Officials, this weekend is Dick's Sporting Goods Shop weekend! The special savings weekend runs from Friday, July 31st through Monday, Augusst 3rd. Dick's Sporting Goods is offering a 20% off coupon to help you gear up for the upcoming year. Visit the special link below to get your coupon.

The coupon is good for 20% off your entire order in-store. Present the coupon at the register.

The coupon is near the bottom of that page.

http://www.nchsaa.org/dicks-sporting-goods-shop-weekend-7-31-8-3/

It is with great sorrow that I inform you that Charlie Jenkins, has passed away.

Charlie was a key figure in High School and Collegiate Officiating by serving in state tournaments since 2012 and also at the Collegiate level from 2002 through 2025. Charlie has served the Wrestling Regional Supervisor Of Officials for our Association since 2015. Charlie also served as the Co-Head official at the NCHSAA State Tournament. In May 2026, Charlie was inducted into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall Of Fame.

Thank you for all you did Charlie and you will be greatly missed.

Link to Charlie's Online Obituary at Richard Boles Funeral Service

Funeral services celebrating Charlie's life will be conducted 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the New Hope Baptist Church.   Visitation with the family will begin at 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. 

A private burial will at a later time in Hillside Memorial Park.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be given in Charlie’s memory to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund, 11480 Hasty Road, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

If you are interested in officiating high school sports for the 2026-27 sports season, registration IS NOW OPEN!

If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating. They will give you information on registration, clinics, scrimmages, and where to purchase referee equipment. Clinics begin in July for Soccer so don't delay! Contact us TODAY!

Improving game flow and pace of play are the primary focuses of the 2026 high school girls lacrosse rules changes.

Five rules changes were recommended by the NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee during its annual meeting June 23-25 at The Alexander in Indianapolis. All proposals were later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

A change to Rule 5-2 Penalty 1 (Starting Play – Draw) allows any player to take the free position when one player draws illegally. Also, for Rule 7-3 Penalties 1a and 3a (Deputy Rules), the offending player shall be placed 4 meters away (instead of behind) from the player taking the free position for a goal circle foul.

Rule 4-3-3d, e, aligns the restart procedure after a possession time-out when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in the goal circle by requiring play to restart at the closest dot and allows any player to restart play. 

Under Rule 2-4-5, regarding crosse inspection, the allowable times for stick check requests have been revised. Stick checks may only be requested “at any point during a quarter break, halftime, a team-called time-out, prior to the start of an overtime period, prior to the start of a draw, and shall include immediately following goals in regulation and overtime periods,” according to the new rules.

Finally, Rule 2-8-3 (New) & Penalty, regarding electronic equipment, clarifies that no on-field player shall wear any audio (microphone) or video (camera) device during a game. Violation will result in a coach misconduct penalty.

“Girls lacrosse continues to grow at the high school level in both individual participation and state association sponsorship of the sport,” said Lindsey Atkinson, director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee. “The committee believes the rules of the game are in a good place and changes that support the pace of play for the players that do not create an advantage for the offense or defense or increase risk are in the best interest of the game.”

A complete listing of the girls lacrosse rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Girls Lacrosse.” The print version of the 2026 Girls Lacrosse Rules Book will be available for purchase in October at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in the same timeframe via NFHS Digital at www.nfhs.org/nfhsdigital.

Take the Referee Magazine Volleyball Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/

Take the Referee Magazine Football Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/

If you are interested in officiating high school sports for the 2026-27 sports season, SSOA registration and NCHSAA registration IS NOW OPEN! Please contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sports you are interested in Officiating and they will give you all the info you need to get started.

SSOA Membership runs from July 1st through June 30th each year.

If you are interested in officiating high school sports for the 2026-27 sports season, registration IS NOW OPEN!

If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating. They will give you information on registration, clinics, scrimmages, and where to purchase referee equipment. Clinics begin in July for Fall Sports (Football, Volleyball and Men's Soccer) so don't delay! Contact us TODAY!

Source: NFHS

Guidelines to help game officials manage the game clock at the end of each quarter and other timing errors are among the major rules changes in high school basketball for the 2026-27 season.

