NEWS RELEASE
Prohibition on Slapping the Head Now Applies to All Players in High School Football
NFHS Bob Colgate Feb. 4, 2026
2026 High School Football Rules Revisions PDF Version
2026 Rules Changes - Editorial Changes - POE Summary
In an ongoing focus on minimizing risk of injury in high school sports, the NFHS Football Rules Committee strengthened a rule related to illegal personal contact. Both revisions recommended by the committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The Football Rules Committee is composed of one member from each NFHS member state association that uses NFHS playing rules, along with representatives from the NFHS Coaches Association and NFHS Officials Association.
Previously, Rule 9-4-7 stated that defensive players could not use the hand(s) to slap the blocker’s head. This year, the Football Rules Committee approved language to apply the prohibition equally to the offense and defense.
“By eliminating the words ‘defense’ and ‘blocker’s’ from the rule prohibiting slapping an opponent’s head, the prohibition now applies to all players,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee.
The other revision approved by the committee for the 2026 NFHS Football Rules Book concerns play cards worn primarily by quarterbacks. Previously, play cards could be worn only on the wrist or arm. This year, the committee approved wearing the play cards on the belt as well.
“The Football Rules Committee added the belt to the choices for players as the belt poses no health risk issue to the player and poses no danger to the opponent,” Colgate said.
"From a rules perspective I believe the committee feels like the high school football game is in pretty good shape,” said Steve Roberts, chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and associate executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association. “The two proposals that passed do not present significant changes to the game but do clarify and add options to enhance the overall value of the sport to all participants."
The four points of emphasis identified by the committee for the 2026 season are Flagrant and Unsportsmanlike Fouls, Helping the Runner, Sideline Management and Control, and Identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls.
In addition to the two major rules revisions noted above and several editorial changes, two rules changes approved in 2025 will become effective during the next two seasons.
Last year, the committee approved two new additional requirements in Rule 1-5-1d(5) for tooth and mouth protectors, which are required in high school football. Effective in 2026, tooth and mouth protectors a) shall not include any attachment(s) that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth or mouth, and b) shall not include anything that is a health or risk issue and could pose danger to themselves or other players.
A new item was added to Rule 1-5-2d regarding a change in arm sleeve specifications. The new language, effective with the 2027 season, states that “arm sleeves, whether attached to a shirt or unattached, manufactured to enhance contact with the football or opponent, must meet the SFIA specification at the time of manufacture. Arm sleeves must have a permanent, exact replica of the SFIA arm sleeve seal (meets SFIA specification), that must be visible and appear legibly on the exterior of the arm sleeve.”
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in working with football arm sleeve manufacturers and the NFHS, has developed the new football arm sleeve performance specifications to be effective with the 2027 season. The new specifications closely align with the current NFHS rules for football gloves.
2026 FOOTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS May 1, 2026
Flagrant and Unsportsmanlike Fouls PDF Version
In high school football, flagrant fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls are serious rule violations that threaten player safety and the integrity of the game. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and risk minimization because players are still developing physically and emotionally. Game officials play a critical role in identifying and penalizing these fouls to ensure the game is played fairly, safely, and with respect for all participants.
Flagrant fouls are the most severe type of personal foul in high school football. These actions involve intentional, reckless or excessively violent behavior that shows a clear disregard for the safety of others. Flagrant fouls are fouls so severe or extreme that they place an opponent in danger of serious injury. They may also involve violations that are extremely or persistently vulgar or abusive. Examples include fighting, maliciously targeting the head or neck area, striking an opponent, or delivering a violent illegal blindside block or late hit. When a flagrant foul occurs, the penalty is 15 yards and automatic disqualification of the offending player. Removing players who commit flagrant fouls helps prevent serious injuries and stops situations from escalating into further violence.
