2012 NFHS Football Exam - Part I

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1. The helmet shall be secured by a properly fastened chin strap with at least four attachment points.

Explanation

1-5-1a2

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About This Quiz
Football Quizzes & Trivia

NOTE: In the exam situations, A—refers to the offensive team and B—refers to their opponents the defensive team. K—refers to the kicking team and R—refers to the receiving team. A1, B1, K1 and R1 are players of these teams. If team possession changes during the down, each team retains its... see moreidentity. In kicking situations, it is not during a try and no fair-catch signal has been given unless specified. Unless stated, acts occur while: the ball is inbounds; a forward pass is legal; any out-of-bounds is between the goal lines. Line means scrimmage line. Reference to a foul is to a player foul which is not unsportsmanlike. There is no foul or change of possession, unless it is mentioned, and penalties are considered accepted for enforcement. see less

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2. The game officials retain clerical authority over the game through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications that are responsive to actions occurring while the game officials had jurisdiction.

Explanation

1-1-8

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3. No replaced player, substitute, coach, athletic trainer or other attendant shall hinder an opponent, touch the ball, influence the play or otherwise participate.

Explanation

9-6-3

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4. The kicking tee may not elevate the ball more than 2 inches above the ground.

Explanation

1-3-4

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5. Each team is allowed three charged time-outs per half.

Explanation

3-5-1

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6. A television time-out is not charged to either team.

Explanation

3-5-7k

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7. After the passer has clearly released the ball from in or behind the neutral zone, Team B must make a definite effort to avoid charging into the passer.

Explanation

9-4

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8. Dead-ball fouls are administered separately and in order of their occurrence.

Explanation

10-2-5

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9. Touching is any contact with the ball either by touching it or being touched by it.

Explanation

2-44

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10. A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team or team member that has committed a foul.

Explanation

2-16-1,5

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11. If any player's helmet comes off during the down, and it is not due to a foul by the opponent, that player must leave the game for at least one down (unless halftime or an overtime intermission occurs).

Explanation

3-5-10d

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12. Jerseys shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants.

Explanation

1-5-1b1

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13. The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is a three-minute warm-up period posted on the clock and that the clock starts immediately after the halftime intermission expires.

Explanation

3-1; Tble Mand Warmup

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14. Play cards may be attached to the pants.

Explanation

1-5-3c8

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15. No series can ever start on a down other than first.

Explanation

1-2

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16. No player or nonplayer shall grasp an opponent's tooth and mouth protector attached to the face mask.

Explanation

9-4-3h

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17. If a false start causes B to encroach, only the false start is penalized.

Explanation

7-1-7,8; CB 7.1.7A

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18. If time for any period expires during a down, play shall continue until the down ends.

Explanation

3-3-2

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19. The re-entry of a disqualified player is an illegal participation foul.

Explanation

9-6-4a

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20. Blocking in the back is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the following conditions are met:

Explanation

2-17-4

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21. A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball.

Explanation

2-4-1

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22. No receiver may advance the ball after a valid or invalid fair-catch signal by any R player.

Explanation

4-2-2g, 6-5-5

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23. It is a safety if A1's backward pass enters the end zone and touches the ground out of bounds behind A's goal line.

Explanation

8-5-2b

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24. An official's time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of equipment that becomes illegal or defective during use.

Explanation

1-5-5, 3-5-5b

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25. If a dead-ball foul occurs after time expires for any period, the penalty shall be measured from the succeeding spot unless Rule 8-2-5 applies.

Explanation

10-1-2; 3-3-6

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26. Blocking by a player either on offense or defense is illegal when it is:

Explanation

9-3-1a,b,c

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27. A passer continues to be a passer until the legal forward pass ends or until he moves to participate in the play.

Explanation

2-32-11

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28. The clock shall start with the snap or when any free kick is touched, other than first touching by K, if the clock was stopped because a fair catch is made.

Explanation

3-4-1a

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29. Unused second half time-outs can be used in overtime.

Explanation

3-5-1

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30. It is a safety when a player on offense commits any foul for which the penalty is accepted and enforcement is from a spot in his end zone.

Explanation

8-5-2c

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31. The team whose goal line is involved shall put the ball in play anywhere between the hash marks on its 20-yard line by a snap after a touchback and by a free kick after a safety.

Explanation

6-5-4; 4-3-6

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32. Players of the same team can participate during the same down while wearing identical numbers.

Explanation

7-2-5c

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33. An offensive player may push, pull or lift the runner to assist his forward progress.

Explanation

9-1

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34. Fouls that occur after an inadvertent whistle can only be dead-ball fouls.

Explanation

2-16-2a; 4-2-2j

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35. An offensive player cannot commit a spearing foul.

Explanation

9-4-3h, 2-20-1c

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36. Possession of a live ball in the opponent's end zone is always a touchdown.

Explanation

8-2-1

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37. The penalty for a chop block is 5 yards.

Explanation

2-3-8; 9-3-6 Pen

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38. Contact with an opponent's hand(s) below the waist that continues into the body below the waist is considered blocking below the waist.

Explanation

2-3-7

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39. If B1 intercepts a forward pass in B's end zone and begins to return, but is tackled in the end zone, it is a touchback.

Explanation

8-5-3d

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40. It is a foul when the helmet comes completely off of a player who is in possession of the ball.

Explanation

3-5-10d

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41. It is a touchback when A1 fumbles on B's 2-yard line and the ball goes into B's end zone and out-of-bounds there.

Explanation

8-5-3c

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42. The head coach of each team is not responsible for his team being on the field for the mandatory three-minute warm-up period after halftime intermission.

Explanation

9-8-1g;3-1 Table p 39

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43. If K1 holds R1 in K's end zone to prevent R1 from recovering a blocked punt, it will be a safety if R accepts the penalty.

Explanation

8-5-2c

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44. It is not a touchdown when a runner advances from the field of play so that the ball penetrates the vertical plane of the opponent's goal line.

Explanation

8-2-1a

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45. Advertising and/or commercial markings may be placed on the field of play by home management, but the markings cannot obstruct the yard lines, hash marks or nine-yard marks (seven-yard marks for nine-, eight- and six-player).

Explanation

1-2-3L

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46. A measurement may be requested by the captain prior to the ball being marked-ready-for play, but it may be denied if, in the __________ opinion, it is obvious the line to gain has or has not been reached.

Explanation

5-3-2 Note

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47. Before the ready-for-play signal, A may designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the hash marks.

Explanation

The explanation for the given answer is that before the ready-for-play signal, in all of the mentioned scenarios (try, kickoff, following a safety, following an awarded fair catch), A has the freedom to designate the spot from which the ball is put in play anywhere between the hash marks. This means that A can choose to place the ball at any point between the hash marks, depending on their strategy or game plan.

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48. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized.

Explanation

1-1-11

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49. Unless a valid fair-catch signal is given, a fair catch cannot be made.

Explanation

6-5-2,3

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50. The penalty for an invalid fair-catch signal by R1 is 5 yards and an automatic first down for K.

Explanation

6-5-7,8 Pen

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51. Team B may not retain possession if an inadvertent whistle sounds with B1 in possession.

Explanation

4-3-a,b

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52. Successive charged time-outs may be granted during the same dead-ball period.

Explanation

3-5-4

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53. By state association adoption, a point differential may be established whereby if one team has gained the established point differential, the game shall be terminated.

Explanation

1-7; Table p. 24 #8

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54. The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is only a __________ minute intermission between periods for changing goals.

Explanation

Table 3-1 pg. 39

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55. If a pool of water forces the referee to move the ball for K1's kick, the free-kick lines may be less than 10 yards apart.

Explanation

6-1-1

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56. Encroachment may be a live-ball foul.