The two additions addressing the game clock in Rule 5 (5-9-5 and 5-10-2 Note) were among the five rules changes recommended by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee at its April 27-29 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were reviewed by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In the last 59.9 seconds of each quarter and overtime periods, a minimum of three-tenths (0.3) of a second must expire from the game clock when the ball is legally touched by a player inbounds after a throw-in. This addition of Rule 5-9-5 is consistent with the tap-in rule in Rule 5-2-5, however, does not apply if the game clock does not display tenths of a second.

Rule 5-10-2 Note was added to allow officials to utilize a silent count in the event of a clock malfunction. If an official determines the clock was not started or stopped properly, a silent count may be used as definitive knowledge to correct the timing error.

“These changes provide officials with clearer guidance and help provide greater consistency in administering end-of-quarter timing situations, while also ensuring there are practical solutions available when timing errors or clock malfunctions occur,” said Monica Maxwell, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee.

Rule 8-6-4 was added to establish a single dead-ball period at approximately the same time when assessing if technical fouls committed by opposing teams cancel. Specifically, in this instance, all technical fouls are considered to be committed at approximately the same time for the purposes of offsetting their penalties and play would resume at the point of interruption.

Rule 9-2 Penalty clarified that when an infraction occurs on a throw-in, the location of the violation is the original throw-in spot. If the original throw-in spot is not a designated spot, the ensuing throw-in is moved to such a spot.

Lastly, Rule 6-4-4g was removed. With changes last year that modified the procedures when addressing faking being fouled, it was no longer applicable.

A complete listing of the basketball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Basketball” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2026-27 Basketball Rules Book will be available for purchase in late July at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in July via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org.

If you are interested in officiating high school sports for the 2026-27 sports season, registration IS NOW OPEN!

If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating. They will give you information on registration, clinics, scrimmages, and where to purchase referee equipment. Clinics begin in July for Fall Sports (Football, Volleyball and Men's Soccer) so don't delay! Contact us TODAY!

Registration is NOW OPEN for the NCHSAA 2026-27 Sports Seasons! Fall sports (Football, Volleyball, and Men's Soccer) are up first! Those seasons are quickly approaching! Make sure to sign up early to ensure that you have your rule books prior to the state clinics and the NFHS Exams which begin around mid July. Be sure to check the specific sports section on our website for all the dates pertaining to your sports season!

NCHSAA REGISTRATION LINK: http://www.nchsaa.org/officials

Source: NCHSAA

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted Wednesday to sanction Men’s Volleyball as an official NCHSAA championship sport, signaling a significant milestone in the continued growth of the sport across the state.

Men’s volleyball has seen increasing participation at the school levels throughout North Carolina in recent years. The Board’s decision formally brings the sport under the NCHSAA umbrella and begins the process of establishing regular-season and championship opportunities for member schools. 

The Men’s Volleyball season will take place in the spring, and the first NCHSAA Men’s Volleyball Championships will be held in May 2027.

“Today is a red-letter day for men’s volleyball in North Carolina and the decision of the Board of Directors reflects the momentum that students, coaches, and advocates have built over many years,” said Que Tucker, Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. “Sanctioning men’s volleyball allows us to provide more championship opportunities and continue our mission to expand participation and create positive experiences for student-athletes across the state.”

Coaches and advocates across the state have played a critical role in the sport’s growth and organization.

“This decision formalizes what has been building over the past decade across North Carolina. Boys volleyball has been steadily growing and has created strong communities, with thousands of high school athletes already playing,” said Sarah Conklin, Director of the NC Boys High School Volleyball Association.

Sanctioning the sport expands access and creates new opportunities for young men who have been waiting for the chance to represent their schools. We’re so proud of this moment and grateful to the NCHSAA for their leadership, and to the coaches, players, and supporters whose belief and commitment made this possible.” 

More information regarding the implementation timeline, championship format, and sport regulations will be distributed to member schools in the coming months.

