2025 Football Weekly Reminders

2025 Pre-Season Information

2025 NFHS Football – Points of Emphasis   to review the NFHS Points of Emphasis

OTHER Training Videos


Week #9 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 9

Playoff games will be assigned on the following dates:
Saturday, October 25th / Sunday, October 26th
Saturday, November 1st / Sunday, November 2nd
Saturday, November 8th / Sunday, November 9th
Saturday, November 15th

IMPORTANT REMINDER - THE FOLLOWING INFRACTIONS MUST BE ENFORCED. 
Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad.
Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.
Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.
“Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal.

NOTE: Illegal equipment & improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant. 
Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as:
Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules.  Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW
2-16-2h
Types of fouls are: Post-scrimmage kick – a foul by R (other than an illegal substitution or illegal participation foul that occurs at the snap) when the foul occurs: During scrimmage kick plays, other than a try or successful field goal During a scrimmage kick play in which the ball crosses the expanded neutral zone Beyond the expanded neutral zone Before the end of a kick And K will not be the next to put the ball in play

2-32-16
A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. A player is no longer defenseless once the player’s physical position and focus of concentration no longer makes the player especially vulnerable to injury Examples of defenseless players include, but are not limited to: A kick-off or punt returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery but has not had time to protect himself A player on the ground including a runner who has obviously given himself up and is sliding feet first A player obviously out of the play or not in the immediate vicinity of the runner A player who receives a blindside block with forceful contact not initiated with open hands WHEN IN DOUBT – A PLAYER IS DEFENSELESS If FLAGRANT - EJECT

2-41-6
The post-scrimmage kick spot is the spot where the kick ends. R retains the ball after penalty enforcement from the post-scrimmage kick spot when a post-scrimmage foul occurs.  Fouls by R behind the post-scrimmage kick spot are spot fouls.

6-1-9
It is a foul if a free kick untouched by R goes out of bounds between the goal lines. R may accept a 5-yard penalty from the previous spot and have K re-kick R may accept a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot R may put the ball in play at the inbounds spot 25 yards beyond the previous spot R may decline the penalty and put the ball in play at the inbounds spot

9-1
An offensive player shall not push, pull, or lift the runner to assist his forward progress.  Penalty: 5 Yards NOTE – DIRECT CONTACT ON THE RUNNER IS ILLEGAL. PUSHING THE PILE IS LEGAL.

9-4-3
No player shall: Make any other contact with an opponent, including a defenseless player (as in 2-32-16), which is deemed unnecessary or excessive and which incites roughness Grab the inside back or side collar, or the name plate area (directly below the back of the collar), of either the shoulder pads or the jersey of the runner and subsequently pull (backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground (horse-collar), even if possession is lost The horse-collar foul is enforced as a live-ball foul Execute a blindside block outside of the free-blocking zone with forceful contact unless initiated with open hands

9-5-1
No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the game. Examples are, but not limited to: Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia worn which engenders ill will The NFHS & NSAA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances. Using profanity, insulting, or vulgar language or gestures Any delayed, excessive, or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself

9-8-1
No coach, substitute, athletic trainer, or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the game. Examples are, but not limited to: Using profanity, insulting, or vulgar language or gestures Attempting to influence a decision by a game official Disrespectfully addressing a game official Following pregame verification as in 1-5-4, a coach allowing his/her players to use illegal equipment (1-5-3)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Use proper signals Maintain a consistent foul threshold Always remain calm and confident Be great dead ball officials Use professional communication with players and coaches

Week #8 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 8
​
Playoff games will be assigned on the following dates:
Saturday, October 18th / Sunday, October 19th
Saturday, October 25th / Sunday, October 26th
Saturday, November 1st / Sunday, November 2nd
Saturday, November 8th / Sunday, November 9th
Saturday, November 15th

IMPORTANT REMINDER - THE FOLLOWING INFRACTIONS MUST BE ENFORCED. 
Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad.
Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.
Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.
“Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal.

NOTE: Illegal equipment & improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant. 
Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as:
Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules.  Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW
2-32-16 A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. A player is no longer defenseless once the player’s physical position and focus of concentration no longer makes the player especially vulnerable to injury Examples of defenseless players include, but are not limited to: A kick-off or punt returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery but has not had time to protect himself A player on the ground including a runner who has obviously given himself up and is sliding feet first A player obviously out of the play or not in the immediate vicinity of the runner A player who receives a blindside block with forceful contact not initiated with open hands WHEN IN DOUBT – A PLAYER IS DEFENSELESS

7-1-7 After the ball is ready for play and before the snap begins, no false start shall be made by 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

7-2-6 After a huddle or shift, all players of A shall come to an absolute stop and shall remain stationary simultaneously without movement of hands, feet, head, or body for at least one second before the snap.

