NFHS 2018-19 Rule Changes

NFHSLogoEach year the National Federation of State High School Associations and its rules committees present changes for the upcoming year, and send out a release. CIAC does its best to share rule changes with its membership, but things can get lost in the shuffle. To try and prevent that, all the released rule changes for 2018-19 for all sports that will go into effect in the fall of 2018 in one place. Additional spring sports rules changes may be coming soon and this post will be updated when they are released. Of course coaches, ADs, and officials are encouraged to check out the NFHS website itself to get complete information and explanations of the changes.

Click on any of the sports below to read the press release from the NFHS outlining the rule changes.

FIELD HOCKEY

Among the rules revisions in high school field hockey for 2018 are changes designed to increase the pace of play, and a new penalty for a team having too many players on the field.

These rules changes were among those recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 10-12 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The committee wasn’t looking to make wholesale changes to the rule book, but instead examined the existing rules to make sure they reflected the current trends of the game,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee. “The committee provided clarity for officials by redefining a dribble to include aerial dribbling, defined goalkeeper playing actions in and outside the 25-yard line, and established a penalty for a team having too many players on the field.”

Rule 4-4-8 now states that too many players on the field is a violation of the substitution rule, and the committee approved two new penalties concerning the new rule.

If the violation is discovered immediately, the extra player(s) is removed. When the extra player(s) is discovered after a goal is scored, but before play has restarted, the goal will not count and the extra player(s) will be removed. In both scenarios, a misconduct penalty will be assessed to the head coach of the offending team using the card progression.

Increasing pace of play was the focus of Rule 9-1-3. A free hit within 5 yards of the circle now will be taken at the spot of the foul. Previously, the attack’s free hit within 5 yards was taken on the broken line circle. The revision not only speeds up the game, but also keeps up with current trends in field hockey.

“Taking a free hit within 5 yards of the circle at the spot of the foul was one area that was identified in the NFHS annual questionnaire that coaches, officials and state association members were all in favor of changing,” Cochran said. “The committee felt this change would increase the pace of play by allowing for faster restarts in the game.”

A change in Rule 1-7-2 clarifies goalkeeper play outside the circle. At that time, the goalkeeper may only play the ball with her stick up to the 25-yard line she is defending, and may not play the ball past the 25-yard line unless she is taking a penalty stroke.

A revision to the definition of dribbling in Rule 3-3-9 allows a player to maintain possession of the ball while moving it with the stick either on the ground or in the air. Previously, the ball’s movement was performed with a series of taps.

In other changes, the committee approved:

  • Revisions which clarify that an extra player on the field is an ineligible player (3-1-6);
  • An addition of language to ensure the timer is watching both officials on the field and is consistent with officials training as well as current trends of the sport (2-1-5); and
  • Changes that clarify the playing actions of the goalkeeper. (1-7-1a-f)

A complete listing of the field hockey rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Field Hockey.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, field hockey has 60,549 girls participating in more than 1,700 schools nationwide. The total number of girls participating in the sport has increased by nearly 1,000 from the 2015-16 school year. In addition, there are four schools with as many as 87 boys participating in field hockey.

SOCCER

High school soccer teams will be reversing their home and visiting uniforms next season. Effective with the 2018-19 season, the home team will wear dark jerseys and socks, and the visiting team will wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks.

This uniform change was one of nine rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee at its January 22-24 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Previously, the home team was required to wear solid white jerseys and the visiting team wore dark-colored jerseys. The language defines dark as “any color which contrasts with white.”

“This change allows home teams to wear their school-color jerseys at home,” said Theresia Wynns, director of sports and officials and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee. “It also could provide the opportunity to use an alternative color uniform for special events.”

The Soccer Rules Committee also approved a change that would permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering, if the player meets certain criteria and if the applicable state association approved the request.

If approved by the state high school association, players could participate with a head covering for medical/cosmetic reasons or for religious reasons. In the case of medical/cosmetic reasons, a physician’s statement is required before the state association can approved a head covering. In both cases, the head covering cannot be abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and attached in such a way that it is highly unlikely to come off during player.

Another example of unsporting conduct was approved by the committee involving denying obvious goal-scoring opportunities in a game. When a player commits an offense against an opponent within its team penalty area that denies the opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, a yellow card is given if the offense was an attempt to play the ball. Previously in this scenario, the player received a red card in addition to the team receiving a penalty kick.

“The committee thought this rule needed to be revised because in this situation in the past, the player and the team were placed in double jeopardy when applying a penalty,” Wynns said.

One rule regarding the offside rule in high school soccer was revised. Rule 11-1-4 now states that “A player is offside and penalized if, at the time the ball touches or is played by a teammate, the player, in an offside position, becomes involved in active play . . . “The penalty remains an indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction, but it now will be subject to the provisions in Rule 13-1-3.

“This change better articulates the difference between being in an offside position and an offside violation, as well as where the subsequent restart takes place,” Wynns said.

In another uniform change, undergarments can be a different solid color than the uniform, although the length and color of the undergarments must be the same for all members of the team.

As a result of the change made last year that allowed the kickoff to be taken in any direction, the committee revised Rule 8-1-2 to allow the player taking the kickoff to be in the opponent’s half of the field in order to take the kickoff.

The committee addressed proper sportsmanship with an addition to Rule 13-2-1. If a player, coach or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without permission of an official and interferes with play or an official, a direct free kick will be awarded at the point of the infraction.

In Rule 18, the committee approved a new definition of deliberate act, which is “one in which a player chooses to act, regardless of the outcome of that action. This deliberate act is neither reaction nor reflex. A deliberate action may result in the opponent benefiting from the action, e.g., a deliberate but misplayed ball that goes directly to an opponent. A reaction or reflex may result in that player benefiting from the action, e.g., a ball inadvertently contacting the arm and falling directly to the player’s feet.”

A complete listing of the soccer rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Soccer.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, soccer is the fifth-most popular sport for boys at the high school level with 450,234 participants, and the fourth-most popular sport for girls with 388,339 participants.

FOOTBALL

Players in high school football who are detected with missing or improperly worn equipment during playing action will be removed from the game for at least one down, unless the improper equipment is directly attributable to a foul by the opponent.

This revision in Rule 1-5-5 and other related rules was one of five rules changes for the 2018 season recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 19-21 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 1-5-5 also states that if the player is wearing otherwise legal equipment in an illegal manner, the participant must also be replaced for one down. If proper and legal equipment has become improperly worn through use during the game, and prompt repair does not delay the ready-for-play signal for more than 25 seconds, the repair can be made without replacing the player for one down.

In a related change (1-5-4), the head coach is responsible for verifying that all players are legally equipped and will not use illegal equipment. The penalty provisions for any use of illegal equipment remain unchanged and result in an unsportsmanlike foul charged to the head coach.

“I commend the entire football rules committee for its thoroughness and focus on the state of the game of football,” said Todd Tharp, chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and assistant director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. “The committee recognizes that the state of high school football focuses on risk minimization and the responsibility that coaches, players and game officials play in continuing to protect our student-athletes. By emphasizing that the coach is ultimately responsible for assuring his players are using legal equipment by issuing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for violations and that players will be removed for using legal equipment in an illegal manner, the committee continues to focus on minimizing risk for all players.”

The second rules change approved by the NFHS Football Rules Committee provides another option for teams in Rule 6-1-9 on fouls committed by the kicking team during free kicks and scrimmage kicks. Now, the receiving team can accept a 5-yard penalty from the succeeding spot. The previous three options remain: accept a 5-yard penalty from the previous spot and have the kicking team re-kick, put the ball in play at the inbounds spot 25 yards beyond the previous spot, or decline the penalty and put the ball in play at the inbounds spot.

Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the NFHS Football Rules Committee, said this additional option was approved by the committee in an effort to reduce re-kicks, further minimize risks and ensure that appropriate penalties are in place for all fouls.

“The ability to ‘tack on’ penalty yardage on free kicks will potentially reduce the amount of repeated free kicks,” Tharp said. “In addition, this rule change is consistent with NFHS rulesthat no foul should go unpenalized.”

The third change approved by the committee was a revision related to the examples of a defenseless player. In Rule 2-32-16a, the committee clarified that defenseless player provisions do not apply to a passer until a legal forward pass is thrown. The passer continues to be a defenseless player until the pass ends or the passer moves to participate in the play.

The committee also changed the signal for free-kick infractions, other than encroachment of the neutral zone, from Signal 18 to Signal 19.

The final change approved by the NFHS Football Rules Committee concerned six-player football in Rule 3. The timing rule between periods and intermission for six-player football has been standardized to match the current NFHS rules for 8-player, 9-player and 11-player football.

A complete listing of the football rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Football.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, football is the most popular sport for boys at the high school level with 1,057,407 participants in 11-player football. Another combined 29,341 boys participated in 6-, 8- and 9-player football. In addition, 2,115 girls participated in one of the four football offerings during the 2016 season.

VOLLEYBALL

A new penalty and signal related to unnecessary delay and a new procedure for warming up between sets that minimizes risk of injury are among the rules changes for the 2018-19 high school volleyball season.

These revisions were among the rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee at its January 7-9 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In Rule 10-2, after a team is charged with unnecessary delay, no further substitutions may be requested by that team until the next completed rally. This change eliminates further delay of the set by removing the option of requesting additional substitutions after a team is charged with an unnecessary delay.

The committee also approved a change in Signal No. 21 regarding unnecessary delay. The new mechanics call for the official to raise the hand on the side of the offending team, beside the head with palm facing the shoulder, and hold the appropriate card on the wrist of the raised hand.

