Rules Changes for 2026

[Bobref]

Not much in the way of rules changes this year. Really, only 2:

1. Prohibition on Slapping the Head (Rule 9-4-7): The rule prohibiting players from slapping an opponent's head now applies to all players (both offense and defense). Previously, this rule specifically restricted defensive players from slapping a blocker's head.
2. Play Cards on Belts: Players, including quarterbacks, are now permitted to wear play-calling cards on their belts, in addition to the previously approved wrist or arm locations.

One Point of Emphasis of note: Helping the runner. The “anti-Tush push.” We are awaiting guidance on just how they want this called. The actual language of the POE is not available yet.

[oldtimeqb]

Does ‘slapping the head’ by offensive player include stiff-arms? 

[Bobref]

34 minutes ago, oldtimeqb said:

Does ‘slapping the head’ by offensive player include stiff-arms? 

No.

[Coach Nowlin]

Thanks Bob

 

[gopher2]

" 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."  Does this mean those second dangling mouthpieces are illegal, or is this referring to something different?

[Impartial_Observer]

1 hour ago, gopher2 said:

" 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."  Does this mean those second dangling mouthpieces are illegal, or is this referring to something different?

Second dangling mouthpiece has not been allowed in Indiana per Robert Faulkens. 

[JustRules]

20 hours ago, Impartial_Observer said:

Second dangling mouthpiece has not been allowed in Indiana per Robert Faulkens. 

Any dangling mouth piece is not allowed. It needs to be in the mouth period.

The rule change is more for extra things hanging off the mouth piece. The best example is having a mouth piece that looks like a baby pacifier on the outside with the hook. There may be other examples. Robert told us to enforce that last year as well although I've never seen anything like that on the field. It doesn't seem to be an issue around here.

[Impartial_Observer]

1 hour ago, JustRules said:

Any dangling mouth piece is not allowed. It needs to be in the mouth period.

The rule change is more for extra things hanging off the mouth piece. The best example is having a mouth piece that looks like a baby pacifier on the outside with the hook. There may be other examples. Robert told us to enforce that last year as well although I've never seen anything like that on the field. It doesn't seem to be an issue around here.

Still an issue in lower levels.