RULE CHANGES, POE’S & UIL EXCEPTIONS 2019 RULE CHANGES, POE’S & UIL EXCEPTIONS

Player Possession (Rule 2-4-1-a) "The ball is in player possession when a player has the ball firmly in his grasp by holding or controlling it with hand(s) or arm(s) while contacting the ground inbounds” Added the highlighted text. Makes clear, you can’t have “possession “ with your legs

Catch (Rule 2-4-3-a) “To catch a ball means that a player: Secures firm control with the hand(s) or arm(s) of a live ball in flight before the ball touches the ground, and…” Added the highlighted text. Makes clear, you can’t catch with your legs and catch includes FIRM control

Forward Pass (Rule 2-19-2-b) “When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the NZ, any intentional forward movement of his hand with the ball firmly in his control starts the forward pass… ...unless the player clearly starts to bring the ball back with firm control to his body.” New language on next slide

Out of Bounds (Rule 4-2-4-b) “The most forward point of the ball when declared out of bounds between the goal lines is the point of forward progress. EXCEPTION: When a ball carrier is airborne as he crosses the sideline (including a striding runner) forward progress is determined by the position of the ball as it crosses the sideline.” Added the highlighted language. We likely officiated this way already. A striding runner is considered in same way as an airborne runner who crosses the sideline.

Extra Periods (Rule 3-1-3-f) 2 minute rest period after 2nd and 4th extra periods if there is no media timeout 5th Extra Period and beyond: Teams run alternating 2 point plays (no kicks) Start at 3 yard line (unless relocated by a penalty)

Extra Periods (1A Football) (Rule 3-1-3-f) 2 minute rest period after 2nd and 4th extra periods if there is no media timeout 5th Extra Period and beyond: Teams run alternating 1 point plays (no kicks) Start at 7 yard line (unless relocated by a penalty)

10 Second Subtraction Previous UIL Exceptions #35, #37, #38, and #39 – all in relation to the 10 second runoff – have been deleted. Effective for the 2019-20 School Year, the 10 second runoff option will be applied in UIL games as written in NCAA Rule 3 (3-3-5, 3-3-9, & 3-4-4)

10 Second Subtraction 3 Criteria to have the runoff: Game clock must be running Must be less than 1 minute remaining in 1st or 2nd half 1 team has following: Has an injured player OR Has a player lose his helmet during play (not due to a foul) OR Commits a foul that causes clock to stop

10 Second Subtraction NOTES: If there are items from the list by BOTH teams, there is NO option for the runoff If the runoff reason is injury or helmet off, and clock is also stopped because another reason (incomplete pass, first down, out of bounds, etc): NO option for runoff

10 Second Subtraction Teams can use a charged timeout to avoid the runoff (game clock will start on the snap) This charged timeout can serve 2 purposes: avoid the subtraction AND keep the player in the game if he went out due to helmet off (AR 3-3-9-IV) Injured player CANNOT be bought back in

10 Second Subtraction Player injuries with less than one minute in the half (3-3-5) Opposing team is given option for the 10 second subtraction If subtraction chosen, game clock starts on Referee signal If not chosen, game clock starts on snap REMEMBER: If injury is to defensive team, 40 second play clock If injury to offensive team, 25 second play clock

10 Second Subtraction Helmet comes off (not due to foul) with less than one minute in half (3-3-9) Opposing team is given option for the 10 second subtraction If subtraction chosen, game clock starts on Referee signal If not chosen, game clock starts on snap REMEMBER: If helmet off on defensive team, 40 second play clock If helmet off on offensive team, 25 second play clock

10 Second Subtraction Certain fouls with less than one minute in the half and before a change of team possession (3-4-4) The foul must cause the clock to stop immediately. Examples: Foul that prevents the snap, false start, offside with contact, etc Intentional grounding to stop the clock Incomplete illegal forward pass Any foul committed with intent of stopping the clock

10 Second Subtraction Certain fouls with less than one minute in the half and before a change of team possession (3-4-4) Offended team can accept the penalty but decline the subtraction If offended team declines the penalty, subtraction is declined by rule If subtraction chosen, game clock starts on Referee signal If not chosen, game clock starts on snap

10 Second Subtraction Issues: New habits for us and clock operators to get into Mechanics for communicating among ourselves and to clock operator Getting coaches used to thinking of their options Applies at subvarsity and varsity

10 Second Subtraction VIDEO This video from a Texas HS playoff game in 2012 exemplifies why this 10 sec subtraction is important and how it can change the outcome of a game.

Wedges on KO’s (Rule 6-1-10) Wedge = 2 or more players aligned shoulder to shoulder within 2 yards of each other are now illegal Live ball foul, with or without contact Same penalty: 15 yards from spot of foul or from where dead ball belongs to B if behind spot of foul 15 yards from prev spot if dead ball belongs to A.

Wedges on KO’s (Rule 6-1-10) Formation of the wedge is not illegal when the kick is from an obvious onside kick formation. “There is no foul if the play results in a touchback, free kick out of bounds, or fair catch.”