Source: NCHSAA

The Board of Directors of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association voted on Wednesday to officially sanction Women’s Flag Football as an NCHSAA championship sport, marking a historic step in expanding athletic opportunities for female student-athletes across the state.

The decision comes after several years of growing interest and participation in the sport at the high school level, as well as successful programs across the state and increased national momentum for women’s flag football. 

High School Flag Football in North Carolina will now be governed by the NCHSAA and will compete under NFHS rules. The season will take place in the fall, and the first NCHSAA Flag Football Championship will be held in late 2026.

Flag football has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country, providing new opportunities for female athletes to compete in football while emphasizing speed, strategy, and teamwork.

“Today’s decision represents a meaningful investment in the future of our student-athletes, in this case females, and the continued evolution of school-based athletics in North Carolina,” said Que Tucker, Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. “Girls Flag football offers an inclusive, fast-paced, and highly engaging opportunity for students to compete, connect, and grow through sport, and we’re proud to bring it into our championship program.”

The sanctioning reflects the NCHSAA’s ongoing commitment to expanding participation opportunities and responding to the interests of its member schools and student-athletes.

The growth of flag football has also been supported by partnerships with the NFL and the Carolina Panthers as they have worked to develop the sport at the grassroots and scholastic levels.

“Sanctioning high school flag football marks a major milestone for girls’ athletics in North Carolina,” said David and Nicole Tepper of the Carolina Panthers. “The Panthers are proud to be a driving force behind this movement beginning with the launch of the first pilot program in 2022 with 19 schools and followed by continued investment under the leadership of Riley Fields and the Panthers Community Relations team. Today, the sport has grown to more than 150 participating schools statewide, reflecting the commitment of coaches, school administrators and participants – and the growing momentum for the sport across the Carolinas.”

Additional details regarding an implementation timeline, championship format, and sport-specific regulations will be shared with member schools in the coming months.

For more information about the NCHSAA and its championship programs, visit www.nchsaa.org.

If you are interested in officiating high school sports for the 2026-27 sports season, registration will open up in mid May! In the meantime, if you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating. They will give you information on registration, clinics, scrimmages, and where to purchase referee equipment.

Source: NFHS

In an effort to establish a more healthy process for girls involved in high school wrestling, the minimum body fat percentage for females has been raised from 12 to 19 percent, effective with the 2026-27 season.

Revisions to weight-control rules (1-5-1, 1-5-2) were two of 18 rules changes recommended by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee at its March 29-31 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were reviewed by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In making this significant change, the committee reviewed information from the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the proud supporter of the NFHS, and had the backing of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

The committee determined that based on peer-reviewed research data, increasing the body fat percentage for high school girls establishes a safer margin for minimal wrestling weight for those girls intent on achieving a lower weight class.

“This is a huge victory for girls involved in high school wrestling,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports, sanctioning and student services, and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “Now, girls will not be forced to go through unhealthy weight-loss efforts, and it allows girls to be their natural selves. It definitely will help those girls in the larger weight classes, and it will provide more opportunities for girls to be involved in high school wrestling.”

In another significant change for next year, bleeding has been added to recovery time in Rule 5-28-3. Now, if a contestant is injured or bleeding as a result of an illegal hold/maneuver, unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct during the match or the result of a false start (by the opponent) in the neutral position, the wrestler is entitled to two minutes of recovery time. 

The committee determined that a bleeding contestant should not have to bleed for five minutes before being declared the winner if injured because of any of the aforementioned situations.

Language was added to the stalling rules in Rule 7-6-3. Beginning next year, when wrestling is stopped for going out of bounds in the neutral position, one of the following calls should be made: stalling by one of the wrestlers for leaving the wrestling areas, stalling by pushing or pulling the opponent out of bounds, stalling by backing out of the wrestling area, or wrestling action is taking place.

The committee noted that by announcing one of these calls when wrestling is stopped, it will provide more clarification for the wrestlers and coaches, as well as the fans, when calling stalling on the edge of the mat vs. traditional stalling.

Other changes approved by the committee included guidelines for a properly fitted tooth and mouth protector, opportunity to weigh in by team if it is more practical, and referee signaling and vocalizing a five-second count.

