2. 2006 Football Rules Changes

20. POINTS OF EMPHASIS

21. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Action Plan If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps: 1.Remove athlete from play. 2.Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself. 3.Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. 4.Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional. (Information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

22. Signs Observed by Coaching Staff Appears dazed or stunned Is confused about assignment Forgets plays Is unsure of game, score or opponent Moves clumsily Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Signs and Symptoms These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred. Answers questions slowly Loses consciousness Shows behavior or personality changes Can’t recall events prior to hit Can’t recall events after hit

23. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Signs and Symptoms These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred. Symptoms Reported by Athlete Headache Nausea Balance problems or dizziness Double vision or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish Feeling foggy or groggy Concentration or memory problems Confusion

27. OTHER CHANGES

28. FIELD OF PLAY (1-2-1)  Clarifies the “playing area”  Other rules affected:  1-2-3b NOTE  1-2-3d  1-2-3d NOTE 2  1-2-3g  2-10-1, 2, 3

29. CLEATS (1-5-1f1b; 1-5-1f2)  Measurement area is more clearly defined  ½ inch restriction is more clearly defined

30. HAND PADS (1-5-2d)  Reminder: Beginning in 2008 hand pads shall meet the same guidelines as gloves concerning the tackiness level

31. TOUCHING (2-44)  Touching of a ball, by an official, is always ignored  For clarification purposes “end zone” was added to the definition

32. EDITORIAL CHANGES

33.  3-3-3a  3-4-6  5-1-2b  6-5-6  7-4-3  8-3-1  9-5-1i  10-3-3c

34. RRules Changes Form Due NNovember 1, 2006 22007 Rules Committee Meeting JJanuary 20-21, 2007 IIndianapolis, IN EE-mail addresses: bbcolgate@nfhs.org kkadams@nfhs.org

35. 2006 NFHS FOOTBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS