2023 Football Weekly Reminders

Week #9 Reminders
NFHS Rule 8 – Section 2
Art. 2 … If an opponent of the scoring team commits a foul (other than unsportsmanlike conduct or a nonplayer foul) during a down in which a touchdown is scored and there was not a change of possession during the down, A (the scoring team) may accept the results of the play and chose enforcement of the PENALTY:
On the try; or On the subsequent kickoff. Art. 3 … If an opponent of the scoring team commits a foul (other than unsportsmanlike conduct or a nonplayer foul) during a down in which a touchdown is scored and there was a change of possession during the down, and such foul occurs after the change of possession, the scoring team may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the PENALTY:
On the try; or On the subsequent kickoff. Art. 4 … If either team commits an unsportsmanlike conduct or nonplayer foul during a down in which a touchdown is scored, the opponent may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the PENALTY:
On the try; or On the subsequent kickoff. Art. 5 … If after a down in which a touchdown is scored, and prior to the initial ready-for-play signal for the try, either team commits any foul for which the basic spot is the succeeding spot, the offended team may accept the penalty and choose enforcement of the PENALTY:
On the try; or On the subsequent kickoff.  
NFHS Rule 8 – Section 3
Art. 2 … The try begins when the ball is ready for play.  It ends when:
B secures possession. It is apparent a drop kick or place kick will not score. The try is successful.  The ball becomes dead for any other reason. Art. 3 … During a try, A may score two points from what would be a touchdown or one point for a field goal or safety by B under rules governing play at other times during the game.  Only A may score during a try.
Art. 4 … If during a successful try, a loss of down foul by A occurs, there is no score and no replay.
Art. 5 … If during a successful try, a foul by B occurs, A is given the choice of:
Accepting the penalty and replaying the down following enforcement; or Accepting the result of the play and enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot.  Art. 6 … If during and unsuccessful try:
A foul by A/K occurs, the penalty is obviously declined, the results of the play stand and there is no replay. A foul by B/R occurs, and the penalty is accepted, the down is replayed after enforcement. Art. 8 … When a try is replayed, the snap may be from any point between the hash marks on the yard line through the spot of the ball.
Art. 9 … After a try, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate which team will kick off. 
 
NFHS Rule 8 – Section 4
Art. 1 … A field goal is scored as follows:
The field-goal attempt shall be a place kick or a drop kick from scrimmage, or from a free kick following a fair catch, or an awarded fair catch. The kicked ball shall not touch any play of K beyond the expanded neutral zone or the ground before passing through the goal.  The kicked ball shall pass between the vertical uprights or the inside of the uprights extended and above the crossbar of the opponent’s goal. Art. 2 … After field goal, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate which team will kick off. 
Art. 3 … If during a successful field goal, a foul by R occurs, K is given the choice of:
Accepting the penalty and replaying the down following enforcement; or Accepting the result of the play and enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot.

Week #8 Reminders
NFHS Rule 6 – Section 1
ART 6 … If any K player recovers or catches a free kick, the ball becomes dead.  It belongs to him unless it is kick-catching interference and R chooses an awarded fair catch or unless it is first touching. 
Any K player may recover the ball before it goes beyond R’s free-kick line if it is touched first by the receiver.
Such touching in the neutral zone by R is ignored if it is caused by K pushing or blocking R into contact with the ball or if K muffs the ball into contact with R. 
Any K player may recover a free-kick if it has both touched the ground and goes beyond the plane of R’s free-kick line.  The two requirements may occur in any order. 
If a free kick becomes dead inbounds between the goal lines while no player is in possession, or inbounds anywhere while opponents are in joint possession, the ball is awarded to R.
 
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 2
ART 2 … The runner may not grasp a teammate.
ART 3 … A defensive player shall not:
a. Use a technique that is not permissible by rule. (2.3.2, 2.3.5)
b. Use his hands to add momentum to the charge of a teammate who is on the line of scrimmage.
d. Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker.
PENALTY:  Illegal use of the hands – 10 yards (Signal 42)
 
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 4
ART 7 … No defensive player may use the hand(s) to slap the blocker’s head.
                                PENALTY: Slap to the head – 15 yards (Signal 38)

Week #7 Reminders
With 2 to 3 weeks left in the regular season, district championships and play-off implications can cause games to become even more emotional and contentious. 
 
