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WHERE WE'RE HEADED

Seven Sections of Rule 1

1-1

The Game

Players, officials, jurisdiction

1-2

The Field & Markings

Dimensions, zones, pylons, goal

1-3

Game Equipment

Ball, tee, chains

1-4

Player Designations

Captains, numbering

1-5

Player Equipment

Mandatory & illegal gear

1-6

Coaches' Field Equipment

Electronics, headsets

1-7

State Association

Adoptions, mercy rule

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BEFORE WE START

Some Key Definitions

Field

2-10-1

Field of Play

2-10-2

Side Zones

2-10-3

End Zones

2-10-4

Boundary Lines

2-26-1

End Line

2-26-2

Goal Line

2-26-3

Hash Marks

2-26-4

Sideline

2-26-6

Yard Line

2-26-7

Restraining Line

2-26-8

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RULE 1-1

SECTION 1

The Game

Players, officials, and jurisdiction — the people and authority that govern the contest.

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THE GAME

Number of Players Required to Start

RULE 1-1-3

Each team requires 11 players to start.
A team may continue with fewer players if it has no substitutes to replace injured or disqualified players.

11 players on the field — offensive formation example

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Mass Disqualification

THE PLAY

A fight breaks out late in the game. Several players from each team are disqualified — Team A has 11 players left, Team B has only nine.

THE RULING

The game continues. There's no penalty for playing with fewer than 11 — but a team on offense must still have at least five players on the line of scrimmage.

NFHS Case Book 1.1.3

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THE GAME

Referee Responsibilities

RULE 1-1-5 · 1-1-6

Before the Game

Informs head coaches and captains that good sportsmanship is expected.

Throughout the Game

Has authority to rule promptly — and in the spirit of good sportsmanship — on any situation not specifically covered by the rules.
Referee decisions are final, including forfeiture decisions.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Teams Entering the Field

THE PLAY

Before the game, both teams wait for the other to take the field first.

THE RULING

The referee directs the home team to enter first — the referee has authority to rule on anything not specifically covered by the rules.

NFHS Case Book 1.1.6

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THE GAME

Crew Responsibilities & Jurisdiction

RULE 1-1 · MECHANICS MANUAL

30 min before

Crew assumes control of the contest.

End of game

Control ends after the referee declares the end of the 4th period/overtime.

Officials leave field

Jurisdiction ends and the final score is approved.

Reports filed

Clerical authority ends once all game reports — including ejections — are complete.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: When Officials' Authority Begins

THE PLAY

With 35 minutes on the clock before kickoff, people on the field for pregame warm-ups act unsportsmanlike. The state association rule sets authority at 30 minutes before the game.

THE RULING

No foul — this is a game administration issue before officials' authority begins. If the state rule set authority at 45 minutes instead, the foul would be assessed prior to kickoff.

NFHS Case Book 1.1.7

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THE GAME

Reporting an Ejection

RULE 1-1 · CLERICAL DUTY

An ejection report is part of the crew's clerical authority — jurisdiction over the game isn't fully closed until it's filed.
Submit promptly through your state association's reporting system.

What the Report Should Capture

Player/coach name, number, and team.
Date, opponent, and game site.
Rule and reason for the ejection.
Period and approximate time of the foul.
Reporting official's name and contact information.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Video Replay Prohibited

THE PLAY

The covering official rules a touchdown. Sideline video clearly shows the runner fumbled, stepped out of bounds, or a teammate was illegally in motion at the snap.

THE RULING

The touchdown counts in every case. Video or replay equipment cannot be used to change a call unless the state association has approved it for a postseason game.

NFHS Case Book 1.1.9

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RULE 1-2

SECTION 2

The Field and Markings

Dimensions, zones, and markings — from the field of play to the pylons at each corner.

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

The Field of Play

RULE 1-2-1

The field of play is the area within the boundary lines and the goal lines — it excludes the end zones.

