Perspective: Football Rules Revisited

August 29, 2012

A number of new football rules were introduced during last week's season openers around the state. 

In this week's MHSAA Perspective, we explain those regulations taking effect this fall.

"Football Rules Revisited" - Listen

MHSAA Perspective is a weekly audio commentary about the world of high school sports. The program runs from late August through mid March on over 60 radio stations across the state. 

Click to see a list and listen to all of this school year's commentaries. Archived "Perspectives" can be heard on demand at MHSAAnetwork.com -- choose school year from the list on the right..

Be The Referee: Play Clock

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

August 30, 2022

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Play Clock - Listen

There’s a new rule in football this year that provides the offense more time to draw up a play and prepare matchups when the defense commits a foul. 

In the past, if the defense committed a foul, the play clock would be set to 25 seconds, potentially changing the approach by the offense entirely. 

Under the change, when the defense or receiving team commits a foul, the play clock will start at 40 seconds, giving the offense an extra 15 seconds to prepare their scheme for the next play. 

For all other administrative stoppages, including fouls against the offense or kicking team, the play clock will be set to 25 seconds when play resumes.

 

Previous Editions:

Aug. 23: Intentional Grounding Change - Listen