First Football Memo August 20, 2015

First Football Memo August 20, 2015 Dear Football Coaches and Officials: Hard to believe the football season is upon us again. I hope each of you have had an opportunity to view the on-line football rules meeting. Head football coaches and all officials are required to view the on-line rules meeting and we encourage all football coaches at every level to get on-line and view the football rules meeting by Thursday August 27, at 4:00 pm. HEAT STRESS: Coaches, early football practices are conducted in very hot and humid weather here in Iowa. Due to the equipment and uniforms needed in football, heat stress must be given proper attention. Please be sure to take the proper precautions. The main problem associated with exercising in the hot weather is water loss through sweating. Water loss is best replaced by allowing the athlete unrestricted access to water breaks. Two or three times per hour are better than one break an hour. Probably the best method is to have water available at all times and allow the athlete to drink water whenever needed. Never restrict the amount of water an athlete drinks and be sure the athletes are drinking the water rather than simply pouring it over their heads. Talk to your medical personnel concerning emergency treatment plans. Coach and Officials: Coaches need to take time to make sure your players are hydrated during practice and on game nights. Officials on warm game nights you need to provide extra OFFICIAL timeouts to keep players and yourselves hydrated. Make sure the players get their helmets off and towel down and get plenty of fluids back in their system. Officials need to hydrate days before a

contest and players need to continue to stay hydrated throughout practice and games. None of us want a player going down on us, all parties be responsible, make sure everyone involved stays hydrated. Officials do not be a momentum breaker, let the team finish their possession with the ball and after a change of possession or a score/pat take a two or three minute timeout. Send the players to their respective sidelines and encourage them to take their helmets off and towel down and drink plenty of fluids. Officials, you drink fluids as well. Referees: You have the authority to take additional time-outs to give players additional rest and fluids. During hot and humid weather use good judgment and allow additional time-outs. These time-outs are officials time-outs and are not charged to either team. Each high school may purchase a heat and humidity gauge ($75.00) and a heat index table will be sent to each school to help determine whether or not it is safe for athletes to participate. The host school s management will have access to this gauge and table. The guidelines on the table range from increasing the number of breaks taken to canceling the contest. If the host school s management indicates certain precautions should be taken for the safety of the players, those precautions should be taken immediately. SECOND UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOUL BY A PLAYER IS DISQUALIFICATION: It is the responsibility of the players to control their emotions and behavior to avoid being charged with unsportsmanlike conduct. Any player who receives a second unsportsmanlike foul will be disqualified (ejected) from the game and the IHSAA ejection rule will be invoked. Most coaches will remove a player from the game if he displays unsportsmanlike behavior. An extensive list of examples of unsportsmanlike conduct is listed in the rules book. Game officials must keep an accurate record of those players

charged with an unsportsmanlike foul. If a player receives a second player/nonplayer unsportsmanlike penalty, the player will be disqualified. Please keep in mind, any single flagrant act continues to result in an ejection from the game. Any coach who is flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct is disqualified and must leave the facility/grounds for the remainder of the game. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach is charged to him personally. If an assistant coach receives an unsportsmanlike penalty it carries its own penalty and has nothing to do with the head coach. A third violation of the restricted area by the same team is an unsportsmanlike penalty charged to the head coach, just like failing to be back on the field for the second half for the mandatory three minute warm-up period. Officials, when assessing an unsportsmanlike penalty, always make sure the penalty fits the situation. Official, please understand if you are going to eject a player or coach, it is your responsibility as an official to make sure the penalty fits the situation. Be accountable. All officials are required to view the on-line rules meeting regardless if you attended a football official s clinic or not this year. All officials also need to get on-line and take and pass the 50 random question football rules test (3 attempts) and the referee/crew chief of each crew needs to go on-line and fill out both the request form and put in your 2015 varsity only football officiating schedule. This all must be done by officials by no later than Thursday August 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm. Officials, go into your account before August 27 th and make sure you see a check mark in each of your requirements and a V meaning a varsity official if you intend on working varsity contests this fall. Officials, make sure you do your on-line sportsmanship ratings (varsity games only)

throughout the season. Officials: We also want you to recommend any outstanding chain crews you work with throughout the 2015 football season. Send outstanding chain crew recommendations to Laura at officials@iahsaa.org Football officials: Officials have the option of wearing white knickers or black nylon pants. We require all varsity crews to wear the same officiating attire and strongly encourage lower level crews to dress alike, but we understand that is not always possible. Starting with the 2016 football season, all football officials will be required to wear black nylon football officiating pants and shirts that have the IHSAA logo patch (left chest, above pocket if shirt has a pocket) for all varsity football play-off contests. These patches can be purchased through The Graphic Edge with the logo already on the shirt (1-800-747-9744) or the patch only can be purchased through The Graphic Edge or the IHSAA on-line order form (order form may be found by going to our home page, click on officials (top of the page), then scroll down to 2015-2016 Official s Guide and scroll down IHSAA OFFICIAL ORDER FORM). Officials: National Federation mechanics indicate the back judge should visibly count the last 5 seconds when there is no 25 second clocks being used. We feel this is an advantage to the offensive team therefore we do NOT want the backjudge when working games in Iowa to visibly count the last 5 seconds. A.D./Coach: I would like to address the suggested guidelines for marking your football field and the RESTRICTED AREA. We realize some of you have turf fields and the solution to this is to use tape and make a dotted line for players to

stay behind (TEAM BOX). This suggested guideline will make it much easier for your coaches to vacate the RESTRICTED AREA (up to 3 coaches between downs) before the ball is snapped and enter the designated COACHING BOX, (see diagram below). This restricted area is a point of emphasis again this year for the safety of the coach as well as the official. During the game, coaches are not to be on the playing field except for timeouts, quarter break or a coach official conference. Football Field Diagram

