by Rich Porter

Created on: October 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

High school football rules in the United States are largely similar to college rules, but are established by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The NFHS writes the rules of competition for most high school sports in the United States and has a membership of over 17,000 schools, both public and private. In contrast, the states of Texas and Massachusetts use NCAA playing rules for their high school football games. Football is one of the most popular sports in high schools across the nation.

Although high school and college football rules are similar because of the ancestry of the game, there are very important differences in the style of play and game play itself. In all other forms of football (professional and collegiate) the four quarters are counted at 15 minutes long. In high school playing rules the same four quarters are counted at 12 minutes in length. Further differences in quarter length may be 10 minutes for junior varsity and eight minutes for freshman teams.

It is not uncommon in high school football contests to see nine, eight or six-man teams playing on the field. This is usually due to certain geographical areas being sparsely populated. It is also not uncommon to find high school games being played on Friday nights to accommodate college games on Saturday and continuing into Sunday with professional contests.

Other football rules that are unique to a high school game are kickoffs, field goals, some penalties and the use of overtime. In a high school contest kickoffs are placed at the 40 yard line, where as the kickoffs are made at the 30 yard line in college and professional games. Missed field goals that cross the plane of the goal line are considered as touchbacks, allowing the opposing team to start at the 20 yard line. Defensive pass interference is a 15 yard penalty and automatic first down for the opposing offense regardless of where the foul occurred, where as in professional and collegiate match ups the ball is placed at the spot of the foul. The use of overtime is left up to the state association presiding over the sports activities there.

In general high school football rules play the same way as all other football rules. Because of the phsyical demand of the game however, particular rules are changed or outright dismissed for the safety and health of the teenagers playing. Your teenage son (or daughter!) will be in good hands under these playing guidelines if he or she decides they want to play the game, so don't be afraid to say yes when they come home with a waiver asking for your signature. Enjoy those Friday night lights!

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