9-4-3 No player shall: Make any other contact with an opponent, including a defenseless player (as in 2-32-16), which is deemed unnecessary or excessive and which incites roughness Grab the inside back or side collar, or the name plate area (directly below the back of the collar), of either the shoulder pads or the jersey of the runner and subsequently pull (backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground (horse-collar), even if possession is lost The horse-collar foul is enforced as a live-ball foul Execute a blindside block outside of the free-blocking zone with forceful contact unless initiated with open hands

9-5-1 No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the game. Examples are, but not limited to: Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia worn which engenders ill will The NFHS & NSAA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances. Using profanity, insulting, or vulgar language or gestures Any delayed, excessive, or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself 9-8-1 No coach, substitute, athletic trainer, or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the game officials assume authority for the game. Examples are, but not limited to: Using profanity, insulting, or vulgar language or gestures Attempting to influence a decision by a game official Disrespectfully addressing a game official Following pregame verification as in 1-5-4, a coach allowing his/her players to use illegal equipment (1-5-3)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS Use proper signals Maintain a consistent foul threshold Always remain calm and confident Be great dead ball officials Use professional communication with players and coaches

Week #7 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 7

IMPORTANT REMINDER - THE FOLLOWING INFRACTIONS MUST BE ENFORCED.  Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad. Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.  Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.  “Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal. NOTE: Illegal equipment & improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant.   Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules. Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW 1-3-7 Each team shall provide at least one legal ball to the referee at the time the game officials assume authority for the game Only legal balls approved by the referee may be used during the game  Each team may use any referee-approved ball of its choice to free kick or start a new series of downs If a touch down occurs following a change of possession and the scoring team did not put the ball in play, any referee-approved ball may be used for the try  NOTE – A TEAM IS NOT PERMITTED TO REQUEST A CHANGE OF BALL WITHIN A SERIES

2-32-16 A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. A player is no longer defenseless once the player’s physical position and focus of concentration no longer makes the player especially vulnerable to injury Examples of defenseless players include, but are not limited to: A kick-off or punt returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery but has not had time to protect himself A player on the ground including a runner who has obviously given himself up and is sliding feet first A player obviously out of the play or not in the immediate vicinity of the runner A player who receives a blindside block with forceful contact not initiated with open hands WHEN IN DOUBT – A PLAYER IS DEFENSELESS

7-5-1 It is a legal forward pass, if during a scrimmage down and before team possession has changed, a player of A throws the ball with both feet of the passer in or behind the neutral zone when the ball is released  Only one forward pass may be thrown during the down

9-2-3 A defensive player shall not: Use a technique that is not permissible by rule (2-3-2, 2-3-5) Use his hands to add momentum to the charge of a teammate who is on the line of scrimmage Use his hands or arms to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, encircle, or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent other than a runner Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker PENALTY: ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS – 10 yards

9-4-3 No player shall: Make any other contact with an opponent, including a defenseless player (as in 2-32-16), which is deemed unnecessary or excessive and which incites roughness Grab the inside back or side collar, or the name plate area (directly below the back of the collar), of either the shoulder pads or the jersey of the runner and subsequently pull (backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground (horse-collar), even if possession is lost The horse-collar foul is enforced as a live-ball foul Execute a blindside block outside of the free-blocking zone with forceful contact unless initiated with open hands MECHANICS REVIEW Pre Game Duties All crew members are required to meet with the head coach of both teams Crew members are encouraged to move about the playing field in an effort to better observe the teams as they warm up and notify the head coach of all uniform violations If crew members are not actively moving about the field to observe warm up Referee and Line Judge should position themselves on the press box sideline, one on each 40 yard line Umpire on the opposite sideline 50 yard line and the Linesman and Back Judge on each of the 40 yard lines Keep conversations with coaches and other team personnel to a minimum. Do not engage or converse with fans / spectators

Please use the link below to review NSAA Pre-Game Duties
2025 Officials Pregame Checklist

Play Clock Procedures
Please use the link below to review the 25/40 Second Play Clock Procedures
25/40 Play Clock Information

Week #6 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 6

NSAA FOOTBALL OFFICIALS’ WEBINAR We will be hosting a webinar for all NSAA football officials on Sunday, October 5th at 7:30 PM CST. The webinar is not mandatory, but all officials are encouraged to participate. The webinar will be recorded and posted in the downloads section of your login page. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83540738652?pwd=kmP3pjXW5FtPFyhyUFfgwQnA1F15ED.1
 
IMPORTANT REMINDER - THE FOLLOWING INFRACTIONS MUST BE ENFORCED.  Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad. Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.  Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.  “Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal.
 