“Previously, the mechanics were awkward and clumsy; this new procedure streamlines the delivery of mechanics,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The new signal is a better way for the teams as well as fans to understand the penalty.”

In its ongoing effort to address risk minimization, the committee approved a new rule, 11-5-3, which states that between sets, teams may warm up in their playing area; however, volleyballs may not be hit over the net.

In Rule 2-4-1b, the committee clarified that no team member may assist a player during an attempt to play the ball. The wording was changed from “another player” to “team members” to clarify that no one on the team bench can assist a player who is making an attempt to play the ball.

Two rules changes were approved to clarify revisions made in the rules last year. Regarding last year’s change in the responsibilities and mechanics of the second referee during a time-out, the committee added a note to Rule 5-8-3a stating that “when multiple courts are in use, the second referee may end a time-out or interval between sets with a whistle.”

Atkinson said that while the rule calls for the timer to sound the horn at 60 seconds as the defining end of a time-out, this could be confusing and distracting when multiple courts are being used.

In addition, the committee added an exception to a rule (9-8-2) approved last year stating that once a replay is signaled by the first referee, no requests may be recognized until after the replay. An exception will now be allowed for an injured or ill player. If the injured or ill player cannot continue, Rule 11-4-1b now permits the coach the option of requesting a substitution, completing a legal libero replacement or taking a time-out if the team has time-outs remaining.

The final change approved by the Volleyball Rules Committee was an additional responsibility of the second referee that previously was outlined in the Volleyball Case Book and Officials Manual but not included in the rules book. Item No. 10 was added to Rule 5-5-3b stating that the second referee shall “ensure that the head coach remains in the replacement zone no closer than 6 feet to the sideline, when standing during play.”

“While these changes were important to certain areas of the sport, overall the committee believed the rules of the sport are in great shape and that no major changes were necessary,” Atkinson said. “We are pleased with the continued growth of the sport, both for boys and girls.”

The committee also approved several Points of Emphasis for the coming season, including Safety of Referee’s Stands, Warm-up Safety, Treatment of Line Judges and Net Fault Mechanics.

A complete listing of the volleyball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Volleyball.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, volleyball is the second-most popular sports for girls (trailing track and field) with 444,779 participants in 15,992 schools nationwide. In addition, there are 57,209 boys participating in the sport at 2,400 schools, and 16 states conduct state championships in boys volleyball.

SWIMMING & DIVING

In an effort to assist meet personnel operating high school swimming and diving meets, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee reorganized Rule 1 and Rule 5 at its March 18-20 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Additionally, the committee’s other rules changes focused on pre-meet conferences, equipment requirements and the order in which diving may take place at non-championship events.

“While the list of 2018-19 swimming and diving rules changes appear to be extensive, in general, most of the proposed changes involve a reorganization of two rules,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. “These changes provide clarity, a definition and flexibility to accommodate swimming and diving meets that are conducted in a variety of formats and facilities, and with various team personnel.”

In addition to a reorganization of Rule 1, the committee approved new terminology that accurately reflects and defines meet specifications and organization, including the consolidation of several terms that label the types of meets such as dual, double-dual, triangular, invitational, multi-team, etc.

In a similar fashion, Rule 5 was reorganized to list meet specifications in a “logical stepwise fashion from the dual meet to the championship meet,” according to Searcy. Rule 5-3-2 was one of the notable changes within the rule, as additional lane assignments were provided to accommodate non-championship multi-team and double/triple dual meets.

“The changes to Rule 5 provide flexibility and direction for situations in which the number of teams and/or entries cannot be equally divided into the number of available lanes,” Searcy said. “New language delineates options for conducting meets based on high school facilities across the country.”

The committee approved a change in diving in Rule 5-1-2a. In non-championship events, diving may now be the first event. Beginning next year, diving may be conducted either first, last or simultaneously with swimming events.

“In addition, it is now permissible to conduct 11-dive competitions during any non-championship meet with prior mutual consent of competing teams,” Searcy added.

Another change involves the pre-meet conference in Rule 4-2-1d. A mandatory pre-meet conference with the referee, starter, and the captain and coach of each team must be held to review meet procedures, special instructions and any unusual pool conditions. Equipment requirements were addressed in Rule 2-4-5, which now mandates a 15-meter mark on both sides of the pool deck. Markings may also be integrated into each lane marker, but deck markings take precedent.

Other rules changes include:

  • Rules 2-6-1 through 4, which were reorganized to clarify mandatory requirements versus recommendations.
  • Rule 2-7-2b, which adds the prohibition of the backstroke starting ledge to the rules so that there is no question that the equipment is not permitted in high school swimming.
  • Rules 4-5-3 and 4-7, which clarify and confirm that responsibilities of stroke inspectors and turn/finish judges can be combined. This is especially the case when the availability of officials is limited. The flexibility to staff the deck effectively and efficiently with available officials should be preserved.

