2007 NFHS Football Rules Interpretation Meeting July 17, 2007 National Federation of State High School Associations 2007 NFHS Football Rules Interpretation Meeting July 17, 2007 2006-2007 NFHS FOOTBALL OFFICIAL’S MANUAL CHANGES/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2007 Dale Pleimann Assistant Executive Director Missouri State High School Activities Association

Officials Manual Committee Dale Pleimann – Missouri - - Chair Steve Stearns – California - - Vice Chair Ralph Damren – Maine Mike Webb – West Virginia Ralph Swearngin – Georgia Dave Anderson – Wisconsin Brian Michelotti – Montana Ron Ethridge – Oklahoma William Riccio, Jr., - - NFHS-OA

POINTS OF EMPHASIS 1) Coin toss mechanics. 2) Use of bean bag on backward passes beyond the line-of-scrimmage. 3) Focus on dead ball officiating which is approximately 75% of the game. 4) Eliminating the use of one handed signals when using finger whistles. 5) Identification of “new” head coach if the original head coach has been ejected or is unable to continue.

MANUAL REVISIONS Positioning On Scoring Kicks. The official joining the back judge behind the goal posts may be either the linesman or the line judge. The determining factor is the side of the field the referee will be facing when the kick is made. The referee takes up his usual position, facing the holder. The wing official facing the holder goes underneath. The wing official to the back of the holder stays on the line of scrimmage. The back judge moves to one upright or the other depending on which wing official is joining him.

QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS Would you favor, on scoring kicks, positioning only the back judge behind the goal posts when the ball is snapped outside the (15, 20 or 25) yard line?

QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS Would you favor officials throwing a flag on the 1st sideline warning?

QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS Would you favor uniform options similar to the NFL uniforms?

QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS Would you favor the back judge lining up on the end line when the ball is snapped from the 15-yard line or inside?

RECOMMENDED Upgrading and improving the diagrams in the Manual by: Utilizing the available space to a greater degree; Providing a sharper image; Providing a more professional appearance.

SUGGESTIONS or CONCERNS Contact: Dale Pleimann, Assistant Executive Director—Missouri State High School Activities Association (dale@mshsaa.org) 573-875-4880