2014
FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS
OFFICIALS: WHEN USING A MICROPHONE, IOWA
WILL NOT ANNOUNCE THE PLAYERS NUMBER WHO
COMMITTED THE FOUL WHEN PROVIDING THE
PENALTY.
FREE KICK RULE CHANGE
(6-1-3); Free Kick Rule Addition: We will follow NFHS free kick rule; A free kick shall be made from any point
between the hash marks and on K’s free-kick line. A punt may NOT be used for a free kick other than after a safety.
Once designated, K must kick from that spot. When a punt is used following a safety, the ball must be kicked within
one step behind K’s free-kick line. In an emergency, such as a pool of water on K’s free kick line, the referee has the
authority to move the ball to a playable line, in which case, both free kick lines are moved to compensate.
There must be at least four members of the kicking team on each side of the kicker (if a member of the free
kick team is holding the ball for the kicker he is included in the count on the side of the ball he is located on)
in the 11 or 8 player game. Second, other than the kicker, no other members of the kicking team may be more
than five yards behind the kicking team’s free-kick line in the 11 or 8 player game, after the ball has been
marked ready for play.
Third in both the 8 player and 11 player game, if the kicker on a free kick is lined up more the 5 yards behind
the free kick line, He/she is the only person who may kick the football. Penalty: Dead ball foul-5 yard penalty.
Until the ball has been kicked, no player, other than the kicker and the holder for a place kick may be beyond his free
kick line (6-1-3b & c).
A player other than the kicker satisfies this rule change when no foot is on or beyond the 5 yards behind K’s free kick
line. If one player is more than 5 yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a foul.
PENALTY: Result is a dead ball foul for encroachment. The penalty is 5 yards. Officials early in the season can
do some preventive officiating prior to the free kick ready for play whistle by reminding players they need four
players on each side of the kicker and where they must line up.
If no player on a free kick is more than 5 yards behind the free kick line, any player is eligible to kick the ball as long
as the kicking team has at least 4 other players on either side of the player who kicks the ball, (3 in 8 player football).
Field-Goal or Try from Any Distance: New manual indicates BJ & LJ will be under the crossbar. Iowa officials will
use the same mechanic we have used in the past and will only have the BJ under the crossbar when the ball
is snapped from beyond the 25 yard line.
9-3-8 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
(1-1-7) Game Officials Authority: Iowa rule is, the game officials authority begins when the crew enters the playing
field to resume their pre-game duties, a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of the contest.
(2-20-2) Targeting; Helmet Contact-illegal, targeting
Art.2…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.
(9-4-3m) Illegal Personal Contact
Art.333…No player or non-player shall: NEW (m) Target an opponent
9-4-3 PENALTY:…Targeting an opponent (Art. 3m)-(Signal 38, signal 24) 15 Yards…The offending player may
be disqualified if the foul is deemed to be flagrant.
(2-24-9) Illegal Kick Status: Art.9…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. Understand, the illegal kick is a foul, the ball just retains the status as if an illegal
kick never occurred.
2-32-16 Defenseless Player: Art. 16…A defenseless player is a player who because of his physical position and
focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury.
3-3-3 &3-3-4 Rules regarding Extending a period Modified: Under the new wording, a period shall be extended for an
untimed down if, during a down in which time expires, there was an inadvertent whistle; there was a foul by either
team and the penalty is accepted (exception: no extension for unsportsmanlike or non player fouls and fouls which
include loss of down or which the penalty is a safety); there was a double foul; or a touchdown is scored. If a
touchdown is scored, the period is extended for the try except if the touchdown was scored on the last down of the
fourth period and the try would not affect the game’s outcome or playoff Qualification (Iowa 13 point rule). Also, the
period is not extended further when the defense fouls during a successful try or field goal and the offended team
accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot. The period is not extended
if a penalty that has a loss-of-down provision is accepted. Any score by the fouling team is cancelled. Also, if any of
the above occur during the untimed down, the procedure is repeated.