Game officials, players, and coaches are expected to maintain their composure and be responsible for their actions. 
 
Sportsmanship and player safety must be emphasized by coaches and players and enforced by game officials throughout the game to ensure a positive game environment and outcome. 
 
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 4 (ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT)
ART 1… No player or nonplayer shall fight.
ART 2… No player or nonplayer shall intentionally contact a game official.
ART 3… No player or nonplayer shall:
                b.    Charge into or throw an opponent to the ground after he is obviously out of the play, or after the ball is clearly dead either in or out of bounds.
                c.    Pile on any player who is lying on the ground.
                e.    Position himself on the shoulders or body of a teammate or opponent to gain an advantage. 
g.    Make any other contact with an opponent, including a defenseless player (as in 3.32.16), which is deemed unnecessary or excessive and which incites
      roughness.
                j.     Strike an opponent with his fist, locked hands, forearm or elbow, nor kick or knee him.
PENALTY:  Personal Foul – Illegal Personal Contact – 15 Yards (Signal 38)
               
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 5 (NONCONTACT UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT BY PLAYERS)
ART 1… No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the game.  Examples are, but no limited to:
Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia which engenders ill will. NOTE: The NFHS and NSAA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances. 
Use profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures. Any delayed, excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself Refusing to comply with a game official’s request ART 2… When the ball becomes dead in possession of a player, he shall not:
Intentionally kick the ball. Spike the ball into the ground. Throw the ball high into the air or from the field of play or end zone. PENALTY:  Unsportsmanlike Conduct – 15 yards (Signal 27) (If dead ball - Signal 7 and 27)
                     NOTE: A second unsportsmanlike foul results in disqualification.
 
 
Focus On Every Play
This is a difficult game to officiate.
There are approximately 150 plays in every game.  The players and coaches deserve your total concentration on every play. 
Failure to focus on your keys and the players in your coverage area, will cause you to miss an obvious foul.
Work.  Work.  Work.  Every play.  From the first play of the game to the last play of the game!

Week #6 Reminders
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 8
Art. 3 … A nonplayer shall not be outside his team box unless to become a player or to return as a replaced player. 
 A maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area.
No player, nonplayer, or coach shall be in the restricted area when the ball is live.
Penalty:  Nonplayer foul First Offense – Warning (Signal 15)
NOTE – No warning if there is contact between the official and a coach or nonplayer.  (Automatic - 15 yards)
Second Offense – 5 Yards (Signal 7 and 29) Each Subsequent Offense – 15 yards (Signal 7 and 29 and 27) Any single foul judged by the game official to be flagrant is disqualification. A second unsportsmanlike foul with a 15-yard penalty results in disqualification.  A disqualified member of the coaching staff shall be removed from the stadium area and be prohibited from any further contact, with his team, direct or indirect,  during the remainder of the game.
​NOTE: THE RESTRICTED AREA MUST BE CLEAR WHILE THE BALL IS LIVE TO ALLOW THE GAME OFFICIAL SPACE TO WORK AND TO PREVENT COLLISIONS WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY.

Week #5 Reminders
2023 NFHS / NSAA Points of Emphasis
Helping the Runner
NFHS Rule 9.1 – An offensive player may not push, pull, or lift the runner to assist his forward progress. (Penalty – 5 Yards) Pushing the pile is legal Direct contact and pushing, pulling, or lifting of the runner is not legal Communication Between Coaches and Game Officials
Coaches and game officials must demonstrate respect for one another This mutual appreciation is the foundation of appropriate and professional communication Game Management
Each school community must take pride in hosting an athletic contest or event Provide clear and concise information to the visiting school and game officials  
NFHS Rule 4 – Section 2 (FIRST RULE OF AN INADVERTENT WHISTLE:  DON’T HAVE AN INADVERTENT WHISTLE!)
Art. 3 … An inadvertent whistle ends the down.  Inadvertent whistles are administered as follows:
The down shall be replayed if, during a down or during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is sounded while a legal forward pass or snap is in flight, or during a legal kick.  The team last in possession may choose to either put the ball in play where possession was lost or replay the down if, during a down or during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is sounded while the ball is loose following a backward pass, fumble, illegal forward pass or illegal kick. The team in possession may choose to either accept the results of the play at the dead-ball sport or replay the down if, during a down or during a down in which the penalty for a foul is declined, an inadvertent whistle is sounded while the ball is in player possession. The penalty shall be administered as determined by the basic spot and takes precedence over inadvertent whistle administration if, during a down, a live-ball foul occurs prior to the inadvertent whistle and the penalty is accepted.  
Case Plays – Page 37 & Page 38 – NFHS Football Case Book
4.2.3 Situation A through G
 
