2008 NFHS Football Rules Changes

1-2-3a: White is the recommended color for all field markings. The rule continues to allow the use of other colors for field markings, when appropriate.

1-2-3d; NEW 2-26-8: The restraining line can now be either solid or broken. It is recommended that a broken line be used and marked by placing 12-inch-long lines separated at 24-inch intervals. Only game officials are allowed in the area marked by the restraining line.

1-5-1b,d,h: Hip pads, tailbone protector, knee pads and thigh guards must not be altered from the manufacturer's original design/production. Shinguards, if worn, must meet NOCSAE specifications.

1-5-2b, NOTE: A hand pad is now defined as a covering for the hand which may have separate openings for each finger and thumb, is absent of any web-like material between the fingers and/or thumb, and not covering each finger and thumb. The implementation date for a mandatory securely attached label or stamp has been changed from 2008 to 2012.

2-16-2e; 3-3-4b; 8-2-2; 8-2-3; 10-2-4: Four changes in the playing rules were refined regarding the penalty options for teams that score but were fouled during the play. Rule 2-16-2e was clarified (along with Rule 10-2-4) to revise the definition of a multiple foul to stipulate that a team must foul twice during the same down to commit multiple fouls. Rule 3-3-4b was amended to clarify issues at the end of the half, and along with amendments to Rules 8-2-2 and 8-2-3, clearly stipulate that fouls by the opponent of the scoring team on the last timed down of the first half can carry over to the second-half kickoff, however fouls by the opponent of the scoring team on the last timed down of the second half cannot carry over to overtime.

3-5-1: The option to carry over unused second-half time-outs into overtime has been removed. The NFHS-recommended Resolving Tied Games procedure continues to provide for one time-out per overtime period with the revisions stipulating that unused time-outs do not carry to subsequent overtime periods.

3-5-2a, NOTE: The head coach can now designate another coach for the purpose of requesting time-outs. The designee shall remain in place for the entire game except in case of emergency.

4-2-3: The inadvertent whistle rule has been clarified. The new wording indicates the options available in a simpler form and makes the choosing of an option an easier process to understand.

9-9 PENALTY: Hiding the ball under the jersey will now be enforced as a basic spot foul using the all-but-one principle.

New 9-9-4; 9-9 PENALTY: No player shall use a kicking tee in violation of Rule 1-3-4. The use of an illegal kicking tee will now be penalized as an unfair act committed by the player. Acceptance of this foul on a try or field goal will nullify any points scored, with the penalty enforced as a basic spot foul using the all-but-one principle.

10-4-6; 10-4-7: The change to Rule 10-4-6 allows the same enforcement for either team by defining the basic spot as the 20-yard line for this type of foul (15-yard line in nine-, eight-, and six- player). A change to Rule 10-4-7 helps clarify the basic spot on running plays for fouls by the opponent of the team in possession when the team in possession puts the ball in the end zone and, subsequently, possession is lost.
 
Editorial and Other Changes

1-5-1a; 1-5-1f-1b; 1-5-1f2; 1-5-3b; 1-5-3c; 1-5-3l-3; 1-5-4; 1-6-1, 2; 2-13-1; 2-16-2h5; 2-22; 2-29-1, 2, 3; NEW 2-34-3; 3-3-3a; 3-4-2; 3-5-10c; 6-1 PENALTY; 7-2-5; 7-3-2b; 7-5-13; Table 7-5 #4; 8-3-5b; 9-4 PENALTY; 9-9-1; 10-2-1, 2, 3, 4; 10-5-1g, h, i; FUNDAMENTALS X-8; 9-, 8-, and 6-player NEW Rule 10; Penalty Summary; OFFICIAL FOOTBALL SIGNALS – 10, 47

Points of Emphasis

 1. MRSA and Communicable Skin Conditions
 2. Purpose of a Football Helmet
 3. Altering Legal Football Equipment
 4. Sideline Management and Control
 5. False Starts, Shifts and Motion