Finally, new language regarding byes was inserted in several rules as follows: “Byes do not count as a match and are not counted toward the maximum number of six matches per day or 10 matches over a two-day event. Byes also do not count toward a wrestler’s match record.”

A complete listing of the wrestling rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Wrestling” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2026-27 Wrestling Rules Book will be available for purchase in late July at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in July via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org. 

Officials, the spring sports exams period closes in just TWO DAYS! If you haven't taken your Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, or Women's Soccer exam, you should take the time to do it NOW. The Spring sports exams are available on the DragonFly Max website until Friday, April 17, 2026 according to the NCHSAA website.

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max exam site at the top of each sports section for your convenience.

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Join us in celebrating Spring sports officials appreciation week April 12-18, 2026. Let's thank the over 50,000 high school officials who make our spring games happen. Spread the word – Please share to show support for officials in your school! #OfficialsAppreciation #PlayPerformCompeteTogether

Source: NFHS

Several rules updates were approved in high school soccer for next school year, including new guidance on carding, penalty kick encroachment, a longer time limit for goalkeepers to release the ball, and additional clarifications on equipment and electronic devices.

These changes were among 13 rules proposals recommended by the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee at its February 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. 

“This year's updates represent another exciting step in our ongoing effort to modernize the NFHS Soccer Rules Book,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee. “With major rewrites to Rules 13 and 14, we've made significant progress in creating a resource that is clearer, more intuitive, and easier for coaches, players and officials to use. These aren't just rule changes; they're part of a broader commitment to building a rules book that truly serves the high school game. We look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.”

Changes to Rule 5-3-1 f-j concern a new process for distributing yellow cards and red cards. Amended language states that officials shall hold a yellow or red card and indicate the substitute, coach or bench personnel being cautioned. If there’s an ejection, and the reason was receiving a second caution in the same game, the referee shall show a yellow card indicating the subsequent caution followed immediately by showing a red card. The referee must then direct any player shown a yellow or red card to leave the field of play.

Additionally, the official must “notify both coaches, the scorer, and other official(s) of the nature of the misconduct after showing a yellow or red card to a player, coach or bench personnel.”

Language was added to Rule 8-1-2 clarifying that all players, except the player taking the kickoff, must be on their half of the field or the kickoff shall be retaken. In addition, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opponent if the offensive player who took the kickoff touches the ball after the kick before it is played or touched by another player on either team.

Language in Rule 12-1-2c regarding conditional free kick fouls, was revised to state that “A player shall not charge into, or challenge, an opposing goalkeeper who is controlling the ball with their hands as in 12-3-2a. Outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper has no more privileges than any other player.”

The change aligns the rule with consistent officiating practice, removes redundancies and improves clarity without materially altering when a charge is or is not permitted.

Goalkeeper restrictions were also updated, which affects several rules. Starting next school year, goalkeepers will have eight seconds instead of six before releasing the ball. Under the new rules, a corner kick will be awarded if the goalkeeper holds the ball past eight seconds instead of an indirect free kick.

Under Rule 12-2-3, “biting” was incorporated into direct free kick fouls. The rule now states a player shall not spit at or bite anyone listed on a roster or a game official, or a direct free kick foul will be awarded.

In addition, Rules 12-3-6 and 12-3-7 were added to include verbal offenses. By including “other verbal offenses” as an indirect free kick foul, it gives officials more flexibility when disciplining verbal offenses: they are now considered fouls at a minimum and may rise to the level of misconduct depending on the circumstances.

Under changes to Rule 12-3-5 regarding indirect free kicks, clarifying language was added to considerations for dangerous play that include actions preventing a nearby opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury.

Changes were also made to Rule 12-6-1 regarding ejections. The revisions clarify and simplify language surrounding Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) ejections by removing redundant wording, eliminating references to “attempted” DOGSO — since intent is not part of the decision — and aligning with previous wording within Rule 12. The updated structure provides clear situations for which denying a goal or obvious goal-scoring opportunity is penalized with an ejection.