NOTE: Illegal equipment & improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant.   Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules. Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification. 

RULES REVIEW
2-4-1 A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball or having the forward progress of the player in possession stopped while the opponent is carrying the player who is in possession and inbounds.
7-5-7 Pass interference restrictions only apply beyond the neutral zone and only if the legal forward pass, untouched by B in or behind the neutral zone, crosses the neutral.  Pass interference restrictions are in effect for all A and B players until the ball is touched or the pass is incomplete.
7-5-8 Pass interference restrictions on a legal forward pass begin for: A with the snap B when the ball leaves the passer’s hand
7-5-10 It is forward-pass interference in any player of A or B who is beyond the neutral zone interferes with an eligible opponent’s opportunity to move toward, catch, or bat the pass.  PENALTY: 15 yards (NOT AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN)
7-5-11 It is not forward pass interference if: Unavoidable contact occurs when two or more eligibles are making a simultaneous, bona fide attempt to move toward, catch, or bat the pass Contact by A is immediately made on a B lineman, and the contact does not continue beyond the expanded neutral zone Contact by B is obviously away from the direction of the pass
7-5-12 Ineligible A players may not advance beyond the expanded neutral zone on a legal forward pass play before a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone is in flight. PENALTY: 5 yard 2-28-2 The neutral zone may be expanded following the snap up to a maximum of 2 yards behind the defensive line of scrimmage, inside the boundary lines, during any scrimmage down.
9-2-3 A defensive player shall not: Use a technique that is not permissible by rule (2-3-2, 2-3-5) Use his hands to add momentum to the charge of a teammate who is on the line of scrimmage Use his hands or arms to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, encircle, or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent other than a runner Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker
PENALTY: ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS – 10 yards  9-4-4 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 9-4-3 against the passer. PENALTY: 15 yards – Auto First Down

Week #5 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 5

IMPORTANT REMINDER - THE FOLLOWING INFRACTIONS MUST BE ENFORCED.  Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad. Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.  Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.  “Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal. NOTE: Illegal equipment & improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant.   Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules. Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW
2-15-1 Forward progress is the end of advancement of the ball, toward the opponent’s goal, in a runner’s possession or the forward-most point of the ball when it is fumbled out of bounds and it determines the dead-ball spot. 2-15-2 When an airborne player makes a catch, forward progress is the furthest point of advancement after he possesses the ball if contacted by a defender. 9-2-1 An offensive player (except the runner) shall not: Use a blocking technique which is not permissible by rule (2-3-2, 2-3-3) Grasp or encircle any teammate to form interlocked blocking Use his hands, arms, or legs to hook, clamp, grasp, encircle, or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent 9-2-2 The runner may not grasp a teammate 9-2-3 A defensive player shall not: Use a technique that is not permissible by rule (2-3-2, 2-3-5) Use his hands to add momentum to the charge of a teammate who is on the line of scrimmage Use his hands or arms to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, encircle, or hold in an effort to restrain an opponent other than a runner Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker  

MECHANICS REVIEW 
FORWARD PROGRESS – OFFICIALS MANUAL (PAGE 127) The wing officials are primarily responsible for forward progress  Long runs or passes – the back judge may also be responsible Progress should be indicated by using the downfield foot Keep your head up and observe players while marking the spot Do not go around or jump over players Move into the field until you approach players If a spot is close to the line to gain, spotting official must come all the way to the sport where the play ended The primary official responsible for determining the forward progress spot is the official who can actually see the ball when the play is declared dead

​GOAL LINE PLAYS – OFFICIALS MANUAL (PAGE 146) When the ball is snapped between Team B’s 10 and 5-yard line Wing officials release slowly downfield at the snap Stay ahead of the runner to the goal line The touchdown signal is given only by the official who actually sees the ball in possession of a runner break the plane of the goal line When Team A snaps the ball at or inside its own 5-yard line Wing officials move quickly to the goal line in order to see if the ball carrier advanced the ball completely out of the end zone

Week #4 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 4

Please Review -   Wireless Crew Communication Devices – Guidelines & Requirements
The use of crew communication devices SHALL NOT replace any NFHS approved mechanics, crew communication signals, or other signals designated by the NFHS Game Officials Manual.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Jerseys cannot be hemmed up or tucked up under the shoulder pads or above the back pad. Jerseys must extend to the top of the pants and cover the back pad. Jerseys and undershirts must be tucked in if they extend below the belt line.  Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.  “Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal.