A complete listing of all rules changes is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Swimming & Diving.”

Swimming and diving ranks eighth in popularity among girls with 170,797 participants and 10th among boys with 138,364 participants, according to the 2016-17 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey.

SPIRIT/CHEER/DANCE

Ten rules revisions in cheer and dance which focus on minimizing risk to participants, along with 10 changes in the definitions section, are among the high school spirit rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Spirit Rules Committee at its March 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis.

All recommendations from the Spirit Rules Committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for implementation in the 2018-19 season.

Four of the changes involved rules for inversions, including two revisions dealing with braced flips in a pyramid. Rule 3-3-5b now states that here must be three people involved in the toss and catch of the top person either as a base or spotter. In 3-3-5g, when the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers are in place when the flip is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.

In a change to reduce risk of the top person, Rule 3-3-6a(1) was altered to ensure that releases from inversion to the performing surface or a cradle do not end in an inverted position.

The other inversion changes address both cheer and dance. The change in Rule 3-3-6b(1) (cheer) and Rule 4-3-6b(1) (dance) will allow additional inversions below prep level while maintaining contact with a base.

“The risk is limited due to the fact that the top person’s base of support is below prep level and the base will have contact with the top person until he or she is no longer inverted or has his or her hands on the performing surface,” said James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports and liaison to the Spirit Rules Committee.

The final change in the Inversions section involves an exception in Rule 3-3-6c(2) regarding a foldover that begins at or below prep level and does not stop in an extended position. Now, when the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers shall be in place when the inversion is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.

In addition, the requirement for continuous hands-to-hands contact between the base and the top person in a single-base suspended roll was eliminated.

“The safety of the top person in a single-base suspended roll is covered in Rule 3-3-6c and does not require an exception to address the safety of the skill,” Weaver said.

Another change addressing risk management in both cheer and dance was made in the Stunting Personnel section of the Spirit Rules Book. In Rules 3-2-8 and 4-2-8, a spotter is required for tosses to single-base shoulder stands and single-base prep-level stunts in which the foot/feet of the top person is in the hands of the base.

“The spotting requirement for tosses to single-base shoulder stands will help decrease risk of injury to the top person’s head and neck area,” Weaver said.

In the Release Stunts section for cheer, Rule 3-3-5(f) now states that “when the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers for in place when the transition is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.”

Two changes in tumbling rules were approved in dance. In an effort to minimize risk, Rule 4-8-8 now prohibits headstands, head spins and head springs in which the hands are not used for support. In Rule 4-8-2b, soft props may now be used during airborne or non-airborne tumbling skills in which hand(s) are not being used for support. The props cannot be made of hard material, or have corners or sharp edges.

In the Apparel/Accessories section, the committee approved a change in cheer and dance that allows participants to wear a head covering for religious reasons. The covering or wrap, which is not hard, abrasive or dangerous to other participants, must be approved by the respective state association.

New definitions for head spring, head spin, headstand and shoulder stand were approved by committee. In addition, revisions were made to the following existing definitions: non-release stunt, Swedish fall, suspended roll and release transition/release pyramid transition, and two definitions – assisted inverted floor skill and tension drop – were deleted.

A complete listing of the spirit rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Spirit.”

According to the most recent survey of NFHS-member state associations, there are more than 400,000 high school cheerleaders in the United States and, as of 2016-17, about 144,000 of those participants are involved in competitive spirit squads. The 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation survey lists competitive spirit as the ninth-most popular sports for girls. There are also about 35,000 girls who participate in dance or drill/pom teams, according to the same survey.

GYMNASTICS

New rules to clarify scoring procedures and redefine a balk are among the notable changes made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Girls Gymnastics Rules Committee that will take effect for the 2018-19 season. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The reorganization of Rules 7-3-3, 8-3-3 and 9-3-3 included an objective method for evaluating composition.

“Composition is the framework of the exercise,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Girls Gymnastics Rules Committee. “Good composition should demonstrate a variety of changes in movement and direction, tempo and rhythm. The reorganization of the composition deductions provides judges with a list of guidelines to consider when evaluating composition in each event.”

Several rules were impacted as a result of redefining “balk.” As part of the committee’s rules changes, a balk on all apparatus was redefined in Rule 1.

“The new definition of the balk clarifies what an incomplete attempt is on the vault, bars and beam,” Cochran said. “The new rules book walks judges through the specifics of a balk on each apparatus in the rule for each event and the supplemental information.”

A balk is now defined as follows: “On vault, an incomplete attempt that results in a fall during the run, stops mid-run, runs off the runway or contacts the board, hand placement mat, board safety mat or vault table without coming to a rest or support on top of the vault table. On bars and beam, an incomplete attempt to mount without touching the board or apparatus or running underneath the apparatus.”