Revisions to Rule 13-1 through 13-3 clarify procedures for restarts on free kicks by breaking the rule into distinct categories, outlining when and where free kicks are awarded, and detailing how they are to be taken. It also specifies the correct restart locations and provides guidance for officials on managing these situations. The update incorporates restart procedures for scenarios involving outside agents, offenses occurring off the field, thrown objects, individuals entering the field illegally, players leaving the field without permission, and offenses that occur outside the field of play.

Rule 14 regarding penalty kicks will have changes to ensure that encroachment is penalized only if the offense has a clear impact on the penalty kick.

 Goalkeepers will now receive a warning for a first offense rather than an immediate caution, acknowledging that such infractions often stem from mis-anticipation.

Regarding the kicker on a penalty kick, the revisions continue to allow deceptive movements and stutter-stepping during the run-up; however, the change strictly prohibits feinting once the approach to the ball is completed.

Finally, in rare instances where both the kicker and goalkeeper offend simultaneously during a penalty kick, the kicker is penalized, as the kicker’s illegal feinting is typically the catalyst for the goalkeeper’s infraction. The penalty chart is also updated and reformatted for clarity.

“These revisions to the penalty kick rule better reflect the spirit of the game,” said Gibby Reynolds, NFHS Soccer Rules Committee chair. “As arbiters of the game, officials now can apply judgment and only penalize offenses, like encroachment, when there is an impact.”

Clarifications for uniform and equipment rules were also a part of the changes.

In Rule 4-1-4c, the word “dark” was added to clarify that the home team must wear socks that contrast with the away team’s solid white socks. In Rule 4-2-7, subsections ‘d’ and ‘e’ were added to clarify that mouth protectors, if worn by players, should not serve any function other than to protect the teeth or mouth.

Additions were also made to Rule 4-2-11 a-c, stating that no athlete participating in a match is permitted to wear any type of audio or video device to record, transmit or livestream, aligning with other NFHS rules books. State associations may further restrict electronic devices.

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.” The print version of the 2026-27 Soccer Rules Book will be available for purchase in late May at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org.

Source: NFHS

High school volleyball teams will now be permitted to designate up to two libero players during each set, creating additional participation opportunities without needing to use a substitution.

In all, seven rules changes were recommended by the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee at its annual meeting January 11-13. All rules changes were reviewed and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 6-4-2 was adjusted to allow for multiple liberos to be used by a team; however, only one libero can be in the game at a time. Prior to each set, a team may designate zero, one or two liberos on the lineup sheet.

“We have seen rapid growth in high school volleyball participation over the last several years, which has resulted in more highly skilled student-athletes and larger rosters,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “Providing an opportunity for one more student-athlete to participate aligns with the mission of education-based athletics."

Additionally, Rules 10-4-3a and 10-4-3d now clarify how a libero can be replaced due to injury or disqualification and two liberos have been designated. In 10-4-3a, if a libero is injured, a team may replace the injured player with the player they replace on the court or the second libero. It may also re-designate a new libero.

In 10-4-3d, if a libero is disqualified and two liberos have been designated, the disqualified player may be replaced by the player they replace on the court or the second libero. However, the team must continue to play with one libero.

The libero’s uniform was addressed in edits to Rule 4, with added Rule 4-2-1i(3) to note that the libero’s uniform bottom may be any color while adhering to all other uniform rules.

The rules committee addressed the actions on non-playing teammates in Rule 12. Rule 12-2-8b was added to more appropriately assess when a non-playing teammate enters the court while the ball is in play as illegal alignment and penalized with a loss of point/rally. A coach or team attendant entering the court while the ball is in play is still considered unsporting conduct, and a non-playing teammate may receive a conduct violation if they engage in disconcerting acts or disrespectful actions.

Rule 12-2-8m was added to prohibit the use of props in bench celebrations by non-playing teammates to promote good sportsmanship while preventing disruptions.

Other rules changes include:

·       Rule 5-5-3b(21) – The second referee will now indicate a second warning at two minutes, 30 seconds between sets instead of 2 minutes, 45 seconds to improve pace of play.