NFHS GAME OFFICIALS MANUAL (Page 17)
Sounding Whistle
Game Official Covering Runner Find the ball before sounding whistle When the ball becomes dead, sound whistle quickly and loudly Move in quickly to be certain all action stops on the whistle All Game Officials Player safety is first responsibility Find the ball before sounding whistle Actually see the ball in possession of runner who is down or forward progress stopped – this prevents an early whistle When sounding whistle, do it quickly and loudly Be alert and in position to keep the ball in view Be ready to assist the covering official after whistle has sounded Use bean bag to mark the spot of end of the run if whistle is sounded inadvertently Inadvertent whistle: Ball becomes dead immediately Location at which the ball will be put in play and number of next down is determined by location and status of the ball when whistle was sounded  
NFHS GAME OFFICIALS MANUAL (Page 99)
General Guide For “When in Doubt”
Incomplete pass or fumble ……………………………….…….     Incomplete pass
Forward or backward pass  ………………..……………..…….     Forward
Kick/pass touched or not …………………………………..…….     Not
Catch or no catch ………………………………………………..…..     No Catch
Passer has thrown or fumbled …………………………..…….     Has thrown
Touchback or safety …………………………………………………     Touchback
Defenseless or not ……………………………………………….…..     Defenseless
Excessive/unnecessary or not …………………………….…….     Excessive/Unnecessary
Fumble or dead ball ……………………………………………….…     Dead ball
Helmet on or off ………………………………….…………………...     Off
Accidental or intentional …………………………………..........     Accidentalcontact, touching, kicking
5 yard or 15 yard face mask ………………………………………     15 yard
Running into or roughing the kicker / holder .…………….    Roughing 
Forward pass did or did not cross the neutral zone ……     Pass did cross
Passer was in or out of the free-blocking zone ……………    Passer was out
​Eject or not ………………………….………………………….….……..  NOT (Do not eject a player unless you are absolutely certain you saw the action)  
 
WORDS TO REMEMBER
“When an official is “too big” to study the rule book, he has out-grown his ability to improve”

Week #4 Reminders
​2023 NFHS / NSAA Points of Emphasis
Helping the Runner
NFHS Rule 9.1 – An offensive player may not push, pull, or lift the runner to assist his forward progress. (Penalty – 5 Yards) Pushing the pile is legal Direct contact and pushing, pulling, or lifting of the runner is not legal Communication Between Coaches and Game Officials
Coaches and game officials must demonstrate respect for one another This mutual appreciation is the foundation of appropriate and professional communication Game Management
Each school community must take pride in hosting an athletic contest or event Provide clear and concise information to the visiting school and game officials  
NFHS Rule 9 – Section 6
Art. 2… No player shall intentionally go out of bounds during the down and:
Return to the field; Intentionally touch the ball; Influence the play; or Otherwise participate Penalty:  Illegal Participation, 15 Yards, Live Ball, Basic Spot - (Signal 28)
 
Play Review (Loose Ball Play)
3rd and 10 at the B35 yard line.  A88, while running his route, intentionally runs out of bounds at the B30 yard line and returns to the field of play at the B25 yard line.  A88 subsequently catches a pass and scores a touchdown. 
Ruling – Foul for Illegal Participation (9.6.2)
Notes – Spot of the foul is the B25 yard line where the player returned to the field of play
                Basic Spot is the previous spot during a loose ball play
                Spot of the foul is beyond the basic spot, penalty enforcement is at the previous spot (35 yard line)
Result – 3rd and 25 at the 50 yard line. 
                         
Play Review (Running Play)
3rd and 10 at the B35 yard line.  A88 intentionally runs out of bounds to avoid the B2.   A7 runs the ball for ten yards and advances to the B25 where the play ends.  During the run, A88 returns to the field of play at the B30 and blocks a defender.
                Ruling – Foul for Illegal Participation (9.6.2)
                Notes – Spot of the foul is the B30 yard line where the player returned to the field of play
                                Basic spot is the spot of the foul – Foul by Team A beyond the LOS – Run ended beyond the spot of the foul
                                Penalty Enforcement is at the spot of the foul (B30 yard line)
                Result – 3rd and 20 at the B45 yard line.
 
