News

Onside Kick Penalty - Blocking

Q:  Last Friday, we kicked an onside kick.  The receiving team had a member come forward.  Our player hit him at 8 yards from kickoff.  We received a penalty.  Is that correct?

A: (Clarified with 2013 rule change.) Information from the NFHS states:  Rule 9-3-8 to prohibit members of the kicking team from initiating contact (blocking) against members of the receiving team until the ball has broken the plane of the receiving team’s restraining line, or until the kicking team is eligible to recover the free kick.  Kicking team members are permitted to block if blocked by members of the receiving team prior to either of these conditions being met.  In your situation, there should not have been a flag.

Men on Line of Scrimmage

Q:  Can we have more than 7 men on the line when we are on offense?  We would like to put 8 on the line. Can we do so without getting a penalty?  

A:  Seven is the minimum.  There is no maximum.

Rule 2 ❒ Definitions of Playing Terms SECTION 14 FORMATIONS ART. 1 . . . A scrimmage formation requires a minimum of seven A  players legally on their line at the snap. Rule 7 ❒ Snapping, Handing and Passing the Ball ART. 5 . . . Player formation and numbering requirements include: a. At the snap, at least seven A players shall be on their line of scrimmage. b. At the snap, at least five A players on their line of scrimmage must be numbered 50-79.   There is no penalty for having more than seven on the line of scrimmage. 

Half-Time Extension

Q:  Is there a limit on how long halftime can be?  We have a school that wants to have a 25 minute halftime on Friday (and then a 3 minute warm-up)…just want to make sure so we don’t have any issues with the other coach if he objects. Don’t ever remember a team extending an already 20 minute halftime to 25 minutes. 

A:  On page 39 (for the reference to the schools) of the NFHS Football Rule Book, Intermission is limited to 10-20 minutes.  It may only be increased to a maximum of 20 minutes provided the opponents are notified no later than 5 minutes prior to the game and may be reduced to 10 minutes with mutual agreement of coaches.  This does not include the 3 minutes of mandatory warm up.  There is no provision for 25 minutes. 

Time-out and Injury Combination

Q:  With time running out, the losing team asked for a time out immediately after his player was tackled.  I stopped the clock and reported the time out to the ref.  As players unpiled, it was discovered the winning team had a player injured which required help from the sideline.  The losing team coach wanted his timeout back since the clock needed to be stopped for the injured player.  We agreed.  Was this correct? 

A:  If the referee granted the time-out, then the team should be charged and the time-out extended if more time is needed to attend to the injured player.  If the referee did not grant the time-out, then it should be an official's time-out and it would end when the injured player is removed from the field.  Once a time-out is requested, it cannot be given back. 

Unintentional contact between a nonplayer and a game official

Q: Had a situation from a game last Friday that I would like to verify with you.

Officials view - Kick return that went about 70 yards one of the covering officials ran over an assistant coach. My advice to the official (with no  warning for sideline interference) - I would throw a flag for unsportsmanlike and penalize as a live ball foul enforced as a dead ball foul? I could not find anything in the case book but seem to remember a conversation when we still met for our rules meeting that if there is contact it goes right to 15?

Team view (trying to verify with official) sideline interference on them, 5 yard face mask on the opponent - they went with offsetting penalties and a rekick?

A:  This was updated for 2011.  When we met in person in 2010, we had a procedure as you describe.  But there are two areas now.  Non-contact and contact.

Page 73 for the person being in the box. 9-9-3

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: (Arts. 1k, 3) - (S15) - First offense-warning. (S7-29) - Second offense - 5 yards, each subsequent offense - (S7-29-27) - 15 yards.  (Arts. 1, 2, 3) Any single flagrant foul is disqualification. A second unsportsmanlike foul with a 15-yard penalty results in disqualification. (See 9- 5 PENALTY) A disqualified  member of the coaching staff shall be removed from the stadium area and be prohibited from any further contact, direct or indirect, with his team during the remainder of the game. For failure to comply, the referee may forfeit the game.