In high school football (NFHS rules), unsportsmanlike fouls are non-contact fouls that violate standards of fair play, respect and sportsmanship, while personal fouls are fouls that involve illegal personal contact. Unsportsmanlike fouls are penalized even if they don’t directly affect the play, and while they may not be physically violent, they harm the tone of the game. Common examples include:
• taunting,
• threatening gestures or posturing,
• racist comments,
• trash talking,
• excessive or choreographed celebrations,
• aggressively spiking, spinning or throwing the ball high into the air,
• using profanity,
• spitting,
• arguing with game officials, or
• throwing equipment.
Unsportsmanlike fouls can be committed by players, coaches or other team personnel. Each unsportsmanlike foul results in a 15-yard penalty, and a player who commits two such fouls in one game is disqualified.
Game officials must consistently penalize both flagrant and unsportsmanlike fouls to maintain control of the game. When these actions go unpunished, players may feel emboldened to act more aggressively or disrespectfully, increasing the risk of fights and injuries. Proper enforcement sends a clear message that dangerous or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated, helping to keep emotions in check and the game orderly.
Penalizing flagrant and unsportsmanlike fouls is important because high school football is about more than winning; it is about teaching values such as respect, discipline, and responsibility. By enforcing these rules, game officials protect players, promote good sportsmanship, and set a positive example for young athletes. Consistent enforcement helps ensure that high school football remains a safe, competitive and educational experience for everyone involved.
HELPING THE RUNNER
Collegiate and professional football rules allow offensive players to pile in behind and directly push the runner. The “tush push” is an example of such a play often used at those levels. Although direct contact with the runner is illegal under NFHS rules, these plays are becoming more common in the high school game. As guardians of the game, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to remove “illegally helping the runner” from our high school game.
Administrators, coaches and football game officials all have a responsibility to know, respect and teach/enforce the NFHS rules of high school football. Football is a vigorous, physical contact game and, for this reason, much attention is given to minimizing risk of injury to all players. Each respective rules code (NFL, NCAA and NFHS) has rules that coincide with the physical development of competing athletes and their goals for the game.
The NFHS Football Rules Committee focuses on minimizing risk and supporting a balance between offensive and defensive rules. Illegally helping the runner to assist forward progress presents a risk of injury to the runner and others. The additional momentum to a particular offensive player, as opposed to the pile, swings the balance toward the offense in a manner not intended by the rules.
Football game officials should be aware of ruling plays dead when a runner’s forward progress is clearly stopped, and they should penalize actions by offensive teammates who directly contact the runner and push, pull or lift the runner forward in a clear and obvious attempt to keep the runner’s progress moving forward.
Of course, not all contact with the runner is illegal. Game officials should observe and judge an offensive teammate’s actions and the runner’s progress to determine whether a foul for illegally helping the runner is warranted. Although a foul can occur on any play, game officials should especially be alert for this type of action on short-yardage plays near the goal line and line to gain. Remember, pushing the pile is legal; direct contact while pushing, pulling, lifting of the runner to assist forward progress is not.
The NFHS Coaches Code of Ethics states: “Coaches shall master the contest rules and shall teach the rules to their team members. Coaches shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules. Coaches have a tremendous influence, for good or ill, on the education of the student, and thus shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.”
If school administrators/athletic directors truly believe that activities are an extension of the classroom, they must be actively involved with programs they supervise and redirect coaches when they observe them teaching prohibited tactics.
Removing “illegally helping the runner” from high school football will, at times, be met with resistance, especially considering the visibility of this type of play at other levels of the game. School administrative support of football game officials, re-focus of coaches and education of players will lead to a smooth transition. All stakeholders must remain committed to trying to minimize risk to all players and maintain the balance between offensive and defensive play.
SIDELINE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL
Sideline management has become a recurring “point of emphasis” because it improves game safety by keeping game officials, players, coaching staff and other team personnel clear of the active game play areas. It promotes good sportsmanship and professionalism across all levels of play and also prevents unnecessary delays and confrontations that can impact game flow and fairness.
The sideline includes the team area and any restricted zones around the field where players and coaches stand during the game. Game officials expect this area to be organized and kept clear of unnecessary personnel. Coaches must remain in the designated team area when interacting with game officials, especially for rule discussions. Leaving that area to step onto the field or challenge calls results in an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct foul. Coaches are generally only allowed to step toward the sideline (into the working area, often a marked 2-yard border) to call offensive or defensive signals after play has stopped.
Game officials are instructed to strictly enforce NFHS Football Rules when the following behaviors are observed:
• Coaches or team personnel entering the field of play to dispute rulings or address game officials outside the coaching area.
• Prolonged or excessive celebrations or demonstrations that carry onto the field.
• Failing to maintain professional behavior. Coaches and team personnel are expected to set a standard for sportsmanship.
• Game officials shall call fouls for violations of sideline control when they are observed.
• Infractions such as approaching game officials with devices (e.g., to view or review video).
The following is a summary checklist for coaches/teams to follow during a game:
• Remain inside your team area for game official discussions.
• Only move toward the sideline after play is dead, and for signal/play calling.
• Keep non-essential personnel and spectators off the field level.
• Avoid approaching game officials during play or with electronic/video devices.
• Set a professional, sportsmanlike example for the entirety of the contest.
To minimize the risk of all involved, non-players (including substitutes, athletic trainers and coaches) must remain in their team box and out of any restricted areas, especially while the ball is live. Non-players may never be on the field while the ball is live and may only be on the field when the ball is dead in very limited situations. In the excitement of the game, it is not uncommon for substitutes and other non-players to move closer to the sideline beyond their team box area. This inevitably causes coaches to move up into restricted areas and closer to the field - often impeding game officials in their essential duties. Crowding at the sideline puts players, non-players, coaches and game officials in danger of severe injury. Game officials and coaches must be aware of this problem and take the necessary steps to prevent and correct these occurrences. Coaches, substitutes, athletic trainers and others affiliated with the team may be in their team’s area, which is out-of-bounds and between the 25-yard lines (unless otherwise approved to be adjusted by state association adopted policy). Their movements and positions are limited by this designated area. The coaches’ area extends at least a 2-yard depth out-of-bounds from the sideline. A maximum of three coaches – and only coaches – may be in this area when the ball is dead between plays. However, all coaches must leave this area when the ball is about to become live, such as when the snapper is approaching the ball, and no one may be in this area while the ball is live. The team box area is outside the field, beyond the restricted area and between the 25-yard lines. All coaches and non-players associated with the team may be in this area. A nonplayer may not be outside of this area unless to become a player or return as a replaced player.
When nonplayers are outside of the team box area, or anyone is in the restricted area while the ball is live, game officials will give a sideline warning to the team involved. A second offense results in a 5-yard penalty. All subsequent offenses result in 15-yard penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, which are charged to the head coach. If a game official unintentionally contacts a coach or other nonplayer in the restricted area while the ball is live, the team is assessed a 15-yard penalty for a nonplayer, illegal personal contact foul. As a nonplayer foul, the penalty is enforced from the succeeding spot. A second such offense would result in the head coach’s disqualification. Unlike a foul for sideline interference (non-contact, Rule 9-8-1k or 9-8-3), no warning or 5-yard penalty is required in this situation.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE NFHS AUTHENTICATING MARK ON GAME BALLS
The NFHS Authenticating Mark ensures easy identification of inflated and non-inflated balls used in interscholastic competition for which the NFHS writes playing rules. All such balls are required to display the NFHS Authenticating Mark.
The use of conforming equipment is essential to the integrity of contests played under the NFHS rules. This mark helps to promote a level playing field by ensuring consistency in the equipment being used. The mark allows for the development of more sophisticated standards in balls and clearly communicates to administrators, coaches, and game officials that these standards are being met.
Non-compliance with these requirements will be reported to the state association for potential penalties, following the contest. Administrators and coaches play a pivotal role in making sure all inflated and non-inflated balls meet these specifications. They must instill the importance of proper equipment use through consistent reinforcement during the pre-competition certification meeting and throughout the season. Game officials must also remain vigilant and report any non-compliant balls to the state association office.
**FINAL 5-1-26
PDF Version
PENALTY COMMUNICATION
Communication among the officiating crew is vital when processing penalty enforcement. From the time the flag is thrown, until the umpire steps off the penalty, a breakdown in communication among the crew can
turn a routine penalty enforcement into a train wreck.
All fouls must be reported to the press box and both coaches. The foul must also be communicated to the entire officiating crew so each game official can perform his or her role in penalty enforcement. When a flag is thrown, the calling game official must notify the referee and the game official on the chain side as soon as the play ends. The chain-side game official must hold the chains and down box in place, and the referee prepares for penalty enforcement. If necessary, use three short whistle blasts after the ball becomes dead to alert the referee. Wing officials who throw a flag for a dead-ball foul prior to the snap should jog toward the middle of the field to report the foul while continuing to observe players for potential retaliation. If multiple flags are down, game officials should meet to discuss what each observed before any signal is given to the press box.
Reporting the Foul
The referee must receive an accurate report from the calling game official. Depending on crew preference, the report may include only the foul and offending team or a brief description of what was observed. When applicable, include the status of the ball or whether a player involved was an eligible receiver. Teams should be identified by offense or defense rather than jersey color whenever possible. Reporting procedures should be reviewed during the pregame conference.
Coach Communication
Unless the penalty is automatically declined or part of a double foul, the referee must present the penalty options to the appropriate captain or coach. The explanation should be brief, accurate and courteous. The umpire should listen to ensure the proper options are given. The wing official on the penalized team’s sideline should inform the coach of the offending player’s number and explain the foul in simple terms. Do not guess the player’s number if it is unknown.
Enforcement
After the referee determines whether the penalty is accepted or declined, the decision must be communicated to the crew. If accepted, the umpire must know the enforcement spot, distance and direction of enforcement. The referee should then move clear of players, face the press box, stand stationary, and signal the foul and the offending team using the proper signals.
FORWARD PROGRESS
Forward progress is the same regardless of the level of play. The challenge officials will always face is noting two places at once: The spot where and if the runner is down by rule and the spot where the forward-most point of the ball is when that happens.
Forward progress is the end of advancement of the ball toward the opponent’s goal (2-15-1). It is the spot indicated by the forward-most point of the ball when it becomes dead by rule. In the vast majority of cases it is obvious the ball has become dead by rule. A runner is down when any part of the body other than a hand or foot touches the ground. The ankle or wrist are considered part of the foot or hand, respectively, and do not make a runner down. However, a runner is not down if any part of the body, other than a hand or foot, touches another player (teammate or opponent) who is lying on the ground. The ball also becomes dead by rule when a ball carrier steps out of bounds, the ball carrier’s helmet comes completely off, or an inadvertent whistle is blown.
When a player is knocked forward when being tackled as is often the case, the likely progress spot is where the ball meets the turf. If, however, the player is grabbed in such a manner that the knees touch the ground before the player falls forward, the spot is where the ball was when the knee went down. There are too many possibilities to describe, but the covering game officials must not only be able to discern when the runner is down by rule, but also where the ball is when that happens.
When the quarterback is sacked, there is often a substantial difference (3 to 5 yards) between the spot the quarterback is contacted and where the quarterback goes down. The referee usually must get that spot, and if the referee spots the ball where it landed, you know there was an error.
Sideline plays: If the runner steps out of bounds, the forward progress spot is the foremost point of the ball when the runner touches the ground out of bounds. That applies regardless of whether the ball is held inside or outside the sideline. When a runner’s foot touches the sideline, game officials will almost always mark the ball where the foot touches the sideline. That often is a reasonably correct spot, but the true spot is where the foremost point of the ball was when the foot hit the line. The covering game official should know how the runner was holding the ball. If it was in the runner’s outside arm, the rearmost point of the ball was probably about the out-of-bounds foot. If the ball was in the runner’s inside arm, the “foot spot” may have been in advance of the ball. In the vast majority of cases, the difference between the spots described above will be inconsequential, but when the runner goes out of bounds near the stake, the wrong spot may deny a properly earned first down or may incorrectly award one.
Another difficult spot to determine is when the runner is airborne when crossing the sideline. Forward progress is where the forward-most part of the ball crosses the plane of the sideline, not where the ball is when the runner first touches out of bounds.
The judgment call: The challenging aspect of forward progress is the runner’s advancement can end without any of the aforementioned events occurring. The exact moment the play has ended becomes a judgment call. When the runner’s voluntary movement is stopped, the whistle should be blown. If the runner is physically controlled and held stationary, it’s a very simple call. If the runner is carried back and placed on the ground, then the only additional task is ascertaining they won’t break free from the tackle.
The challenge for game officials is when the runner is pushed back (not carried) and appears to be free to advance. That scenario is inconsistently officiated, probably because there is virtually no documentation on how to deal with it. If such a runner is immediately able to break free and continue to run, the ball clearly should remain live. However, if the runner is contacted again and brought down at the spot, then broke free, the runner is entitled to forward progress at the farthest advance. Some game officials will deny forward progress because the runner broke contact with the defense.
When a runner appears to be stopped, the runner should be given an opportunity to escape if such an opportunity exists. If the runner is stopped, forward progress is marked at the ball’s farthest advance. If the runner break’s free and renews the charge, or runs backward of the runner’s own accord, progress is marked at the farthest ball point of the subsequent advance.
The most judgmental scenario occurs when a runner breaks free and renews this charge, but staggers and goes down without further contact by the defense. In this situation, “down by rule” is a factor. If the game official judges the runner went down as a result of the initial contact, then the runner is entitled to forward progress at the spot where first contact occurred. If not, forward progress is marked at the spot where the
runner went down.
When a runner is taken backward, the spirit of the rule entitles the runner to the spot where original contact occurred unless the runner is subsequently able to move forward under the runner’s own power. Whether or not the defense continually maintains contact with the runner is not a factor.
The down side: The forward progress rule is designed to benefit the offense by giving them the yardage they have properly earned, but there is one situation where the rule works against the team in possession. A player who intercepts a ball in the end zone near the goal line and is tackled from behind so that the progress spot is in the field of play is “entitled” to the farthest most spot. That spot will be significantly behind the 20-yard line where the ball would be placed on a touchback.
FREE-KICK COVERAGE
Plays with free kicks expose players to some of the hardest collisions of any football play. The speed of closure between kicking and receiving team players needs to be a focus of each free kick, and emphasis on legal blocking is crucial to help enhance both player safety and fair play.
To provide comprehensive coverage of players during a free kick, game officials should divide the players up on each side of the kicker and key on the action of those players. The widest two players on each side of the kicking team formation are the responsibility of the deepest sideline official. These game officials should remain stationary unless forced to move until the kick is possessed, observing their players as they progress down the field.
The other kicking team players (excluding the two widest players on each side of the kicking team formation) are the responsibility of the game officials on the kicking team restraining line and the receiving team restraining line. Each of those game officials should observe those players on their side of the field in that formation as the players progress down the field. Additionally, the game official on the kicking team’s restraining line is responsible for action against the kicker.
The referee is responsible for ensuring at least four players are on each side of the kicker when the ball is kicked. The referee is also responsible for determining momentum or safety on kicks possessed inside of the 5-yard line. When in doubt, the kick should be ruled as a touchback.
**FINAL 5-1-26
October 1, 2025
NAERA (National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association), NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) and helmet manufacturers are informing you of reconditioning and recertification recommendations for football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets.
NAERA recommends that during every football, lacrosse, baseball and softball season or practice period, every helmet should be cleaned and inspected regularly by a school or organization staff member with knowledge of manufacturer recommendations. We further recommend every helmet should be reconditioned and recertified annually unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. ONLY a company licensed by NOCSAE can perform the recertification of football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets. For a list of NAERA members that are licensed by NOCSAE please visit our web site www.naera.net. More information regarding NOCSAE and their standards can be found at www.nocsae.org.
Reconditioning/Recertification and Sanitization: NAERA recommends every football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmet be reconditioned and recertified prior to being issued to all athletes, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. NAERA further recommends that nonrecertifiable equipment, including but not limited to, football and lacrosse shoulder pads, chest protectors and shin guards be sanitized in accordance to manufacturer guidelines.
On January 1, 2017NOCSAE put into effect standard ND 001 6.1.1 shown below.
ND 001 6.1.1. Helmets intended to be recertified shall have a recertification interval provided by the manufacturer. Certification life is limited to this time period. Helmets not recertified during the stated interval shall no longer be certified. Recertification interval required for warranty validation shall satisfy this requirement.
What does ND 001 6.1.1 mean for your school or organization? For Football helmets, as of this writing, the requirements from all football helmet manufacturers for recertification is a minimum of every other year. If you acquired new helmets in 2025 these helmets will need recertification per this standard for 2026 play.
Helmets that have a lapsed certification per NOCSAE DOC. 001 may be recertified under most conditions. Always ask your NAERA representative if you have doubts. Remember when your team Captain or Coach tells the official your team is legally equipped, you need to know that is correct and factual.
Every state association playing under NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rules has adopted the NOCSAE standards for football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets. Other state associations may have similar rules; however, most support the helmet manufactures recommendations.
NAERA encourages schools and organizations to send your equipment for reconditioning and recertification as soon as your season is complete. Please make certain you are using a reconditioning company licensed by NOCSAE. For a list of NOCSAE licensed athletic equipment reconditioners www.naera.net.
Tony Beam, BA, E.S., CAA
Executive Director, NAERA
NAERA SHOULDER PAD CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
At the end of each football season NAERA recommends sending all of your shoulder pads that were used during the past season to a NAERA member for reconditioning. During the reconditioning process, the NAERA member will inspect the plastic for cracks or weak points, they will also inspect the cushions for tears as well as clean and sanitize each pad. NAERA further recommends that you have a routine in-season maintenance plan that includes checking for broken or missing parts, cleaning and sanitizing, per the manufacturer's guidance.
Even with regular maintenance and reconditioning, high impact equipment requires regular rotation for aging equipment. NAERA recommends you have a system to remove aging shoulder pads from your inventory according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
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2025 NOCSAE Reconditioner Licensees
**Updated October 2025
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Updated: September 20, 2024
To help clarify for schools and organizations experiencing warning labels separating from football helmets reconditioned in 2024:
The loss of a mandatory label that might occur after the helmet has been properly recertified and returned to the customer does not void the certification or recertification. Helmets with warning label issues DO NOT need to be removed from play. If during inspection of helmets in your inventory an exterior warning label is missing, you should determine if your helmets are current with manufacturer recommended intervals for recertification. If so, the helmets will still meet NOCSAE and manufacturer recertification guidelines for on field play. Please reach out to your reconditioning representative for instructions to replace the missing label.
Sincerely, Tony Beam, BA, CAA Executive Director, NAERA
Update: August 29, 2024
Issues with FB Helmet Warning Label
Education – along with proper football techniques – is one of the biggest deterrents to concussions and one of the keys to athletes being treated properly if one does occur
Direct helmet-to-helmet contact and any other contact both with and to the helmet must be eliminated from the sport of football at the interscholastic level! Using the helmet to inflict punishment on the opponent is dangerous and illegal. Coaches and game officials must be diligent in promoting the elimination of contact to and with the helmet, as follows:
• Coaches -- through consistent adherence to proper and legal coaching techniques.