Explanation

2-8

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57. It is illegal participation if a player is lying on the ground to deceive the opponents immediately before the snap or free kick.

Explanation

9-6-4 d,e

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58. A handed ball beyond the neutral zone is considered to be a pass.

Explanation

2-19-1

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59. The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including penalizing unsportsmanlike acts, __________ minutes prior to the scheduled game time or as soon thereafter as they are able to be present.

Explanation

1-1-8

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60. If a penalty resulting in a safety occurs on the last timed down of a period, the period is extended.

Explanation

3-3-3, 3-3-4

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61. It is first down and 10 on A's 12-yard line. A fumble by A1 is still rolling slowly on A's 4-yard line. During an attempt to recover the ball, A2 pushes B1 into the ball which provides new force causing the ball to roll across the goal line where it is recovered by A4 who advances to A's 15-yard line. What is the ruling?

Explanation

The ruling in this situation is that it is A's ball on the 15-yard line and the next down is second and seven. This is because A4 successfully recovered the ball after it crossed the goal line, giving A possession. The penalty for A2 pushing B1 into the ball does not affect the ruling, as it is not mentioned in the question. Therefore, A's offense will have a new set of downs starting at the 15-yard line.

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62. If A fouls during a successful try, the score is canceled and there is no replay.

Explanation

8-3-5a,b

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63. The home team shall wear white jerseys.

Explanation

1-5-1-3

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64. First touching of a kick by K is ignored if the penalty for a foul during the down is accepted.

Explanation

2-12; 6-1-6

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65. The horse-collar foul is enforced as a dead-ball foul.

Explanation

9-4-3k

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66. If A1 is in his own end zone when he intentionally grounds a forward pass, it is a safety even if B declines the penalty.

Explanation

8-5-2c

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67. While it is possible to have several running plays during a down, with each one having its own basic spot of enforcement (where the related run ended), there can only be one loose-ball play during a down.

Explanation

2-33-2

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68. If receiver A1 controls the ball in B's end zone, but prior to touching the ground inbounds, A1 brushes the upright, it is a touchdown.

Explanation

1-2-5a; 1-2-1

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69. The enforcement spot for any foul by the defense is the goal line when the run ends in the end zone and would result in a safety.

Explanation

10-4-7; 10-5-2

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70. If a drop kick or place kick is used following a safety, it is possible to score a field goal.

Explanation

8-4-2b, Fund V-1

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71. The penalty for an illegal forward pass from beyond the neutral zone is:

Explanation

Table 7-5-2 pg. 60

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72. If A1 clips B1 and the coach of Team B enters the field during the down to protest an apparent foul that was not called, it is a double foul.

Explanation

2-16-2b

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73. The penalty for a receiver who advances a ball after a valid or invalid fair-catch signal has been given by any R player is:

Explanation

6-1 Pen P 53; 6-1-4

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74. Helping the runner carries a 15-yard penalty.

Explanation

9-1 Pen

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75. It is encroachment if the snapper assumes position over the ball with his head in the neutral zone.

Explanation

7-1-1, 7-1-5

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76. The penalty for an unsportsmanlike foul is enforced from the spot of the foul.

Explanation

10-4-5

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77. If K1's field-goal attempt deflects off K2's shoulder while he is in the expanded neutral zone, no goal is scored even if the ball passes between the uprights and above the crossbar.

Explanation

8-4-1b

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78. If a loose ball touches a game official who is straddling the sideline, the ball is not out of bounds.

Explanation

2-29-3

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79. After a field goal, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate which team will kick off.

Explanation

8-4-2

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80. A football shall have a continuous 1-inch white or yellow stripe centered 3 to 3 1/4 inches from each end of the ball and can have decorations or logos added during or after production.

Explanation

1-3-1c

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81. Supplementary equipment to aid in game administration may be used if authorized by the referee.

Explanation

1-3-7

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82. It is possible to have more than one spot of first touching during a scrimmage kick.