ADMINISTRATORS, please make sure all 7-12 ON STAFF FOOTBALL COACHES receive and read a copy of this information. FOOTBALL CREW CHIEF, please make sure all crew members receive and read a copy of this information. THANK YOU! Coaches and Officials: Be sure to go to our home page and click on sport/football and view the concussion information we have posted under 2015 Football Information. COACH S & OFFICIALS: The restricted area (formerly the coaches box) has been defined where a maximum of three coaches may communicate with players and substitutes during dead ball situations. The (up to three) coach(s) must move behind the restricted area before the ball becomes live. Coaches hopefully you have made plans to keep your players further back ( get-back coach ), so you as coaches in the coaches box have ample room to move into this area before the ball becomes live. Administration of any violation of this rule is from the succeeding spot. Officials, it is your responsibility to be sure this rule is enforced. This National Federation rule has been adopted for safety purposes for all parties involved. At the pre- game conference, coaches and officials need to visit this rule and make sure they have a plan, because all of us understand not every facility has ample room and player squad size will play a role. Officials and head coaches before the game need to decide what procedure coaches are going to incorporate in order to meet this NF 2009 rule change. Facilities vary from game to game and night to night, so make sure you address this at each pre-game with the head coach and possibly a get-back-coach, who will be responsible for making sure

everyone is behind the restricted area when the ball becomes live. I have said this before and I will say it again, Iowa coaches are individuals with integrity and character and this rule involves a safety issue for everyone involved and we need each coach s cooperation and leadership skills, in making sure this safety rule is abided by. Officials, it is your responsibility to enforce the rule fairly (both teams) when a violation of the rule takes place. I understand you have a responsibility with players on the field, but when the rule is violated and we expect you to address the situation when it presents itself. Penalty enforcement applies to each individual team pertaining to any violation(s) enforced. 1) First offense, flag, team sideline warning applies to that team only, no yardage penalty assessed. 2) Second offense by the same team, a five-yard penalty for sideline interference, again applies to only that team. 3) Third offense by the same team, 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct charged to the offending head coach. Penalty Administration is from the succeeding spot. Minimize the Risk of Catastrophic Head and Neck Injuries KEEP THE HEAD OUT OF FOOTBALL Coaches, you can do this through consistent adherence to proper and legal coaching techniques. Teach players to KEEP THEIR HEAD UP and CONTACT MUST BE BELOW THE SHOULDERS.

Game Officials, you can do this through proper enforcement of the playing rules and game administration. CONCUSSION: Coaches and Officials, please make sure you look at page 95 last year s rule book (92-93 this year s rule book) pertaining to guidelines for management of concussions. If an official or a coach sees signs or symptoms, or behaviors pertaining to concussion guidelines, the player should be removed from competition and may not return to competition or practice until a licensed healthcare provider has provided written approval to do so. Officials need to inform a coach is you are removing a player from competition due to signs or symptoms of a possible concussion. Officials who remove a player from a contest due to signs and symptoms of a concussion are not to permit the player to return to play (RTP) in that contest unless he/she has received signed clearance from a licensed health-care provider. This clearance must be presented in writing to the referee before a student athlete is to return to play in the contest he/she was requested to leave from due to concussion symptoms. Referee should keep this signed paper work. Coach, if you have a player removed from a contest he/she shall not participate again until they received written authorization to do so by a licensed concussion health-care provider. OVERTIME PROCEDURE: There are several things you must remember with regard to overtime as it pertains to games played in Iowa. (a) Once the choice of goals has been made, all overtimes for that game will be played at the same end of the field. The only exception would be if officials decide field conditions warrant changing goals for the safety of the players. (b) When the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the referee will instruct both teams to return to their respective team boxes. There will be a three minute intermission during which both teams

may confer with their coaches. (c) Officials should assemble at the 50-yard line, review the procedure, each team will receive one time-out per overtime; timeout s do not carry over. Linesman will go to the team on the side of the field where the line-to-gain equipment is located and the line judge will go to the team on the opposite side of the field to inform the coaches they each receive one timeout in the overtime and escort the respective captains to the center of the field for the coin toss. (e) At the coin toss, the visiting team captain shall be given the privilege of calling the coin while it is in the air. The winner of the toss shall be given the choice of defense or offense or designating the end of the field where the ball will be put in play. (f) If the score remains tied after each team has been given one series, the overtime procedure shall be repeated until the winner is determined after the completion of the first overtime. There will be an intermission of two minutes during which the loser of the initial coin toss will have the first choice of options. If additional periods are required, the first choice of options will be alternated. You do not have a coin toss prior to the beginning of each additional overtime period. You alternate choices following the first winner of the coin toss. Remember, after the first choice, the end of the field is not an option (unless unplayable, referee s decision). (g) If Team B gains possession, the down and series for A ends immediately. In other words, if Team B (team on defense) recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass, the down and series ends once Team B gains possession. Review Resolving Tied Games procedures as outlined in the back of your Football Rule Book.. OVERTIME PROCEDURE AT THE FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR VARSITY LEVEL OF COMPETITION: If the score is tied at the end of the fourth period at the freshman, sophomore and