• Game Officials -- through strict enforcement of pertinent playing rules and game administrations.
Coaches must insist that players play “heads-up” football by utilizing proper and safe techniques, - not only during games, but on the practice field as well. Coaches must shoulder the responsibility of consistently reinforcing with their players that using the top or face of the helmet goes against all tenets of the basic techniques of safe and legal blocking and tackling.
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. Player safety is really a matter of attitude, technique, attention and supervision. Football players will perform as they are taught; therefore, there must be a concentrated focus on consistently enforcing the existing rules. And contrary to most other rule enforcements, when in doubt, contact to and with the helmet should be ruled as a foul by game officials. Contact to and with the helmet may be considered a flagrant act and may be penalized by disqualification if a game official considers the foul so severe or extreme that it places an opponent in danger of serious injury.
NFHS Information
NOCSAE Statement - Add-Ons (2018) | NOCSAE Statement - Add-ons
The NFHS does not perform scientific tests on any specific items of equipment to determine if the equipment poses undue risks to the student-athletes, coaches, officials or spectators. Such determinations are the responsibility of equipment manufacturers, and we rely heavily on products meeting NOCSAE standards.
NFHS Football Rule 1-5-1a states, in part, that “A helmet and facemask which met the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture…” is required. A consideration in determining whether add-on helmet attachments are legal is that our rule specifies only that the helmet had to meet the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture; helmet add-ons typically are added after the time of helmet manufacture.
The attached NOCSAE Statement gives manufacturers of add-on attachments (in the fourth bullet) the option to have helmets tested with the helmet add-on attached; however, this would presumably require such manufacturers to test every make and model of helmet with their add-on attached.
The third bullet of the NOCSAE Statement gives the right to helmet manufacturers to determine, under the NOCSAE standards, whether given helmet add-on items would render the certification void. While that may occur, we have no information that it has happened yet.
In the interim, absent decisions by the helmet manufacturers, under the NOCSAE standards, to declare their certifications void pursuant to the third bullet point, or absent further revisions of the pertinent NOCSAE Statement, or absent an NFHS football rules change, our position about the permissive use of such helmet add-ons remains unchanged from last August.
We know and understand that this position by NFHS is not as proactive as some may wish as to whether given helmet add-ons should be considered legal; however, when considering the NOCSAE Statement and the applicable rules, the NFHS is not in a position to change our Rules Review Committee determination that such equipment is permissive.
NOCSAE statement on third party helmet add-on products and certification
There are many new products on the market that are intended to be added to helmets, in particular football helmets, which products claim to reduce concussions and make helmets safer and more protective. Read the entire NOCSAE Position Statement.
Minimizing risk for all participants is the number one priority.
When in doubt as to whether or not a targeting foul has occurred - game officials will be instructed to call targeting.
When in doubt as to whether or not a flagrant targeting foul has been committed - game officials will be instructed to classify the foul as flagrant and disqualify the offending player.
The WIAA will continue using the Overtime Procedures used during previous years.
New NCAA Overtime Procedures for 2021 will be monitored and reviewed during the NCAA season ahead.
FOOTBALL
25-YARD LINE OVERTIME PROCEDURE
WIAA ADAPTATION
of the
NCAA FOOTBALL 25-YARD LINE OVERTIME PROCEDURE
Note: In the text that follows the word “inning” is used but alternate wording is given in the square brackets “[ ].”
OVERVIEW
The 25-yard line overtime procedure to resolve tied games adopted by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association for the 2011 football season and beyond incorporates elements of the NCAA tie breaker system modified to comply with football rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Sports/Football/tie-breakersystem.pdf