8-5-1/8-5-1b New force to accidental touching: Rule 8-5-1 regarding who is responsible for forcing a ball across a
goal line has been divided into two subsections. The second subsection–Rule 8-5-1b notes that 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.
9-4-3i(3) Section 4 Illegal Personal Contact; Art. 3…No player or non-player shall: 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)-(signal 24)- 15 yards
Officials Black Nylon Officiating Pants: Beginning with the 2013 football season, football officials were provided
the option of wearing white knickers with Northwestern stripe socks or black nylon officiating pants with solid black
socks throughout the entire season, including play-offs (regardless of the weather). We require all varsity crews to
wear the same officiating attire and strongly encourage lower level crews to dress alike, but we understand this is not
always possible. Starting with the 2016 football season, all football officials will be required to wear the black nylon
football officiating pants at all 9-12 football contests.
HEAT STRESS: Coaches, early football practices are conducted in very hot and humid weather here in Iowa. Due to
the equipment and uniforms needed in football, heat stress must be given proper attention. Please be sure to take
the proper precautions.
The main problem associated with exercising in the hot weather is water loss through sweating. Water loss is best
replaced by allowing the athlete unrestricted access to water breaks. Two or three times per hour are better than one
break an hour. Probably the best method is to have water available at all times and allow the athlete to drink water
whenever needed. Never restrict the amount of water an athlete drinks and be sure the athletes are drinking the
water rather than simply pouring it over their heads. Talk to your medical personnel concerning emergency treatment
plans.
Referees, you have the authority to take additional time-outs to give players additional rest and fluids. During hot
and humid weather use good judgment and allow additional time-outs. These time-outs are officials’ time-outs and
are not charged to either team. Each high school may purchase a heat and humidity gauge ($71.00) and a heat index
table will be sent to each school to help determine whether or not it is safe for athletes to participate. The host
school’s management will have access to this gauge and table. The guidelines on the table range from increasing the
number of breaks taken to canceling the contest. If the host school’s management indicates certain precautions
should be taken for the safety of the players, those precautions should be taken immediately.
SECOND UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOUL BY A PLAYER IS DISQUALIFICATION: It is the responsibility of the players
to control their emotions and behavior to avoid being charged with unsportsmanlike conduct. Any player who receives
a second unsportsmanlike foul will be disqualified from the game and the IHSAA ejection rule will be invoked. Most
coaches will remove a player from the game if he displays unsportsmanlike behavior. An extensive list of examples of
unsportsmanlike conduct is listed in the rules book. Game officials must keep an accurate record of those players
charged with an unsportsmanlike foul. If a player receives a second player/non-player unsportsmanlike penalty, the
player will be disqualified. Please keep in mind, any single flagrant act continues to result in an ejection from the
game.
Any coach who is flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct is disqualified and must leave the facility for
the remainder of the game. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach is charged to him personally. If an
assistant coach receives an unsportsmanlike penalty it carries its own penalty and has nothing to do with
the head coach. A third violation of the restricted area is an unsportsmanlike penalty charged to the head
coach, just like failing to be back on the field for the mandatory three minute warm-up period. Officials, when
assessing an unsportsmanlike penalty, always make sure the penalty fits the situation. Official, please understand if you are going to eject a player or coach, it is your responsibility as an official to make sure the penalty fits the crime! Be accountable.
