High School Football 2026 rules changes
The 2026 High School Football rules changes have been released by the NFHS.
1-5-3c(9) – The committee has approved the wearing of play cards on both the forearm/wrist and belt areas of the body.
9-4-7 – The committee approved new rules language that no player may use the hand(s) to slap the opponent’s head.
Rules Reminders:
1-5-1d(5)a – 4, 5 (NEW) — Committee clarifies and restricts attachments on tooth and mouth protectors, effective with the 2026 season.
1-5-2d (NEW), 1-5-3c(6) — Arm sleeve specifications developed to guide manufacturers, players and coaches effective with the 2027 season.
2026 Football Editorial Changes
1-1-8; 1-5-1d(5)a – 4, 5; 1-5-3a(2); 2-15-1; 2-32-6; 3-5-7g; 4-1-3; 5-3-1; 8-2-2; 8-2-3; 8-2-4; 8-2-5; 9-4-3p; 9-8 PENALTY; 10-4-2; 10-4-2b; 10-4-4a; 10-5-3; SIX-PLAYER RULES DIFFERENCES; NFHS OFFICIAL FOOTBALL SIGNALS.
2026 Football Points of Emphasis
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Flagrant and Unsportsmanlike Fouls
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Helping the Runner
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Sideline Management and Control
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Identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls
A link on the NFHS web page can be found here. Along with other resources through the NFHS.
