The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sets clear rules to protect players, promote respect, and keep the game fair—here’s what every coach, parent, and athlete should know.
The NFHS has introduced the football points of emphasis for 2025, focusing on safety, sportsmanship, and clarity. The rules of this year’s game remind us that high school football is about protecting athletes and promoting teamwork by defining how players should wear equipment and tackle opponents.
Proper Equipment:
Wear It Right or Sit a Play
Safety begins with what athletes wear. The NFHS has banned illegal gear such as jewelry, tinted visors, and flashy, non-approved accessories. For legal equipment to function effectively, players must wear mouthguards and shoulder pads properly.
Players must keep their pants down to their knees, their jerseys cover all pads, and their mouthpieces in position during snaps. A player will be sent off for one play, but repeated offenses could result in penalties for the coach.
Following the rules is essential because improper equipment use leads to injuries and game delays. Coaches need to establish the rules and ensure their teams comply with them. When these rules are not followed, referees can use unsportsmanlike conduct penalties or delay-of-game flags.
Sportsmanship Still Matters
High school football emphasizes teamwork rather than individual showboating. According to the NFHS, this year, all choreographed celebrations, including taunting flips, helmet removal, and ball spiking, will result in a penalty flag without warning.
Brief emotional reactions are acceptable, but any attempt to mock, disrespect, or stand out incorrectly will result in penalties. Coaches, officials, and players need to collaborate to preserve the respectful nature of the game according to education-based athletic principles.
Protecting Defenseless Players and Preventing Targeting
One of the main points of emphasis for 2025 is to stop harmful hits against players who are not able to defend themselves, including quarterbacks, sliding runners, receivers, and those hit from behind.
Tacklers will now be held to stricter standards in their actions. They should avoid making forceful contact at all times. The game allows only two types of contact: incidental bumps and wrapping up with arms. The referees should use their flag to indicate illegal contact in situations where they are unsure.
The player who makes the first contact is responsible for initiating contact. Coaches must educate their players to distinguish between proper tackling methods and unsafe tackling techniques.
Bottom Line:
Safety and sportsmanship will be the main priorities for high school football in 2025. The new rules require proper equipment use, respectful play, and protection of opponents from harmful hits. The new rules function as more than guidelines because they emphasize the fundamental aspects of this sport, which are teamwork, physical strength, and correct conduct.
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