NFHS from NCAA

No cut blocking outside the box... Makes running option and bubble tougher to run bc the perimeter blocks are harder to sustain when you can't cut block.

Same boat as you. I know they’re holding the workshop meetings with officials but even they are rushing to get caught up to. MIAA on football section does have a document on there from 2018 season with some of differences/changes. Is there a free pdf of NFHS rulebook out there or on a state site?

Grounding is never allowed.
If the QB is outside of the table box, it is not possible for him to be called for grounding.

Here's the best resource we've found - www.nfhs.org/media/1019477/2018_major-nfhs-ncaa_football_rules_differences.pdf

After you go through it, it's really not too many changes.

The board says for safety. Along with like volleyball and baseball they made all sports in MA now play under NFHS rules. They claim it is safer for players and safer for them (lawsuits). In MA there are a lot of refs who double up as high school and college refs. With a different set of rules we’ll lose a lot of guys on that. Refs are concerned with getting up to speed in time as well. Coaches are upset because it was a pretty sudden and final vote and they were not consulted not really given a say.

We’ve been NCAA for decades I believe since 50s-60s

It sucks I like having NCAA rules - and I liked how rules/interpretations were freely available online but it is what it is we just gotta learn and adapt no amount of complaining will get it switched back. I think the frustration here stems from coaches not discussing it and being part of discussion it was just voted on and that was that. Also seems like the switch was more done to streamline to NFHS for all sports under the cover of “safety” to cover themselves more than player safety. Player safety wasn’t an issue at least with our program or our league. I’m sure once season gets underway we’ll hardly notice most of it. 48 other states use these rules so It can’t be all bad.

- less cutting Is probably big. means. Prepare yourself for the possibility of more concussions, honestly. Pass pro is going to get really difficult for RBs When LBs blitz either the back has to sit there and take one for the president, or he absolutely stinks and the QB gets killed.Expect more of that.

- The hashes are SOOOO frustrating. Just creates such stupid dimensions. Doubles to the boundary is now way more difficult. About 25% of QBs (in my experience) can effectively and consistently throw good balls to the field. Also kickers may have more awkward angles on kicks.

- pass interference is just a 10 yd penalty and NOT a first down. So down by the goalline if you're playing a monster have your kids be physical as heck and just absolute pests. The penalty for it is not that dire. Or if your kid gets toasted then the penalty may be worth it as well. Point is, be physical and aggressive. Make the ref call it (theyre not always right) and if they do then the penalty isn't that bad.

- intentional grounding is waved off ONLY if there is an eligible receiver nearby. No tackle box rule or anything like that.

In NFHS, the QB is called for Intentional Grounding unless there is a receiver close to where the ball is thrown. NCAA or NFL rules, he can throw the ball away if outside of the pocket.

Thanks for the updated version Mav, I haven't checked in a couple of weeks - good to see them put up an update!