END ZONE

FIELD OF PLAY

9-yard marks (gold) Hash marks (white)

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

Nine-Yard Marks & Hash Marks

RULE 1-2-3

Nine-Yard Marks

Important for offensive player positioning after the ball is ready for play.
Fields without numbers still require a 9-yard mark.

Hash Marks

Divide the field of play longitudinally into thirds.
Each 5-yard line bisects a hash mark.

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

Restricted Area

RULE 1-2-3

The 2-yard belt in front of the team box becomes a restricted area once the ball is live.
No coach or nonplayer may be in that belt while the ball is live — they must be behind the restraining line.

FIELD OF PLAY

SIDELINE

RESTRICTED AREA — live ball only

Restraining line

Team box / coaches’ area

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

The End Zone

RULE 1-2-1

The end zone is not part of the field of play.
End zone markings should not be within 2 yards of the goal line.
The goal line is IN the end zone.

END ZONE

FIELD OF PLAY

END LINE

GOAL LINE

(in the end zone)

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Field Markings Not Legal

THE PLAY

A pregame inspection finds the restraining line missing entirely, or the 3-yard try mark is only 12 inches long instead of 24.

THE RULING

The game is still played. Officials add the correct markings where possible and notify game management and the state association that the field wasn't properly marked.

NFHS Case Book 1.2.3

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

The Pylon

RULE 1-2-4

Placed at the intersection of the end line and sideline, and at each hash mark extended.
Set on the end line or 3 feet beyond it.
A properly placed pylon is OUT OF BOUNDS.

GOAL LINE

SIDELINE

Field of play

End zone

Pylon — out of bounds

Red

Orange

Yellow

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THE FIELD AND MARKINGS

The Goal

RULE 1-2-5

Goal post padding is MANDATORY.
One streamer per upright is allowed: red, orange, or yellow.
Crossbar is 10 feet above the ground.
Uprights extend a minimum of 10 feet above the crossbar.

Goal post padding — MANDATORY, at least 6 ft

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Goal Post Distance

THE PLAY

The visiting coach complains that the home field's goal posts are set 18 feet, 6 inches apart — the college distance — instead of adjusted to the high school width.

THE RULING

If the uprights are permanently set at 18'6", the game may still be played at that width. If they're adjustable, they must be set to 23'4".

NFHS Case Book 1.2.5

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RULE 1-3

SECTION 3

Game Equipment

The ball, the kicking tee, and the chains — specs every crew should be able to check.

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GAME EQUIPMENT

The Football

RULE 1-3-1

8 or 12 evenly spaced laces; weighs 14–15 ounces.
Each team must have one approved game ball — a “kicking” ball is not permissible. The referee approves all game balls.
Must carry the NFHS authenticating mark. Approved markings: ball manufacturer, school, conference, or state association name/logo.

NFHS MARK — ACCEPTED FORMATS

Wordmark

Circular seal

Checkered mark

Required for 9th grade and above — any one of the three formats is acceptable.

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GAME EQUIPMENT

When May a Team Change Game Balls

RULE 1-3-2 · 1-3-3

May Change

To start a new series of downs.
For a free-kick down.
On a touchdown following a change of possession, if the scoring team did not put the ball in play.

May Not Change

During a series of downs.
Prior to a try following an offensive touchdown.

Exception: any official may approve a ball exchange between downs if the field is wet.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Approving Additional Balls Mid-Game

THE PLAY

The referee has already examined and approved a number of balls from each team before the game. Mid-game, the weather changes dramatically, and the teams want additional balls approved for use.

THE RULING

This is permissible and within the intent of the rule — the referee may approve additional balls as conditions change during the game.

NFHS Case Book 1.3.2, Situation B

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GAME EQUIPMENT

Kicking Tee & Chains

RULE 1-3-4 · 1-3-5

Kicking Tee

Maximum elevation: 2 inches off the ground.