CLARIFICATION –
Do not confuse the spot of the foul and the basic spot.
The spot of the foul is not always the enforcement spot.
The basic spot is the penalty enforcement spot.
Rule 10-4 breaks down the three basic spots. (10-4-2,10-4-4,10-4-5)

Week #3 Reminders
NFHS Rule 1 – Section 5
Art. 3 … Illegal equipment.  No player shall participate while wearing illegal equipment. This applies to any equipment, which in the opinion of the umpire is dangerous, confusing or inappropriate. 
Illegal equipment shall always include but not limited to:
                b. The following items related to Pads and Padding:
                                3. Knee braces worn over the pants
                                5. Rib pads and back protectors unless fully covered by a jersey
                c. The following Other Illegal Equipment:
                                4. Eyeshield attached to the helmet that is not:
                                                (a) Constructed of a molded rigid material
                                                (b) Clear without the presence of any tint
                                                NOTE:  Tinted eyewear worn on the face and under the face mask is legal.
                                COMMENT – A physicians statement cannot supersede this rule.
 
NFHS Rule 2 – Section 24
Art. 10 … A pop-up kick is a free kick in which the kicker drives the ball immediately into the ground, the ball strikes the ground once and goes into the air in a manner of a ball kicked directly off the tee. 
 
NFHS Rule 6 – Section 1
Art. 10 … A pop-up kick is illegal
Penalty: Free-kick infraction, 5 yards (Signal 7 & 19)  
​
Appropriate and Professional Communication
Let the other person talk – don’t interrupt.  Listen to learn Use your own words – repeat the problem Clarify the situation & eliminate miscommunication Don’t debate judgements Limit discussion only to the most recent issue Remain calm & maintain composure Don’t engage in any discussion when angry When discussing a problem - focus on a solution

Week #2 Reminders
NFHS Rule 7 – Section 1
Art. 7… After the ball is ready for play and before the snap begins, no false start shall be made any A player.  It is a false start if:
A shift or feigned charge simulates action at the snap Any act is clearly intended to cause B to encroach Any A player on his line between the snapper and the player on the end of his line, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground, moves his hand(s) or makes any quick movement. Penalty – False Start – 5 Yards (signal 7 & 19) Art. 8 … If a false start causes B to encroach, only the false start is penalized
Art. 9 … No defensive player shall use disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with A’s signals or movements. 
Penalty – Disconcerting Act – 5 Yards (Signal 7 & 23)  
Play Review
A’s lineman come to the line of scrimmage in a two-point stance with hands or elbows on thighs/knees. 
On a signal from the quarterback, the lineman quickly and abruptly move to a three-point stance causing B to enter the neutral zone.
                Ruling – Dead Ball, False Start against the offense
                Note – When judging the offensive team’s intent, the game officials must consider:
Did the players shift to a new position The speed and abruptness of the movement Was the movement an attempt to simulate action at the snap  
Play Review
While the quarterback is calling signals and all A players are set, a B player claps his hands or makes a loud verbal command(s) directed at the offense.
                Ruling – Dead Ball, Disconcerting Act against the defense
                Note – When judging the defensive team’s intent, the game officials must consider:
Was the action directed at the offense Was the action an attempt to startle, confuse, or cause the offense to commit a false start  
NFHS Rule 1 – Section 5
Art. 1… Mandatory equipment.  Each player shall participate while wearing the following pieces of properly fitted equipment, which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease protection.
Pads and Protective Equipment – The following pads and protective equipment are required of all players: Knee pads which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production, which are worn over the knees and under the pants and shall be at least ½ inch thick or 3/8 inch thick if made of shock absorbing material.  Pants which completely cover the knees, thigh guards and knee pads and any portion of any knee brace that does not extend below the pants. Art. 4 … Prior to the start of the game, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying to the referee and another game official that all of his players are legally equipped in compliance with these rules and will use no illegal equipment