junior varsity level contests only, ONE overtime period will be played in an attempt to resolve the tie, if the score is tied at the end of the fourth period. If the score remains tied at the end of one overtime period, the game will end as a tie. Each team will be provided one time-out in this overtime (regardless of any unused time-outs left over from the regulation game), same number of time-outs our varsity teams receive via the current National Federation Rule for overtime games. There is no overtime in junior high contests. 13-POINT (VARSITY ONLY) TIEBREAKER RULE (RULE 8.3.1 EXCEPTION): If a touchdown is scored during the last down of the fourth period, a try for point shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game or play-off qualifying. The Iowa rule will be: If the final score could result in the point differential being 12 points or less, the try will be attempted. See examples below: Play 1: A-27; B-10. Team B scores on the last play of the fourth period to make the score A-27; B-16. Ruling: The point differential will be 12 points or less. Therefore, the try will be attempted. Play 2: A-20; B-0. Team B scores on the last play of the fourth quarter to make the score 20-6. Ruling: The point differential could be 12 points. Therefore, the try will be attempted. Play 3: A-7; B-0. Team A scores on the last play of the fourth period to make the score A-13; B-0. Ruling: The point differential cannot be 12 points or less. Therefore, no try will be attempted.

Keep in mind the exception to Rule 8-1 -3 as it refers to a touchdown that is scored on the last play of the fourth period. If a game ends in a tie and we have an overtime period, we follow the above overtime procedure. The overtime procedure states, All game rules will apply except: No PAT try will be made if the winner of the game has been determined (see play 4 below). Play 4: The game ends in a 0-0 tie. In the first overtime, Team A is on offense to start the overtime period. Team A does not score. Team B now goes on offense and scores a touchdown. Ruling: The game is over. The final score is Team A-0; Team B-6. No try is attempted in this situation due to the fact a winner has been determined as overtime procedure dictates. OVERTIME GAME: When a regulation game ends in a tie score, the overtime procedure is used. For purposes of the 13-point tie-breaker rule, the winner of an overtime game will receive a (+1) and the loser of the overtime game will receive a (-1) in the 13-point tie-breaker system. NOTE: The score differential in an overtime game is not a factor. It is simply the winner receives a (+1) and the loser receives a (-1) in all overtime district games. (In overtime, no try will be attempted if the winner of the game has been determined). COACHES: When entering your score into the member school link, make sure the individual reporting scores indicates overtime if outcome was determined in overtime. HARD CASTS/SPLINTS: RULE 1-5-3b1 - ILLEGAL Hard substance in its final

form such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster or fiberglass when worn on the hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow UNLESS COVERED ON ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES WITH NO LESS THAN ½ INCH THICK, HIGH DENSITY, CLOSED-CELL POLYURETHANE, OR AN ALTERNATE MATERIAL OF THE SAME MINIMUM THICKNESS, AND WITH SIMILAR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TO PROTECT AN INJURY. WRITTEN MEDICAL PHYSICIANS LETTER IS NOT REQUIRED. EIGHT-PLAYER FOOTBALL RULES DIFFERENCES: New Free Kick player alignment rule (requires 3 players on each side of the kicker instead of 4 like 11 player game), see page 1. Formation/Position: 7 yard marks will be used in the eight player game. Reminder, after the ball is marked ready for play by the referee, each player of Team A (offense) who participated in the previous down and each substitute of Team A must have been, momentarily, between the 7-yard marks, before the snap. Reminder 8 Player Game Only: The 35 point rule will go into effect starting with the second quarter, not halftime like the 11 player rule. Clock will start the second quarter with the snap or once the ball is legally touched on a free kick. Note: (a) normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the point differential less than 35 points. Reminder: Clock stops for any penalty administration (Grades 7-12). K s free kick line is its 30 yard line.

K is required to have at least three players on each side of the kicker. At least five players shall be on their line at the snap and may have any legal jersey number. Each Team A player (regardless of jersey number) who at the snap was on the end of the line of scrimmage line (total of two) and each Team A player who at the snap was legally behind the scrimmage line (possible total of three) is eligible. On the eight player field, the ball is snapped after a touchback and is free kicked after a safety from the 15 yard line. The basic spot for a foul as in 10-4-6 shall be the 15-yard line. REMINDERS: Pass Interference: The penalty for pass interference has been modified to eliminate the loss of down for offensive pass interference and to eliminate automatic first down for defensive pass interference (7-5-10 Pen). If pass interference by either team is intentional, an additional 15 yards are added to the original 15-yard penalty (7-5-10 Penalty, rule book page 62). With the loss of down portion of the penalty for offensive pass interference being removed, if team A commits pass interference on a successful try (PAT), the down is replayed after enforcement of a 15 yard penalty from the previous spot. If the offensive pass interference occurs on an unsuccessful try, the play-try is over.

