Breaking away from years of tradition, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee has voted to now allow players to wear the number 0 as a jersey number. The range of acceptable numbers listed in Rule 1-4-3 was expanded from 1-99 to 0-99.
However, showing that it is not willing to go too far, NFHS says that any number preceded by the digit zero will still be illegal.
This is one of seven total recommendations brought forth by the committee. The others, while not directly impacting the team dealer business, are interesting nonetheless.
- Rule 7-5-2 Exception 2 now permits a player to purposefully throw an incomplete forward pass without warranting an intentional grounding penalty provided the passer is outside of “the pocket” (lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone) and the pass reaches the neutral zone or the extension of the neutral zone beyond the sideline.
- An alteration to Rule 2-3-8 addressed the new definition of a chop block, which is now described as “a combination block by two or more teammates against an opponent other than the runner, with or without delay, where one of the blocks is below the waist and one of the blocks is above the waist.” Previously, the defensive player’s knee was used to determine the high and low components of a chop block.
“With this year’s rules changes, the committee once again showed its focus on minimizing risk in high school football,” explains Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the NFHS Football Rules Committee.
A final rule change for 2022 is an alteration to regarding game equipment that now allows any game official – not just the referee – to order the ball changed between downs.
And, of course, to allow Number 0 to line up!
I'm well-versed in the intricacies of football rules and regulations, including those set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). I can break down the concepts touched upon in the article you've shared.
The NFHS Football Rules Committee's decision to permit players to wear the number 0 on their jerseys is a departure from traditional numbering, expanding the acceptable range from 1-99 to 0-99. However, they've maintained a restriction on numbers preceded by the digit zero, which remains illegal. This change, while seemingly minor, aligns with the evolving landscape of sports regulations and player preferences.
The article mentions seven recommendations from the committee, including alterations to specific rules:
-
Rule 7-5-2 Exception 2 now allows a player to intentionally throw an incomplete forward pass without incurring an intentional grounding penalty. This exemption applies if the passer is outside "the pocket" and the pass reaches the neutral zone or its extension beyond the sideline. This adjustment aims to provide more flexibility in passing situations, altering the previous penalty protocol.
-
Rule 2-3-8 introduces a new definition of a chop block. It's now defined as "a combination block by two or more teammates against an opponent other than the runner, where one block is below the waist and one is above." The change shifts from using the defensive player's knee to determine the high and low components of a chop block, refining the criteria for this specific blocking maneuver.
-
An alteration regarding game equipment allows any game official, not just the referee, to order a ball change between downs. This change empowers all officials to ensure the fairness and quality of game equipment used during play.
These modifications underscore the NFHS Football Rules Committee's commitment to minimizing risks associated with high school football. Bob Colgate, the NFHS director of sports and sports medicine, emphasizes the committee's focus on safety in football with these rule changes.
The allowance for players to wear the number 0, along with these rule adjustments, showcases the NFHS's adaptability to evolving player needs and safety considerations within the sport of high school football.
