. Comment on Slide: In the interest of minimizing risk, the committee in 2013 added a new illegal personal contact foul. This foul is charged to any player who initiates contact with an opposing player whose helmet has come completely off. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 9.4.3R-S It is a personal foul if a player or nonplayer initiates contact with an opposing player whose helmet has come completely off.

Illegal Blocking Rule 9-3-8c
Rules Reminder: ART No member of the kicking team shall initiate contact to (block) an opponent on a free kick until: a. The legal kick has traveled 10 yards; b. The kicking team is eligible to recover a free-kicked ball; or c. The receiving team initiates a block within the neutral zone. Comment on Slide: A new provision was added in 2013 to the existing rule, that stipulates the kicking team may initiate contact once the receiving team has initiated a block within the neutral zone. Case Book: See SITUATIONS 9.3.8A-B No member of the kicking team shall initiate contact to (block) an opponent until the legal kick has traveled 10 yards; or the kicking team is eligible to recover a free-kicked ball. The signal for illegal blocks is seen in the inset.

Illegal Blocking Rule 9-3-8c
Rules Reminder: See comments on slide. Because R1 has initiated contact with a K player, all K players may block.

2014-15 NFHS Football Information

2015 NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Form
Due: November 1, 2014 Must be submitted to your state association office for approval. ► NFHS REMINDER – 2015 NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Form: ALL NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Forms must first go through the state association office before it can be sent electronically to the NFHS. Only member state associations, members of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and the NFHS can submit football rule change proposal forms.

Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know www.nfhslearn.com
Comment on Slide: “Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know” is a free 20-minute online course that was developed by the NFHS and the CDC and was released in It can be accessed at no cost to users at The course objectives of this online course are: Educate coaches, parents, officials, and students about concussions. Identify the signs and symptoms of concussions. Understand the problems associated with concussions. Explain the actions to take when a concussion is suspected. 5. Identify responsibilities of coaches, parents, officials, and students regarding concussions.

NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports
In the Appendix in all of the NFHS Rules Book Comment on Slide: The “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion” is in the Appendix in all of the NFHS Rules Books and was developed by the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC).

Comment on Slide: “A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention” is a free 20-minute online course that was developed by the NFHS and was released in It can be accessed at no cost to users at The course objectives of this online course are: 1. Recognize that Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes. 2. Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan. 3. Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, and providing ample opportunities for, and encouraging, regular fluid replacement. 4. Know the importance of appropriately modifying activities in relation to the environmental heat stress and contributing risk factors (e.g., illness, overweight) to keep your athletes safe and performing well. 5. Know the importance for all staff to closely monitor all athletes during practice and training in the heat, and recognize the signs and symptoms of developing heat illness. 6. Know the importance of, and resources for, establishing an Emergency Action Plan and promptly implementing it in case of suspected EHS or other medical emergency.

Comment on Slide: “A Guide to Sports Nutrition” is a free online course that was developed by the NFHS and EAS Sports Nutrition and was released in It can be accessed at no cost to users at The course objectives of this online course are: 1. Emphasize the importance of proper fueling for physical activity, pre- and post-workout. 2. Provide real-world effective advice for helping your students to make better food decisions. 3. Underscore male- and female-specific issues surrounding the topic of nutrition. 4. Clarify the warning signs for eating disorders and disordered eating. 5. To provide an overview about dietary supplements, how they are regulated and how to avoid use of contaminated dietary supplements. 6. To highlight the risks to athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic androgenic steroids. 7. Reinforce the no-drug policy of interscholastic athletics.

Fundamentals of Coaching Football
Content developed by USA Football Cost of the course is $50 Available at NFHSLearn.com Hosted by Charles Davis Comment on Slide: “Fundamentals of Coaching Football” was developed by USA Football in partnership with the NFHS and is available at The online course is designed to deliver the basics of teaching the skills and tactics of football. The online course is hosted by FOX Sports Football analyst, Charles Davis. This online course would benefit new coaches as well as coaches that have coached for twenty years. Go to for more information.

Interscholastic Officiating
Comment on Slide: “NFHS Interscholastic Officiating” is a new online course that was released in 2013.

Additional NFHS Information
2015 NFHS Football Rule Change Proposal Form Due November 1, 2014 2015 NFHS Football Rules Committee Meeting January , 2015 Indianapolis, IN 2015 NFHS Football Rules Online State Interpreters Meeting July 21, 2015 – 2:00 pm. (Eastern Standard Time) addresses: Bob Colgate - Kim Adams - NFHS REMINDER – Additional Information: NFHS information with regards to football.

The following are available in an NFHS PowerPoint Presentation:
Baseball Basketball Football Girls Gymnastics Volleyball Track and Field Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Wrestling Boys Lacrosse Spirit To order copies please contact: The NFHS Office Phone: or Fax your Request to

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NFHS/VHSL 2014 Football Rules Clinic

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