Wedge Blocking VIDEO

Ineligible Downfield (Rule 7-3-10) “EXCEPTION: If the passer is legally throwing the ball away and the ball lands near or beyond the sideline.” Added the highlighted language as an exception to the rule. We officiated this way by philosophy but now have the actual rule to support that philosophy. SO even if there are ineligibles downfield , when the passer is legally throwing the ball away and it lands near or outside a sideline, do not flag (or wave off any flag that was thrown) for ineligible downfield.

Targeting (Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4) NCAA Instant Replay Related IR must confirm or overturn, no option for stands as called

Targeting (Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4) New UIL Exception to Penalty Targeting will be a flagrant personal foul or non-flagrant (simple) personal foul Flagrant: No doubt there was a targeting foul and action that could cause catastrophic injury to either player All previous penalties apply (DQ, auto 1st, 15 yds) Non-flagrant: Close call - player safety in mind 15 yds and auto 1st If player commits 2 non-flagrant in game = DQ Since only the Championship games in UIL games have the benefit of video review, this change has little effect on our game. However, in an effort to encourage high school officials to flag more potential targeting fouls as well as to try to ensure players are not routinely ejected for what could be a mistaken targeting call, the UIL has made a significant change to how we will handle the foul in our games. This season we will have 2 types of targeting, the “simple” targeting will be when a hit looks like targeting but the officials can’t be absolutely sure all the required elements for targeting are present. The penalty for that foul will be 15 yards with an automatic first down for fouls by the defense. If a player is flagged twice in a game for this foul he will be disqualified. If a player is flagged for “flagrant” targeting, the current penalties will be applied and he will be disqualified immediately. Officials will be expected to confer after a targeting foul is called and report to the referee whether it is a “simple” or “flagrant” targeting. Flagrant targeting will be called in those instances where there is no doubt about the targeting foul and where the hit could cause catastrophic injury to the player being hit or delivering the hit. This change was made at the request of the THSCA as many of their members did not think targeting was being called when it should be. By eliminating the automatic DQ, it was thought officials might be more willing to flag the act.

Targeting (Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4) “Crew Call” We MUST confer on all these calls Ensure you make note of each Targeting call (time, period, # of player) as 2nd will require DQ NOTE: This does NOT combine with UNS fouls to count towards auto DQ. 2 “simple” targeting fouls = Auto DQ 2 UNS fouls = Auto DQ 1 “simple” targeting + 1 UNS = NO Auto DQ

Targeting (Rules 9-1-3 and 9-1-4) Announcing: Flagrant: Targeting, # & team, penalty. Include “This was a flagrant personal foul, by rule, # is disqualified.” Non Flagrant: Targeting, # & team, penalty. This was #’s first targeting foul of the game (or this was #’s second targeting foul of the game, by rule # is disqualified).

Targeting CFO VIDEO

Targeting TASO VIDEO

Blocking Below Waist - Defense (Rule 9-1-6-b-1) The defense can still block below the waist within the 10 yard zone they have, but… Blocks must be “from the front” (i.e. 10-2)

Leaping (Rule 9-1-11-b) “It is a foul if a defensive player moves forward and tries to block a kick or an apparent kick on a field goal or a try by leaving his feet and leaping….” Added highlighted text. There were some who thought if there was leaping but Team A did not actually kick but ran some sort of fake or had a busted play on the field goal or try, there could be no foul for leaping. This editorial change makes clear it will be a foul even if there was just the apparent intention to kick.

Blindside Blocks (Rules 2-3-7 & 9-1-18) Definition: “open field block against an opponent that is initiated from outside the opponent’s field of vision, or otherwise in such a manner that the opponent cannot reasonably defend himself against the block. (Exceptions: (1) the runner; (2) a receiver in the act of attempting to make a catch.)”

Blindside Blocks (Rules 2-3-7 & 9-1-18) Blindside blocks are legal, BUT… Can’t be made with “forcible contact” PENALTY: 15 yds and auto 1st NOTE: Can also have blindside block with targeting which could result in a DQ

Blindside Blocks (New AR 9-1-18-I) B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up- field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind-side and blocks A88: (a) with extended hands. (b) with a screen type block. (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88. (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the ball to the A-20.

Blindside Blocks (New AR 9-1-18-I) B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up- field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind-side and blocks A88: (a) with extended hands. No Foul (b) with a screen type block. (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88. (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the ball to the A-20.

Blindside Blocks (New AR 9-1-18-I) B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up- field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind-side and blocks A88: (a) with extended hands. No Foul (b) with a screen type block. No Foul (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88. (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the ball to the A-20.

Blindside Blocks (New AR 9-1-18-I) B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up- field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind-side and blocks A88: (a) with extended hands. No Foul (b) with a screen type block. No Foul (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88. Personal foul, BSB. 15-yard penalty from spot of foul. (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the ball to the A-20.

Blindside Blocks (New AR 9-1-18-I) B44 intercepts the pass of A12 at the B-20 and turns back up- field on the return. During the return, B21 approaches A88 at midfield from the blind-side and blocks A88: (a) with extended hands. No Foul (b) with a screen type block. No Foul (c) by attacking with forcible contact with his shoulder into the chest of A88. Personal foul, BSB. 15-yard penalty from spot of foul. (d) by attacking with forcible contact with the shoulder into the head of A88. B44 returns the ball to the A-20. Personal foul, BSB with flagrant targeting. 15-yards from spot of foul. B21 is DQ.

