NFHS Rules Changes For 2024

[Bobref]

In short, no rules changes this year worth talking about. There is a new Point of Emphasis on illegal formations. Depending on the guidance we get from the IHSAA on exactly what they want enforced, that could get sticky. Probably won’t know until shortly before the in-person rules meetings held with the coaches during the Summer.

https://www.nfhs.org/articles/home-team-uniform-requirements-clarified-in-high-school-football-rules/#:~:text=Language in the 2024 NFHS,that clearly contrasts with white.

[Bobref]

6 hours ago, JustRules said:

I really hope we don't get too technical on #2. It will create unnecessary problems especially if some crews get technical and others don't. The first few association meetings could be interesting and telling.

We should treat potential violators in #2 just like we do in #1. Preventive officiating is important. We’ve been lining up wide receivers forever. If you’ve got a kid who lines up illegally, but doesn’t gain an obvious advantage, get to him between plays and move him back a step, at the same time explaining to the coach why we’re doing that.

[JustRules]

On 6/26/2024 at 9:07 AM, Bobref said:

We should treat potential violators in #2 just like we do in #1. Preventive officiating is important. We’ve been lining up wide receivers forever. If you’ve got a kid who lines up illegally, but doesn’t gain an obvious advantage, get to him between plays and move him back a step, at the same time explaining to the coach why we’re doing that.

We've been allowing players to line up the so-called "no-mans" land for decades. As long as it's obvious which player is on the line and which one is a back I see no reason to inject too much technicality in this situation. It's never been something I've heard coaches or players complain about and fans have no idea what the actual rule says. It seems like a silly thing to be concerned about with a POE. It won't be hard to do, but why does it need to be done?

[Bobref]

5 hours ago, JustRules said:

We've been allowing players to line up the so-called "no-mans" land for decades. As long as it's obvious which player is on the line and which one is a back I see no reason to inject too much technicality in this situation. It's never been something I've heard coaches or players complain about and fans have no idea what the actual rule says. It seems like a silly thing to be concerned about with a POE. It won't be hard to do, but why does it need to be done?

Agree wholeheartedly. But why is it a POE?

[JustRules]

On 7/2/2024 at 8:24 AM, Bobref said:

Agree wholeheartedly. But why is it a POE?

That's a very good question. Some overzealous rules editor at the NFHS.

[Irishman]

On 7/2/2024 at 8:24 AM, Bobref said:

Agree wholeheartedly. But why is it a POE?

That was the ping pong ball that came up? 😄

[Bobref]

16 minutes ago, Irishman said:

That was the ping pong ball that came up? 😄

That reminds me. I was at the IHSAA offices last weekend. For those that don’t believe the ping pong balls really exist:

 

[Bobref]

To answer the burning question on everyone’s mind: No 2 mouthguards in high school football. You see players at other levels with one in the mouth and one hanging off the chinstrap as an ornament. The second one constitutes illegal equipment.