OVERTIME PROCEDURE: There are two things you must remember with regard to overtime as it pertains to games
played in Iowa. (a) Once the choice of goals has been made, all overtimes for that game will be played at the same
end of the field. The only exception would be if officials decide field conditions warrant changing goals for the safety
of the players. (b) When the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the referee will instruct both teams to return
to their respective team boxes. There will be a three minute intermission during which both teams may confer with
their coaches. (c) Officials should assemble at the 50-yard line, review the procedure, each team will receive one
time-out per overtime; time-out’s do not carry over. Linesman will go to the team on the side of the field where the
line-to-gain equipment is located and the line judge will go to the team on the opposite side of the field to inform the
coaches they each receive one time-out in the overtime and escort the respective captains to the center of the field
for the coin toss. (e) At the coin toss, the visiting team captain shall be given the privilege of calling the coin while it is
in the air. The winner of the toss shall be given the choice of defense or offense or designating the end of the field
where the ball will be put in play. (f) If the score remains tied after each team has been given one series, the overtime
procedure shall be repeated until the winner is determined after the completion of the first overtime. There will be an
intermission of two minutes during which the loser of the initial coin toss will have the first choice of options. If
additional periods are required, the first choice of options will be alternated. You do not have a coin toss prior to the
beginning of each additional overtime period. You alternate choices following the first winner of the coin toss.
Remember, after the first choice, the end of the field is not an option. (g) If Team B gains possession, the down in
series for A ends immediately. In other words, if Team B (team on defense) recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass,
the down and series ends once Team B gains possession. Review “Resolving Tied Games” procedures as outlined in
the Football Rule Book, pages 87-88.
OVERTIME PROCEDURE AT THE FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR VARSITY LEVEL OF
COMPETITION: This overtime rule is for sub-varsity football only, if the score is tied at the end of the fourth period.
In freshman, sophomore and junior varsity level contests only, ONE overtime period will be played in an attempt to
resolve the tie if the score is tied at the end of the fourth period. If the score remains tied at the end of one overtime
period, the game will end as a tie. Each team will be provided one time-out in this overtime (regardless of any
unused time-outs left over from the regulation game), same number of time-outs our varsity teams receive via the
current National Federation Rule for overtime games. There is no overtime in junior high contests.
1-5-3c(8): Play cards must be worn on the wrist. It is illegal to wear play cards on the football pant belt.
2-3-7 Blocking below the waist is making initial contact below the waist from the front or side against an opponent
other than the runner. Contact with an opponent’s hand(s) below the waist that continues into the body below
the waist is considered blocking below the waist. Blocking below the waist applies only when the opponent has
one or both feet on the ground.
1-2-5d Note 2: It is permissible to use college or professional fields with hash marks marked at the distance specified
by their respective codes, and with advertising and/or commercial markings placed on the field of play by home
management that meet the requirements of the rule 1-2-3i (measurements shall be from the inside edges of the
boundary marks, such marks being out of bounds. Advertising and/or commercial markings may not obstruct the yard
lines, hash marks or nine-yard marks (seven yard marks for eight player contests).
IOWA 13-POINT TIEBREAKER RULE (RULE 8.3.1 EXCEPTION): If a touchdown is scored during the last down of
the fourth period, a try for point shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game or
play-off qualifying.
The Iowa rule will be: If the final score could result in the point differential being 12 points or less, the try will be
attempted.
Play 1: A-27; B-10. Team B scores on the last play of the fourth period to make the score A-27; B-16. Ruling: The
point differential will be 12 points or less. Therefore, the try will be attempted.
Play 2: A-20; B-0. Team B scores on the last play of the fourth quarter to make the score 20-6. Ruling: The point
differential could be 12 points. Therefore, the try will be attempted.
Play 3: A-7; B-0. Team A scores on the last play of the fourth period to make the score A-13; B-0. Ruling: The
point differential cannot be 12 points or less. Therefore, no try will be attempted.
Keep in mind the exception to Rule 8-1-3 as it refers to a touchdown that is scored on the last play of the fourth
period. If a game ends in a tie and we have an overtime period, we follow the overtime procedure as we have
previously. The overtime procedure states, “All game rules will apply except: b) No try will be made if the winner of
the game has been determined.”
Play 4: The game ends in a 0-0 tie. In the first overtime, Team A is on offense to start the overtime period. Team A
does not score. Team B now goes on offense and scores a touchdown. Ruling: The game is over. The final score is
Team A-0; Team B-6. No try is attempted in this situation due to the fact a winner has been determined as overtime
procedure dictates.