Blindside Blocks CFO VIDEO

Blindside Blocks TASO VIDEO

Points of Emphasis Sidelines: Keep up the work to keep them clear, especially during play and as a play ends

Points of Emphasis Targeting: DON’T hesitate to throw flag if you think it is there Make each of these calls a crew call. Someone else may have seen something, even if just part of the action. DISCUSS! Do the Incident Report

Points of Emphasis 10 Second Subtraction Ensure clock operators are prepared Have a system in place for communicating it Make sure crew knows when you are under 1 minute

Points of Emphasis Contrasting jersey number colors If you can’t make out the numbers from 40 yards away they don’t contrast

For any questions or clarifications, Contact football@taso.org

2019 TASO FOOTBALL MECHANICS CHANGES

All Crew Sizes Incident Reporting: Include ALL targeting fouls called, not just those that result in a disqualification (all levels, not just Varsity)

Incident Reporting Review Incident Report required for “anything that disrupts the normal flow of the game” includes: Abuse of officials by anyone Fighting by anyone Serious injuries Unsafe playing conditions Halftime lasting longer than 28 minutes (varsity) Coach or player disqualifications (all levels) ALL targeting fouls ALL 15 yard penalties involving the sidelines ALL Unsportsmanlike Conduct fouls in subvarsity games Any Varsity game where there is no Game Administrator

Incident Reporting Review Any official directly involved in the reportable event must complete a report (via TASO or UIL website links) Officials should also notify their Chapter leadership of report filing

Crews of 5 UMPIRE INITIAL POSITION: On plays from scrimmage, other than obvious punt plays, the Umpire’s zone for initial positioning has been extended and is now five to ten yards from the line of scrimmage. (6-3-A) (11-1-E) Adjust distance behind the defensive line according to width of Team A's formation and, except on goal line or try situations be at least five, but no more than ten yards deep.

Crews of 7 Sideline Swap of short and deep wings 1st Half: 2nd Half: L & F sideline opposite press box H & S on press box sideline 2nd Half: Original 7 Man Mechanics placement Other than responsibility for chains, all other mechanics and keys for each position remain the same regardless of side of field  BASIC POSITIONS: For the first half, the Line Judge and Field Judge will be positioned on the sideline opposite the press box and the Line Judge will be responsible for operation of the chains. Beginning with the second half kickoff, and continuing through the end of the game, the Head Linesman and Side Judge will be positioned on the sideline opposite the press box and the Head Linesman will be responsible for operation of the chains. Other than the operation and responsibility for the chains, all other mechanics and keys related to the specific positions do not change, regardless of the sideline the official is working.  

Crews of 7 Forward Passes Formations with 3 or more receivers on one side: Normal key for F/S is #1 receiver from sideline H/L will take #2 receiver from sideline B will take #3/#4 from sideline  FORWARD PASSES: On sets with three or more receivers on one side of the formation, normal keys for Line Judge and Head Linesman is the second receiver from the sideline and the Back Judge’s keys are the are the third (and fourth) receiver from the sideline on the strong side of the field. (13-1)

For any questions or clarifications, Contact football@taso.org

UIL/TAPPS/TCAL/SPC EXCEPTIONS TO NCAA FOOTBALL RULES 2019 This presentation will cover all the exceptions to NCAA football playing rules used in Texas high school football. The majority of these have been in place for years. Any that are new or which have been edited for this season have the year “2018” on the slide.

In all instances where “NCAA sanctions” appears, the sanctioning high school association rules will govern

1-1-1-a ARTICLE 1. a. The game shall be played between two teams of no more than 11 players each, on a rectangular field and with an inflated ball having the shape of a prolate spheroid Change to no more than 6 players in 6-man games. Team must have 6 to start the game. If they get to 3 or fewer, game should be suspended.

1-1-1-a NOTE: Additional UIL Exceptions to NCAA Football rules are addressed in the UIL Six Man Football Rules Exceptions

1-1-7-a, b, c Does not apply to Tx HS games Member Institutions Subject to the Rules ARTICLE 7. a. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations shall conduct all contests under the official football-playing rules of the Association. b. NCAA-affiliated officiating organizations shall use the current Football Officials Manual published under the jurisdiction of the College Football Officiating (CFO), LLC. c. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations not complying with NCAA football-playing rules that do not have a designated penalty are subject to NCAA sanctions. Does not apply to Tx HS games

Change “mandatory” to “recommended”. 1-2-1-b, c b. Twenty-four inch short yard-line extensions, four inches inside the sidelines and at the inbounds lines, are mandatory; and all yard lines shall be four inches from the sidelines (Rule 2-12-6). c. A solid white area between the sideline and the coaching line is mandatory. Change “mandatory” to “recommended”. ****REMINDER: Even if they do not have the solid white area marked, that is the restricted zone where only officials can be during play. ******

1-2-3-a Limit Lines ARTICLE 3. a. Limit lines shall be marked with 12-inch lines and at 24-inch intervals 12 feet outside the sidelines and the end lines, except in stadiums where total field surface does not permit. In these stadiums … Change 1st sentence to: It is recommended that limit lines be marked with 12 inch lines at 24 inch intervals 12 feet outside the sidelines and the end lines, except in field where the total field surface does not permit.