Week #1 Reminders

Guidelines for Bands (Refer to page 31 in the 2023 Football Manual for additional information)
​
  • Band instruments, including drums, are not to be played at any time other than when the entire band is playing.
  • Persons subject to the protocols, including bands, shall not create any noise that prohibits a team from hearing their signals. 
  • Bands are allowed to play at the following times (same rules apply to recorded music):
  •      Pre-game
  •      Between quarters
  •      Halftime
  •      Post-game
  •      Time-outs (except injury time-outs)
  •      After scoring plays prior to the try and / or kick off
  •      Change of possession
  •      Between plays stopping when: 
  •                The umpire has placed the ball and moved into position; or
  •                The offense breaks the huddle or, in the case of a no-huddle offense, approaches the line of scrimmage to move into formation

Week #0 Reminders
Heat Management Considerations 
  • School administrators, game officials, and coaches should discuss potential protocols for minimizing risk due to elevated temperatures prior to the contest. 
  • Official’s time-outs for water breaks can be scheduled or inserted into the game as needed.  See the information below.
 
NFHS Rule 3.5 – Charged and Official’s Time-Outs
  • Article 7… An official’s time-out (which is not charged to either team) occurs during a dead ball foul:
    1. For unusual heat or humidity which may create a health risk to the players. 
  • Recommended opportunities to take an official’s time-out for heat include:
  • Between the first and second periods (Extend to two minutes or as needed)
  • Between the third and fourth periods (Extend to two minutes or as needed)
  • Prior to a free kick following a PAT, successful field goal or safety (Extend to two minutes or as needed)
  • Change of possession (Extend to two minutes or as needed)
NOTE – Halftime may also be extended, by mutual agreement of each team
 
2023 NFHS / NSAA Points of Emphasis
 
Helping the Runner
  • Pushing the pile is legal
  • Direct contact and pushing, pulling, or lifting of the runner is not legal
 
Communication Between Coaches and Game Officials
  • Coaches and game officials must demonstrate respect for one another
  • This mutual appreciation is the foundation of appropriate and professional communication
 
Game Management
  • Each school community must take pride in hosting an athletic contest or event
  • Provide clear and concise information to the opponent and game officials
                                MINIMAL GAME ADMINISTRATION EXPECTATIONS
  • Clearly communicated event itinerary
  • Required field markings and game equipment
  • Clock operator(s)
  • Line-to-gain crew
  • Game officials accommodations and security
  • Visiting team accommodations
  • Support personnel
  • Medical personnel
  • Security personnel
  • Hospitality for game personnel, administration, and game officials
 
Instructions for Clock Operators
 
·      2023 NFHS Instructions for Clock Operators
 
Instructions for Chain Crews
 
·      2023 NFHS Instructions for Chain Crews
 
Guidelines for Public Address Announcers
 
·      Guidelines for Public Address Announcers

6-Player Football - Rule Clarification

The NFHS rule change below only pertains to the 8-player and 11-player rule. 
​
Intentional Grounding Exception Changed [7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2a, c (NEW)]
This change permits the exception for intentional grounding to the first and only player to possess the ball after the snap ends.
 
Please review the link below to confirm the 6-player rule as it pertains to the intentional grounding exception.  The rule for 6-Player is the same as it was last year. 
·      2023 NFHS 6-Player Rules Differences

Rule 7:
f. It is legal for a player to conserve yardage by intentionally throwing an incomplete forward pass if:
1. The passer has been beyond the lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone as established at the snap; and
2. The pass reaches the neutral zone including the extension beyond the sideline

Hudl - Pool Exchange
 
The NSAA League Pool creates the opportunity to share and view film equitably from school to school and will provide a training and education resource for use by the NSAA staff and game officials across the state.
 
Hudl has created a tutorial that walks you through how to add film to the pool, as well as pull film to add to your library.
You can find that tutorial at the link below.

 
Teams are encouraged to upload game film to their respective pool each week and in turn ‘unlock’ access to all film that has been added to the pool and can be immediately added to your team’s library.
Teams can upload/download film from the pool and also exchange film directly with their opponent.
 
The League Pools will be grouped by classification:
  • Class A Pool
  • Class B Pool  
  • Class C Pool (C1 & C2)
  • Class D Pool (D1 & D2)
  • Class D6 Pool
 
The NSAA will have access to each pool.  Coaches can email nneuhaus@nsaahome.org directly with questions or concerns regarding specific play situations and interpretations. 
He can then access the film via the pool and review the situation.
Uploading your film to the pool each week will eliminate the need to share film directly to the NHSOA as in years past.