OVERTIME GAME: When a regulation game ends in a tie score, the overtime procedure is used. For purposes of the
13-point tie-breaker rule, the winner of an overtime game will receive a (+1) and the loser of the overtime game will
receive a (-1) in the 13-point tie-breaker system.
NOTE: The score differential in an overtime game is not a factor. It is simply the winner receives a (+1) and the
loser receives a (-1) in all overtime district games. (In overtime, no try will be attempted if the winner of the
game has been determined).
COACHES: When entering your score into the member school link, make sure the individual reporting
scores indicates “overtime” if outcome was determined in overtime.
HARD CASTS/SPLINTS:
RULE 1-5-3b1 - ILLEGAL Hard substance in its final form such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster or fiberglass when
worn on the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow UNLESS COVERED ON ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES WITH NO LESS
THAN ½ INCH THICK, HIGH DENSITY, CLOSED-CELL POLYURETHANE, OR AN ALTERNATE MATERIAL OF
THE SAME MINIMUM THICKNESS, AND WITH SIMILAR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TO PROTECT AN INJURY.
WRITTEN MEDICAL PHYSICIANS LETTER NO LONGER REQUIRED.
Knee and ankle braces which are altered from the manufacturer’s original design or production require closed cell,
slow-recovery foam padding no less than ½ “ thick.
Tinted eyewear worn on the face and under the facemask is legal. Eye shields must be clear without the presence
of any tint.
IHSAA FOOTBALL PLAY-OFF SEMIFINAL & FINAL-ROUND GAMES FOR ALL-CLASSES:
SEMIFINALS: ALL semifinal round games will be played at Cedar Falls, UNI-Dome.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13th 8-Player
- Game 1 - 10:06 AM; Game 2 - 1:06 PM
Class 3A
- Game 1 - 4:06 PM; Game 2 - 7:06 PM
th
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Class A
Class 4A
- Game 1 - 10:06 AM; Game 2 - 1:06 PM
- Game 1 – 4:06 PM; Game 2 – 7:06 PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
Class 1A
Class 2A
- Game 1 - 10:06 AM; Game 2 - 1:06 PM
- Game 1 - 4:06 PM; Game 2 - 7:06 PM
CHAMPIONSHIP: ALL championship games are played at Cedar Falls, UNI-Dome.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH 8-Player
- 10:06 AM
Class A
- 1:36 PM
Class 3A
- 7:06 PM
FRIDAY, November 21st
Class 1A
Class 2A
Class 4A
- 11:06 AM
- 2:06 PM
- 7:06 PM
EIGHT-PLAYER FOOTBALL RULES DIFFERENCES:
New free kick player alignment rule, see page 1.
Formation/Position: 7 yard marks will be used in the eight player game. Reminder, after the ball is marked
ready for play by the referee, each player of Team A who participated in the previous down and each
substitute of Team A must have been, momentarily, between the 7-yard marks, before the snap
Reminder 8 Player Game Only: The 35 point rule will go into effect starting with the second quarter, not
halftime like the 11 player rule. Clock will start the second quarter with the snap or once the ball is legally
touched on a free kick. Note: (a) normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the
point differential less than 35 points. New: Addition to this rule, clock stops for any penalty administration (Grades
7-12).
K’s free kick line is its30 yard line.
K is required to have at least three players on each side of the kicker.
At least five players shall be on their line at the snap and may have any legal jersey number.
Each Team A player (regardless of jersey number) who at the snap was on the end of the line of scrimmage line
(total of two) and each Team A player who at the snap was legally behind the scrimmage line (possible total of three)
is eligible. On the eight player field, the ball is snapped after a touchback and is free kicked after a safety from the 15
yard line.
The basic spot for a foul as in 10-4-6 shall be the 15-yard line.