Limit of 60 individuals not in full uniform is waived. 1-2-4-b b. The team area shall be limited to squad members in full uniform and a maximum of 60 other individuals directly involved in the game. ‘Full uniform’ is defined as being equipped in accord with NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations, and ready to play. The 60 individuals not in full uniform shall wear special team area credentials numbered 1 through 60. No other credential is valid for the team area.. Limit of 60 individuals not in full uniform is waived.

1-2-5-a Goals ARTICLE 5. a. Each goal shall consist of two white or yellow uprights extending at least 30 feet above the ground with a connecting white or yellow horizontal crossbar, the top of which is 10 feet above the ground. The inside of the uprights and crossbar shall be in the same vertical plane as the inside edge of the end line. (See Appendix D) Add: In Tx HS games 30 foot uprights are recommended, 20 foot uprights are mandatory.

1-2-5-b b. Above the crossbar, the uprights shall be white or yellow and 18 feet, six inches apart inside to inside. Change to: ”Above the crossbar the uprights shall be white or yellow and 23 feet 4 inches apart inside to inside. (EXCEPTION: When HS’s are playing on collegiate fields, those posts can be used with mutual agreement)

1-2-6 Pylons ARTICLE 6. (summarized) 8 pylons, red or orange in color, shall be placed at the inside corners of the eight intersections of the sidelines with the goal lines and end lines. 4 pylons marking inbounds lines (hashes) will be placed three feet off the end lines… Add: 12 pylons recommended, but 8 pylons on each end zone placed at the inside corners of the intersections of the side lines with the goal lines and end lines is mandatory.

1-3-1-j and k Does not apply to Tx HS games. Professional football logos are prohibited. Advertising is prohibited on the ball [Exceptions: (1) Ball manufacturer’s name or logo, and (2) AFCA]. Does not apply to Tx HS games.

1-3-2-a ARTICLE 2. a. The referee shall test and be sole judge of no more than six balls offered for play by each team before and during the game. The referee may approve additional balls if warranted by conditions (A.R. 1-3-2-I). Add to the end of the first sentence: “It is mandatory that at least one ball be offered for play. It is recommended that each team offer at least two balls.” The Exceptions say each team is recommended to provide 2 balls. But, the UIL Football manuals says home team will provide at least 3 balls and visitors may provide at least 3 also.

Composition balls are illegal . There is no UIL exception on composition balls so they remain illegal

1-3-2-g Add: “If balls are available and ball persons are used.” g. When the ball becomes dead in a side zone, is unfit for play, is subject to measurement in a side zone or is inaccessible, a replacement ball shall be obtained from a ball person (A.R. 1-3-2-I). Add: “If balls are available and ball persons are used.”

1-4-2-d d. When a player enters the game after changing his jersey number, he must report to the referee, who then informs the opposing head coach and announces the change. A player who enters the game after changing his number and does not report commits a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Jersey The change is announced IF the Referee has a microphone. But even if he does not, the opposing coach must be informed. Do not stop the game clock or play clock to do either of these. Add: “The announcement of the change is dependent upon whether a referee microphone is being utilized.”

1-4-4-h h. All squad members must wear visible socks or leg coverings that are identical -in color and design. Exceptions: Unaltered knee braces, tape or a bandage to protect or prevent an injury, and barefoot kickers) Add an exception: White sweat socks may be worn regardless of what other players are wearing

1-4-5-a-2 Replace entire para with the following : Jersey 2. Other than the player’s number, the jersey may only contain: Player’s name, School name, NCAA logo, Sleeve stripes, Logo for school, conference, mascot, post-season game, memorial, the military, American flag, State flag Jersey Replace entire para with the following :

1-4-5-a-2 2. Other than the player’s number, the jersey may only contain: Player’s name, or, words that reflect positive values, such as “Honor”, “Integrity”, “Courage”, etc., substituted for the player’s name on the back of the jersey (by local district approval); School name; Mascot name; UIL Logo; Sleeve stripes; Logo for school, conference, mascot, postseason-game, memorial, the military; Team slogan/acronym (by local district approval); Letter “C” to ID team captain; American flag; State flag Jersey In 2018 UIL added the Mascot name and the letter “C” as things that could be on the jersey. Remember in 2017, the UIL permitted teams to use words that reflect positive values such as “Honor”. “Integrity”, “Courage” etc. in place of the player’s name on the jerseys. They can also put team slogans and acronyms on the jerseys. Regardless of what is written on the jersey, as long as the numeral requirements are met, do not penalize the team or prohibit the jerseys. If there is any question about what is written, allow them to play and complete a UIL Incident Report.

1-4-5-b-2 Color 2. The visiting team shall wear white jerseys; however, the home team may wear white jerseys if the teams have agreed in writing before the season.

1-4-5-b-2 Add: “EXCEPTION: Light colored jerseys, instead of white, are acceptable if jersey colors of the teams are obviously contrasting colors with clearly visible numbers Home teams are required to make any changes necessary.”