Chains

10 yards between rods, with a tape marker at the halfway point.
Operated approximately 2 yards off the sideline.
Checked by the linesman prior to the game.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Line-to-Gain Crew Placement

THE PLAY

The chain crew, who has “done this for 25 years,” wants to keep the line-to-gain equipment right on the sideline instead of 2 yards off it.

THE RULING

All chain crews must comply — equipment belongs 2 yards off the sideline. If the crew is insistent, officials should contact game administration.

NFHS Case Book 1.3.5

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Supplementary Equipment

THE PLAY

Home-team management tells officials they plan to use a ball-spotting device, a ball-tracking device, a visible play clock, or instant-replay equipment during the game.

THE RULING

None of these may be used unless the state association has specifically authorized them.

NFHS Case Book 1.3.7

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RULE 1-4

SECTION 4

Player Designations

Who can speak for the team, and how the offense must be numbered.

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PLAYER DESIGNATIONS

Captains and Head Coach Designate

RULE 1-4

Captains

Communicates with officials; a minimum of one captain is required.

Head Coach Designate

Designates a representative for penalty decisions — may be a player or a coach.
Unless there's an emergency, it's the same person throughout the game.
Penalty decisions are final and made before any charged timeout (exception: 6-5-4 free-kick options).

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Time-Out Before a Penalty Decision

THE PLAY

Team A's captain calls for a time-out before the designated representative decides whether to accept or decline a penalty.

THE RULING

Not allowed. The penalty decision must be made first — a time-out cannot be used to delay it.

NFHS Case Book 1.4.1

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PLAYER DESIGNATIONS

Player Numbering & Eligible Receivers

RULE 7

Numbering is important for Rule 7 (Snapping, Handling, and Passing the Ball).
Eligible receivers: 0–49 and 80–99. Ineligible: 50–79. Number 0 is allowed.
Numbering requirements apply only to the offensive team.

80–99

50–79

0–49

Offensive line

0–49 / 80–99

Eligible (0–49, 80–99)

Ineligible (50–79)

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Illegal Player Numbers

THE PLAY

After the ball is marked ready for play but before the snap, officials discover A1 and A2 are both wearing number 81 — or that B2 is wearing 00.

THE RULING

Duplicate numbers become a foul at the snap. Number 00 is a foul before the snap, and that player can't participate wearing it.

NFHS Case Book 1.4.3

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RULE 1-5

SECTION 5

Player Equipment

What's mandatory, what's illegal, and how a crew handles equipment problems mid-game.

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Mandatory Equipment

RULE 1-5-1

Helmet & chin strap

Gloves (optional)

Jersey

Hip pads & tailbone pad

Pants

Mouthpiece

Shoulder pads

Thigh pads

Knee pads

Shoes

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Home vs. Away Jerseys

RULE 1-5-1

Teams must wear contrasting colors.
The visiting team is responsible for avoiding similar colors.
If in doubt, the referee may require the home team to change jerseys.

HOME — dark, contrasting

VISITOR — white

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Both Teams in Non-White Jerseys

THE PLAY

Officials arrive to find both teams wearing non-white jerseys. The visiting coach says no one told them the home team's colors.

THE RULING

Doesn't matter — the visiting team is responsible for wearing white regardless of notice. The referee may require the home team to change instead.

NFHS Case Book 1.5.1, Situation A

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Eye Shields & Eye Black

RULE 1-5-3

✓

LEGAL

Clear eye shield

Tinted eyewear worn under the face mask is legal only when it is clear, without tint.

ILLEGAL

Tinted eye shield

An eye shield must be clear without tint — a tinted shield is illegal equipment.

✓

LEGAL

Solid eye black

Eye black must be a solid stroke, without markings, words, numbers, or logos.

ILLEGAL

Eye black with markings

Eye black that includes words, numbers, or logos is illegal.