The Passing Game: Downfield Contact: When an eligible receiver goes downfield on a play where a forward pass crosses the neutral zone, he may not block until the pass has been touched. The defender may however treat the receiver as a potential blocker and use unlocked arms to ward him off before a pass is thrown. If the receiver is not attempting to block, by going past or moving away from the defender, the defender may not make contact (9.2.3d). A guideline is to allow contact until the receiver occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent cannot possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal use of the hands. If contact occurs after the receiver has made his cut or goes beyond the defender and there is contact before a legal forward pass is in the air, it would be considered illegal use of the hands, and if the penalty is accepted it would be 10 yard penalty from previous spot. Pass Interference: Pass interference (7-5) is among the toughest and most controversial calls that an official has to make. There are two helpful keys to this rule: 1) all eligible receivers on both teams have equal rights to the ball, and (2) there is pass interference only if the action interferes with an opponent s opportunity to move toward, catch, or bat the pass. Contact by a defender obviously away from the direction of the pass is not interference. If contact is with a receiver who is not the intended receiver and is

away from the direction of the pass, it is possible for another foul to be enforced such as holding or a face mask foul, but not pass interference. It is important to understand both receiver and defender have territorial rights a right to the ball, and incidental contact (no foul) may be the proper call if both players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach the ball. An example is when two opponents are running side-by-side before and or after the pass is released. If the player(s) fall when their feet become entangled (without intentional tripping), there is NO foul. Pass interference fouls apply only under the following conditions: a. The pass is a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone and is untouched by team B in or behind the neutral zone. b. The interference occurs beyond the neutral zone. c. The interference is with an eligible opponent. d. Face guarding is the only non-contact act which can be judged to be interference. e. Catch-ability of a pass is NOT a factor for pass interference. f. If pass interference by either team is intentional, an additional 15 yards are added to the original 15-yard penalty.

Offensive Interference: The offensive team is restricted from the snap until the pass is touched or incomplete, except as noted below, the offense is not allowed to initiate any contact with the defense beyond the neutral zone. This does not depend on whether the pass is catchable, nor if it has been released yet. It is the responsibility of the offensive player to avoid the defenders. The rules allow for offensive players to immediately make contact with defensive linemen and drive them no more than two yards beyond the line of scrimmage. This legal contact is considered legitimate action by the offensive player at the snap, and is not pass interference. It is also not a violation of the rule prohibiting ineligible Team A players from being downfield if they are not more than two yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The penalty for defensive pass interference is 15 yards from the previous spot. If defensive pass interference occurs on a Team A touchdown, the penalty carries over to the try (1/2 the distance) or to the ensuing kickoff (8-2-2). Exception; last play of the fourth quarter if team A trailed by one point, penalty would have to be assessed on the PAT, reason, no guarantee there will be an overtime. If team A kicked a field goal and this ties the score, A could ask for the penalty to be enforced to start the overtime (case book play 8.2.2 Situation C). Here is a summary of eligibility and pass interference restrictions. a. If the pass is touched by Team B, all players are eligible and all pass interference restrictions end.

b. If a pass is touched by an eligible Team A player, pass interference restrictions end for Team B and eligible Team A players. Ineligible Team A players may not touch the ball, but can use hands and arms in a legal block to ward off opponents. c. If the pass is caught, batted, or muffed by an ineligible Team A player; that player is guilty of illegal touching, 5 yard penalty from the previous spot and loss of down for Team A. Other ineligible Team A players may not touch the ball, but can use hands and arms to ward off opponents. d. If the pass inadvertently touches an ineligible Team A player; behind the expanded neutral zone, the touching is ignored; beyond the expanded neutral zone, that player is guilty of being an ineligible downfield. Kick Catching Interference: The offended team may choose an awarded fair catch after enforcement of a 15 yard penalty from the spot of the foul, a 15 yard penalty from the previous spot, decline the penalty and take the result of the play or R may choose an awarded fair catch, the 15 yard penalty may be enforced from the spot of the awarded fair catch and R may then choose a free kick. If R chooses a free kick following the penalty, back the defense off 10 yards (just like any other free kick) and R may use a kicking tee and tee the ball up and if they kick the ball between the uprights R will be awarded 3 points (FG).