Page 70 for the person being in the box and having unintentional contact. 9-4-8

ART. 8 . . . Unintentional contact between a nonplayer and a game official in the restricted area while the ball is live.

PENALTY: Nonplayer foul (Art 8) - (S38-29). For the first offense, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. For the second offense (S38-29-47) - 15 yards from the succeeding spot and disqualification of the head coach. Disqualification also if any foul is flagrant - (S47).

 You are correct with the 15 yards.  Automatic if there is contact with anyone in the restricted area.

Overtime Procedures Between Innings

Q7:  Last year, an overtime situation arose when Team B was at the sideline.  When the officials requested the teams to return to the field after the one minute rest, Team B did not respond and the ball was put into play with the ready for play signal.  Team A ran a play without Team B at the LOS.  What is the procedure to use? A7:  The NFHS was asked to provide a case book situation.  This situation was added to the Resolving Tied Games section of the NFHS Football Rule Book on pages 89-91.  The actual case is on page 91: 3.1.1 SITUATION Q: During the first overtime period, Team A: (a) scores on its first series; or (b) is stopped short of the goal line on its first series. Following the first series, Team A huddles near its sideline with all players from the previous play remaining inbounds. Team B reports to the 10-yard line of scrimmage ready to begin its series. Team A remains at the sideline when the ready for play is blown by the referee. RULING:In (a), because there was a score, there is a one-minute intermission after the try. In (b), the series begins immediately following the change of A and B to respective sides of the line of scrimmage without a break. The covering official should not allow the ball to be put in play, and should assess a delay of game foul on Team A to prevent a travesty.  (3-5-7l, 3-6-2f)  

Penalty Assessment During Touchdown Play

Q6: – In a recent game B scored a touchdown during the first half. The runner was face-masked (5-yard variety) on the field of play before crossing the goal line, and a flag was thrown. B was given the option of EITHER the touchdown OR the penalty. At halftime, I spoke to the game officials, saying that B should've been given the option of BOTH the touchdown AND having the penalty assessed on the ensuing kickoff or try. All 5 officials said I was wrong.  Given Rule 8.2.2, were the officials wrong? And why do so few officials seem to be aware of this unique HS rule?

A6: – Yes. The option should be enforcement on the try or on the next kickoff.

  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 in possession during the down, A may accept the results of the play and choose enforcement of the penalty:

a.  On the try, or

b. On the subsequent kickoff.

Helmet Visors with Tint

Q5: – What is the WIAA rule on football helmet visors?

A5: – Football sport rules are NFHS rules.  They are not WIAA season regulation or Constitution, Bylaws, or Rules of Eligibility. The NFHS rule for visors in football are on page 22.

SECTION 5  PLAYER EQUIPMENT

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 is not limited to:

c. The following Other Illegal Equipment:

  4. Eyeshield attached to the helmet that is not:

    (a) Constructed of a molded rigid material; or

    (b) Clear without the presence of any tint.

Common questions and answers are on the web site at:http://www.wiaawi.org/Sports/Football/RulesRegulations.aspx

Clear visors are OK.  Tinted visors are not OK.  There are no waivers for safety rules and doctor’s notes don’t exempt an athlete from this rule.  An athlete must have a clear visor.  They may wear tinted athletic goggles or glasses.  In fact, this rule has been covered in the Rules meeting the last three years.  

Concussion Helmet Coverings

Q4: – A question arose about the legality of helmet coverings and attachments. The interpretation at that time was that such protective accessories were not conforming equipment. 

A4:  The Committee, after reviewing materials and information from ProCap, Shockstrip and Guardian Cap, has determined that permissive use of those products is not a violation of NFHS Football Rules. View NFHS Statement.

  It is important to note that the NFHS and the WIAA does not endorse football equipment. This ruling only means that the three products are not illegal under NFHS Football Rules.  Before using, check with the manufacturer.  The manufacturers may say that use of the products “may” or “could” void their warranties.  

