The 40 second play clock is used to ensure that each team be given a standardized, consistent interval between plays and from game to game. Both a 40 second and a 25 second play clock are required with the new NFHS rule change. Click on the link to download the state mechanics pdf.
The Whatcom-Skagit-Island Football Officials board meeting minutes are posted for members to view. The meeting was held on July 9th, 2019. Contact any board member if you have questions.
View & Download Meeting Minutes
The following set of instructions is for the play clock operators to assist with the 2019 NFHS football rule change to the play clock that now involves a 40-second or 25-second possibility for a delay of game. The following are the instructions for the 40-second and the 25-second play clock, to be used if and when visible play clocks are available to be used.
The Whatcom-Skagit-Island Football Officials board meeting minutes are posted for members to view. The meeting was held on June 11th, 2019. Contact any board member if you have questions.
View & Download Meeting Minutes
The Whatcom-Skagit-Island Football Officials board meeting minutes are posted for members to view. The meeting was held on May 7th, 2019. Contact any board member if you have questions.
BY STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION, USE OF VIDEO REVIEW ALLOWED FOR STATE POST-SEASON CONTESTS [1-3-7 NOTE (NEW), TABLE 1-7 – 1-3-7 NOTE (NEW)]
Rationale: By state association adoption, instant replay may only be used during state postseason contests to review decisions by the on-field game officials. This adoption would allow state associations to develop protocols for use of video replay.
IMPROVED VISIBILITY OF NUMBERS [1-5-1c, 1-5-1c(6) (NEW)]
Rationale: The purpose of numbers on jerseys is to provide clear identification of players. In order to enhance the ability to easily identify players, the committee has clarified the size requirements for jersey numbers through the 2023 season. The committee also added a new requirement that, effective in the 2024 season, jersey numbers must be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey.
REDEFINED REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEGAL SCRIMMAGE FORMATION (2-14-1, 7-2-5a)
Rationale: A legal scrimmage formation now requires at least five offensive players on their line of scrimmage with no more than four backs. This change will make it easier to identify legal and illegal offensive formations.
40-SECOND PLAY CLOCK (2-35-1, 3-6-1, 3-6-2a, 7-2-1)
Rationale: To have a more consistent time period between downs, the rules committee approved situations where 40 seconds will be placed on the play clock. The new rule defines when 40 seconds will be placed on the play clock and when 25 seconds will be placed on the play clock.
PROHIBITION ON TRIPPING THE RUNNER [2-45, 9-4-3o (NEW), 9-4-3o PENALTY (NEW)]
Rationale: In an effort to decrease risk, tripping the runner is now prohibited. It is now a foul to intentionally use the lower leg or foot to obstruct a runner below the knees.
ILLEGAL KICKING AND BATTING PENALTY REDUCED (6-2-1 PENALTY, 9-7 PENALTY)
Rationale: The penalty for illegally kicking or batting the ball was reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.
HORSE-COLLAR TACKLE ADDITION (9-4-3k)
Rationale: Grabbing the name plate area of the jersey of the runner, directly below the back collar, and pulling the runner to the ground is now an illegal personal contact foul.
2019 EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-1-9, 1-3-6, 1-5-5, 1-6-1 NOTE, TABLE 1-7, 2-6-2b, 2-8, 2-24-3, 2-25-1, 2-26-5, 2-28-1, 2-43, 3-1-2, TABLE 3-1, 3-3-1, 3-4, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-3, 3-4-4, 3-4-5, 3-4-6, 3-4-8, 3-5-2 NOTE b, 3-5-3, 3-5-6, 3-5-7j, 3-5-9, 3-5-10, 3-5-10a, 3-6-2d, 4-1-6, 4-3-6, 5-2-2, 5-2-4, 5-3-1, 5-3-2 NOTE, 6-5-4, 6-5 PENALTY, 7-1-5, 7-1-7, 7-2-6, 7-2 PENALTY, TABLE 7-5-2, TABLE 7-5, 8-3-2, 8-5-2 EXCEPTION, 9-2-3a, 9-3 PENALTY, 9-4 PENALTY, 9-4-6b, 9-9-5 NOTE, 10-4-2c EXCEPTION, 10-5-1c, 10-5-1j, Resolving Tied Games, Nine-, Eight-, Six-Player Rules Differences, Penalty Summary, Index.
2019 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Tips for Managing the 40/25 Second Play Clock.
Have you ever thought about becoming a football official? Take an inside look at a typical Friday night game in the Spokane area.
The Whatcom-Skagit-Island Football Officials board meeting minutes are posted for members to view. The meeting was held on April 9th, 2019. Contact any board member if you have questions.