“Targeting” Defined in High School Football in Effort to Reduce Risk of Injury (9-4-3m)
In an effort to reduce contact above the shoulders and lessen the risk of injury in high school football, the National
Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee developed a definition for
“targeting,” which will be penalized as illegal personal contact.
The definition of targeting and its related penalty were two of 10 rules changes approved by the rules committee at its
January 24-26 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of
Directors.
Effective with the 2014 high school season, new Rule 2-43 will read as follows: “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.”
Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee, said the
committee determined – in its continued effort to minimize risk of injury in high school football – that it was important
to separate and draw specific attention to this illegal act.
“Taking aim with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders to initiate contact above the shoulders, which
goes beyond making a legal tackle, a legal block or playing the ball, will be prohibited,” Colgate said.
A new definition for a “defenseless player” was also added to Rule 2 for risk-minimization purposes. Rule 2-32-16 will
read as follows: “A defenseless player is a player who, because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is
especially vulnerable to injury.”
In an effort to reduce the risk of injury on kickoffs, the rules committee approved two new requirements in Rule 6-1-3
for the kicking team. First, at least four members of the kicking team must be on each side of the kicker, and, second,
other than the kicker, no members of the kicking team may be more than five yards behind the kicking team’s freekick line.
Rule 6-1-3 also notes that if one player is more than five yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks
the ball, it is a foul. In addition to balancing the kicking team’s formation, the change limits the maximum distance of
the run-up for the kicking team.
“The Football Rules Committee’s actions this year reinforce a continued emphasis on minimizing risk within all
phases of the game,” said Brad Garrett, assistant executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association and
chair of the Football Rules Committee.
In other changes, new language was added to Rule 8-5-1 and states that “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.” In addition, roughing the passer
fouls now include all illegal personal contact fouls listed in Rule 9-4-3, which result in automatic first down in addition
to a 15-yard penalty.
The remaining changes approved by the Football Rules Committee are as follows:
Rule 1-1-7: Provides state associations authority to require game officials to be on the field more than 30 minutes
prior to game time.
Rule 2-24-9: The intent of an illegal kick was clarified. Now, when an illegal kick occurs, the loose ball retains the
same status that it had prior to the illegal kick.
Rules 3-3-3 and 3-3-4: With this change, in order to extend or not extend a period with an untimed down, time must
expire during the down.
Football is the No. 1 participatory sport for boys at the high school level with 1,115,208 participants in the 2012-13
school year, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS through its member
state associations. In addition, the survey indicated there were 1,660 girls who played football in 2012-13.
Chop Block Rule Redefined in High School Football
The new language in Rule 2-3-8 defines a chop block as “a combination block by two or more teammates
against an opponent other than the runner, with or without delay, where one of the blocks is low (at the knee
or below) and one of the blocks is high (above the knee) (see table 9-3-6).
Review of 2012-2014 OFFICIALS MANUAL CHANGES
1.
2.
GENERAL:
RULE 1:
RULE 2:
RULE 6:
RULE 7:
RULE 8:
The second half choices will be done through communication with the head coaches. Captains are no
longer brought to the center of the field.
When the ball becomes dead near the sideline and the first down is gained, the covering official will
stop the clock, DO NOT WIND TWICE as in previous years when inbounds. Crew communication will
notify the referee when to wind the clock following the ready-for-play signal if the player was inbounds.
Eleven player rules are used for eight player football with the following modifications.
Each team has 8 players. The field is 80 yards between goal lines and 40 yards wide with 15-yard side
zones. Seven-yard marks, 12 inches in length and 4 inches in width, shall be located 7 yards from
each sideline. The 7 yard marks shall be marked so that at least each 10-yard line bisects the 7-yard
marks. These marks shall not be required if the field is visibly numbered. If on-the-field numbers are
used, the tops of those numbers shall be 7 yards from the sideline.
The free-blocking zone is a square area extending laterally 3 yards either side of the spot of the snap
and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage.
Seven yard mark required for 8-player football: The rule change requires all 8 players to be momentarily, between the 7 ya
marks after the ready for play and prior to the snap, and adhere to all other pre-snap requirements.
