As a service to those fans wanting to know the new rules for this year, here is the list of the new ones. Ones to note are the advance notice of visitors wearing white always starting in 2010, the mouthpieces must be colored, not clear or white, and further clarification of illegal substitution and participation.

The website is http://www.nfhs.org if you want more info or contact your local football official.

 

 

2006 Football Rules Changes

 

 

 

1-2-3g: Advertising and/or commercial markings may be permitted in the end zones.

 

1-3-5b: The official line-to-gain and down indicators shall be operated approximately 6 feet outside the sideline, where facilities permit.

 

1-5-1: Beginning in 2010, the visiting team shall wear white jerseys. Also, the home team has additional limitations as to how much white may be on its jerseys.

 

1-5-1a: At least a four-snap chin strap shall be required to secure the helmet.

 

1-5-1i: Mouth guards shall be of any readily visible color, other than white or clear.

 

1-5-1f2: Beginning in 2008, when measuring the length of a non-removable cleat, the measurement shall be from the tip of the cleat to the sole of the shoe.

 

1-6-2: Phones and headsets are permitted for use by anyone during a authorized sideline time-out.

 

2-6-2a: An authorized sideline time-out shall be held directly in front of the team box and within the 9-yard mark.

 

2-29, 3-7-6, 9-6-4a: The language and definition of participation and substitution have been revised.

 

2-31-8: A definition has been added to define when a runner becomes a kicker.

 

2-40: The word “intentional” has been removed from the spearing rule.

 

4-2-2: A holder may now recover a snap and retain the same options of going back to a knee for the kick, advance, pass or running the ball.

 

7-2-8: The option to use a “planned loose ball” has been removed.

 

7-5-10, 13: The act of illegally touching the ball by an ineligible player carries the same penalty whether the act occurs behind, in or beyond the line of scrimmage.

 

Six-, Eight-, and Nine-Player: The 9-yard mark required in 11 player has been modified to 7-yard mark.

 

Points of Emphasis

 

1. Concussions

2. Spearing and Illegal Helmet Contact

3. Making the Difficult Call – Assisting the Runner; Officials Professionalism

4. Goal Line and End Zone Calls

Has there been any talk about reducing the severity of the offensive pass interference call, which I belive is loss of 15 yards and a down?:eek:

There has been a change in this area, but not what you expect. An ineligible receiver downfield touching the pass was called OPI, with 15 yards and LOD. Now this is illegal touching, 5 yards and LOD. But the penalty for all other forms of OPI is still 15 yards and LOD. I've heard no talk of changing this penalty. Some think it severe, but it actually mirrors DPI, which is 15 yards and a new series for A.

On a screen pass, or pass behind the line of scrimmage, what contact if any can the defender have with the intended receiver prior to and post the qb's release?

On a screen pass, or pass behind the line of scrimmage, what contact if any can the defender have with the intended receiver prior to and post the qb's release?

 

First thing, there is no such thing as defensive pass interference behind the line of scrimmage. So point of release does not come into play. However, you cannot Hold a receiver or back, just like a defensive lineman cannot hold an offensive linemen.

First thing, there is no such thing as defensive pass interference behind the line of scrimmage. So point of release does not come into play. However, you cannot Hold a receiver or back, just like a defensive lineman cannot hold an offensive linemen.

Thanks. So a DL can knock a RB or WR to the ground while the ball is in air, so long as the RB/WR is behind the line of scrimmage?

Yup.

RIP the fumblerooski--you'll be missed. :cry: :cry: :cry:

On a pass behind the neutral zone there cannot be pass interference by either team. However, you can have a foul for holding, illegal block, or a personal foul, if the contact is illegal. You may make contact with the receiver, or the receiver may make contact, but it must be otherwise legal contact. It must not be from behind or below the waist or unnecessarily rough.

Will we ever see kickoffs in the endzone returned? I've never understood this rule.

On a pass behind the neutral zone there cannot be pass interference by either team. However, you can have a foul for holding, illegal block, or a personal foul, if the contact is illegal. You may make contact with the receiver, or the receiver may make contact, but it must be otherwise legal contact. It must not be from behind or below the waist or unnecessarily rough.

 

So if the ball is in the air (if it even matters) and the running back has his head turned and back to the LOS, the defender cannot hit him at all (unless of course he runs around to the front side of the receiver)?

How about the mouthpiece being attached to the helmet? Heard that was a change for 2006.....I see color of the mouthpiece is addressed but not whether it is attached to the helmet or not.....

How about the mouthpiece being attached to the helmet? Heard that was a change for 2006.....I see color of the mouthpiece is addressed but not whether it is attached to the helmet or not.....

Mouth piece attached or not attached is no issue. Gotta have it, gotta use it thats all.

So if the ball is in the air (if it even matters) and the running back has his head turned and back to the LOS, the defender cannot hit him at all (unless of course he runs around to the front side of the receiver)?

 

 

He can't hit him in the back.

A big misconception about high school football is the "chuck" rule which the NFL has. There is no chuck rule in HS football. The NFL rule says you have 5 yards to "chuck" a receiver who is coming of the line. You can not do that in HS football. The HS rule basically says as soon as the eligible receiver establishes a route he can not be touched. Many fans, as well as coaches, are not aware of that rule.