NFHS Logo on Legal Football

Q3: – On the part one of the NFHS rules test, Question #8 is: A football shall have a continuous 1-inch white or yellow stripe centered 3 to 3 1/4 inches from each end of the ball and can have decorations or logos added during or after production.  False - 1-3-1c  After researching, the NFHS changed the rule (1-3-1c) to state the ball must be free of logos:  “A continuous 1-inch white or yellow stripe centered 3 to 3¼ inches from each end of the ball free from decorations or logos added during or after production. Stripes shall be located only on the two panels adjacent to and perpendicular to the seam upon which the laces are stitched.”  Does that mean no logos may be place on the football?  What about the conference logo?

A3 – The rule applies to the white stripe stated in rule 1-3-1c only.  A logo may be place elsewhere on the ball.

Play Cards for Wrist or Arm

Q1: – This question concerns the rule change regarding the wearing of Play Cards:  The 2012 Rule Book contains three references to this new rule and unfortunately, they differ.  The second page of the rule book (which is unnumbered) is titled “2012 NFHS Football Rules Changes”  it states 1-5-3c(8) (NEW) “Play cards must be worn on the wrist.”   1-5-3c(8) on page 22, under Other Illegal Equipment lists “Play cards not worn on the wrist or arm.”  On page 88, under Comments on the 2012 Rules Changes, it states “Play cards must be worn on the wrist.”  So my question is can Play Cards be worn on the wrist only or can they be worn on either the wrist or arm?

A1: – The NFHS interpretations are on the web site under football rules and officials sports football:

Play cards must be worn on the wrist, but may extend further than a sweatband which is limited to 3 inches beyond the thumb.

New NFHS Kick Off Rule

Q2: – Reading the new rule regarding the requirements for when the kicking team can start blocking.  There is a discrepancy on the enforcement.  The rule states it being a 10 yard penalty, then it tells us to use signal #40.  That signal (#40) is for blocking below the waist and carries a 15 yard penalty.  Am I misreading something here as I don't want to signal for a 15 yarder and only walk off 10.

A2: – The NFHS editorial committee decided it was a 10-yard penalty but use the same signal as block below the waist. If you notice, the signal chart last year had signal 40 as "Blocking Below the Waist" only. This year they've added "Illegal Block." While some knowledgeable fans may know the difference between the two penalties and their yardage and some may not, you will be providing the proper signal.

Illegal Blocking Below the Waist

In high school football, there are very specific rules regarding the time and circumstances when blocking below the waist is legal.  There continues to be problems with game officials not enforcing these restrictions on who can block, who can be blocked and where/when these blocks can occur.  In order for a block below the waist to be legal, the following criteria must be met:

1. Both players must be lined up in the free-blocking zone at the snap and on the line of scrimmage.  The free-blocking zone is defined as 3 yards on either side of the line of scrimmage and 4 yards either side of the ball.  

2. The contact/block must occur in the free-blocking zone.

3. The ball must still be in the free-blocking zone.

The NFHS Football Rules Committee wants to emphasize several examples where it is important to enforce this rule.  When a team is lined up in shotgun formation, the restrictions on blocking below the waist begin the moment that the ball leaves the free-blocking zone.  Because a shotgun quarterback is usually positioned more than 3 yards behind the line at the snap, when the ball is snapped the ball very quickly leaves the zone and there fore, the only legal blocks below the waist have to be initiated simultaneously with the snap.

Another common example of an illegal block below the waist is when running backs, who line up in the backfield, are “cut” by defenders on sweeps or on roll-out passes.  This is clearly a violation of the blocking- below-the-waist rule because it occurs by a player who was not originally on the line of scrimmage and occurs outside the free-blocking zone.

Remember, players on the line of scrimmage and in the free-blocking zone at the time of the snap can legally block below the waist, but only if the free-blocking zone still exists because the ball has not left the zone.  The rule applies equally to the offense and the defense.