OPTIONS A TEAM HAS FOLLOWING FAIR CATCH INTERFERENCE FOUL A. PENALIZE THE KICKING TEAM 15 YARDS FROM THE PREVIOUS SPOT AND REPLAY THE DOWN B. DECLINE THE PENALTY AND TAKE THE RESULT OF THE PLAY, IF THE END RESULT IN THIS PLAY IS A TOUCHDOWN FOR THE RECEIVING TEAM, THE PENALTY CANNOT BE ENFORCED ON THE TRY OR THE SUBSEQUENT KICKOFF BECAUSE THE FOUL OCCURRED BEFORE THE CHANGE OF POSSESSION C. SNAP THE BALL ANYWHERE BETWEEN THE HASH MARKS WHERE THE FAIR CATCH INTERFERENCE TOOK PLACE D. PENALIZE THE KICKING TEAM 15 YARDS FROM THE SPOT OF THE INTERFERENCE, AND CHOOSE TO SNAP OR FREE KICK THE BALL ANYWHERE BETWEEN THE HASH MARKS (MAY USE KICKING TEE) Blocking During a Free Kick: Remember, the kicking team is prohibited from blocking an opponent until they are eligible to recover a free kicked ball or the legal kick has traveled 10 yards. Penalty for an illegal block is 10 yards (9-3-8). The Exception to this blocking rule is, if a receiving team player initiates a block within the neutral zone (9-3-8), (R player initiates contact with a kicking team member before the ball has traveled 10 yards), all K players may block. If a free kick blocking violation takes place, the penalty is 10 yards, illegal block.

Reminder, it is fair catch interference for the kicking team to pop the ball up in the air on a free kick (even though the ball has traveled 10 yards or more down field) and catch it before it has touched the ground or a team R player. Blocking Below the Waist: If a Team A blocker s initial contact is with an opponent s hand(s), that are at or above the waist, and the blocker follows through and blocks that opponent below the waist, the block is considered above the waist, (benefit of the doubt goes to the blocker). If the blocker first contacts the opposing player s hand(s) below the waist and the blocker follows through with a block below the waist the initial intent of the block in this case was to block below the waist and will be considered an illegal block. Make sure you see the entire block, in order to rule if it is a legal or illegal block. Towels: If a towel(s) are worn by a team, the towel(s) must be the same solid color on each individual player and may not be ball colored or flag colored. Towels can be no less than 4 in width 12 in length and no greater than 18 inches in width and 36 inches in length. One visible manufacturer s logo/trademark is allowed and may not exceed 2 ¼ square inches in any dimension. Scoring on a Try: A clarification was added that only Team A can score on a try (8-3-3). Play Cards: Play cards may only be worn on the wrist/arm. Play cards may not be attached to the belt or attached by a string and inside the jersey or pants. Horse Collar Tackle: It was clarified that it is a horse collar tackle foul if the inside back or side collar of the shoulder pads or jersey of the runner and

subsequently pull (backward or sideward) that opponent to the ground (horsecollar), even if possession is lost. The horse-collar foul is enforced as a live-ball foul. (9-4-3k). Hurdling: Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over a player who is still on his feet and is a foul (2-22, 9-4- 3d) Penalty: Personnel Foul Sig. 38. Eye Shade: If eye shade (grease or non-glare strips or stickers) is worn, it must be a solid stroke with no words, designs numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade or extending down. (1-5-3c3). Quarterback Pulling His Hands Out From Under the Center: As long as the quarterback pulls his hands out and does not show snap action, it is legal for the quarterback to pull his hands back out from under the center. This action could take place due to numerous situations: Calling an audible, requesting a timeout or redirecting a teammate(s). 8 Player Game Only: The 35 point rule will go into effect starting with the second quarter, not halftime like the 11 player rule. Clock will start the second quarter with the snap or once the ball is legally touched on a free kick. Note: (a) normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the point differential less than 35 points. NEW 8 & 11 player Rule: Once the 35 point rule goes into effect in a game, the clock will be stopped for any penalty enforcement, this applies at all levels 7-12. The clock will be restarted on the ready for play signal. Please understand the

clock will stop in a 35 point contest for penalty administration, timeout, after a score, intermission between quarters, extended injury time-out, anytime officials determine it necessary for safety reasons. 35-POINT DIFFERENTIAL RULE 11 Player Game Only: Anytime the score differential reaches 35 points or more, the clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped: 1. Any time-out charged to a team 2. After a score 3. Intermission between third and fourth quarters 4. Extended injury time-out. Only if we need to bring the coach out 5. Anytime officials determine it is necessary for safety reasons 6. Penalty administration (THIS APPLIES FOR 8 PLAYER & 11 PLAYER) Note: (a) normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the point differential less than 35 points. (b) use of this rule does not preclude the use of Rule 3-1-3 which reads: A period or periods may be shortened in any emergency, by agreement of the opposing coaches and referee. By mutual agreement of the opposing coach and the referee, remaining periods may be shortened at any time or the game may be terminated.

