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Added a New Fourth Field Option to be Used for Flag Football [1-1-2, TABLE 1-7 (1), Field Diagram #4 (NEW)] — The committee added a new fourth field option to be used for flag football. This option would be through state association adoption.
Standardized the Number of Players to Start a Game (1-1-3) — The committee standardized that all teams must start the game with seven players.
Added the Use of Instant Replay During State Postseason Games [1-1-9, 1-3-7 NOTE (NEW), TABLE 1-7 (9) (NEW)] — The committee added the use of instant replay during state postseason games only through state association adoption.
Added a New Definition for Hurdling [2-18 (NEW)] — The committee added a new definition for hurdling as it was not previously defined but yet it was listed as an illegal personal contact foul in 2025-26.
Approved a New Procedure for a Team Trailing in Score to Maintain Possession Following a Score [2-36-10, 3-4-3l (NEW), 4-1-1, 8-3-9 EXCEPTION (NEW), 8-4-3 EXCEPTION (NEW)] — The committee approved a procedure to allow for the team trailing in score to attempt a high-risk play in order to maintain possession following a score.
Increased the Total Number of Charged Time-outs Per Half (3-5-1) — The committee increased the total number of charged time-outs per half from two to three so as to give each team an extra opportunity to stop play each half with an additional time-out.
Changed Where the Ball will be Put in Play From Following a Safety (4-1-1, 8-5-5) — The committee approved following a safety, the team whose goal line was involved shall put the ball in play by a scrimmage kick from its own 20-yard line. The committee made this change in order to create a more significant field position advantage while also becoming consistent with tackle football.
Clarified What Cannot be Done to the Ball That is in Player Possession (9-7-4) — The committee further clarified what cannot be done to the ball that is in player possession.
2026-27 EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-1-8; 1-5-1c(1)a - 4, 5; 1-5-1d; 1-5-1f; 1-5-3a(1)a; 1-5-3a(2); 1-5-3c(4); TABLE 1-7; 2-12; 2-13; 2-20-3; 2-20-5 (NEW); 2-28-5; 2-29-2; 3-3-1; 3-3-4a; 3-3-4b(4); 3-4-3k; 3-4-4e; 3-5-7f; 3-5-7g; 3-5-7k; 3-7-1; 4-1-2; 4-2-2a EXCEPTION; 4-2-2f(2); 4-2-2f(3) (NEW); 4-2-2h; 4-2-2j; 4-3-2; 5-2-5; 5-3-1; 6-1-1; 6-1-8; 6-2-1; 6-3-1a; 7-1-2; 7-1-3; 7-5-6; 8-3-3; 9-2-1; 9-2-2a; 9-2-3c; 9-2 PENALTY; 9-8-1g; 9-8-1g(3); 9-8-1h; 9-8 PENALTY; 9-9 PENALTY; 10-3-1; 10-3-2; 10-4-2; 10-4-2b; 10-4-2h (NEW); 10-4-4a; 10-4-5a; 10-5-3; PENALTY SUMMARY; NFHS OFFICIAL FOOTBALL SIGNALS; INDEX.
2026-27 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Screen Blocking
Flag Belts and Flag Pulls
Kicking **
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