The changes in a balk also impact several other rules, including Rule 7-2-7, which introduces a balk and its application to the section on event description for uneven bars.

The committee approved changes for a clear back hip circle based on the rationale that Rule 7-3-4c specifies a deduction for a clear hip circle that does not end at 45 degrees. An exception was added to Rule 7-3-4c(9), stating up to a 0.40 deduction is the result of “insufficient amplitude of a clear hip circle.”

New elements for girls gymnastics were approved in Rules 8-6-2 and 8-6-3 to clarify that Advanced High Superiors exceeding minimum requirements will also receive Advanced High Superior credit.

Among the new elements are No. 2.111b in Rule 8-6-2, stag/double stag lp/jp; No. 211b, stag/double stag lp/jp w/ ½; and Nos. 3.202a and 3.202b in Rule 8-6-3. No. 3.202a is a 1/1 turn (360°) with hand holding leg between horizontal and 45 degrees above horizontal; while the latter is a 1/1 turn (360°) with free leg between horizontal and 45 degrees below horizontal.

“The introduction of new elements in the rules book helps keep up with current trends for high school gymnastics,” Cochran said. “The majority of the rules changes added to the 2018-20 rules book are to help provide clarification to existing rules and better understanding for high school judges and coaches.”

A complete listing of all rules changes is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Gymnastics – Girls.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 1,562 schools offered girls gymnastics in 2016-17 and 17,915 girls participated nationwide.

WRESTLING

New definitions for inbounds and out of bounds highlight  high school wrestling rules changes for the 2018-19 season.

Beginning next year, a wrestler will be inbounds if two supporting points of either wrestler are inside or on the boundary line. This could be two supporting points of one wrestler or one supporting point of each wrestler that is inside or on the boundary line.

Changes related to out-of-bounds and inbounds calls, along with rules dealing with uniforms and sportsmanship, were among the rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The revised definitions for out of bounds and inbounds eliminate subjectivity with the out-of-bounds call without increasing the out-of-bounds area. The removal of “majority of weight” from the definition will allow officials to focus on inbounds and out of bounds rather than having to make a judgment on where the majority of the wrestler’s weight is being supported.

“The majority of rules changes for the 2018-19 high school wrestling season deal with revised definitions of escape, reversal, out of bounds and takedown,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “These changes were needed to reinforce our new position with increasing scoring opportunities by addressing the supporting point issue, but not creating additional risk to the sport. We have defined what the usual supporting points are while down on the mat and how near-fall points or a fall shall be earned.”

Several articles in Rule 5 are affected by the elimination of subjectivity in the out-of-bounds call. Rule 5-10 now provides language stipulating that any combination of two supporting points allows an official to make an inbounds call. Similarly, Rules 5-15-1 and 5-15-3 introduce the same clarity while Rule 5-15-2 alters language from “knees” to “knee(s),” making it consistent with Rule 5-15-2a(4) and its use of “hand(s).”

The revision to the definition of an out-of-bounds call is clearly stated in Rule 5-18, which outlines that it occurs when there are no longer two total supporting points inside or on the boundary line (two supporting points of one wrestler or one supporting point of each wrestler). Rules 5-22, 5-25-1 and 5-25-3 will have similar language to establish inbounds and out-of-bounds calls for reversals and takedowns.

Revisions to Rule 5-24-3 will assist officials with making a stalling call. The new criteria establish that stalling in the neutral position also takes place when a wrestler is backing off the mat and out of bounds, as well as when the wrestler is pushing or pulling out of bounds.

In addition to the numerous changes related to inbounds and out-of-bounds calls, Hopkins noted sportsmanship issues, a new illegal hold and uniform promotional references as other rules changes made by the committee. Among those are the following:

  • Rule 4-1-2: New language will state that no additional manufacturer’s logo, trademark or promotional references shall be allowed on the wrestling uniforms.
  • Rule 7-1-5y (NEW): The Nelson-Cradle is a new illegal hold/maneuver that is a combination made up of a Half-Nelson on one side with a locked cradle from around the neck with the far side knee. The back of the knee acts as the other arm (arm pit) to complete the Full-Nelson pressure on the neck and throat.
  • Rule 7-4-2: New language states that repeatedly dropping to one knee, as well as one hand, to break locked hands is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

Wrestling ranks seventh in popularity among boys at the high school level with 244,804 participants, according to the 2016-17 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey. In addition, 14,587 girls participate in the sport throughout the nation.

“Overall, the sport is stable,” Hopkins said. “We are excited to have the influx of young women wrestlers who want to challenge themselves and represent their local high schools.”

A complete listing of all rules changes is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Wrestling.”