1-4-5-c-1 1. Numerals. The jersey must have clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals measuring at least 8 and 10 inches in height front and back, respectively, of a color which itself is clearly in distinct contrast with the color of the jersey, irrespective of any border around the number. Jersey This is the NCAA rule as written

1-4-5-c-2 2. Teams wearing jerseys/numerals that do not conform to this rule will be asked to change into legal jerseys before the game and before the start of each quarter until the jerseys are changed. Officials shall charge a team timeout at the start of ea quarter the illegal jerseys are worn. Jersey This is the NCAA rule as written . The UIL exception for this season has changed slightly and will be seen on the next slide. However, teams not in compliance should be penalized as per the NCAA rule.

1-4-5-c-2 Exception for Tx HS: Add Note to read: Note: Numerals must be “clearly visible” on the field and from press box level – i.e., coaches, media, etc., can clearly see the numerals from the press box, and the numerals are clearly visible on film. The Exception pertaining to the jersey number was modified last season to remove the previous exception. It now allows for the enforcement of the rule as written by the NCAA.  A note has been included to try to clarify the definition of “clearly visible”,

Jersey Approvals Numerous jersey reviews in 2017 From coaches and from incident reports Document showing those deemed illegal on TASO website – continually updated footballjerseyquestions@gmail.com TASO reviewed numerous jerseys last year after submissions by officials and schools of questionable jerseys. Those that have been deemed to be “illegal” are on a document on the TASO website. Not all jerseys have been reviewed so just because one is not listed does not mean it is legal. Anyone with a question about jersey legality can email this address

1-4-5-c-2 (cont.) Effective for the 2020 season, the numerals on white or light colored jerseys must be black or dark color; numerals on dark colored jerseys must be white or light color.)” the note also states that effective 2020,  white or light colored jerseys must have black or dark colored numbers – dark colored jerseys must have white or light colored numbers.  

1-4-6-a-1 1. Solid white towels no smaller than 4” X 12” and no larger than 6” by 12” with no words, symbols, letters, or numbers. Towels may bear the team logo. Exception for Tx HS: Towels may be school color and may contain school name, school initials or mascot insignia. Towels may not contain numbers.

1-4-6-c Eye shields must be clear, not tinted, and made from molded or rigid material. Eyeglasses and goggles must be clear and not tinted. No medical exceptions are allowed.. NCAA Rule as written

the UIL permits medical waivers so kid scan use tinted visors, tinted glasses, and football goggles. The team must present a signed and approved UIL medical authorization form prior to the game.

1-4-6-c Exception for Tx HS: A player can participate in UIL game with tinted eye shields, glasses, or goggles, if player has been issued a current season UIL Medical Exemption Form that allows his/her participation.

1-4-6-c Exception for Tx HS: Prior to start of each game, the HC must present to R a copy of the properly completed UIL Medical exemption Form that allows player to participate with the equipment. If form is not presented until after game starts, the player may not participate.

1-4-8-a Tx HS Exception: Elastic ankle coverings/spats are allowed. a. No player wearing illegal equipment shall be permitted to play. Tx HS Exception: Elastic ankle coverings/spats are allowed.

1-4-11-c- Exception 3 A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to the cap of any official with prior approval of the conference and the participating institutions. Tx HS Exception: A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to the cap of any official with prior approval of the official, the UIL and the participating institutions. The NCAA rule used to permit the camera on the umpire. This year they are allowing it to be on any official. The UIL exception simply adds the official and UIL to list of who must approve before it is done. COOPER TO CHECK WTH UI

1-4-13 Tx HS Exception: Microphones are recommended. 1-4-13. A microphone is mandatory for the referee to be used for all game announcements. It is strongly recommended that it be a lapel-type microphone. The microphone must be controlled by the referee. It may not be open at other times. Tx HS Exception: Microphones are recommended. Microphones are recommended, not mandatory. Referees are encouraged to take advantage of the microphone and use them when provided. Many types of game announcements can help the crew inform the crowd and teams when unusual situations occur. They are also a way to quickly communicate clock corrections to clock operators.

1-4-13 1-4-13. A microphone is mandatory for the referee to be used for all game announcements. It is strongly recommended that it be a lapel-type microphone. The microphone must be controlled by the referee. It may not be open at other times. Exception Cont.: If a microphone is used, the referee is not prohibited by UIL or NCAA from announcing the number of the player committing any foul. There was a change last year that made clear neither NCAA nor UIL rules prohibit the announcing of a fouling player’s number. Until 2013 , the UIL exception specifically forbid announcing the numbers. Referees are encouraged to announce fouling player numbers when possible. It is understood that the crew may not get the number at times, or a game site administrator may have requested it not be done, or there may be some other reason a number can’t be announced. These situations will likely be rare and so in most cases, referees should be announcing player numbers. Referees should not allow the announcing of numbers to become a distracting issue to the officiating of the game.

2-16-4-a Place Kick ARTICLE 4. a. A field goal place kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession while the ball is controlled on the ground by a teammate. Change to : A field goal place kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession while the ball is controlled on the ground or a tee by a teammate. If a tee is used, it shall not elevate the ball’s lowest point more than 2 inches above the ground. Texas high school players are permitted to use kicking tees on field goal attempts . However, the tee cannot put the lowest point of the ball more than 2 inches off the ground.

