Head slaps and assisting the runner targeted by NFHS in 2026

As assignments roll in for the 2026 high school football season, those of us that officiate Friday nights should begin to polish up on the rules, as well as review the rule changes put forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). As with last year, there aren’t many changes outside of a few updates that address safety. The points of emphasis will also not surprise anyone who has been working high school games for any length of time.

2026 rule changes

Universal Head Slap Ban (Rule 9-4-7)

This is the headline change for 2026, and it affects every player on the field. Under the newly revised rule 9-4-7, no player may use their hand or hands to slap an opponent’s head. Previous restrictions were localized to line play, specifically defensive rushers. While popular in the NFL in the 1960s and subsequently banned in 1977, it is not surprising that the NFHS wants to protect players by locking down this rule and prohibiting any slaps to an opponent’s head.

More Options for Play Cards (Rule 1-5-3c(9))

A practical update now adds to where players can wear player cards, which are commonplace in today’s game. Previously, players could only wear these cards on their wrist or forearm, not on their belt. In 2026, players can now wear them on their belts, giving officials one less uniform issue to manage.

Mouth Guard Attachments (Rule 1-5-1d(5)a)

The NFHS has introduced new language to clarify and restrict attachments to tooth and mouth protectors. Mouth guards have become the new area of personalization with players, but the NFHS wants to crack down on non-standard versions or outside additions to these safety devices.

2026 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Beyond the rule changes added to the book, the NFHS also released its “points of emphasis” for the 2026 season. They would like officials to focus particularly on these areas of the game, and quite frankly, they are similar to previous years. In addition to game balls being labeled properly, three additional areas are in focus.

Flagrant and Unsportsmanlike Fouls

Unlike the NCAA, the NFHS has few fouls that lead to automatic disqualification. The NFHS requires fouls to be “flagrant” for an ejection. However, the NFHS wants officials to look for and penalize any behavior reaching this severity. This includes targeting, which also must be flagrant to draw a disqualification. Ultimately, the NFHS wants officials to keep a lid on games and use our tools to crack down on any flagrant or unsportsmanlike acts.

Helping the Runner

The “tush push” is alive and well, but the NFHS wants to keep it out of the high school game. Officials have been instructed that “pushing the pile” is fine, but the NFHS wants them to call any instances where the runner clearly receives assistance from a pull or push. This is one NFL play that the NFHS does not want its players emulating.

Sideline Management and Control

Last season, the NFL saw a series of sideline incidents that put officials in danger, and high school officials need to manage their sidelines with comparable vigilance. Not only do officials need to make sure the restricted areas of the sidelines are clear, but they also need to make sure coaches and players on the sideline maintain their composure. If coaches can’t control their sidelines, penalties can quickly escalate, and officials are being encouraged to penalize these coaches if necessary.

The theme for 2026 is clear: protect the head, clean up the extracurriculars, and keep the sidelines under control. August will be here before we know it!