ICE HOCKEY

Rules changes related to minimizing risk of injury in high school ice hockey are among five revisions for the 2018-19 season.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Ice Hockey Rules Committee recommended the changes at its April 23-24 meeting in Indianapolis, and all changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Two changes in Rule 3 dealing with equipment were approved to decrease risk of injury in the sport. In Rule 3-3-1, goalkeepers are now required to wear pants or socks under leg pads to cover exposed skin on the legs. In addition, a HECC/ASTM protective full facemask is required. While the full facemask has been required in the past, HECC/ASTM language was added for clarification.

“Goalkeepers have been observed wearing goalie pads without any covering on the back of their legs,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Ice Hockey Rules Committee. “This creates a dangerous situation with skate blades, sticks and pucks that could cause injury to these exposed areas.”

Another risk-minimization change relates to the composition of the stick in Rule 3-1-1. Sticks must be free of any projections and all edges of the stick blade must be beveled. The committee’s intent was to prohibit any stick that could be dangerous to participants.

The committee also revised the penalty given to a player who deliberately displaces a goal cage. To align with Rule 8-2-5 regarding deliberately displacing a helmet, a penalty shot will be awarded when a player deliberately displaces a goal cage during a breakaway with less than two minutes remaining in regulation or any time during overtime. If this violation occurs on an obvious and imminent goal, a goal is awarded the opposing team.

Another change involves the “captain’s choice of players” for serving a penalty. Additional language was added to Rule 4-2-8 noting that the penalty shall not be charged to the player selected to serve the penalty. The committee agreed that the “captain’s choice of players” penalty should not be penalized personally; therefore, it will not count toward the player’s five penalty allotment, at which time the player receives a game misconduct penalty.

The final change approved by the committee concerns icing the puck in Rule 9-5-3. The revised rule states that when an official errs in calling an “icing-the-puck” infraction, regardless of whether either team is shorthanded, the ensuing faceoff shall take place at the center ice faceoff spot.

“This change eliminates an advantage that the attacking team has previously had with an errant whistle from an official,” Schuster said. “The center ice faceoff does not give an advantage to either team.”

A complete listing of all rules changes is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Ice Hockey.”

More than 35,000 boys participate in ice hockey across the country in 1,610 high schools, and more than 9,500 girls participate in the sport in 622 schools, according to the 2017-18 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey.

BASKETBALL

An exception to the backcourt violation and a clarification regarding specifications of the ball comprise the changes approved for the 2018-19 high school basketball season.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee recommended the changes at its April 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis, and all changeswere subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 9-9-1 states that “a player shall not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in team control in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt.”

An exception was approved to note that any player who was located in the backcourt may recover a ball that is deflected from the frontcourt by the defense.

Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials, said the committee approved the exception to ensure that a team is not unfairly disadvantaged on a deflected pass.

The other change approved by the Basketball Rules Committee involved more clearly defining the cover of the ball in Rule 1-12-1c, which now states that the ball “shall have a deeply-pebbled granulated surface . . .”

Wynns said the term “granulated surface” should provide manufacturers a better idea of what a deeply-pebbled cover should look like.

In addition to the two rules changes approved by the committee, several points of emphasis were identified for the coming season, including concussion recognition, proper procedures for blood issues and coaches monitoring injury and research trends.

“The committee wanted to stress continued education in recognizing signs and symptoms of concussions for coaches, athletes, parents and officials,” Wynns said. “In addition, concern of overuse injuries due to sport specialization should be monitored, and recognition of blood on players and uniforms and the proper procedure for removal of blood and return to play are other areas for education.”

Wynns noted that coaches have primary responsibility for making sure players are wearing legal uniforms and are legally equipped. She said emphasis will be given to ruleenforcement in the areas of traveling, legal guarding position and establishing possession during loose-ball situations.  Lastly, the committee believes officials professionalism and use of proper terminology should be emphasized.

“Overall, the committee believes the rules of the sport are in great shape.  These changes provide more clarification in areas where there has been inconsistency in interpretation and will help manufacturers in producing basketballs that meet NFHS specifications,” said Francine Martin, NFHS Basketball Rules Committee chair and assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. “The committee evaluated input from the NFHS basketball rules questionnaire, which is available for all coaches and officials to complete and provide input for future rules changes during the meeting. The points of emphasis are geared toward sports medicine issues and consistent interpretation of playing rules.”

A complete listing of all rules changes is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Basketball.”

Basketball ranks third in popularity for both boys and girls with 550,305 male participants and 430,368 female participants, according to the 2017-18 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey.

BASEBALL

The elimination of the requirement for the entire pivot foot to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate is among the changes approved for the 2018-19 high school baseball season.