NOTE: Illegal Equipment & Improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant.
Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules. Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW
6-3-1 It is a touch back if any free kick or scrimmage kick: Which is not a scoring attempt, or which is a grounded three-point field-goal attempt, breaks the plane of R’s goal line Unless R chooses a spot of first touching by K
6-5-1 Any receiver my signal for a fair catch while any legal kick is in flight.  Any receiver who has given a valid or invalid fair-catch signal is prohibited from blocking until the kick has ended.
6-5-3 Only the receiver who gives a valid signal is afforded protection If, after a receiver signals, the catch is made by a teammate, it is not a fair catch, but ball becomes dead.
6-5-4 The captain may choose to free kick or snap anywhere between the hash marks: On the yard line through the spot of the catch when a fair catch is made Through the spot of interference, when a fair catch is awarded At the succeeding spot when the distance penalty for kick-catch interference is accepted following an awarded fair catch and the down is not replayed These choices remain if a dead-ball foul occurs prior to the next down, or a foul or an inadvertent whistle occurs during the next down and the down is replayed.
9-4-5 A defensive player shall not run into the kicker or rough the kicker, other than when: Contact is unavoidable because it is not reasonably certain that a kick will be made The defense touches the kick near the kicker and contact is unavoidable Contact is slight and is partially caused by movement of the kicker Contact is caused by R being block into the kicker by K Running into the Kicker Contact that displaces the kicker without roughing Roughing the Kicker Contact that is forceful, punishing, attacking, or endangering to the kicker It is always roughing the kicker if the contact could have been avoided
9-4-6 A defensive player shall not charge directly into the snapper when the offensive team is in scrimmage kick formation.

Week #3 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 3

IMPORTANT REMINDER Sweat bands worn on the upper arm(s) and leg(s) are illegal.  “Streamers” that do not comply with NFHS rules regulating towels are illegal.

NOTE: Illegal Equipment & Improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant. 
​Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules. Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW
6-2-3 When a field-goal attempt fails, it is treated like any scrimmage kick, and the ball remains live until the down ends. If K recovers behind the neutral zone, they may advance. Officials must be alert and not confuse a field-goal attempt with a try (PAT). When it is apparent there will be no score on a kick try (PAT), the down is ended.

6-4 TABLE Scrimmage kick recovered beyond the neutral zone may be advanced only by R. Scrimmage kick recovered in or behind the neutral zone may be advanced by either team. Scrimmage kick not recovered by either team belongs to R. Scrimmage kick jointly recovered by R and K belongs to R.

8-3-1 After a touchdown, the scoring team shall attempt a try (PAT) during which the ball is snapped from a spot designated by A anywhere between the hash marks on B’s 3 yard-line (unless moved by penalty). This involves a scrimmage down which is neither numbered nor timed. EXCEPTION: If a touchdown is scored during the last down of the fourth period, the try (PAT) shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game.

8-3-2 The try (PAT) 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.. They try (PAT ) is successful. The ball becomes dead for any other reason.

8-4-1 During a field-goal attempt (or kicked try (PAT), to be successful the ball must: Pass above the crossbar Between the vertical uprights or the inside edges of the uprights extended If any part of the ball penetrates the plane of the inside edges of the vertical uprights extended, it is unsuccessful.

NOTE: Illegal Equipment & Improperly worn equipment must be enforced. Players must be removed from the contest if noncompliant.

Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as: Tinted visors Back pads not covered Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules.

Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as: Pants not covering the knees Pants must extend to knee level Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Pants / pads that are folded up above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

RULES REVIEW 3-4-2d, 3-4-3a, 4-3-1 Exception (New)
When a forward fumble in the field of play goes out of bounds between the goal lines, the ball shall be returned to the spot of the fumble, and the game clock is started on the ready-for-play.

4-3-1 Exception (New)
When a forward fumble in the field of play goes into team B’s end zone and is ruled out of bounds, the ball is not returned to the spot of the fumble because it did not go out of bounds between the goal lines.  This play continues to result in a touchback.