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Knee Pads Must Cover the Knees

RULE 1-5-1d · 1-5-1e

ILLEGAL

Pad sits above the knee

✓

LEGAL

Pad covers the knee

Legal if the player tells you

If a player says the pads are protecting an injury, take them at their word — it's not an official's job to judge whether the injury is real.

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Single Mouth Protector

RULE 1-5-1d(5) · NEW 2026

No additional attachments that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth and mouth.
Effective 2026: attachments that pose a health or safety risk are also prohibited.

✓

LEGAL

Plain mouth protector

Formed to the teeth, original design length, no add-ons.

ILLEGAL

Mouth protector with attachments

Decorative or functionless attachments — not allowed.

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Play Cards

2026 RULE CHANGE

Play cards may be worn on the wrist/forearm OR the belt.

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Equipment Verification

RULE 1-5-4

Head Coach

Responsible for informing the referee and umpire that all players are legally equipped, and that no illegal equipment will be used.

Referee + Umpire

Determine player equipment legality together.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Physician's Note Doesn't Legalize Tint

THE PLAY

A head coach has a letter from a physician stating that a tinted eye shield is medically necessary for one of his players.

THE RULING

Doesn't matter — only a clear eye shield may be worn. A physician's letter cannot override the rule without the state association's expressed written consent.

NFHS Case Book 1.5.3, Situation D

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PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Improperly Worn or Missing Equipment

RULE 1-5-5

“Penalty”

The player is replaced for 1 down, unless it's a halftime or overtime intermission.
Cannot “buy” back in with a timeout.

Procedure

Simple fix — notify the player on the field to correct it.
Repeated or egregious issues — take an officials' timeout and send the player off.
If legal equipment becomes improperly worn during a down, the player may stay in the game if the repair doesn't delay the ready-for-play by more than 25 seconds.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Handling Missing or Improper Equipment

THE PLAY

A player repeatedly takes the field missing required equipment or wearing it improperly, forcing officials to stop play again and again to fix it.

THE RULING

The player sits for at least one down each time and can't buy back in with a timeout. For repeated issues, officials can flag the coach for delay of game or unsporting conduct.

NFHS Case Book 1.5.5

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RULE 1-6

SECTION 6

Coaches' Field Equipment

What electronics coaches and players may use on the sideline — and where the line is.

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COACHES' FIELD EQUIPMENT

Electronic Devices & Sideline Conferences

RULE 1-6-1 · 1-6-2

✓

LEGAL

Outside the 9-yard marks

Coaches and players may confer using electronic devices, including headsets, during a conference outside the 9-yard marks.

ILLEGAL

Inside the 9-yard marks

Electronic communication with a player is not approved during a conference inside the 9-yard marks — including a coach handing a player a headset.

Sideline-to-player electronic signage to signal in plays is not approved.

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CASE PLAY

Case Play: Headset During a Time-Out

THE PLAY

During a charged time-out, a coach hands his headset to the quarterback so he can talk directly to a coach in the press box — inside the 9-yard marks conference.

THE RULING

Illegal. Electronic communication with a player is not permitted during a conference inside the 9-yard marks.

NFHS Case Book 1.6.1, Situation E

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RULE 1-7

SECTION 7

State Association Adoptions

Where NFHS rules hand the state association the option to adapt the game.

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STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTIONS

Point-Differential Mercy Rule

RULE 1-7

POINT DIFFERENTIAL

South Carolina has adopted a 42-point differential mercy rule, exercising the option NFHS Rule 1-7 gives each state association.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rule 1, Section by Section

1-1 / 1-2

Eleven players, one referee with final authority, and a field whose every line and pylon is precisely specified.

1-3 / 1-4

The ball, tee, and chains have hard specs — and only one designated captain speaks for penalty decisions.

1-5

Equipment must be worn as designed: knee pads over the knee, eye shields clear, mouth protectors plain.

1-6 / 1-7

Electronics stay outside the 9-yard marks, and the state association can adopt its own mercy rule.

Questions?