CTK ’16: New High School Football Rules in 2016

By: Bruce Markey
Sunday, August 7, 2016 | 9:54 AM

It’s time once again to check in on the guys in the striped shirts with a look at the rule changes in the WPIAL and PIAA play for the upcoming season.

Just one major change was passed by the National Federation of High Schools rules committee entering the 2016 campaign.

The committee eliminated clipping from the game. Clipping was still allowed in the free blocking zone, which is four yards laterally from the spot of the snap and three yards behind the line of scrimmage, with certain conditions.

Now all blocks below the waist and from behind are now illegal and will result in a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. It is still legal to clip a runner from behind or a player pretending to be a runner.

Members of the NFHS rules committee emphasized the change was made to minimize risk within the game.

The rules committee also made clear mouth pieces or tooth protectors made of a clear or completely white material are now legal, provided they meet all guidelines previously stated.

Also football gloves may now either meet standards set by either the Sports and Fitness Industry Association or the National Operating Committee for Athletic Equipment.  

Those are the major rule changes for 2016. Enjoy the season ahead and as always, be kind to the zebras this fall.