2-27-12-b Disqualified Player b. A disqualified player must leave the playing enclosure within a reasonable amount of time after his disqualification. He must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision for the duration of the game. In Texas high school football, we do not want disqualified players leaving the field unsupervised so this exception is in place. The player can remain on the sideline. Tx HS Exception: Does not apply

2-29-1 Game Clock 1. The game clock is any device under the direction of the appropriate official used to time the 60 minutes of the game. Our varsity games are only 48 minutes compared to the 60 minute college games. Tx HS Exception: Change “60” to “48”

2-29-2 Play Clock 2. Each stadium shall have a visual play clock at each end of the playing enclosure. The play clock must be capable of counting down from both 40 seconds and 25 seconds. Tx HS Exception: The visual play clocks are recommended but not mandatory. If they do have them, the clocks must be capable of counting down from 25 AND 40 This exception was changed previously as we moved to using 40 second play clocks. Schools still do not have to have visual play clocks but if they do have them, they can only be used if they can count down from 40 seconds and 25 seconds.

3-1-1-a Tx HS Exception: Does not apply a. Prior to regular season games, teams may have access to the field for pregame warm-ups until at least 22 minutes before the opening kickoff. This may be altered in advance through written mutual agreement of the teams. Game management personnel are responsible for administering this rule. Tx HS Exception: Does not apply college teams must be permitted to use the field for pre-game warm-ups up to at least 22 minutes before kickoff. They can’t be forced to leave the field any earlier than that. However, we will not follow that rule in Texas high school football.

3-1-1-c First and Third Periods c. Three minutes before the scheduled starting time, the referee shall toss a coin at midfield in the presence of no more than four field captains from each team and another game official, first designating the field captain of the visiting team to call the coin toss. Tx HS Exception: “It is recommended that the coin toss be conducted at midfield three minutes before the scheduled game time.” Texas high schools are recommended to conduct coin tosses at 3 minutes prior to the kickoff. However, they may do them at any time both coaches agree to. In some places, coin tosses are conducted with just the coaches and officials 30 minutes before kickoff in end zones or near dressing facilities. The toss is re-enacted using the captains at 3 minutes before kickoff.

3-1-3 Extra Periods ARTICLE 3. The NCAA tiebreaker system will be used when a game is tied after four periods. NCAA football-playing rules apply, with the following exceptions: Tx HS Exception: Use the NCAA tiebreaker procedures with additional exceptions

Coin Toss Exception (3-1-3-b) Instead of taking captains to middle of field for coin toss, take head coaches

2019 1A Football Exception (3-1-3) Instead of starting at the 3 in the 5th Extra Period, start at the 7. Must run 1 point play (no kicks)

Positive Point Scenarios and PAT’s Exception Applies to any game where the District uses the Positive Points tiebreaker formula. If scoring team elects to play the PAT, it is played If defense refuses to play, 2 points are awarded to scoring team , without requiring a snap. Although not a part of Rule 3, it is important to remember that in Texas high school football, we will often have to allow the extra point play to be run even though the game has been decided. That is because many districts use positive points tiebreakers so the final score difference may be critical in determining playoff eligibility and placement. This applies even in tiebreaker extra periods.

3-2-1 Length of Periods and Intermissions ARTICLE 1. The total playing time in a collegiate game shall be 60 minutes, divided into four periods of 15 minutes each, with one-minute intermissions between the first and second periods (first half) and between the third and fourth periods (second half) Tx HS varsity game are 48 minutes divided into four 12 minute quarters. In sub-varsity games, periods may be shortened by mutual consent of the schools. We continue to use 4 12-minute quarters for a total of 48 minutes playing time. In subvarsity games, the periods are even shorter, assuming mutual agreement between the coaches.

3-2-1-b b. The intermission between halves, which begins when the field is clear of all players and coaches, shall be 20 minutes. b. The maximum intermission between halves shall be 28 minutes for regular season games and 24 minutes for post-season games. The intermission between halves for post-season games may be 28 minutes if mutually agreed upon by both schools. c. Halftime of State Championship games shall be 24 minutes. There is a change this year in the Exception related to halftime length. In an effort to reduce game toimes of playoff games, especially the televised championship ones, halftimes there are shortened to 24 minutes. If halftime runs beyond the allotted time we should do an incident report.

3-3-2-d-2 Starts on the Snap. For each of the following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game clock will start on the snap: 2. With fewer than 2 mins remaining in a half a Team A ball carrier , fumble or backward pass is ruled out of bounds. (Exception: After a Team A forward fumble, the clock starts on the referee’s signal). The UIL rules committee continues to believe there is no problem with game length so the exception related to starting the clock after a ball carrier, fumble or backwards pass ruled out of bounds remains. We will not restart the game clock in the situations noted in this rule section. If Team A’s fumble goes forward and out of bounds, the clock WILL restart on the ready for play, assuming A is still in possession for the next down. Tx HS Exception: Applies at all times, not just within last 2 mins. of half

3-3-2-e-3 Starts on the Referee’s Signal. For each of the following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game clock will start on the referee’s signal: 3. Other than with fewer than 2 mins remaining in a half a Team A ball carrier , fumble or backward pass is ruled out of bounds. As previously discussed, this part of the NCAA game is not applicable in Texas high school football. The rule is in the NCAA game to help reduce the total length of the game. It has been determined that is not an issue in our game so we continue to have this exception Tx HS Exception: Does not apply as clock starts on the snap even with more than 2 minutes remaining

Rule 3: Periods, Time Factors and Substitutions 3-3-3-c: This refers to the winner of a terminated game and does not concern the officials. This is directed toward ADs.