K’s free kick line is its 30-yard line and R’s free kick line is the 40.
A. At least five Team A players shall be on their line at the snap.
B. After the ball is marked ready for play, each player of A who participated in the previous down, and
each substitute for A must have been, momentarily, between the 7-yard marks, before the snap.
C. Each Team A player (regardless of jersey number) who at the snap was on an end of the
scrimmage line (total of two) and each Team A player who at the snap was legally behind the
scrimmage line (possible total of three) is eligible.
On the eight player field, the ball is snapped after a touchback and is free kicked after a safety from the
15-yardline.
35-POINT DIFFERENTIAL SUBSTITUTION RULE: A substitute who enters the game for the first time when the
point differential is 35 points or greater, the substitute is not required to count this game toward the 14-game limitation
rule. This will permit schools with small numbers to be able to substitute and allow players to play after the game has
reached a 35-point differential and not affect the ninth grade and junior varsity schedule by not having enough eligible
players once we reach the latter part of the season.
35-POINT DIFFERENTIAL RULE 11 Player Game Only: Anytime the score differential reaches 35 points or more,
the clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped:
1. Any time-out charged to a team
2. After a score
3. Intermission between third and fourth quarters
4. Extended injury time-out. Only if we need to bring the coach out
5. Anytime officials determine it is necessary for safety reasons
6. NEW: For penalty administration (THIS APPLIES FOR 8 PLAYER & 11 PLAYER) Applies 7-12
Note: (a) normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the point differential less than
35 points. (b) use of this rule does not preclude the use of Rule 3-1-3 which reads: “A period or periods may be
shortened in any emergency, by agreement of the opposing coaches and referee. By mutual agreement of the
opposing coach and the referee, remaining periods may be shortened at any time or the game may be terminated.”
COACHES: This is a reminder to you that if you have any player who wears a Medical Alert bracelet or necklace, it is
your responsibility to make medical personnel who are covering your contests aware of that fact so proper medical
treatment may be given in the event of an injury. Playing rules specify that Medical Alert bracelets and necklaces
must be taped to the body but may be visible. When verifying that all of your players are legally equipped prior to the
contest, officials should be made aware of any tape covering a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
VIDEOTAPING OR FILMING: Videotaping or filming is permissible in scouting your opponent. The host school shall
be notified prior to the contest. Space for taping or filming for scouting is not required of the host school. Handheld
cameras are recommended.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER GUIDELINES
The primary concern when signs of hazardous weather are present is the safety of participants and spectators. Have
a safety plan for any type of hazardous weather that may occur, which includes identifying safe shelters and
having someone monitor weather conditions. Practice and follow the plan. Know where people will go for safety
and know how much time it will take for them to get there. Have specific guidelines for suspending the event so
everyone has time to reach a place of safety before the threat becomes significant.
SUSPENSION OR POSTPONEMENT OF CONTESTS
I. Prior to the contest officials' assuming authority.
A. The home school's management shall determine whether a contest should be suspended or postponed
due to severe weather.
1. In making the decision whether or not to suspend or postpone a contest the host management
should first take into consideration the safety of the participants and spectators.
2. Playing surface conditions should be considered and what continued use may do to the surface.
3. If the decision is made by the host management to postpone the contest, administrators from
both schools should mutually agree if, and when, to reschedule.
II. Once the contest officials' authority begins.
A. Refer to NFHS playing rules, or IHSAA post-season rules, for the exact rules in each sport regarding
contest officials’ authority to suspend the contest.
III. Postponing the contest.
A. Wait a sufficient amount of time to see if the severe weather will subside.
B. Home management and/or contest officials shall decide whether to postpone or resume the contest.
C. Playing surface conditions should be considered when making this decision.
V. If the contest resumes.
A. Adequate time should be given for contestants to warm up prior to competition resuming.
V. If the contest cannot be resumed after a severe weather delay.
A. Administrators from both schools need to come to an agreement. The contest may be considered
complete with the existing score becoming the final score, or the contest may be postponed and continued from the
point of interruption, at a time mutually agreed to by both schools.
