The National Federation of State High School Associations approved eight rule changes for high school football, with four addressing player equipment modifications that will take effect over the next three seasons.
The NFHS Football Rules Committee recommended the changes during its January meeting in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved all recommendations.
The most immediate change will allow limited electronic communication with players during games, though in-helmet communication remains prohibited. Rule 1-5-3c(2) will permit fixed electronic signs with play signals and other non-audio methods, but players between the numbers still cannot watch video.
Conversely, a new prohibition in Rule 1-5-3c(3) bans players from wearing any audio or video recording devices during games. No player may wear equipment that records or transmits audio or video while participating.
Future equipment changes include stricter requirements for tooth and mouth protectors beginning in 2026. The devices cannot include non-functional attachments or pose health risks to players.
Starting in 2027, arm sleeves must meet Sports and Fitness Industry Association specifications and display permanent SFIA seals. The SFIA developed the new standards in collaboration with manufacturers and the NFHS.
"One of our responsibilities is to properly respond to advancements in equipment and technology," said Steve Roberts, committee chair and associate executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association. "Through deliberate research, debate and input from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and engineers, we are confident the rule changes regarding equipment are a positive move for our game."
Other approved changes include a modification to Rule 4-3-1 regarding fumbles that go out of bounds. Forward fumbles between goal lines will now return to the fumble spot rather than where the ball crossed the sideline.
"The committee made the change because the previous rule potentially provided an unfair advantage to the fumbling team," said Bob Colgate, NFHS Football Rules Book editor.
The committee also deleted Rule 10-4-4b to ensure consistency in penalty enforcement, particularly for illegal participation fouls. Six-player football rules were revised to clarify advancement beyond the line of scrimmage following change of possession.
The Football Rules Committee includes representatives from each NFHS member state association using NFHS rules, plus delegates from the NFHS Coaches Association and Officials Association.
The complete rule changes are available at www.nfhs.org under "Activities & Sports" and "Football." The Football Rules Book is available for purchase at www.NFHS.com, with the digital version accessible through the NFHS Digital app. TSSAA head coaches receive free access to the digital rules book and are briefed annually on rules changes through mandatory rules clinics.
According to the 2023-24 NFHS participation survey, 11-player football remains the most popular high school sport for boys with 1,031,508 participants across 13,788 schools. Including other football variations and girls flag football, total participation reached 1,074,751 players nationwide.
