Prior to each high school football season, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) votes on an approves rule changes for the upcoming season. In February of 2022 NFHS released its changes for the 2022 high school football season, along with its points of emphasis. Keep in mind that it’s up to each state association to adopt and/or modify these rules as it sees fit.
What are the rule changes for the 2022 high school football season?
There are eight rule changes, three of which are new, for the 2022 season. New rules are in bold.
- 1-2-3g NOTES 3. (NEW): The team box may now be extended beyond the 25-yard line.
- 1-3-3: Any game official may order the ball changed between downs.
- 1-4-3: The single digit number “0” is now a legal number.
- 2-3-8: A chop block has been redefined as an illegal combination block where contact is made above and below the waist.
- 3-4-7: Clarified the offended team’s game clock options following a foul committed with less than two minutes remaining in either half.
- 3-6-1a(1)e EXCEPTION 2. (NEW): Added a new exception to the play clock administration following a foul committed only by the defensive team.
- 7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2. (NEW): Added a new exception that allows the passer to legally throw the ball away to conserve yardage.
What are the points of emphasis for the 2022 high school football season?
The thee points of emphasis are:
- Targeting / Defenseless Player
- Legal Uniforms and Equipment
- Sportsmanship
Below is a high school football officials training tape review for the 2022 NFHS Football Rule Changes posted on YouTube by Brian Sakowski. As noted on the video, the plays used from the WPIAL (District 7) in Western Pennsylvania during the 2020 football season.