LIGHTNING SAFETY
A. All thunderstorms produce lightning and can be dangerous.
B. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard outdoor activity should be stopped and everyone should be
directed to shelter. No contest shall resume any earlier than 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or
thunder is head.
C. Do not resume activities until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning/thunder was heard.
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
A. A severe weather watch (flood, thunderstorm, tornado, etc.) is issued when conditions are favorable for
severe weather to develop.
1. Host management should be prepared for an abrupt suspension of the contest and for informing
officials, all participants and spectators to move to a place of safety.
2. Consideration should be given to the length of time it will take to clear the contest area
and for all participants and spectators to move to a place of safety.
B. A severe weather warning is issued when severe weather is imminent.
1. Host management should suspend the contest when there is a significant threat of severe
weather and inform all participants and spectators to move to a place of safety.
Follow the safety plan that your school has developed.
Reminder, if lightning is seen or thunder is heard, suspend play immediately. You must wait at least 30
minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder is heard before resuming play.
RISK MINIMIZATION
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 1980. 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
non-player 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.
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 muchimproved 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 2010-11. 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
2014-2015 GAME OFFICIALS MANUAL
FOOTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS
TARGETING/PLAYER SAFETY/ILLEGAL PERSONAL CONTACT
A primary goal of the NFHS Football Rules Committee continues to be keeping the game of
scholastic football as safe as possible. In doing such, a more diligent approach to player safety must
be adhered to by all game officials, players, coaches and administrators in order to achieve this goal.
Unsafe acts and techniques cannot be tolerated by those administering and participating in the game
of football. Coaches and game officials must act proactively and decisively to eliminate, to the
greatest extent possible, threats to the welfare of the student-athletes playing football. Fundamental
adherence to current and newly-adopted rules is absolutely required to eliminate the negative effects
that committing unsafe acts and techniques have placed on our game. Participants must be made
aware of unsafe techniques and refrain from their use. Those responsible for the administration of
high school football need to exercise leadership and active supervision of the player safety aspects of
the game.
We must recommit ourselves to the preservation of fair play which includes admonishing illegal acts
both on the practice field and the field of play. Unwarranted and unnecessary “punishing” of an
opponent has become a style of play which is specifically condemned. Illegal helmet contact is an act
of initiating contact with the helmet against an opponent and remains a major safety concern in our
sport.
The No.1 responsibility for game officials must be player safety. Any initiation of contact with the
helmet is illegal; therefore, it must be penalized consistently and without warning. An enhanced
approach to player safety is really a matter of attitude, technique, attention and supervision.
Some examples of fouls that merit our extra attention are launching, fouls against players obviously
out of the play, helmet-to-helmet contact and fouls against defenseless players. No player shall target
and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet, and no player shall target
and initiate contact to the area above the shoulders of a defenseless opponent with the helmet,
forearm, elbow or shoulder. The launch occurs when a player takes a running start, leaves his feet
and uses the helmet to strike the opponent or by crouching and using an upward and forward thrust of
the body to make contact above the shoulders of an opponent. It is an extremely dangerous maneuver
to both players involved and deserves strict penalty and possible disqualification enforcement if
flagrant. The game official must draw distinction between contact necessary to make a legal block or
tackle, and that which targets a defenseless player.
The NFHS Game Officials Manual Committee believes that renewed emphasis on getting illegal acts
out of the game will greatly improve player safety and preserve the great game of football.