·       Rule 6-5-1 – Players on the serving team are forbidden to raise their hands above their heads during service until the ball has passed beyond the net.

·       Rule 9-2-1 NOTE 1 – No player shall wear any audio (microphone) or video (camera) device during the match, aligning volleyball rules with other NFHS rules codes.

A complete listing of the volleyball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Volleyball” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2026-27 Volleyball Rules Book will be available for purchase in late April at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in April via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org. 

Source: NFHS

In an ongoing focus on minimizing risk of injury in high school sports, the NFHS Football Rules Committee strengthened a rule related to illegal personal contact. Both revisions recommended by the committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The Football Rules Committee is composed of one member from each NFHS member state association that uses NFHS playing rules, along with representatives from the NFHS Coaches Association and NFHS Officials Association. 

Previously, Rule 9-4-7 stated that defensive players could not use the hand(s) to slap the blocker’s head. This year, the Football Rules Committee approved language to apply the prohibition equally to the offense and defense.

“By eliminating the words ‘defense’ and ‘blocker’s’ from the rule prohibiting slapping an opponent’s head, the prohibition now applies to all players,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee.

The other revision approved by the committee for the 2026 NFHS Football Rules Book concerns play cards worn primarily by quarterbacks. Previously, play cards could be worn only on the wrist or arm. This year, the committee approved wearing the play cards on the belt as well.

“The Football Rules Committee added the belt to the choices for players as the belt poses no health risk issue to the player and poses no danger to the opponent,” Colgate said.

"From a rules perspective I believe the committee feels like the high school football game is in pretty good shape,” said Steve Roberts, chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and associate executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association. “The two proposals that passed do not present significant changes to the game but do clarify and add options to enhance the overall value of the sport to all participants." 

The four points of emphasis identified by the committee for the 2026 season are Flagrant and Unsportsmanlike Fouls, Helping the Runner, Sideline Management and Control, and Identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls. 

In addition to the two major rules revisions noted above and several editorial changes, two rules changes approved in 2025 will become effective during the next two seasons.

Last year, the committee approved two new additional requirements in Rule 1-5-1d(5) for tooth and mouth protectors, which are required in high school football. Effective in 2026, tooth and mouth protectors a) shall not include any attachment(s) that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth or mouth, and b) shall not include anything that is a health or risk issue and could pose danger to themselves or other players.

A new item was added to Rule 1-5-2d regarding a change in arm sleeve specifications. The new language, effective with the 2027 season, states that “arm sleeves, whether attached to a shirt or unattached, manufactured to enhance contact with the football or opponent, must meet the SFIA specification at the time of manufacture. Arm sleeves must have a permanent, exact replica of the SFIA arm sleeve seal (meets SFIA specification), that must be visible and appear legibly on the exterior of the arm sleeve.”

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in working with football arm sleeve manufacturers and the NFHS, has developed the new football arm sleeve performance specifications to be effective with the 2027 season. The new specifications closely align with the current NFHS rules for football gloves.    

A complete listing of the football rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Football” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2026 Football Rules Book will be available for purchase in late April at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in April via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org. 

Officials, it's that time again! I'm talking about Spring sports exams! If you are a Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, or Women's Soccer official, the Spring sports exams will be available on the DragonFly Max website from Monday, January 20, 2026 - Friday, April 17, 2026 according to the NCHSAA website.

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max exam site at the top of each sports section for your convenience.

Take the Referee Magazine Baseball Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/

Take the Referee Magazine Softball Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/

This week is Winter Officials Appreciation Week! Join us in thanking SSOA Officials along with over 99,000 high school winter sports officials around the nation! These men and women dedicate their time to making competition a SAFE & FAIR experience for our school communities #becomeanofficial

NO high school officials....means NO high school sports! It's as simple as that! Join us during Officials Appreciation Week in thanking every official for making your game possible! Then, suit up alongside them by signing up to #BecomeAnOfficial today!

We would like to wish all of you a safe and Happy 2026 from SSOA!