RULES REVIEW
6-1-4 At the time the ball is kicked, at least four K players must be on each side of the kicker.

6-1-6  If the free kick has gone beyond the plane of the receiver’s free-kick line and has touched the ground, any K player may then recover.  Both conditions must be met – the ball touched the ground, and the ball has gone beyond the plane.  The order of occurrence has no bearing on the fact that K may the recover.  K may not advance a recovered kick

6-1-6 When the free kick is touched first by a receive before it has gone 10 yards, it may be recovered by any K player. The recovery causes the ball to become dead, and the down is ended. No K player may advance the recovered kick.

6-1-9 It is a foul if a free kick untouched by R goes out of bounds between the goal lines. R may accept a 5-yard penalty from the previous spot and have K re-kick R may accept a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot R may put the ball in play at the inbounds spot 25 yards beyond the previous spot R may decline the penalty and put the ball in play at the inbounds spot

6-1-11 A pop-up kick is illegal The play is immediately blown dead.  K is penalized 5 yards and must re-kick 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 the manner of a ball kicked directly off the tee. 

Week #1 Reminders (2025)
TRAINING TAPE
NFHS Training tape 2025 Week 1  


NOTE: IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SUB OFFICIALS, YOU CAN SEND EMAIL REQUESTS TO ALL CLASSIFIED OFFICIALS USING THE OFFICIALS’ ROSTER THAT IS AVAILABLE VIA YOUR LOGIN PAGE. 

GAME WEEK!   Please take the time to review the information listed below.

Illegal equipment refers to items that are prohibited such as:
    • Jewelry
    • Tinted visors
    • Non-compliant eye shade
    • Bands worn around the upper arm, neck, or legs
    • Back pads not covered
    • Sweatbands and uniform adornments, including towels, that do not conform to the rules.
  • Improperly worn equipment pertains to all equipment that is otherwise legal but not worn as intended such as:
    • Pants not covering the knees
      • Pants that reach knee level and cover the top of the knees will be permitted
      • Pants worn above the knees are illegal and players should be removed from the game until compliant
    • Tooth and mouth protectors not being worn as play starts
    • Shoulder pads not properly covered by the jersey
  • Non-compliance with these rules can result in various penalties, ranging from removal of a player for one play for improperly worn equipment, to an unsportsmanlike penalty on the head coach when players are illegally equipped following the pre-game certification.

  • SPORTSMANSHIP
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct is incompatible with the values of education-based athletics.
  • The following actions are unsportsmanlike conduct that should be penalized without warning:
    • Demonstrations of violence such as brandishing guns and throat slashes
    • Rehearsed dances and poses
    • Gestures with sexual connotation
    • Dunking the ball over the crossbar
    • Removal of helmet to celebrate or protest
    • Dancing
    • Somersaults or flips
    • Spiking or spinning the ball
    • Any act that is clearly intended to taunt, demean or show disrespect to an opponent or the game should be penalized
DEFENSELESS PLAYER / TARGETING
  • A defenseless player is a player who, because of physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury.
  • The player remains defenseless until the player’s physical position and focus of concentration allows the player to have a chance to protect themselves or brace, at least partially, for contact.
  • The most common types of defenseless players include:
    • Passers
    • Receivers
    • Sliding runners
    • Runners whose forward progress is stopped
    • Players out of the play and players who are illegally blocked from the blindside
    • For added defenseless player clarifications, please refer to 2.32.16 COMMENT and CHART in the 2025 NFHS Football Case Book
Guidelines for Bands / Music (Refer to page3 34-35 in the 2025 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.
  • The use of artificial noisemakers is prohibited. (Examples: air horns, whistles, bells, etc.) Megaphones are to be used by cheerleaders only.
  • 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
  • Violation of these protocols may result in penalties which include Delay-of-Game, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, or Unfair Acts.
Instructions for Clock Operators  
Instructions for Chain Crews

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

Guidelines for Public Address Announcers
 
·      Guidelines for Public Address Announcers

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

Hudl - Pool Exchange
The NSAA / Hudl League Pools create the opportunity to provide training and educational resources for use by the NSAA staff and game officials across the state. 
 
Teams are encouraged to upload game film to their respective pool following their game each week. I will then add the game films to the NSAA Team Library for each class. 
 
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
 
All NSAA Football Officials are provided with a Hudl account.