ILLEGAL BLOCKING BELOW THE WAIST
Blocking below the waist is an occurrence that is governed by very specific rules and definitions. It is
vital that game officials understand when a block below the waist is legal as noted in the definition of
the free-blocking zone. The free-blocking zone is defined as a rectangular area extending 4 yards to
either side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage. The following must
occur in order for a player to legally block an opponent below the waist:
1. Both players must be lined up in the free-blocking zone at the snap.
2. Both players must be on the line of scrimmage at the snap.
3. The block must occur in the free-blocking zone.
4. The ball must remain in the free-blocking zone.
It is important for game officials and coaches to remember these requirements in a variety of
situations and apply them equally to both the offense and the defense. Any player may block below
the waist as long as the above requirements are met.
Due to the prevalence of the shotgun formation, more and more quarterbacks are positioned outside
the free-blocking zone. In this formation the ball can leave the free-blocking zone very quickly. In
order for any player to legally block below the waist when the offense is in this formation, the block
must be initiated immediately following the snap and without hesitation. If the offensive player sets
or pauses for any period of time, the opportunity to legally block below the waist has been
eliminated.
PACING AND TEMPO
Football is a game of rhythm. Referees can do a lot to facilitate a game’s rhythm by being consistent
with the ready-for-play signal. This is called “Pace” or “Tempo.” If an officiating crew is consistent
in the way it gets the ball in play, the game flow will be enhanced.
Pace or tempo should be consistent throughout the game from the opening play until the final
whistle. Teams may want to play a “hurry-up” offense or do a two-minute drill. That should not
affect the pace or tempo set by the referee and their crew. Teams have to work within the established
pace. Doing something different in the last two minutes can be unfair to a team’s opponent. If a team
wants to get more snaps, it has to work within the established pace of the game.
On regular scrimmage plays, the general recommendation is to sound the ready 3-5 seconds after the
ball is placed. This does two things: keeps the game moving and gets teams thinking about their
strategy. On change-of-possession plays, the signal should be delayed until substitutions are moving
into position, but this, too, should be consistent. Referees should not wait to determine if offenses are
huddled on a sideline, but sound the ready when the crew is set for the next play. Many times the
teams are waiting for the whistle in order to come onto the field.
Referees are encouraged to give the ready while standing in full sight of clock operators at a distance
of 10-12 yards from the ball.
The best rule for ready for play consistency is whether the crew is ready to officiate. Once a referee
gets into a rhythm, so does the rest of the crew – and so do the teams.
Officiating crews can be a positive factor in the flow of the game by keeping a consistent pace.
KICKOFF MECHANICS AND COVERAGE
The NFHS Game Officials Manual Committee has again decided to readjust kickoff mechanics. With
the implementation of new rules regarding free kick alignment restrictions by K, Rules 6-1-3b and 61-3c, the committee has decided to reemphasize game officials’ positioning. The committee felt that
reverting back to the 2010-2011 kickoff mechanics is better for overall field coverage. More kickoffs
are long rather than short. With the application of these new rules, repositioning game officials on
kickoffs should help with a better view and field coverage.
The referee will need to be positioned at the goal line, somewhere between the center of the field and
the hash mark, toward the head linesman’s side of the field. This allows the referee to be able to
observe and determine the free kick alignment of K at the time of the kick (6-1-3b). The umpire is
positioned at the 20-yard line, outside the field of play opposite the referee. The head linesman is
positioned at the 30-yard line on his respective sideline outside the field of play. The line judge is on
his particular sideline at the 50-yard line, outside the field of play, being aware of encroachment by R
and watching for illegal blocks following the kick. During the interval, when the back judge hands
the ball to K, the back judge may assist the kicking team with their alignment restrictions. This
includes making sure there are at least four K players on each side of the ball and making sure K
players are not more than 5 yards behind the 5 yard belt area from where the ball is being kicked (61-3c). The back judge will then be positioned at the K free-kick line on the head linesman’s side of
the field, outside the field of play. The back judge will need to be aware of illegal formation and
encroachment by K (Dead Ball) as well as blocking restrictions by K following the kick. If an onside
kick is anticipated, the head linesman and umpire move up to R’s free-kick line. The back judge and
line judge cover K’s free-kick line. The referee still has deep coverage.