Explanation

6-2-5

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83. Spearing is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a ball carrier with the front of his helmet.

Explanation

2-20-1c

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84. If there was an inadvertent whistle during the last timed down of the period, the period is not extended by an untimed down.

Explanation

3-3-3c

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85. A period must be extended by an untimed down if, during the last timed down of the period, there was a double foul.

Explanation

3-3-3b

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86. The referee may correct an obvious timing error after a period has officially ended, if discovery is prior to the second live ball following the error.

Explanation

3-4-7

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87. A punt may be used for the free kick on a kickoff.

Explanation

6-1-2; 2-24-5

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88. K2 punts from the 50-yard line. The punt crosses the neutral zone, bounces at R's 45-yard line and then rebounds back to K's 48-yard line where R4 recovers. Prior to the end of the kick, R6 clips K11 at R's 40-yard line. What is the ruling?

Explanation

2-16-2h; 10.4.3 Sit D

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89. It is a safety if A1's fumble is declared dead in B's end zone other than from an inadvertent whistle and no player of either team is in possession.

Explanation

8-2-1c

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90. Nonplayer and unsportsmanlike fouls are not considered when determining if a period ends or must be extended.

Explanation

3-3-4b

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91. It is a fair catch when R1 gives a valid signal and R2 catches the scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone.

Explanation

6-5-3

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92. After a safety, unless moved by a penalty, R's free-kick line is K's 30-yard line.

Explanation

6-1-1; 8-5-4

Submit

93. A fair catch can be made in or behind the neutral zone.

Explanation

2-9-1

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94. A pass thrown backward out of bounds to stop the clock is an illegal pass.

Explanation

7-4-1, 4-2-2b

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95. Football gloves must meet the NOCSAE test standard starting in 2012.

Explanation

1-5-2b

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96. If end A1 accidentally goes out of bounds and returns during the down, he becomes an ineligible pass receiver.

Explanation

9-6-1,2; 7-5-6a

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97. A passer is a player who throws a forward or backward pass.

Explanation

2-32-11

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98. Penalty-marker colored gloves are legal if approved by the umpire.

Explanation

1-5-2b, 1-5-4, 1-5-3c

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99. If the penalty is accepted for any foul which occurred before change of possession, the kickoff must be repeated.

Explanation

6-1-7

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100. A clock stopped during a period for an official's time-out will start with the ready-for-play signal with the only exception being when a free kick follows.