This revision in Rule 6-1-3 was one of three changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June 3-5meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“We are very fortunate that the state of high school baseball is in an excellent position, which is indicative of the few rules changes that were passed,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and staff liaison for baseball. “We appreciate the hard work of dedicated coaches who, in addition to minimizing risk associated with the sport, teach the game in a way that makes our young people enjoy playing for their high school. We must also acknowledge the highly professional and responsible game umpires. Without their thorough knowledge and implementation of NFHS rules, we would not be able to enjoy the small injury rate and increase in player participation.”

The rationale behind the change to Rule 6-1-3 is a result of the difficulty for pitchers to consistently make contact with the pitcher’s plate when pivoting. Before starting the delivery, the pitcher shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and with the pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate.

“The committee concluded that many pitching mounds are such that it is problematic for a pitcher to have his entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate,” Hopkins said. “Therefore, no advantage is gained by having some of the pivot foot not in direct contact with the pitcher’s plate.”

The committee also approved two new umpire signals. The two new signals, indicating calls for “Correct Rotation” and “Information Available,” were approved to further improve communication between partners.

“It is always wise to be able to communicate clearly with your partner(s) during a game,” Hopkins said. “With so many moving parts (defensive players, base runners, umpires), it is imperative that umpires communicate easily and inconspicuously from players and fans. These mechanics say a lot without brining attention to the signaling umpire.”

The “Correct Rotation” signal comes when in a three- or four-man mechanic, the umpires indicate to their partner(s) where they are rotating to a specific base for coverage of an anticipated play. The umpire(s) points with both hands in the direction of the base that they are moving toward.

To assist in providing pertinent information between partners, the “Information Available” signal occurs when the game umpire is indicating that he/she has some information that is relevant to their partner by tapping two times over the left chest (heart).

Additionally, the NFHS Rules Review Committee extended the implementation date to January 1, 2020, for baseballs to meet the NOCSAE standard.

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, there are 491,790 boys participating in baseball at 15,979 schools across the country, and 1,145 girls playing the sport in 269 schools.

A complete listing of the baseball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Baseball.”

SOFTBALL

Equipment rules designed to reduce risk of injury, as well as a clarification that the media area must be located in dead-ball territory, are among the high school softball rules changes for the 2019 season.

The four rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June 11-13 meeting in Indianapolis were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

With revisions in Rules 1-1-7, 2-22-4 and 5-1-1, the home team or game management may designate a media area in dead-ball territory if the facility dictates.

“Requiring the media area to be located in dead-ball territory minimizes risk and continues efforts to improve the safety of participants, officials, fans and other essential personnel,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison for softball.”

In another risk minimization change, Rule 1-8-4 permits an eye shield to be worn attached to the face/head protection only if it is constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission. This change aligns with other softball equipment rules that currently prohibit tinted eye shields.

“The prohibition of tinted eye shields already exists in Rules 1-6-7 and 1-7-1,” Searcy said. “In an effort to promote risk minimization, tinted eye shields should be prohibited for defensive face/head protection.”

Among other rules changes was a clarification to Rule 1-5-2a, which permits a softball bat to have an adjustable knob, provided the knob is permanently fastened by the manufacturer. Any devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the knob to become flush with the handle are also permitted.

The final change approved by the committee in Rule 6 stipulates that the penalty for an illegal pitch is limited to the batter being awarded a ball. Previously, the batter was awarded a ball and all base runners were also awarded one base without liability to be put out.

“The new language creates more balance between offense and defense,” Searcy said. “In NFHS softball rules, the illegal pitch is designed to deceive the batter and, therefore, only the batter should receive the award.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, there are 367,405 girls participating in fast-pitch softball at 15,440 schools.

A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Softball.”

TRACK & FIELD

Further simplification of the uniform rule in track and field, and clarification on the method of determining the order of finish in cross country highlight 2019 rules changes in those two high school sports.

Seven changes were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee at its June 11-13 meeting in Indianapolis, and all changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In Rule 4-3-1, the interpretation of a foundation garment was expanded to include any item worn under the uniform top and/or bottom. The rule now states that “any visible garment worn underneath the uniform top and/or bottom is considered a foundation garment. A foundation garment is not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions.”

In addition, Rule 4-3-2 was rewritten to allow schools more options in meeting the uniform rule. The rule now states that “all relay and cross country team members must wear uniforms clearly indicating, through predominant color, school logo and color combination of all outer garments worn as a uniform, that members are from the same team.”

“It has become increasingly more difficult to officiate the uniform rule given the increase in the number of programs nationwide that are allowing individual team members the option of independently purchasing either all or part of their team uniform,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field/Cross Country Rules Committee. “Slight differences in design of uniform do not negatively impact the identification of a relay or cross country team. The expectation of this rule is that all relay and cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school.”

The revised 4-3-2 NOTE states that “the official shall have no uncertainty in determining that all members are from the same team.”

In cross country, regardless of the system used to determine the places of runners, the order of finish should be based on when the torso of the runner crosses the finish line. Changes in Rule 8-3 state that whether hand timing, transponder/chip or image-based timing systems are used, the torso is the determining factor in order of finish.