2019 Effective for the 2019-20 School Year, the 10 second runoff option will be applied in UIL games as written in NCAA Rule 3 (3-3-5, 3-3-9, 3-4-3, & 3-4-4) In the college game, when a player is injured there are certain provisions that kick in and direct how the play clock should be set as well as running time off the game clock in some scenarios. The high school exception folllows

3-3-7-b Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not apply b. For live televised games only, a charged team timeout shall be 30 seconds plus the 25-second play clock interval. Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not apply

6-1-1 Tx HS Exception: Change “35 yard line” to “40 yard line” ARTICLE 1. ….Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking team’s restraining line on a kickoff shall be its 35-yard line, and for a free kick after a safety, its 20-yard line. Tx HS Exception: Change “35 yard line” to “40 yard line”

8-3-2-a Try Downs a. The ball shall be put in play by the team that scored a six-point TD. If a TD is scored during a down in which the 4th period expires, the try shall not be attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game. Exception: If the scoring team is ahead they have the option to forego the try. There was a NCAA rule change this year that now allows a team to forego the try if they score a TD on the last play of the game and they are ahead in score. The UIL exception regarding games played under “positive points” tie breaker rules stays in force.

8-3-2-a Tx HS Exception: Varsity games in districts with “positive points” tie breakers will do the following (also in Extra Periods) Varsity district games using “positive points” tie breaking criteria will use the following exception

8-3-2-a Coaches inform referee in pre-game that the district uses “positive points” tie breaker Even if not given until later in the game, the following will apply: If TD scored on down when time expires, the scoring team can choose to play the try down. If defense refuses to play, award 2 points without a snap required. Coaches in the game should inform the referee before the game (pre game conference) that the game will be played using the UIL "positive points" exception. Failure to notify the referee prior to the coin toss does not negate specific District Executive Committee rules relating to "positive points". If notification is given to the referee at any point, the tie game will be played with the following exception to rule 8-3-2-a:   If a touchdown is scored during a down in which time in the fourth period expires, the scoring team may elect to play the try down. If the team on defense refuses to play the try down, the Referee may award the number of points the team could have scored had the defense played the try down without the snap of the ball being required.

9-1-3 & 9-1-4 Targeting With Crown of Helmet & Targeting Head/Neck Area Penalty Statements: NCAA rules provide for disqualification and suspension from part of the next game in some situations. Also provide for Instant Replay review of the disqualification part of the penalty and an appeal for any suspension. The NCAA rules on targeting require disqualification and suspension from part of the next game in some situations. They also provide for instant replay to review all such foul calls.

9-1-3 & 9-1-4 Targeting With Crown of Helmet & Targeting Head/Neck Area Tx HS Exception: No follow-on suspension, no Instant Replay review. School districts and/or sanctioning bodies will decide any follow-on punishment. But the Texas high school exception is that there will be no suspension from subsequent games nor will there be instant replay review of the calls. Local districts and UIL District Committees and private school sanctioning bodies can take further action . That action is not enforced by game officials and is purley the responsibility of game management and schools to administer.

Tx HS Exception -Added a note of clarification. 9-1-6-a (Blocking Below the Waist) Tx HS Exception -Added a note of clarification. “For lineman’s initial positIon to be considered “completely inside the tackle box”, he must be positioned within 5 yards of snapper , and be no more than the second lineman from the snapper.” The UIL added a note of clarification to the low blocking rule. This note makes clear only the normal 5 interior linemen are the ones who can block low and from the side in certain situations. Although this is the NCAA interpretation anyway, the UIL thought it prudent to specifically state to avoid any argument from coaches who used tight splits in an attempt to get more blockers in the tackle box.

Tx HS Exception: Does not apply in Tx HS games 9-2-1-b-2 & 9-2-6-b Disqualified Players 2. No disqualified person shall be in view of the field of play. (Rule 9-2-6) Tx HS Exception: Does not apply in Tx HS games As previously stated, in Texas high school football we do not require disqualified players to be removed from any area where they can see the field of play.

9-2-2-e-penalty e. No player may play with cleats more than 1/2-inch in length (Rules 1-4-5-e and f). PENALTY—Disqualification for the remainder of the game and the team’s next game [S27, S47]. Penalize as a dead-ball foul at the succeeding spot, and Team B fouls do not require a first down. Tx HS Exception: Disqualification for remainder of game only. Local school districts and District Committees may impose additional action. Follow on suspensions for using illegal cleats does not apply in our game. Again, local school districts or UIL District Executive Committees or private school sanctioning bodies can take further action.

9-2-6-b Tx HS Exception: Delete – Does not apply b. A disqualified player must leave the playing enclosure under team supervision within a reasonable amount of time after his disqualification. He must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision for the remainder of the game. Tx HS Exception: Delete – Does not apply As stated, disqualified players can remain in view of the field of play.

