NFHS Rule Changes for 07-08

[misltek]

4 major changes, in summary:

-The coach may be cautioned for a player wearing illegal equipment on the field of play (such as a watch, earrings, etc)

-NOCSAE shinguards are not required for another year (the 08-09 year)

-Portable goals must be anchored at least 2 yds in front of the base of the field goal appurtenance. The position of the uprights is irrelevant, but may be directly above the crossbar.

-If a coach or bench personnel does something to warrant a second yellow card, the yellow is to be shown first, then the red card (separately). I think this is already practiced in Louisiana, rather than displaying the yellow and red together to indicate a second caution. The theory behind this is that there is no replacement for a coach or bench personnel and the showing of the yellow and red together was a moot point.

[lakeview]

So the max. length of a field will be 116 yds?

[misltek]

Not necessarily true. The base of a football goalpost is usually about 3 yards behind the front portion which overhangs the end of the endzone. This part of the football field goal posts does not count; only the base. The soccer goal can be anchored directly under the upper portion of the uprights, as long as the base of the football uprights is at least 2 yards back. This is only clarification of previous wording and clears up some confusion from New Hampshire. Common sense, really.

If your school uses the "H" style field goals and their base is at the back of the endzone, then your field must be shortened to a max of 116. Otherwise, if you have the type that the uprights overhang the endzone and the base is set back, that field may have a max of 120.

[lakeview]

Another question. Aren't there dual football/soccer uprights that are the H style?

[misltek]

Yes, lakeview, and those are perfectly fine. The restriction only applies to portable goals.