The committee also revised Rule 8-1-1 regarding the cross country course which better describes a legal course layout.

The remaining changes concern field events in Rule 6. In the discus and javelin, measurement shall be recorded to the nearest lesser inch or centimeter. The addition of centimeter allows states using the metric system to give a fairer depiction of the actual performance.

In Rule 6-9 regarding the long jump and triple jump, the committee established ranges of distances in the events. Rule 6-9-5 NOTE states that the “distance from the foul line or takeoff board may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of competition. Competitors may change which foul line or takeoff board they are using during competition, but only with the prior notification and confirmation of the event judge.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, track and field is the most popular sport for girls with 494,477 participants and is No. 2 for boys with 600,136. Cross country ranks sixth for girls with 226,039 and sixth for boys with 266,271 participants.

A complete listing of the track and field/cross country rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Track and Field/Cross Country.”

GIRLS LACROSSE

In an attempt to increase the pace of play in high school girls lacrosse, self-start has been adopted for restarting play outside of the critical scoring area.

All 2019 rules changes recommended by the joint National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and US Lacrosse (USL) Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee at its June 18-20 meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, were subsequently approved by the NFHS and USL Boards of Directors.

“The NFHS/USL Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee viewed these changes as a necessary progression in improving the game – from both an administrative and risk minimization perspective,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports/communications associate and NFHS staff liaison to the Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee.

The adoption of the new self-start in girls lacrosse decreases the amount of involvement by officials in restarting play, thus increasing the pace of the game. The new Rule 5-4 “Restarting Play – Self-Start” establishes the specific allowances for restarting play with a self-start. Additionally, Rules 5-4-2 and 5-4-3 outline procedures for the defense during a self-start and establish that failure to move away from the free position may result in a warning, and repeated failures may result in a delay of game penalty.

The new Rule 5-4-4 establishes that the self-start is not an option when:

  1. The game clock is stopped;
  2. There is a restraining line violation;
  3. The ball is in the critical scoring area, excluding boundary restarts;
  4. There is an alternating possession;
  5. There is an inadvertent whistle; or,
  6. A goal is scored.

“The Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee did an outstanding job to evolve the rules of the game in ways that encourage pace of play, the enjoyment for athletes and growth of the sport, while reinforcing the safety of our game,” said Caitlin Kelley, the USL liaison to the rules committee.

Another significant rule change is the establishment of a penalty zone that must be cleared when a defensive player commits a major foul in the 8-meter arc. The committee advanced this safety-based change to minimize risk around 8-meter free positions as well as to increase pace of play by limiting repeated obstruction calls.

In Rule 10-1-1, the committee established that a penalty zone is the area 8 meters away from the goal circle above the goal line extended and the area created by the extension of the 8-meter mark to the dots and across the dots. The definition of a penalty zone is also included in Rule 13.

An additional change in 10-1-1 establishes defensive positioning on the hashmarks closest to the free position on the 8-meter free position and also eliminates stoppage of play for delay of game due to competition for inside position.

“Establishing the penalty zone and the placement of the defense on the adjacent hashmarks for an 8-meter free position is a rules change that the committee feels will improve the administration of the penalty by increasing the flow of the game and minimizing risk of injury,” Atkinson said.

Among other major changes were the release of the ball from the crosse in relation to timing, and the administration of alternate possession in the critical scoring area.

Changes in Rule 4-8 establish the release of the ball from the crosse before time expires as a legal shot, eliminating the judgment call at the goal line. A shot or propelled action must release the ball before time expires, and a goal cannot be scored when the ball is released after the whistle has blown or horn has sounded.

New language in Rule 4-8-2 states that a shot is deemed complete by an official. A shot is deemed complete when:

  1. The ball enters the goal;
  2. Any player gains possession;
  3. The ball goes out of bounds;
  4. The ball comes to rest on the field of play or inside goal circle; or
  5. The ball touches the ground below the goal line extended.

In Rule 5-4-3b, alternate possession in the critical scoring area is awarded at the closest dot, regardless of the location of the foul in relation to the goal line.

A change in Rule 7 PENALTIES establishes that a free position is now awarded at the dot for goal circle fouls by the defense – other than for an illegal deputy – rather than 8 meters out to either side level with the goal line. This allows for easier administration of the penalty and minimizing the risk of injury.

The committee continues to stress the importance of risk minimization in girls lacrosse with its 2018-19 points of emphasis. The criteria related to the “officiating of obstruction of free space to goal,” “rough and dangerous play” and “empty stick check – intentional vs. unintentional” are the focus of the rules committee for the 2018-19 season.

 A complete listing of the girls lacrosse rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Lacrosse-Girls.”

According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, there are 93,473 girls participating in lacrosse at 2,717 high schools across the country.

 

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