Major Football Rule Changes for 2008 - PIAA & NFHS

Fouls on scoring plays:

Live-ball foul committed by the opponent of a team scoring a touchdown:

Previously could accept the TD and have the penalty enforced on the try

Last year, could accept the TD and have the penalty enforced on the "ensuing" kickoff. Word "ensuing" caused confusion.

This year, "ensuing" changed to "next", and it clearly states that if this happened on the last down of the 1st half the enforcement would be carried over to the 2nd half. It was also stated that if the situation happened at the end of the 2nd half that the enforcement could not carry over into overtime

Multiple foul definitions:

With the changes mentioned above, there was confusion about the following situation: A score a TD, but B committed a live-ball foul during the score. A asked to take the TD and carry over the enforcement to the kickoff. On the try, A scored, but B again committed a live-ball foul. The rules were clarified that A could have both fouls assessed on the kickoff.

Overtime time-outs:

The option to carry over unused 2nd half time outs into overtime has been removed by the Federation. In addition, unused overtime timeouts do not carry over to the next overtime period. Result: each team will be able to use exactly one time out per overtime period. (Note: since this is a recommended procedure, will have to wait for official word from PIAA on whether this will be the case for us.)

Pads:

Previously announced changes to the hand pads specifications have been pushed back to 2012.

Previously announced changes to forearm pads have been rescinded.

Note: PIAA has said it will adopt an experimental rule on kickoffs, but we have not received any guidance on the new rule yet.

2008 NFHS Football Rules Changes

1-2-3a: White is the recommended color for all field markings. The rule continues to allow the use of other colors for field markings, when appropriate.

1-2-3d; NEW 2-26-8: The restraining line can now be either solid or broken. It is recommended that a broken line be used and marked by placing 12-inch-long lines separated at 24-inch intervals. Only game officials are allowed in the area marked by the restraining line.

1-5-1b,d,h: Hip pads, tailbone protector, knee pads and thigh guards must not be altered from the manufacturer's original design/production. Shinguards, if worn, must meet NOCSAE specifications.

1-5-2b, NOTE: A hand pad is now defined as a covering for the hand which may have separate openings for each finger and thumb, is absent of any web-like material between the fingers and/or thumb, and not covering each finger and thumb. The implementation date for a mandatory securely attached label or stamp has been changed from 2008 to 2012.

2-16-2e; 3-3-4b; 8-2-2; 8-2-3; 10-2-4: Four changes in the playing rules were refined regarding the penalty options for teams that score but were fouled during the play. Rule 2-16-2e was clarified (along with Rule 10-2-4) to revise the definition of a multiple foul to stipulate that a team must foul twice during the same down to commit multiple fouls. Rule 3-3-4b was amended to clarify issues at the end of the half, and along with amendments to Rules 8-2-2 and 8-2-3, clearly stipulate that fouls by the opponent of the scoring team on the last timed down of the first half can carry over to the second-half kickoff, however fouls by the opponent of the scoring team on the last timed down of the second half cannot carry over to overtime.

3-5-1: The option to carry over unused second-half time-outs into overtime has been removed. The NFHS-recommended Resolving Tied Games procedure continues to provide for one time-out per overtime period with the revisions stipulating that unused time-outs do not carry to subsequent overtime periods.

3-5-2a, NOTE: The head coach can now designate another coach for the purpose of requesting time-outs. The designee shall remain in place for the entire game except in case of emergency.

4-2-3: The inadvertent whistle rule has been clarified. The new wording indicates the options available in a simpler form and makes the choosing of an option an easier process to understand.

9-9 PENALTY: Hiding the ball under the jersey will now be enforced as a basic spot foul using the all-but-one principle.

New 9-9-4; 9-9 PENALTY: No player shall use a kicking tee in violation of Rule 1-3-4. The use of an illegal kicking tee will now be penalized as an unfair act committed by the player. Acceptance of this foul on a try or field goal will nullify any points scored, with the penalty enforced as a basic spot foul using the all-but-one principle.