NFHS Rule Changes for the 2022 Football Season

Across the country, high school football teams are preparing for the Fall 2022 season.

The four-to-five month road to a state championship begins in training camp, but before a team can hoist the championship hardware they have to be able to operate within the rules.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) updated its new rules for the high school football season back in February.

However, as we drive closer to the fall season, here is a refresher of the new rules to expect from the NFHS.

1-2-3g NOTES 3. (NEW): Team Box May Be Extended By State Association Adoption
By state association adoption, the team box may now be extended beyond the 25-yard line.

1-3-3: Ball May Be Changed Between Downs
Any game official may order the ball changed between downs.

1-4-3: The Number “0” Is Now Legal
The single digit number “0” is now a legal number.

2-3-8: A Chop Block Has Been Redefined
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
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
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 For The Passer
Added a new exception that allows the passer to legally throw the ball away to conserve yardage.

2022 EDITORIAL CHANGES

2-28-2; 5-2-4; 6-2-6; 10-2-2; 10-2-3; FOOTBALL FUNDAMENTALS – VII-2, X-3-E; RESOLVING TIED GAMES – 5-1-1, 8-3; NINE-, EIGHT- AND SIX-PLAYER RULES DIFFERENCES – RULE 2 and 7

2022 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Targeting / Defenseless Player
2. Legal Uniforms and Equipment
3. Sportsmanship