2020 Football Rules Considerations
In support of the NFHS Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities, the NFHS Football
Editorial Committee offers this document for state associations to consider whether any possible rules could
be altered for the 2020 football season. The considerations outlined in this document are meant to decrease
potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging social distancing, limiting participation in
administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment.
Return to Competition
1. FOOTBALL RULES CONSIDERATIONS
o TEAM BOX (Rule 1-2-3g)
The team box may be extended on both sides of the field to the 10-yard lines (for
players only) in order for more social-distancing space for the teams. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times while in the team box. Do not share uniforms, towels and other apparel and equipment.
o BALL (Rule 1-3-2) The ball should be cleaned and sanitized throughout the contest as recommended by
the ball manufacturer. The ball holders should maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times during the
contest.
o FACE MASKS [Rules 1-5-1a, 1-5-3c(4)] Cloth face coverings are permissible. Plastic shields covering the entire face (unless integrated into the face mask and
attached to the helmet and clear without the presence of any tint) shall not be allowed
during the contest.
o TOOTH AND MOUTH PROTECTORS [Rule 1-5-1d(5)] **Still being determined at this time on how to best handle the tooth and mouth
protector during the contest. The NFHS SMAC will update the membership as soon as
guidance is developed for all sports that require a tooth and mouth protector.
o GLOVES (Rule 1-5-2b) Gloves are permissible but still must comply with Rule 1-5-2b by meeting either the
NOCSAE Standard or the SFIA Specification.
o STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTIONS (Rule 1-7) Each state association may adopt other playing/administrative rules for football for the
2020 season that would decrease exposure to respiratory droplets and COVID-19.
o CHARGED TIME-OUTS AND AUTHORIZED CONFERENCES (Rules 2-6-2, 3-5-3, 3-5-8) A single charged time-out may be extended to a maximum of two minutes in length. The authorized conference for the charged time-out should take place between the 9-
yard marks and not at the sideline for social-distancing purposes. (It would be
2
permissible for more than one coach to be involved in this conference and for
technology to be used.) Each game official and player should have their own beverage container brought out to
them on the field.
o INTERMISSION BETWEEN PERIODS AND AFTER SCORING (Rule 3-5-7l) The intermission may be extended to a maximum of two minutes between the first and
second and the third and fourth periods and following a try, successful field goal or
safety, and prior to the succeeding free kick.
2. FOOTBALL GAME OFFICIALS MANUAL CONSIDERATIONS
o GAME OFFICIALS UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).
• Choose a whistle whose tone will carry outside.
• Fox 40 Mini –
• Fox 40 Unisex Electronic – (3 tone) –
• Ergo-Guard – (3 tone) – orange
• Windsor – (3 tone)
• Check the market for other choices Cloth face coverings are permissible. Gloves are permissible. Do not share uniforms, towels and other apparel and equipment.
o PREGAME CONFERENCE, COIN TOSS AND OVERTIME PROCEDURES For the coin toss, limit attendees to the referee, umpire and one designated
representative from each team. Coin toss should take place in the center of the field with designated individuals
maintaining social distancing of 6 feet. No handshakes prior to and following the coin toss. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet while performing all pregame responsibilities with all
officiating crew members, game administration staff, line-to-gain crew, clock operators,
individuals handling the balls during the game and team personnel. For the overtime procedure, please use the same procedure as used at the start of the
contest for the coin toss.
3. PRE AND POST GAME CONSIDERATIONS Suspend pregame protocol of shaking hands during introductions. Suspend postgame protocol of shaking hands.
4. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR FOOTBALL Before, during and after the contest, players, coaches, game officials, team personnel
and game administration officials should wash and sanitize their hands as often as
possible. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times while on the sidelines and on the field of
play when possible. Everyone should have their own beverage container that is not shared.
3 Cloth face coverings are permissible for all coaches and team staff and for all game
administration officials. Gloves are permissible for all coaches and team staff and for all game administration
officials. Try and limit the number of non-essential personnel who are on the field level
throughout the contest. If available, dressing facilities for game officials and teams should be large enough for
them to use social-distancing protocols and should be properly cleaned and sanitized
prior to their arrival.
Recent Comments