Resources for MHSAA Football Officials
MHSAA Interpretations, Guidelines and Authoritative Rulings
- MHSAA Equipment Rules
- Blocking Below the Waist Training Video
- Game Suspension and Inclement Weather Policies
- 8-Player Field, Rules
- 2022 Key HS Rule Differences OT Summary
40-Second Play Clock Resources
Football Officials Bulletins
2021
- 2021 Football Bulletin No. 1
- 2021 Football Bulletin No. 2
- 2021 Football Bulletin No. 3
- 2021 Football Bulletin No. 4
2020
2019
2018
- 2018 Football Bulletin No. 1
- 2018 Football Bulletin No. 2
- 2018 Football Bulletin No. 3
- 2018 Football Bulletin No. 4
Mechanics
- MHSAA Football Officials Manual
- Wireless Communication Guidelines
- Clock Operator Sheet
- Line to Gain Sheet
- Officials Signals
- Football Mechanics/Rules/Game Management Resource
Officials Reports
- Officials Incident Report (ejections, forfeits and notable injuries)
- School Sportsmanship Feedback (Officials Event Report)
Important Forms, Documents and Links
- Social Media Guidelines for MHSAA Officials
- Registered Assigner Directory
- Local Approved Association Directory
- Officials Directory
- Officials Incident Report Writing Guide
- Ratings Reminder for Schools
Postseason Requirements
General Requirements (all levels): To be eligible for tournament consideration, an official must have completed or attended the current year rules meeting, have officiated a minimum of five contests during the current season (four at the same position*), submit a season schedule to the MHSAA for review, have compiled at least 16 ratings over the previous three years and be listed as a Member in Good Standing with a Local Approved Association in the sport.
Pre-District, District or Regional Level(s): An official must have (at minimum) a 2.5 three-year average rating.
Semifinal or Final level(s): An official must have (at minimum) a 2.1 three-year average rating and shall complete and pass the current year rules exam (≥80%).
Postseason Limitations: An official that works a Final in any position is ineligible for another Final consideration for the next three seasons.
* Officials working as a Side Judge or Field Judge for at least four games during the regular season may submit their position for tournament consideration as a Back Judge, Head Linesman, or Line Judge. Officials selected for the Side Judge or Field Judge positions for the Semifinal and Final levels will be considered from a list of eligible officials that have worked a minimum of four games during the current season at the Side Judge, Field Judge, Back Judge, Head Linesman or Line Judge position(s).
- Availability and Conflicts
- 2022 Football Officials Exam for Postseason Consideration
- Member in Good Standing Status (MIGS)
- Ratings
- Schedule for Postseason Consideration – Required for all officials, individually | Postseason Checklist
Tutorial for Submitting Season Schedules - Postseason Crew Position
Game Cards
- Football Officials Rating Card
Cards will be filled in duplicate (one for home and one for visitor) - Penalty Enforcement 3x5 cards
(Print 2-sided and laminate)
Camps and Clinics
- KOA Football Clinic - Aug 5
- Northern Michigan Football Clinic - Aug 6
Football Video Rules Library
- MHSAA Video Resource Home
Updates coming soon
Blindside Block
Rule 2.3.10 adding a definition for Blindside Blocks is a major change which in summary states that such blocks are illegal if not delivered with legal positioning and “Open Hands”. The rule aims to lessen excessive and unnecessary contact.
Please see this video presentation provided by the Oregon School Activities Association for their 2016 Football experiment that is now published as the NFHS new rule. Additionally, this video from Hawaii.
Arizona Football Officials Training Videos
- Unnecessary Contact
https://vimeo.com/user18204278/review/133923034/5353a4ba18 - Targeting
https://vimeo.com/user18204278/review/135062288/7f057c0080 - Catch
https://vimeo.com/user18204278/review/135094552/2ac02b0967 - Line of Scrimmage
https://vimeo.com/user18204278/review/135084208/c17973f690 - Down, Fumble, Progress, and Goal Line
https://vimeo.com/user18204278/review/135076373/a36634b9a4
Oregon School Activities Association