COACHES: This is a reminder to you that if you have any player who wears a Medical Alert bracelet or necklace, it is your responsibility to make medical personnel who are covering your contests aware of that fact so proper medical treatment may be given in the event of an injury. Playing rules specify that Medical Alert bracelets and necklaces must be taped to the body but may be visible. When verifying that all of your players are legally equipped prior to the contest, officials should be made aware of any tape covering a medical alert bracelet or necklace. VIDEOTAPING OR FILMING: Videotaping or filming is permissible in scouting your opponent. The host school shall be notified prior to the contest. Space for taping or filming for scouting is not required of the host school. Handheld 2014 FOOTBALL RULE CHANGES OFFICIALS: WHEN USING A MICROPHONE, IOWA WILL NOT ANNOUNCE THE PLAYERS NUMBER WHO COMMITTED THE FOUL WHEN PROVIDING THE PENALTY. FREE KICK RULE CHANGE (6-1-3); Free Kick Rule Addition: We will follow NFHS free kick rule; a free kick shall be made from any point between the hash marks and on K s free-kick line. A punt may NOT be used for a free kick other than after a safety. Once designated, K must kick from that spot. When a punt is used following a safety, the ball must be kicked within one step behind K s free-kick line. In an emergency, such as a pool of water on K s free kick line,

the referee has the authority to move the ball to a playable line, in which case, both free kick lines are moved to compensate. NEW: In the 11 player game there must be at least 4 members of the kicking team on each side of the kicker (3 in 8 player game). If a member of the free kick team is holding the ball for the kicker he is included in the count on the side of the ball he is located on in the 11 or 8 player game. Second, other than the kicker, no other members of the kicking team may be more than five yards behind the kicking team s free-kick line in the 11 or 8 player game, after the ball has been marked ready for play. A player other than the kicker satisfies this rule change when no foot is on or beyond the 5 yards behind K s free kick line. If one player is more than 5 yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a dead ball encroachment foul. PENALTY: Result is a dead ball foul for encroachment. The penalty is 5 yards. Officials early in the season can do some preventive officiating prior to the free kick ready for play whistle by reminding players they need four players (11 player game, 3-8 player game) on each side of the kicker. If no player on a free kick is more than 5 yards behind the free kick line, any player is eligible to kick the ball as long as the kicking team has at least 4 other players on either side of the player who kicks the ball, (3 in 8 player football). Field-Goal or Try from Any Distance: New manual indicates BJ & LJ will be under the crossbar. Iowa officials will use the same mechanic we have used in the past and will only have the BJ under the crossbar when the ball is snapped from beyond the 25 yard line. LJ or L will be under the crossbar on ay FG/PAT attempted from inside the 25 yard line. LJ/L, make sure if a team comes

out in a swinging-gate formation, you don t leave until the offensive team shifts back to kicking formation. 9-3-8; No member of the kicking team shall initiate contact to (block) an opponent on a free kick until: a. The legal kick has traveled 10 yards; b. The kicking team is eligible to recover a free kicked ball; or c. The receiving team initiates a block within the neutral zone (1-1-7) Game Officials Authority: Iowa rule is, the game officials authority begins when the crew enters the playing field to resume their pre-game duties, a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of the contest. (2-20-2) Targeting; Helmet Contact-illegal, targeting Art.2 Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders. (9-4-3m) Illegal Personal Contact 9-4 -3 PENALTY: Targeting an opponent (Art. 3m)-(Signal 38, Signal 24) 15 Yards The offending player may be disqualified if the foul is deemed to be flagrant. It should be pretty obvious if we are going to deem this flagrant. (2-24-9) Illegal Kick Status: Art.9 An illegal kick is any intentional striking of

the ball with the knee, lower leg or foot which does not comply with Articles 3 and 4. When the ball is loose following an illegal kick, it retains the same status as prior to the illegal kick. Understand, the illegal kick is a foul; the ball just retains the status as if an illegal kick never occurred. 2-32-16 Defenseless Player: Art. 16 A defenseless player is a player who because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. 3-3-3 &3-3-4 Rules regarding Extending a period Modified: Under the new wording, a period shall be extended for an untimed down if, during a down in which time expires, there was an inadvertent whistle; there was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted (exception: no extension for unsportsmanlike or non player fouls and fouls which include loss of down or which the penalty is a safety); there are double live ball fouls; or a touchdown is scored. If a touchdown is scored, the period is extended for the try except if the touchdown was scored on the last down of the fourth period and the try would not affect the game s outcome or playoff Qualification (Iowa 13 point rule). Also, the period is not extended further when the defense fouls during a successful try or field goal and the offended team accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot. The period is not extended if a penalty that has a loss-of-down provision is accepted. Any score by the fouling team is cancelled. Also, if any of the above occur during the untimed down, the procedure is repeated. 8-5-1/8-5-1b New; Force to accidental touching: Rule 8-5-1 regarding who is responsible for forcing a ball across a goal line has been divided into two subsections. The second subsection Rule 8-5-1b notes that the accidental touching

of a loose ball by a player who was blocked into the ball is ignored and does not constitute a new force. 9-4-3i(3) Section 4 Illegal Personal Contact; Art. 3 No player or non-player shall: Initiate illegal helmet contact. (butt block, face tackle or spear) 9-4-3 PENALTY Illegal helmet contact (Art. 3i)-(signal 24)- 15 yards 2015 NEW RULE CHANGES/REVISIONS (6-1-3;); FREE KICK RULE; Continuing the focus on minimizing risk, the NFHS Football Rules Committee adopted modifications to two rules that expand wording directed at player conduct. Those amendments were among several changes the committee approved during its annual meeting. The changes are presented in perceived order of Importance. UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS: The unnecessary roughness provisions were expanded. No player or non-player shall make any other contact with an opponent, including a defenseless player, which incites roughness. The additions of the words including a defenseless player and or excessive reflect the committee s desire to curtail unnecessary rough play. SPEARING (2-20-1C): The definition of spearing was expanded. It now states spearing is an act by a player who initiates contact against an opponent at the