9-2-6-c c. A coach disqualified from the game must leave the playing enclosure within a reasonable amount of time after his disqualification and must remain out of view of the field of play for the remainder of the game. Tx HS Exception: Does not apply if there is only 1 sideline coach

Replace Section 5 with the following…. 9-5-1, 2, 3 SECTION 5. Fighting Replace Section 5 with the following…. The HS exceptions to the rule concern 2 areas: 1 = The DQ will only be for the game where DQ occurred, not for any part of the next game, unless school or district committee or private school sanctioning body rules say otherwise; and 2 – Coaches can leave the team area to act as peacemakers. They should not touch other team’s coaches or players while doing so and at least 1 is recommended to stay in the team area to control their own team

ARTICLE 1 a. Before, during any intermission, or during the game, squad members in uniform and coaches shall not participate in a fight. (Rule 2-32-1). PENALTY -  15 yards from the basic spot or the succeeding spot and disqualification for the remainder of the game.

b. During either half, any person authorized to be in the team area shall not leave their team area to participate in a fight. EXCEPTION: Coaches designated by their head coach prior to the game may enter and leave their team area to act as peacemakers. It is recommended that at least one coach remain in their team area to assist in preventing persons from leaving their team area to participate in a fight.

PENALTY - 15 yards from the basic spot or the succeeding spot and disqualification for the remainder of the game. NOTE: Persons leaving the team area during a fight are to be penalized for fighting. Officials are reminded the rules require persons leaving the team area during a fight be penalized for fighting which means they are to be disqualified. It could be that there are not enough players to continue the game. In which case, declare the game suspended and lave the field. File the incident report and allow the UIL or private school sanctioning body decide what to do next. There is little we can do once coaches have lost control of their teams and numerous team members have rushed the field. At that point our crews will not be able to restore order so all we can do is make note of who should be disqualified or who should be allowed to continue to play.

ARTICLE 2. Coaches who are disqualified for fighting may not be in the Playing Enclosure during the remainder of the game. (See 2-31-5 for the definition of the Playing Enclosure). Although we do not want the players to be forced from the field area after a disqualification, we do want the coaches to leave the playing enclosure. We have to be reasonable on this as we cannot have a situation where there are no adults left to supervise whatever players are still participating if the game continues.

ARTICLE 3. It is strongly recommended that coaches who are designated as peacemakers contact only their players in their attempt to stop a fight. Ideally coaches will quickly restore order. But while doing so they should only contact their own players. This does not mean they are not going to touch an opponent at all but officials can easily determine if the contact was more than minimal and penalize accordingly

9-6 Flagrant Personal Fouls This section deals with conference reviews of disqualifications for flagrant personal fouls and for targeting fouls and for fouls not called during the game. Flagrant Personal Fouls There is no provision in our game for formal reviews of flagrant personal fouls. Those fouls require disqualification and in the college game the disqualifications can be overturned after conference review which would remove any follow on game suspension of the player. Some private school organizations do take follow on action for disqualifications. They will contact TASO for assistance reviewing the play and they can choose to remove any automatic follow on punishments if they determine the disqualification was done in error. Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not apply in Tx HS games

11-1-1 Jurisdiction of Officials ARTICLE 1. The officials’ jurisdiction begins 60 minutes before the scheduled kickoff and ends when the referee declares the score final [S14]. Tx HS Exception: The Officials jurisdiction begins 30 minutes before the scheduled kickoff and ends when the referee declares the score final. Someone MUST be monitoring the teams (if both are on the field) from 30 minutes before kickoff until 1 or both leave the field. If officials chose to be on the field prior to that time they are reminded they have NO jurisdiction.

11-2-1 Tx HS Exception: Number of required officials may be waived. 1. The game shall be played under the supervision of either four, five, six, seven , or eight officials. Tx HS Exception: Number of required officials may be waived.

11-2-1-a & b 2019 Officiating Mechanics – Prescribes number of officials required for a game and says crews and IR Officials must be from same officiating organization. Tx HS Exception: The number of required officials may be waived and there is no requirement the members of crew be from the same Chapter 11-2-1. a. The game shall be played under the supervision of four, five, six, seven or eight officials. b. Officiating crews, including the Instant Replay Official, will be assigned from the same officiating organization (effective August 1, 2020). EXCEPTION: 11-2-1-a. Number of required officials may be waived 11-2-1-b. Does not apply to UIL games

11-2-2 Officiating Mechanics – Prescribes CCA manual be used for mechanics and responsibilities Tx HS Exception: The officials mechanics approved by the TASO or UIL Football Board of Directors shall be used

12 Instant Replay 2019 Tx HS Exception: Instant replay may only be used in televised state championship games. The decision to use, or not to use, will be determined by the UIL. If used, it will be used in full compliance with the “2019 UIL Modified Rule 12-Instant Replay” document. The UIL will continue very limited use of Instant Replay and only in televised state championship games. They have already developed a document for how it will work. The schools will not have approval or disapproval rights over the use of the system. If UIL decides it will be used, it will be. NO COACH CHALLENGE INITIATE FROM BOOTH

TAPPS Mercy Rule (For 11 man games) If point difference gets to 40 of more: 1st half – No changes 2d half – Clock runs continuously exc: a. Time outs (team and injury) b. End of quarter Once timing change starts, it does not revert back to normal even if point difference drops below 40 Reminder for officials working TAPPS games, they continue to have this mercy rule.

© Texas Association of Sports Officials Questions? For any questions or clarifications, Contact football@taso.org If you have any questions or need further clarification on this material , please contact TASO at this address. © Texas Association of Sports Officials