Explanation

3-4-2a

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The helmet shall be secured by a properly fastened chin strap with at...
The game officials retain clerical authority over the game through the...
No replaced player, substitute, coach, athletic trainer or other...
The kicking tee may not elevate the ball more than 2 inches above the...
Each team is allowed three charged time-outs per half.
A television time-out is not charged to either team.
After the passer has clearly released the ball from in or behind the...
Dead-ball fouls are administered separately and in order of their...
Touching is any contact with the ball either by touching it or being...
A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team or team member...
If any player's helmet comes off during the down, and it is not...
Jerseys shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants.
The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is a...
Play cards may be attached to the pants.
No series can ever start on a down other than first.
No player or nonplayer shall grasp an opponent's tooth and mouth...
If a false start causes B to encroach, only the false start is...
If time for any period expires during a down, play shall continue...
The re-entry of a disqualified player is an illegal participation...
Blocking in the back is permitted in the free-blocking zone when the...
A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball...
No receiver may advance the ball after a valid or invalid fair-catch...
It is a safety if A1's backward pass enters the end zone and touches...
An official's time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of...
If a dead-ball foul occurs after time expires for any period, the...
Blocking by a player either on offense or defense is illegal when it...
A passer continues to be a passer until the legal forward pass ends or...
The clock shall start with the snap or when any free kick is touched,...
Unused second half time-outs can be used in overtime.
It is a safety when a player on offense commits any foul for which the...
The team whose goal line is involved shall put the ball in play...
Players of the same team can participate during the same down while...
An offensive player may push, pull or lift the runner to assist his...
Fouls that occur after an inadvertent whistle can only be dead-ball...
An offensive player cannot commit a spearing foul.
Possession of a live ball in the opponent's end zone is always a...
The penalty for a chop block is 5 yards.
Contact with an opponent's hand(s) below the waist that continues...
If B1 intercepts a forward pass in B's end zone and begins to return,...
It is a foul when the helmet comes completely off of a player who is...
It is a touchback when A1 fumbles on B's 2-yard line and the ball goes...
The head coach of each team is not responsible for his team being on...
If K1 holds R1 in K's end zone to prevent R1 from recovering a blocked...
It is not a touchdown when a runner advances from the field of play so...
Advertising and/or commercial markings may be placed on the field of...
A measurement may be requested by the captain prior to the ball being...
Before the ready-for-play signal, A may designate the spot from which...
Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized.
Unless a valid fair-catch signal is given, a fair catch cannot be...
The penalty for an invalid fair-catch signal by R1 is 5 yards and an...
Team B may not retain possession if an inadvertent whistle sounds with...
Successive charged time-outs may be granted during the same dead-ball...
By state association adoption, a point differential may be established...
The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is only a...
If a pool of water forces the referee to move the ball for K1's kick,...
Encroachment may be a live-ball foul.
It is illegal participation if a player is lying on the ground to...
A handed ball beyond the neutral zone is considered to be a pass.
The game officials shall assume authority for the contest, including...
If a penalty resulting in a safety occurs on the last timed down of a...
It is first down and 10 on A's 12-yard line. A fumble by A1 is still...
If A fouls during a successful try, the score is canceled and there is...
The home team shall wear white jerseys.
First touching of a kick by K is ignored if the penalty for a foul...
The horse-collar foul is enforced as a dead-ball foul.
If A1 is in his own end zone when he intentionally grounds a forward...
While it is possible to have several running plays during a down, with...
If receiver A1 controls the ball in B's end zone, but prior to...
The enforcement spot for any foul by the defense is the goal line when...
If a drop kick or place kick is used following a safety, it is...
The penalty for an illegal forward pass from beyond the neutral zone...
If A1 clips B1 and the coach of Team B enters the field during the...
The penalty for a receiver who advances a ball after a valid or...
Helping the runner carries a 15-yard penalty.
It is encroachment if the snapper assumes position over the ball with...
The penalty for an unsportsmanlike foul is enforced from the spot of...
If K1's field-goal attempt deflects off K2's shoulder while he is in...
If a loose ball touches a game official who is straddling the...
After a field goal, the opponent of the scoring team shall designate...
A football shall have a continuous 1-inch white or yellow stripe...
Supplementary equipment to aid in game administration may be used if...
It is possible to have more than one spot of first touching during a...
Spearing is an act by a defensive player who initiates contact with a...
If there was an inadvertent whistle during the last timed down of the...
A period must be extended by an untimed down if, during the last timed...
The referee may correct an obvious timing error after a period has...
A punt may be used for the free kick on a kickoff.
K2 punts from the 50-yard line. The punt crosses the neutral zone,...
It is a safety if A1's fumble is declared dead in B's end zone other...
Nonplayer and unsportsmanlike fouls are not considered when...
It is a fair catch when R1 gives a valid signal and R2 catches the...
After a safety, unless moved by a penalty, R's free-kick line is K's...
A fair catch can be made in or behind the neutral zone.
A pass thrown backward out of bounds to stop the clock is an illegal...
Football gloves must meet the NOCSAE test standard starting in 2012.
If end A1 accidentally goes out of bounds and returns during the down,...
A passer is a player who throws a forward or backward pass.
Penalty-marker colored gloves are legal if approved by the umpire.
If the penalty is accepted for any foul which occurred before change...
A clock stopped during a period for an official's time-out will start...
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