shoulders or below with the crown (top Portion) of the helmet. FREE KICK RULE CHANGE FREE-KICK FORMATION (6-1-3, 6-1-4): The timing of the foul for not having at least four players on both sides of the kicker in the 11 player game (3 in 8 player game), has been changed from the ready signal to the time of the kick. Other elements of the formation rule no team K player other than the kicker or holder may be beyond the free-kick line and if one player is more than five yards behind the free kick line, he must kick the ball remains unchanged. The change continues to allow lateral movement by the kicking team within the five yard belt, but requires game officials to ascertain whether or not the formation is legal when the ball is kicked. Play 1: Team K lines up for a free kick from its own 40 yard-line. When the referee gives the ready signal, K1 is standing with both feet on team K s 33 yardline. All other players are standing with their feet straddling team K s 38 yard-line to K1 s left. As team K begins to move forward for the kick, four players move to K1 s right so that when the ball is kicked, there are four players to K1 s right and six to his left. RULING: Legal, Team K had at least four players on each side of the kicker when the ball was kicked. Play 2: Team K lines up for a free kick from its own 40 yard-line. When the referee gives the ready signal, K1 is standing with both feet on Team K s 33 yardline. All other players are standing with their feet straddling team K s 38 yard-line. There are four players to K1 s left and six to his right. K1 then moves several

yards to his left so he can approach the ball at an angle. When he does so, K2, who was on his immediate left, ends up on K1 s right. As team K begins to move forward for the kick, K1 passes to the right of K2 and K1 kicks the ball. RULING: Legal. Although there were only three players to K1 s left between the ready and the kick, team K had at least four players on each side of the kicker when the ball was kicked so the formation is lega (11 PLAYER)l. We will follow NFHS free kick rule; A free kick shall be made from any point between the hash marks and on K s free-kick line. A punt may NOT be used for a free kick other than after a safety. Once designated, K must kick from that spot. When a punt is used following a safety, the ball must be kicked within one step behind K s free-kick line. In an emergency, such as a pool of water on K s free kick line, the referee has the authority to move the ball to a playable line, in which case, both free kick lines are moved to compensate. ENFORCEMENT OF DEAD -BALL FOULS (10-2-5): The distance penalty for unsportsmanlike, non-player or dead ball fouls committed by teams can offset. Equal numbers of 15-yard penalties by both teams will cancel and remaining penalties may be enforced. If both teams commit unsportsmanlike, non- player or dead-ball personal fouls prior to the completion of administration for both fouls, the distance penalty for an equal number of 15-yard unsportsmanlike, non-player or dead-ball personal fouls will offset. Any remaining penalties will be enforced separately and in the order of occurrence. The trigger for determining when penalty administration is completed is the

referee signaling the foul (meaning referee has provided preliminary signal, penalty distance has been walked off and referee has provided final signal to press box). Understand even though one of these 15 yard penalties may be a half the distance penalty, has no bearing on offsetting 15 yard pealties. ROUGHING THE PASSER (9-4 Pen.) Last year, the committee made clear that personal fouls found in Rule 9-4 when committed against the passer (such as an illegal horse-collar tackle or grasped and twisted facemask were to be penalized as roughing the passer. In that way, the penalty would include an automatic first down. This year the committee clarified that even through an incidental (five yard) facemask grab is among the fouls listed in Rule 9-4, an automatic first down is not awarded for that foul against the passer. Play 8: Second and 10 at team A s 20 yard-line. B1 fouls passer A2 by (a) grasping but not turning and twisting A2 s facemask, or (b) grasping and twisting A2 s facemask. The legal forward pass is incomplete. RULING: In (a) the penalty is five yards only. If team A accepts the penalty, it will be second and five at team A s 25 yard-line. In (b), the foul is roughing the passer. That yields first and 10 for team A from its own 35 yard-line. CORRECTING DOWN ERROR (5-1-1B): The referee shall have the authority to correct the number of the next down prior to the ball becoming live after a new series of downs being awarded. PLAY 9: The down marker indicates third down. Team A throws an incomplete pass. When the game officials announce that it s fourth down, team A s coach

points out the error to the game officials. RULING: The mistake can be corrected. Play 10: The down marker indicates it s fourth down but it s actually third down. Team K punts and R1 makes a fair catch. Team R runs a play and then team K s coach points out the error to the officials. RULING: Because a new series has been awarded and the ball has become live with team R s snap, the mistake cannot be corrected. In 11 player game: There must be at least four members of the kicking team on each side of the kicker (three in the 8 player game) if a member of the free kick team is holding the ball for the kicker he is included in the count on the side of the ball he is located on) in the 11 or 8 player game. Second, other than the kicker, no other members of the kicking team may be more than five yards (touching the 35 yard- line with either foot) or beyond with either foot behind the kicking team s free-kick line in the 11 or 8 player game, after the ball has been marked ready for play. In both the 8 player and 11 player game, if the kicker on a free kick is lined up more the 5 yards behind the free kick line, He/she is the only person who may kick the football. Penalty: Dead ball foul when the ball is kicked-5 yard penalty. Until the ball has been kicked, no player, other than the kicker and the holder for a place kick may be beyond his free kick line (6-1-3b & c). A player other than the kicker satisfies this rule change when no foot is on or beyond the 5 yards behind K s free kick line. If one player is more than 5 yards behind the restraining line and any other player kicks the ball, it is a foul. PENALTY: Result is a dead ball foul for encroachment. The penalty is 5 yards.

