NFHS Makes Football Rule Changes for 2026

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (February 4, 2026) — One of two rule changes for high school football in the 2026 season is related to equipment and another rule change approved in 2025 will go into effect.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee approved a revision of a rule concerning play cards worn primarily by quarterbacks. Previously, play cards could be worn only on the wrist or arm. This year, the committee approved wearing the play cards on the belt as well.

“The Football Rules Committee added the belt to the choices for players as the belt poses no health risk issue to the player and poses no danger to the opponent,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee.

Last year, the committee approved two new additional requirements in Rule 1-5-1d(5) for tooth and mouth protectors, which are required in high school football. Effective in 2026, tooth and mouth protectors a) shall not include any attachment(s) that do not serve a purpose and function in protecting the teeth or mouth, and b) shall not include anything that is a health or risk issue and could pose danger to themselves or other players.

The four points of emphasis for the 2026 season include identification of the NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls. The other points of emphasis are flagrant and unsportsmanlike fouls, helping the runner and sideline management and control.

The rule that goes into effect in 2027 to Rule 1-5-2d is a change in arm sleeve specifications. The new language states that “arm sleeves, whether attached to a shirt or unattached, manufactured to enhance contact with the football or opponent, must meet the SFIA specification at the time of manufacture. Arm sleeves must have a permanent, exact replica of the SFIA arm sleeve seal (meets SFIA specification), that must be visible and appear legibly on the exterior of the arm sleeve.”

Also, in an ongoing focus on minimizing risk of injury in high school sports, the NFHS Football Rules Committee strengthened a rule related to illegal personal contact. Previously, Rule 9-4-7 stated that defensive players could not use the hand(s) to slap the blocker’s head. This year, the Football Rules Committee approved language to apply the prohibition equally to the offense and defense.

“By eliminating the words ‘defense’ and ‘blocker’s’ from the rule prohibiting slapping an opponent’s head, the prohibition now applies to all players,” Colgate said.