Officials early in the season can do some preventive officiating prior to the free kick ready for play whistle by reminding players they need four players on each side of the kicker (11 player game 3 in 8 player game) when the ball is legally kicked. **Field-Goal or Try from Any Distance: New manual indicates BJ & LJ will be under the crossbar. Iowa officials will use the same mechanic we have used in the past and will only have the BJ under the crossbar when the ball is snapped from beyond the 25 yard line. 9-3-8 No member of the kicking team shall initiate contact to (block) an opponent on a free kick until: d. The legal kick has traveled 10 yards; e. The kicking team is eligible to recover a free kicked ball; or f. The receiving team initiates a block within the neutral zone (1-1- 7) Game Officials Authority: Iowa rule is, the game official s authority begins when the crew enters the playing field to resume their pre-game duties, a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of the contest. **(2-20-2) Targeting; Helmet Contact-illegal, targeting Art.2 Targeting is an act of taking aim and initiating contact to an opponent above the shoulders with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulders.

(9-4-3m) Illegal Personal Contact Art.333 No player or non-player shall: NEW (m) Target an opponent 9-4-3 PENALTY: Targeting an opponent (Art. 3m)-(Signal 38, signal 24) 15 Yards The offending player may be disqualified if the foul is deemed to be flagrant. (2-24- 9) Illegal Kick Status: Art.9 An illegal kick is any intentional striking of the ball with the knee, lower leg or foot which does not comply with Articles 3 and 4. When the ball is loose following an illegal kick, it retains the same status as prior to the illegal kick. Understand, the illegal kick is a foul, the ball just retains the status as if an illegal kick never occurred. ***2-32-16 Defenseless Player: Art. 16 A defenseless player is a player who because of his physical position and focus of concentration, is especially vulnerable to injury. 3-3-3 &3-3-4 Rules regarding Extending a period Modified: Under the new wording, a period shall be extended for an untimed down if, during a down in which time expires, there was an inadvertent whistle; there was a foul by either team and the penalty is accepted (exception: no extension for unsportsmanlike or non player fouls and fouls which include loss of down or which the penalty is a safety); there was a double foul; or a touchdown is scored. If a touchdown is scored, the period is extended for the try except if the touchdown was scored on

the last down of the fourth period and the try would not affect the game s outcome or playoff Qualification (Iowa 13 point rule). Also, the period is not extended further when the defense fouls during a successful try or field goal and the offended team accepts the results of the play with enforcement of the penalty from the succeeding spot. The period is not extended if a penalty that has a loss-of-down provision is accepted. Any score by the fouling team is cancelled. Also, if any of the above occur during the untimed down, the procedure is repeated. 8-5-1/8-5-1b New force to accidental touching: Rule 8-5-1 regarding who is responsible for forcing a ball across a goal line has been divided into two subsections. The second subsection Rule 8-5-1b notes that the accidental touching of a loose ball by a player who was blocked into the ball is ignored and does not constitute a new force. 9-4-3i(3) Section 4 Illegal Personal Contact; Art. 3 No player or non-player shall: Initiate illegal helmet contact. (butt block, face tackle or spear) NOTE: Illegal helmet contact may be considered a flagrant act. Acts to be considered flagrant include, but are not limited to: 1. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent lying on the ground 2. Illegal helmet contact against an opponent being held up by other players, and or 3. Illegal helmet-to-helmet contact against a defenseless opponent 9-4-3 PENALTY Illegal helmet contact (Art. 3i)-(signal 24)- 15 yards

Officials Black Nylon Officiating Pants: Beginning with the 2013 football season, football officials were provided the option of wearing white knickers with Northwestern stripe socks or black nylon officiating pants with solid black socks throughout the entire season, including play-offs (regardless of the weather). We require all varsity crews to wear the same officiating attire and strongly encourage lower level crews to dress alike, but we understand this is not always possible. Starting with the 2016 football season, all football officials will be required to wear the black nylon football officiating pants at all 9-12 football contests. The wide stripe shirts are permitted and all officials at the varsity level must wear the same size stripe shirts. In lower level contests, this regulation does not apply. Starting with the 2015-2016 football season, all tournament/play-off officials must have the IHSAA state of Iowa logo on their shirt. 2015 FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS: Officials and Coaches can also view additional information in our 2015 Football Highlights section on-line under sport/football. COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT: A coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the educational profession. In all personal contact with students, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, and state associations, media, and the public, the coach is expected to set an example of the highest ethical and moral ideals of character. Coach, you are representing your student athletes, program, school, administration and community. Do this in a way so that everyone will walk away with a positive memory.